Today I have the honor of sharing with you the lovely new book by Jessica Marquez, Stitched Gifts: 25 Sweet and Simple Embroidery Projects for Every Occasion. Jessica was kind enough to send us a copy of the book to review, along with another wonderful goodie that I'll reveal to you later in this post!
I'd like to take you on a tour of this wonderful book, so you can get better acquainted with it - so here's a few snapshots and a brief walkthrough for you...
From start to finish, this is a beautiful book, and has all of Jessica's signature style and inspiring photography. Jessica's eye for detail and flawless stitching are fully evident throughout this book. It's a great book for any level of stitcher - there so many unique projects that are simple and also beautiful, and I would definitely recommend it.
The book starts with a wonderful Tools & Materials section, that lays out in visual detail, all the elements of your craft as embroiderer:
You'll also find a stitch dictionary, beautifully illustrated with lovely photos:
There are a total of 25 projects in this book, and something for every level of embroiderer. Projects are divided into the following sections: Home & Hearth, Engagement, Wedding, and Anniversary, Babies & Little Ones, Holidays, Birthdays, and Special Occasions, and Keepsakes & Forget-Me-Nots. The last section of the book is dedicated to finishing techniques.
Patterns can all be found at the back of the book, most are at full-size, except for the Zodiac, Family Tree, Wedding Table Markers, and various alphabets, which need enlarging. The patterns are not iron-ons and need to be transferred or traced.
Here are a few projects I adored...
The Simple Stitch Sampler
You Are Here
Crossed Arrows & Banner
Nursery Alphabet
Zodiac
Message in a Bottle
But the book was not all that I was lucky enough to receive! Jessica also sent this beautiful Orion Kit, from her Miniature Rhino shop, which she would also like to offer one lucky Feeling Stitchy reader in this giveaway!
Isn't it beautiful?
To win, all you need to do is leave a comment - tell us which of the projects I pictured is your favorite, and who you might give it to. I'll leave comments open through Sunday, August 4, 2013, at 9 PM, when I will close them and choose one random winner to receive a book and kit. This giveaway is also open to our International readers!
Thank you again, Jessica, for sharing this wonderful book with us!
Ooh I love zodiac signs. So simple and they are so pretty when done in embroidery!
ReplyDeleteI think the tree ring sampler is quite cute!
ReplyDeleteOh, I adore the nursery sampler. Such fun letters!
ReplyDeleteSimple stitch sampler! All of them are so great; was hard to choose!! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite project is definitely the message in a bottle. I am such a pirate/ maritime history nut and this project would be awesome to give away as a birthday present in stead of a card. :)
ReplyDeletewww.welliescrochetandcows.blogspot.co.uk
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like the nursery alphabet for my friends kitchen :)
ReplyDeleteI love the arrows banner! But they are all pretty awesome - thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI think the nursery alphabet would look darling in my new cousin's room. (but really the zodiac/constellation ones are my favorite, but I want them for me!)
ReplyDeleteI would most definitely look forward to doing the message in a bottle. I have a passion for pirate/maritime history :) I think it would be a great alternative to sending birthday cards :)
ReplyDeletewww.welliescrochetandcows.blogspot.co.uk
The Zodiac are super cool! I love Zodiacs and love that these include the actual stars as well. I would also be interested in working with the Simple Stitch Sampler since I am still working and learning. Thanks for the sharing of the book!
ReplyDeleteI like You Are Here. I have an aunt who works at an architectural firm. It would be great for her office.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful book! I love the nursery alphabet; I think I'd give it to my daughter. :}
ReplyDeleteI love project books!! I would do the cross section of wood and make it for my best friends who have been together since 2005!
ReplyDeleteHI! LOVE THE STITCH SAMPLER!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING!
It looks like a very good reference book as well as giving ideas on what to embroider. My favourite is the Zodiac and I would definitely make this for my granddaughter Pascale who loves everything that is magical and glitters!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the nursery alphabet! My best friend is preggers and it would be a great baby gift!
ReplyDeleteThe Zodiac embroidery is so lovely!
ReplyDeleteI think the sampler is my favorite. Surprising, since I am not one for samplers...they sometimes look old ladyish. But I dig the colors and the pattern. I think I would give it to my sister and her fiance...they are getting married in September and it would be a nice wedding gift. It matches their kitchen!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make the nursery alphabet! I think it would be a great back-to-school gift for a new teacher!
ReplyDeleteI love the Zodiac embroidery but I think I would keep it for myself!
ReplyDeleteI bought a beautiful bottle at an antique market a few months back with the idea of turning it into a time capsule for my baby- I haven't done anything with it yet, but that message in a bottle project is really sparking my imagination! (Orion is also my favorite constellation, ever since the sixth grade when we got to use telescopes at outdoor lab to view it!)
