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Wardrobe Embroidery: Knit & Embroidery Projects for Upcycling Clothes
Get inspired to reduce your consumption of fast fashion and build a unique and upcycled wardrobe with one-of-a-kind garments! In Wardrobe Embroidery, Warunee Bolstad of @plystreknitwear shows you how to easily breathe new life into your wardrobe by adding embroidery to clothes both old and new. Warunee presents a collection of charming embroidery patterns, ranging from beginner-friendly hearts and daisies to intricate floral arrangements. Use these lovely designs to freshen up worn out blouses and jeans or to personalize plain white t-shirts and boring bags. Colorful step-by-step photos will help you master your stitching technique and offer inspiration for developing your own embroidery designs. You’ll also find Warunee’s nine signature knitting patterns, which provide the perfect canvas for embroidered embellishments. From classic crewnecks and cabled cardigans to elegant handbags and cozy neckwarmers, these beautiful and simple designs offer sustainable style for everyday life. With Wardrobe Embroidery , you'll be inspired to create your favorite pieces of clothing that you'll cherish for years to come.
- GenresNonfictionCraftsKnitting
144 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2021
1 person is currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 21, 2021
4☆ A Great Book if you love Embroidery and Upcycling Clothes.
I have always wanted to try my hand at Embroidery as I'm a keen knitter. So I purchased a kit and never used it as it was far too Daunting. So when I see this book I was really excited. I might just be able to get an insight into Embroidery and I was right.
Warunee has written a very detailed and informative book giving you all the tips and skills necessary to start Embroidering.
She has listed the different stitches you need to get started and accompanied them with pictures which is brilliant. I find adding a visual aid with text is so much more effective well it definitely is for me.
I really like the idea of Upcycling Clothes and revamping styles. Warunee gives the reader plenty of inspiration to start you off. Alongside a list of materials you need to start the motifs, a template to trace ( which is my only niggle if your reading via ebook then this is difficult to print out) and a guide on how to Embroider the pattern onto your clothes.
Oh and if you love knitting....there's even knitting patterns to accompany the Embroidery Projects on wool!
So if you love crafting or looking to start a new hobby then I definitely would recommend giving Wardrobe Embroidery a read.
Thank you to Zakka Workshops and Netgalley for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I have always wanted to try my hand at Embroidery as I'm a keen knitter. So I purchased a kit and never used it as it was far too Daunting. So when I see this book I was really excited. I might just be able to get an insight into Embroidery and I was right.
Warunee has written a very detailed and informative book giving you all the tips and skills necessary to start Embroidering.
She has listed the different stitches you need to get started and accompanied them with pictures which is brilliant. I find adding a visual aid with text is so much more effective well it definitely is for me.
I really like the idea of Upcycling Clothes and revamping styles. Warunee gives the reader plenty of inspiration to start you off. Alongside a list of materials you need to start the motifs, a template to trace ( which is my only niggle if your reading via ebook then this is difficult to print out) and a guide on how to Embroider the pattern onto your clothes.
Oh and if you love knitting....there's even knitting patterns to accompany the Embroidery Projects on wool!
So if you love crafting or looking to start a new hobby then I definitely would recommend giving Wardrobe Embroidery a read.
Thank you to Zakka Workshops and Netgalley for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 19, 2021
This is a sweet little book that walks you through embroidering clothes that you make or that you upcycle. They are a little one-note for me and I was not expecting so much of the book to be of knitting patterns, but this would be great inspiration for someone looking to personalize children's sweaters or who really likes this aesthetic. Like another reviewer, I was hoping for more along the lines of adapting clothes to cover imperfections and a variety of looks, but it's still a lovely resource.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
August 25, 2021
Fantastic Way to Customize Your Clothes in your Closet!
I saw this book and wanted it especially for the embroidered jeans. I bought 2 pairs of white jeans be accident, but really wanted to embroidery one of the pairs, so I kept them. I know some basic embroidery skills, so this really is not that hard to do! 2) I have a lovely wool long cardigan that got a spot that can’t be removed. I love the idea of using the subtle technique the author suggests of using the same color with DMC Floss and Embroidering Some Flowers directly onto the Wool Cardigan. I think it will easily work and make the Sweater Extra Special. 3) I know how to knit and also have a few Sweaters that would look a lot nicer with a Knit Embroidered Pattern on Them. I like that there are actual Pretty Pattern examples for doing this.
I love the book and I like that it is fairly easy to start a project and make something pretty. Many books require so many purchases and prior knowledge to get started, it is too much. This is perfect.
