Important News! The publisher, STC, just contacted me and has offered a copy of Hand-Stitched Felt to a winner! This is now a giveaway post. Please leave one comment with an email address or rav id on this post to win a copy of Kata's beautiful little book of felted whimsy!
Hi Knitters,
I took a brief break from yarn and knitting a couple of weekends ago. I had been knitting up a storm for some deadlines and needed a quick reprieve. I looked at my bookshelves and pulled out Kata Golda's Hand-Stitched Felt. I am completely taken with these sweet, innocent, childlike, hand-stitched designs. I have never met a more charming book than this one. I am a complete fool for hand-stitching and wool felt.
I have been wanting to make one of Kata's creations for a long time and I happen to have quite a nice collection of wool felt from Purl sitting in my stash. I seized the day!
These adorable little animals caught my eye right away. Each animal is about 11 inches tall so they are a good-sized stuffed toy. It was hard to choose which one to make first because they are all so cute. The clothes are just as sweet and hard to choose from.
Here is what I decided upon...
..... Kata's mouse!
I started out with this sweet pink mouse wearing the shirt and pants. I just love the way it turned out. The pattern templates are all included in the back of the book so it is all right at your fingertips. I used computer paper to trace the pattern. For the wool felt, I soaked it in Soak Wash and put it in the dryer to soften it up before cutting and stitching. Then it smells good, too.
The toy is stuffed firmly and with the layers of wool felt and tiny hand-stitching, it feels like heaven in your hands. I really wish you could hold this mouse. You would instantly want to make one of your own. A handmade toy is like nothing else.
Kata's instructions were very clear and easy to follow. This is my first felt hand-stitched toy and I didn't have any troubles at all along the way. I love how the outer seams are done in a simple blanket stitch, one of my favorite stitches. I also love the little imperfections hand-stitching brings to a project.
I added my own embroidered details. I loved making the clothes and picking out the colors so much. I was so inspired by Kata's designs that I immediately had to try designing my own little felt animals.
See that little bunny in the green dress? That's from my own sketch that I then cut out from the paper I drew it on and used as a pattern. I appliqued a tiny carrot on the dress. It turned out very sweet.
I then wanted to try my hand at making a bear. I sketched out a bear and although not finished yet, it is turning out really cute! I'll remember to share him when I finish. I see many more felt toys in my future.
Next up for another felt project for me are these tiny Everyday Journals. I am obsessed with tiny journals and handmade books so this should be perfect. What a great gift idea, too! I'll keep you posted.
In fact, speaking of gifts, these projects work up incredibly fast and are perfect for personalized and thoughtful gift giving. The hand-stitching and imperfections make them so freeing and fun to make. You can do no wrong. Hand-Stitched Felt is packed full of little handmade gift confections. Other projects included are a glasses case, a little purse, a stationary pouch, a door sign, a pincushion, a potholder, and finger puppets to name a few.
I am so charmed by Kata's designs and sketches. I think you will love this book, too.
Let me know if you have tried something from this book or if you are inspired to try something!
And now, don't forget to leave a comment to win a copy of this adorable book!
And now, don't forget to leave a comment to win a copy of this adorable book!
Happy Wednesday.
best, susie
