Customer Reviews

Little Birds: 26 Handmade Projects to Sew, Stitch, Quilt & Love (Design Collective)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book contains a colorful flock of fun and folksy sewing projects with a contemporary edge. The projects are varied: mobiles and ornaments and stuffies and aprons and quilts and wreaths fill the pages. It was hard to pick which project to start with. So far, I've made the peacock and I have 5 other projects earmarked.

I do want to offer some warning. Even though it claims to be for beginners, this book isn't really for anyone who doesn't have basic sewing skills. There isn't always precise step-by-step instructions- I had to fiddle a bit with the peacock's beak and tail to make it work. Luckily, most of these projects don't require careful precision. I think some fiddling gives each piece its own character.

Quite a few of the projects use embroidery for the finishing touches. There is a very basic guide to embroidery stitches in the back of the book but I think you would fare better if you hone your skills before tackling the projects that depend on your ability to do this well. Ditto for the quilts. I've never made a quilt and I would only feel comfortable attempting one from this book if I had some basic quilting skills already.

For somebody with strong sewing skills this book is 5 star. But, despite my intermediate-beginner status, I found enough projects in here to feel that the book was worth the purchase price.

I made the little bird on the cover and it is really cool. I changed the eyes by using plastic animal eyes and felt for lids. The instructions for the legs didn't work, so I had to figure it out on my own. Lots of variety in the patterns; I plan to make several other items from the book.

Can't wait to start making these little guys - maybe not all of them, but I consider each of them a prototype to encourage and spark creativity. Very clever, each is very different from the others (from embroidery to a journal cover, purse, etc.) and requires a minimum skill set. Birds are always 'in' and these cuties will be in demand by friends and family.

I love birds and this book has adorable bird-theme projects from toys to home decor to more functional items such as an applique and embroidery makeup bag. The 26 craft artists who have contributed to this book have come up with fun and beautiful designs any bird lover will enjoy, whether making them or receiving them as a gift.

The projects use different needle arts including embroidery, quilting, applique, knitting, and sewing. There are bird toys, Christmas ornaments, quilts, wreaths, and even a journal cover. I found several that I would like to make for tree ornaments this year.

At the beginning of each project the reader is introduced to the artist and information is given for their websites if they have one. Complete patterns and templates are given for all the projects at the end of the book, along with instructions for embroidery stitches. Some projects are a little more involved than others but the instructions are well written so even a novice craftsperson will not be intimidated.

Each pattern inside of this book is made by a different contributor and the projects offer all sorts of crafts to try out - quilting, embroidery, sewing, bird figurines, bags and bird houses. There is so much in this little book! And I want to make just about everything. And then, what I especially love about these series of books, is the fact that there is a little author bio and photo, complete with blog/Etsy shop links, right on the first page of the pattern. There are 26 projects to keep you busy. It is so unlike any craft book you will have come across in the bookstores lately. No matter what your crafty vice, there is something in here for you. There are projects for all skill levels and interests and you will never find yourself bored with this book on your shelf.

I expected an inspiring project/idea book for intermediate crafters and the item delivered!! Great as a starting point to get your creative juices flowing and come up with your own ideas or even to just do the projects as is and be assured you will get many compliments on them. I give it four stars as it is. My only criticism is that it is not a book for absolute beginner crafters as it suggests. For example, I have never quilted before and felt as though I should read a bit about quilting methods before tackling the quilts in the book. So, if you are a beginner and don't mind supplementing the book by doing a bit of research yourself on sewing, quilting, etc. or if you are an experienced crafter, then I think you will find value in it. However, expert crafters would probably find this book too basic for their needs. Don't let my four star review make you hesitate about this book, it really is effective for projects/ideas, I just don't personally give 5 stars to a craft book unless it gives you directions from start to finish for those of us new to the world of crafting.Little Birds: 26 Handmade Projects to Sew, Stitch, Quilt & Love (Design Collective)

I was in a little birdie frame of mind when I found this cute book. I wanted to make birds for various projects and really liked several of the patterns. There are fat little birds, skinny little birds, birds that are flying and birds that are nesting. Many are stuffed projects, but there are embroidery projects, apron projects and a few other ideas as well. If you like birds, this book won't be a disappointment. I wouldn't recommend this as a first craft book for a brand new sewist however. You do need basic sewing skills and some prior crafting experience to understand it well.

I love this book. I made the Cardinal and the penguin.

I am working on the chick (the bird on front). The legs on the little bird on front are becoming a challenge to me. I am trying to do my own legs. The directions on the legs are hard to understand and didn't work out for me. The rest of it went together just fine.

Which little birdie will be your favourite? Over two dozen lovely birds to choose from for all manner of uses. Make mobiles, use them for a collection, great for gifts and party presents. Use the embroidered birds to embellish purses and wallets, notebooks etc. Super details and easy to follow instructions with templates included. There is not one thing I do not like about this book. It's wonderful. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book review website.

I bought this book, because I have a new Granddaughter and I wanted to make some cute things for her... These patterns are some of the cutest I've ever seen... Even if you don't make the birds the book is fun and will make you laugh... I highly recommend it for any one who enjoys cute things...