Cozy Stitches: 12 Calm and Creative Embroidery Projects for Absolute Beginners and Beyond

This whimsical embroidery primer from artist Johnston (Sunny Stitches) offers a modern spin on the cottagecore formula. Johnston begins with easy projects made from simple stitches and builds up to more complex techniques. The most basic design features the words “you are enough” written with backstitch and encircled by straight stitched pine branches and leaves. On the more complex end of the spectrum is the “winter botanicals” project, which uses satin, leaf, and straight stitches alongside French knots and whipped backstitch to create a bustling bouquet of anemones, eucalyptus, pine cones, and juniper and winter berries. Prompts at the end of each project encourage readers to reflect on the design’s themes. For instance, Johnston shows how to embroider a line drawing of a vanilla latte, reflects on how her morning coffee kept her sane after the birth of her son, and urges readers to meditate on which daily rituals “nurture peace and calm in your life.” The appealing projects nod to vintage embroidery while embracing a brighter palette and more streamlined compositions, as exemplified by the “cozy cottage,” which features outsized pink and white flowers blossoming around a steeply pitched gable roof. Beginners will take to this. (Aug.)