They are a series - I think there are around 100 or so - of pocket sized guides that were published in this country between 1937 and 2003. They were aimed at children and covered topics such as hobbies, art, history and wildlife. Whilst some are rare and valuable most, like mine, aren't and you can find them both online and in second hand bookshops for just a few pounds.  

It was when I found my old books that an idea popped into my head - why not embellish the plain covers (originally they would have had paper dust jackets that have long since been lost) with embroidery relevant to the subject of the guide?  To begin with I chose two titles... Pond Life (below) and British Wild Animals....

Rather than embroider directly through the rather thick and stiff card of the cover I decided to stitch my design on fairly closely woven cotton (it's actually an offcut from the printed panels for my Wheel of the Year design - you can see the design showing through from the reverse).  Then with the help of a little Modge Podge to seal the stitching I cut out and glued my design to the cover, adding some extra elements in the form of watercolour bulrushes....

And here is the finished book.  I was very pleased with how it all worked out and how securely the ducks are adhered to the book cover - I would certainly never have been able to stitch them directly to the cardboard.  I'm always looking for new ways to use embroidery and think these little books would make lovely gifts - if you can bear to part with them that is!  I'm now working on the British Wild Animals design...

Featuring a pair of badgers.  Both designs will be included in the June Bustle & Sew Magazine, with full details of how to create the book cover.  Any extra elements, such as the watercolour bulrushes will also be included ready to print, cut and stick.  I hope you like them!

Until next time, very best wishes from us all!

Helen x

The Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy  There is also a digital option if you're confident with drawing and dividing your own circle and transferring the motifs.the so many birds

Aflowers and other motifs I would have loved to have stitched but simply didn’t have space for!

Anyway, the Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy and delivery times have returned to normal after the Christmas holidays.  There’s also an option for a fully digital pattern if you’re confident drawing your own circles and transferring the motifs.) the edges of each panel as I always think finishing the edges to avoid fraying is one of the less exciting parts of beginning a new project.  The panels are printed on a nice quality pure cotton fabric that is a pleasure to work with.  I loved stitching my own wheel (you can see it in pride of place on my shelf in the first image), and really didn’t want to finish it.  I shall have to think of another project that takes us through the year in the same way – there are so many birds, flowers and other motifs I would have loved to have stitched but simply didn’t have space for!

Anyway, the Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy and delivery times have returned to normal after the Christmas holidays.  There’s also an option for a fully digital pattern if you’re confident drawing your own circles and transferring the motifs.