As featured in 'Stitch your way to creativity! The best embroidery books for beginners & beyond'.

Read the article here!

If You Love Crafting

Heart Felt Brooch project featured in Make & Sew Toys magazine

Make & Sew Toys, Issue 16, July 2022

I don’t do a lot of embroidery but this book looked so bright and cheery! Now I just want to get a lot of hoops and fill them with colourful words and patterns and hang them all over the house. My favourites are the simpler ones with a phrase and some decoration and I like how all the templates are in the back of the book for easy tracing.

Read the full review here

Anna Waites

This book features 24 gorgeous projects which aim to bring some colour and fun into your embroidery. After a brief introduction to the basics, the projects are divided into three sections - Crafternoon projects which take only a couple of hours, Medium Makes which will take a little longer, and Pick Me Up Projects which are longer term projects that you can work on as and when you need something to occupy yourself.

I loved all of the projects in the book, and I'm lucky enough to have a good selection of embroidery thread in different colours and fabric, so I was able to make a start on a small project straightaway. I decided to create a simple embroidered mini hoop. The project in the book uses the word 'yay' but I decided to change to the word 'calm' to hang above my desk for when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

All of the projects in the book are clearly described with plenty of step by step instructions and at the back you can find all the templates that you need. There is plenty of room for your own interpretation of a project and if you have a reasonable craft supply stash then you can easily work with what you have already without needing to purchase anything new. Many of these projects would make lovely colourful gifts and are calming and fun to work on.

Read the full review here

Jennifer's Little World

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Colourful Fun Embroidery is a great introduction to the art of embroidery. Divided into how much time you want to spend on a project, the book contains easy step by step instructions with beautiful imagery.

5 stars. A great addition to the crafters' library.

NetGalley, Lizbeth DeValkenaere

Colorful Fun Embroidery by Clare Albans is just that. It has practical information but also great tips to help those that need it to get started. I liked that the book was divided into 3 parts or categories depending on how much time you want to spend on your project. The projects are colorful and easy to do.

NetGalley, Karen Garris

At a time when we are about to enter a second pandemic lockdown, books on crafts are obviously becoming increasingly popular. With clear, precise instructions, Celia's book on creative embroidery is just what is needed!

Books Monthly

PINUP: Get creative with this colourful embroidery from Clare Albans

Simply Sewing

Clare explains the techniques needed and there are good photographs to show you step by step the process. Some of the projects are simple and others are more complicated. I particularly liked that you can also adapt the ideas to create projects with your own personal touch. This is a very good book for encouraging and inspiring.

Read the full review here

Blackberry Garden

I love the ideas in this colourful fun embroidery book! My favourite projects are the cake bunting, which I shall be making first and then the framed alphabet embroidery - I think I’ll start this one soon, otherwise potential grandchildren might be too old to enjoy it as I stitch slowly. If you don’t fancy big projects, there are lots of ideas for brooches and embellishments to clothing. I adore the “ouch” pin cushion - what fun!

The mini embroidery hoop necklace is fab too - what a lovely book and would make a great present for a beginner or a more experienced embroiderer looking for inspirational ideas. Yum!

Read the full review here

Amazon Customer, Jayne

This book is very fun and whimsical! The instructions are clear and the photographs are beautiful.

NetGalley, Emilie Ahern

Some great projects for different levels of stitcher. The patterns may be more geared to a younger demographic, but vibrant and easy to follow patterns nonetheless.

NetGalley, Catherine Renton

A useful book for fans of embroidering. The projects are appealing and interested with clear instructions and pictures to guide the reader step-by-step. There is also an introduction with basic techniques, tools and supplies you might need for the projects. The initial projects are a good start for beginners like me, but those more experienced might find interesting challenges too.

NetGalley, Anna G

Clare Albans offers some fantastic starter project for embroidering, as well as some more advances projects that might take longer. It is fantastic that the book starts with short projects, as a beginner, I think having a fast first result that looks great is the best way to start.
Most designs could be altered to bookish quotes, and who is not a fan of that?!

