‘Stitched Whimsy’ by Heidi Boyd is one of the cutest sewing books I have ever been sent to review. The projects throughout the book are just as the title states ~ whimsical! If you are looking for a book to inspire creativity and create special, handmade toys for your little ones, look no further. Think turtles, mushrooms, little birds, elephants, giraffes, owls, felt food and so much more!
‘Stitched Whimsy’ is divided into four different sections and contains projects involving needle felting as well as sewing.
~Needle Felt Fun
~Whimsy for the Home
~Lovable Plushies
~Felt and Fabric
I have always been interested in needle felting, but have never given it a try. There are lots of hobbies that I think I could get into, but sometimes I feel like it’s best to stay focused on just a few so I don’t get overwhelmed. But I could really see myself getting into needle felting if I ever gave it a try.
The fact that this book breaks down all the different types of wool felt is an invaluable resource. The author goes through the use of 35% wool felt, 100% wool felt, felted recycled sweaters, and more. In addition to categorizing the different types of felt there are also sections defining different types of fabrics, wool roving, stuffing, and embellishments (such as beads, safety eyes, buttons, ect).
The book contains very specific instructions on what types of tools will be needed to complete the different projects from sewing machines, needles, cutting tools, needle felting tools, adhesives and marking tools. If you’ve thought about entering the world of sewing softies, this book is a wonderful resource.
Most of the projects I make for my children are clothing and the occasional quilt because that’s what I love to sew. But this book has definitely inspired me to start sewing toys and softies for my kids. The cuteness is almost unbearable and I just love all the little details in each project. I really appreciate the author’s breakdown of embroidery stitches as well.
The step-by-step instructions are wonderful and easy to follow. There are pictures as well as hand-drawn illustrations that are really charming and well done. I also love that many of these projects can be done with scraps of fabric. And my goodness……..do I have scraps…….it’s ridiculous! And I’m all about using up those scraps this year.
My only negative thought on this book is the fact that it does not come with full-sized pattern pieces. Why do people do that? I mean I know why they do, because it saves money on the printing, but it is so frustrating for the buyer. To be honest, I have not purchased books for this reason, but sometimes a book is work the extra effort of enlarging the pattern pieces. You can enlarge some of the pieces on your home printer, if you have a scanner/copy model, otherwise, you’ll need to take a trip to your local Kinko’s or copy store.
No compensation was received for this post. I simply received a copy of the book from the publisher for my review. All opinions and thoughts are 100% mine.
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
So glad you reviewed this! I really want it but sometimes I’m really disappointed in books, ya know? It definitely has cute factor beyond the cover.
I know, it’s such a bummer to be all excited about a book because the cover looks super cute, only to find out that it’s a dud. This one is really, really cute ~ so much fun!!
i have this book too!! i want to make the gnome and reindeer..i am curious about needlefelting so if you do it mske sure you blog it so i can follow your footsteps;)
That looks like a fun book indeed Lindsay! What fun it will be to the kiddo’s to make all that whimsy!