Tula Pink Coloring with Thread: Stitching a Whimsical World with Hand Embroidery

by Tula Pink

Color a Whimsical World with Needle & Thread!

There is no name more closely linked to ornate and fanciful fabric designs than Tula Pink. Sewists and quilters have long delighted in using her fabric to create whimsical sewn creations. Now hand embroiderers, too, can join the fun and stitch her signature designs with needle and thread!
In Coloring with Thread, you'll find 17 of Tula's animal and floral designs from her best-selling fabric collections rendered and primed for hand embroidery. Step-by-step stitch instructions for over 20 embroidery stitches are included to help you bring adorable bunnies, chipmunks, octopi, and elephants to life right in your hands. Each motif features a color guide and thread color suggestions selected by Tula herself to ensure a gorgeous finished design. Plus, you'll find every motif on CD-ROM, where they are ready to size and print for your individual project needs.
Whether you follow her color guides or make each design your own, you'll love coloring with thread and stitching the whimsical world of Tula Pink!

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2017

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Coloring With Thread is a new design book + CD from fabric designer and fibreartist Tula Pink
due out 20th Dec, 2017 from F+W Media. It's a short book, 98 pages, but packs a lot of instruction and photography and design into that space.

The book is full of Tula's whimsical stylized animals and florals, many of which coordinate with existing fabric. They remind me of many folk art traditions, Indian, Scandinavian, Mola etc. Most of the projects in the book are finished in hoops for artistic cohesiveness (and to encourage the user to further creativity), but certainly they can and should be used for other purposes such as linens, firescreens, pillows, etc. It's nice to see a resurgence of freehand and crewel embroidery with surface designs instead of only counted thread projects.

The book begins with a short introduction and artist's statement which is followed by a supplies list and how-to section which include many embroidery stitch diagrams. The introduction and stitch diagrams comprise about 20% of the total content.

The projects each have color coded outline diagrams. There are 17 full tutorials which make up about 75% of the content. Picture sidebars in each tutorial section include closeups of the detail work for clarity along with designer notes and inspirations.At the end of the book there's a very basic resources and biography section.

Very nice and inspirational tutorial book full of color and whimsy.

Four stars

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

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Color a Whimsical World with Needle & Thread! By Tula Pink
There is no name more closely linked to fun and whimsical fabric designs than Tula Pink. Her fabric is bright and cheery and she creates fun projects. As an avid quilter, I was very familiar with Tula Pink, her fabric and her quilting books.

I was absolutely thrilled to see that Tula Pink has now expanded her line to hand embroiderers. Now hand embroiderers can join the fun and stitch her signature designs. In this new book you will find animal and floral designs, some from her gorgeous fabric collections.

Tula’s step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to understand in order to learn the embroidery stitches involved. The book is beautifully photographed. There are more than 15 stitches taught in this book. Each piece of embroidery has a color guide and thread suggestions. The designs are gorgeous and simply explained and look completely possible to do. The book has projects for beginner and advanced embroiderers. The book comes with a cd of the patterns for easy printing.

If you're looking for something interesting to embroider and only have a few stitches in your repertoire, these patterns will help you build your skills as you work your way through the book. This is a must have book for any Tula Pink fan as well as a great gift for the craft lover in your life. I would highly recommend this book!

I would like to thank Tula Pink, F & W media, Fons and Porter and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coloring with Thread is all about something I’ve been eyeing for a while — embroidery. My momma taught me how to cross stitch when I was about 10 or so… I am no stranger to a needle and thread! I’ve always loved the more painterly quality to embroidery compared to cross stitch, I’ve just never known where to start or how to find some patterns that didn’t feel like they belonged in my grandmother’s house.

Tula Pink solved all my problems! This book is perfect for both beginners ready to try their hand at embroidery for the first time to seasoned experts looking for inspiration. The first half of the book gives thorough explanations on tools and stitches with step by step instructions. Once you’re ready to get started, there are a variety of animal-inspired, beautiful patterns. Each pattern has a full color image of the final product with callouts on which stitches to put where along with a full-sized line image of the pattern on a CD for you to print and transfer.

These are truly beautiful and whimsical designs that are worth being added to your craft collection.

