I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and NetGalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Colourful Fun Embroidery is a great introduction to the art of embroidery. Divided into how much time you want to spend on a project, the book contains easy step by step instructions with beautiful imagery.

5 stars. A great addition to the crafters' library.

Not bad for beginners however some of the projects require tools that a beginner might not have access to, let alone know how to use yet. Well organised and laid out for easy viewing as well which is great and not all craft books manage to do.

Colorful Fun Embroidery by Clare Albans is just that. It has practical information but also great tips to help those that need it to get started. I liked that the book was divided into 3 parts or categories depending on how much time you want to spend on your project. The projects are colorful and easy to do.
The only drawback is that some of the projects require a sewing machine and not everyone has access to one.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest opinion

Colourful Fun Embroidery showcases that being creative is energising, and that crafted is ultimately about taking the time to enjoy the process rather than focusing on the end result.

The patterns are split into three categories: ‘crafternoons’, ‘medium makes’, and ‘pick me up projects’, and each pattern suggests a length of time to set aside for completion. I really enjoyed this set up as it’s so easy to underestimate how long something will take and become frustrated with the process.

In terms of the designs offered, the first few are mostly just stitched words, and whilst they were cute they can easily be found on Pinterest. Following that, the designs do become a little more complex, and they’re quite twee. If you enjoy bright and clashing colours or visually busy pieces, you’ll enjoy the designs. If you like more muted designs, you might want to look into other books by this publisher such as Floral Embroidery.

The instructions provided alongside each pattern are high quality and, as with Floral Embroidery, there’s plenty of photos to follow along with if you get stuck as the photos are numbered to match up with specific steps.

What surprised me about this collection is how useful the tips were. Usually, you just receive a generic selection, but this contained a few that I’d never even considered and will definitely be giving a go.

My biggest criticisms for this book is that a sewing machine is required for some of the pieces (this isn’t mentioned on the blurb and may lead to disappointment upon purchasing), and that the materials and stitch guides are at the back. I always find this nonsensical as it’s the most important information.

Definitely lives up to the name! The first half of the book is probably more practical but they all look nice. If you're looking for hoop embroidery alone, you're going to be disappointed. There's some great tips in here, especially about embroidering letters.

Albans has divided her projects into three categories depending on how much time you have to give to a project, which I love!

Albans includes great tips on getting started, which is necessary for newbies like me, as well as tips on supplies and specific DMC color codes.

The pictures are in color, which makes it easier to see and make sure you're following the instructions accurately.

The only negative is that the designs' colors are pretty exclusively rainbow. I get that it's supposed to be colorful, but you can have a variety of colors without it all being rainbows. The rainbow colors add to the juvenile tone of the pieces, which are mostly kid-friendly and not something you could wear/hang in a more serious setting.

Some projects require a sewing machine.

This book is very fun and whimsical! The instructions are clear and the photographs are beautiful. The projects included in this book are quite simple and it feels like you could easily download these patterns for free anywhere online. But, if you want it all in one place then this book will totally check that box for you. These patterns feel bold and modern in their simplicity.

Some great projects for different levels of stitcher. The patterns may be more geared to a younger demographic, but vibrant and easy to follow patterns nonetheless.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reading copy of this book received through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A useful book for fans of embroidering. The projects are appealing and interested with clear instructions and pictures to guide the reader step-by-step. There is also an introduction with basic techniques, tools and supplies you might need for the projects. The initial projects are a good start for beginners like me, but those more experienced might find interesting challenges too.

It is definitely colourful, and the projects would probably be pretty fun if you make them for kids. However, I did find them to have a definite childish spin and there were none that really appealed to me (but maybe I am not the target demographic).
The instructions were clear and well done, and the projects are divided by difficulty and how long they take to complete, from the quick and easy ones to the longer and more demanding ones.
If you like cutesy projects and bright colours, or if you are crafting for (or with) kids there's probably something for you here, if that's not you I would skip this one.

Clare Albans offers some fantastic starter project for embroidering, as well as some more advances projects that might take longer. It is fantastic that the book starts with short projects, as a beginner, I think having a fast first result that looks great is the best way to start.
Most designs could be altered to bookish quotes, and who is not a fan of that?!

