The Wind In The Willows Felt Friends

Kenneth Grahame's classic story, with its unforgettable River Bank characters, is one of the joys of children's literature. The Wind in the Willows is a book filled with the sweet scent of meadow _owers and the seasons passing slowly, with kindness, friendship, loyalty, and adventure. The stories grew from Grahame's relationship with his son, Alastair, and they embody a gentle nostalgia to which we, in adulthood, can all relate.For so many, the stories of Mole and Ratty, Badger and Toad, the River Bank, and the Wild Wood wove themselves into our childhood landscapes and imaginations. Now, with me guiding you every step of the way through these projects, you can bring the characters and settings to life in a new, dimensional way (their limbs are even designed to be posable, making them even more enchanting!). The characters are for everyone, those who grew up with them and those yet to discover and build on their adventures.Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, this book is for you. I love to learn myself, so I write and design for beginners, starting from the ground up with basic hand-stitching techniques, helpful tips, and lots of detail to guide you step-by-step through the process.Some of you might be worried about making mistakes. I've always felt that the word "mistake" was an unfortunate word for opportunity! If you enjoy making, never be discouraged. Embrace mistakes and know their potential. When I first tried spinning at a wool fair, the kindly instructor told me before I began that whatever I made on my first spin, I must save forever. As my skill increased, she said I might never create something more wild or beautiful, and she was right! I still have that lovely bit of fiber, and I often think of her wise words. Experienced stitchers know this, but it bears repeating. My advice for the beginners in our midst is to be kind to yourself. Take your time. Know mistakes for what they are, make adjustments, and move forward with enjoyment.

Cynthia Treen is a fiber artist, author, and sewing instructor based in Providence, Rhode Island. Cynthia Studied at Rhode Island School of Design and has worked and played in her creative field ever since. Cynthia worked with Martha Stewart Living in product design, photo styling, and craft development, and was a frequent on-screen guest for MSLTV. Her first book Last-minute Fabric Gifts was published by Abrams in 2006.