NetGalley, Esther Busch

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What fun projects! With options from beginner to expert, lots of step by step photos and crisp photos, this was super fun to look through for both general inspiration and some must-do projects. I loved the painted hoops and the playful approach to color and shape. No fusty old fashioned flowers here!

NetGalley, Rachel Zugschwert

I enjoyed this book. The pictures are all very clear and colourful, the projects are well designed and appealing, and the text is upbeat and encouraging. The introduction includes a discussion of tools, supplies, and basic techniques. The bulk of the book is taken up by the 24 (by my count) projects. The projects themselves are varied and attractive, from embroidered hoop-framed sayings, banners, an embroidered patchwork bag, and more. Most all of the projects could certainly be easily adapted to other finishes. All of the templates are included. Each tutorial contains an introduction, materials list (nothing too exotic or difficult to source), and step by step photo tutorials from start to finish. Tips and alternative finishes are included in the tutorials. The book also includes a supplies and links list (but no index).

It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch. It's lovely to see tutorials and and upswing in interest for the other fibrearts; it seems like only cross-stitch had any following for a long long time and it's nice to see surface embroidery enjoying a renaissance. I really love the breezy and sweet style, and the quirky comfortable projects.

Beautiful projects. Four stars.

NetGalley, Annie Buchanan

I've loved arts and crafts all my life and this vibrant book looked perfect for a new project and It didn't disappoint. There are many bright and colour embroidery projects throughout the book. The pictures are really helpful and the instructions perfect for embroidery beginners like me.

NetGalley, Elizabeth Cabus

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have browsed/read thru a lot of embroidery books. This one has been one of my favorites. It truly is full of colorful and fun embroidery projects. I can't wait to try a few of them!

NetGalley, Megan Bishop

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A fun crafty book filled with cheerful embroidery projects that range from beginner to intermediate level. The projects are divided into three sections- "Crafternoon Makes," for quick, probably finished in a day designs, "Medium Makes," which will take a little longer, and "Pick Me Up Projects," for when you're looking for something with a bit more bite to it. This last chapter has projects that include sewing, so keep that in mind, though the embroidery patterns used can easily be added to other projects if your sewing skills are non-existent like mine are! The instructions for each project are clear and well illustrated, there's the usual instructional stuff on preparing to make your projects, materials needed (plus "helpful to have but not necessary" items listed, stitch guides (there are four stitches used throughout- straight stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, and french knots- which makes things easier for beginners), patterns in the back, etc.. I found the projects to be inspirational as well, giving me ideas on how to adapt a pattern by using a different word in the same style of embroidery, or imagining how different backing fabrics would look. This will be a great book for beginners to get the hang of stitching, while giving more experienced stitchers some fun ideas to play around with!

NetGalley, April Gray

I thought that this book has the most amazing photos!
Even though I'm not a fan of all of the projects in this book, it includes some very cool ideas and beginner-friendly instructions. I have started an embroidery project from this book :D

NetGalley, Dora Yang

Colourful, Fun Embroidery is a great guide for anyone beginning crewel or tambour embroidery. It's filled with small projects that can easily be completed in a few hours or an afternoon, with a few longer projects tossed in.

I was very impressed with the clear, easily followed instructions. Complete material lists are included for each project, and a list of general supplies are also included. This would be an excellent book to use as an introduction to embroidery for a young child (I would suggest it for ages 5 and up).

NetGalley, CATHY CARTER

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The author is really in tune with those who make all kinds of crafts. Encouraging us through harder embroidery to tryout while knowing mistakes will be made. Plus ways to embroider even when you have little time. Ms. Albans showcases many unique ways to be creative with your embroidery that aren’t very difficult to make. Pictures are helpful as well as the list of supplies needed for each project. Even though published in Great Britain, supplies are given both in metric and standard.

NetGalley, Mary Antzak

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Colourful Fun Embroidery is exactly what the title says. Bright and fun designs with tidbits on creativity and stitching tips to keep your creativity levels up.

