10 projects to make inspired by the work of Beatrix Potter using applique with her characters such as Peter Rabbit but not using Potter's original drawings and illustrations. There is a short introduction on Beatrix Potter by Helen Bertram, followed by materials, applique techniques, hand embroidery stitches and then the projects. These include a cover for an iron, a nursery quilt and bunting, wool felt ball, hexies, floral wallhanging, cushion, Hill Top wool felt storage box, wedding quilt and another quilt shown unfinished. There are templates at the back of the book. Overall I think this is a good book.
* yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *
Content - 10 sewing and stitching projects based on stories and characters of Beatrix Potter. A couple of craft projects relate to Potter's home at 'Hill Top' and the surrounding farmland in The Lake District, UK (now a National Trust property)
Introduction
Australian Author, Michele Hill talks of being bowled over by the gallery displays of both William Morris and Beatrix Potter inspired quilts at the 2016 Tokyo Quilt Festival. Already conversant and somewhat obsessed with the life and work of William Morris, Hill made connections of these two famous people and began to research Beatrix Potter. Being an award winning quilter, Hill had in mind to write a Beatrix Potter book. Hill had the help and encouragement of history buffs who she names and credits in her welcome message and who also contributed background information, and photographic images from the archives shown in the Life of Beatrix Potter that is presented on pages 7 and 8.
Range of information 8/10
skills: machine applique and sewing machine use and techniques; binding; hand embroidery stitching (represented in step-by-step instruction); quilting - fabric, materials and terminology. Use of other textiles and materials, and patterns. One project suggests the use of a Lightbox, also the mention of IKEA purchases the author made to finish projects.
https://tssreviews.com/2017/03/25/book-review-stitching-with-beatrix-potter/
* TSS Reviews *
Inside this book are ten projects based on the work and stories of loved children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. As the introduction states this is not a series of cute toys but pieces inspired by her characters and her work. The book starts with a short history of her life complete with photographs of Hill Top Farm and other locations. In addition throughout the book there are more quotations and photographs explaining the inspiration behind the projects, making this an attractive and informative work. After a short section on what you need and information about machine applique and hand embroidery stitches the rest of the book consists of the projects. Each one has a photograph of the finished item in situ plus several more showing the various stages plus clear diagrams. The list of what you need is given in imperial and metric and there is a nice mix of large and small projects for a range of abilities. There are decorative pinwheels, a cushion, wallhanging, iron cover, quilts, a box and a felt ball for a young child. Embroidered characters grace many items, but the cushion was inspired by the grand clothes being made by the Tailor of Gloucester, the box depicts Hill Top Farm and my own favorite has to be the reproduction of the magnificent patchwork quilt owned by Ms Potter's parents. Techniques involved include hand embroidery, machine applique, patchwork, using wool felt and quilting and the whole book is aimed at intermediate needlecrafters. It is a handsome volume that will appeal to any sewing enthusiast who loves Beatrix Potter's delightful work.
* myshelf.com *
