Book Review: Simply Stitched (and Giveaway!)

Hey everyone! Today we get to take a look at a wonderful embroidery book called Simply Stitched: Beautiful Embroidery Motifs and Projects with Wool and Cotton by Yumiko Higuchi.

Just so you know, the book link above is an Amazon Affiliate link - clicking through the link and buying is one way to support our volunteer reviews on Feeling Stitchy.

Don't miss the giveaway at the end of the post where you can win your own copy of the book!!

The author, Yumiko Higuchi, is an amazing embroidery artist. You most likely have come across her work somewhere on the Internet - I know I have seen her embroidered pouches all over Pinterest! So I was very excited to have the opportunity to check out her latest book.

In Simply Stitched, you will find 20 modern and unique embroidery motifs to stitch (plus projects) using a combination of wool and cotton thread.

There are projects for everyone - including a teapot cozy (above), pillow, zipper pouch, and a holiday stocking. There are even a few no-sew projects in the book - such as stitching the designs on a hat or sweater.

All projects include materials list with suggested thread colors, motif template with stitches, and clear, easy to understand instructions.

All stitches used are included in the Stitch Guide at the end of the book.

The book has beautiful color photos of all the stitched designs and completed projects. How cute are those roosters??

I love how all of the motifs could easily be stitched on ANYTHING or could be swapped to different projects in the book.

For example: The tote bag below is beautiful with the suggested flowers - but could also be stitched with either of the anemone or the rooster motifs in the photo above - and be just as cute!

So I tested that theory when I decided on a project to complete from the book.

I wanted to make the needle case which has a thistle embroidery motif. But I really wanted to stitch the bumble bee motif from a different project.

So I made the needle case and embroidered the bumble bee instead...

I think the end result turned out great! What do you think?

I have never stitched with wool before either. This book is great for embroiderers who want to try out stitching with wool.

Here is the inside of the needle case. I used white cotton fabric with grey felt for the inside and black ribbon to tie it shut.

As I mentioned before, the project instructions were very easy to understand - I have very little sewing machine skills and was able to sew up this little case no problem!

I love the use of wool and cotton together. The wool really adds texture and dimension.

If you want to see more of Yumiko Higuchi's work, check out her website: www.yumikohiguchi.com or follow her on Instagram: @yumikohiguchi 

Giveaway Time!!!

To win a free copy of Simply Stitched, please leave a comment on this post by 9 PM US CST, August 12, 2016 and please tell us: Do you ever stitch with wool? What is your favorite thread/floss to stitch with?

** This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only **


P.S. My favorite floss to stitch with is good old DMC cotton 6 strand floss - although, I may start to stitch with wool more often now!! :)