Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisPraise for the Build a Bag series: "These books are ideal for those new to bag making and will help readers grow their bag-making skills and confidence as they work through the projects. The plastic templates are a brilliant idea and a great bonus." - The Sewing Directory New to the highly acclaimed Build a Bag series, Debbie Shore brings you a selection of 15 brilliant backpacks! The 15 designs are created using the full-size rigid template contained within the book. It is easy-to-use, durable, reusable, wipe-clean and perfect for fussy cutting, plus it is simple to position and use – there is no need to pin it. The backpacks are made using different techniques, pockets, straps and fastenings to create 15 very different results. But why stop there? The template can also be used for your own design variations. As you mix and match the techniques covered within the book, Debbie gives advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs. Each project in the book is explained using Debbie’s friendly style and easy-to-follow step-by-step photography, and there is also a comprehensive techniques section and a guide to using the template.Trade ReviewThere are now four pattern books in the Build a Bag series, each one containing a reusable plastic pattern and at least 15 projects. The best thing about sewing with Debbie Shore is that she makes things so easy. From beginner to advanced skill levels, every stitcher can enjoy these books and create something wonderful. The projects are beautifully photographed, and the instructions have a stunning visual and written step by step guide. Techniques, tips and what to do if things go wrong are included and the whole process from start to finish is jargon free. This makes it easy to understand and you know exactly what to do without the aid of other explanations. The Plastic Pattern is brilliant, and the instructions colour code the pattern piece you need. Each Backpack is beautifully designed and really are fit for purpose. Each one is different, and have a unique and stylish look. Highly recommended * Postcard Reviews *These two stunning brand-new titles from Debbie cover on-trend satchels and backpacks. Each book comes in an attractive hard-back folder which also encloses a wallet containing durable plastic templates, from which, by following Debbie’s impeccable instructions, it is possible to construct fifteen different bags from each book. There is a bag for every taste and occasion, each beautifully presented in full colour, showing Debbie’s inspiring fabric choices. All techniques including zipped pockets, magnetic closures and piping are covered in detail, making these projects suitable for every level of sewing expertise. Debbie also includes inspiring suggestions on adapting the templates to expand the design possibilities and create even more bags! Outstanding value for money, these books are a definite must-have for every bag-loving sewer. * East Kent Embroiderers' Guild *I have some of the other Debbie Shore books, and this is another excellent one. Clear instructions for the basics such as "making a zip panel", for the individual patterns, and even help with things that can go wrong (oops! section). I especially love the plastic templates. There is no need to copy and cut any patterns, because they are included in the book and can be used over and over again. * Customer review *I have considered this series of books for some time and I’m so delighted that I now have a copy especially of backpacks which I regularly use. The templates which are included ensure correct cutting and as well as the various projects, I find the other sections including materials, techniques, oops and Debbie‘s top tips extremely useful too. After trying some of the projects involved the next decision will be which of the other build a bag books to buy! * Customer review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Understanding the template 8 Materials 10 Tools 12 Hardware 14 Techniques 14 Debbie’s top tips 20 Oops! 21 The Projects 22 Clip pocket rucksack 22 Drawstring button backpack 30 Laminated crossover bag 34 Piped rucksack 40 Nautical backpack 46 Bear pocket backpack 50 Simple drawstring bag 56 Quilted backpack 60 Bound rucksack 64 Bear drawstring bag 68 Tie pocket rucksack 72 Two-tone drawstring backpack 76 Cuddly bear backpack 80 Zipped backpack 84 Convertible tote bag 88 A little extra something 92 Glossary 94 Index 96

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Book SynopsisThis is a practical and comprehensive guide for all watercolour enthusiasts, from the beginner who wishes to explore this popular painting medium to the experienced artist looking for inspiration and ideas. Starting with advice on materials, colour and composition, the book goes on to describe basic and more advanced techniques and the wonderful effects they can produce. Fourteen easy-to-follow, step-by-step demonstrations show the reader how to paint skies, trees, water, buildings and flowers, and each section is accompanied by a selection of inspirational paintings by the seven featured artists, in a rich variety of styles. Originally published as 'Working with Watercolour', this book uses material from the 'Leisure Arts' series.Trade ReviewIdeal for budding artists, Search Press is publishing Watercolour Painting Step-by-Step and Painting Step-by-Step. Both titles feature a variety of styles and subjects, as well as advice from well-known art world figures. Demonstrations, photographs and instructions are included. Each title retails at £9.99. * Craft Focus *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Colour Techniques Composition and perspective Understanding tone Farmhouse step-by-step Skies Cumulus clouds step-by-step A wet-into-wet sky step-by-step Trees Old oak tree step-by-step Early morning step-by-step Country Lane step-by-step Water and reflections Scottish Loch step-by-step Farm Pond step-by-step Chub stream step-by-step Buildings Chapel at last light step-by-step Flowers Daffodils and catkins step-by-step Roses step-by-step Backlit lily step-by-step Irises step-by-step Index

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Book SynopsisAlysn Midgelow-Marsden shows how to use both textile-based and mixed media techniques to create beautiful artworks using metal in the form of shim, foil and woven fabric alongside many other materials. She shares her expertise in an inspiring variety of techniques from free machine stitching to gilding, embossing, needle felting, beading, printing, appliqué, making stitched foil fabric and using dry decal transfer images. There are seven beautiful projects to inspire and instruct textile artists everywhere, including a lampshade, bauble pods, decorative panels and a tablet cover. Artists can take inspiration from the individual surfaces that make up the pieces, the completed projects, and from the developments from each project, which have full, instructive captions. This is an invaluable resource for textile artists looking for new and beautiful ideas. This book was previously published as part of the Textile Artist series.Trade ReviewDiscover how to use textile-based and mixed media techniques to create beautiful artworks, using metal and woven fabric alongside many other materials. There are seven projects to inspire and instruct textile artists everywhere, all with full instructive captions. It's an invaluable resource for textile artists looking for new ideas. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Issue March/April Metal is not an obvious companion for cloth but for those looking for a new challenge, Alysn Midgelow-Marsden reveals how to combine fibres and stitch with various forms of metal, using both textile and mixed media techniques, from free machine stitching to gilding, embossing, needle felting, beading, printing, appliqué, making stitched foil fabric and using dry decal transfer images in seven projects. * Embroidery *Feb 14 This book is worth the price for the beautiful colour photography alone! The author obviously loves metallic surfaces and produces some incredible pieces, using a wide variety of materials. The chapter on materials is very detailed and extensive; such can be new or re-cycled items ie sweet wrappers, coverings from champagne bottles ( of course, why did I throw away the last batch), drink cans and take-away food containers. Some metals are also woven which are very useful in designs. The “Key Points” section is a lesson in itself, with the warning of having a practise before starting a project. Once familiar with materials you just need to be inspired and sew! The first project is based on pomanders. There is a comprehensive equipment list then clear, step by step instructions with enhancing pictures. The original design is extended, showing how one basic idea can grow. The author finds inspiration from nature and historical embroideries held by our Guild. To all those who wish to extend their range and let loose their creative side this book is a must. * Merseyside Embroiderer's Guild (megonline.co.uk) *Feb/Mar 14 This is an exciting new book from Alysn which takes embroidery with metals to a higher level. The first chapter deals comprehensively with suggested materials and then seven separate and varied projects follow, each covering different methods and techniques. The book is fully illustrated in colour and each project has detailed step-by-step instructions, with suggestions from Alysn on expanding the theme further. An experienced textile artist would enjoy the challenge of developing their work using the ideas and inspiration presented. * East Kent Embroiderer's Guild *Mar 14 Alysn Midgelow-Marsden explores a variety of mixed media techniques with metal backgrounds and uses stitch to embellish and decorate. There are seven projects adopting a variety of techniques, from dry needle-felting to stencilling and stitching and all are united in some way by the use of metal in the pieces. It is a good way of showing how to use this material in stitched mixed media, particularly where thin metal shim, metal fabric or knitted mesh are able to be manipulated in a way that easily incorporates them into textile work. Many influences from the past are referred to, such as a Japanese nuihaku kimono, an Elizabethan panel held by the Embroiderers’ Guild, or 19th Century metalwork, which are all photographed and referenced. Using these as a springboard, it leads to projects with wonderful names such as Samurai Romance or Vain Devices. In addition to the projects, there are a large number of samples which demonstrate some of the techniques covered and these showcase some fabulous work. Some of the finished articles look a little too assembled, rather than all the elements coming together naturally to create a cohesive piece. I felt that the range of additional work reflected the techniques better and created more visually appealing work. Some of the techniques are not new and a seasoned textile enthusiast may have come across them in other books, but Alysn Midgelow-Marsden’s work in combining techniques reflects how work can be moved in a new direction. Projects are always a good way of tackling new approaches and the variety here gives a good starting point for expanding your repertoire. Samantha Packer * Workshop On The Web *May 14 In this book Alysn shows us how metal can be used in textiles and mixed media to create a variety of imaginative effects. She describes metal as being like a fabric, stiffer than calico but thinner and easier to work with than leather and demonstrates a variety of ways in which it can be used to create stunning textile art. The seven inspiring projects show techniques from free machine stitching to gilding, embossing, needle felting, beading and making stitched foil fabric and artists can take ideas and skills from these projects to create their own individual work. Each project has easy to follow instructions and there are lots of unusual and interesting materials used. A fantastic book for textile artists looking for innovative ideas and new directions for their work. * SEWING WORLD *June 14 This book is part of the Textile Artist series. Inside you’ll find out how to use mixed media textile techniques to create stunning work. There are seven projects which demonstrate the techniques in a how-to style with equipment lists and clear instructions. I like the fact that the author gives the reader a challenge for extending the original idea and to move off at a tangent. She talks about her approach to developing work. The materials used are metal, fabric, fibre and thread, paper and card as well as digital printing processes. Discover how to create unique surfaces. Lots of new ideas here and easy to use techniques. Excellent photography throughout with many close-up images. * Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *Jun/Jul 14 No longer are heavy metals the preserve of hard rockers and welders. Many of today's embroiderers are as familiar with a soldering iron as they are with an embroidery hoop. A diversity of methods is covered in Alysn's guide, which add a mercurial quality to textiles. Alysn shares her experience of working with metals of every kind with the sort of practical detail that will save stitchers time, money and patience. For example, when describing the creation of needle-punched pieces, whether by hand or machine, Alysn gives advice on how particular fibres behave, and how to sidestep common pitfalls, such as your fabric disintegrating and felting needles breaking. Advice is given on everything, from what threads to use and which to avoid, to which needles to use on your sewing machine when stitching through metal – in short, everything you need to know but didn't even know you needed to ask. The projects demonstrate a wide range of the methods described, helpfully divided up into 'surfaces' for stitchers who are keen to use a method for a different application. Memory Lampshade, for example, features eight different surface methods, including monoprinted brass fabric, dry decal transfer images, and scrunched, painted and embossed heat-darkened brass. * Stitch *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 10 PROJECTS 26 Bauble Pods 28 Samurai Romance 44 Silvered Bark 66 Vain Devices 80 Fernery 96 Floral Tablet Cover 112 Annie and Albert Memory Lampshade 128 Index 144

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Book SynopsisKay Dennis is passionate about Stumpwork. This intricate, raised and padded embroidery has its origins in the 17th century, and is enjoying a revival amongst embroiderers and lacemakers. It is wonderfully versatile and will appeal both to the novice and needleworker. Using a mix of flat, padded, wired and free-standing elements, it employs a wide range of embroidery techniques. This comprehensive and colourful book covers both basic and needle lace techniques – sections on each contain a series of elaborate step-by-step demonstrations showing how to work individual techniques, followed by a project combining all the methods. Kay takes inspiration from a variety of sources and her designs include animals, flowers, fruits and insects – popular motifs in the 17th century. She also creates contemporary designs and there are advanced projects on landscape and figurative work. A gallery of Kay's work is included to inspire the reader.Trade ReviewSearch Press is celebrating 50 years in print and has reissued selected titles from their back list. Each of these is considered a classic of its kind, and this book, Stumpwork for Beginners from 2001, has been selected for republication. Stumpwork is often considered one of the more advanced forms of embroidery and was the culmination of years of learning other styles and working samplers for young ladies in the 16th and 17th centuries. This padded, raised form of embroidery was mounted onto caskets and cabinets and gets its name from the carved pieces of wood used as bases for faces and other 3D features. This book shows the beginner what to buy and which stitches you need to make a start. A wide range of threads can be used and most if not all the other tools and materials are common to other styles of needlework. You don’t need any wood carving skills either, just toy filling to pad out shapes you want to raise. Some books on stumpwork emulate the style associated with the original pieces but this book has updated it and taken inspiration largely from nature. There are no chapters concerned with learning stitch by stitch, but you jump right in with a sampler of several elements which teaches you the basics. Make and prepare padding, learn stitches such as turkey knot and spider’s web and then progress to needlelace. Find out how to make heads and hands, and then bring it all together in a picture of a gardener tending a garden full of fruit and flowers. The elements and pictures include toadstools, a seaside scene, fish in the seaweed, poppy heads, topiary with a polymer clay pot and a butterfly. All are ideal for mounting on boxes of your own and it is easy to see why this book was selected for classic status: it helps to explode the myth that stumpwork is a mysterious, complex style suited only for very advanced embroiderers. The author claims that even a total beginner to all forms of embroidery could tackle these projects and although it is possible I think that the book is more aimed at those who are au fait with some other needlework styles and want to try something different. If you cannot find a good range of embroidery and needlecraft materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *Table of ContentsIntroduction History Materials Getting started EMBROIDERY TECHNIQUES Flowing flowers Acorns Poppy Seed Heads Topiary Butterfly NEEDLELACE TECHNIQUES Leaf Flower Seaweed and Fish Orange Branch Mushrooms Foxgloves SCENES AND FIGURES Birds and Beach Heads and Hands The Gardener PATTERNS INDEX

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Book SynopsisColour Demystified will banish the all-too-common confusion over the watercolour palette and give painters the confidence to experiment with colour mixing. This book demystifies colour, and helps artists understand how colour works in a highly visual way through the use of colour charts accompanied by examples, practical exercises, and analyses of watercolour paintings. Numerous artworks by a variety of contemporary artists are featured in the book, covering a broad range of subjects and palettes. Topics such as granulation, iridescence, staining strength, and transparent and opaque colours are explained clearly and simply, and there is practical guidance on colour relationships, using colour to create space, and how to be more creative with colour. Armed with a clearer understanding of colour and how it looks and behaves on paper, artists will be encouraged to be more bold and creative in their use of colour in their art. Trade ReviewNon-professional artistic color education starts and stops with the color wheel, primary and secondary hues, and complementary and analogous colors. Award-winning UK watercolorist Collins (Painting Flowers with Impact in Watercolour, 2005) changes the conversation by delving into all the different ways hues, shades, and tones can play together. She explores topics like palettes, interactions, and glazing in detail with the intention of inspiring new thinking and experimentation, and furthers her cause with several different gallery-type examples, 16 worksheets that showcase techniques (painting a freehand tulip, for example), and seven step-by-step projects—still life with tulips, carte postale birds, even just one leaf. To amplify the book’s title, she includes "demystifying” sidebars, observations, and recommendations that strengthen the artistic process, such as “the look of yellow differs in the center of green and red versus orange and green.” A book with an aesthetic sensibility that more than lives up to the title. Includes a glossary. -- Barbara Jacobs * Booklist *Although this books is written to give painters the confidence to experiment with colour mixing, it can demystify colour for anyone. If you'd like to understand how colour works in a highly visual way using colour charts and examples, practical exercises and analyses of watercolour paintings, this book is for you! * Machine Knitting Monthly *An appreciation of colour is so important to any artist, and we love the way that Julie Collins shares her enthusiasm and knowledge in Colour Demystified – A Complete Guide to Mixing and Using Watercolours. In her introduction, she explains how our surroundings and the weather conditions can affect our use of colour, for example, the beautiful light that attracts so many painters to St Ives in Cornwall. She also explains how inspiring it is to spend time looking at the works of other artists, examples of which are also included in this book. In her research, for this book, Julie visited paint manufacturers Winsor & Newton to understand more about the processes and equipment behind the creation of a tube of paint, and it is this attention to detail that shines through in this book. Every page contains detailed information that is so helpful in understanding the true potential of using watercolours. As well as information about how to mix and use watercolours, there are step-by-step projects including Carte Postale Birds, Christmas Cactus, Still Life with Tulips, Trees and Birds, and wonderful examples of experimentation. Above all, this beautiful book is written by an experienced and talented artist with a passion for painting and Julie’s enthusiasm is infectious. It’s a delightful celebration of colour and a wonderful encouragement to get started creating your own paintings! Highly Recommended! -- Escape Learn Create * Escape Learn Create.co.uk *Artist and author, Julie Collins has written a number of books on colour mixing and is a contributor to our sister publication, The Artist magazine. In her new book, Colour Demystified, she sheds clarity on the often-confusing science of colour mixing, freeing the student to make colour choices with confidence. Using colour charts alongside work by several contemporary artists, Julie shows how colour works and how you can used it to best advantage in your paintings. Topics covered include colour mixing, granulation, iridescence, staining, transparent and opaque colours, colour relationships and how to be more creative with colour. * Leisure Painter *This is a book which lives completely up to its title and explains not just what's happening on your palette, but on paper, in actual use. Written in language aimed at the practising artist rather than the chemist, Julie shows you what colour is, how different pigments work with each other and what all this means for finished results, for which she provides easy-to-follow demonstrations. This is an ambitious project that succeeds every step of the way. * SAA Catalogue *Understand and build the confidence to mix and use watercolours with Julie Collins's complete guide, Colour Demystified. Become more bold and creative with your use of colour in your art with the help of colour charts, examples, practical exercises and analyses of watercolour paintings. Topics such as granulation, iridescence, staining strength and transparent and opaque colours are explained clearly thanks to Julie's wealth of knowledge, and there is guidance on colour relationships, using colour to create space and how to be more creative when choosing shades – this is a must-have for any budding artist. * Crafts Beautiful *I am honestly surprised that nothing quite like this has appeared before. Yes, there have been books that deal with granulation, transparency, glazing and staining as well as guides to colour mixing, but they are either part of a larger work or hugely technical and more for the chemist than the artist. This is wonderfully straightforward and free from science. Julie examines and explains colours and palettes, what does what and how and when, but all from the point of view of obtaining a result, not as a technical exercise. Each variation is kept in a separate section, making navigation easy and there are examples and exercises that allow you to see exactly what to expect on paper. The whole thing is thoughtfully arranged by an author who is absolutely on top of her subject and knows how to explain it in straightforward terms you will have no trouble understanding. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 The language of colour 14 Pigments Demystified 38 Tone & Value 58 Step-by-step project: Leaf 66 Palettes 72 Step-by-step project: Carte Postale Birds 86 The interaction of colour 98 Step-by-step project: Christmas Cactus 104 Modifying your Colours 112 Step-by-step project: Daina’s Teapot 120 Glazing 126 Step-by-step project: Still Life with Tulips 132 Mineral pigments & Luminescent watercolours 136 Step-by-step project: Inside, Outside 144 Experimentation & inspiration 148 Step-by-step project: Trees and Birds 154 Glossary 158 Index 160

