Felt Up

Although the craft of felting has become very popular, those felt squares that you see in craft stores seem to have a taint of elementary school craft project about them. But in Fabulous Felt: Over 30 Exquisite Ideas for Sophisticated Home Decor and Stunning Accessoriesauthor Sophie Bester manages to take out felt out of classroom territory to make several unique and creative accessories.

Originally published in French, project directions are written using both standard and metric measurements and consist of supplies easily found in craft or fabric stores. The book's introduction explains the difference between synthetic felt (usually craft squares)and wool felt (usually found on a bolt and sold by the yard) and when you should use each kind. Bester also explains how to transfer the designs found in the book, illustrates some basic embroidery stitches and shows the many ways felt can be decorated using items like fabric paint, colored chalk, glitter, etc.

The rest of the book is then divided up into themes with matching projects. Into the Woods consists of pieces with a folk-art feel and inspired by nature, including a decorative three-dimensional cuckoo clock and an Iris-decorated throw blanket. Shades of white with a holiday theme make up the book's Back to Nature section which has patterns for an elegant wreath made from a lampshade ring, felt, feathers, beads and ribbon as well as a Christmas stocking and several ornaments. Bester's Pastel Palette chapter mainly contains children's projects, including a flower cushion and a small round toy box decorated by detailing white felt shapes with colored chalk pastels. The Over the Rainbow section consists of a mixture of projects, all made with brightly colored felt. Bester's Saharan Treasures chapter has some of the book's more interesting ideas, all of which are built around an exotic Moroccan theme where tassels, seed beads and jewel-toned colors are used in abundance. A floor cushion, tea glass holders, decorated slippers and jeweled candle holders are some of the patterns available.

This book has many unique and interesting projects I haven't seen anywhere else as well as new ideas in the different ways felt can be used. Everyone should be able to find at least a few projects that they will like.

Difficulty Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. A sewing machine will need to be used in several of these projects. Users should also know basic hand-sewing techniques and basic decorative embroidery stitches.