Sue Stratford’s Knitted Aviary

This delightful book from best-selling author and knitting designer Sue Stratford provides patterns for 21 charming birds for you to knit. Featuring beautifully clear colourwork charts that make patterns super-easy to follow, you'll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create your own flock of characterful knitted birds. Whether you choose a seagull, puffin, flamingo, bullfinch or parakeet, your bird will take on a personality all of its own and no sooner will you finish one than you'll want to start on another little feathered friend to keep it company. As well as the birds themselves, there are ideas for how to display them, and at the end of the book are instructions for a hanging nest, a felt nest box, branches, flowers and leaves, in addition to all the templates you need to make them.  

I’ve 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. Although these projects aren’t really for beginners there’s a lot of good tutorial information to help with the trickier bits, and the patterns are clear and well-written. Many of the display pieces aren’t knit, but sewn or built from felt, providing a great way to get non knitters involved, too. I’m imagining that this could be the basic of some good collaborative projects for adults and kids.  If you enjoy small and charming knits, you can’t go wrong with any of Sue’s books, and this latest book is another winner., 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!!, 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., 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., 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

Sue Stratford is a successful knitting designer and bestselling author, having already published seven books with Search Press. Starting out as a yarn shop owner, she now concentrates on her design work, and there is always a new idea in her mind. Sue is inspired by colour and texture and loves working with natural fibres. She regularly exhibits at fibre and textile shows around the UK and teaches classes on a number of different techniques. Sue lives in Milton Keynes with her family and numerous animals.