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Book SynopsisAward-winning artist Angela Gaughan shares with you a life time's worth of experience in art. This book provides an insight into the distinctive techniques Angela Gaughan uses to achieve her amazingly detailed, life-like wildlife paintings. It is an inspirational guide to painting in acrylics; both for experienced artists who are interested in Angela’s methods, and those wishing to improve their skills. Sumptuous colour is at the heart of Angela's vivid, beautiful art work. Her unique techniques combine the advantages of acrylics and oils. In this inspirational book, Angela shares with you a lifetime's worth of experience in art. Learn her unique approach to using acrylics to produce depth and character in your own wildlife artwork, and follow the step-by-step demonstrations as you build up your skills. The book begins with detailed coverage of the materials, tools and media Angela uses. Chapters on colour and light, gathering reference, and composition build upon Angela's working method guiding you through her stages of working, from using photographic references, through completing a tonal drawing, to using transparent washes and opaque colours to create a full painting. The instructional techniques then connect into substantial chapters on colour, composition and finish off with masterwork techniques to help more advanced artists push their artwork further.Trade ReviewAngela Gaughan is a fantastic wildlife artist, I can say this with confidence because the reproduction in this large format book is supremely good. Angela works in acrylics and achieves levels of detail you'll find it hard to believe possible. Not only does she - when necessary - manage to depict individual hairs, but you can see them here, along with the brushstrokes she uses to create them. This is hyperrealism and, if that's your preference, this is a book to dive into with relish. There is an excellent balance between it being a showcase, which the work demands, an analysis of style and straightforward instruction. The level at which Angela works would never suggest a beginner's guide and this is much more of a masterclass. Demonstrations are few and assume a considerable amount of basic knowledge and experience. An advanced worker will never feel that they're being over-bothered with elementary details. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *There’s a variety of material in this utterly enthralling book, but by far the majority of it is of wildlife, and that’s what you’d buy it for. I’ve always been surprised by the success in the practical art market of books which deal with such sharp focus and fine detail. I don’t mean to denigrate the skills of amateur artists, but this kind of thing is almost certainly beyond the capabilities of more than a few. The truth is, I suspect, that it’s aspirational and you’d certainly be pleased if you could come up with something even half as good. Although there are demonstrations here, they aren’t really the focus of the book, which is much more of a masterclass aimed at those who already have quite a lot more than the basic skills. If you can already paint animals, you’ll be glad at the lack of rehearsal of the basics you already know. As far as materials are concerned, Angela works mostly in acrylics. The results are stunning. Angela absolutely understands form, colouring, posture and behaviour and here it’s not only her creatures that are believable, but their settings and their place in them. It’s true that she works a lot from photographs, but those don’t always give quite the right composition or feature the perfect specimen. The art is to provide what nature intended, rather in the way of the identification guide, which shows a typical rather than exact example. The majority of the subjects are large wildlife – apes, elephants, big cats – but there are some domestic ones as well as some figurative work that demonstrates similar skills. There’s not enough of this to make it a reason for purchase, but it adds variety and a further dimension. And now we must turn to the production, which is the jewel in the book’s crown. This is a slightly oversize volume and excellent use has been made of the space, both to showcase finished paintings and to feature details and stages at a good size. The quality of the reproduction is stunning. Angela’s work concentrates on fine detail and every hair and brushstroke are clearly visible. Going through, I started to wonder whether some of the images weren’t quite up to snuff and were perhaps not quite as sharp as they might be. Further inspection showed that this is absolutely not the case and that what I was actually seeing was the texture of the painting surface. Yes, it’s that good. Only a hundred years ago, colour reproduction was so coarse that you could see the individual dots of ink with the naked eye. Photo litho improved that and then mechanical tolerances in the printing presses themselves allowed much finer register and smaller dots, which you now need a powerful magnifier to see. For all that, there’s much that can go wrong and choice of paper is a major stumbling block. Search Press’s production department has been at the top of its game for some time, but this surpasses anything I’ve seen, even from more august publishing houses dealing with fine art. That they have achieved this with a cover price of just under £20 is barely credible and you have to suspect witchcraft may be involved! If you’re involved with book production, you should have a copy of this, just to remind yourself of what’s possible. You have nowhere to hide and there are no excuses for anything less. So, to sum up: an amazing book in every respect. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *I fell in love straightaway with the incredible art work in this book. Just beautiful. The book itself is a really good guide and resource for creating wildlife art- easy to follow, clear and helpful advice. I would recommend this for everyone- even ambitious beginners. The style of writing is pitched just right so as not to be off-putting for those who are just starting in their artistic journey. An inclusive book where the enthusiasm and compassion of the author just seeps through. I thoroughly recommend this gorgeous book and I cannot wait to get started painting! A super addition to my art book collection. -- Debi D * Amazon *Stunning wildlife paintings and inspiration for artists. A good balance of photos of beautiful paintings of wildlife to inspire, techniques and a brief history of the artist. I found it an enjoyable read as a stand-alone book, and know I will keep coming back to it as reference for my artworks going forward. In my opinion it would suit somebody with a bit of experience in painting rather than a raw beginner, but maybe that’s because Angela’s artwork is so exquisite! I love it. -- Christine Ingram * Amazon Customer Review *I fell in love straightaway with the incredible art work in this book. Just beautiful. The book itself is a really good guide and resource for creating wildlife art- easy to follow, clear and helpful advice. I would recommend this for everyone- even ambitious beginners. The style of writing is pitched just right so as not to be off-putting for those who are just starting in their artistic journey. An inclusive book where the enthusiasm and compassion of the author just seeps through. I thoroughly recommend this gorgeous book and I cannot wait to get started painting! A super addition to my art book collection. -- Kitty Luna * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsForeword Introduction What I use to paint My approach Zebra – Creating an underpainting Preparing to paint Tiger Cub Creating your own paintings Colour and light Gathering reference Composing your paintings Masterwork techniques Afterword Index

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Book SynopsisIf you have often struggled to draw portraits or moving people, from master artist Giovanni Civardi comes this highly visual beginners guide to drawing people using the traditional grid technique – a method that makes the first stages of drawing simple and achievable. Artist Giovanni Civardi shows you how to create an accurate pencil sketch of the subject by laying a grid over a photo or drawing and transferring the image to the drawing surface one square at a time. Beginning with a summary of basic human anatomy and key drawing techniques, this book contains over 90 outlines of people in a range of ages, profiles and poses, with guidance on how to add shading and tonal effects to create more detailed finished drawings. Uses material from Drawing Using Grids: Portraits with Character and Drawing Using Grids: Portraits of Babies & Children.Trade ReviewThe idea behind this series is simple and easy to comprehend – it does what it says on the tin. Each subject is overlaid by a co-ordinated grid, so that all the main points of shape and composition can easily be transferred the finished image. It’s a long-established and well-tested technique that simply works. What makes these volumes particularly useful, as well as the quality of the illustrations, is the amount of background material – structure, anatomy and features – that prefaces each set of drawings. In the animals volume, these are not just general but applied to each type – so, dogs, horses, cats. When it comes to people, these are structure, movement and posture. The main sections here divide into character, babies and children, and figures in action. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *This book goes into a lot of detail and is extremely technical so would be great for someone who is very serious about drawing portraits and people. I love all the different examples in the galleries. -- Angela Merritt * Amazon Customer Review *Giovanni Civardi is nothing if not prolific, but the continuing popularity of his books testifies to their quality and the Drawing with Grids series offers an interesting take on a variety of subjects. Animals and People have just appeared and deal with tricky subjects in a particularly straightforward way. The main instructional pages cover a single subject in a single spread, with the basic grid and simple progressive stages from outline to tonal studies. Each book contains an excellent variety of material. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *Table of ContentsWhat is the grid method? 4 Portraits with character 6 Introduction 7, Anatomy 8, Features and proportions 10, Approaches to drawing 14, Portrait gallery 20 Portraits of babies & children 82 Introduction 83, Proportions and procedures 84, Portrait gallery 86 People in action 160 Introduction 161, Proportions, perspective and structure 162, Anatomy 164, Approaches to drawing static and dynamic figures 166, Sketching moving figures 174, People in action gallery 176 Finding inspiration 236

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Book SynopsisOver 20 different contemporary embroideries to transfer and stitch, plus 11 extra transfer designs to get your creative juices flowing! In Carina's latest book, discover how to 'doodle' embroider and create over 20 different designs full of colour and personality Kickstart your journey to original, personal doodle work with a variety of designs, ranging from formal patterns – such as geometrics, mandalas, labyrinths and knots gardens – to more experimental, free-form shapes that will encourage you to explore your skills and creativity. Then, be taken step by step through Carina's 'Garden' sampler, so you can see how to forge a unique embroidery yourself with no design to follow. The 22 designs can fit either in a 3- or 6-inch hoop, which are easy to source instore or online. Each of Carina's designs will include photographs of the finished embroidery, a thread key, a stitch diagram and suggestions of how to work the design. In addition, Carina will give advice on how to rework her embroidery, to encourage your own creativity. At the back of the book, a corresponding transfer can be found so that you can easily draw the design outline onto your own fabric. Essential materials and easy-to-follow techniques chapters can be found at the beginning of the book, along with step-by-step stitch diagrams for the 15 embroidery stitches used to make all the designs in the book – providing you with a fuss-free, colourful crash-course. Finally, there are 11 extra transfers at the back of the book, offering variations and ideas for you to dive into and work up your own unique stitcheries! Trade ReviewOmmm! It's time to practise mindfulness with designer Carina Envoldsen-Harris' calming stitchy 'doodles'. Traditional patterns such as geometrics, mandalas, labyrinths and knot gardens are effortlessly merged with experimental free-form shapes. Every project is designed to foster creativity and inner peace, all while creating something beautiful in the process. * Sew Magazine *I very often find that, with books like this, there are only one or two designs I would want to make. I was drawn to the book purely for the labyrinth pattern, however looking through all of the designs I know that I will be making most of them. As well as the designs listed as projects there are some extras too which are equally lovely. The reusable transfer was simple to apply and the design is clear and crisp. There are several pages at the beginning of the book which explain how to do the different stitches, including diagrams. With the variety of patterns and if you use various colour choices the possibilities are endless. This would make a lovely gift, especially if paired with hoops and threads to get started. -- Kerry Thomas * Amazon *This book is a breath of fresh air for embroiderers. All of the designs are modern and fun as well as approachable by new sewers but the big difference is that they are really suggestions and inspiration to make the designs your own by choosing different colours or substituting another stitch. Lots of clear stitch diagrams and instructions for each design and there are iron-on patterns galore to get you started straightaway. -- Karen Pip Bibby * Amazon *I love this book. It starts with the basics and explains how to do different stitches. It also includes reusable iron on transfers. I can see me and my daughter becoming addicted to thread doodling. -- Lisa Mayles * Amazon *I won this book in a competition and I am so glad that I did! The designs in the book are suitable for beginners in thread doodling to people with more experience. Carina gives excellent instructions and tips for each design and there is also a guide at the front of the book to teach the techniques of the various stitches used. There are iron on transfers at the back of the book that can each be used up to ten times. After use there is a handy pocket in the back of the book to keep the transfers safe ready to use again. With each design Carina shows the stitches needed and the suggested DMC silk colour numbers. I can't wait to get started with these projects and will definitely be looking at Carina's other books that she has available. -- Sarah Fullarton * Amazon *I love this book, it's perfect for experienced stitchers as well as beginners. It contains 20 fresh modern designs all beautifully photographed. It also includes reusable iron-on transfers. For anyone new to thread doodling there are step-by-step stitch guides as well as general information regarding preparing your hoop and clear instructions of how to transfer your chosen design. The only issue is knowing which design to pick first. -- Sazzie Jessop * Amazon *A bright and colourful book with easy to understand patterns. It also gives you ideas to let you use your imagination to create patterns of your own. Love the idea that there is a pocket at the back of the book to keep your patterns safe. Can’t wait to have a go at some of the patterns. -- Kath Harding * Amazon *Discover how to 'doodle' embroider with this fuss-free, colourful crash-course. There are over 20 different designs plus 11 extra transfers offering variations and ideas. Essential chapters on materials and techniques are included, along with step-by-step diagrams for the 15 stitches used. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Thread Doodling is a very pretty book and it has the most beautiful designs to stitch. Each project has a different technique and the patterns are transferred using the iron-on transfers which are included in the book. Each transfer can be used up to 10 times. The 'stitcheries' are not very large, but they are perfectly sized for some quiet time, just to sit and sew. Each one can be transformed just by using a different colour thread or using a different stitch. I love the idea of free form stitching, you can let your imagination flow and Thread Doodling is ideal for this kind of sewing. There are over 20 ideas and patterns to create. You can make them into samplers, cushions or use the ideas to adorn your clothing. I think denim jackets look great with embroidery doodles on them. There is a stitch dictionary, with the stitches you will need to know, the author has used DMC threads, but as always you can use whatever you have in your stash. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced stitcher, this book will inspire you to sew, as it is filled with beautiful patterns and is complete with hints and tips to help guide you. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Grab a hoop, needle and floss and pick one of these twenty designs for instant mindful stitching. This book is all about “stitching in the moment” and getting lost in the fun and relaxing art of freestyle hand embroidery. There are designs to stitch just as they are, and for more confident embroiderers there are others to be customized. You don’t need to be an experienced embroiderer to tackle any of these projects, although there is plenty here for any level to enjoy. You only need the basics to start, namely fabric, hoop, and suitable needles and floss although even here you can stitch the designs in any type of thread. Instructions and staged photographs are given for preparing a hoop, working with waste canvas, and starting/finishing your thread as well as quite a number of stitches. Each of the twenty designs is featured on a two spread with large photographs of the finished work, colour diagrams, lists of stitches and numbers for DMC floss. There is a short piece on what inspired the design, a nice touch to get your own creative juices flowing plus suggestions for customization. The last project shows you how to take it further with a freeform piece; the inset photographs show how to build it up from scratch. This would be even better if they were just a little larger, but there are written instructions too. The rest of the book contains the transfers, each of which can be used up to ten times and is printed on a perforated page. As well as the twenty designs there are other smaller motifs and some borders, plus a few blackwork patterns. At the beginning of the book is a page with ideas for using your designs including clothing, accessories, and household items. Fun, colourful and contemporary this is freestyle embroidery for the modern embroiderer. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & equipment 8 Stitch dictionary 10 Preparing a hoop 16 Using waste canvas 17 The embroideries 18 Taking the designs further: exploring your creativity 60 Doodle sampler: ‘The Garden 62’ Transferring the designs 64 The transfers 65