While i love instructional craft books I love them even more when they have a thought out theme that makes it stand out from the large array of books that are already available. Our theme here is, of course, creativity but also mindfulness within that. It's about finding ways to foster your creativity to grow it and give into it. Sometimes you're just not feeling it and this is a great place to start for if you're looking for a pick me up. Even just looking through the photos and getting inspiration is enough to get me to want to start making something!

I'm a very creative person and I've heard a lot of the advice in this book before but sometimes it's really nice to just read something written by another creative and then also immediately be thrown into lots of beautiful projects. Sometimes it's also very nice to be reminded that creativity is not a race and it will come to you when it comes to you. You don't need to do everything right now, tomorrow is another day.

I would consider all of these very beginner friendly projects and if you're more advanced you may not learn anything new from this book but the beauty of this book is in its simplicity. These are very simple projects but there is so much room for adding your own custom flair to them. This book is separated into three main parts so you can quickly find a project for you:

Crafternoons - These would be very quick projects that you can easily pick up and finish in a few hours.
Medium Makes - These are projects that will take a bit longer to create, probably a couple of days without pushing yourself.
Pick me up - My favourite category. These are more freestyle experimental projects that I think more experienced crafters will enjoy the most because they act more like a starting point.

Each project is easily customizable and includes a great breakdown of each tool you'll need as well as stitch tips specific to that project. All instructions are very easy to follow and you could go into this with very limited knowledge and get a lot out of it.

While I do love displaying embroidery on walls I really love that there are lots of different options, there's pin cushions, wearables, and you can of course customize anything in this book to be a more "useful" item for those of us who are running out of wall space.

My personal favourite project is the Clamshell Patchwork Hoop which I already have a lot of ideas on how to expand for myself.

NetGalley, Nikoleta Nutley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been embroidering off and on since I was a child. I have searched for new, fresh ideas that will appeal to a younger generation (i.e., my daughter). The tips and tricks in here are great and laid out in the front so you know what you can do with your project and supplies to get started. I like that there are quick easy projects to do in a "crafternoon". These included a few techniques I have never seen such as the "Loose Ends Project". I also love the projects incorporating English Paper Piecing techniques to appear to a wider variety of audiences. Also, I saw a few projects that would make priceless gifts for my children's teachers. Overall, this is the embroidery book I've been searching for to freshen up and stretch my embroidery skills.

NetGalley, Charise Smith

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a super cute embroidery book. The instructions are clear and basic enough for beginners. I love the bright colors and fun projects.

NetGalley, Heather Hitchcock

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Colourful Fun Embroidery by Clare Albans is exactly what the title promises: colourful and fun! I looooove color and for me it can’t be bright enough, and this book is totally my style, bright colors are used in a stylish way, not too busy on the eye, exactly right. All the happy quotes and rainbows are guaranteed to put a smile to your face! I love all the projects, which looks very modern and hip, there is a lot of “handlettering” used in the stitchery and geometrical shapes, which will speak to a lot of people, especially younger people like me (I still like to think I’m 20 instead of 33). Clare explains all the basics really well, and also covers some subjects like stitching on stretchy fabrics (like a shirt), and denim, which I haven’t seen explained before to be honest. She also uses other techniques like felt and a little sewing and patchwork, all in a very easy way (though I have to mention as a quilter I think the methods for the clamshells are a bit questionable... there are better and easier ways, but this is not a quilt book and it should probably work). I like how she uses stitchery to sew small projects too, instead of using the sewing machine. I prefer that myself, too. But that#’s also a minor detail. I love how she showed how to create an hombre (like blending one color into another), and other cool techniques that are very easy to do but the effect is so lovely! And she showed things that I never thought of before, so I’ll definitely be looking at my stitchery with new eyes. And I want to make all the projects.

NetGalley, Monique Drost

Clare Albans promises 24 fun projects, suitable for beginners and experienced crafters; some that can be finished in one afternoon, others might take a little longer. That is exactly what you get with this book.

Each design includes detailed step-by-step instructions, not to mention that the book offers a section on the basic steps, embroidery stitches and material needed to finish these projects.

