Mini Felt Christmas

Description

Making your own decorations in the run-up to Christmas has never been more popular! In this delightful book, well-known crafter Sachiyo Ishii shows you how to make fabulously cute and quirky felt ornaments to adorn your home during the festive season. Ready-made felt is easy to come by and a joy to work with, and with 30 easy-to-make projects to choose from, the most difficult part will be deciding which to make! Choose from a host of tree decorations, from traditional baubles to fun penguins and a snowman; as well as larger projects that include Santa Claus complete with sleigh and reindeer; a yule log with little mini bakers; a stunning gingerbread house that looks good enough to eat; a felt holly wreath; and the complete Christmas Story. All the techniques and stitches you need are explained carefully through clear, step-by-step photographs at the beginning of the book, and all the templates are provided at the back. This wonderful book is a feast of ideas and inspiration for a creative Christmas.Introduction 6
Materials & tools 18
Making the dolls 12
Making animals 16
Embroidery stitches 18
Christmas Decorations 20
Embroidered baubles 20
Christmas pudding 24 
Gingerbread man 25 
Christmas stockings 26
Dove and Angel 28
Toy soldiers 30
Snowman 32
Teddy bear 33
Robin 34
Pink rabbit 35
Penguin 36
Woodland fairies 38
Santa, Sleigh & Reindeer 40
Santa 42
Sleigh 44
Reindeer 46
Yule Log 48
Cake 50
Decorations 52
Gingerbread House 54
House 56
Fir tree 65
Hansel & Gretel 66
Holly Wreath 68
Wreath 70
Decorations 70
The Christmas Story 76
Mary & Joseph 78
Jesus in the manger 79
Shepherds 80
Kings 82
Farm animals 85
Camels 88
Templates 92Library Journal 2017

Ishii (Mini Knitted Toys) demonstrates the basics of soft-sculpture with wool felt in this Christmas-themed collection. Projects include figurines (Santa Claus, a nativity set, elves, reindeer, angels, and snowmen) and ornaments and decorations (Christmas cookies, a Yule log, and a wreath). Ishii begins with a step-by-step overview of the techniques used in the projects via two small designs—a doll and a donkey—which allows her to simplify the instructions for most of the other projects. Larger designs are divided into easy-to-manage pieces, such as the elaborate gingerbread house, which is comprised of numerous components, including a tiny Hansel and Gretel. Full-size templates for each of the designs are provided. VERDICT Ishii’s clever, whimsical pieces are a delightful addition to crafters’ holiday decor.Sachiyo Ishii was a money broker in Wall Street and London, but discovered the joy of handcraft after her second son was born, and was very much influenced by the Steiner education system. She has been involved in many different creative activities, and her Waldorf-inspired dolls and knitted toys are well known and loved by many. Her work has appeared in knitting and parenting magazines. She lives and works freelance in West Sussex, England.CN