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Book SynopsisNow available in paperback! Andrew Forkner's book provides you with all you need to paint a range of birds in acrylics; taking in birds of prey, songbirds and waterbirds from all over the world. It contains information on the materials and preparation you will need to capture the delicacy and majesty of the subjects. Trade ReviewAcrylics are unique among paints in that they can be used like watercolours or oils and have their own special characteristics that make them a great choice for all kinds of painting. This book looks at how to use them when depicting twenty-seven different birds. As this is a book about painting rather than drawing, that part has been taken care of so you can get on with learning more about acrylics. Each bird comes with an outline to trace, plus detailed instructions on how to transfer it and even combine tracings. This takes less time than drawing, so you can produce a whole wall’s worth of fine pictures in no time. To begin there is advice on what to buy and why, a look at the palette of colours the artist works with and a piece about why he chose to work with acrylics. There is also a chapter on how to make a pleasing composition, and paint features like feathers, bills, feet and eyes. Throughout the book there are lots of tips showing how to do various things from working with washes, to using a viewfinder to test colours and how to paint various features from rocks and water to detailing on plumage, subtle shading and using backgrounds. The birds themselves are a varied mix so you get plenty of practice at capturing diverse details. They tend to mostly hail from the UK, Europe and the US rather than hotter climes and many you won’t need to go far to see if you live in these places. There are colourful species like the kingfisher, bee eater and green woodpecker and more subtly coloured birds such as the barn owl, wren, mourning dove and golden eagle. Each project features a full sized painting plus tracing, list of what you need and a swatch down the page showing all the mixed colours; a useful tool. The instructions are broken down into preparation followed by the various layers and finishing touches. There is usually an inset detail showing a particular technique plus a very helpful actual size image of the picture showing the base colours before the final details go on. Although there is nothing on the outside of the book to indicate it this would be a wonderful choice for a fairly inexperienced artist. Even a beginner could have a go with the user friendly projects and achieve decent results. More books like this please! This book was originally published as a hardback in 2015. If you cannot find a good range of acrylic painting materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. * MyShelf.com *August 2019 In Brief Andrew Forkner's popular A-Z of Bird Portraits is now available in paperback, teaching you all you need to know about painting birds in acrylics. * Leisure Painter *November 2014 There aren’t many books on painting birds. The reason, of course, isn’t hard to find: not many people want (or think they want) to paint them. They do, however, provide a wide variety of colourful subjects and there’s no reason in reality for them to be any less popular than flowers. And you can’t move for books on flowers. Andrew Forkner adopts the sensible strategy of putting all the basic techniques (working in acrylics) together at the beginning of the book. These include information on colours, composition, eyes, beaks and, most importantly, feathers. These are the building blocks you’ll use later when it comes to particular species. The approach avoids continuous repetition, but it does mean a degree of jumping about if you haven’t fully grasped the technical elements – which, frankly, you should have. Time spent at this stage is like learning musical scales, unexciting perhaps, but invaluable. The whole thing is neatly executed and is about as good, within its own constraints, as it could be. The A-Z format has worked before, but that was for flowers, and it’s just that I’m not sure this is the place for it. Flowers are popular and well-known. Bird are, too, but I doubt there are enough people who both admire them and want to paint them for something like this to work. It’s not, when all’s said and done, a book for the complete beginner and I do honestly think that’s what’s needed. On the other hand, if you’re passionate about painting birds but need practice and instruction, this is absolutely the book for you. To read the rest of this review see http://artbookreview.wordpress.com/ * Artbookreview.net *November 2014 Have you always wanted to paint lifelike pictures of birds? Inside these covers are staged instructions on how to paint twenty-seven of them in acrylics. You know when Search Press gives a book a hard cover instead of a paper one to expect something special and this is no exception. Self taught wildlife artist Andrew Forkner sets out his love of birds and acrylics in a user friendly manner, ranging from what you need to buy to painting tips. Learn how to capture feathers on paper as well as birds; feet and beaks, get to grips with the unique properties of acrylics and think about how to compose your picture. Each project has a drawing to trace with instructions on how to do this, plus what paint and brushes to use and even the type of paper. This is not a step-by-step book in the usual Search Press sense as the instructions are remarkably brief. But it does not state anywhere that this is a beginner’s book and it is not; aimed more at existing artists who want to try their hand at using acrylics and painting birds. There is a wide choice of these to paint, with British and American species being the main ones represented. Choose from favourites like a golden eagle, robin, kookaburra, bald eagle and mourning dove to name a few; the ends results are handsomely displayed as whole page illustrations in this large format book. This ought to appeal to any bird lover with a bit of painting experience who wants to try something new. * Myshelf.com *November 2014 For painters and bird lovers everywhere. Great book with all you need to know to paint twenty-seven different bird species. Andrew uses acrylics, both as watercolour and in their natural state. He shows you how to capture features, characteristics and feathers. The instructions are clear, detailed and easy to follow. Outlines to trace, colour palette, materials needed, professional techniques and tips are all included. Beautifully illustrated. My favourite feature is that you also learn something about the birds including their latin names. Absolutely fabulous and highly recommended. * Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *December 2014 As a concept art lecturer I look at a number of books and must admit this one intrigued me. The first impression I had was colour and life and this stuck with me as I followed the book. This feels like a natural history tour while explaining the proportions and colours for each bird and makes wanting to draw and paint each of the birds a natural progression. My only concern is that I might get paint on the pages! * Marian Carr, Bradford College *February 2015 Art books like this one by Andrew Forkner's provide cake decorator's with great inspiration particularly when painting cakes, or producing lifelike wildlife to portray the cake recipient's hobbies and interests. This book provides you with all you need to paint a range of birds; taking in birds of prey, songbirds and waterbirds from all over the world. With easy-to-follow step by step projects, guidance on composition and important bird features. * Cake Craft & Decoration *February 2015 Andrew Forkner's A-Z of Bird Portraits shows you how to set about capturing 26 birds in acrylics, with guidance on composition and important bird features. The clear and easy-to-follow step-by-step projects include plenty of annotated drawings and detailed colour mixes, allowing you to concentrate on the bird themselves. * Leisure Painter *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 Colours 10 Composition 12 Basic techniques 18 Features of birds 24 Projects 34 Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher 36 Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle 40 Bombicylla garrulus Bohemian Waxwings 44 Cinclus cinclus White-throated Dipper 48 Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra 52 Egretta garzetta Little Egret 56 Erithacus rubecula European Robin 60 Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel 64 Fratercula arctica Atlantic Puffin 68 Garrulus glandarius Eurasian Jay 72 Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle 76 Icterus galbula Baltimore Oriole 80 Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed Junco 84 Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike 88 Merops apiaster European Bee-eater 92 Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron 96 Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear 100 Picus viridis Green Woodpecker 104 Quelea quelea Red-billed Quelea 108 Recurvirostra avosetta Pied Avocet 112 Sitta Europea Eurasian Nuthatch 116 Troglodytes troglodytes Eurasian Wren 120 Tyto alba Barn Owl 124 Upupa epops Eurasian Hoopoe 128 Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing 132 Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Yellow-headed Blackbird 136 Zenada macroura Mourning Dove 140 Index 144

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Book SynopsisNorwegian knitting is loved for its combination of practicality, texture and traditional patterning. In this brand-new book by best-selling knitwear designer and author Monica Russel, there are 15 Nordic-inspired clothes and accessories for children that blend classic Scandi style with fun and functionality! Beginning with a crash course in essential knitting techniques, create stylish hats, mittens, sweaters, dresses and even a loveable bear in a distinctive Fair Isle design. The garments are designed for children aged 3 to 9 years, with styles ranging from beautifully subtle and textured knits to patterned creations with motifs inspired by classic Nordic knitwear and the Scandinavian landscape. There are numerous photos of the finished designs, clear written instructions, and every knitted item with colourwork includes a chart with corresponding written instructions. Whether you're knitting for a special occasion, a holiday, or for day-to-day wear, these are fuss-free patterns that will have you knitting, classic-mod makes for your little one all year round.Trade ReviewThis book is brilliant. The patterns are beautiful and I can't wait to see my son wearing lots of these amazing knits! -- Naomi Lovell * Amazon Customer Review *This book is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters, however, if you’re a keen beginner I’m sure you could follow the very well written instructions. The designs are modern yet timeless pieces which are perfect for the age category of 3-9 years of age. I particularly like the Hestehov Sweater Dress for my young daughter and the Stort Fro Mittens as Christmas gifts. From my experience with other knitting patterns the sizes seem pretty accurate but as I’ve not completed my project yet I’ll have to wait and see. I really like the layout of this book and would thoroughly recommend it to any keen knitters. -- Emma Owen * Amazon Customer Review *Norwegian knitting is loved for its practicality, texture and traditional patterning. These 15 Nordic-inspired clothes and accessories for children aged 3 to 9 years, blend classic Scandi style with fun and functionality. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Monica Russel has created this pattern book as she 'felt that there has been a gap in the market for traditional and contemporary patterns for children aged 3 to 9'. She also believes that 'there are relatively few designs that are unisex or for boys'. The book starts with a short history of Nordic Knitting and the obligatory pages on yarn, tools, techniques, with good illustrations on stranded colour work, cables, I-cord and finishing. Pages 36 and 37 give the colour thumbnails of the 15 designs which start with a hat/scarf set and end with a long-sleeved, yoked cardigan. The patterns all have written out, row-by-row instructions, with clear charts for the stranded colour work. Sizing is given in the pattern instructions but there are no schematics. The patterns are split between 14 accessories and 14 garments, with one toy completing the collections. The designs are worked in sympathetic colourways, which should appeal to the target audience, and the knitting is well within the reach of an intermediate knitter looking for fresh inspiration to clothe youngsters. -- Linde Merrick * Slip Knot *This book is lovely. Many beautiful items to knit. I particularly like the look of the teddy bear. As yet I have not attempted to knit anything but the instructions look very clear. I am sure it will be well used. -- Brian Lewis * Amazon Customer Review *Beautiful book full of fabulous knits and oh the teddy bear is stunning. This book is packed with detail of every item you need and how to cast on through to finishing end knit. Start with the leg warmers or scarf and you will be hooked into knitting more as instructions are so easy to follow. -- Pauline Forster * Amazon Customer Review *A really wonderful knitting book, suitable for everyone from beginners to accomplished knitters. Well laid out how to knit sections and beautiful designs to knit. The patterns themselves are clear and easy to follow and I can't wait to get started making the teddy. -- Sheri Darby * Amazon Customer Review *This is a delightful book, well written with clear diagrams and very interesting projects. There are several I want to start straight away! It’s a pleasure to see colourful eye catching garments and accessories that are up to date. The yarns used are widely available and described at the end of the book should a substitution be desired and I think any child (and their parent) would be more than happy with one of these projects. A pleasure to knit and a pleasure to give. -- Marilyn Ralston * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 A small history of Nordic knitting 7 Yarns & materials 8 Tools & equipment 10 Techniques 12 Tension/gauge 12, Knitting abbreviations 13, Yarn conversions 13, Essential knitting Skills 14, Finishing 32 Projects 38 Selburose Hat & Scarf 40, Diamant Flap Hat 48, Lite Frø Mittens 52, Stort Frø Mittens 56, Sjø Leg Warmers 60, Fisk Dress 64, Knute Cable Slipover 72, Hestehov Sweater Dress 76, Isbjørn Sweater 82, Fisk Purse 88, Kors Duffle Jacket 92, Otso the Teddy Bear 100, Sommer Sweater 110, Rød Cable Cardigan 116, Røsslyng Yoked Cardigan 122 Yarns used 128

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Book SynopsisCreate nine stunning quilts and 11 desirable gifts using contemporary big-stitch quilting. Big stitches sewn by hand lend an irresistibly tactile quality and visual style to quilts and other items, as well as being meditative and relaxing to sew. Each of the 20 stylish projects in this book is quilted using a range of big stitches, inspired by Boro, Kantha and Sashiko-style stitching. Each project is shown step by step, with illustrations and photographs throughout to make the process simple to follow. Learn how to create nine gorgeous quilts as well as 11 gift projects, which include wrapping cloths, a Japanese knot bag, a pillow cover and coasters. There is a comprehensive techniques section at the start of the book that explores the kinds of materials and fabrics best suited to big stitch quilting, the stitches and methods used, and how to assemble and finish your quilts. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in this stunning form of hand quilting.Trade ReviewI am a fan of Carolyn Forster's books, and this latest book did not disappoint. As with all my other Search Press craft books, the book is really well illustrated with good photographs. The projects succeed in meeting my need for something more than very basic, but not super complicated either, something I often find difficult in quilting books. Although I do machine quilt, I would like to do more hand quilting and this book provides just the inspiration I was looking for. -- Linda Jesuadian * Amazon Customer Review *The perfect guide for those interested in hand quilting, Big Stitch Quilting unveils 20 pretty projects - from wrapping cloths and a Japanese knot bag to a pillow cover and coasters. You can choose from a combination of quilts and gifts, inspired by Boro, Kantha and Sashiko. This title also explores the most suitable materials, fabrics and methods to use, and also guides you through the process of assembling and finishing quilts. * Sew Magazine *Good well-written instructions with plenty of photos and pictures to follow as you learn to quilt either by hand or using a machine. I'm looking forward to using this book to guide me on my journey as I learn to quilt. -- Sara Hawkins * Amazon Customer Review *As someone who's been quilting for 45 years, I mostly buy quilt books for ideas not techniques, so it is pretty rare that I open a book and say 'that's interesting, I didn't know how to do that!' This was one of those times. Good historical explanations of the 'big stitch' tradition (enough to silence even the fiercest of the traditional quilt police); techniques to speed up piecing, 'big' stitches that were new to me (i.e. not just running stitch), very clear explanations and good, close-up photos that really show what is being explained. An excellent book and one that is destined to be returned to time and again. But then of course it is by Carolyn Forster, I should have expected no less. I heartily recommend it. -- Ginnie Willis * Amazon Customer Review *Big Stitch Quilting is an informative introductory book, full of lovely examples and projects to help get you started with your own big stitch work. I'm really looking forward to trying out the various techniques on my own quilts and gifts. It's accessible to both beginner and more experienced quilters, Forster takes you through basting and binding techniques as well as the quilting itself. She also offers a brief overview of historical and cultural examples of big stitch quilting techniques from around the world, such as sashiko and Great Depression era utility quilts.. There are a range of projects, from larger quilts through to doll-size quilts, Japanese-style knot bags, coasters and sewing rolls, which I feel make it very accessible to a range of abilities and for quilters who don't have time for larger hand-quilting projects. The photography of the various projects and examples is beautiful, making for a book that's also pleasant to flick through. -- Leanne Marie * Customer Review *I've been sewing for years but I'm quite new to quilting so this book is most informative. I'm not good at reading instructions, I like to jump in and start a project then go back and find out why it went wrong! So I started with the pincushion on page 128 (see pic) Carolyn's method and pictures were so easy to follow. After trying a few projects I went back to check out the history of these quilts which is an interesting read in itself. I found that I already had most of what I needed in the Tools and Materials section, never heard of a Hera marker but I have something else that will do the job when necessary. The templates are a bonus, it means you can just pick a project and get on with it without much fuss and there are 20 to choose from. This book will be my companion while I perfect my 'big stitch' technique and will be a great addition to my sewing library for future quilting reference. Thank you Carolyn Forster for introducing me to this form of quilting. -- Lisa Hemstock * Customer Review *Hand stitching lends a tactile quality and visual style to any item, as well as being meditative and relaxing to sew. Step by step photos and illustrations make everything easy to follow and the nine quilts and eleven gift projects including wrapping cloths, a Japanese knot bag, pillow cover and coasters. * Machine Knitting Monthly *A practical guide to sewing and hand quilting twenty projects using big stitch quilting. Nine quilts and eleven gifts which include coasters, a sewing roll and a pillow amongst other ideas. Big stitch quilting, usually using thicker thread, has been utilised throughout history around the globe and Carolyn has taken inspiration from these different sources. A section on tools and equipment is followed by fabrics and wadding. Simple piecing is covered briefly with a good section on layering and basting your quilt, which is essential when hand quilting. There is a good example of a table top quilt tacking method. Quilt designs are kept simple, Baptist Fan is an example. A selection of different quilting stitches are demonstrated. There is a good selection on various binding options. Th quilts are simply pieced, excellent for using up scraps, with one quilt using applique flowers on a plain background. The gifts are a lovely selection of projects. Templates are provided to copy. This is a good choice for a beginner quilter as all basics are covered but has some interesting background on the different big stitch techniques which would be of interest for the more experienced. -- British Patchwork and Quilting * British Patchwork and Quilting *‘Big Stitch Quilting‘ is the 2021 book by the amazing Carolyn Forster. Carolyn is an internationally renowned writer, designer, maker and teacher with a multitude of publications – all of which are superb! This book is another incredible addition to the Carolyn bookshelf! ‘Big stitch quilting’ is absolutely packed with beautiful photography, detailed instructions, a multitude of inspiration and more alongside 20 projects for you to explore big stitch quilting with. [...] Carolyn starts the book by exploring big stitch quilting in historical makes as well as in different cultures. The level of details in the photos is astounding and I love learning the wider context of big stitch quilting and how it has been used. Carolyn then moves on to talk about the tools and materials that she uses for big stitch quilting. Again, I really liked the level of detail and how the tools and materials are broken down into subsections. This really helps the reader to make informed choices about materials, their uses, and considerations to take into account. Each section has a clear heading so you know what it is about. In this section, Carolyn discusses the actual act of stitching the patchwork pieces and covers stitch length, pressing, chain piecing, and techniques. Nothing is taken for granted and I really like that. Carolyn does not presuppose our knowledge as the reader and so all bases are covered with instructions that are all clear, understandable, easy to follow and have high-quality instructional images. There are instructions and clear images for tacking, basting, quilt designs, quilting stitches, binding, and more. Then come the projects and they are all amazing!! Sometimes, a book has a handful of projects that may inspire you. This book, however, is inspiring from start to finish. All 20 of the projects are amazing and ones that I absolutely want to try! There are 11 home items projects (bags, coasters, wrapping cloths etc) and 9 quilt projects. Each project is titled and has clear information about the sort of project it is, the measurements, the requirements (fabric and notions), how to cut the fabric, and a digital image of the design as well as styled photography. The photography truly is sublime! Following the above information, there is then a step-by-step for how to make the project with digital images to guide you alongside written guidance. The book also contains the templates that are needed for the projects too so you can start stitching straight away! I truly, truly love this book. It really is jam-packed with sumptuous images as well as clear and easy-to-follow instructions for a whole range of methods, stitches and quilting approaches as well as the 20 projects. It is absolutely a book that I’d highly, highly recommend! -- Naomi Alice * naomialice.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction History/context Tools and materials Fabrics Threads Techniques Cutting, Chain piecing, Basting, Quilt designs, Quilting stitches (starting and stopping, big stitch, Mennonite tacks, Methodist knots, running cross stitch), Binding The Projects Quilt 1: Navy Borders, Quilt 2: Octagons, Quilt 3: Swedish Bars, Quilt 4: Fabric Stack, Quilt 5: Stepping Stones, Quilt 6: Every Last Piece, Quilt 7: Scattered Flowers, Quilt 8: Quilted Vines Mini Quilt, Quilt 9: Dolly Quilt, Gift 1: Coasters, Gift 2: Furoshiki cloths, Gift 3: Kitchen table topper, Gift 4: Sewing roll, Gift 5: Tulip Pillow, Gift 6: Knot bag, Gift 7: Zokin, Gift 8: Hot Water Bottle Cover, Gift 9: Golden pincushion, Gift 10: Lavender bags, Gift 11: Table centre Templates Index

