Good morning ladies. Just a quick clarification on my last post. The blocks were supposed to be wonky. So thanks for the comments saying they don't look wonky, or they do but they still look alright - I was aiming for wonky as they were wonky improv blocks!
I was given access to a pdf download of Wild Blooms & Colorful Creatures
(affiliate link - if you do click over and buy something, I'll get a few pence towards an Amazon voucher) to review for you. This post is also my challenge for Needlequest January, which has the theme of "spring".
(source Amazon)
I was given a review copy of the book by C&T Publishing however this review and all opinions are 100% my own, I was not told what to say.
I showed you this sneak peak a few weeks ago. This is my applique pieces all laid out and ready to go. There are 15 projects in the book and I would happily make each and every one. As I like to make a project from books I'm reviewing, I chose one of the smaller cushions, though I'd happily make any one of the quilts in the book. Seriously, hop on over to Amazon and have a look inside the book.
The book opens with basic information about using wool fabrics and some applique techniques to get you started. I chose Still Life Pillow as my project, though I didn't copy the exact layout or stitches. I used wool felt on a background of cotton, the vase is cotton too, though you could make any of the projects entirely from wool or from cotton.
The vase is needle turn appliqued, the first time I've tried this technique. I really, really enjoyed it. The flowers and stems are all decoratively appliqued with embroidery floss and beads. I enjoyed every second of this project. Oh hang on, that's a lie. I didn't enjoy being jabbed 50 million times (no exaggeration) by the pins I used to hold it together. Next time - Bondaweb!
Next come the projects, ranging from quilts and cushions to a couple of bags and some ideas for embellishing shop bought (or hand made though no pattern is provided) items. At the end there are 38 pages of full size patterns for all the projects.
So what do I think of the book? I think the applique section could be a bit more informative, I had to turn to another book I had to learn to needle-turn applique. Apart from that, I love this book. The projects are truly gorgeous and would be so easy to alter and personalise, as I have done with this project.
I actually wish I had a hard copy of this book, I know I'd sit and flick through it time and again. I'd love to make one of the quilts in the book, and maybe one day I'll find the time!
If you'd like a copy of the book, you can buy it here: Wild Blooms & Colorful Creatures
(affiliate link - if you do click over and buy something, I'll get a few pence towards an Amazon voucher).
I was given a review copy of the book by C&T Publishing however this review and all opinions are 100% my own, I was not told what to say.
I'm linking up to:
Craft Book Sew along and Something New for 2014 (rather tenuously, though this was my first go at needle-turn applique, however small!)
18 comments:
Another way to attach the pieces to avoid being stabbed by pins is to needlefelt them into place. Just be careful not to give yourself RSI from the needlefelting!
You've reviewed the book so well,Wendy, and if I was looking for this type of information I'd certainly be tempted to buy a copy, thank you! And you've done a wonderful job with your chosen project - it's beautiful! I'm wishing you all the very best in the challenge, love, Joy xo
Hi Wendy,
Oh gosh...I love the stitching, love the project. The colours
are super too. That fabric for the vase is very cute.
Cheers, Anita.
Lovely project! All the little stitches and details look amazing. Great job! :D
Hi, thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! I really like the applique you made it looks lovely! I'll have to look in to that book more closely! One can never have too many craftbooks... Have a lovely week! Anna
Oh,your version of still life is so pretty Wendy! Being able to take a patter and personalize is always a nice thing. Great review by the way.
I love applique. Glad you had fun with your review, always better when you love the book and the projects in it.
You did a great job - what a fun project!
Your project turned out beautifully. I especially adore the fabric you chose for the vase. Needle turn appliqué can be relaxing. I`m glad you enjoyed it. The book looks wonderful. Oh well.....what's another book on my already long, wish list. Thanks for the review.
This looks so cute! Did you do the real needle turn applique or the cheater way I do it?
Your colours just pop off the background. I will have to check out that book, though I need another craft book like a boot to the head...
What a sweet pillow! Lovely work. Especially all those decorative embroidery stitches. Sure turned out beautifully!
OH my!!!!! So pretty and cute! Makes me want to run to my wool stash! Thanks for the review on the book - looks great if the cover is any indication. Visiting from Let's Be Social. Great job!
Well done, Wendy!
This is a lovely project, and your embellishment on the appliquéd pieces is beautiful. Just looking at your next post too - most recent - What a lot of projects you've been working on over the last few weeks!
Thank you very much for your comment on my blog. Seems like everyone who visits Moscow is enthralled by it!
This is a lovely project, and your embellishment on the appliquéd pieces is beautiful. What a lot of projects you've been working on over the last few weeks.
Thank you for visiting my blog, and for your comment. It seems that everyone who visits Moscow is enthralled by it!
Nice review Wendy and beautiful project. The colours are lovely and interesting variety of stitches
Very beautiful threadwork, and I love your fabric choices!
Beautiful project! You did a wonderful job with all the decorative stitching and the vase fabric is perfect!
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