Scandinavian Stitches: 21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair

Firstly, this is a lovely book to look through -- filled with sweet illustrations and gorgeous photographs of the projects in use, in addition to the clear diagrams and instructions for making them. Each page is colourful and inviting, and clearly the book has been very thoughtfully and lovingly put together. The book is broken into five sections: the four seasons, and a special section just for Christmas. This works really well.The projects themselves are also a joy. Some artists find one thing they are good at and never venture any further, but Kajsa has a whole range of skills up her sleeve. You'll find quilting, applique, and all the little stuffed friends you could hope for. Though probably most famous for her wonderful multi-coloured birds, Kajsa also proves she can design great houses, angels, fish, and those special little tomte (Christmas elves) who are lined up by my sewing machine right now. Her take on a baby quilt was beautiful and unusual... no chicks or bunnies here, but a little fox that would be the pride of any nursery. There are definitely things for a beginning sewer to make, such as the stuffed houses and birds, but her quilted baskets would definitely inspire a more experienced sewer, too.Really, a pleasure to read. Twenty-one projects, and I plan to make them all.

I ordered this sight-unseen after seeing only the cover.And, it's WONDERFUL!There are loads of SEWING projects here; all of them could be adapted for your particular skill level. Wikman serves up a nice range of projects, ranging from ornaments that could be completed in less than an hour to more complicated wall hangings and quilts. There are goodies offered for each season of the year, plus a special section for the yuletide.There is so much I want to make out of this book. Wikman's designs could easily be adapted into almost anything you can imagine. Example - the angel ornament on the cover could be modified for any season or occasion.Bonus - the adorable fox pattern featured on the baby quilt is worth the price of admission alone.Well, gotta go work on that fish pillow!These things don't sew themselves . . . unfortunately.

Scandinavian Stitches, by Kajsa Wikman, is a charming book filled with original designs, especially a "Ruska Quilt" (wall-hanging size quilt) and a quilted bowl. The book contains 20 projects, complete with patterns and instructions, all grouped by seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Yule). Projects include quilting, embroidery, and raw-edge applique. Very enjoyable!

I haven't been able to make anything with this book yet, but the projects are adorable and seem moderately easy. The directions are straight forward and the pictures are good for visual instruction. I got this book used and it's in perfect condition for a used item.

I purchased this book as a beginning sewer and crafter. This book has a variety of projects at different skill levels and includes directions, pictures, and patterns. I have already created several projects that are fun to do and not time consuming. The pictures are bright and cheerful, and I feel the basic designs leave room for expansion and imagination. As a crafter with Scandinavian heritage, I thought this aspect of the book left some to be desired. Other than that, it has been a great book to help me practice my sewing skills.

This book is a favorite of mine. The projects are fairly simple and have a great look. How fun to draw, paint and express yourself with fabric and stitching. What a great idea to use artwork with her daughter as her design. (13 Birds Mini Art Quilt) Inspires me to use some drawings from my children's younger years to make wall hangings to hang by their photo the age they were when they drew it. My grandmother was Swedish so some of the images remind me of her and many items she had in her home. I hope Kajsa Wikman puts out another book to enjoy.

I really love this book. I think that the author's designs are fresh and fun and have a real folk-art flair. It is also fun to follow her blog. The designs are simple but they are appealing and I also love the seasonal aspect to many of her designs. Having lived in Europe and traveled extensively, it's fun to see the Scandinavian design point of view applied to patchwork and quilting. A great book for quilters of all levels and experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and turn to it often for fun inspiration and ideas.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO LOVE SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND INSPIRING THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU ! THE DESIGN'S AARE VERY CUTE AND EASY DIRECTIONS, THE PHOTOS ARE GREAT TO LOOK AT TO GET INSPIRATION TO PUT YOUR OWN TWIST ON A PARTICULAR ITEM. SOME OF THE REVIEWS WERE NOT GOOD, BUT THAT DIDN'T SWAY ME, IF YOU LISTEN TO THEM YOU MAY MISS A GREAT ITEM AND LOSE OUT ON SOME VERY CREATIVE FUN IN THOSE EVENING WHEN THE SUN IS NOT OUT AND THE FIREPLACE IS ON. SO TRY IT OUT AND HAVE A LITTLE WHIMSICAL FUN.

There is 'naive art' and there's 'looks like a child made it. Sadly, this book is more of the latter.A couple of projects inspired me a little but I've seen them done better in other books.Even the templates aren't a huge bonus as anyone with the drawing skills of a 4 year old could do better.The birds, which she admits are drawn by her daughter - I'm sure I'd be thrilled with those if she were my daughter but she's not so instead they just look kind of ugly & of no practical use as templates.

I met the writer of this book in her tiny sewing studio in an art center in a small town in Finland, and she was very friendly and agreed to show me how to use the darning foot and some little tips. I had never tried this kind of creative work with the sewing machine before and she was great inspiration to me! So it was a great pleasure to find some of her brilliant designs in this book. The designs are quite simple and somewhat childish but that's what makes them very beautiful, unique but achievable as well. Definitely recommended to especially beginner stitchers.

I have lots of craft books and this has to be one of my favourites, it is a joy to read and full of inspiration. There are instructions for everything and once you have the hang of it, you can adapt the style to suit your own designs.

Fab little book which gave me some good ideas. I get stuck for ideas sometimes this helped. It's not for anyone who has their own good ideas as it is just a lot of pictures and examples. I'm happy with it.

rather amateurish. disappointing in the projects section. moved it on.