ReplyDeleteI love the simple stitch sampler! I'm new to embroidery so it's a super cute practice piece!
ReplyDeleteI like the tree rings. We have an old tree that is dying, and it could be 200 years old.
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing this book for quite a while...it looks so lovely! :) I really love the family tree and the nursery alphabet. I'm going to be an aunt this fall and I'd love to stitch something for my future niece.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book. I'm getting bored with my standby stitched tea towel gift! I love the Crossed Arrows and Banner, could be used for so many things like wedding, anniversary, couple's housewarming, etc.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new book Jessica. Thanks for the opportunity to review what is inside it. I love the design You are Here, it would make a great stitchery for anyone. Love the Sampler too.
Happy days.
Bev.
I would like to stitch a starry night for my Mom in a small wooden frame and the crossed arrows and banner for my sister for her birthday.
ReplyDeleteThey're all so cute. I'd probably stitch the Crossed Arrows and Banner for a couple of friends that are getting married very soon. It's just their style.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I can never actually see them in the sky, I have a sister who would swoon if I gave her a stitched constellation. Thanks for the introduction to this totally cool looking book.
ReplyDeleteThose are all such great ideas! I love the blue print "you are here" one the best though
ReplyDeleteThe message in a bottle would be an adorable gift for birthdays or Valentine's Day :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is.. my favorite is... okay the Crossed Arrows & Banner! It was so hard to decided; I want to do them all.
ReplyDeleteThe zodiac one is pretty cool. Thanks for sharing and offering this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI love the nursery alphabet! So cute, but not too cutesy - my favorite kind of baby decor! I would probably give it to my niece...she'll be one in November.
ReplyDeleteI would love to make the Orion sampler for my mom. We have been going camping every year since I was little and we always stargaze together when the weather is clear. Orion was one of the first constellations I learned to recognize.
ReplyDeleteI would do the nursery alphabet for my new baby twins! <3
ReplyDeleteI don't have babies anymore, but I love the nursery alphabet. The pretty design and colors would go great in my daughter's room!
ReplyDeleteLove the nursery alphabet. I think I would make it for my daughter or a newly pregnant cousin.
ReplyDeleteLove the alphabet. One. Linda gerog
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the message in the bottle project ,I've always enjoyed secret messages in bottles because for some reason they have always reminded me of pirates. I would give the book and kit to my best-friend and fellow embroider Cara who loves crafting and stargazing as much as my self.
ReplyDeleteThe Nursery Alphabet looks great! What a sweet book!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a pretty book. The projects all look like one's I'd like to try. Most intrigued by the zodiac and constellation projects as I love how things look stitched on black. I'd probably stitch a constellation for my geeky boyfriend because we both love stars.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind in a sampler mood and I just loved this one, specially because the suggested colors are SO beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely book....as I am returning to embroidery after a long gap, I really like the stitch sampler.
ReplyDeleteThe nursery alphabet AND message in a bottle!
ReplyDeleteI'd make the Nursery Alphabet for my niece who is expecting her first baby in October!
ReplyDeleteLove the stitch sampler - would be really useful as I am returning to embroidery after a long gap
ReplyDeleteI love the Crossed Arrows and Banner. I have a few Fall/Winter weddings coming up, this would make a lovely, unique gift!
ReplyDeleteI love the book- it'd be great to grab when I need a gift. I'd make the crossed arrows & banner for a friend's fall wedding.
ReplyDeleteI love them all but I think the "You are here" is so clever and original that it is my favorite. :
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool book! I think the alphabet looks like it would be a blast to stitch, I think that is my favorite, but I don't know who I would give it to... :)
ReplyDeleteI love all the patterns, and the kits are really cute. I think my favourite of the featured patterns was the Simple Stitch Sampler. I have no idea who I would give it to though. Could it be a gift for myself? :p
ReplyDeleteThe nursery alphabet is my favorite! I would make it for my son's room and probably for my niece. The Orion kit is amazing too! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the alphabet! Jessica's book looks so sweet ~ I've got a friend that loves to embroider, but I might just have to keep it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the giveaway!
I really like the Nursery Alphabet pattern, super cute! I love see new inspiration for emboirdery, so great.
ReplyDelete'YOU ARE HERE' is my favorite! How cute it would be to post this in my entry way or guest room!
ReplyDeleteI am clenched in consternation at the idea of picking ONE favorite from those shown. I would do them all, but I would start with the You Are Here, because it's stinking adorable and I would totally keep it for myself, then make more to give away to everyone I know. So much sweetness!
ReplyDeleteI really like the one in the arrows and banners. It would make a great wedding present for my friends in October!
ReplyDeleteThe nursery alphabet. I'd like to attempt it for the baby we are expecting!