I’m providing this review in return for an ARC through NetGalley.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful book! The images are stunning in their layout, and the various complexity required to make them. Some images would be good for a beginner, while others require more skill to make. Luckily, there is an extensive stitch guide at the beginning that either teaches or refreshes you on how to make the needed stitches, and a guide for each design on how to use which stitch where. The book comes with a cd of the patterns for easy printing out and transferring. According to the intro, the patterns are based on an interpretation of a colouring book, which I would consider buying just based on the designs already featured. If you're looking for something interesting to embroider and only have a few stitches in your repertoire, these are patterns you can tackle and build your skill as you work your way through the book. Highly recommend!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC via NetGalley

I in no way can make any of these threaded artistic pieces, but I do buy for the non-fiction section, that this would be in, for a Public Library. I do have a family member that is amazing with custom/heritage sewing and so I know quality when I see it. The pictures of the finished pieces are very nice with several sections zoomed in for extra detail. A different person sewed each design piece, which were photographed. The designs are animals, bugs, and plants. The seahorse was my favorite. The drawings for the stitch descriptions are very detailed and clear. There are fabric, thread, and tool tips. She gives the pluses and minuses of each option and what she uses. Included with the book is a CD with the printable patterns. I think this is more for an intermediately skilled stitcher, but beginners have a few designs that are not as involved. I didn’t see what was on the CD, but I think this is a very good quality book.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Krause Publications in exchange for an honest review.

Tula Pink does it once again as she offers her wonderful illustrations to craft lovers everywhere, this time though hand embroidery. This beautifully photographed book offers tips and tools for beginner and advanced embroiders alike to achieve the best results for their projects. A basic stich guide provides a colorful reference for many of the stitches used to create the samples in the book. Filled with seventeen whimsical designs, including flora and fauna from some of her most popular and beloved fabric lines, will allow you to channel your creativity through color and texture. A must have for any craft lovers library.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book filled with Tula Pink images brought to life through embroidery. The title is something I wouldn't mind just displaying on a coffee table because of the beauty and artistry of the designs. As for function, this book does an amazing job of explaining and providing direction for the various stitches used. Even someone new to embroidery could gain confidence to complete one of the design projects. All aspects are covered and the instructions, pictures, and outlines are clear enough to follow. This would make a great addition to the embroidery crafter's library.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tula Pink Coloring with Thread is a nicely-produced book of embroidery lessons and patterns. Each pattern includes a stitched example which is important to stitchers deciding which design to choose and how their stitches should look. Patterns are clearly marked and easy to follow. Directions on each type of stitch are given with illustrations. The designs are stitched with Anchor threads, but most American stitchers use DMC as a default, so it would have been nice to have DMC equivalencies listed. (Never fear, conversion charts can be searched up online.) Many suggestions on finishing are provided. The designs are modern and would fit nicely with a retro/50s theme as well.

[Andrea McDowell · Rating 1 out of 5]

the pictures and projects are very pretty; however, the instructions and files come on an accompanying CD. Even when this book was published in 2017 (when I bought my copy), none of the computers I had access to had dvd or cd drives.

Three years later and I finally get access to a cd/dvd drive, and I can't open any of the pdfs, because they are all linked to an index file that doesn't work.

It's unfortunate because the projects are very pretty and well designed, and none of this is the author's fault, but who on earth is still including cds with books in the 2010s?

[Lynndell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and F+W Media for the opportunity to read and review Coloring With Thread by Tula Pink, which makes embroidery look like painting with thread! Beautiful finished projects are photographed and shown as examples for the included detailed instructions. A stitching guide clearly illustrates and describes various stitches and explains the purpose of each. Helpful and artistically inspiring craft book, 5 stars!

[Elizabeth Grieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely short book full of modern designs for colourful embroidery. Ideal for beginners and old hands alike, it has clear diagrams of the various stitches with information about suitable fabrics, needles etc. The designs are gorgeous,bold and modern - with a traceable outline for each one, and stunning photos showing the finished articles.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little bit that helps you learn about the lovely stitches used in hand embroidery. I have done cross stitch for years and always been tempted to try this and now having read the book and seen how easy it is I am definitely going to give it a go - the patterns are very inspiring and I am awfully tempted to give the Owl a go!

[Victoria Peipert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely collection of instructions for different stitch styles and some designs to start practicing with. I wouldn't pick most of these designs on my own but I think the template and the directions for completing them make a great opportunity to hone stitching skills!

[voiceofmadness · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good instruction to get you started. I especially enjoyed the section on the types of basic techniques. Pictures, inspiration, and how-tos. At first I thought it was ridiculously expensive for a magazine, but I’m using it often, so it was worth the money.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful embroidery book with intricate and detailed designs. It's a bit too advanced for me right now, but after some practice, I'd like to read it again and try out some patterns.