Thank you NetGalley, Warunee Bolstad, and Zakka Workshop for providing an ARC of this book. I am really excited to receive it.
I saw this book and wanted it especially for the embroidered jeans. I bought 2 pairs of white jeans be accident, but really wanted to embroidery one of the pairs, so I kept them. I know some basic embroidery skills, so this really is not that hard to do! 2) I have a lovely wool long cardigan that got a spot that can’t be removed. I love the idea of using the subtle technique the author suggests of using the same color with DMC Floss and Embroidering Some Flowers directly onto the Wool Cardigan. I think it will easily work and make the Sweater Extra Special. 3) I know how to knit and also have a few Sweaters that would look a lot nicer with a Knit Embroidered Pattern on Them. I like that there are actual Pretty Pattern examples for doing this.
I love the book and I like that it is fairly easy to start a project and make something pretty. Many books require so many purchases and prior knowledge to get started, it is too much. This is perfect.
Thank you NetGalley, Warunee Bolstad, and Zakka Workshop for providing an ARC of this book. I am really excited to receive it.
March 11, 2022
This book has ideas and instructions on how to upcycle the clothes you already own. Or you can by second hand to upgrade the clothing items.
The photos are helpful and can give you other ideas.
The photos are helpful and can give you other ideas.
October 4, 2021
Warunee Bolstad's Wardrobe Embroidery gives readers a glimpse into some of the ways they can incorporate embroidery into clothing to make a custom wardrobe. The book walks you through some basic embroidery stitches for those unfamiliar with embroidery. However, somewhere between the beginning of the book and the end, the author tosses the predisposition that the reader knows nothing about crafting and begins posting full knitting patterns with no introductory explanation for non-knitters. It's a weird dichotomy. I wish more time had been spent on how to repair and update upcycled clothes with embroidery, a growing need in our society.
August 5, 2021
This is a lovely little book with some great embroidery ideas! It's definitely not a novice book as some of the instructions are quite complex!
There's a big focus on knitting, with some beautiful patterns included. I was expecting more on how to amend your existing wardrobe rather than knit more clothes!
Overall some lovely embroidery and upcycling inspiration!
[I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
There's a big focus on knitting, with some beautiful patterns included. I was expecting more on how to amend your existing wardrobe rather than knit more clothes!
Overall some lovely embroidery and upcycling inspiration!
[I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
September 15, 2021
Disclosure: I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher.
While there were some nice designs shown in this publication, I found myself thinking, "there is nothing new." The patterns were fairly typical for any embroidery book and quite frankly I would only do them on a pair of blue jeans or a jacket. Who puts simple embroidery on a Little Black Dress?
The instructions were concise and the explanation of supplies needed was also adequate. I simply would not spend the money to buy a book that is a duplicate of so many other more detailed volumes.
While there were some nice designs shown in this publication, I found myself thinking, "there is nothing new." The patterns were fairly typical for any embroidery book and quite frankly I would only do them on a pair of blue jeans or a jacket. Who puts simple embroidery on a Little Black Dress?
The instructions were concise and the explanation of supplies needed was also adequate. I simply would not spend the money to buy a book that is a duplicate of so many other more detailed volumes.
November 15, 2021
An excellent book if one enjoys thread work. This book can really up your game fashion wise. And not to mention the boredom escape from.
A wonderfully detailed book with pictures and clear, concise instructions.
A wonderfully detailed book with pictures and clear, concise instructions.
November 17, 2021
Oooh...some really pretty embroidery to spruce up and make a real difference to your outfits. I liked all of them.
About half of the book involved knitting patterns, but even though you don't knit, you could still use the embroidery designs on your existing jumpers, for instance. This really inspired me to look at some of my boring or holey cardigans to give them a new life!
I'm finding that Zakka Workshop books are really great. I have yet to be disappointed in any of their books that I’ve come across.
The photos are beautiful as always!
About half of the book involved knitting patterns, but even though you don't knit, you could still use the embroidery designs on your existing jumpers, for instance. This really inspired me to look at some of my boring or holey cardigans to give them a new life!
I'm finding that Zakka Workshop books are really great. I have yet to be disappointed in any of their books that I’ve come across.
The photos are beautiful as always!
November 28, 2021
Get Your Flowers On… Literally!
