Connecting with Nature

Lets begin with the look. It is a soft back, with around 126 pages. There is a helpful stitch diagram located near the back page. The books style is designed to inspire, not direct. It has the vibe of many books currently on offer - to create a sense of calm. I feel that this is achieved through the authors attention to the seasons. We are encourage not just to create, but to create inspired by the colours of nature, the natural hues.

What amazed me about the content, was the pure variety of techniques explored and explained. From natural dyeing, to embroidery to collecting, pressing and drying natures bounty, to printmaking…..I felt a little dizzy!

Highlights?

I liked the unusual ideas for projects, such as an artists brush wrap (page 112) garland (page 113) tweed and embroidery (page 61) dressing twigs and sticks (yes really, evidenced page 58)

Is it for a certain audience?

There are projects which require no stitching, for example we can all press flowers and items we find on walks. It could even be an activity we do with our children. So it is not a case of this being only for experienced in embroidery.

The only niche in the audience it may gather is down to subject matter. You may have a few on the same subject of bringing nature to the table in our textile art, or you might like something a bit more glitzy. But nothing can be said about the author or the book itself, it is simply down to us inside, our notions and likes.

* Ailish Henderson *

Using inspiration from nature, create and craft all year around. Boost your creativity, develop mindfulness through making and produce your own unique textile treasures using wild and natural materials. 

* Machine Knitting Month