Review on 🎄 555 Stunning Christmas Cross-Stitch Patterns by Donna Kooler by Kelly Caballes

This is the first Donna Cooker book I've ever bought, even though I'm an avid cross stitcher. I'm only giving the book 3 stars mainly because I don't like certain things about the way the book is framed or photographed, especially when compared to books like Leisure Arts or Better Homes and Gardens. 5 sections, each with only one photo in sampler format. I find it amazing that even though they have 2 sides for the sample photo, only one is used for the actual sewn product! The other is just a decoration of the set, which I find unforgivable as there are many designs in the book that are not in the sampler. Also, I don't like that the sampler is split into multiple pages and the color key is at the bottom of all pages. Also, a color key is only color, partly color and symbols, and sometimes it's difficult to guess the color, especially when it's on another page. In general the designs are good but difficult to judge as not all are photographed and the seamstress may not wish to sew the item if it is difficult to 'read'. About the 5 sections of the book: 1. "Christmas in folk art": Despite the name, I think that there are many more Christmas motifs in this sample booklet than in the "Merry Christmas" section. The main folk influence can be seen in the colours, which are still very nice and vibrant, if perhaps a little more brown/yellow. The sampler has an alphabet, several small (less than 30 x 30 stitches) elements such as angels, animals, socks, snowmen, reindeer and trees; with a big Santa Claus in the middle. Additional elements are more of the same, but they are not as beautiful as in Sampler.2. "Santa's Christmas" is the longest and perhaps the best designed section of the book. The designs are very versatile; For example, in the sampler there are 4 international images of Santa Clauses, 2 Santa Clauses in the form of postcards and several stylized Santa Clauses, that is, in the form of a star / heart, long, short, round. The rest of the drawings show not only other Santas (many "close-ups", Santa at work or at play), but also "Christmas moments" such as a loading dock in his workshop, elves at work, Santa reading children's letters, etc. several toys.3. "Inspiring Christmas" is the reason I bought the book because "Christmas" is about Christ, but I was disappointed. The sampler has Christmas and the alphabet in the middle; the rest is occupied by some of the angels depicted on the cover, 8 circular "headings" of small scenes with angels, Mary with child, etc.; and the city of Bethlehem below. Additional drawings aren't as religious, but things like candles, bells, a different alphabet (black with holly, very nice), a few instruments, angels, and sayings like "peace on earth". For my personal taste the designs are lackluster, I don't think I'll make anything out of this section.4. The Merry Christmas Sampler is built around an alphabet that lists Christmas items such as a gingerbread house, socks, toys, carols and holly. Additional designs include more toys, a small nutcracker, some teddy bears and snowmen, and a Christmas tree. In general the cut is good but the colors are too muted for me.5. The "Natural Christmas" in the sampler consists mainly of leaves and a few Christmas trees with reindeer in front and a big clock. I think it was a very quirky style of decoration, something like aspen with wood tones. Additional designs are the best part in this section for me. There are lace, cardinals/birdies, fruits and sayings that are good enough to use in many projects and gifts. Overall, I'm happy to have the book in my collection, but I don't think I'll be buying more of her books because of the book's layout.