AROUND HOME : Scandinavian Folk Patterns for Counted Thread Embroidery BY CLAUDIA RIIFF FINSETH (Globe Pequot Press; 1987)

THIS IS A good choice for people who have wanted to try counted-thread embroidery (especially cross-stitch) but hated the cutesy-poo motifs available in most beginner kits. Finseth organizes her 58 original designs around five general themes, from homestead to snowflake, with basic stitches clearly illustrated and also some suggestions for design variations. The Christmas designs are particularly good, although I was most enchanted with a folkloric dragon. ($16.95)