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Book SynopsisAn inspirational, practical guide by textile artist Letitia Thompson, the world of Mrs Bertimus! In this exciting new book Letitia shows you how to create colourful, contemporary, animal-themed stitched textiles with a quirky mix of vintage and whimsical style. Letitia's subjects range from playful, dancing mice to crafty foxes, their personalities skillfully captured in stitch using free-motion machine embroidery and hand stitching. The progression from idea to stitch is developed in easy stages, providing a valuable insight into the author's creative process and the methods she uses to achieve her stunning textile artworks. Starting with a comprehensive materials and techniques section, the book includes three step-by-step projects, templates, and numerous finished pieces to spark your creativity, resulting in a unique source of ideas and inspiration for textile artists of all abilities.Trade ReviewIt’s not often that you discover an artist who brings such sensitivity and originality to figurative machine embroidery but Mrs Bertimus (the pseudonym of artist Letitia Thompson) is one of this rare breed. In this book she explains how to create captivating animal stitched portraits using fabric collage, free-motion machine embroidery and a dash of hand stitch, where, ‘the thread becomes the pencil and the fabric becomes the paint.’ She breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, including lessons on, and insights into, sketching your subject, techniques and composition, and creating original work that tells a story through your choice of portraiture. There are three projects, but all of the examples in this book are a work of art in their own right that everyone will be able to recreate. * Embroidery - Issue 56 *This is a beautifully thorough book about the authors adorable and visually complex multi-media art work. She has given clear photographic step-by-step instructions to recreate her projects or inspire us to make our stitched textiles. Also included are steps and ways to personalize each piece with paint, distressing, stencils, stamps that give her work international recognition. I highly recommend her book for experts and beginners! Hope you enjoy it. -- Holly Angle * Amazon Customer Review *In this book, Mrs Bertimus takes the reader through her creative process, from materials and sketching to finished objects. There are three lovely projects to enjoy, with helpful templates included in the back of the book – I'm particularly excited about trying the little Sausage Dog art quilt. Before the projects, she goes into detail about the tools and techniques she uses to create her artworks so that the reader can create their own inspired by her work. The book is filled with examples from her sketchbooks and finished pieces, making it beautiful to just flick through and enjoy. I love her art style and am looking forward to applying many of the techniques to my own work -- Leanne Cane * Customer Review *I absolutely love Mrs Bertimus’ artwork and the way she lays down colours and textures. Her embroidery work is just an extension of her stunning paintings. The collages are so beautiful on the animals and there are step-by-step guides to follow along. As an artist who has never done machine embroidery before, I feel the instructions are so clear that I could actually give it a go myself. There are pattern pieces in the back but you could try this with your own artwork too. I can’t wait to see the new collection of goodies she has planned for the coming months. This book would make such a gorgeous gift for someone who loves to sew, draw, paint or craft. Buy two. You’ll want to keep one for yourself. -- Lindsay Elissa Coils * Customer Review *Letitia Thompson, also known as Mrs Bertimus, generously shares all the whimsy and wonder of her mixed media work. Whether you want to imitate her style or use it as a springboard to develop your own, there is plenty to satisfy. She carefully breaks down the stages and processes involved in her complex collaged pieces, offering invaluable insight and thoughtful tips. Words and images combine to guide you seamlessly through composition and construction. Her approach with sticky notes will enlighten, and the step-by-step projects will delight. * Stitch Magazine *If you think that all stitched animals are cute and twee, you haven’t seen the work of Letitia Thompson, aka Mrs Bertimus. Her drawing skills are amazing but no need to worry if you don’t draw, as templates are provided in this book. Mrs Bertimus is just as brilliant with art materials as she is with her sewing machine. In fact, her realisation that, with the darning foot on and the feed dogs down, she could turn her sewing machine into a drawing machine, made this book possible. After a very brief description of materials, the book moves straight into the nitty-gritty of technique, inspiration, design, and stitch. From colour mixing paints to working with a drawing, this section has some great ideas for getting the tonal values right. Having made a template and using those tonal values, we go through the process of building-up cut fabric pieces to translate them into stitch. Then it is machine embroidery and working the background. This is a great source of ideas – I love her backgrounds. The section on composition takes us through the nuts and bolts of this tricky subject: balance, orientation and trouble-shooting are well covered and could relate to any textile application. Mrs Bertimus has some excellent tricks to aid composition – but I won’t give the game away here. Suffice it to say that I will be adopting some of them myself. Backgrounds are an important part of any artwork and the ideas in this book could be used for painting or drawing as well as the appliqué shown. Blocks of colour and stitch combine to integrate the subject matter without intruding on the focal point. Paper collage, stitching into paper, gelli plate printing (which is used for design as well as stitch) are all covered. Ideas for using the results of these techniques are also shown. A chapter on ‘Telling a Story’ is useful and covers many examples of story sources and the use of the tales. All these are told in completed works. The final chapter on Projects includes templates for making some of the animals contained in the book. Full step-by-step instructions for their use can also be found here. My grandson is owned by Monty – a ‘sausage dog’ – and there just happens to be a dachshund template, so I might be turning out ‘the full Monty’ soon. All inspired by Mrs Bertimus. * d4daisy Books *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Where to start (Core techniques) Composition Going further (Advanced techniques) Telling a story Sausage Dog Midnight Fox Acrobat Mouse Afterword Templates Index

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Book SynopsisBargello stitching is a form of needlepoint and making a comeback. There is a project for everyone, whether you are new to bargello, or are an original bargello fan. Tina Francis shows you how to combine bold, bright colours in attractive, almost psychedelic patterns to create the illusion of 3-D. Use her easy-to-follow charts and approachable instructions to create 15 projects including cushions, wall art, pincushions, bangles and a brooch. Bargello is easy to master, quick to achieve and very addictive. The stitches take on a rhythm of their own which makes it extremely relaxing and before long you’ll be measuring your days in centimetres not hours. With only a handful of materials required – canvas, tapestry wool, tapestry needle and instructions – bargello is certain to become your craft of choice.Trade ReviewI recently got this book and love the look of the projects, I'm looking forward to making the cover project as well as the seat pads. It has clear pictures and instructions that should help me, a complete novice. -- Charlotte Meakin * Amazon *First of all I am loving Tina Francis's eye for colour, the projects in this book are certainly cheerful, a much welcome change from the uniform grey decor we see these days. The clear instruction at the start of the book set out what materials are required, all of which I am pleased to say are easily and cheaply available, making this a technique accessible to all. There is a wide variety of projects in the book but I think they could all be easily adapted to make whatever you fancied. I am already wondering about turning the bracelet pattern into curtain tie backs. The final project in particular is beautiful and would make a gorgeous addition to any room. Overall I would say this book is perfect for young and old alike, as well as for inexperienced sewers. Its also a lovely way to use up some of my ever expanding wool stash! -- Sarah Gage * Amazon *Hello bargello - this long stitch needlepoint technique is having a bit of a moment, and it's easy to see why. Tina Francis' Modern Bargello champions this bold and colourful craft, featuring 15 home decor projects with a retra vibe and a feeling of movement. Easy to stitch and 2020 fresh - we like. * Mollie Makes *Discover bargello stitching, a type of needlepoint that is making a comeback in a big way! Tina Francis explains this easy and addictive technique via 15 projects, combining bold, bright colours to make up cushions, wall art, accessories and much more! * Sew Magazine *Bargello always looks beautiful and, to me, has often seemed difficult to do, but once you know the process it is actually so much easier than you think. Tina Francis brings is bring Bargello back. Her brightly coloured yarn projects are beautiful and can add a decorative and unique vibe to your home. There are 15 projects to create, from bangles to boxes. The instructions are simple and clear and once you get the hang of it you will be designing your very own patterns and styles. You will not need much to start your Bargello designs, just some yarn, canvas and a needle and you are all set to go. I loved the authors comments at the start of each project, she gives you an insight into how she came up with the design and offers encouragement. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Bargello is a form of needlepoint and it’s making a comeback! With 15 attractive projects, this book has something for everyone, whether you are new to bargello, or are an original fan. Tina Francis shows you how to combine bold, bright colours in attractive patterns to create the illusion of 3D. Use her easy-tofollow charts and approachable instructions to create beautiful bargello projects. Bargello is easy to master, quick to achieve and very addictive. The stitches take on a rhythm of their own, which makes it extremely relaxing and before long you’ll be measuring your days in centimetres not hours. With only a handful of materials required – canvas, tapestry wool, tapestry needle and instructions – bargello is certain to become your craft of choice. * Mindful Crafting *Bargello is trending so stitch some colour into your life with 15 attractive projects. This form of needlepoint is making a comeback. There's a project for everyone, whether you're new to the craft or an original fan. Learn how to combine bold, bright colours in attractive, almost psychedelic patterns to create the illusion of 3D. It's easy to master, quick to achieve and very addictive. With only a handful of materials required, it's certain to become your craft of choice. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Bargello is formed by a combination of straight stitches in various colour. In this book, Tina Francis has taken a modern twist on a well-known design. She obviously loves the use of colour and different yarns that brings this history-steeped stitch up to date. The first part of the book takes the reader through the usual introduction of tools, materials, colour and how to form patterns. Tina explains that traditional Bargello starts from the centre, but she finds that starting with a full row gives confidence. She explains that it is important to get the first row or foundation row correct as the rest of the pattern is built upon this. In the second half of the book, Tina explains how to use her charts to combine colours and patterns this enabling the reader to create 15 projects. They include pieces that will brighten your home, such as cushions, bangles, and wall art. This book is of great value to the beginner, giving confidence through explaining what at first sight are the intricacies of recurring patterns. -- Lizie Painter * The SEW Region Magazine - Book Threads *Bargello, a form of needlepoint last popular in the 1970s, is making something of a comeback, thanks to the ease and speed with which you can create retro patterns, not to mention its addictive quality, and a new generation is rediscovering its potential. Tina Francis reveals how to combine bold, bright colours to cerate attractive, almost psychedelic patterns in 15 projects that range from cushions and wall art to pincushions, bangles and a brooch. With only a handful of materials required - canvas, tapestry wool, tapestry needle - Modern Bargello is a great introduction to canvas work and Francis will have you stitching in no time at all. * Embroidery magazine - Nov/Dec 2020 *Table of ContentsIntroducing bargello 6 Tools & materials 8 Colour & pattern 12 Getting started 17 PROJECTS 22 Blended Brooch & Bangle 24 Aztec Accents 30 Florentine Fancy 34 Lilting Lumbar 38 Tiny Treasures Box 44 Florentine Box 50 Optical Square 54 Go Bargello 58 Zigzag Relax 64 Bunting Sampler 68 Mighty Mitres 74 Embroidery Hoops 78 Mirror, Mirror on the Floor 82 Twisted Rope 88 Reflecting Back 92

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Book SynopsisStumpwork embroidery, also called raised embroidery, takes hand embroidery to another dimension and lifts it off the surface of the fabric with strikingly realistic results. This technique uses all the usual embroidery stitches you would expect and includes padding, wiring and slips to achieve its raised effect. Stumpwork Inspirations highlights the very best stumpwork has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Susan O’Connor, Wendy Innes, Susan Casson, Anna Scott, Lesley Turpin-Delport and Jane Nicholas, this special collection, including lovely framed pictures and a pot lid, have been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning stumpwork projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to stitch them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely stumpwork, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.Trade ReviewAustralian needlecraft magazine Inspirations has been inspiring (and wowing) people for over thirty years. This book is part of a new series of books, each containing eight projects which will challenge and delight embroiderers. Stumpwork is notorious for being one of the more advanced styles of embroidery, and like just about everything produced by this magazine, I would recommend this book for intermediate level and up. If this is you, then rejoice, because this book manages to update stumpwork for the 21st Century while retaining its lush appearance and celebration of nature. The eight projects depict flowers and fruits, and they have all been previously featured in issues of Inspirations magazine. There are violas, a coneflower and butterfly, windflowers, tansy, raspberries and crab-apples, strawberries and my own favourite, the very Jacobean partridge in a pear tree. The book opens with a two-page history of stumpwork, and the rest of the book contains the projects. Each one is several pages long and has everything you need to complete the piece, including a pattern on the sheet at the back tucked neatly into a pocket. Along with many large and colourful photographs (so useful due to the level of detail in each one), there are staged photographs for stitches plus coloured diagrams. What you need is broken down into fabric, supplies, needles, and threads with DMC stranded floss being the main choice, but also Madeira metallic, Anchor floss, perlé cottons, ribbon, and various types of silk threads. Each thread is assigned a number and is referred to by it in the instructions, which apart from the stitches are mostly in written form. At the back is a glossary of all the stitches and techniques, each shown in a good number of staged photographs. I think my favourite must be the piece on how to utilise a real snail shell together with wire, thread, and glue to make a snail! This is a method the original Jacobean embroiderer would have recognized. A beautiful and inspiring book for the keeper shelf. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *Table of Contents2 Introduction 4 Contents 6 Stumpwork History 8 Stumpwork Projects 10 Summer Harvest 20 Anise 28 Viola Tricolor 36 Summer Dancer 44 Sweet Violets 52 Windflower 58 First Day 72 Belle Fraise 80 Stitch Guide

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Book SynopsisWhitework embroidery traditionally features beautifully intricate designs using white thread on white background fabric, examples of which can be found in many cultures across the world. Without the addition of colour, the fabric surface is ornamented with high-relief stitching, cutting, pulling or withdrawing threads with some styles utilizing all these techniques. Whitework Inspirations highlights the very best whitework has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Kim Beamish, Deborah Love, Judy Stephenson, Christine P Bishop, Susan O'Connor, Patricia Girolami and Luzine Happel, this special collection – including a tablecloth, table mats and sachets – has been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning whitework projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to create them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely whitework, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.Trade ReviewAustralian publisher Inspiration Studios has distilled the best of the best from its issues of Inspirations embroidery magazine for new volumes on crewel embroidery and whitework (a third volume, on Stumpwork, is also being released). Each book begins with an abbreviated historical overview. Crewel, aka wool on linen, began around the seventeenth century and gained popularity during Elizabeth I’s reign. Whitework, with any number of variations on its white-onwhite concept, was first practiced by the ancient Egyptians; since then, Scandinavian and other European needleworkers have contributed their own interpretations—Dresden, Hebedo (Danish), Hardanger (Norwegian), Madeira, and Mountmellick (Irish). Each text then leads into eight patterns. Well thought-out instructions, along with clear color photographs, document every step, with specific stitch how-tos included after the pattern directions. Hints and tips are scattered throughout, like suggestions on needleweaving and the fundamentals of blocking embroidery. The book ends with a perfect “show us” glossary of some 60 stitches, complete with step-bysteps and photographs. Design templates, unfortunately, are stuffed in the book’s back flap, not as accessible to those working on patterns. All designs are geared to the more experienced needleworker, but any enthusiast will admire "mandala musings," "garden of earthly delights," "a fine romance," and "tulip." Each book is appended with a stitch guide. — Booklist, May 2020. Barbara Jacobs Table of Contents2 Introduction 4 Contents 6 Whitework History 10 The Whitework Projects 10 Affair of the Heart 18 Heart’s Delight 28 Bianca 38 Tulip 52 Vintage 62 A Fine Romance 70 Sweet Strawberry 80 Sense of Place 98 Stitch Guide

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Book SynopsisCrewelwork embroidery traditionally features bold striking designs, rich vivid colours and thick textured woollen thread, and these designs are certainly no different. Crewel Inspirations highlights the very best crewelwork has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Hazel Blomkamp, Di Kirchner, Phillipa Turnbull, Margaret Light and Susan Casson, this special collection, including cushions, a footstool, a mandala, a framed picture and a jewellery roll, have been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning crewelwork projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to create them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely crewelwork, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.Trade ReviewIf you're a fan of crewelwork, look no further. This is a collection of 8 beautiful projects curated from the pages of Inspirations magazine. Featuring designs from some of the world's most talented embroiderers, it gives you the patterns, instructions, images and insight to stitch for yourself. * Stitch *Table of Contents2 Introduction 4 Contents 6 Crewelwork History 8 The Crewelwork Projects 10 Fantasia 22 In Good Time 28 Modern Crewel 38 Mandala Musings 50 Abundant Riches 62 Autumn Gold 70 Masterpiece 84 Garden of Earthly Delights 102 Stitch Guide

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Book SynopsisIn this fourth title in Hazel Blomkamp’s series on crewel embroidery with a twist, the focus is on farm and game birds. The birds give a nod to current trends, most notably the Zentangle look with crewel-style filling-in stitches and techniques. Crewel Birds is a celebration of Hazel’s signature techniques: a wide variety of surface/crewel stitches, some of which are brand new and many with a different take or different ways of combining stitches to make them more interesting. Also included are needle lace techniques used as embroidery stitches, loom weaving techniques modified for embroidery, and unique combinations of both of these. The incorporation of beads and crystals adds even more dazzle to the intricate designs. There are six projects, each explained with detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, with design templates and a full stitch gallery providing everything readers need to recreate them with ease. The projects comprise a phoenix, rooster, common pheasant, mallard duck, flamingo and golden pheasant. In addition to these sumptuous embroideries, Hazel explains how to hand quilt the backgrounds and finish the edges with binding to put them together in a ‘rag book’, as an alternative to framing. For embroiderers looking for something different and new to stitch, and for those keen to challenge themselves with more complex embroidery techniques, this book is a must-have.Trade ReviewThe book is great. The pictures are very detailed and the use of colour makes it easy to differentiate between the stitches. All the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The list of colours at the start of each project is helpful too. A really good book. Would thoroughly recommend. -- Claire Holmes * Amazon *To look at a Crewel bird, you would think, wow, what intricate stitching, I would never be able to do this. Well the answer is you can. This book is extremely detailed, telling you all the techniques, teaching you what equipment you should use and then giving bird patterns in easy to follow steps. I was lucky that the book arrived before 2 long power cuts in my area. It was the perfect time to pick up my sewing and I'm pleased to say that the patterns turn out exactly as they say they can. Worth purchasing to learn Jacobean embroidery, I will definitely be doing more. -- Dale Dow * Amazon *This book contains so many sections, from a detailed stitch guide to picture patterns. The stitch guide is easy to follow and can be transferred to any embroidery project you undertake. Very informative and inspirational. -- Sue Patricia Southwick * Amazon *What a beautiful book for beginners like me or those who have been seeing this stunning craft for a while. I very much liked it because it gives step-by-step instructions on every different stitch and there are some really pretty patterns to use. I love it. -- Denise Marvin * Amazon *This book is lovely. Having never tried crewel embroidery I was looking forward to this book and hopeful that it wouldn't be beyond my capabilities as a beginner It is beautifully set out and though probably aimed at someone who has done this technique before due to the complexity of the designs but the author takes you right through all the basics, helping to select lighting, tools, fabrics, threads and needles. There is a large detailed section about all the stitches that are used that even as a beginner I could follow. The book contains 6 projects and while this doesn't seem a lot each is accompanied with exquisite instruction. You are lead step-by-step through each project which details the thread colours to use and which stitch to use. It's pretty much stitch by numbers, without numbers but with detailed pictures at regular intervals throughout the instructions, it's really easy to follow and find where you are stitching next. -- Cathie Chant * Amazon *A beautiful, comprehensive introduction to crewel work. This is simply a beautiful book as well as being a well thought out and easy to understand introduction to all the stitches needed to create these gorgeous projects. The diagrams are easily understood and there are step-by-step instructions for each project. Can't wait to have a go. -- Louise Blackah * Amazon *Brilliant book with easy to understand instructions and printable patterns in the back of the book. -- Jennifer Brain * Amazon *This book is amazing, the colours are wonderful. Instructions on how to do all the stitches are well thought out and very clear and you are taken through the patterns step-by-step. Now I need to get around to trying out the stitches. -- Helen Wooton * Amazon *A stunningly beautiful book. Definitely projects to aspire to! A comprehensive how to stitch guide including how to do needle lace and needle weaving which I have never seen before. Beautiful intricate projects with detailed instructions on how to complete the projects and templates included. -- Nicki Crompton * Amazon *This is the fourth in this author’s stunning “Crewel” series that updates crewel/Jacobean embroidery for the 21st century while losing none of its beauty and unique style. I love these books; not only because the projects in them are so gorgeous or the stitch diagrams so clear but because they use mostly cotton or silk threads rather than wool which I am allergic to. That was the main type of thread available back in the 17th century, but now we have many more choices and look at what you can do with them! There are six beautiful bird embroideries to stitch in here, depicting a phoenix, mallard, two pheasants, flamingo and rooster. You get to use not only cotton floss, perle, cordonette, silk ribbon, metallic thread and seed beads but have the option of an unusual method of displaying your work. If you have walls filled with pictures like the author (or too many large windows like this reviewer) you might like to make a quilted “rag book” to house them and instructions for this are given. To begin the author goes through what you need to buy and how to do things like transfer patterns, wash embroidery if you need to and other useful tips. This is followed by a section of pale green pages containing all the stitch diagrams and instructions. There are quite a few, but all the stitch diagrams are easy to follow and mostly of a good size. Learn the basic freestyle and crewel stitches, various bead stitches, needle weaving techniques and needle lace. The latter tend to look quite involved but the written instructions are a help and if you go at it slowly it is surprising how easy it really is. The rest of the book contains those glorious bird projects and in case you were wondering no, this is not a suitable book for total beginners. It is aimed squarely at experienced stitchers who can tackle quite large involved patterns with mostly text instructions with a few small inset photos showing what section is being done. There are many good books on the market for beginners so it is great to see something for those of us who are up for a challenge! One of my favourite things about the designs is their muted backgrounds of ecru leaves, grasses, chicken wire etc recalling the unpainted backdrops to the hand coloured natural history books of the 18th and 19th centuries. They perfectly frame and set off the lively colours of the birds providing just enough detail to place them in a setting but not vie with their beauty. At the back of the book are all the templates which need to be enlarged before use, or if you want to buy printed panels, just the materials you need to make a project or a full kit you can do so from the author’s website. Even if you just want to learn the stitches and make up your own designs you can find out most of what you need to know in here. Another winner from this hugely talented author. -- Rachel A Hyde * Amazon *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION 8 GENERAL TIPS BEFORE STARTING 10 MATERIALS AND TOOLS 14 GENERAL PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS 19 STITCHES AND TECHNIQUES Embroidery Stitches 26 Bead-Embroidery Stitches 51 Needlelace Techniques 55 Needle-Weaving Techniques 62 PROJECTS Claude 73 Colin 85 Dave 105 Kevin 119 Dick 135 Nigel 155 TEMPLATES 168

