Cross-Stitch is something I liked doing as a kid, but I never really "graduated" to being able to do designs that weren't already printed out for me.  Since having so much more free time over the past year or so, it's something I've considered coming back to, so I figured I'd check out this book to see if it gave me any inspiration.  It starts out by showing you how to do some of the stitches that will be featured in the book and has 30 patterns starting with beginner. (I'm listening...)  

I have to say that these designs are all awesome and very positive, but I still feel like they may be a bit over my head.  It may be time for me to smart small and circle back to some of these later (I really love all the ones about dreaming big!) 

I also liked seeing the different alphabets that are available! Different "fonts" so to speak. Again, not sure I am ready for this but anyone more advanced than me would surely enjoy the instructions included in this book! 

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

I guess my thoughts are simply stated as "Why?" Why buy this book? Why read this book? Why use this book? With the plethora of cross-stich materials available in other books and online, this one seems redundant. There's nothing new, or unique, or original in it. The patterns aren't especially compelling - or even beautiful or creative. Even the blurbs that introduce each project were dull , unimaginative, and derivative. Maybe the title was meant to be ironic since there is nothing inspiring between the covers.
I was pretty excited to be approved for the ARC and was planning a big crafting weekend at home... but, alas, I guess I'll stick to one of the other projects eagerly awaiting my attention at home. .

This was a sweet book that includes a bunch of fun patterns. Not all the patterns were to my style, but there were so many that I loved! This has something for everyone.

Inspired Cross Stitch is a charming book of softly colored designs that use Backstitch & whole Cross Stitch almost entirely. This makes it great for beginners and those wanting to translate the designs to other charted techniques.

The charts are clear, in color, and easy to read (they can also be enlarged). The color keys are straightforward and list each kind of stitch separately, a nice touch. The instructions for each project are straight and to the point. Often they also include finishing instructions. The book ends with a set of four alphabets for creating your own pieces and a visual index of all the projects.

The projects are all non-religious inspirational sayings. Although angels and mandalas appear in some designs, the intention of the book is to inspire without being tied to any particular tradition. While those seeking projects with a Christian focus will be disappointed by the lack of these, they will still find plenty to like.

This is a sweet little book of cross stitch patterns, mostly phrases with cute illustrations to accompany them. For instance: "Friends are Earth angels," "Celebrate everything," "bloom," "live with passion," "Do it with heart," "Make your dreams real," "Write from the heart," and "Together is the best place to be." There are lots of mentions of cake, home, angels, etc. Each design has a detailed pattern with colors needed and a color photo of the finished project. These include wall hangings, tiny pillows, etc. but the instructions are more for the cross-stitch than the projects you can make with them. The color scheme is very pastel, feminine and old fashioned. Many of them reminded me of the 1980's. I realize that's probably the aesthetic of most folks who are doing cross-stitch these days, but the themes, colors and designs are not terribly modern. Some are more so than others. I think most cross-stitchers will greatly enjoy it though.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

Lovely cross-stitch book! The patterns are cute and include a broad range of uplifting messages while also including color and chart, if you want to replicate the pattern as they have used and photographed. There are pictures for each pattern, as well as the stich chart. Most cross-stitch books that have I happened upon, really don't have too many patterns as they are not that large. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this book has tons of patterns!

Sweet and colorful designs that are perfect for Spring. 🌸🌼🌺

Cross-Stitching has become a hobby over the last few years and when I saw this book, I needed to have a look!

These cross-stitch patterns are very pretty. They use more light colored thread and look almost delicate and would be for a baby girls room or just for Spring decorations.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a lovely cross stitch book. It is packed with beautiful patterns that I can't wait to stitch and her writing just makes it that much sweeter.