I have knitted and embroidered for decades but have never combined the two. So when I saw this book at a book review site, I knew I had to check it out. The book is broadly divided into two sections, one for embroidering on pre-bought fabric clothes like jeans or t-shirts and another for embroidering on knitted garments. In this latter section, the author includes a few simple-silhouette sweater and accessory patterns for you to embroider. I liked the knitting patterns included and plan to make one or two of them, with or without the embroidery. Some knitting patterns have interest, like a lacy yoked raglan, a double-layer, two-color boat-neck sweater, and soft, drapey cardigans. Each sweater pattern has directions for 4 to 5 sizes, usually from S to XL with a few having XS as well. Interestingly, most sweaters used two yarn strands held together as the basic working garment “yarn.” The author seems to love animal hair yarns. She didn’t provide yarn yardages anywhere (either in the pattern section or an info section at the back), only how many skeins to use of the preferred yarn. (That drives me crazy in knitting books, as I never use the yarn suggested. With yarn weights and yardages, I can use any yarn I like.) If you intend to knit any of the book’s garments, you should be at an intermediate or advanced level. The author uses a variety of ways to make a sweater that may be beyond someone who is just beginning, like set-in sleeves, knitting in the round, knitting the entire garment from the bottom up, using double-pointed needles, and garments that have every piece sewn together. Every design in both sections has several photos so you can truly appreciate what the garment and its embroidery look like.
One strange thing was that they did not include the actual embroidery patterns with the designs in the front of the book. Rather, they were all tucked away at the back of the book in their own section. Having these with the actual garment designs would have improved the flow of the book and made it more practical. You can tell the author is enthusiastic about the topic, and she is the model for each sweater. The book starts with pages about the equipment needed, how to embroider, and the basic embroidery stitches used. After all the designs (and embroidery patterns) is a brief photo gallery of other clothes, sweaters, and accessories the author has embroidered. Certainly, a few knitted sweaters in that bunch would have been great to have in the book, like a boat-neck raglan with ribbed sleeves! Also, some seem to show more advanced flower shading techniques. By the way, if you don't like flowers, don't get this book. Except for one shape, a heart, every other embroidered element is a flower. In fact, I think this book could have been improved if it used other shapes and objects besides flowers. All in all, though, I found this to be a fascinating book about how to beautify clothes you already have, buy, or make.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I have knitted and embroidered for decades but have never combined the two. So when I saw this book at a book review site, I knew I had to check it out. The book is broadly divided into two sections, one for embroidering on pre-bought fabric clothes like jeans or t-shirts and another for embroidering on knitted garments. In this latter section, the author includes a few simple-silhouette sweater and accessory patterns for you to embroider. I liked the knitting patterns included and plan to make one or two of them, with or without the embroidery. Some knitting patterns have interest, like a lacy yoked raglan, a double-layer, two-color boat-neck sweater, and soft, drapey cardigans. Each sweater pattern has directions for 4 to 5 sizes, usually from S to XL with a few having XS as well. Interestingly, most sweaters used two yarn strands held together as the basic working garment “yarn.” The author seems to love animal hair yarns. She didn’t provide yarn yardages anywhere (either in the pattern section or an info section at the back), only how many skeins to use of the preferred yarn. (That drives me crazy in knitting books, as I never use the yarn suggested. With yarn weights and yardages, I can use any yarn I like.) If you intend to knit any of the book’s garments, you should be at an intermediate or advanced level. The author uses a variety of ways to make a sweater that may be beyond someone who is just beginning, like set-in sleeves, knitting in the round, knitting the entire garment from the bottom up, using double-pointed needles, and garments that have every piece sewn together. Every design in both sections has several photos so you can truly appreciate what the garment and its embroidery look like.
One strange thing was that they did not include the actual embroidery patterns with the designs in the front of the book. Rather, they were all tucked away at the back of the book in their own section. Having these with the actual garment designs would have improved the flow of the book and made it more practical. You can tell the author is enthusiastic about the topic, and she is the model for each sweater. The book starts with pages about the equipment needed, how to embroider, and the basic embroidery stitches used. After all the designs (and embroidery patterns) is a brief photo gallery of other clothes, sweaters, and accessories the author has embroidered. Certainly, a few knitted sweaters in that bunch would have been great to have in the book, like a boat-neck raglan with ribbed sleeves! Also, some seem to show more advanced flower shading techniques. By the way, if you don't like flowers, don't get this book. Except for one shape, a heart, every other embroidered element is a flower. In fact, I think this book could have been improved if it used other shapes and objects besides flowers. All in all, though, I found this to be a fascinating book about how to beautify clothes you already have, buy, or make.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
September 23, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Wardrobe Embroidery is a tutorial and project guide to surface embroidery on clothing along with some knit patterns by Warunee Bolstad. Due out 15th Nov 2021 from Zakka Workshop, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.
