Doodle Stitching book by Aimee Ray
I've long been a fan of Aimee Ray and the gorgeous things she makes with felt. Aimee is also a prolific writer of embroidery books - the latest to be released is Doodle Stitching One Hour Embroidery, due to be published here in the UK on 31/7/21. Using the same freestyle approach to embroidery as in Aimee's other doodle stitching books, this book is all about fast and fun embroidery, with all the projects taking no more than an hour. 
 
With this clever book you can mix and match over 135 different motifs with 18 different projects to create your own original embroidery design. It's perfect for beginners of any age as it covers basic embroidery techniques and stitches really well.  I love that there's such a variety of projects to try - from embroidering on clothes, to balsa wood brooches and and a stitched leaf garland. So much inspiration!
I'm really happy to be involved in the blog tour for Aimee's latest book. She's kindly shared with us this cute project from the book to make a felt needle minder. Have a go if you have a spare hour and read on to find out how you can win a free e-copy of this book.

Spool of Thread Needle Minder

A magnetic needle minder is so handy to have around while stitching. Attach it to your fabric and it will keep your needles and pins safe while you’re not using them.
Materials
  • Blue felt: 2” x 4” (5.1 cm x 10.2 cm)
  • Tissue paper
  • round magnet
  • DMC embroidery threads: purple 3836, light purple 3743, dark purple 3834
  • Spool of thread embroidery pattern and circle template (link here)
Stitches
  • Back Stitch, Running Stitch
Instructions
  1. Trace the circle template onto the felt piece twice. One will be the front and one will be the back.
  2. To embroider patterns on felt, first trace the embroidery design onto tissue paper. Embroider the design according to the stitch guide, through tissue and felt together, using 3 threads of thread. Gently remove the tissue when you’re done stitching.
  3. Cut out each circle and line them up back to back. Begin stitching a running stitch around the edge, 3 mm (1/8 “) from the edge, sewing the two pieces together. When you are half way around the circle, slip one of the magnets in between the felt layers and sew the piece closed. Tie a knot in the seam and pull it through to the inside.
  4. Place the needle minder on top of your next sewing or embroidery project and place the other magnet behind the fabric to hold it in place.

Blog tour and giveaway time!

Follow along with the book blog tour at the destinations below. Each day a winner will randomly be chosen from each of the posts to receive a free e-copy of Doodle Stitching One Hour Embroidery, sent directly by the publisher.
To be in with a chance, leave a comment below before 4th July 2021 and then check out the rest of the blog tour for additional chances to win.  Good luck!
June 30, 2021 — cloudcraftshop Admin

Comments

Carole said:

Find Aimee’s books very inspiring and looking forward to trying motifs from the new book. Thank you for the needle minder project!

Mara Coimbra said:

Oh, this book looks really cute! I never embroidered a doodle before, it will be so nice to try! Thanks for the goveaway! :))

Ange Hollins said:

This needle holder project is ideal for me. I’m always looking for my needle. This project is quick enough for me to want to make it but more importantly it looks good so I would use it.

Tracy Radcliffe said:

I love Aimee Ray’s designs and have her previous Doodle Stitching book which I love. I would love to have a copy of hee new book 😊

Josephine Murrray said:

I love the embroidery on the shirt. What a great way to transform, and personalise a garment! You could buy clothes from charity shops and turn them into customised, wearable works of art.

Josephine Murrray said:

I love the embroidery on the shirt. What a great way to transform, and personalise a garment! You could buy clothes from charity shops and turn them into customised, wearable works of art.

Claire Osborne said:

What beautiful ideas! I love the needle minder. I am feeling inspired just looking at the cover of the book. Bring on the rainy weekend weather!

Abi said:

Oooh I love her books, I did a beautiful tree design from her original book so looking forward to some quicker stitches with this- it looks great

Robin K said:

I enjoyed exploring your website and drolled over somethings I wanted to buy but the overseas shipping compared to what I wanted didn’t balance the shipping, maybe another time.
I want to thank you for sharing the spool needle holder. I should have said that first. So many lovely things to embroider with the designs in the Doodle Book. Which I would love to get. Thanks again for sharing an item to make.

Christi said:

This book looks like so much fun. I can’t wait to give it a try.

Heather R Morgan said:

I cant wait to try stitching up a leaf Garland, on leaves

Elaine in North Texas said:

This sure is a neat book and I would love to have it.

Ca said:

Hedgehog pincushion – squee!!

Christy said:

I love this idea and how the embroidery helps keep the needle safe. Cute and smart! Thanks for idea and the chance to win!

Sharon M Aurora said:

This book would be fun. Thank you for the needle minder instructions. I have been wanting to make one.

lee said:

The needleminder is sweet!

Rebecca Woodward said:

I love Aimee Ray’s books – would love to win this one!

Elizabeth Johnson said:

I love her work! Would love ❤️ to win a book!

C.J. said:

Nice! I think I would need to add a chain or ribbon to wear it around my neck though , to prevent it from getting lost in the mess I inevitably make ;)

Valerie said:

Love the tiny flower peeking out of the shirt pocket!

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