The Best of Teresa Wentzler Christmas Collection [Perfect Paperback]

This collection of Wentzler counted cross stitch charts brings back some favorites including Angel Procession (on the cover). The book contains several wonderful charts (previously offered singly). If you are a Wentzler fan this is a "must have". The charts are easy to read and the color pictures of the completed pieces make you want to rush to your DMC and linen.

When I saw the author's "Father Christmas" pattern offered on another website I had to come to Amazon and see if they had a collection of Miss Wentzler's work. I wasn't disappointed and though Heaven only knows when I'll actually have time to work the pattern I at least have that and much more with this book. The colors and detail of the finished pieces are gorgeous and frankly I think any of them could stay on display year 'round; Father Christmas will grace our log cabin getaway. The patterns will take time to work as they are quite detailed but I feel that if you're going to take the time to make a quality heirloom-which any of these would be-your time and work ought to reflect that effort. Absolutely this book is a must-have!

I thought the "Christmas Sampler" (horse and sleigh) was in this book as well as Teresa Wentzler's Sampler Collection. The Santa and horse in this book is "Companions." Also I thought the "Woodland Angel" stocking pattern was in this collection. So just for clarity,

Christmas Collection:
1. Angel Gabriel
2. Angel of Frost
3. Angel Procession
4. Byzantine Ornaments
5. Companions (Santa with horse)
6. Father Winter
7. Nativity Scene
8. Winter Carousel Horse
9. Winter Fairy
10. Wreath

Sampler Collection:
1. Birth Announcement
2. Camelot Sampler
3. Christmas Sampler (horse and sleigh)
4. English Cottage Sampler
5. English Garden Sampler
6. Fantasy Sampler
7. Harvest Sampler
8. Heart Sampler
9. Wedding Sampler

Fantasy Collection:
1. Carousel
2. The Castle (pictured on the cover)
3. The Castle Sampler
4. Day
5. Magical Night
6. Night
7. Pegasus
8. Rapunzel
9. Stroke of Midnight
10. Unicorn

Fantasy II Collection:
1. Above the Clouds
2. Castle Ridge
3. Celestial Dragon
4. The Enchanter
5. Fantasy Triptych
6. Gentle Creature
7. The Guardian
8. Mermaid
9. Peacock Majesty
10. The Storyteller
11. Tradewinds

The Woodland Angel Christmas Stocking is one of the best designs which is not in the Christmas collection. You would think they would have put that in, because there is some overlap if you already own the Four Carousel Horses or Four Faeries -- Winter Carousel Horse and Winter Faery are in the Christmas Collection.

It is a little confusing, because "Tradewinds" has an alphabet, so it should be in the Sampler Collection instead of Fantasy II.

There is also a Christmas pattern called "Under the Evergreen." Probably the most beautiful Teresa Wentzler pattern, if you have not already bought it, is "Peacock Tapestry," which is not in any collection. The kit costs a fortune!

Major patterns which are not in the four "Best of" collections are:
Alexander and Abigail
Brilliant Plumage
Carousel Horses
Dragon Ride
Floral Bellpull
Flower Quartet
The Fortunate Traveler
Four Season Fairies
Fruit Bellpull
Fruit Quartet
The Lady of Shalott
The Lily Maiden
The Minstrel
Oriental Poppies
Peaceable Kingdom
Peacock Tapestry
The Princess and the Dragon
Tapestry Cat
Tea Scene
Topiary Trees
Treetop Sampler (chickadees)
Under the Evergreen
Victorian Elegance

Unfortunately, no one can do all of these! So far all I have done is part of "Summer Carousel Horse," which I bought the kit of a second time and started over because I was so disgusted with all the mistakes.

It is a good idea to do a running thread every 10 squares before you start. I use for example ivory sewing thread on white Aida cloth. Also to buy a magnifying lamp (circular fluorescent bulb and swing arm; same lamp you see on forensics TV shows). Also enlarge the patterns and make a few copies so you can highlight the color, but not have too many magic marker colors per copy. Also put your copy on a magnet board with a magnetic ruler under the line. I use a leather thimble (which is a cat magnet, and several thimbles are under the refrig or some other graveyard of leather thimbles).