NetGalley, Julia Guttzeit

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Colorful Fun Embroidery by Clare Albans is just what the title says: Colorful and fun. The bright pictures made me want to get out my threads and try my hand at embroidering instead of my usual crossstitching.

There’s a large variety of projects, from decorative hoops to clothing decoration, which are divided by project length, so you can pick a project from a section of the book that suits the amount of free time you have.

With a clear list of materials from every projects, as well as resources and a guide of basic stitches, this book is great for beginners, but with its fantastic photos it also makes a great inspirational guide for more experienced embroiderers.

NetGalley, Maartje Witteveen

So easy to understand- as a novice sewer I was able to follow the directions with ease and learn a new skill.

NetGalley, Lesley Elder

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a beginners book on how to incorporate embroidery into your craft work. There are lots of basic craft ideas and modern projects, accompanied with detailed instructions to complete them successfully. The designs also can be used to decorate clothing and home decor. This colorful book is beautifully illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions. The author thoughtfully organized the projects by how much time was needed to complete them.

The author also provides a list of sources for craft supplies and resources to go forward with the craft. The templates she used for the project designs are also provided. Someone new to embroidery will find encouragement and success as they complete the projects. In Colorful Fun Embroidery, Clare Albans has created a book that provides us with fresh look at embroidery and provides whimsical projects that will encourage crafters to start embroidering!

NetGalley, Catherine Alessandri

This is a really cute and fun embroidery book with some fantastic embroidery ideas and projects that are modern, cute and can accessorise your bags, clothes, rooms etc.

Each embroidery project gives easy to follow step by step instructions with photos too and each project shows you which colour threads to use.

At the back of the book are the templates the author used in her book to make her embroidery pieces and a list of suppliers.

A fantastic first book from Clare Albans, can't wait to see what projects she does next!

NetGalley, Natalie Horman

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a delightful book, which would be suitable for beginners and those more experienced with embroidery.

I particularly like how the book is organised into projects based on time to complete. There are projects that can be completed in an afternoon, as well as longer term and more challenging projects. Many of them are text based - hoops with some sort of message - but they can be easily changed and the possibilities for personalising them are endless. I have been sewing a long time, but there were several small projects here that I hadn't thought of or seen before and I will definitely be making. Instructions are clear throughout.

This would make a perfect gift for anyone new to embroidery or looking for inspiration.

NetGalley, Andrea McHugh

I love the variety of designs in this book and the photographs are beautiful and inspiring. There is definitely a design here to suit everyone and every style!

NetGalley, Naomi Clarke

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The 24 projects are exactly what it says on the cover of the book – colourful and fun. The front cover of the book is really appealing and I think any of the projects would make a great little ‘pick me up’ projects. I’ve bookmarked a few to make as I can’t resist a banner or hoop project!

NetGalley, Jenny Kearney

Quarantine hit me hard and left me feeling jittery and cooped up in my house, so what else was I to do as a bored girl in her late 20s to do but take up the hobbies or an 80-year-old and it was amazing. I've been struggling with some of the advanced stitches and this book laid them out really well. I've also been wondering how I could move from pre-printed patterns to make my own and I'm excited to start transferring my own designs to fabric to embroider. Albans lays out easy projects to help build your skills and shows the next step up if you want to reach for something totally new.

NetGalley, Lindsey Collins

Colorful Fun Embroidery contains a roundup of fun, cheery, and, well, colorful embroidery projects ranging from the beginner level to more time and skill intensive. I've worked from a bunch of modern embroidery books with a similar setup, but this particular book stands out as the most upbeat. I loved the variety of projects, from necklaces to brooches to clothing. There are a lot of creative ideas in here that embroiderers of all skill levels can enjoy. The instructions themselves are easy to understand, with tons of detailed, helpful photos showing the process. The stitch guide in the back is always important to include, and I really liked the suppliers guide as well... this is a pretty fun embroidery book that has some innovative projects and will delight lovers of the rainbow for sure.

