Knitty.com
Ive been a fan of Sue for a while. Her work is witty, clever and charmingly detailed. Although similar to the ever-popular Amigurumi, Sue distinguishes herself by creating designs that lean towards realistic, while still being utterly adorable.
Customer review
I am a fan of Sue Stratford's patterns, having previously knitted a lot of her projects in the "Mini Knitted Christmas" book. The birds featured in this "Knitted Aviary" book do not disappoint. As a keen birder, I want to knit them all! If you have previously bought Sue's "A Bird in the Hand" book, those patterns are included here too, plus new ones. This book is divided into seven project sections: 3 birds in each of the following categories: Garden, Countryside, Coastal, Exotic, Hedgerow, Town and Highland. A final section details nine display ideas using different craft techniques. The book lists techniques you will need clearly and in full colour images. Techniques include (amongst others) intarsia, Fair Isle, 3-needle cast off and embroidery stitches. All patterns are knitted on straight needles and use tapestry wool and 3mm needles. I've found that standard DK yarn works very well, although you may find your bird is slightly larger than stated (I personally didn't want to purchase lots of new yarn when I have lots already!!) Materials are listed for US, as well as UK knitters. The knitting patterns themselves are well written and easy to follow, with helpful colour coded graphs to show which colours you are currently working on. (I personally prefer numbered rows, but that's just me!) I personally think absolute beginners would find these patterns a challenge, but why not have a go and learn a new skill as you go, as Sue herself suggests! I've always found YouTube a brilliant source of knitting help too! As a knitting designer myself I love reading other knitters' patterns! I can't wait to get started on the pheasant... a Christmas treat project to myself!!
Customer review
The colourful picture on the front of this book is a true representation of what you can expect to find in the book. The knitted birds are very detailed and much thought has been given to the colours used to knit them. I particularly like the kingfisher and pigeon - who has a lovely lilac and green neck, just like a real one.
Customer review
This is a lovely book, easy to follow patterns that make perfect birds. Simple and quick to make. Some of the abbreviations were different to what I'm used to but they are explained in detail at the front of the book. I would highly recommend this book.
Customer review
This is a lovely colourful book which includes some unusual birds which i haven't seen in other patterns. Each bird is photographed from multiple angles. So far i have only knitted the flamingo. The instructions were clear and easy to follow but not for a beginner as there is a lot of shaping. Although I am a reasonably experienced knitted i had to remind myself of some terms such as w&t (wrap and turn) and cdd (centred double decrease). Clear instructions with photographs are included for w&t, I cords, intarsia, Fair Isle, and 3 needle cast off which was really helpful and meant I didn't need to turn to YouTube. Although the pattern uses safety eyes I sewed eyes on with wool which also looks good and means my young children can play with it. It is a nice touch that this book includes lots of display ideas. There is a hanging nest I would love to knit. Given you get 21 bird patterns plus display ideas this book is really good value.
Customer review
This is a super little book especially the beautiful accessories to show off the birds which look very lifelike. The patterns are quite detailed and easy to understand I will be recommending it to my knitting friends
Crafts Beautiful
These pretty birds look so realistic, it's hard to believe they're knitted from yarn!