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

While none of the projects appeal to me, looking at the details of how she did the embroidery on many of them was very interesting and gave me some good ideas on how to use different techniques.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great stitch descriptions and diagrams, however only one motif I would stitch which was disappointing.

The book is well put together and would be a good resource for beginner embroiderers.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

These patterns are incredibly elaborate. This is what I aspire to. I wouldn't make all of these designs, but I loved looking at them.

[Goldenrod · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this book is overrated. The designs feel too fragmented to me.

[Classic Bhaer · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

WHAT I LIKED

The designs in this book really make this craft seem more fresh and modern. Every time I go to a craft store to try to find patterns I can only find ones that really would be better suited for my grandmother and her friends. Most are not relevant or just out of date. These are quite the opposite. I love the bold colors and are very in touch with modern and current trends. This is something I am very appreciative of. These patterns/stencils are something I would be happy to display.
Another great positive to this book it that it lists all of the colors that are used in the project if you want to recreate it. I have used a few online templates and I would go with a photo to the store and try to best match the color, but often I was always a little bit off. Additionally, I like how they list all of the stiches that are necessary to complete the project. I think this is great because you can either skip a project if you are uncomfortable with a particular stitch or until you have practiced it enough to feel comfortable. When they list the stich they also have the page number listed where you can see the diagram of the stitch.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

While I loved that this book showed the diagrams of the stiches. I personally would have liked to see actual photos of the stiches. To see where the needle should be sitting in the thread if it needs to go through like a split stitch. Also some of them need a bit more of an explanation for me such as the Basket stich. But, all of this could be remedied with a quick search on the Internet. So it isn’t much of a big deal.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I absolutely adore this book. When this book is released I am going to be going to be ordering it right away. Like I said previously this is one of the most trend conscious embroidery pattern collection I have come across. This book takes this “dated” and makes if more modern. I can create something I am happy to display and even gift to others. I also think that this is a great introduction to embroidery. It explains a lot of the basics and the images are crisp and clear. In some areas they even zoom in on the finished product so you can see the detail. Even if you are someone who had made a few pillow cases or decorations this book would be a great addition to your collection. It brings something new and excited to a classic craft.

[Patricia Reyes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was Finally able to open the document after two days of trying.

The book looks beautiful ..... well at least what I can see. I can see only a fourth of each page that is shown when I flip to the next page hoping the other half of the page is there. I am sadly disappointed.

I can not give a review of a book that I cannot read.

[Nissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly modern embroidery book, containing everything you need to know to get started creating beautifully embellished works of your own. Everything about this book, from the designs to the the colorways, is stunning and original. An inspiring collection by a fabric designer which is almost guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing, whether you embroider or not! This book is lacking any projects that use the designs, as are often included in embroidery collections, but this seems to be purposeful as the artistry here is the embroidery, and what you do with it is part of your contribution to the art itself.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a great fan of Tula Pink. I have loved her fabric for a long time, and admired the quilts that the fabric inspires, unfortunately I have not always been able to purchase some of these fabrics with their great designs. This book gives me the ability to use these designs, and at the same time, make them my own with colour, fabric and interpretation. What a fabulous book of her best designs, I am truly happy

[April Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love, love, love crafty things. I enjoy sewing from time to time and I paint and draw. These are the things that I do to relax when I am not reading. I first learned to embroider through my Grandmother when I was about 11. I always have some floss and material laying around and have been known to stitch names or flowers on to pillowcases and what not. I have always wanted to learn more stitch types and other ways to embroider that would be more artistic. This book was perfect for that. It breaks down several types of stitches with pictures and gives examples of all kinds of projects for any experience level. I have thought of trying some of the harder projects when I get a chance but after practicing some of the examples in the book I feel more confident and ready to tackle a tougher one. I tried the elephant picture they used but needless to say I was not very successful lol. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning new crafts or just looking to improve on the embroidering skills they already have.

[Cariadne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These designs are magical. These beautiful optical illusions cram multiple possibilities -- is it a floral motif? is it an animal? -- and are richly designed / presented. It take a lot of imagination to come up with the concept and I give huge props to Tula Pink for making it look so simple. To be honest, I don't know if I have the patience to execute these projects. I am certainly inspired.