Field Guide to Knitted Birds: Over 40 Handmade Projects to Liven Up Your Roost

by Arne Nerjordet, Carlos Zachrison

Let Arne & Carlos guide you on a journey into the colorful and imaginative bird kingdom! Inspired by nature both at home and abroad—from their garden in Tonsåsen come the characteristic bullfinch, chickadee, and wagtail, to name a few, but the fun doesn't stop there. Knit cold-weather birds with Norwegian traditional patterns, and keep them warm with bird-sized wool caps and scarves; make brilliant birds-of-paradise decorated with embroidery, sequins, and feathers; or spread your wings a little further with birds featuring vintage Mexican embroidery motifs. These delightful birds can be used as decorations year-round, but they may tend to migrate towards the Christmas tree when the time approaches. With clear instructions, helpful diagrams, and full-color photographs, it’s time for every knitter’s imagination to take flight.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Birds, Animals

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Jen Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming! I want to knit all of the birds in this book. And put a pair of glasses on each and every one of them.

This is not a book for knitters who feel they should be done with a project when the last stitch has been bound off. The easest projects require very basic finishing and sewing skills (i.e., sewing on two beads for eyes). The more complex birds require basic wire work, sewing of sequins, duplicate stitch, gluing of feathers.

[Donna Ancypa Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you would have to be made of stone not to enjoy this book. I may never make any of these, but it won’t be because the instructions weren’t clear and complete and the pictures weren’t beautiful and inspiring. I may even prefer this to their first book.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The birds are absolutely adorable! The book is well put together, nice patterns, beautiful photos and humorous stories.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! Now I want to make all of the birds and don't know where to begin! I love the names of the birds and the subtle humor. This is a great addition to my knitting library! I think I need a Christmas tree just for birds.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm reading through Arne and Carlos's series of books to see what all the fuss is about. This is my third book and so far, least favorite. Why birds? Dunno, but if that's your jam, this is the book. The variations are endless and, seemingly, so was this book. Color charts for all those variations, lots of photographs, just not sure why...

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry folks. You're all getting hand-knitted birds for xmas. That's just the way it's going to be after reading this book. Easy patterns, good instructions. Great pics! Can't wait for fall to start knitting.

[Jonna Gjevre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a work of art, with exquisite photography and great book design. The knitting patterns look a little fiddly to me, but I suspect that for many readers the patterns are beside the point.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fab edition. I won it in a Facebook competition, but would have bought it anyway. Clear, concise instructions and inventive designs.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun. A lot to do in addition to knitting.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun! After exhausting my library renewals I broke down and purchased it.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the happiest I've ever been while reading a knitting book.

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about knitting birds. There is a chart and written out instructions. The step by step instructions will help you knit beautiful birds.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont think one is ever "done" reading this. I love the patterns and pictures - both a "how to" and art book. Made my first bird and cannot wait to make more.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spectacular patterns to create knitted birds of all sorts, from real to seasonal.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are delightful to watch on their YouTube videos and their humor and loveliness shines through in the narrative of their books. This book is beautifully and whimsically photograph. It’s also easy for an intermediate knitter to follow which was a nice change of pace for me as I struggle sometimes reading patterns.

These little knitted “birbs” are just such a happy project. The knit up quickly and are such a great portable project.

Recommend flexi flips rather than double pointed needles if you want to make some of these cute little birbs 💗