Scandinavian Needlecraft; 35 step-by-step projects to create the Scandinavian home.

Clare Youngs:
Scandinavian needlecraft; 35 step-by-step projects to create the Scandinavian home.
London, CICO Books, 2010
ISBN: 139781907030222

I don’t always want to sit down with my embroidery to do something innovative, clever or counted. Sometimes it’s nice to just stitch without thinking about it. If that’s something you enjoy, then I think you will like the ideas and projects in this book.

The designs are generally simple and quite folksy with the colours and materials used enhancing the ultimate item being made. I especially love the bird design on the felt bag which is illustrated on the front cover. I am not sure I would ever want to make, let alone embroider, a log carrier though but, as with all good design, it can be adapted. The ideas for Christmassy things include some delightfully quirky items.

There are five sections in the book – bags, gifts and decorations, kitchen, clothes and accessories and soft furnishings. Each section has a variety of items, many on felt, which would inspire young embroiderers. There are the sweetest wee felt baby boots which I have made (and displayed at our last Tuesday meeting) for my newest grandchild, Ramona Faye. Projects are carefully explained with clear instructions. Templates are at the back of the book along with the amount they need to be enlarged by on the photocopier. There is a section on ‘techniques’ which is helpful, as well as clear stitch directions for the basic stitches used.

I find this book quite delightful and hope that some of you will get it out of the library and try some of the projects. There are a lot to choose from!

Erica