Sew Mindful Cross-Stitch: Twenty-Two Beginner-Friendly Cross-Stitch Projects to Bring You Colour and Calm

Crabb, whose Sew Sophie Crafts company makes cross-stitch kits, debuts with a soulful manual on cross-stitch that pairs upbeat designs (“I can and I will,” reads one) with personal reflections on mental health. She credits taking up cross-stitch several years ago with getting her out of a “mental health rut” because the craft focused “my attention away from my overthinking mind and into a place of relaxation.” Aiming to provide the same support for readers, Crabb shows how to create projects featuring uplifting affirmations. For instance, she walks through how to stitch a purple teacup accompanied by lettering that reads “Time for positivi-tea,” and discusses how she catches up with her mother over tea “if I ever need to talk or cry or share a hug.” A project with the motto “I am free to be me” above three flowers was inspired by a childhood friend Crabb feels “completely and utterly” comfortable around, and another that reads “It’s okay to have a bad day” over a rain cloud drew from Crabb’s realization that “not everything can be perfect all of the time.” The positive messages uplift, and Crabb’s anecdotes add a welcome personal touch. There’s lots to treasure in this optimistic outing. (Dec.)