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Book SynopsisThis gorgeous book will show you how to create breathtaking works of wall art and statement home décor – all made using simple macramé knots, natural dyes and 100 per cent recycled materials. Start by learning 18 key knots and 8 beautiful patterns, all shown clearly using step-by-step photography. Learn how to use natural dyes and how to pre-treat and dye your string. Key safety advice is given, as well as helpful tips for working with large pieces of macramé, knotting from an irregular-shaped support and keeping an even tension. The 16 projects are divided into 4 chapters: Macramé on the wall, Macramé to hang, Macramé for indoors & outdoors, and Macramé to decorate. The projects range from reworked classics such as the wall hanging and the plant hanger, which have been given a fresh, Insta-ready twist, to a wreath, bunting, hanging bedside table, mirror hanger, rug and tassels. Each project clearly explains which knots to use, the difficulty level, how long the project will take, plus photographs of the steps are provided as necessary. The projects are easy to follow, genuinely desirable and, best of all, really simple to make!Trade ReviewThe book is well illustrated with easy to follow diagrams. There are 16 projects for varying proficiencies. The advanced rug making one I particularly liked but as a beginner I would try the curtain tieback and the tassel first. Items are given an approximate time it would take to make ranging from 1 hour to 8 hours and I found this useful to know. There is an interesting article on natural dyeing too which may be of interest for people wanting a different effect. A very enjoyable book and one I will look forward to using in the future. -- Suan Watts * Amazon *This is a book to appeal to anyone looking to try macramé. At the beginning there is a section looking at tools, yarns and knots required to create the projects. These are illustrated using photos, not diagrams, and are much easier to follow. The author encourages the use of recycled and natural materials and there is even a section on creating your own simple dyes to add an individual touch to your work. Advice is offered for caring for your body as you craft. Each project is graded from beginner to advanced. In addition to a comprehensive list of materials and tools required, there is an estimate of time needed to complete the project and a list of the knots used, useful if some may be new and require practice first. The instructions alongside are set out in short steps with photographs of completed sections for comparison. The use of photographs throughout and clear steps makes this a great book for the beginner whilst more experienced crafters can enjoy the challenge of using more found natural materials and creating dyes for individuality. -- Ann Williams * Amazon *I really liked all the projects but the lampshade is my absolute favourite. I am awaiting delivery of some material to make one for my garden room. I did a little Macrame in the 70’s so I found the book easy to understand and would recommend a plant hanger to a beginner. I’ve never done any dying but am certainly going to give it a go and dip dye my lampshade when I have made it -- Sue Gaunt * Amazon *This is such a delightful book, there are a number of inspiring projects, we particularly like the Macramé Wall Hangings which can be used in so many creative ways. There are also instructions on how to make useful plant hangers, macramé table runners, lampshades, curtain tiebacks and even a stunning rug. If you have always wanted to learn Macramé, this is a delightful place to start. Highly Recommended! * Hot Brands Cool Places *Learn how to create wall art and home decor using simple knots, natural dyes and 100% recycled materials. Each project has photos, clear steps and explains which knots to use. Suitable for all levels, the 16 projects are easy to follow and simple to make. * Machine Knitting Monthly *The book is well illustrated with easy to follow diagrams. There are 16 projects for varying proficiencies. The advanced rug making one I particularly liked but as a beginner I would try the curtain tieback and the tassel first. Items are given an approximate time it would take to make ranging from one to eight hours and I found this useful to know. There is an interesting article on natural dyeing too which may be of interest for people wanting a different effect. A very enjoyable book and one I will look forward to using in the future. -- Suan Watts * Amazon *This gorgeous book will show you how to create breathtaking works of wall art and statement home décor all made using simple macramé knots, natural dyes and 100 per cent recycled materials. Start by learning 18 key knots and 8 beautiful patterns, all shown clearly using step-by-step photography. Learn how to use natural dyes and how to pre-treat and dye your string. Key safety advice is given, as well as helpful tips for working with large pieces of macramé, knotting from an irregular-shaped support and keeping an even tension. The 16 projects are divided into 4 chapters: Macramé on the wall, Macramé to hang, Macramé for indoors & outdoors, and Macramé to decorate. The projects range from reworked classics such as the wall hanging and the plant hanger, which have been given a fresh, Insta-ready twist, to a wreath, bunting, hanging bedside table, mirror hanger, rug and tassels. Each project clearly explains which knots to use, the difficulty level, how long the project will take, plus photographs of the steps are provided as necessary. The projects are easy to follow, genuinely desirable and, best of all, really simple to make! This is such a delightful book, there are a number of inspiring projects, we particularly like the Macramé Wall Hangings which can be used in so many creative ways. There are also instructions on how to make useful plant hangers, macramé table runners, lampshades, curtain tiebacks and even a stunning rug. If you have always wanted to learn Macramé, this is a delightful place to start. Highly Recommended! * mycreativenotebook.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 How to use this book 8 Tools 10 Materials 12 Looking after your body 13 Knots 14 Patterns 22 Macramé tips 28 Dyeing equipment & ingredients 34 Natural dyeing techniques 36 Macramé on the wall Wreath 42 Bunting 48 Wall hanging 52 Diamond wall hanging 58 Curtain 64 Macramé to hang Plant hanger 72 Wall plant hanger 76 Mirror hanger 80 Bedside table 86 Macramé for indoors & outdoors Table runner 92 Tealight cover 98 Lampshade 104 Macramé to decorate Pillow cover 108 Curtain tieback 114 Rug 118 Tassels 124 Acknowledgements 128

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Book SynopsisArtists of all skill levels will find much to inspire them in this detailed and practical guide to drawing landscapes. Margaret Eggleton guides you through easy-to-follow drawing stages, and gives advice on using sketchbooks, line and tone, perspective and more. She shows how to draw elements of the landscape such as trees and foliage, hills and mountains, skies, water and buildings, and there are practical, step-by-step exercises throughout to help you practise the techniques. Margaret then guides you carefully through each stage of six stunning projects, each culminating in a beautiful landscape drawing you'll be proud of. Suitable for beginners wanting to build up their confidence as well as more seasoned artists seeking inspiration, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to draw landscapes in dry media such as graphite pencils, acrylic ink, pen, Conté crayons, pastels or charcoal. This is a new, redesigned edition of Margaret's highly successful Drawing Masterclass: Landscapes.Trade ReviewI'm a beginner. Picked up a pencil and sketch pad last summer and tried it on and off since then. I've not done landscapes before. Overall I really like that the book contains such a massive range of sketches to learn from. I know that if I play around with copying these then by the end of it I will be able to try out any landscape of my choosing having learned how to lay out the sketch and get the best from it as well as how to go about conveying everything with pencils (including the difficult stuff; water, clouds etc). I also appreciated the details about materials and that each sketch explains what has been used to draw it. Handy to know what there is and how it's used even though I'm just working with a couple of pencils at the moment. I'm really enjoying the experience and looking forward to seeing the results of the one I'm working on at the moment! I think this book is a good investment. -- Hilda Wright * Amazon Customer Review *Margaret Eggleton is a professional artist and experienced tutor whose work is based on good drawing techniques. Her new book, Drawing Landscapes, is a redesigned edition of her successful Drawing Masterclass: Landscapes. The book provides a practical guide to drawing media, including graphite pencils, acrylics ink, pen, Conte crayons, pastel and charcoal. An introduction to materials, getting started, using sketchbooks, and line and tone, is followed by information on elements in the landscape, such as trees and foliage, hills and mountains, moors and meadows, skies, flowers, water, man-made structures and figures. Six step-by-step projects build on the knowledge you have learnt. * Leisure Painter *I have found it extremely helpful and has given me the impetus to do more pencil drawings, as most of my artwork is done with paints. The book is well illustrated with some inspiring drawings and gives much information on materials, perspective, how to work from your own photographs etc. I was very interested to see how to do skies with pencil, different types of trees, and in particular figures as I tend to avoid drawing people, but will be doing more practice now. On the whole the book is very informative, and I will certainly be practising my pencil work more in the future. If anyone is looking for a good book to enhance their drawing skills – I whole heartedly recommend this. -- Viv Frodsham * Customer Review *The cover of this book filed me with trepidation. It is such a lovely drawing that I felt the challenge would be too much for me. Fortunately, my initial fears were unfounded, as Margaret’s approach is so well structured. The author introduces us to past masters of the genre: Durer, Turner, and Van Gogh, by producing drawings in their individual styles before giving an overview of the various mediums used in the book, together with small examples. Even the mediums are drawn! The author quickly moves onto the practical aspects of drawing, with worked examples showing the how the picture is constructed. Simple line drawing is quickly followed by introducing tone (the example forms the cover picture). Perspective is covered in its various forms, such as aerial and linear. Margaret breaks down the components of a drawing to explain how each part is developed; e.g. trees and foliage, hills and mountains, together with exercises for the reader to try themselves. Once past these specifics, we move on to worked examples of various subjects for the reader to attempt in the various drawing media. Each example is complete with a list of materials and a comprehensive set of instructions. By the end of the book, I felt that my landscape drawing skills would be noticeably improved. The book is well written, easy to follow, and has great illustrations, and well worth the money. -- David Raison * Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 The history of landscape drawing 8 Materials 12 How to start 22 Line and tone 30 Perspective 36 Trees and foliage 40 Hills and mountains 48 Moors and meadows 54 Skies 58 Flowers in the landscape 62 Water 66 Manmade structures 72 Figures 78 LANDSCAPES The Way to the Woods 82 Canon's Farm Barns 86 Mountains 90 Lake District Bridge 94 Rocamadour 100 Cottage Garden 106 Index 112

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Book SynopsisA complete guide to modern calligraphy with Artsynibs. Joyce Lee first picked up a calligraphy pen when she started making stationery for her wedding. For her, it is now a way of life, her career and what she calls a 'calligraventure'. In this practical and inspiring book, Joyce introduces modern calligraphy, including the tools you need and how to use them. She teaches various techniques and methods for creating beautiful artwork to give you the confidence to embark on creative projects of your own, including handwritten envelopes, gift tags and an elegant monogram. To help you practise your handwriting skills, the book is accompanied by an envelope of photocopiable practice sheets, contained within an attractive hardback folder. However, this is more than just an instructional guide; it encourages you to find joy in committing your thoughts to paper. Joyce believes that calligraphy is not just about perfecting the strokes, but about patience, concentration and slowing down to be mindful of the moment. Creativity is at the heart of us all; it simply needs to be unlocked, nurtured and given an outlet. This book is everything calligraphy should be: classic, stylish, creative and thought-provoking. Fall in love with the art of handwritten lettering as you release your own creativity on the page.Trade ReviewFind joy in committing your thoughts to paper through the art of beautiful writing with Joyce Lee's The Joy of Modern Calligraphy. Including techniques and methods to create beautiful makes such as envelopes and gift tags, there are also practice sheets so you can improve your handwriting skills. * Crafts Beautiful *This is such a lovely book. I was pleasantly surprise to discover that it contained a folder type cover, which not only protects the book, but it also has a pocket for practice sheets (which are included). These images are clear and detailed. One of the things I especially like is the fact that the author encourages the reader to do each stage at their own pace and encourages self care and a sense of mindfulness. The book's exercises become more advanced as you progress through and at the end the book are some projects for the reader to try. I would highly recommend this book. -- Lisa J Parker * Customer Review *Beautifully presented book with a hard cover for storage of the book and practice sheets. The only downside is the envelope that houses the practice sheets is a little flimsy and needs to be used with care. The book itself is clearly written, the diagrams and photography are excellent and easy to follow explaining the use of all the different pens, nibs and materials. It takes you from composition through to small projects to get you going. The practice sheets are A4 and a really helpful addition. I am enjoying working my way through this book its quite relaxing and mindful. -- Bernadette McGowan * Customer Review *I was sent this book to review and it arrives as a hardback with two sections, one for the paperback book and one for some practice sheets included. These sheets are nice to have as being single sheets allow for easier use, rather than many books that have them inside the pages, making them harder to access. The book is a nice style and focuses on the holistic art of writing. You can tell that the author loves their work and their craft and wants to enable others to find the joy they do. The steps are clear and well laid out and not too overwhelming for beginners and you can definitely see the 'modern' feel in the different projects. Would be perfect for those who want to hand letter their own invitations for weddings or events etc. -- Katerina Serefoglou * Amazon Customer Review *This book arrived encased in a beautiful hard covered folder complete with 20 practice sheets, a good start from this respected publisher. The book itself is beautifully set out with clear advice, instructions and photographs throughout. Joyce takes you through the background to modern calligraphy, talks you through the tools required to get you started (you won't need many at outset) and a step-by-step approach to achieve the lettering. The book teaches one style of lettering, which I think helps to focus learning. As someone who has learnt various styles of calligraphy in the past, I think it is good to focus on one style when you are learning. There are suggestions within the book to vary the lettering and flourishes to suit your own style. Once you have mastered the basics, there are eight projects at the end of the book to get you started on your journey. A modern, easy to follow book that will soon have you writing with style. A great book for someone looking to improve their handwriting via a new hobby. -- Helen Todd * Amazon Customer Review *This book is gorgeous, I love the presentation and the hardcover to keep all your practice pages together is just perfect to me. This isn't a calligraphy how-to rammed with styles to copy, it's a complete calligraphy practice taking you through breathing, posture and tension to developing your own style. I tried calligraphy before and it looked ok but I've very much enjoyed going right back to the start again and being led through all the correct steps by this book (never have I prepared my nibs properly, I didn't even know it was a thing before now!) It's a very calming, meditative practice following along with the book and I've loved taking a little bit a day quietening the mind and focusing on just forming the right strokes, no distractions. I love the way the book is presented and it soothes my soul, I'm treating it as a bit of 'me time' every time I dip into it and I would absolutely gift this book to a friend. -- Racheal Hotchkiss * Amazon Customer Review *I love books - informative ones - however dislike 'coffee table books' (lots of photos, not much actual usable content/instruction). On first flick through I was worried, beautiful photos and calming colours - looks lovely but would it help a left-handed crafter who has given up looking at calligraphy books after some epic fails? When you look in the index there are only a couple of references to left-handedness, so I started reading the book from the beginning... and was immediately drawn in! Absolutely usable information about pens (how they work, preparing the nibs), inks and paper - straight away I was able to understand some of the splodgy messes of the past, and the description around body and paper positioning meant I could just 'have a play' and follow what was happening instead of looking for separate left-handed instructions. I love the '30-Day Calligraphy Challenge' and accompanying worksheets as it really breaks things down into manageable chunks both in terms of technique and time required each day (10 minutes or so) and I will be doing this. This book is perfect for a beginner or someone who has struggled in the past and should act as a springboard to venturing into more traditional styles of writing if desired. The projects at the end of the book are nice too if you need inspiration. -- Mandy Strahand * Amazon Customer Review *When looking for a good crafting guide, it can be hard to find something that will give you the in-depth training you want. Luckily, Joyce Lee’s The Joy of Modern Calligraphy offers everything you need and more. Delving deep into the theories, techniques and lifestyle that underpin the art of beautiful writing, Joyce’s book takes your calligraphy journey seriously. Her guidance is split into manageable sections, including a 30-day practice challenge she invites you to complete along the way. Even better, the book comes with 20 loose practise sheets for you to hone your new calligraphic mastery! * PaperCrafter Magazine *There are four things that in my opinion, set this book apart from other books about modern calligraphy: The high quality of the edition The reference to traditional calligraphy The precise approach to theory and practice The excellent support provided by pictures and photographs From the first impression, its size, hard cover, and excellent photos make the book stand out from the rest. But the most valuable difference is presenting the textbook and the practice sheets separately. That allows comfortable working whilst being able to see the text at the same time. The reference to traditional calligraphy is something that most modern calligraphy books ignore or mention lightly. In this book, a complete chapter not only describes the differences and the similarities between the two styles but illustrates those references with photos of other talented calligraphers as Rachel Yallop, Leanda Xavian, Huy Hoang Dao, Jessy Lim, Jason Peg, Rosana lbarrola, Brian Knowles, and Nicole Sprekelmann. This chapter also includes an example of Chinese calligraphy by Corrina Tai and ornamental calligraphy by Huy Hoang Dao. In the first half of the book, about ninety pages, all vital aspects of practising calligraphy, from posture to materials and techniques, are detailed. It is a solid starting point for beginners and a valuable reference for more experienced calligraphers. Joyce Lee's presentation on basic letter formation and variations of styles is straightforward, easy to follow and well-illustrated. These qualities are also present in the book's second part, with viable projects for every occasion. I had the privilege of attending one of Joyce's workshops in Manchester, UK, many years ago, when I started with modern calligraphy. This book contains all the knowledge and support I felt she gave us in that class. I highly recommend it as a bridge between these two not always compatible styles, traditional and modern calligraphy. -- Alex Gonaldi * The Edge - Calligraphy & Lettering Arts Society *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 What is modern calligraphy? 10 Calligra-life lessons 22 Tools & materials 30 Theories & techniques 44 PROJECTS 92 Gold rings on handwritten envelopes 94, Full circle artwork 98, Glamorous gold acrylic gift tags 102, Colour splash artwork 106, Digital monogram 110, DIY plant labels 114, Simple banner 118, Using coloured paper 122 Calligraphy FAQs 126 Index 128 Practice sheets

