I really, really, really wanted to like this book but so many things were on the verge of cute but then fell over to the ugly side. The Colorful StranI really, really, really wanted to like this book but so many things were on the verge of cute but then fell over to the ugly side. The Colorful Strands Cardigan (p. 68) has an uneven square as a pocket, a large blob of felt on the back that extends to a front side, and is photographed with its too-long sleeves turned up at the cuffs. The Heathered Fleece Jacket (p/ 64) looks like dryer link has begun to take over. The graphics appear to be hand-drawn and instead of seeming charming, it presents as amateurish. Styling, even of the models' hair (p. 50), is lacking. I'm not certain that the Gallery pieces in the back are even inspiring... Obviously, I'm still looking for a great felting book....more
This is definitely more of a pamphlet, at 32 pages, than a book. Of the five projects, three are decorative items and two are kind of functional (a boThis is definitely more of a pamphlet, at 32 pages, than a book. Of the five projects, three are decorative items and two are kind of functional (a bookmark and a book cover). They have a not-quite-vintage but more old-fashioned vibe to them. The Techniques and Supplies section is at the front and takes up half of the book, but it's still rather abbreviated. This is an okay book to get you started in needle felting, but there are many other books that will inspire and educate you further....more
I really appreciate that the authors include wet felting and recycled felt along with the more usual techniques of needle felting and knit/crochet andI really appreciate that the authors include wet felting and recycled felt along with the more usual techniques of needle felting and knit/crochet and felting/fulling. Unfortunately, I don't think they give enough space to display the potential for these techniques. Frankly, I would never in a zillion years wear either of the wet felted wraps! So, I think more projects were needed! This book is almost 20 years old and felting has become pretty sophisticated....more
This title started out interesting but then more of the projects at the end of the book got a bit of schlocky. The succulents are pretty cute at the bThis title started out interesting but then more of the projects at the end of the book got a bit of schlocky. The succulents are pretty cute at the beginning of the book, though. I wonder how durable many of the projects will be in the long run. And if you have cats, then you’re just making them lots and lots of toys! The Cafetière Cozy (p 110) isn’t even stitched evenly across the felt pieces, as instructed!...more
These projects all definitely look like the same artist created them. Not necessarily my bag, but the look is very homey, folksy, and sweet. There areThese projects all definitely look like the same artist created them. Not necessarily my bag, but the look is very homey, folksy, and sweet. There are many different projects, from mittens to pins, slippers, bags, and scarves. Not a lot on how to knit felted fabric but more on the construction of items from felted material and definitely attention on how to decorate items with little felted pieces, scraps even. If you're into the author's aesthetic, you'll love this book....more
I was surprised that this Vogue Knitting Felting book was so kind of boring. The most creative piece is the tea cosy on the cover. I've done a bit of I was surprised that this Vogue Knitting Felting book was so kind of boring. The most creative piece is the tea cosy on the cover. I've done a bit of felting, intentional and by accident, and know how transformative that it can be. I won't be creating anything from here but this might be a good reference for any newbies to the felting process....more
Pretty bags and backpacks that wouldn't hold up to my use, except possibly the felted ones. There's very little structure that would help these bags tPretty bags and backpacks that wouldn't hold up to my use, except possibly the felted ones. There's very little structure that would help these bags to hold up so I guess these are special occasion accessories. Some are very cute, though (Daisy Mini Tote on the cover and the Indian Mirror Bag)....more
I'm on a Nicky Epstein binge and if I was going to do some knitted felt, this is the book to which I'd refer. The swatches before and after felting weI'm on a Nicky Epstein binge and if I was going to do some knitted felt, this is the book to which I'd refer. The swatches before and after felting were wonderful to see and compare. The shibori pieces were weird and beautiful. Felting old sweaters was even featured! There are plentiful photos, and so many projects!...more
Interesting book but I think the most successful project is the hat on the cover. None of the other pieces really inspired me and I thought some of thInteresting book but I think the most successful project is the hat on the cover. None of the other pieces really inspired me and I thought some of the scarves looked rather sad. I skipped all the inspiration text, I'm in it soley for the patterns, and skimmed through the techniques. Beautiful photography and lots of small projects....more
Cute projects that are mostly decorative, bright, and cheerful hand-sewn affairs. One of the authors owned the now-defunct online store Blooming Felt Cute projects that are mostly decorative, bright, and cheerful hand-sewn affairs. One of the authors owned the now-defunct online store Blooming Felt and the other author designed the projects. There is really nothing new in here but it was all very pretty. I was disappointed that needle-felting was not at all used to exploit the ability to combine felt with felt and that hand sewing was so often featured. If you're new to felt, this would be a good place to start, though....more
