Book excerpt: Donna Kooler, a renowned designer of gorgeous cross-stitch projects for more than 30 years, has now come up with nine colorful sampler patterns that celebrate home, nature, holidays, and more. Each one--from the charming and playful "Pet Friends” to the lush flower-filled "Beautiful Blooms”--is showcased in a breathtaking two-page spread with a themed beauty shot of the framed piece. Several pages of patterns follow, along with suggested alternative motifs to help stitchers unleash their creativity and make the samplers their very own. A brief introductory section teaches some basic stitches, as well as how to prepare the fabric and center the design. A Main Selection of the Crafter’s Choice Book Club.