Kitchen Essentials

Kitchen Essentials
Gifted by Leisure Arts
www.leisurearts.com
Reviewed by Molly Fletcher, Editor, FaveCrafts.com

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home. Apart from being a place to prepare food (or perhaps because of it) the kitchen is the perfect gathering place. It's where mom and dad grab a cup of coffee and chat before they head for work. It's where kids grab a snack after school, and where the entire family gets together for supper.

Such a popular setting deserves to be decorated, and that's where Kitchen Essentials comes in. This collection of cross stitch patterns was put together by Leisure Arts and Herrschners, Inc. A leading publisher in the crafting industry, Leisure Arts specializes in beginner-friendly tutorials. Herrschners, Inc. manufactures products for knitting, crochet, paper crafts, and, of course, cross stitch. These companies have teamed up to develop kitchen inspired projects that crafters of all skill levels can make.

Create a piece that indicates your love of caffeine, like the wall hanging on the book's cover. Or, keep a bit of spring in your step with a flower themed towel or place mat. Kitchen Essentials includes 18 patterns for napkins, napkin rings, tea towels, cup cozies, and more. Choose from any of the following delightful ideas:

Tea Time – This teacup motif is adorable.
Country Flowers
Flower Power Magnets 4 different designs!
Coffee Clutch – Monogram this project to make a great gift.
Coffee Shop Banner & Napkins
Kitchen Quips Towels ("What's Cookin'?," "Master Chef," "Chef On Duty," and "Kitchen Closed")

My favorite idea in Kitchen Essentials is the Blooming Table Set. This project is actually three patterns: a place mat, napkin, and napkin ring. Each of these elements features a precious tulip pattern in yellow, green, and lilac embroidery thread. If you're feeling ambitious, you can make an entire set and leave it on your kitchen table all spring and summer!