Review   Checker Newsletter - August 1, 2007
"Fresh Felted Flowers is a new book showcasing techniques created by Lynne Farris to make three-dimensional flowers. That’s right – she shows you step by step how to make your own floral arrangements! Lynne traces the shapes onto wool felt and then uses her sewing machine to add fine detailing. They come to life when she adds texture by sewing the veins in the leaves and petals. In most cases, you don’t cut the final shapes until the detailing is added so you don’t have to worry about getting daisy petals stuck in your sewing machine! She has thought of everything! AND, you don’t need anything fancy – just a basic machine with a straight and zigzag stitch! I loved the Calla Lily but Lynne’s personal favorite is the Bird of Paradise. I’m not surprised – anyone who created these techniques thinks so far outside of the box that she had to fall into the “exotic” category!

Don’t dismiss this as a “craft” book! If you do, you have missed the whole genius behind her methods! Take the time to see how she uses thread to add depth to each piece. Then, take what you have learned and transfer these methods to a “flat” quilt! And, machine quilters – take note – her methods could add just the right touch to make a quilt “heirloom” quality. I predict that the art quilters will embrace these techniques and use them to add three-dimensional effects to their pieces. It is a perfect cross-over! Lynne’s influence will be felt at the national shows in a year or two. Paducah, watch out – these floral arrangements are going to be “jumping” onto quilts near you real soon! "

Review By: Lauren Segelbaum,   Armchair Reviews - September 6, 2007
"Craft and home décor expert Lynne Farris brings a lifetime of experience in fabric arts to her new book Fresh Felt Flowers. Lynne is a fabric artist best known for her botanical soft sculpture art. Lynne’s designs are often on HGTV on “The Carol Duvall Show” as well as “Lynette Jennings Design” on the Discovery Channel. Her new book showcases seventeen stunning felt flowers to sew and display.

Whether you are a novice or an accomplished sewer, you will find the perfect project. Start with the simple African violet and finish the book with the more challenging Bird of Paradise. The book is beautifully photographed with very clear instructions. At first intimidating, because the felt flowers look so magnificent, once you dive in you will be amazed by how successful you can be.

Before sitting down at your craft table, you will need to run to your local craft store and pick up a few necessary items. These essentials are clearly spelled out in the beginning of the book. Most items are relatively inexpensive except for the required sewing machine.

The stitching and cutting techniques used for most of these floral projects are carefully explained in the basic techniques section of the book. The author suggests you read this chapter thoroughly before starting on any of the projects. I started with the Gerbera Daisy, my favorite flower, and I am glad to say it is displayed prominently on my dining room table.

Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful craft project for people who like to create with their hands."


Review   Quiltnieuws - December 1, 2007
Reviewed in this foreign language publication.

Review   ForeWord Magazine 2008 - April 1, 2008
FINALIST in the Crafts category of ForeWord Magazine's tenth annual Book of the Year Awards, which recognize the best work coming from independent presses. Finalists were chosen from nearly 1600 entries submitted by 350 publishers."