NetGalley, Lindsey Feist

I do some embroidery and like more modern, easy to do projects, so this is a really good choice for me.
There are some really nice ideas - I particularly like the rainbow adornment to the neck of the Breton top and the Ouch speech bubble pincushion.
The instructions are practical and simple and there are plenty of tips for someone at my level - for example, on using interface.
I sometimes find projects twee but these are actually quite cute.
No project is too difficult but some will be more time-consuming than others, such as the banners.
Recommended for the not-too-advanced stitcher with an eye for colourful projects.

NetGalley, Joanna Pearl

Clear instructions and nice photos with a nice range of projects. The projects are also nicely organized by how long they take. I also enjoyed that there were alternate suggestions for how to make the project your own and for other uses for the designs. Overall a very nice book for someone looking to learn basic embroidery or to try out some new projects.

NetGalley, Claire Williams

I couldn't help smiling as I read through this book. The use of colour certainly helps. This is a lovely book that contains a number of projects that will help build your skills and creativity. After working your way through the designs in this book I know that you will have the confidence to branch out into your own designs.

The projects in the book seem ideal for the beginner or someone who is used to buying kits and helps them break into the next level.

NetGalley, Colette Brennan

This was a lovely and easy to read/understand guide on how to do embroidery. I liked that the projects came first, with the techniques being placed to the back of the book, which is unusual, I think. It makes you want to jump in and do the project straight away.

NetGalley, Mila Taylor

Whimsical, fun, and happy projects are well illustrated and explained. The color combinations are adorable and I thank the author for sharing her ideas. I can't wait to get started on the alphabet nursery picture!

NetGalley, Judy T

These were really sweet and enjoyable little projects. Thankfully this medium is very forgiving and you don’t have to shell out a fortune in order to do it. Just an embroidery ring, some cloth and some thread and for under £5 you can make something truly beautiful that is essentially you and looks good either on the wall of as a gift.

NetGalley, Lydia Timpson

Colorful Fun Embroidery does pretty well exactly what the title says. There are lot of projects arranged by skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). There's a good variety of design style (modern, traditional, creative) and project type (wearable, wall art, home dec). The photos and instructions are clear, and the embroidery glossary is well set up.
I'd give this a 4 - 4.5, it's good for beginners and more experienced craftspeople as well.

NetGalley, Pat R

This book contains many great designs that are great for both intermediate embroiderers as well as some easier ones for beginners. I would recommend this for anyone interested in embroidery!

NetGalley, Jasmine Martin

This book has really cute and lovely projects and there is a full range from quick ones to more complicated ones. The best part of these is that you don't have to go and learn different stitches, you can jump in and do many of these with just the basic stitch. The projects are all colorful and very fun... If you've wanted to embroider but weren't sure where to start, this is an excellent book to grab.

NetGalley, Karen Grunberg

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A really refreshing, bright and modern book introducing the art of embroidery through fun, colourful and trendy designs. This would be a great starter book for anyone who has never picked up a needle and thread but would like to try, and an ideal treat for more experienced crafters who might want to explore a different craft or get ideas for embroidery.
I'm a big crafter myself but embroidery is something I've not done much of, but this book has given me some ideas to get started!!
The projects are all explained step by step with gorgeous colour photographs making it simple to get going!

NetGalley, Katie Smith

Cheerful, colorful contemporary projects for the new-to-embroidery people, especially the eight to college age set. The author's encouragement and excitement for her craft of choice is very evident.

NetGalley, Ruth Rowell

This is a beautifully photographed book and is a great companion book for any embroiderer. Each project tells you how to do the stitches and what DMC floss color to use to create the replica.

NetGalley, Laurie Wilson

Colourful Fun Embroidery: Featuring 24 Modern Projects to Bring Joy and Happiness to Your Life! By Clare Albans is an inspiring book full of very colorful embroidery projects. During this time in our collective lives who couldn’t use a little happiness in their life.
I feel this would be a good book for early/beginning embroiderers. Every project uses one of four basic stitches which allows the stitcher to become efficient through familiarity. There are projects done in a hoop, on clothing, a little felt cake topper decoration, bags, and clocks.
Each project lists all the materials needed and suggests ways to make each project it your own. If you are a visual learner there are tons of photos.