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Book SynopsisBlackwork is a traditional form of embroidery, usually worked in black thread on a white background. Here, author Melanie Couffe takes the technique and gives it a burst of colour by introducing delicate shades of pink, blue, green, red, yellow, orange and purple. Her book begins with an introduction to the fabrics and threads she uses, and the basic stitches you need to produce the beautiful designs featured in the book. There are 16 gorgeous projects to create, including a pinkeep, mobile phone case, purse and several framed pieces, all accompanied by step-by-step instructions, photographs and charts. Melanie's enchanting designs will inspire you to introduce colour into your blackwork, and create your own modern, stunning embroideries based on this classic technique. The threads used in the book are her own hand-dyed range available to order from her website and Etsy shop.Trade ReviewThis book is so inspiring. As with all Search Press books it has plenty of clear photos and diagrams. This makes the techniques easy to follow. Within minutes of opening the cover I couldn't wait to get started, over the first weekend of reading it I completed the designs pictured here. The book is laid out according to the seasons, there are several projects for each including a tree which is included in all seasons so you could put them all together as a set. I found the blackwork designs so relaxing to stitch as, once you get the hang of it, there's no need to constantly refer to the chart. The designs can easily be used in other projects and I look forward to using them in some of my own. Overall this book is definitely worth reading it is both interesting and inspiring. -- Amanda Seadon * Customer Review *I love this book, it is really beautiful. The introduction shows the enthusiasm and passion that Melanie Couffe wants to share and it is infectious. The background and instructions are clear and informative. I have been stitching for a long time and have felt blackwork becoming more popular and modern recently and this book certainly adds to that movement. I love the layout and seasonal themes in the book. I wanted to do a little bit so I could review the pattern layout. My plan was a jellyfish as I am drawn to all things marine. As soon as I started I was hooked. I painted my own fabric for the first time and before I knew it I had a whole aquatic bookmark which you can see here. The patterns are clear and not too small. I didn't have any of the amazing threads used (although I may invest as they look gorgeous). This wasn't really a problem as part of the ethos and joy of the book is experimenting with your own colour palette. The size of the projects are very variable which is perfect to match to the time you have. Some of the larger patterns have a motif like style which could lend itself to seasonal samplers for example. It's a great book for all levels as the possibilities are endless. Next stop tulips. -- Joanne Riley * Customer Review *It's not surprising that Melanie Couffe should choose to present us with a colourful modern twist on a traditional technique, given that she runs Tom and Lily Creations, a design company centred on hand-dyeing Colour Gems threads in a cornucopia of colours. But blackwork? For Melanie, it is the geometry of the designs that attracts her. The useful 'History of Blackwork' section at the front of the book, very concisely lays out the story of this technique. Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, brought the technique with her from Spain. Originally the designs used black silk thread on white linen and were added to collars, cuffs and sleeves. Today, blackwork, which features the main stitches of back, stem and chain stitch is worked in any colour, usually on aida fabric or evenweave, or on linen. With useful stitch, materials and technique guides, and advice on reading blackwork charts, Melanie provides a plethora of projects. Arranged by season, they range from a tulip-design pin-keep and a bee pendibule (a pendulum-like hanging heart) to a hedgehog autumn purse. Melanie now lives in Perpignan in the south of France, from where she runs her business, which also sends out three types of subscription boxes every month across the world. She says: 'I have an intense relationship with colour and it is an integral part of me and the DNA of my business. Colour makes me feel alive and full of energy and this is what I try to put into my designs, fabrics and threads. My motto is "colour is life".' -- Claire Waring * Embroidery Magazine - July/August Issue *Table of ContentsIntroduction History of Blackwork Tools and Materials Colour Stitch Guide Geometric Patterns Techniques Projects: SPRING - Spring Tree of Life, Tulip Pinkeep, Bee Pendibule, Spring Fob Trio SUMMER - Summer Tree of Life, Flamingo Tote Bag, Marine Jewellery, Mobile Phone Cases AUTUMN - Autumn Tree of Life, Pumpkin Citrolli, Hedgehog Purse, Autumnal Grapes WINTER - Winter Tree of Life, 12 Christmas Tree Decorations, Foliage Trio, Robin Clock The Charts Index

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Book SynopsisWater-mixable oil paints offer all the qualities of traditional oils – rich pigments, buttery consistency, long drying times – but with one remarkable difference, there is no need for solvents! This book will encourage and inspire beginners and provide them with all the skills and knowledge they need to produce successful oil paintings. It starts with an introduction to the medium, and explains what water-mixable oils are. This introduction is followed by several sections on materials, preparation (how to care for your brushes, storing your paints, and so on), colour (selecting your basic, or capsule, palette), mixing the paints and preparing your surfaces. The first project explains how to explore colour in order to paint in the style of Vincent van Gogh. There are then five longer projects that touch upon the themes of abstraction, still life, landscapes, buildings, and working from a photograph, all of which capitalize on the rich qualities of the paints. Each project is accompanied by a clear list of materials needed as well as top tips and skills practised; Sarah also interjects with useful anecdotes and words of wisdom garnered from her experience working in this vibrant and exciting medium. At the end of the book, the reader discovers how best to store and transport finished paintings, especially if the paint is still tacky to the touch, and how to frame a painting for impact.Trade ReviewAimed specifically at beginner's, Sarah Wimperis's new book will encourage and inspire those new to the medium to explore the world of water-mixable oil paints, which off all the qualities of traditional oils, but without the need for solvents. A thorough introduction to the medium and how to us it is followed by six projects. The first looks at how to explore colour to paint in the style of Van Gogh. Other projects include still life, landscapes, abstraction, buildings, and working from a photograph. Each of the projects is clearly explained with step-by-step processes and plenty of top tips from an expert tutor. * Leisure Painter, August 2023 *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 The qualities of water-mixable oils 8 Materials and tools 10 The paints 10 Brushes 12 Application tools 14 Surfaces 16 A space in which to work 20 Easels 22 From the studio 24 Maintenance of your materials 26 Colours and mixes 30 Mixing colours 32 Mixing the paints 35 Mark-making 40 Brushes 40 Other tools 42 Seeing things differently 43 Projects 46 Exploring colour 46 Painting from a photo 54 Painting an abstract 64 Still life 78 Landscape 90 Buildings 102 Troubleshooting 116 Aftercare 120 Storing your paintings 120 Transporting your paintings 121 Using a mount to crop your paintings 122 Frames 123 Glossary 126 Index 128

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Book SynopsisIn this latest book in in the highly successful 20 to Make series, best-selling author Sachiyo Ishii has ventured into the world of crochet and created 20 adorable, amigurumi-style toys and animals. The patterns are both easy and fun to make, and suitable for crocheters of all skill levels. All the patterns are no more than around 10cm (4in) tall, and are made with just one size crochet hook (3mm/UK 11 US C2).Trade ReviewOh Sachiyo Ishii what a fantastic book you have compiled... instructions are so easy to follow. Only very small amounts of wool are needed so a great way to use up all those scraps of wool. If you have not got eyes for the toys it is so easy to sew or crochet them. The toys are so cute and not all for children. They would look great as an accessory to hang on a bag. -- Pauline Forster * Amazon *Great for using all those left over balls and bits of wool you didn't know what to do with, easy to follow instructions quick to make and the projects just the right size for little hands. -- Lesley Stevens * Amazon *Table of ContentsIntroduction 4 Crochet know-how 6 Projects - Robot 8 - Stripy Kitten 10 - Bear 12 - Dinosaur 14 - Helicopter 16 - Robin 18 - Car 20 - Penguin 22 - Chameleon 24 - Puppy 26 - Turtle 28 - Owl 30 - Aeroplane 32 - Koala 34 - Baby Hippo 36 - Nest of chicks 38 - Whales 40 - Rabbit 42 - Cupcake 44 - Squirrel 46 Acknowledgements 48

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Book SynopsisHave fun with the Japanese art of amigurumi and crochet 40 fabulous dolls in a variety of outfits. Choose from firefighters, knights, police officers and baseball players, or maybe you'd prefer to make a cute doll dressed as a bumblebee, bunny rabbit, angel or princess, or celebrate some traditional folk costumes from around the world. Whether you are making a unique gift to mark a birthday, wedding, Christmas or Easter, or a special reward for passing an exam or joining a sports team, there will be a doll in this collection that will be the perfect fit. Each project is based on one of three basic doll designs – ranging from approximately 8-13 cm (3-5 inches) tall. These basic patterns are presented at the start of the book, along with information on how to sew up your dolls, stuff them, and add their facial features and hairstyles. Only a few basic crochet stitches are needed, and these delightful dolls are perfect for using up scraps of yarn from your stash.Table of ContentsIntroduction 6, Crochet know-how 8, Basic doll patterns 14, Finishing techniques 18 Smaller dolls 26 Kindergarten kids 28, Little dancers 30, Medieval knights 33, Baby swimmers 36, Bee and ladybird costumes 39, Princess 42, Angel 44, Bear and bunny costumes 46, Fairies 48, Bedtime baby 50, Clowns 53, Cowboy 56, Celebration dolls 58 Larger dolls 64 Amira 66, Jack 68, Mia 70, Juan 72, Lotte 74, James 76, Ben 78, Fatima 80, Phil 82, Nina 84, Nurses 86, Fitness instructor 90, Softball players 93, Bride and groom 96, Basketball players 100, Mummy and baby 102, Rugby players 106, Musicians 108, Florist 112, Doctor 114, Firefighters 116, Police officers 120, Astronaut 123, Chef 126

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Book SynopsisExquisitely detailed and worked in silk floss thread with tiny size 12 needles, Victoria Matthewson's embroideries are a masterclass in thread painting, and shine with vibrant colour and life. Many people think of bees as being the only pollinators but, in fact, a wide variety of insects help with the pollination of plants, including butterflies, moths, wasps and beetles – all of which make wonderful subjects for embroidery. Starting with key stitches and techniques, this inspiring and practical book contains nine step-by-step embroidery projects. Choose from nine key plant and pollinator combinations including the dogrose and greenbottle fly, ox-eye daisy and hoverfly, and fennel and seven-spot ladybird. Each stunning project contains fascinating entomological insights about each pollinator and its plant, verified by the experts at the charity Buglife. With a foreword written by TV naturalist Iolo Williams, and a comprehensive design and stitch guide, this gorgeous and informative book will inspire you to observe and capture the beauty of these vital ecosystems. The book will suit people with some previous embroidery knowledge, or ambitious beginners. Trade ReviewIt has been said that if insects were to disappear overnight, the world's eco-system would collapse. Like them or not, the world needs bugs. In particular, the pollinators, on which depends every third mouthful of food we eat. it was learning about the delicate web of inter-dependence that weaves between insect and plant that prompted Victoria Matthewson's new book, Needlepainted Plants and Pollinators. Showcasing her exquisite needlepainting, it also informs us about the importance of pollinating insects, and encourages us to take a closer look at them. [...] With a foreword written by TV naturalist Iolo Williams, and a comprehensive stitch guide, this gorgeous and informative hardback book will inspire people with some previous experience of embroidery, as well as ambitious beginners. -- The Stitcher's Journal * The Stitchers Journal, Issue No. 11 *This is one of the books I’ve been Absolutely Dying to get to, to let you know about! Now that the release date is getting very close, I’m really excited to write a review of it. The book is Needlepainted Plants and Pollinators: An Insect Lover’s Guide to Silk Shading Embroidery by Victoria Matthewson. It is a lovely book from Search Press, and it falls into a very interesting category. It’s pretty much a nature journal in thread, combined with instruction and projects. I knew it was going to be good. I follow Victoria’s Instagram feed and really enjoy seeing her work. So, yep. I was excited to get an advanced copy and see the book in person! Unlike many needlework books, Needlepainted Plants and Pollinators is a hardbound book, which gives it a “coffee table book” feel – and for good reason. Whether interested in embroidery or not, this is the type of book that anyone can pick up and connect to. After all, we all live on a beautiful planet filled with growing things and curious creatures. Whether we “see” them is another question – but we know they are there. Opening the pages of the book is rather magical – there’s almost a Wow! on every page. I love little touches like this, by the way. This is just a lone embroidered bee in the corner of the end sheet when you first open the book. The inside cover page hints at the delights to come. This is the type of book that is very difficult not to photograph page by page, to show you all of it. But if I did that, you wouldn’t have that joy of surprise when your own copy arrives. So I will curtail my inclinations! The book is broken down into two parts: the first half – which is background information – and the second half – which is filled with projects. In the first part of the book, we learn about the author, a bit about nature study, the basics of getting started with embroidering from natural subjects, a bit about materials and threads, and the rudiments of needlepainting. My favorite section in the first part of the book is probably the discussion on inspiration. This is where we learn that not everything that we see in nature may translate easily into an embroidery design. She discusses how to choose the right type of subject for needlepainting, and her advice is excellent. If you have toyed with the idea of needlepainting your favorite aspects of the natural world from your own drawings or photos, but you didn’t know where to start, you’ll appreciate the information here. Of course, there’s thread talk. I love thread talk. The needlepainting instruction walks through different exercises in stitching various types of shapes and elements found in nature – leaves, berries, petals, and the like – so that we understand how needlepainting is meant to flow when working a natural subject. Oh, I almost forgot! You’ll find great information and instruction not only on preparing your project to stitch, but also on how to finish it for display in different ways. I do appreciate good finishing instructions in an embroidery book! Then there are the projects. There are nine. They range from plants to pollinators, as the title promises. You’ll find a some really fabulous close-ups of the embroidery in this book, too, as you go through it. I like close-ups. They give us a good idea of stitch direction, order of stitching, and so forth. With each project, there’s a design template (in the back of the book), a materials list, and instructions on stitching it. We get to see the step-by-step development of the parts of the projects, too, which is very helpful. It’s hard to pick a favorite project in the book, but I think this one might be it for me. I like the way this is photographed here, too. And I love that solid center of French knot glory! Of course there’s a ladybug! In a Nutshell Well, what’s not to like? If you love the idea of needlepainting natural subjects in realistic ways, I think you’ll really love this book. There’s much to learn from it, and it’s a good guide in observation and in building “nature journaling” skills with needle and thread. If you are just fascinated by beautiful embroidery, if you like to browse through embroidery books for inspiration – even if you don’t intend to stitch these particular subjects – it’s a lovely book and it’s got good instruction in it that applies to needlepainting in general, that can be applied to stylized embroidery designs as well. If you like nature journaling, photography, and the like, it’s a different approach that will add variety and beauty to your library. There’s nothing I don’t like about this book. All my little pleasure molecules in my brain start buzzing when I open it. It makes me happy. -- Mary Corbet * Mary Corbet's Needle 'n' Thread *I was ecstatic when Needlepainted Plants and Pollinators was finally published. The first section of the book goes into Victoria’s inspiration, why insects? She talks about the importance of pollinators and how to encourage them into your garden. I love that! She then goes on to talk about the materials she uses, from backing fabric to ground fabric, needles, pins, scissors, etc. Victoria also explains why to use a stand, use stretcher bars or hoops and how to mount up properly. There’s a section showing the correct way to mount a piece, once finished, and perfect its presentation. In my favourite section of the book Victoria talks about how to find inspiration, working from a photo, choosing a design, and then planning the design. She mentions stitch direction, shading guidelines, order of stitching, light direction, and discusses colour. All very important steps. Victoria explains how she chooses threads and both she and I have a serious love of DeVere Yarns silk threads. Then there’s a section showing the basics of long and short stitch. How to work directional long and short and information about parking your threads properly. Again, super important. She goes into a bit more detail on other stitches, including threading a needle, a waste knots, finishing threads, split, satin, French knots, seed, and lazy daisy stitches. A section that talks about shading a berry or spherical shape, and shading leaves properly. Then there is a tonne of projects. My personal favourite is either the Dog Rose and Greenbottle Fly, the Fennel and Seven-Spot Ladybird, or the Blackthorn and Buff-Tailed Bumblebee. I love stitching bees, and Victoria’s are beyond perfect! The last part of the book is almost like a portfolio of her past works, with beautiful descriptions of each piece. I love that the templates for working each of the many projects are included. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s gorgeous, and so well written. Whether you’re starting out in your stitching career, or you’re a professional, I guarantee there’s something in this book for you. It’s a work of art. -- Jessica Devin * Embroidery Artist *This is a beautifully printed book with some lovely photographs of insects. Why insects? As Victoria Matthewson says - "Our insect pollinators are in trouble. At the time of writing more than 40% are in decline." In the first part of the book, Victoria Matthewson takes us through the usual paraphernalia of equipment - setting up, design, colour etc. But miss this at your peril, for it is full of excellent tips. These include how to design taking into consideration the direction of the light. How to use light and shade to give a three-dimensional effect and "needle parking!" (Keeping the needle threaded when not in use and anchored in the edge of the work, out of the way) Then there are the projects! Every one is complete with a full set of instructions with explicit photographs and drawings. They are arranged to represent the main groups of pollinators. Each insect depicted is shown alongside the plant that it is attracted to. The projects have a template to facilitate the transfer of the design. This book might be a little difficult for the novice to understand without guidance but I would recommend it for an embroiderer with some experience of needlepainting. -- Lizie Painter * Book Threads *Victoria does so much than deliver a stunning guide to painting with thread. She gives her stitched subjects context. She makes seemingly little creatures important. She encourages readers to take a moment, to reflect on the insect or plant, and to consider the incredible role they play in our fragile eco-system. This raised awareness can only make for a richer, more connected embroidery experience. * Stitch Magazine *Table of ContentsContents 5, Introduction 6, Foreword 8, All about pollinators 10, Materials and tools 12, Techniques 20, Stitch gallery 26, Small stitched elements 34, Inspiration 38, Choosing colours 40, Order of work 42 The Projects 44 Dogrose and greenbottle fly 46, Lords and Ladies and owl midge 56, Ox-eye daisy and hoverfly 64, Fennel and seven-spot ladybird 72, Meadow buttercup and thick-legged flower beetle 80, Bramble and gatekeeper butterfly 88, Common knapweed and six-spot burnet moth 96, Blackthorn and buff-tailed bumblebee 106, Gooseberry and common wasp 114 Templates 122