Colourful Fun Embroidery is a new tutorial and project guide to surface embroidery by Clare Albans. Due out 30th Aug 2020 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

I enjoyed this book. The pictures are all very clear and colourful, the projects are well designed and appealing, and the text is upbeat and encouraging. The introduction includes a discussion of tools, supplies, and basic techniques. The bulk of the book is taken up by the 24 (by my count) projects. The projects themselves are varied and attractive, from embroidered hoop-framed sayings, banners, an embroidered patchwork bag, and more. Most all of the projects could certainly be easily adapted to other finishes. All of the templates are included. Each tutorial contains an introduction, materials list (nothing too exotic or difficult to source), and step by step photo tutorials from start to finish. Tips and alternative finishes are included in the tutorials. The book also includes a supplies and links list (but no index).

It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch. It's lovely to see tutorials and and upswing in interest for the other fibrearts; it seems like only cross-stitch had any following for a long long time and it's nice to see surface embroidery enjoying a renaissance. I really love the breezy and sweet style, and the quirky comfortable projects.

Beautiful projects. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

What fun projects! With options from beginner to expert, lots of step by step photos and crisp photos, this was super fun to look through for both general inspiration and some must-do projects. I loved the painted hoops and the playful approach to color and shape. No fusty old fashioned flowers here! Thanks to the publisher for a NetGalley, and many evenings of inspiration.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. It was filled with beginner-friendly projects and great pictures. Even if I didn't love all the designs it was a fun and colourful way to get some inspiration.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this advance copy. I have browsed/read thru a lot of embroidery books. This one has been one of my favorites. It truly is full of colorful and fun embroidery projects. I can't wait to try a few of them!

*E-Arc received from the publisher, via net gallery, in exchange for a honest review *

I've loved arts and crafts all my life and this vibrant book looked perfect for a new project and It didn't disappoint. There are many bright and colour embroidery projects throughout the book. The pictures are really helpful and the instructions perfect for embroidery beginners like me. If you're more advanced at embroidery this may not be the book for you.

The step by step for each different stitch is really helpful as sometimes I find these kind of book just show the disired product but not how to get there. All in all a very beautifully laid out informative easy to follow embroidery guide.

A fun crafty book filled with cheerful embroidery projects that range from beginner to intermediate level. The projects are divided into three sections- "Crafternoon Makes," for quick, probably finished in a day designs, "Medium Makes," which will take a little longer, and "Pick Me Up Projects," for when you're looking for something with a bit more bite to it. This last chapter has projects that include sewing, so keep that in mind, though the embroidery patterns used can easily be added to other projects if your sewing skills are non-existent like mine are! The instructions for each project are clear and well illustrated, there's the usual instructional stuff on preparing to make your projects, materials needed (plus "helpful to have but not necessary" items listed, stitch guides (there are four stitches used throughout- straight stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, and french knots- which makes things easier for beginners), patterns in the back, etc.. I found the projects to be inspirational as well, giving me ideas on how to adapt a pattern by using a different word in the same style of embroidery, or imagining how different backing fabrics would look. This will be a great book for beginners to get the hang of stitching, while giving more experienced stitchers some fun ideas to play around with!

#ColourfulFunEmbroidery #NetGalley

I thought that this book has the most amazing photos!
Even though I'm not a fan of all of the projects in this book, it includes some very cool ideas and beginner-friendly instructions. I have started an embroidery project from this book :D
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Colourful, Fun Embroidery is a great guide for anyone beginning crewel or tambour embroidery. It's filled with small projects that can easily be completed in a few hours or an afternoon, with a few longer projects tossed in.

I was very impressed with the clear, easily followed instructions. Complete material lists are included for each project, and a list of general supplies are also included. This would be an excellent book to use as an introduction to embroidery for a young child (I would suggest it for ages 5 and up).

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free digital copy of this title to review from Net Galley.

#ColourfulFunEmbroidery#NetGalley

The author is really in tune with those who make all kinds of crafts. Encouraging us through harder embroidery to tryout while knowing mistakes will be made. Plus ways to embroider even when you have little time. Ms. Albans showcases many unique ways to be creative with your embroidery that aren’t very difficult to make. Pictures are helpful as well as the list of supplies needed for each project. Even though published in Great Britain, supplies are given both in metric and standard.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.