The author is a Norwegian based knitwear designer who also uses surface embroidery and crewel on knits and woven wardrobe pieces. The general look is full of whimsy and fresh, pastel colors. This book includes both surface designs for use on wovens as well as full project instructions for nine knit projects including some tops, sweaters, cardigans, a jacket, and a couple accessories (a cute headband and a neckwarmer with a turtle neck collar).
The book includes a number of step by step tutorials for surface embroidery embellished clothing and knitwear. All of the projects can be adapted for other uses. Stitch diagram recommendations are specific enough to follow and general enough to be easily changed to suit the reader's needs. Materials listed in the tutorials are easy to source and inexpensive. In fact many of the clothing tutorials will be a super opportunity to re-purpose and upcycle found / thrifted clothing.
Each project tutorial includes a color picture showing embroidery placements and details. The tools and supplies are provided in a bullet list in a sidebar, followed by step by step instructions. Templates for all projects are provided in the back of the book. The author has included a picture gallery for inspiration as well as links and resources lists in the appendices.
I really fell in love with several of these pretty pieces. They are all very feminine and most are floral. Though the knit projects are simple, the author has not included a beginning knitting tutorial in the book. Readers who are beginners to knitting will probably need some outside help (or online how-to).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Wardrobe Embroidery is a tutorial and project guide to surface embroidery on clothing along with some knit patterns by Warunee Bolstad. Due out 15th Nov 2021 from Zakka Workshop, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.
The author is a Norwegian based knitwear designer who also uses surface embroidery and crewel on knits and woven wardrobe pieces. The general look is full of whimsy and fresh, pastel colors. This book includes both surface designs for use on wovens as well as full project instructions for nine knit projects including some tops, sweaters, cardigans, a jacket, and a couple accessories (a cute headband and a neckwarmer with a turtle neck collar).
The book includes a number of step by step tutorials for surface embroidery embellished clothing and knitwear. All of the projects can be adapted for other uses. Stitch diagram recommendations are specific enough to follow and general enough to be easily changed to suit the reader's needs. Materials listed in the tutorials are easy to source and inexpensive. In fact many of the clothing tutorials will be a super opportunity to re-purpose and upcycle found / thrifted clothing.
Each project tutorial includes a color picture showing embroidery placements and details. The tools and supplies are provided in a bullet list in a sidebar, followed by step by step instructions. Templates for all projects are provided in the back of the book. The author has included a picture gallery for inspiration as well as links and resources lists in the appendices.
I really fell in love with several of these pretty pieces. They are all very feminine and most are floral. Though the knit projects are simple, the author has not included a beginning knitting tutorial in the book. Readers who are beginners to knitting will probably need some outside help (or online how-to).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 23, 2021
stars for the projects; 3 stars due to missing items
A fantastic knitting and embroidery book full of projects ideal for clothing or items brought from an op shop, your own wardrobe, or a child’s or teenage wardrobe to recreate with embroidery. Also includes knitted patterns which as an experienced knitter the instructions for the patterns are also ideal for the beginner. As a beginner embroider I find that I will be able to learn to embroider from the instructions. So for me an ideal book for any knitter or embroidery level. I like that there’s a list of what’s required and photos of the embroidery tools and pictures and instructions embroidery techniques whereas there’s no pictures or instructions of the knitting techniques so a beginner is unable to understand how to knit. I’ve also noted in the knitting patterns there’s no UK or other sizing for the knitting needles. As an Australian this does confuse me and I know the sizes we use and this indicates that us Australians would need to recall or look up in another book the conversation of knitting needles
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zakka Workshop via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Wardrobe Embroidery knit and embroidery projects for upcycling clothes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.#NetGalley
Review run date 2021 for Netgalley, is posted on my WordPress blog, Facebook blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, along with the non-linked retail online stores that sell the book is at:
My WordPress blog link is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... I have 27 followers
My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95... I have 27 followers
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A fantastic knitting and embroidery book full of projects ideal for clothing or items brought from an op shop, your own wardrobe, or a child’s or teenage wardrobe to recreate with embroidery. Also includes knitted patterns which as an experienced knitter the instructions for the patterns are also ideal for the beginner. As a beginner embroider I find that I will be able to learn to embroider from the instructions. So for me an ideal book for any knitter or embroidery level. I like that there’s a list of what’s required and photos of the embroidery tools and pictures and instructions embroidery techniques whereas there’s no pictures or instructions of the knitting techniques so a beginner is unable to understand how to knit. I’ve also noted in the knitting patterns there’s no UK or other sizing for the knitting needles. As an Australian this does confuse me and I know the sizes we use and this indicates that us Australians would need to recall or look up in another book the conversation of knitting needles
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zakka Workshop via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Wardrobe Embroidery knit and embroidery projects for upcycling clothes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.#NetGalley
Review run date 2021 for Netgalley, is posted on my WordPress blog, Facebook blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, along with the non-linked retail online stores that sell the book is at:
My WordPress blog link is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... I have 27 followers
My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95... I have 27 followers
My Amazon link is: Sorry I do not have any followers, I have a reviewer ranking #10,871
October 17, 2021
I am so happy I picked up this book!
