Thread up the Alcazar and get stitching with this easy-to-use pattern book. There are patterns in here for all occasions and then some, covering Christmas, Easter, birthdays, weddings and new baby, as well as things like retirement, sympathy and photo frames. Most of the patterns are printed in here, although a few of them use the stencils, so you might have to buy one or two if you particularly like the card. My favorite featured ribbon embroidered roses, so here is another aspect of this craft I have not seen before. Also featured here, in conjunction with the embroidery, are paper tole, paperpatch and some ideas for scrapbooking, so enough to keep you busy. The patterns themselves are simple yet effective, just the sort of thing that makes up quickly, and is suitable for a fairly inexperienced crafter, but which looks professional and attractive. A useful book.

If you cannot find metallic thread locally try SearchPress.com's materials page for a list of suppliers. You can also buy this book from this site.