Book helps beginners learn embroidery

When you think of embroidery do you envy the patience it took to stitch those complicated cross-stitch samplers, the diversions of a different era?

A little book, “Embroidery Pour Le Jardiniere, 100 French Designs for the Gardener,” is full of simple designs, with all the stitches and instructions (yes, in English) you need to add charming and personal artistic touches to gift bags, garden gloves and place mats.

This is French textile artist Sylvie Blondeau’s third embroidery primer. She has also done “Embroidery Pour La Maison” (for the house), and Embroidery Pour Le Bebe,” (for the baby) all $12.99.