Good basic instructional book with how to start embroidery. Didn’t really see many patterns that grabbed my attention, but did like the basic stitches and prep work. Would recommend.

Christi Johnson's *Mystical Stitches* is a delightful and inspiring book that beautifully combines the art of embroidery with the enchanting world of symbolism and magic. This isn’t just another embroidery book; it serves as a guide to infusing your creations with intention and personal meaning.

Johnson presents over 100 symbols inspired by various sources, including botanicals, animals, the cosmos, and mythology. Each symbol is illustrated beautifully and accompanied by a clear explanation of its meaning and potential uses. Whether you're drawn to the protective power of the evil eye or the lunar energy of the moon phases, you’re sure to find symbols that resonate with your soul.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on personal empowerment. Johnson encourages readers to use these symbols to create talismans, amulets, and other embroidered objects that serve as reminders of their intentions and aspirations. She provides guidance on choosing the right symbols, colors, and stitches to craft pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and magically potent.

The book includes a variety of stitching patterns, ranging from simple to intricate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. Johnson's folk art style is vibrant and approachable, with clear instructions that are easy to follow.

I loved the unique blend of embroidery and magic, and I found that this book offers a fresh perspective on embroidery, encouraging readers to connect with their creativity on a deeper level. With over 100 symbols to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

This book inspires readers to use their craft to manifest their intentions and create meaningful objects. The beautiful illustrations and clear instructions make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.

**Who Should Read This Book:**
- Anyone interested in embroidery and crafts
- Those drawn to symbolism and magic
- People looking for ways to enhance their creativity and intuition
- Anyone seeking to create meaningful and personalized gifts

*Mystical Stitches* is a must-have for anyone who wants to add a touch of magic to their embroidery. It’s a beautiful and inspiring book that encourages exploration of the power of symbols, allowing you to create pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

"Mystical Stitches" is a book that combines its own magic method with a fascinating handicraft process to create dirty clothes. Johnson creates a magical and mysterious world around botanical dyes and handwork, which turns the creation of clothing into a spiritual ritual.
Through a fascinating narrative and practical tips, Johnson teaches you how to put his knowledge into practice and how to create customized magic clothes.

I liked the idea of this title, but I really didn't see any patterns that made me want to stitch them. I would recommend this to stitchers interested in the topic, but even though I'm a fantasy reader/writer, it just wasn't for me.

I looked at this book for inspiration for stitching. The stuff is beautiful but well beyond my crafting level which is beginner. I did not use the book for any type of personal self help or empowerment.

This book is beautiful. Some great stitch techniques and lessons and some really lovely patterns. I can't wait to have the time to start working on a few of them. One day.

I loved it!! Can’t wait to buy it so I can get stitching. The process was detailed but not overtly so. I’m a beginner, so I need a litte more help along the way

Well what a surprise ! Very thoughtful combined with beautiful ideas. Clear and concise tutorials make this an embroidery books for everyone

This book is wonderful and packed full of new stitching projects to try, I still haven't worked through all of them but hopefully will, a must for crafters.

This copy was kindly provided to me by the publisher and Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

This book is just so gorgeous. Beginner friendly with easy to follow instructions and so much inspiration! I literally can not wait to take up my tread and needle to make a plain denim jacket. Absolutely beautiful work throughout.

Loved this. Great illustrations, patterns, and advice. Our high school students will love using this for inspiration!

Well-designed instruction manual for those who want to bring mindfulness to their craft projects. Starts with great ideas for centering yourself when working on a project with a non-denominational spirituality. Next the author covers a wide range of symbols, covering their meaning in various cultures and showing beautiful embroidered examples. Moves onto ideas for different items to embroider and ways to combine symbols to create personal inspiration. Gives information about thread choice and techniques appropriate for beginners but new ideas for experienced crafters. Highly recommended purchase for public libraries.

I loved this book. Each embroidery was beautiful! I am always looking for new books on embroidery and they tend to be similar, but this was a refreshing new take with new images. I would highly recommend to libraries looking for a new take on embroidery and to build their collection.

At first, the book was requested out of my curiosity, what does the author means by Mystical Stitches? This is a book for those who connect themselves with earth through meditation and translate what they experienced by stitches, Symbols all over the world are used here: from China, Egypt, Ireland, you name it. With so many options to keep you safe, give you clairvoyant, or other needs.

I went into this book for my love of embroidery and sewing, but I was not prepared for the new age element to take up so much of the book. While I appreciate what the author was trying to do, I wished there was significantly less philosophy and much more practical instruction.

I'm almost completely new to embroidery and stitching. I found this book to be wonderful, beautiful and full of good ideas. I feel most of the projects are too advanced to me, even I found a couple I could start now. But definetly it gives me inspiration to improve and get better, so I can make some of these amazing desings.

RATING: 5 STARS
2021; Storey Publishing,

Gorgeous! The photographs, projects and writing are what the title promised, mystical and magical. I first requested this one on NetGalley, but the eARC did not do it justice. I borrowed it from the library to see the photographs...and now I want my own copy. Not just to pretty up my book shelf, but these are projects I would actually do (and not just drool over the pictures). If you are into embroidery - novice or expert - this might be one you want to flip through (and then add to your Wishlist!).

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

This was an interesting book with some very unique and fun designs. Recommend it for a spiritualist, they weren't all my style, but some caught my interest.

I loved this book! It was fantastic and provided unique stitches and designs. It was very easy to follow and quite enjoyable.

First off, this book is absolutely beautiful in appearance, and a very helpful guide. I really liked how clear and helpful it was, as well as how excited I am about the techniques the book demonstrated and on trying them out.