The hand embroidered haven: 20 home sewing projects with hand embroidery, twilling & applique

"The Hand Embroidered Haven" by Megan Frock is a delightfully created book full of fun and ideas.The book is easy to follow, well written and compete with great instructive illustrations. Great book for future gifts for my daughters and daughter-in-law!

Not as much fun as I had anticipated.

One of the first things I look at in any craft book is the tutorial section. I want to see how they’ve illustrated how to do stitches or any other special skills necessary. To me, this is one of the most important parts of a craft book, great patterns and designs mean nothing if you can’t teach the reader how to do them. Megan Frock’s basic stitches and techniques section is spot on, it is illustrated really well and is very clear and concise.The book covers hand embroidery, twilling, and appliqué. I had no idea what twilling was before I read this book, but I love the effect, it has such beautiful texture. I really look forward to trying it out.The embroidery patterns are amazing and really varied. There are sections for the living rooms and kitchen, adult bedrooms, nurseries, and older kid bedrooms. Despite the wide range of project target ages, everything feels very connected.The baby projects feel just as modern and sophisticated as the ones for adults. You’ll find projects for everything from kitchen towels to baby mobiles to robes. There’s also some really gorgeous quilt patterns in the book which have a wonderful texture to them. Megan also has an excellent eye for color, and I love just looking at her different color combinations, they are fantastic.Another thing I look for in a craft book is if it can be used for inspiration and to spark ideas, or if there isn’t much beyond what is actually printed on the pages. The Hand Embroidered Haven is definitely a book that you can flip through and be inspired to take one of Megan’s projects and make it your own. There are an amazing variety of sewing projects combined with all of the different embroidery patterns, you can create so many different things using the components from this book.

I just love this book because it is full of unique designs and inspiration to get you excited about hand embroidery. But it's much more than just an embroidery book -it has appliqué, twilling, projects for the home, adults, children and babies too! It is full of such cute projects - two of my favorites are the "Morning Roses Robe" on pg 48 and the "Tellin' Time Activity Pillow" on pg 104. That pillow would be the hit of any baby shower! Everything in the book is a fresh take on something useful, yet whimsical! I especially appreciated the clear and detailed directions. I love having this book in my collection and highly recommend it! Add a bit of contemporary fun to your life!

I absolutely love Megan's style throughout this book and all the cool projects that combine machine sewing and hand-embroidered touches and finishes. Her Feather quilt is stunning and is at the top of my list. I also love the Mr. Deer and Dearest Deer travel cases as well as the Foxy Clock and Bunny Tube artwork - they are just so cute! Her designs are so clever and modern - really unique patterns that you immediately fall in love with and want to duplicate.I highly recommend this book to everyone, anyone that sews and wants to add some special touches to their project and those who do needlework as the patterns are really original and fun!

Some of the best projects! Not only do they have a modern twist combined with a retro feel, they're down right fun and funky! I'd have to say the Scribbles Laundry Tote is a must for any child living in your home, or one on their way out. It is the biggest hit! Another great project is the Balanced Baby crib quilt. It combines simple embroidery with simple piecing for an amazing effect. Megan has done a great job reviewing techniques and keeps you in the loop every step of the way, including the supplies she uses. If you are thinking of trying something like handwork, this book will inspire you every step of the way from the cute Patched In boys pants or Catching Dreams crib mobile to the funky Scribbles laundry tote or Urban Diamonds Master Quilt (with uber cool headphone embroidery!)

I love this book! Even though embroidery is not my main forte, I have several embroidery books in my sewing library. I have been thinking that I wished most embroidery books had more details shown besides just basic outlines of the illustrations. This book is it! It has beautiful fills (such as the cover image), quirky designs that I love, and all the information you need to embroidery and make the projects! A must have if you like to embroider or would like to learn how!

A great book. I like all the detail pictures and explanations on how to do the gorgeous embroidery. The projects have a retro feel with a modern twist. An adorable little sleeping bag that my kids need... NEED in a big way! There is a quilt pattern that has the coolest headphone embroidery design... a must see! So many unique embroidery designs and sewing/quilting patterns in this book. I have purchased a lot of books and this is by far the most unique designs. I highly recommend this book! P.S. IN LOVE WITH THE TV WITH BUNNY EARS... SO FUN! It's a twist on an era that some of us remember... I can remember moving the bunny ears to get a good reception. LOVE IT!

Lovely little book with great projects

Can't wait to get started!