Colourful Fun Embroidery: Featuring 24 modern projects to bring joy and happiness to your life!

by Clare Albans

Includes 24 projects that build in difficulty so if you're a novice or a master, you will enjoy this!

Take time out to be creative and de-stress with these colourful, fun embroidery projects from Hello! Hooray! Ranging from things you could complete in an afternoon to others that you can take your time over, enjoy every step of the making process as you focus on feeling good through being creative. The finished makes will bring colour and joy to your home, workspace and wardrobe.

The projects in this book allow you to craft your creative time by selecting makes according to timescale. Choose one of the ‘crafternoon makes’ if you want that sense of joy at finishing something, a ‘medium makes’ project for the days where you have a little more time for crafting, or for something to really take your time over you could stitch one of the longer ‘pick me up’ projects.

Each project includes step-by-step instructions, beautiful photos and inspirational ideas for how to make each project your own. So take time to be creative with this colourful, feel-good craft book!

Genres: Nonfiction, Adult, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2020

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

I read a temporary digital ARC via Net Galley.

[Macarena (followed that rabbit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Thanks to White Owl / Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

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!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

ARC provided by NetGalley

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Colourful Fun Embroidery is a new tutorial and project guide to surface embroidery by Clare Albans. Due out 30th Aug 2020 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

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.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Colourful 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. My only real complaint for the book is that a couple of the projects are a little too visually busy - a strong pattern on the fabric combined with a thread that doesn't stand out enough - which made some of the step-by-step photos difficult to follow. The "Take time out to be creative" hoop, for example, definitely could have benefited from being made from a more neutral fabric that made the negative spaces pop more. As it is, they just kind of fade into the stitching. I definitely understand by Albans went for more color, especially in that particular project, but it seems a little overwhelming for a beginner stitcher to parse. All in all, this was a great introduction to a wide range of projects using a simple repertoire of stitches.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

I received a free e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

The book is divided by how much time each project would take, It puts the easiest projects that provide instant gratification at the beginning called ‘crafternoons’ which are described as being able to be completed in an afternoon. The second group which is a little more difficult is referred to ‘medium makes’ which could take a few days to complete. The final section is called ‘pick me up projects’ which are projects one can take just simply take your time on and enjoy. There are one or two projects that I felt were ‘too busy’. There was busy fabric in the hoop and it was too hard to visual the design embroidered. Despite this glitch I feel this book is a great introduction to a wide range of projects using a simple set of stitches. 

I would like to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Disclaimer: If I had an actual copy of this book, I may give it a 5 star. It was difficult to read in the layout provided by Net Galley. Layout is important in books like this and can make or break the usability of it. Also the templates were not visible. If it lays out the way I feel it will, this would be strong recommendation. For now, I will just say yes, I see this book as helpful and fun in your embroidery life.

Thank you go Net Galley for providing this book free in exchange for my honest opinion.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

#ColourfulFunEmbroidery #NetGalley

[Patricia in New Mexico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been hand embroidering off and on for over 40 years and enjoyed Colorful Fun Embroidery by Clare Albans was an enjoyable read. Her book is divided into a very short introduction, projects that can be finished in an afternoon, a few afternoons, or that might take a bit more of a time investment. She discusses the supplies needed, methods to use for transferring designs onto your fabric and the stitches that you will be learning. She also shows how to make a variety of fabrics to include a brooch, a necklace and a clock, all of which will tease you into trying a variety of new skills. it would be quite easy to adjust the colors she suggest to suit any room. This book can easily take the beginner embroidery through a wide of projects.

I found several projects that I would like to make such as a clamshell patchwork hoop, her one step at a time geometric hoop and the quilting hoop clock. The stitching on her customized denim jacket has inspired me to consider stitching on my own denim shirt.

The last pages of the book in which she discusses the materials for embroidery are divided into “essentials” and “useful, but not essential” sections. This also is very helpful.

Highly recommend this book as a resource.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. I would have liked the supplier for particular, harder to find items, like the smaller embroidery hoop for the necklace, to be listed right next to the item in the instructions. Overall, this is a pretty fun embroidery book that has some innovative projects and will delight lovers of the rainbow for sure.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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. I did wish there was a bit more variety in the projects, almost all of them are script-focused so if that's not your thing, there aren't many for you. My very favorite one was a simple rainbow pendant.
If you've wanted to embroider but weren't sure where to start, this is an excellent book to grab.

with gratitude to netgalley and Pen & Sword for an early copy in return for an honest review

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Albans has divided her projects into three categories depending on how much time you have to give to a project, which I love!

Albans includes great tips on getting started, which is necessary for newbies like me, as well as tips on supplies and specific DMC color codes.

The pictures are in color, which makes it easier to see and make sure you're following the instructions accurately.

The only negative is that the designs' colors are pretty exclusively rainbow. I get that it's supposed to be colorful, but you can have a variety of colors without it all being rainbows. The rainbow colors add to the juvenile tone of the pieces, which are mostly kid-friendly and not something you could wear/hang in a more serious setting.

Some projects require a sewing machine.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joanna Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 too 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.

[Colette Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't help smiling as I read through this book. The use of colour certainly helps. This is a lovelybook that contains a number of projects that will help build your skills and creativity. After working your qay 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..





#CreativeFunEmbroidery#Netgalley

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.
The only drawback is that some of the projects require a sewing machine and not everyone has access to one.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest opinion

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ColourfulFunEmbroidery #NetGalley

I reviewed a digital copy of this book at Net Gallery. I do quite a bit of embroidery so it really interested me to read it. The book was interesting and had some modern fun projects to make. I thought the majority of the projects were very easy so would be good for a beginner to do; as the book progressed the projects were better for me. I enjoyed the read.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. My only criticism is, that it was black and white on my kindle – I wanted to see the bright colours that I imagined it would be.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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! Thanks to the publisher for a NetGalley, and many evenings of inspiration.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Laurie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. I would have loved to have seen a physical copy of this book, I only saw the digital copy.

[Jenny K]

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!

[matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come.

**I received a free copy in exhange for an honest review via NetGalley.**