I received this book as an ARC and I couldn't be happier about it so thank you so very much.
Although I am originally a knitter, I always wanted to try embroidery but I was a little scared to pick it up. This book combines both embroidery on daily clothing items (jeans, dresses, t-shirts) and on knitting (pattern included) and makes for a very comprehensive beginner to expert guide to your own embroidered wardrobe. I am convinced everyone can find something they can learn in this book, even if you are a true beginner.
The author takes you by the hand throughout the whole experience while also leaving room for your creativity and giving you the tools to improvise and create on your own.
The pictures and drawings are very clear and easy to understand even for complete beginners (and you have an explanation for materials too!).
All the patterns are super cute and fairly quick and simple but there is room to make them your own (I did modify the jeans pattern quite a bit to fit my jeans and I couldn't be more happy with it), and you can start themp right away as most of them are done on items you probably already own.
The end pages with the inspiration photos are gorgeous and very well curated (and each one has a caption attached to it with very useful additionnal information), and the instagram account of the writer is just as beautiful.
I can only say this book is very well done and congratulations to the author : this may be one of the best craft books I have ever read!
I received this book as an ARC and I couldn't be happier about it so thank you so very much.
Although I am originally a knitter, I always wanted to try embroidery but I was a little scared to pick it up. This book combines both embroidery on daily clothing items (jeans, dresses, t-shirts) and on knitting (pattern included) and makes for a very comprehensive beginner to expert guide to your own embroidered wardrobe. I am convinced everyone can find something they can learn in this book, even if you are a true beginner.
The author takes you by the hand throughout the whole experience while also leaving room for your creativity and giving you the tools to improvise and create on your own.
The pictures and drawings are very clear and easy to understand even for complete beginners (and you have an explanation for materials too!).
All the patterns are super cute and fairly quick and simple but there is room to make them your own (I did modify the jeans pattern quite a bit to fit my jeans and I couldn't be more happy with it), and you can start themp right away as most of them are done on items you probably already own.
The end pages with the inspiration photos are gorgeous and very well curated (and each one has a caption attached to it with very useful additionnal information), and the instagram account of the writer is just as beautiful.
I can only say this book is very well done and congratulations to the author : this may be one of the best craft books I have ever read!
July 19, 2023
Embroidered clothes have made a big comeback. I had quite a few pieces back in the 1990’s [wonders what happened to them]. I have been admiring some beautiful, yet rather expensive, new clothes, online, all embroidered. If I can do something myself, I will try. I love crafting, including sewing, knitting and crochet so I was delighted to read ‘Wardrobe Embroidery: Knit & Embroidery Projects for Upcycling Clothes’. I haven’t really tried my hand at embroidery [properly] yet and am excited to update some of my clothes with embroidery. I also love knitting so I’m happy with this book overall.
I found it very easy to navigate my way through the book. The photographs are lovely too.
The author covers all tools and materials needed, embroidery techniques, how to transfer embroidery patterns onto garments and how to use an embroidery hoop, different stitches for wardrobe embroidery, upcycle and embroider, and knit and embroider sections. The motifs range from beginner-friendly to more advanced designs. Plus, there’s a pattern library, an inspiration gallery and a list of resources for those seeking more. There are some lovely projects. I couldn’t pick a favourite. I tried, but I like them all. The projects aren’t as easy as I’d hoped, but I am a beginner. I will have to purchase a few new tools and materials such as the correct needles and an embroidery hoop. I’m happy to do so. I’m also happy to recommend this book to anyone who would like to try embroidery and those who love knitting.
I found it very easy to navigate my way through the book. The photographs are lovely too.
