Embroidering Animals with Color and Texture: 25 Cute Critters with Pop-Up Details and Stumpwork

Embroidery instructor Long (Animal Embroidery Workbook) brings a playful approach to the craft in this whimsical collection of projects. In an overview of materials, Long recommends simple quilting cotton and beachwood embroidery hoops for the proper tension they allow. The projects also require wire, needle-nose pliers for shaping, and beads to add “some extra color, sparkle, and variety.” Technique how-tos include tips for transferring images to fabric (using the light from a bright window makes tracing easier) and anchoring one’s first stitch with a knot. Long walks readers through a slew of charming projects, many of which include stump work, or “techniques that create a 3D element, such as raised stitches, felt bases and wire slips.” A “folksy” bluebird uses only basic stitches, while the “Bumblebee Bouquet” offers a chance to try a variety of stitch types and textures, and the eye-catching “Magic Snail” is perfect for more confident crafters. For each pattern, Long explains what stitches to use, offers helpful tips and tricks (practice harder stitches on scrap fabric, for example), and provides a numbered color key so embroiderers can find the exact shade of floss. Animal-loving crafters of all experience levels will find something here that appeals. (June)