Scandinavian Stitches: 21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair [Paperback]

Kajsa Wikman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 2010

Find new inspiration from the seasons and traditional Scandinavian folk art with these 21 whimsical projects. The first flowers of spring, the smell of the sea, the warm colours of the autumn leaves. These are the things that inspired artist, teacher, and author Kajsa Wikman to sew, stitch and share her passion for handicrafts. "Scandinavian Stitches" features 21 charming projects - including quilts, pillows, and soft ornaments - that draw their inspiration from the seasons and offer a fresh, modern take on folk art. Featuring full-colour illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions, these bright and colourful designs are sure to make you smile.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I recently had the chance to review a pre-publication copy of Scandinavian Stitches by Kajsa Wikman. Kajsa's book covers 21 projects with a seasonal flair. The photography in the book is one of the first thing that caught my attention, because not only does she capture the finished product but she took the extra effort to create beautiful settings to display them in. All the projects include simple step by step instructions and most of them require 10 steps or less to complete. Anyone of any skill level should be able to walk away from this book having learned something new. Beginners are not likely to be intimidated by overly complex projects. Its a wonder that Kajsa has the time to produce such a beautiful guide as she is also an artist, blogger, and antiquer. She has previously contributed to three other crafty publications, this book is her first solo project. Hats off to her photographer Sanna Peurakoski whose excellent photography really adds to the quality of presentation. I chose the Ruska Quilt to recreate, it scales down perfectly for a miniature quilt(I made my version of the quilt at about 12inches square), and found the instructions easy to follow and completed it in less then an hour. If you are looking for a book on stitchy craft projects, this is certainly the one to pick up. Within the pages of the book you'll find projects for a baby quilt, pillows, ornaments, a quilted bowl, mini art quilt,an adorable fish themed quilt,wall hangings,coasters, a darling fairy angel doll, and more. (Bella Modiste, Small Town Living, 10/30/10 )

I've been following Kasja Wikman's blog, Syko, for some time. Her sewing work is full of creative charm and whimsy. Her book, Scandinavian Stitches from Stash Books is a delight.This book is full of charming projects inspired by the dramatic seasonal changes in her native Finland. I happen to love the dramatic seasonal changes here in my part of midwest USA, so her inspiration does really speak to me. Spring and summer projects include Easter bird ornaments, a bird mini art quilt, a gardening angel, a silakka fish pillow, and more. Most of her design elements are top stitched applique cutouts. You'll need to have a colorful selection of fabrics and some fusible webbing to make them.She irons down cut-out fusible backed fabric pieces and then top stitches them with high contrasting dark thread. Although I have often used fusible applique, I have never tried straight stitching the edges in this way. I could not wait to try to make the Autumn Tree Linen Scarf, even though we were already experiencing the waning days of autumn when I received this book. I ironed on the fusible web to the back of a selection of scrap fabrics As directed in the book, I made a chalk outline of a tree and arranged my leaves on each branch Ironing them down onto the black linen was super easy, but now I have to get my courage up and do that straight stitching with a bright green thread. I took a deep breath and just got started. I did not use the free motion foot on my sewing machine. I machine stitched with my regular foot and a regular sewing needle. Kasja's tree is done with one simple line, but when I stitched it, my single line was quite uneven in places. I did get more confident as I went, but I decided to add an extra line of stitches and I like the result. With projects like this, you have to embrace the wonkiness. It is part of the charm. I finished this scarf in one evening and I totally love it!--Susie Ziegler, CraftCritique.com (1/7/11)

We've been seeing this trend growing quietly on the blogosphere for the last couple years, and apparently we aren't the only ones paying attention. The editors at C&T Publishing hit up hot new designer and eloquent blogger, Kajsa, and came out with this small prjects book loaded with simple, mod-style sewn things that will just make you happy. When you grow up in a cold Northern climate, where darkness renders daytime night too many weeks of the year, you crave color and joy. Kajsa 's simple, childlike projects get you to the heart of what makes life fun...and fast! Scraps of bright prints, solid humble backgrounds and tons of thread sketching cover pincushions, fabric baskets, quilts, pillows, ornaments and toys. You'll be excavating those stick-figure drawings your kids made for you in no time and decorating your own versions of these projects.--Quilter's Home (2/1/11)

Scandinavian Stitches: 21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair offers keys to projects ranging from quilts and pillows to ornaments, with easy materials listings and instructions accompanying full-page patterns, color photos, and keys to adding Scandinavian-influenced designs to needlework projects. The result is an excellent addition to needlework libraries looking for ethnic flair.-- James A. Cox, California Bookwatch (2/1/11)

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: C & T Pub; Original edition (November 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607050072
• ISBN-13: 978-1607050070
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.4 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #133,904 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Seasonal

More About the Author

Hi! My name is Kajsa Wikman (b.1976) and I live in a small coast town in Finland with my family. I run a small business, Syko design, specializing in happy, childlike appliqué designs and printed products. Scandinavian Stitches is my first sewing book. My artistic mission is to make people smile, I hope my book will make you smile too!