The author covers all tools and materials needed, embroidery techniques, how to transfer embroidery patterns onto garments and how to use an embroidery hoop, different stitches for wardrobe embroidery, upcycle and embroider, and knit and embroider sections. The motifs range from beginner-friendly to more advanced designs. Plus, there’s a pattern library, an inspiration gallery and a list of resources for those seeking more. There are some lovely projects. I couldn’t pick a favourite. I tried, but I like them all. The projects aren’t as easy as I’d hoped, but I am a beginner. I will have to purchase a few new tools and materials such as the correct needles and an embroidery hoop. I’m happy to do so. I’m also happy to recommend this book to anyone who would like to try embroidery and those who love knitting.
November 20, 2021
Wardrobe Embroidery: Knit and Embroidery Projects for Upcycling Clothes by Warunee Bolstad. I was eager to read this book because I have been wanting to add embroidery to my clothing. The book goes over the basics of what you need to embroider (the items needed, types of needles, how to separate floss, hoops, etc.). We then get to see the various stitches with pictures. There are then projects to use on clothing with about half of them for knitted items (I can spruce up sweaters and blankets). I learned some great stitches that can be combined to make pretty scenes. There are templates to trace as well (have to get creative if reading an e-book). I liked the helpful information on how to embroider on clothing. I got some great inspiration from this book. This is a great book for a beginner (like me). It gave me an idea on how to cover up a stain my mother got on her new yellow cardigan (I see embroidered flowers in its future). I have been wanting to embroider on my jeans and this book gave me the skills to get it accomplished. I could have done with fewer knitting patterns though (and they were complex). I wanted the focus to be on embroidering clothes. I liked the pictures that accompany the instructions. They are helpful. Wardrobe Embroidery is a helpful book that provided me with good tips and inspiration.
August 22, 2021
I really liked this book about embroidery and upcycling your clothes. The patterns are lovely and I actually see myself making most of the patterns, they are not over the top or too fashionable for the average woman. The ideas are beautiful, and the main instructions are very clear and extensive. I have to say I didn’t like the editing of the pictures much, there was so much contrast the shadow side of a white blouse turns our pitch black. For me this made it harder to see how it looks like for real, though the pictures do look pretty and made me want to wear all of the pieces lol! Though the focus lies with embroidery on knit wear, other items like blouses and jeans and even a hat are also featured.
What I didn’t expect, though it is mentioned on the cover, is how much knitting is involved. I get that you can see what is embroidered on the knitting and copy that anyway, but the inclusion of knitting patterns felt a little bit weird for me, like the book couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a knitting or embroidery book, and I think the combination wasn’t entirely successful. Also the knitting patterns weren’t very size inclusive, my size was actually the biggest available.
All in all, the knitting patterns added very little, but the embroidery is beautiful and the projects are easy, for the embroidery alone I would definitely buy the book.
What I didn’t expect, though it is mentioned on the cover, is how much knitting is involved. I get that you can see what is embroidered on the knitting and copy that anyway, but the inclusion of knitting patterns felt a little bit weird for me, like the book couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a knitting or embroidery book, and I think the combination wasn’t entirely successful. Also the knitting patterns weren’t very size inclusive, my size was actually the biggest available.
All in all, the knitting patterns added very little, but the embroidery is beautiful and the projects are easy, for the embroidery alone I would definitely buy the book.
December 31, 2021
It is lovely to upcycle clothes that you have, so this book is divided into two main categories to do this: upcycle and knit.
The book explains the basic tools you require to start your project, how to transfer a pattern and stitches.
Upcycling is taking a shirt, t-shirt, or tote bag that you have or purchased in the charity shop and adding one of the patterns in the book, be that simple little hearts, meadow flowers, It covers ideas for jeans, black dresses.
The second part of the book, knit, gives you patterns to knit them embroider your own clothes, The projects range from XS to XL, include yarns required, needles, and the steps needed to make the cardigan or jumper. In the knit section, if you can't knit or have a jumper already, then the embroidery could just be added to a jumper or cardigan you have to make it unique.
At the rear of the book are all the patterns that are used in the projects, alongside an inspiration gallery.
This book has certainly fired up my imagination for a few of the jumpers and cardigans that I have. My daughter did buy a plain pencil case a few years ago and added her own embroidery to it, which her friends at school all liked.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
The book explains the basic tools you require to start your project, how to transfer a pattern and stitches.
Upcycling is taking a shirt, t-shirt, or tote bag that you have or purchased in the charity shop and adding one of the patterns in the book, be that simple little hearts, meadow flowers, It covers ideas for jeans, black dresses.
The second part of the book, knit, gives you patterns to knit them embroider your own clothes, The projects range from XS to XL, include yarns required, needles, and the steps needed to make the cardigan or jumper. In the knit section, if you can't knit or have a jumper already, then the embroidery could just be added to a jumper or cardigan you have to make it unique.