NetGalley, Doreen Gabriellini

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Twenty four very clever, modern and easily made projects made with embroidery for all skill and time levers. The projects include clever designs to upcycle/decorate clothing, make little brooches,. labels and home decorations. The stitches are mainly satin stitch, straight stitch, back stitch and french knots. The designs have templates but also encourages one to make the project their own - all the directions are well illustrated and explained. I am not a great fan of displaying item on the hoop, but there would plenty of imaginative other ways to use these designers with great results. There are lots of projects I want to do and can't wait to make a start.

NetGalley, Leyla Johnson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

In this cool embroidery book, we get to see how a new hobby can become a passion as Clare teaches us the basics and gives us ideas how we too can get started in crafting some fab new things from accessories to slogans on jumpers the projects are simple but effective ways to customize your own things uniquely!

This would be a great book for a beginner or just to inspire a craft fan even more!

NetGalley, Eve Witherington

A fun and easy to follow embroidery book. Lots of easy projects, mainly words in hoops, banners, pins, etc. If you want a book that has quick and easy gifts, this is the one to have. Would also be a good kid or beginner book. Would recommend.

NetGalley, Kaye Temanson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful photos, step by step instructions and templates for you to emulate the same designs, this book is a great introduction to embroidery. I feel inspired to have a go and I already have a project in mind! Written with children in mind, this is a book that adults and children could use alike.

NetGalley, Mlee Back

This is a cute project book for colorful embroidery projects. Typical projects are embroidered hoops with cheery sayings, embroidered designs on clothes and little felt cake toppers. Each project lists materials and ways to make it your own, plus lots of photos of the steps.

NetGalley, Alicia Bayer

Lovely bright colourful book brimming with exciting ideas. It is full of a variety of modern up to date projects that can be easily adapted to suit your own tastes. I particularly like the geometric design. Most of the projects are fairly easy so it is suitable for beginners. The instructions are well laid out and are very clear. Overall a lovely vibrant book to browse through that would make a lovely gift for a crafter

NetGalley, jc Cross

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Many times when I pick up a craft book I'll immediately flip through to the projects, looking for something that grabs me. This book definitely did that! There were at least three projects that made me want to immediately grab my embroidery supplies (the cake bunting one is my favorite!), and every time I look through the book I find another project that catches my eye.

Full of bright colors and projects that range from standard in-the-hoop designs to patches, jewelry, and embellishments on ready-to-wear clothes, there are projects that appeal to a wide range of ages, skill levels, and experience. The projects are divided into three chapters, based on approximately how long the projects might take to finish. With only a small number of stitches it's easy to start stitching and the instructions guide you through finishing the project as well as the stitching.

NetGalley, Kat LeFevre

Colorful Fun Embroidery is a great book for beginning embroiderers who want tips and ideas for getting started. Every project in the book uses four basic stitches - running stitch, back stitch, satin stitch, and straight stitch - which makes even the larger projects more accessible to the novice stitcher. The name of the book is very apt - all of the projects are bright and colorful, often featuring a motivational phrase of some kind. I can easily see all of them brightening up a space or brightening your day when you come across them. I appreciated that the book was divided by how much time each project would take on average - it puts the easiest projects that provide instant gratification at the beginning with the more complex and time-consuming projects at the end. It makes the projects feel instantly accessible... All in all, this was a great introduction to a wide range of projects using a simple repertoire of stitches.

NetGalley, Lauren Kell

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a lovely colourful book with ideas for all levels. I had some threads hanging around, so made on of the crafternoon projects in an hour or so, and I’ve started on one of the longer projects. This will be a much used book.