Photo: Katja Kuorinki-Väänänen

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful projects, beautiful book November 17, 2010

By Astrid

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Firstly, this is a lovely book to look through -- filled with sweet illustrations and gorgeous photographs of the projects in use, in addition to the clear diagrams and instructions for making them. Each page is colourful and inviting, and clearly the book has been very thoughtfully and lovingly put together. The book is broken into five sections: the four seasons, and a special section just for Christmas. This works really well.

The projects themselves are also a joy. Some artists find one thing they are good at and never venture any further, but Kajsa has a whole range of skills up her sleeve. You'll find quilting, applique, and all the little stuffed friends you could hope for. Though probably most famous for her wonderful multi-coloured birds, Kajsa also proves she can design great houses, angels, fish, and those special little tomte (Christmas elves) who are lined up by my sewing machine right now. Her take on a baby quilt was beautiful and unusual... no chicks or bunnies here, but a little fox that would be the pride of any nursery. There are definitely things for a beginning sewer to make, such as the stuffed houses and birds, but her quilted baskets would definitely inspire a more experienced sewer, too.

Really, a pleasure to read. Twenty-one projects, and I plan to make them all.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just great October 27, 2010

By MO2

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ok, I have to admit I hate buying books that I have never laid my eyes on or touched, but I braved it and ordered this book based on the cover. While some of the projects are a tad redundant, I love the lay-out and find it absolutely inspirational. There is a range of skill level represented and anyone can pick this book up and start creating. Beautiful lay-out and neat projects. I think anyone would enjoy it. Ok, off to peruse it a little longer.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect for Christmas! November 26, 2010

By Katy

Format:Paperback

This is a true feast for the eyes from the cover right through to the last page. All of the projects are clear in their directions, the photographs are beautiful and the projects are actually ones you want to make!
It makes a perfect book for anyone crafty for Christmas - it's one of those books you'll come back to year after year after year. Stunning!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars simply lovely November 26, 2010

By A. Adams

Format:Paperback

this is a charming book, written in such a personal way. the crafts included have a real whimsical flavour of finland which sets it apart from other craft books. lots of projects, aimed at a wide spectrum of skills and ability. there's even a troubleshooting section for if you get stuck with anything along the way.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of great ideas and inspiration! November 26, 2010

By Rita

Format:Paperback

I was sold on Scandinavian Stitches: 21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair right from the moment I saw the cover of the book, and I am please to tell you that I've not been disappointed by what's inside. I've enjoyed browsing and studying the pictures for all of the projects, most of which would make wonderful gifts.

So much eye candy! 21 Projects complete with easy to follow instructions and patterns. Beautifully written and photographed. I can highly recommend it even for a beginner sewer - this book will make you smile. Kajsa Wikman ~ you are an inspiration!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational! November 26, 2010

By Tacha

Format:Paperback

This book is a MUST have in your book shelves. There are 21 great projects which are totally do-able for beginners and more experienced sewists alike. Some of the projects look simple but it is all the little details that make them so unique. This book teaches you all sorts of things. How to mix and match fabrics, how to have fun with your freehand quilting, what projects to make while you practice.... And the photos are just gorgeous. But I think what I love most is how Kajsa teaches you to take snippets of your life as inspiration for your craft.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars colourful fun projects May 2, 2011

By K. Platt

Format:Paperback

Scandinavian is the trendiest style of the moment within the craft arena. Kajaa has a definite style and signature that people will either love or hate. It's fun, stylish and slightly off the wall. There are 21 colourful projects to make, mainly aimed at children, although teenagers and beyond will love the birds. it's fun to se a new take on dolls and the like. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book review website.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to needlework libraries looking for ethnic flair February 21, 2011

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Paperback

Scandinavian Stitches: 21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair offers keys to projects ranging from quilts and pillows to ornaments, with easy materials listings and instructions accompanying full-page patterns, color photos, and keys to adding Scandinavian-influenced designs to needlework projects. The result is an excellent addition to needlework libraries looking for ethnic flair.