At the rear of the book are all the patterns that are used in the projects, alongside an inspiration gallery.
This book has certainly fired up my imagination for a few of the jumpers and cardigans that I have. My daughter did buy a plain pencil case a few years ago and added her own embroidery to it, which her friends at school all liked.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
November 15, 2021
Wardrobe Embroidery by Warunee Bolstad
Knit and Embroidery Projects for Upcycling Clothing
I have photographs of pants my mother embroidered for me when I was in college and have fond memories of her working on them and on other projects. I also took an embroidery class in college and now consider some of the clothing in my closet that might be upcycled with a bit of embroidery. That is why this book caught my eye.
What I liked:
* The photographs were gorgeous
* The tools required are easy to find
* The directions are easy to understand and follow
* There is variety with both cloth and knitwear mentioned to embroider on
* Patterns are provided to trace
* How to transfer patters is discussed
* The author has given a bit of her personal story within the book
* There were a variety of projects to choose from
* I have a few new ideas to try in the future
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Zakka Workshop for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Knit and Embroidery Projects for Upcycling Clothing
I have photographs of pants my mother embroidered for me when I was in college and have fond memories of her working on them and on other projects. I also took an embroidery class in college and now consider some of the clothing in my closet that might be upcycled with a bit of embroidery. That is why this book caught my eye.
What I liked:
* The photographs were gorgeous
* The tools required are easy to find
* The directions are easy to understand and follow
* There is variety with both cloth and knitwear mentioned to embroider on
* Patterns are provided to trace
* How to transfer patters is discussed
* The author has given a bit of her personal story within the book
* There were a variety of projects to choose from
* I have a few new ideas to try in the future
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Zakka Workshop for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
October 8, 2021
This is a fantastic book for anyone who wants to get into embroidery, specifically on existing wardrobe pieces!
Warunee provides a great introduction to the minimal supplies needed and excellent directions with step-by-step photography for the embroidery stitches you might need to know. And then there's several wonderful examples of upcycling projects to try at home or simply be inspired by to kick off your own creative endeavors with embroidery.
Additionally, there's some knitting patterns in the back which might not be useful to readers who aren't already familiar with knitting and reading knitting patterns. However, those will still provide inspiration for upcycling thrifted and read-to-wear sweaters as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning embroidery and I can't wait to try some of the provided patterns myself!
An ARC was provided by Net Galley.
Warunee provides a great introduction to the minimal supplies needed and excellent directions with step-by-step photography for the embroidery stitches you might need to know. And then there's several wonderful examples of upcycling projects to try at home or simply be inspired by to kick off your own creative endeavors with embroidery.
Additionally, there's some knitting patterns in the back which might not be useful to readers who aren't already familiar with knitting and reading knitting patterns. However, those will still provide inspiration for upcycling thrifted and read-to-wear sweaters as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning embroidery and I can't wait to try some of the provided patterns myself!
An ARC was provided by Net Galley.
October 5, 2023
Lovely little (only 140 some pages) book showing embroidery designs on clothing. There's a short section on tools, materials, stitches, and techniques and then off you go! Directions are clear as are the photographs. The motifs are almost all floral, so if that's not your aesthetic, this book might bore you. It would be great to have examples of other styles à la Stitchcraft, Twisted Stitches, or Edgy Embroidery, but those are definitely on the opposite end of the spectrum from floral, or touching on the mindful mending trend like Modern Mending. Towards the back there are knitting patterns to make garments that you can then embroider—or not! There isn't much about upcycling clothes here, though. A before and after of several garments would have been inspiring.
October 18, 2021
Disclosure: I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher.
While there were some nice designs shown in this publication, I was hoping for something off the beaten path. This book has several very nice patterns, and lovely ideas... if your goal is to embroider flowers on already-nice clothing. The flowers are in lovely patterns, but I was hoping for more of a focus on upcycling - how to use embroidery to patch or hide stains, for example, or patterns that aren't floral.
This joins the shelf of art project books that illustrate a specific application of a technique, and some of the patterns are quite lovely, but the scope of the book is quite limited in that sense.
While there were some nice designs shown in this publication, I was hoping for something off the beaten path. This book has several very nice patterns, and lovely ideas... if your goal is to embroider flowers on already-nice clothing. The flowers are in lovely patterns, but I was hoping for more of a focus on upcycling - how to use embroidery to patch or hide stains, for example, or patterns that aren't floral.