NetGalley, Ellie Hall

This book is a how to book on 24 embroidery projects and embroidery in general. The author has the projects broken out into 3 sections. The first is “Crafternoons“ which she describes as being able to be made in an afternoon. The second group is called “Medium Makes” which she defines as projects that may take you a few days to complete. The final section is “Pick Me Up Projects.” These are projects she states one can take their time on and enjoy.

I came to this book having not embroidered for many years. I have recently picked it back up again. The sections on how to embroider and work with patterns was a good refresher for me. I like the section headings she gave. I felt like I knew what to expect going in and they all seemed appropriate. I will definitely be trying some of these projects. One thing I felt particularly helpful is that she gives you ideas on how to make each project your own rather than just her way.

NetGalley, Stacie Helm

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A fun book of inspirational ideas and patterns! I love that the creative ideas range from beginner to more advanced. The geometric hoop pattern is beautiful - can't wait to try that one first!

NetGalley, Erin Childs

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a novice, this book appealed as an introduction to embroidery.

I liked how the craft projects were divided up (Crafternoons, Medium Makes and Pick me up projects).

I think my favourite project was the Long Player 7” hoop project although all the projects appealed .

Each project includes an introduction, you are given details of the materials needed plus comments and finishing tips on the project by the author. The instructions are easy to follow and there is picture guidance too.
I also liked the “Make it your own” tips.

Book also contains a stitch guide, material list and templates.

I think this would make the perfect gift for a crafting friend or if you want to try something new.

NetGalley, Lazy Cornish Cat (Mina) Searle

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a really cute guide with lots of inspiration for different projects that I would love to try. All of the templates are at the end of the book which is awesome. Super helpful and inspirational art book.

NetGalley, Lucy Smith

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars stars

"Colourful Fun Embroidery" by Clare Albans would be a joy to have in your crafting library! I love the upbeat, cheerful projects in this book. Just looking at them make me smile. I have only ever done a couple of embroidery projects, but I was once an avid cross-stitcher. Now I am a knitter, but the embroidery projects in this book speak to me, so I'm definitely going to try them!

NetGalley, Stacy Olson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Loved this!
Beautifully presented- full of bright, fun and modern embroidery - I can not wait to start on some of these projects myself! Broken up into projects by length but someone brand new to embroidery could easily start any and a pro would find fun inspiration!

NetGalley, Sarah Oliver

The title says everything you need to know about the book - it contains patterns and instructions on how to make colourful and fun embroidery. While many other embroidery books just focus on patterns, this book also provides instructions on how to think-outside-the-hoop to make banners, cake toppers, and how to embroidery on clothing. All the projects are super fun and colourful, exactly like the title says!

NetGalley, Marloes Bornebroek

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A lovely inspiring embroidery book that is ideal for beginners and more accomplished embroidered alike. Projects are sorted on the basis of time required to complete, starting with afternoon projects and ending with more time-consuming ones. As the title of the book suggests, the emphasis with all of the projects is the use of colour to create something fun. There are no rigid rules and many of the projects suggest ways to customise your work. The introduction is thoughtful and draws attention to the mindfulness aspects of embroidery as well as the fun of creativity. The guidance given for each project is clear and well set out. The projects themselves are highly original and very modern.
Lots of inspiration and a beautiful book.

NetGalley, Janet McMahon

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic book, especially as a beginner. It talks you through the basics and has lots of simple idea’s to start with. It’s made me feel inspired to have a go.

NetGalley, Susie Ford

The title says everything you need to know about the book - it contains patterns and instructions on how to make colorful and fun embroidery. While many other embroidery books just focus on patterns, this book also provides instructions on how to think-outside-the-hoop to make banners, cake toppers, and how to embroidery on clothing. All the projects are super fun and colorful, exactly like the title says!

NetGalley, Sarah Wexler

Lovely, original, and very well explained projects.

The book is divided into 3 chapters. Those are sorted according to the time the projects might need to be finished.

The stitches used in every projects are basic, such as straight stitch, back stitch, satin stitch, and French knots. There is a section, at the end of the book, where those stitches are clearly explained.

All the templates of the projects can be found at the end of the book.

NetGalley, Macarena R.V.