Cute little book for beginning felters that already know how to knit. The author has a good section on the idiosyncrasies of felting, which was a goodCute little book for beginning felters that already know how to knit. The author has a good section on the idiosyncrasies of felting, which was a good refresher for me even though I'd done a ton of felting. Projects were basic, instructions seemed pretty good. Photography, at least in the ebook format, was kinda poor and the photo styling leaved something to be desired....more
Read the ebook version. There should be more photos or illustrations, definitely of showing embroidery stitches and details of some (most) of the projRead the ebook version. There should be more photos or illustrations, definitely of showing embroidery stitches and details of some (most) of the projects. I couldn't even discern that the Ruffle Necklace was made of cut felt circles! Most of the projects were just okay and some of them didn't really use the felt in an exceptional way—the Mosaic Pincushion could have just as well been fabric. This book would be good for a beginning crafter, though....more
I found the felted projects very creative, particularly the rings, cloche hat, and bobbled scarves. I enjoyed the sweaters with felted details added aI found the felted projects very creative, particularly the rings, cloche hat, and bobbled scarves. I enjoyed the sweaters with felted details added and the directions for felted buttons!! Brilliant! Home decor items are also included: cushions, chair backs, ottoman covers, and blankets. Sometimes the aesthetics don't mesh with mine but lots of inventive ideas in here! Clear directions, plentiful photographs and schematics and I particularly appreciated the Notes. I've knitted tons of bags for felting and liked that needle felting was explored, as well....more
So interesting! I've felted before but this technique is really mind-expanding. The how-to and materials explanations are easy to understand and direcSo interesting! I've felted before but this technique is really mind-expanding. The how-to and materials explanations are easy to understand and directions for the projects make success seem very accessible! There are lots of professional photos of the process and also of the finished pieces. The author's style is not near my sensibilities but there is lots to inspire here....more
The title delivers. For me, these projects read handmade instead of handcrafted. The author does everything by hand, no machines here, and the finisheThe title delivers. For me, these projects read handmade instead of handcrafted. The author does everything by hand, no machines here, and the finished pieces reflect that. Not my taste, but very cute for someone. There are plentiful photos and illustrations to get you started....more
Sweet and folksy kind of home decor that is not my style but looks like it's totally accessible for even newbies. Lots of photographs, templates incluSweet and folksy kind of home decor that is not my style but looks like it's totally accessible for even newbies. Lots of photographs, templates included, and clear step-by-steps with a short introduction to materials and techniques. Some pieces can look quite sophisticated (Paisley Power stocking, Felt Flora ornaments) but most are simple and homey. Lots to look at and borrow!...more
There are many clever decorating ideas in here, though I wish some of those would be more durable to make the time spent worthwhile. For instance, I dThere are many clever decorating ideas in here, though I wish some of those would be more durable to make the time spent worthwhile. For instance, I don't recommend the Bat Socks project: sewing felt on kids socks seem like asking for stitches to pop and felt to shrivel away... The Snotty Monster Soap Dispenser make me wonder just how grubby that will get after soggy hands... The majority of them are very sweet and, I guess, only for use on a limited basis? My favorite is the Felted Fall Acorns. These have a decidedly different level of sophistication and seem a bit out of place in this book. But there are a lot of things to inspire in here....more
Arne and Carlos really have one basic slipper here at three different heights with a variety of ways to embellish and/or pattern them. Looks fun and eArne and Carlos really have one basic slipper here at three different heights with a variety of ways to embellish and/or pattern them. Looks fun and easy but, strangely, there are no instructions for how to actually felt your slippers!!! Lots of photos and charts for projects with colorwork. I guess this book is more for the experienced felter....more
The finished projects in this book are unbelievably well crafted - likely not the results newbies would get at home unless they are incredibly obsessiThe finished projects in this book are unbelievably well crafted - likely not the results newbies would get at home unless they are incredibly obsessive. But, like many other reviewers, I don't quite get WHY anyone would make these. I don't see myself "playing" with them, much less letting a youngster get ahold of them - they are rather delicate for squeezing. And the objects are kinda rando (cake, doctor's kit, bbq set). The text, and there's not a lot, is a bit too perky for me. There are plentiful photographs and templates....more
Stellar! Beautifully photographed and clearly written, this book gives you all the directions in making these cute felted pups - except the time! The Stellar! Beautifully photographed and clearly written, this book gives you all the directions in making these cute felted pups - except the time! The author gives hints for most of the individual dogs in order to get the look right (Longer fur applied above the eyes, like eyebrows, will give this dog its characteristic look...) but having done needle felting, I wish also that she would stress that this craft takes more time than one would think. The wrinkly lines in the pug's face are amazing!...more
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