oodles of magazines

I am in magazine HEAVEN today.

My bookstore has been having a poor selection of magazines lately, but today was a bonanza day. They had 4 new magazines: UK Cross Stitcher with a free kit, Cross Stitch Crazy with a little book of designs, Cross Stitch Collection (no freebie, but a gorgeous gypsy/mermaid/fairy on the cover, and Cross Stitch and Needlework.

I've made my way through the last two of these four and they're nice issues. CS&N features a beach design. Two actually, because there's a JBW in there as well. I think I prefer the JBW, particularly because it's done with DMC and is a quick stitch. There's a pretty picnic sampler, done in bright, hot summer colors--I don't know how the rest of you feel but I love how blue and reds looks against white fabric. It just looks summery and gorgeous. Then, there's a patriotic door chart. I'm trying to think how this could be used. I can't see hanging a door on the wall, even seasonally (That said, a Margaret Sherry Christmas kitten hanging in a wreath goes up at Christmas. But it was a kitten. A yellow tabby. Maybe this chart just needs a yellow tabby to get it onto my wall) Maybe a pillow?

I am totally loving the folk art animals. There are pictures of a rabbit, a cow, chickens, and sheep. SO cute! They aren't done by one of the normal designers to the magazine and they're country but not boring country. There are also some fruit designs with the French words for them. And a really cute little banner of strawberries and flowers. And the cool coffee banner. I don't drink coffee, so I couldn't stitch this, but it's pretty cute. There is also a little box with a watch on it. I can totally see doing this for my boyfriend, with a little goodie inside. Another highlight is the cute little holiday pillow.

I am not too keen on the China Blue towels. They seem very "80s" to me, and not in the good way. I'm also not fond of the Gail Bussi design, Sunshine and Love. It's just not my taste. Or the black and white roses rug. Sorry, I am not stitching a rug for people to walk over. Or a dog to lie on. Probably the latter--my dogs appreciate quality and love lying on cross stitch. Not that I don't appreciate the designers' talents, it's just not "my thing." The little things I've designed probably aren't anyone's taste.

Different strokes for different folks.