Publishers Weekly, January 2023
This cozy outing by Nikipirowicz (Crocheted Wreaths for the Home), a design consultant for Rowan Yarns, shows how to make pieces that combine crochet and embroidery. The 10 projects largely follow the same three-step process: crafters crochet and block a base, iron reusable design patterns onto the base, and then embroider the transferred images. The author provides an overview of necessary equipment and instructions on how to crochet and embroider, making this accessible for readers who only have background in one or the other. Projects include pillows, pennants, a basket, and a small tapestry, ranging in difficulty from small coasters with radishes and parsnips embroidered onto them to the more time-intensive blanket, adorned with a goldfinch, sparrow, and other birds. Nature lovers will delight at the cheerful plants and animals that feature prominently in the designs, such as the bluebells, buttercups, and forget-me-nots on the “wildflower wall hanging,” and the foxes and mushrooms on the “woodland pennant garland.” Additionally, the ample photos make it a breeze to get the hang of the needlework. Crocheters looking to change things up will take to these cute pieces. (Mar.)
Booklist, March 2023
Which came first: the crochet or the embroidery? In this case, embroidery trumps its companion, since every one of the 10 projects is defined by the stitches on its top. Prolific blogger and author Nikipirowicz (Crocheted Wreaths for the Home, 2020) has created nature-inspired home and hearth objects that fit into any décor, from a wildflower wall hanging and mushroom bunting to vegetable coasters and a birds and trees blanket. While the background for each pattern is a beginner’s joy of single crochet all the way (double crochet to those in the UK), the stitching on top takes fanciful needlework to portray—fairly realistically—items like roses and mushrooms. Straightforward directions include excellent color photographs, and it's an unusual treat that Nikipirowicz includes both the yarns she used and generic options, which will be important for U.S. stitchers who can't access brands only available abroad. Upfront sections on blocking projects, 11 embroidery stitches, and finishing are comprehensive and easy to follow. The only missing ingredient? Design templates are a bit tiny and not easy to duplicate.