ReplyDeletesome great projects! the crossed arrows and banner looks like a satisfying stitch-i'd give it to my son. thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou are here is a unique idea. Love how it looks stitched :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
The nursery alphabet is so so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful designs! I would start with the zodiac and send it to my dad who loves homemade gifts and spent hours teaching me my constellations.
ReplyDeleteI loved the You Are Here and Message in a Bottle. Two really unique ideas. Thanks for the opportunity to win. I hope I do, we live on Orion Lane!!
ReplyDeleteI love the nursery alphabet!
ReplyDeleteI love the zodiac project!
ReplyDeleteI love them all! But he Zodiac project is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI like the Simple Stitch Sampler the best.:) Great giveaway.:)
ReplyDeleteI love the stitch sampler, and I'd give it my mum, because she always loves whatever I make.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the Simple Stitch Sampler and I would give it to my baby niece.
ReplyDeleteMy fav is message in a bottle!
ReplyDeleteI love the You Are Here pattern. It would make a fun housewarming present for my parents.
ReplyDeleteOh my. I like all of the pictures but I think my favorite is the striking Zodiac one. - Jen
ReplyDeleteI love The arrows. I think they would fit ob The jacket of my little boy
ReplyDeleteOh what a sweet book! I like the alphabet idea, just seeing your wee image makes my head full of ideas of making my own alhabet sampler some day... :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy World Embroidery Day!
I really love the You Are Here, and I have a couple of new homeowner friends that would probably just adore this!
ReplyDeleteThis book has been on my Amazon wishlist for ages!! I would stitch up the crossed arrows and banner for my soon-to-be-wed friend, Kathryn. I hope she and I both get lucky in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely book. I love to give handmade gifts. The first project I would make is the nursery alphabet for I am going to be a first time grandma in Jan.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful book. The Zodiac project is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteLove all the christmas
ReplyDeleteI love the zodiacs. Perfect for my sister!
ReplyDeleteI love the Zodiac project and would give it to my sister because she is always doing the greatest embroidery for my little boy!
ReplyDeleteLove the Simple stitch sampler. The book looks gorgeous too!
ReplyDeletesarah_judoka (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk
I love the Nursery Alphabet, what a cute way to introduce a toddler to letters! The book looks like it is full of tempting projects :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome book! I love the Nursery alphabet project--that would make a great gift for my cousin, who has a newborn baby boy. I know his nursery is painted green; the nursery alphabet would fit in perfectly!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI like the alphabet sampler best.
All the projects you've showcased here look great -- I'd love to check out the rest of the book!
ReplyDeleteThe Nursery Alphabet is super fun! I'd make it for both my daughter (4) who starts school in a few weeks and for my nephew who just turned 2!
ReplyDeleteI love the You Are Here!!! My best friend just got married last month and this would make a great bday gift for her. :) LOVE.
ReplyDeleteI love love love the blueprint plans, and I'm already wondering if I could change it up to match my floor plan.
ReplyDeleteI love the You Are Here pattern! It would be a fun Christmas gift for some family members.
ReplyDeleteSamplers are favorites, I would create the nursery alphabet for my sweet 6 year old daughter to one day hang in her own home.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful? Yes, inspiring.
Ooo . . . I love the zodiac projects and the nursery alphabet. The nursery alphabet would make a perfect baby shower gift!
ReplyDeleteI love the simplicity of the embroidered constellation...
ReplyDeleteI love the nursery alphabet!
ReplyDeleteI am in love with the nursery alphabet and the crossed arrows and banner. My brother and his wife are pregnant with their first baby and I'd love to make both for their new nursery!
ReplyDeleteI would do the "You Are Here" for a dear friend who just moved far away :)
ReplyDeleteI love the pattern of the tree stump. I would stitch this up and give it to myself for a present. I like saving a few of my stitching projects for myself. ;)
ReplyDeletecalling from Spain!!. I love " here you are"...i´m always stiching flowers...and I need a change!, and also love "nursery alphabet",it wil be a good training to prepare my Little daugther´s school smock
ReplyDeleteI love the "You Are Here" project! It would make a wonderful housewarming gift for my aunt and uncle, who both happen to be architects!
ReplyDeleteooh the alphabet sampler for sure! I'd use it to make door labels for all my kids, and nieces rooms! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I unexpectedly love the Zodiac one! Capricorn ♥ This book looks absolutely wonderful, thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love the Reginalds. This site is so very inspirational. I also love the "You Are Here" project. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteI like 'You Are Here' but I'd probably give it to me lol. That zodiac one is neat too!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me glad to participate in this giveaway. The zodiac project seems so inspiring, I would choose that one...
ReplyDeleteit's a toss-up for me between 'you are here' and the nursery alphabet.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be the çrossed arrows. I'd do it for my little boy.
ReplyDeleteThis book is perfect! I think the crossed arrows and banner pattern would be a great gift for my friend's wedding :)
ReplyDelete