I'm not quite through with this book but it's very well done! Excellent information to start one off, solid info explaining the tools and how to use them along with a great deal of information on symbolism and some on meditations for creativity leading to stitch projects. Oh, and lots of permission to stitch the way that makes you happy! I'm sure that the placeholders will turn into lots of good quality photos -- the few included in this ARC were very clear and offered ideas for projects. It would have been nice to see more project photos but there was enough verbiage to show what was intended. If all stitchery and craft books were this informative I think more people would give these pastimes a try. Bravo.

This book can be summed up in one word: Beautiful! The images, the layout and the color palette all make this a stunning read even if embroidery isn't your thing. While an extremely useful crafting book, this is “coffee table book” quality imagery.

The first section of the book is all about the supplies and techniques used in embroidery. The directions on everything from picking fabrics to individual stitches are well illustrated and explained. While this section explains all you need to know to perfection, the general tone is light and fun. Everything you need is right here, but don't get too stressed about it; a sentiment that many hobby communities could use!

The second section is a guide to embroidered images and how to make them. While the images themselves are amazing, what sets this book apart is the discussion of the meanings behind the symbols. In addition to learning how to make an animal, you will also learn what the animal represents in magic and folklore. This book is an excellent symbology reference even if you never have, or ever will, stitch a single one of the gorgeously illustrated images. This section maintains the very supportive and forgiving nature of the book, there is no one right way to make these and the goal is to make your own mysticism shine through.

Any stitchers, from newbies to seasoned pros, looking to add a little magic to their art will love this book.

Such an interesting book quite unlike any crafting book I've read before. Johnson combines the embroidery with symbolism and a lifestyle that is sensitive to the universe.

I really enjoyed exploring this book. I recently got back into embroidery and as an avid yogi I knew I needed to check this book out. I loved the idea of the book. How you can use your embroidery to manifest, meditate, or simply connect. The author gives good descriptions and meanings for symbols and the artwork is beautiful.

Wow! Truly this review could be just that one word. This is the most comprehensive modern embroidery book I’ve seen in a very long time. As a quilt store owner I know this will be a hot ticket item in our store and we might just have to switch to it for our classes. Detailed with excellent illustrations that you can really see exactly where your thread should lay and needle should be placed. The designs and information from the author are thoughtful and unique, very happy to see this book in person.

I was expecting more in the way of patterns from this book so I'll admit I was quite disappointed.
Not the book for people who want to start with embroidery.

I didn’t care for this book at all. As a stitcher i know there are better books with the same information presented in a more straight forward fashion.

Beautiful book! The illustrations are not only instructive and easy to follow but so pretty! I love the idea of using creativity and crafting as a spiritual and meditative practice. This book teaches you about mysticism as it can relate to embroidery and teaches you the practical skills involved through several informative projects. Wonderful book.

This book has some great ideas in it, with plenty of easy explanations for those who are new to embroidery. I really enjoyed the way it brought stillness, slowness, and meditation to the forefront, as a way of practicing mindfulness while stitching. I loved the designs and creative ideas scattered throughout the book as well.

A beautiful book about stitching, symbols and calming rituals. The book starts of as a practical guide to stitching. It covers materials, methods and easy to follow tutorials. But the book also covers the art of creative rituals and the meaning of different symbols. A wonderful comprehensive guide to mystical stitching.

I’m what you would classify as a beginner sewer, but my cohorts where I am sewing, disagree! But, we are, are own worse critic! Now, I definitely am a beginner at doing embroidery and this type of style of sewing!

I enjoyed this book because the instruction was extremely detailed and explained enough that as I am a total dingy, but I could follow the directions.

The graphics were superb and her overall look of the book was phenomenal and I loved it and would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

Wow, to say I am surprised is an understatement. What a truly enriching and spiritual outtake on crafting, and its benefits.
When I read the title "mystical stitches" I expected a tutorial on how to embroider different beasts and lore. To read the description of the book I found out it was much much more than that.
I thoroughly appreciated the authors guide on accessing our creative and our emotional flow through this book.
The step-by-step guides were clear, concise and helpful. I cannot wait to improve my own work further through practicing the techniques and emotional considerations seen throughout this informative creation.

What a beautiful book! I love how the author shows how the use of simple stitches, with clear and concise tutorials, helps create ideas and meditations that encourage your creativity with free-flowing embroidery work. I find this to be a fantastic instructional book and feel that it will challenge my embroidery crafting skills by encouraging me to relish my creativity and encourage me push boundaries in asset and expression.

I would like to thank Christi Johnson, Storey publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a beautiful, calming, and meditative read. I started embroidery this year and I am looking forward to working some of these patterns!

I have pre-ordered and followed online. What a wonderfully guide to a timeless hobby. This fit the bill for exactly what I have been looking for personally. There is something calming and meditative in needle work, be it embroidery or knitting. Creating with a purpose is even more special. I cannot wait to receive my copy and begin my creative journey.

I absolutely love how this book takes simple stiches, clear tutorials, and creates ideas and meditations that would allow for some free-flowing embroidery creativity! I would have loved for there to be a couple hoop patterns, however. But, I do really love this book and how it will challenge my embroidery craft to be more creative and push boundaries in that area. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for the review!

This is an amazing book! I don't always think about the connections between my mind and the craft projects that I am working on. This book has really made me think about how I look at the things I am making.

Not only does this book hold many beautiful motifs that I want to stitch onto everything (I can sense a clothes dive coming soon!), it also contains some lovely ways to help your creativity flow. I wouldn't say that I am very spiritual but I do enjoy yoga and find many benefits in meditation when I am getting stressed, so looking at crafting through the methods in this book is fascinating to me. That does not mean that you also need to be into these things to find something in this book.

I think it has a very fresh perspective on crafting and I love that Johnson encourages the reader to do whatever they feel. There is no judgement in this book to create the perfect thing, only to find what makes you happy and create something that means something to you.

This book really has made me think about my daily crafting in such a different way and I think that many crafters will also find the magic in these pages.