Time for a book review! And today’s book review is all about fun!
Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a new book coming out at the beginning of April here in the US. It’s packed full of – you guessed it! – folk embroidered felt birds!
And they’re delightful! If you love birds (I love birds) and you like the look of folk embroidery, and you like working with felt to make three dimensional objects, then you need to add this book to your library.
It’s one of those books that just makes me happy when I flip through it. Let me show it to you…
Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a project book. The projects are small, three-dimensional birds made from felt, stuffed and embroidered.
And they are cute birds. They can stand on their own, or hang, or sit, or peck and scratch, depending on the type of bird.
The cover is the seller for me. I know, I know! Don’t judge a book by its cover and all that. But really – a flamingo AND a puffin? With those legs? And those feet?
I see this book being perfect for those who like to make. The birds are perfect for whimsical ornaments and delightful gifts. What a great way to pass on a bit of cheer to a friend on a birthday – or out of the blue for no reason at all!
The book features a fairly vast array of projects…
…focusing on twenty different types of birds, which are all recognizable. From the humble robin, to the pheasant and flamingo, the parrot, the toucan, the gentle dove and the flamboyant peacock, the gangly stork, the majestic swan, the hen, the goose, the owl, the gull and goldfinch – they’re all there, waiting for you to bring them to life!
Like any good project book, Folk Embroidered Felt Birds begins with a section on materials. There’s nothing too out of the ordinary here – felt (the author recommends a wool / viscose blend); embroidery floss; wire (for legs), filling, ribbon, sequins, wire tape, and other very regular stuff.
From materials and tools, we move into techniques: transferring the template designs to felt, to sewing, filling, stuffing, making legs and feet, appliqué, and all the techniques necessary for creating a three dimensional bird.
Every aspect of instruction is presented in very clear, step-by-step photos with text. The text is succinct quite minimal; it’s very precise and easy to follow.
And of course, there’s a selection of embroidery stitch instructions with step-by-step photos as well.
And then – the projects!
For each project, you’ll find a list of tools and supplies required to make the bird, along with a list of the templates to use from the back of the book. The templates in the back of the book are clean line drawings of the different bird parts, that you trace and cut out for patterns.
Along with the materials and templates lists, you’ll find a page of instructions that take you through constructing the bird, referring to the techniques covered at the beginning of the book.
The projects in the book are all darling! And the instructions are excellent and very accessible. If you enjoy making things and you like birds, folk art, and felt, this book would be right up your alley! I’m pretty sure it will put a smile on your face!
Where to Find It
In the US, you can pre-order Folk Embroidered Felt Birds right now on Amazon, and it will be delivered the first week of April. I’ve got it listed right here on my Amazon Recommendations page.
Worldwide, you can order it here through Book Depository, where it is also available for pre-order.
Coming Up on Needle ‘n Thread
Next week, I’ll continue with Part II of the short series on how to use variegated threads for hand embroidery.
I’m pretty sure I’ll have a finish to share with you as well!
And I’ve been setting up some kits, too, so for those of you waiting for the kits for A Thousand Flowers, you’ll want to keep an eye out next week for the announcement on those!
Hope you have a splendid weekend!
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