This joins the shelf of art project books that illustrate a specific application of a technique, and some of the patterns are quite lovely, but the scope of the book is quite limited in that sense.
May 23, 2022
Good instructions on embroidery stitches. Then some projects with tools and materials and detailed instructions for how to complete them, like embroidering a t-shirt, dress, jeans, or bag. Even includes knitting patterns to make items like a cardigan, sweater, headband, and neckwarmer, then how to add embroidery to those, as well. There are patterns at the back of the book so you can copy those onto your fabric, too. I don't embroider currently, but I'm thinking a pair of my jeans would look really nice with some of the embroidery patterns from this book so I will be trying it out.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2021
This is my new thing and I’ve been so inspired by the ideas in this book. My daughter and I love thrift store shopping and I love embroidery and this is the perfect creative idea to combine the two.
The full color illustrations and step-by-step instructions are clear, concise and easy to follow. The book also includes tips on choosing the right supplies and instructions on how to transfer patterns. From start to finish, this was a great book and I’ve added many items to my idea book.
RECOMMEND
Thank you #NetGalley form the complimentary copy of #WardrobeEmbroidery in exchange for an honest review.
The full color illustrations and step-by-step instructions are clear, concise and easy to follow. The book also includes tips on choosing the right supplies and instructions on how to transfer patterns. From start to finish, this was a great book and I’ve added many items to my idea book.
RECOMMEND
Thank you #NetGalley form the complimentary copy of #WardrobeEmbroidery in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2021
This book provides ideas for decorating clothes with embroidery. It also includes several interesting knitting patterns that can also be embellished with embroidery. The final section of the book features a gallery of garments that are very inspiring.
I particularly liked the final gallery of garments and some of the knitting patterns were interesting. But the instructions were basic and in my review copy they weren't complete. I would have liked to have seen more photos for each project but overall this is a nice inspiring book.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I particularly liked the final gallery of garments and some of the knitting patterns were interesting. But the instructions were basic and in my review copy they weren't complete. I would have liked to have seen more photos for each project but overall this is a nice inspiring book.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
September 29, 2021
I was not expecting this book. I was expecting the usual embroidery book. But this book was both a knitting and an embroidery book. It talked about styles and materials. It talked about how to use embroidery to upcycle old or used clothes. And then it went into full knitting patterns and embroidery. Being that the author talked about how she came to embroidery by way of knitting, I should have expected it, and I didn’t. It makes this a truly unique book that will check out lots in libraries.
December 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The designs are beautiful yet simple. There is a lot of great information on embroidery, from supplies to how to choose recycled clothing. I thought Wardrobe Embroidery would have been just that. This book has instructions for knitters. There are several beautiful sweaters that can be made. Then there is directions for beautiful embroidery on the sweater when it's complete. The photographs were beautiful. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank the author, Zakka Workshop and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank the author, Zakka Workshop and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2022
This is a very good value book. Loads of ideas for up cycling and refreshing clothes you already have or anything you might pick up from thrift stores. Designs and instructions for working them along with details of equipment needed. As well as this, several simple but effective knitting patterns with further ideas for embellishing them to make them totally unique. The author encourages you to use her designs as your springboard and be creative. This is my voluntary review of a free copy of the book.
November 17, 2022
Wardrobe embroidery is absolutely fantastic for any embroidery lover. The pictures are absolutely fantastic and so inspiring. I love how you can take something beloved and well worn and breathe new life into it with lovely stitching. Regardless if this is a repair or simply a way to make something more beautiful and unique. This book has it all with sone practice you too can create 100% a completely new look and have something that is tailored to your own tastes and style. I just love it and think it would be an excellent gift for any person interested in embroidery.
September 2, 2021
I was just expecting this book to cover embroidery so I was surprised to see a fair amount of knitting included.
This was an interesting book with all templates and patterns included, but I feel it was definitely aimed at beginners as far as the embroidery was concerned, and for this it was excellent with easy to follow instructions and useful tips.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.
This was an interesting book with all templates and patterns included, but I feel it was definitely aimed at beginners as far as the embroidery was concerned, and for this it was excellent with easy to follow instructions and useful tips.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.
November 5, 2021
The explanations for the embroidery were simple but understandable, with pictures to explain the different stitches. For a total beginner I fear more explanations would be needed for some stitches. And the last part of the book is about knitting and embroidering, big accent on knitting. I wasn't aware the knitting part would be so important, and the explanations weren't sufficient for me sadly.
I did really liked all the pictures of the projects and more for inspirations.
I did really liked all the pictures of the projects and more for inspirations.
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