Yes. Yes I do. I judge books by the cover. Literally. When I was invited to review PRETTY BIRDS and join the blog tour, I clicked the link to see the book. Look at it!
How could I say no? I wanted to take a peek inside the minute I saw the cover. PRETTY BIRDS by Virginia Lindsay of Gingercake blog did not disappoint.
I received my book in the mail and promptly set out to try one of the projects. This grand little peacock went together easily. The pattern templates were accurate and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. Some knowledge of softie sewing is helpful but not mandatory.
As stated in the introduction to the books: The projects in this book range from quick and easy to moderately challenging but all are created to be fun and satisfying. From cute and trendy to classic and elegant, the 18 projects in this book should satisfy every crafty mood you are feeling. If you are an avid bird lover or simply someone looking to make some sweet sewing projects, this is the sewing book for you. True. True. And true.
I like projects that have room to add your own stamp and style. As you can see, my peacock doesn't look exactly like the one in the book. I opted for a different hair style, some wire legs and feet, and I used some embellishments I had in my stash of good things. It was certainly a treat to have a well thought out pattern to follow to create this indie fellow.
Up next for me will be the seagull. I love the sea and sea birds. The seagull's antics never disappoint. It would be fun to have a little gull sitting on my desk reminding me of the sound of the beach and the feel of sand between my toes. Can't wait to give it a try.
PRETTY BIRDS should be on the shelves of your favorite book store March 2015.
This is the first stop in the PRETTY BIRDS blog tour. Other tour stops and dates are listed below:
PRETTY BIRDS
By Virginia Lindsay
Blog Tour Schedule
2/25 You Go Girl!
2/26 Erica B. DIY Style
2/27 CraftSanity
2/28 Recycled Crafts
3/1 Sew Mama Sew
3/2 Lorelei’s Blog
3/3 FaveCrafts
3/4 S is for Sewing
3/5 Lori Greenberg
3/10 Sweet KM
3/11 Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts
3/12 Buzzmills
3/13 Girl Like the Sea
3/15 Cut Out + Keep
ENJOY!!!
This is totally adorable. THanks so much for being part of the tour. I love how you changed him up and thanks so much for your nice words about the book. I signed up to get emails from your blog! Very cute over here!
Posted by: Gingercake | February 25, 2015 at 11:21 AM
I hate these exploitative blog hop book reviews. They are never bad for one. If you get paid for them, then they are not objective - you get paid to tell us they are good, if you don't get paid, then why not? Why should the book be marketed and only positively, for free. It is certainly exploitative of the reader. That is at least how I feel. It makes it worse somehow seeing all the names yet lined up to tell us how great this book is. Tell me about a book not at all to your taste and how the instructions weren't clear (for you - it's subjective), then I might not think it's a cheap conspiracy theory. That is the kind of review that is helpful.
I am not saying you didn't like the book personally, I'm sure you did and it actually looks nice but I am saying no one EVER says they don't or points out any faults. That is not how life works as we don't all like the same things. I once read a blog post where a reviewer was told only to review a book if she liked it. Otherwise to say nothing.
Posted by: Sharon | February 25, 2015 at 01:41 PM
Sharon, I am so sorry you feel this way. For the record, I was not paid a dime for this review, nor was I told what to say. I was contacted by the publisher and asked to give a review if they sent me a copy. I agreed. If I had thought the book less than worthy upon receipt, I would not feature it on my blog. I was not bound to do so. You will also note that I took the time to make a project in the book so that I could give my honest opinion. I understand your skepticism but think it is harsh and cynical to assume that all positive book reviews have been bought. I am pleased to support a fellow artist/crafter by promoting their good work.
Posted by: Cassie @ You Go Girl | February 25, 2015 at 04:50 PM
Well ... I was going to say how cute that book looks -- and your little bird is adorable. Wait. I WILL say it! That little bird has your signature style -- adorable.
And then I saw Sharon's comment. Very interesting. For me (and probably for you?) I can usually tell if I'll like the book before I sign up to do the tour. Sadly, I said no to a publisher once about one book (after doing a few) and I've never been asked again (by that publisher). It's not about getting paid (because I don't) but it's nice to get a copy of the book to use!
Anyway -- whatever gets us a post from our Favorite GO GIRL is ok by me!!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | February 26, 2015 at 11:38 AM
I Love your Peacock!
The colors/patterns, hair, feet and
oh, those beady eyes!
Posted by: Annette Hindes | February 26, 2015 at 08:02 PM
I love how your peacock came out. I do enjoy making birds and this book looks like a lot of fun with the different types of birds. I also have a sea themed bathroom, the seagull would be fun for that.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie St.Germain | March 01, 2015 at 09:17 PM
Love my bird friends, both real and stitched, felted, and embroidered by me and friends. Is there a cardinal? Gotta have this one!
Posted by: Shirley | March 02, 2015 at 09:55 AM
Your peacock is adorable! I would love to try to make one.
Posted by: Lisa P | March 03, 2015 at 12:09 PM
Hello, I love your crochet, it is beauty, I love this colors, I follow your blog, I have a blog about crochet with free patterns and free crochet diagrams, visit me , hugs from Brazil.
Visite meu blog - Tita Carré - Crochet
Posted by: Tita Carré | April 03, 2015 at 12:33 AM