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Book SynopsisDiscover how to bring polar animals to life in 6 easy steps. Award-winning artist Jonathan Newey teaches you to transform simple shapes into majestic polar bears, snowy reindeer and awe-inspiring whales. Choose from an albatross mid-flight, a tottering penguin chick and much more. There are 25 different animals to create, in a variety of poses and styles. Each project starts with a few basic outlines and progresses into a finished tonal drawing, and a final coloured version shows you how to develop your drawing even further. Perfect for beginners, as well as budding artists, you’ll be amazed how easily you too can draw polar animals with this inspiring guide. Trade ReviewThey might not be colourful but the Polar Regions contain some of our most popular animals. Stately polar bears, irresistible penguins, cute seals and mighty whales all call these chilly areas home (or at least visit them) and this book shows you how to draw them. Get those pencils sharpened ready for some step-by-step lessons and by Christmas you will be designing your own greetings cards. For those not au fait with the How to Draw series these books all follow a similar pattern making it possible to draw even quite complex subjects. The first step is shown in grey, with each subsequent step adding details in brown. Once the outline is complete there is a picture showing it shaded in graphite, with a final option shown in coloured pencil. Note that the term “beginner” is not present; anybody daunted by the final two steps might be better off getting a book on learning to draw before tackling this title. This book will appeal to anybody who is already familiar with the basic techniques but wants to have a go at drawing something new. There are 25 animals to tackle, including lynx, walrus, wolf, orca and narwhal as well as smaller subjects such as lemming, kittiwake, hare and arctic tern. This is a useful addition to a popular series. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *I love these guides! They really are step-by-step instructions on how to draw animals. This one is for all those polar critters - think penguins, seals, walrus, polar bears etc. Starting with a few basic shapes the book guides you from start to finish and really helps you get the correct proportions for all the animals. Once you have your outline it then shows two options for a coloured or back and white finish. I'm not a natural artist but this book really helped me create pictures of animals that were instantly recognisable! -- Angela L Paull * Amazon *Clearly and simply set out steps. The use of the bubbles to define the initial shape of the animals is extremely helpful. Then building them up to define the animal more carefully. Finally filling in the details. Clearly and simply set out in a way that encourages even reluctant drawers to undertake quite intricate designs. -- Diane Whale * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 4 Canada lynx 5 Kittiwake 6 Arctic wolf 7 Snowy owl 8 Harp seal pup 10 Atlantic puffin 11 Baby penguin 12 Penguin 13 Arctic fox 14 Arctic lemming 15 Polar bear cub 16 Polar bear 17 Musk ox 18 Humpback whale 19 Antarctic fur seal 20 Orca 21 Young leopard seal 22 Snowy reindeer 23 Walrus 24 Arctic hare 26 Narwhal 27 Beluga whale 28 Arctic tern 29 Albatross 30 Elephant seal 32

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Book SynopsisPaint with best-selling author Charles Evans as he introduces the System3 range of inks and acrylics. System3 is a well-established brand of inks, acrylics and heavy body paints manufactured by Daler-Rowney; it is readily available worldwide, including the US and UK, and is economically priced, making it affordable by students as well as amateur artists. Painting with System3 aims to inspire, instruct and encourage an experimental approach to painting with this versatile range of media, taking it out of the classroom and into the field. Daler-Rowney ambassador Charles Evans teaches the reader about the variety of products in the range and explores creative and innovative ways of using – and combining – the inks and paints on different supports, including watercolour paper, canvas and wood. As the first book to showcase the properties and versatility of System3 inks and acrylics, Painting with System3 takes a highly practical approach to introducing the potential of the range, with exercises and 13 step-by-step projects to help the reader carry forward the skills they have acquired. Charles also features his artwork using the media, as further inspiration on what can be achieved with System3.Trade ReviewSystem 3 from Daler-Rowney is a range of acrylic colours that fulfils all the requirements of the acrylic painter and provides consistent results across the board. There are four types of medium: heavy and soft body tube colours as well as inks and liquid paint. These are complemented by a selection of brushes and surfaces - papers and canvases. Created with the fine - rather than the graphic artist in mind, the range includes more subtle colours that acrylics sometimes have a reputation for and mixes are always reliable and consistent. Charles is a relatable tutor with considerable experience of demonstrating and his is justly and understandably popular as a result. In this thorough but eminently approachable guide, he aims to show you what you can achieve with acrylics in general and with System 3 in particular, making use of its flexibility across the range. After an introduction to all the parts of the system, where he shows you its properties and capabilities, Charles embarks on a series of demonstrations that showcase its use in practice. All of the constituent parts are used and subjects range from landscapes, seas and skies, to animals, boats and buildings. There are both simple and complex scenes that allow you to build up your skills progressively, while also exploring the capabilities of a fascinating but forgiving medium. System 3 is an exciting addition to the acrylic armoury and Charles - as you'd expect - provides a complete guide that will never leave you stuck for either ideas or information. * Paint SAA Magazine *Best-selling author, Charles Evans, show us how to use Daler-Rowney's System3 acrylics and inks in his new book, Painting with System 3. Charles needs no introduction to Leisure Painter readers and is well known for his long-running TV series, art classes, Search Press books and as a Daler-Rowney demonstrator, so he is well placed to introduce us to this medium. With a highly practical approach, Charles showcases the properties and versatility of System3 inks and acrylics, accompanied by 13 step-by-step projects that allow the reader to practise what they are learning. The teaching is not all studio-based, with Charles encouraging students to take an experimental approach to painting outside in the field. There's plenty of inspiring advice on innovative ways of combining inks and paints on different supports, from watercolour paper to canvas and wood. * Leisure Painter *Charles has a knack for simplifying and demystifying what at first glance appears to be a difficult and complex medium to use. This book covers all aspects of the System3 range and gives some great projects to attempt painting on a surprising variety of surfaces. It’s comprehensive, informative, and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try acrylics for the first time. -- Keith Phipps * Amazon Customer Review *I chose this book for my husband who is a budding artist in acrylics, as I know Charles Evans simplifies the painting process and is easy to follow through on his projects. The tricks and tips then act as a springboard for your own imagination to take forward. My husband has tried a few of the projects out already and is in agreement that the content for each painting is about right, not overwhelming but informative enough to achieve. -- Chris Ingram * Amazon Customer Review *Daler Rowney’s System 3 is an integrated set of acrylic mediums that includes heavy and soft body paints, inks and fluid colours. The overall palette remains the same across the range and all the parts are designed to work harmoniously together. Although this is in large part a promotional piece for System 3, sticking with a single range has allowed Charles to produce a complete guide to working with acrylics that covers just about every aspect. He is able to contrast and mix styles and ways of working that would be much more difficult if different brands and types were involved. The nature of the book means it makes complete sense to start at the absolute beginning, by introducing paints, equipment and supports and then moving on to basic methods of application and demonstrations of subjects that include landscapes, water, animals and buildings. If you’re starting to paint, this makes an excellent introductory guide and you’ll be working with a range of materials that will be reliable and should produce no nasty surprises. You’ll also be in the hands of an experienced and generous teacher who is not afraid to explain those sometimes elementary details you really need. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *Table of ContentsForeword 6, Introduction 8, Introducing System3 10, Acrylic inks 12, Fluid acrylics 16, Normal System3 17, Heavy Body 18, Brushes 20, Palette knives 22, Surfaces 25, Additional tools and materials 28, Techniques 30, Setting up 30, Colours and mixes 36, Inks 37, Fluid acrylics 38, Normal System3 40, Heavy Body 44, Making your mark 46, System3 in action 52, Woodland Walk 52, A Calming Lake 56, Comparing the surfaces 58, Highland Scene 62, Cumbrian Landscape 70, Comparing the surfaces 72, Leading Him Home 74, On the Beach 88, Crashing Waves 96, Fox in the Woods 106, Shoebill Stork 112, Seasons 118, The Old Bath House 126, The Beauty of Summer 140, Index 144

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Book SynopsisCreate bespoke garments that fit and flatter! In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips. Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to create the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabric. There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats. You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment. Alternatively, you can even create a skirt as a separate garment, simply by adding a waistband or facing. The language of sewing and dressmaking is demystified at the beginning of the book, as well as the equipment you need to get started. Nothing is left unexplained; and stunning images of the finished dresses, on a mannequin and on a model, are interspersed throughout the book to inspire your own finished pieces. Extra copies of the full-size pattern sheets/pattern templates exclusive to Dressmaking: The Easy Guide by Helen Rhiannon are available here.Trade ReviewFashion designer Rhiannon (Sew Perfect Pets) serves up a solid introduction to sewing dresses. 'Must-have' tools include a sewing machine, pattern paper, and hand-sewing needles for attaching buttons. When selecting fabrics, Rhiannon recommends cotton for its affordability, crepe for its softness, and polyester satin for mimicking the sheen of silk on a budget. The author walks through how to make a sleeveless dress from the full-sized pattern sheets included with the book, offering extensive instruction on customizing the design with a curved or boatneck neckline, flared or butterfly sleeves, a fitted or gathered skirt, a collar, or pockets. Inclusivity is emphasized throughout; pattern sheet sets are provided in 19 different sizes she has devised and Rhiannon offers tips on adjusting a dress bodice for wheelchair users (the front should be shortened and the back lengthened 'for a more comfortable fit'). The thorough advice sometimes borders on the obvious ('Close your eyes and put your hands on your waist and this is usually the right spot,' she writes on determining where to take one’s waist measurement), but the prose is encouraging ('We need to accept what we are born with... this is what makes us unique'), and the numerous ways to mix and match design components allow for ample customization. This primer gets the job done. * Publishers Weekly *Helen’s method goes back to basics and the book introduces what sewing tools you will find useful, a short introduction to the sewing machine and some simple sewing techniques to get you started if you are a beginner. She also explains about different fabric types you might choose for a particular garment and provides translation for the sometimes confusing terminology used in sewing! The book offers a very comprehensive introductory section and will provide a useful reminder for all levels of sewist. The key to this book lies in discarding conventional high street sizing and taking measurements of YOUR body. Helen explains how to take comprehensive measurements of your own figure and some extra useful measurements too, with a handy chart you can copy and use. I love that Helen has included measurements of real women so you can see her method in action. Read the full review here. -- Julie Briggs * www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk *This book is a little different in its approach to teaching you how to sew! For example, Helen explains how to measure yourself but she has used ‘real people’ to show sizing in practice and how to choose a size when you don’t fall between the pattern’s sizing. There’s also an in-depth section of adapting patterns (after all no pattern will fit you perfectly without!). Each garment detail like sleeves, pockets, necklines etc. is covered individually making it a good book to dip in and out of. The flow of this book makes perfect sense and is in an order that makes it easy to follow. It’s a great book to sit by your sewing machine when you need to re-affirm a technique too! * The Pattern Pages, Issue 33 *Create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size. Mix and match skirts, sleeves and necklines for over 80 stylish variations. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips. * Machine Knitting Monthly, September 2023 *In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customised dresses for every shape and size. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips. Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to create the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabric. There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats. You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment. Alternatively, you can even create a skirt as a separate garment, simply by adding a waistband or facing. * Craft Focus, August/September 2023 *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Tools 10 Your sewing machine 14 Sewing know-how 18 Fabrics 24 Sewing language 32 GETTING STARTED Sizing 40 Pattern cutting 48 Adjusting your blocks 52 Making your sample 60 Altering your sample 74 MAKING YOUR DRESS YOUR OWN Adapting the pattern 92 Necklines 92 Sleeves 104 Skirts 122 Drafting a collar 136 Drafting pockets 139 Finishing your dress 142 Constructing your garment 142 Zip closures 146 Separates 154 Tops 154 Skirts: adding a waistband or facing 156 Taking it further 159 Index 160

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Book SynopsisCapturing Light is a must for artists who wish to investigate the subtle qualities of light with an emphasis on creating dramatic, imaginative landscapes. Loving the fluidity of watercolours, Catherine has developed a painting technique by experimenting with, and exploring, modern watercolour pigments and the boundaries of the medium. The method uses lots of water on a sloping board which Catherine calls gravity painting, which creates a natural way of working, keeping colours luminous and mobile without any ‘muddying’. The book starts with an explanation of the technique, the materials and colours used and the importance of capturing the essence of a landscape. There are numerous progressively challenging small exercises, demonstrations and inspirational finished pictures illustrating the alluring effects of reflections, mists and shadows and showing the dramatic effects of different skies. Developments of ideas for landscapes are introduced as the book progresses, plus nine projects exploring how to build up light-filled effects. Catherine’s method will free up your painting style, embolden your colour choices and show you how to create vibrant pictures full of dramatic light.Trade ReviewThe Innovative Artist: Capturing Light by Catherine Beale is a great comprehensive book. It covers everything you will need to know about capturing light in your paintings. The book is set in chapters which then cover the different stages of each section whether it be observation and imagination, times of day, inspiration, camera and developing ones style. The first chapter is about how Catherine gets her inspiration, then onto materials and tools then colour, and different ways of creating texture. After that she shares techniques and more advanced techniques. It then goes onto projects for you to try. Catherine paints in a mostly wet in wet style which is lovely. This book really does cover everything you will need to know about creating radiant landscapes in watercolour. Well worth getting for either beginners or more advanced artists. A book that you will be able to refer back to time and time again and learn something new each time. -- Carol Archdale * Customer Review *Catherine Beale is known for her light-filled watercolours and here she shares with us techniques she uses to make the most of the subtle qualities of light when creating dramatic landscapes in watercolour. From many years of practice, Catherine has developed her own method, using plenty of water on a sloping board, which keeps the colours luminous without muddying. Materials and techniques are clearly explained in the opening chapters in small exercises run throughout the book, becoming progressively more challenging as you progress. Nine projects are included, exploring how to build up effects and make the most of the medium. This is a well-written and beautifully presented book, that will appeal to those with some experience of watercolour as well as those who are comparatively new to the medium. * Leisure Painter, September 2023 *This book came at exactly the right time for me, as I was just off on travels with a box of brand new watercolours. I'm an oil painter, but I know nothing about this medium and I've always been scared of it! It was reassuring to read that the author was keen on intense colour and opacity, as reflected in her work. I'm not so interested in washy, formless landscapes - happily, the author's paintings glow with light and are a pleasure to look through. There's a generous well of information on tools and technique in here, and I loved the chapter on colour with the innovative colour wheel. I was especially interested to see how a convincing illusion of light could be created without an opaque white. I learned a lot from the beautiful step by step paintings, on brushwork, masking, edges, lifting off - it's just packed with useful tips and info. -- Jenny Aitken * Author of 'Painting into the Light' *Capturing Light is an inspiring book about Catherine Beale’s approach to her watercolour painting. Her work is radiant and bright and here she generously shares much advice on her working methods. A great book for any keen watercolourist and would appeal to beginners and intermediate painter. The book is well laid out, with clear and practical information that the reader can use. This is very helpful and informative. The watercolour techniques and paintings are bright and fresh and will help the reader to keep their work clean and bright. It is an inspiring and accessible book and I’m sure will encourage the reader not to over work their watercolours and let the paint do the work for them. -- Julie Collins * Author of 'The Colour Mixing Companion' *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 My inspiration 12 Materials & tools 28 Colour 40 Light & shade 50 Techniques 62 More advanced techniques 94 Projects 110 Aerial Perspective 112, Mists 120, Clouds, Storms & Rain 128, Bleached by High Summer Sun 134, Blinding Sun & Hard Shadows 140, Dappled Woodland Light 146, Sparkling Light on the Sea 152, Sunset 158, Artificial Light 164 Index 176

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Book SynopsisIllustrator and papercutter, Jessica Palmer, has created 80 pages of enchanting hand-drawn pictures for you to colour and lose yourself in. The images all have a magical woodland theme, and each one includes a hidden jewel, intricately worked into the design, which will include rings, brooches, pendants, chains, bracelets and earrings featuring insects, animals and leafy patterns. The book includes designs that fit on a single page as well as those that extend across a double-page spread. Some of the designs fill the entire page and others sit within it. Others have space left for the reader to extend the design themselves.Trade ReviewThese 80 pages of hand-drawn pictures with a magical woodland theme are for us to colour in and each has a 'hidden jewel' worked into the design. Some designs fit on a single page and others extend across a double-page spread. Look out for Tangle Magic, also in the same large format. * Machine Knitting Monthly *The original Tangle Wood was published back in 2015 in a slightly smaller format. Then another larger, single sided version came out in 2017 printed on thicker paper for framing. Now here is a third edition, slightly bigger than the first and square. What does this have to offer for adult colourists The brief introduction recommends watercolour pencils or brush pens, showing that perhaps this brand-new edition is aimed at two mediums that are currently cheaper and more widely available than they used to be. It also suggests using a fine-nibbed black pen for adding extra details which gives an added new dimension to the colouring experience. There are frames inside which you can add your own drawings, and images with large blank areas around them for filling in with backgrounds. This allows you to give your own spin on what is there and create something unique, a feature I like a lot. The line widths vary from very fine to medium, but all look hand drawn with no pixilation. There are no mandalas or abstract “carpet” pages generated on a computer which is another change from many colouring books; each page is unique. Pictures range from depictions of real creatures to those with a fantasy element. Owls peek out of holes in trees, butterflies and dragonflies flutter over flowers, vegetation writhes to create a border. Elsewhere you can find unicorns, animals with patterned bodies, wee fairy homes and birds with jewels in their beaks. Some pictures have more detail than others and most can be personalized in some way. Another feature is a list of items to find hidden in the pictures and a “this book belongs to” page. Even the covers can be coloured. For under £10 this is good value for money and a lot of fun. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *

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Book SynopsisDo you love to decorate your home and make wonderful Christmas decorations for all your family and friends to enjoy? Then this is the book for you. It will delight and surprise with its fantastically cute, kawaii-style crocheted Christmas cuties. There are 20 great projects to make, including a wonderful Santa Claus accompanied by a lovely Mrs Claus; a cute penguin, polar bear and gingerbread man; Brussels sprouts, Christmas angel and even pigs in blankets! With a short techniques section at the beginning to explain the basics, these projects can be worked up quickly and easily using small amounts of yarn in your stash. You can even customize some of the projects if you wish and make Santa, the elf or the snowman's head into baubles with a short piece of yarn to hang them up. Whether you make these for your family or as gifts for friends, now is the time to pick up your hook and get crocheting amigurumi style!Trade ReviewThis book is great! The patterns are well written in UK terms and I can't wait to get hooking and make some adorable decorations for my tree this year! There's also a very helpful section on sewing the amigurumi together – something I have always struggled with! Lots of pictures and instructions for the more fiddly parts! (Such as Santa's beard and cheeks) The foods are adorable! This year I'll just have a Christmas tree covered in crochet sprouts! I am really looking forward to making the little penguin too! Overall a fantastic book, a great addition to any crocheter's library! Thank you! -- Sapphire Greeves * Amazon Customer Review *Some lovely designs here - like the holly berries, which could be used for a Christmas wreath and a penguin for my friend who is a mega penguin fan. I'm glad these are not edible, as they look very cute! -- Cherry Chui * Amazon Customer Review *Love this book, crocheted loads all ready! -- Gillian Hird * Amazon Customer Review *I received a copy of Amigurumi Christmas from Search Press and I absolutely LOVE IT! I know that it seems strange to be talking about Christmas when we've not had Halloween or Bonfire Night yet, but it's only 8 weeks until Christmas! So definitely the right time to be getting gifts and decorations made so you're not panicking at the last minute! I've been there and done that! In fact, one year, I gave Mr JK one sock and a half finished WIP which I then went on to finish knitting over the Christmas holidays! The author, Sarah-Jane Hicks, was new to me, but I have started following her on Instagram where she is @flo_and_dot, and she has a lovely, colourful feed. (And I discovered that she lives in Norfolk too!) The book is packed full of super-cute projects - there are 20 of them in total. If this kind of crochet is new to you, you might be interested to know that 'amigurumi' is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed yarn creatures. As well as all the projects, Sarah-Jane has given lots of information and tips on the different techniques you will need to complete the projects - from inserting eyes to sewing together the individual pieces to finish your work off. There are lots of photographs and the instructions are very clearly written, step-by-step. It's really hard to pick a favourite project because I can honestly say that there is nothing in the book that I don't like. I just need a magic wand to be able to crochet them all! But here are my absolute favourites... I'm going to rummage through my yarn to see what different shade of green I have because I need some sprouts in my life! Do you see what I mean about the cuteness of the designs? They are all like that, seriously! If you are a crochet fan, or know someone who is, then I would definitely recommend getting this book. It's very reasonably priced and with twenty designs to make, I think it's really good value. -- Helen Kurtz * theknittingexploitsofjosiekitten.blogspot.com *An adorable collection of festive dolls, from Santa and his elves to a friendly Christmas pudding and Brussels sprouts, gingerbread man, tree and more! There's also a great guide to ami techniques with step-by-step photos. * Inside Crochet magazine - Issue 130 *Excellent book, such cute designs and really clear instructions. I can’t wait to make them, just what I needed for lockdown 2.0. -- Laura Vitty * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & tools 8 Basic crochet Techniques 10 The projects 24 Snowmen 32 Santa Claus and Mrs Claus 36 Elves 40 Reindeer 44 Christmas Stocking 48 Christmas Gifts 50 Christmas Cracker 52 Christmas Tree 54 Robin 58 Holly Berries 62 Christmas Star 64 Angel 66 Mince Pies 79 Christmas Pudding 70 Brussels Sprouts 76 Carrots 82 Pigs in Blankets 84 Gingerbread Man 86 Penguin 73 Polar Bear 90 Abbreviations 94

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Book SynopsisThe Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. Written by RSN apprentice and tutor Lizzy Lansberry, this book contains an extensive stitch guide, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own whitework embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of whitework, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide to this classic form of embroidery.Trade ReviewThis is a truly lovely book with very clear written instructions and illustrations. As a beginner I think this is just what I need to get me started. -- Sally Dopson * Amazon Customer Review *Learn how to work elegant, timeless white-on-white embroidery with this useful primer from the Royal School of Needlework. Based in Hampton Court Palace, England this school has taught embroidery of all types to the highest standard since its foundation in 1872. This is a new larger format edition of the original which was published back in 2012. The author explains that while the idea of working white stitches on white fabric might not sound very exciting it is actually an inspiring and versatile way to work. Untied from the dominance colour plays in other types of embroidery you are free to use a huge range of stitches and concentrate on the design instead. The book takes you from lists of what you need through a very short history, the types of stitches used and basic notes on design. This is the main focus of this book; learning to design your own pieces rather than working through projects and patterns and I think that it does equip you to do this. I would say that it is aimed at someone like me, an experienced embroiderer who hasn’t tried this particular type of work rather than a total beginner who has never done any embroidery before. There are plenty of large clear photographic steps with captions and these do include some basic stages such as preparing a hoop and slate frame, transferring designs using a light box and setting up the fabric. Whitework is done on evenweave fabric and makes use of cutwork, drawn and pulled thread, eyelets, net darning and other decorative surface stitches. As a newcomer to this type of embroidery I was unsure exactly what it consisted of and I was pleased to see the very helpful order of work. This is vital to know and is an example of why this book is so good at teaching design. The bulk of the book shows you how to work the various stitches and techniques particular to whitework. At the back is a short gallery of the author’s work with notes on how various effects were achieved with close-up details. On putting the book down, I felt equipped with enough knowledge to have a stab at creating my own design. This book is recommended to anybody who would like to try this type of embroidery. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *I have always wanted to learn the whitework technique and this book is just the guide I need. Each stitch has a clear photo to help with every step, and expert instruction from an RSN tutor. There is even a brief history of whitework and how to design your own pieces. -- Linda Rumsey * Amazon Customer Review *What an amazing book, from the history of whitework to what you need to get started. All of the stitches are in good clear photos and diagrams, great for beginners. Fantastic book. -- Debbie Prince * Customer Review *When I got this book I thought ... wow this looks complicated, but the author has used really great photos and easy to follow instructions to provide clear step by step guides. There are stitches to learn like, stem stitch, satin stitch, French knots, and techniques like creating eyelets, and cut work, and beyond! I think this would be a great book to take on holiday, you would not need to have much equipment, a little fabric, a hoop, needles and thread etc. From this book I have taken away ideas to use within more experimental mixed media textile art – such as the trailing method that this book teaches, which is very beautiful. I was so pleasantly encouraged once I flipped through it! No matter where you are in your sewing journey, this will be a great for getting started in Whitework or taking your textile projects to the next level. -- Dee Shellard * Customer Review *Table of ContentsThe Royal School of Needlework 6 Introduction 8 The history of whitework 10 Materials & equipment 12 Design 20 The order of work 24 Framing up 26 Transferring a design 30 Getting started 32 STITCHES 34 Pulled thread stitches 34 Core surface stitches 49 Eyelets 64 Drawn thread stitches 66 Cutwork 78 Taking care of your embroidery 81 USING THE STITCHES 82 Butterfly 82 Angelfish 84 MOVING ON 86 Reworking a traditional design 86 Further techniques 90 Japanese Garden 94 Index 96

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Book SynopsisThe Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. Written by RSN apprentice, and now tutor, Jacqui McDonald, this book contains an extensive stitch guide, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own crewelwork embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of crewelwork, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide, for the dedicated stitcher, to this classic form of embroidery.Trade ReviewIt's a great read and that the details on how to do the stitches makes them easy-to-follow. -- Joanne Udall * Amazon Customer Review *Crewelwork is associated particularly with the Stuart period, but is still popular today and a beautiful way of working with 2-ply woollen thread. The Royal School of Needlework is based in Hampton Court Palace, England and has taught embroidery of all types to the highest standard since its foundation in 1872. If you have the smaller format edition published in 2010 then you already own this book; this is a new larger edition. You can use this book as a brand-new embroiderer as it shows you in some detail how to prepare the frame and cloth and how to work the stitches. There are no projects in here however, as it is a guide that culminates in the stitcher being able to design their own. If this is not you, buying a different book on the subject might be wise, but I was impressed with the clear staged photographs and user-friendly instructions. The book opens with the usual brief history before informing the reader what they need to buy and imparting some useful tips on basic design. Transferring the design is done the traditional way by pricking and pouncing; the pounce can be made at home by grinding up cuttlefish bones or charcoal in a pestle and mortar (thankfully it can also be bought ready-made). Most of the book contains the stitches, which are shown in very clear detail laid out in groups with some useful tips. The advantage of the larger size of this new edition is a greater clarity of fine detail; you can see every thread which is a help when mastering stitches or perusing finished examples. One particularly useful feature of this book is the order of working, so you can build up your design the right way and make it look its best. Instead of projects there are five typical examples of crewel designs (including a contemporary piece) with helpful notes about stitches and the reasons why these particular subjects were popular with this style. I found this to be a very useful book for anybody who wants to learn how to do this type of embroidery. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *I do quite a bit of embroidery which I enjoy and have done a little crewel work which is my favourite type of sewing. I particularly liked that this book because, not only does it describe each type of stitch with beautiful photos, it also explains what basic materials you will need, how to set up a frame and how to transfer your design onto the fabric. A comprehensive and interesting book, I’m so glad I have this to refer to at any time when I am sewing. I’ve also discovered a new stitch I hadn’t used before. Fabulous book. -- Sally Mitton * Amazon Customer Review *This was a great help in getting me back into crewel work, which I have not done in 20 years. I found the instructions easy to follow and the illustrations helped a lot. I found the book very inspiring and has given me lots of ideas for projects to work on. -- Lesley Stevens * Amazon Customer Review *Lovely clear photos and written instructions throughout the book. A clear guide from selecting materials, framing and transferring the pattern, which stitch to use and how to build and complete a design. I have always wanted to try crewelwork and this is the book to help me. -- Sheila Fraser * Customer Review *This is a really good book for both beginners like me and experienced embroiderers. Because it is a RSN book you can be sure that the information is sound and the techniques are proper. The book gives both historical background and ideas for more contemporary work. The technical information is given in a clear and easy to understand but light- hearted way and backed up by why the processes are done that way. Plenty of tips to improve your work are given. Possibly the best aspect of the book is the photography. Close-ups of stitches and finished works are great! I definitely recommend this book. -- Gina Bush * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsThe Royal School of Needlework 6 Introduction 8 The history of crewelwork 10 Materials and equipment 12 Design and using colour 18 Framing up 24 Positioning the design 28 Transferring the design 29 Starting to stitch 30 STITCHES 32 Essential stitches 34 Filling stitches 36 Outline stitches 56 Surface stitches 70 Building up your design 84 Index 96

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Book SynopsisA collection of Half Yard™ sewing projects for summer style, designed by the award-winning and best-selling author Debbie Shore, now in one book. Discover 40 stylish summer designs specially chosen by Debbie from her much-loved Half Yard™ series, including 5 brand-new projects for you to sink your needles into. Whether you're preparing for a holiday, trying to keep the little ones occupied or planning a summer party, you'll find a gorgeous collection of items to make: from picnic and party sets, kid crafts and home décor to casual and evening bags and a handy passport wallet. Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. As always, every project features Debbie's friendly, easy-to-follow instructions and a beautiful photograph of the finished make. Trade ReviewAnother great book from Debbie Shore. The projects are varied and good for all skill levels. I love the way each step is photographed alongside the instructions as I find it so much easier when I can see what I’m doing. Also the tip feature helps give alternatives to the inspiring makes. Excellent addition to my bookshelf! -- Jean Hobbs * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *Excellent quality book and illustrations. Sewing kit and 'before you start' sections are explained really well with lots of useful information. I love the tips for beginners and throughout the book there are handy tips relating to the projects, of which there's a great variety suitable for all levels of ability! Clear and easy to follow step-by-step instructions giving you confidence to increase your sewing skills. A must buy! -- Janet Cook * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *Brilliant for beginners and experienced sewers alike! I’ve been sewing for over 50 years but I have still learned several simple tips, just by reading this book, which I did - cover to cover! Simple instructions for attaching eyelets, how to use a continuous zip and piping, to name a few. There is only 1 template, all the other projects have instructions for cutting out without a pattern even using household items to create curves etc. Many of the projects are simple to achieve but look professionally made - others are more challenging but the instructions, complete with clear photographs, are easy to follow. Every technique you need to complete the projects, is at your fingertips in the book. Another success for Debbie Shore! -- Lisa Bolt * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *This collection of picnic and party sets, kids' crafts and home decor plus bags and a wallet to make, needs only half a yard of outer fabric plus trimmings, lining and hardware. All projects have easy to follow instructions and photos of the finished make. * Machine Knitting Monthly *This book is filled with lots of fun things to make for summer with half a yard of outer fabric. Debbie starts off with tips for beginners and what you need in your sewing kit. Then you get a lot of how to’s, such as how to create mitred corners. Always helpful when in doubt. What I loved about this book was that Debbie explains everything so well. You know exactly what you need, how to cut your fabric before you start a project. Everything is explained step-by-step and there are so many pictures included! That makes it so much easier. There is something for everyone here, a reading pillow, a tea cosy, a tool apron, and many more. So many cool summer projects! -- Isabella Janssens * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *Lovely good quality book lots of ideas for Summer especially to keep youngsters happy, clear easy to follow instructions with clear photos. First part of the book excellent for new sewers with hints and tips, another triumph from Debbie Shore and Search Press. -- Nicola Evans * Amazon Customer Review *I love this book from the very front cover as the projects look so enticing. There is a fabulous variety of projects which are photographed beautifully. The instructions are so easy to follow and this is why I love Debbie Shore's books as I have learnt so much from her. -- Yvonne Hodge * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 10 tips for the complete beginner Sewing kit Before you start The Projects Index & Templates

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Book SynopsisA collection of Half Yard™ sewing projects for wintertime style, designed by the award-winning and best-selling author Debbie Shore. Debbie has chosen 35 of her favourite winter designs from her much-loved Half Yard™ series, and added five brand-new projects for you to sink your needles into. Whether you're decorating the house for the holidays, looking for crafts to keep the little ones occupied or searching for gift inspiration, you'll find a gorgeous collection of items to make: from classics such as stockings, advent calendars and fabric baubles to snuggly slippers, gorgeous gift bags and cheeky Christmas gnomes! Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. As always, every project features Debbie's friendly, easy-to-follow instructions, along with helpful tips and advice.Trade ReviewThis is such a lovely book to look through. The photographs are inspiring, and encourage you to look further into each project. Patterns use ‘normal’ language not sewing jargon making it good for beginners and experienced sewists. What a lovely book, full of things to make for Christmas. -- Fee Bryson * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *Brilliant book, excellent value for money. There are four sections full of fun and practical makes aimed at all levels of ability which includes a section for children. As always Debbie’s instructions are very clear, easy to follow with beautiful illustrative photos. There really something for everyone. Apart from the projects there is a really useful introduction covering sewing techniques, terminology and everything you need to know to get you started. I have included a photo of a few things I’ve managed to make this week whilst waiting for further supplies to make more. -- Sue Nowicki * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *Being unable to decide which of Debbie's books to buy (first) the Half Yard Winter Collection was the perfect choice as it has a great range of projects. The projects range from those suitable for beginners (or a quick sew for the more experienced), the only difficulty with them is choosing which one to start first! The book starts with a good introduction outlining some very useful tips for beginners and recommendations of what makes up a good sewing kit as well as an overview of general sewing techniques such as working with bias binding and inserting a zip into a seam. Debbie's writing style is straightforward and instructions include plenty of good quality colour photographs which makes the projects easy to follow. Whether you are interested in home decoration, making gifts, ideas for crafting with the children or bag making, this book has something for everyone. This book has inspired me to try other sewing projects, I now have quite a list to work my way through. The book itself is good quality, opens almost flat and is well bound so makes following projects easy and feels like it is going to last well. Highly recommended and will certainly be looking at her other books once I have worked my way through this one! -- Gwylan Brinkworth * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *I have many of Debbie's books and the latest title, Half Yard Winter Collection, is full of inspiring Christmas makes for all abilities. I love the instructions on how to make each project, in written form and accompanied by clear photos. I couldn't wait to make one of the new projects and, loved making the wobbly Christmas trees. I have a feeling there will be many more made! -- Marie Short * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *Debbie Shore has chosen 35 of her favourite winter designs from her much-loved Half Yard series and added five brand-new projects. Every project features friendly, easy to follow instructions, along with helpful tips and advice. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Table of ContentsIntroduction 15 tips for the complete beginner Sewing kit Before you start The Projects – Winter Décor – Winter Essentials – Winter Gifts – Winter with the Kids Templates Index

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Book SynopsisThe Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. This series of Essential Stitch Guides provides expert tuition on a variety of techniques. In this guide to blackwork, Graduate Apprentice and tutor, Becky Hogg, shows how to develop many different patterns from the basic blackwork stitches, using detailed instructions and beautiful examples of traditional and contemporary embroideries. There is a fascinating look at the history of blackwork, a guide to the materials needed, and then a detailed look at the stitches used. These are then developed into a huge variety of beautiful patterns, and finally there is a guide to varying the look of these patterns through the use of different shading techniques. There are inspiring embroideries throughout the book, both historical pieces and contemporary works by the author and other RSN apprentices.Trade ReviewAn excellent glossary of stitches. Perhaps not a book for a beginner, but brilliant for those who want to make their own designs. There is a good section on using different weight threads and an excellent array of different stitches, and how to transfer your design to fabric. -- Lyn Roch * Amazon Customer Review *A very useful stitch library. This book has very good selection of stitch patterns, and I particularly liked the section on shading. The illustrations of finished pieces are amazing, particularly the tiger and penguins. -- Beverley Sabey * Amazon Customer Review *I was first introduced to blackwork at school and have been keen to revisit for some time, hence delighted to receive this book. It is very comprehensive on both history and stitches. -- Debbie Saban * Customer Review *I have wanted to try Blackwork for a while now, I have done crochet, embroidery and tapestry. I love this book. It goes through the history of Blackwork then shows how to do the stitches and also how to plan your own design. Very easy to follow and there are plenty of pictures to help. -- Sue McAndrew * Customer Review *The book has a very interesting history of blackwork, and then as you would expect from RSN, very clear, detailed patterns and projects. It takes you step-by-step on how to set up your project. It details every stitch you could ever need to complete it. The blackbird and fungi are gorgeous. A must have in your library. -- Judy Healey * Amazon Customer Review *Table of ContentsThe Royal School of Needlework 6, Introduction 8, The history of blackwork 10, Materials 12, Framing up 20, Design 22 STITCHES 26 Back stitch and double running stitch 28, Chain stitch 30, Sketched satin stitch 32, Stem stitch 34 PATTERNS 36 SHADING 80 Changing the thread thickness 82 Breaking up the pattern 84, Combining the techniques 86, Moving on 92, Index 96

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Book SynopsisIn this fun and practical introduction to hand and machine appliqué, well-known TV personality Sarah Payne leads you through a series of techniques to build up your skills. Each chapter includes a number of different-sized step-by-step projects, including a height chart, pet feeding mat, quilt, cushions, baby play mat, bags, wall art and placemats. Sarah discusses both hand-sewn and machine-sewn appliqué, as well as raw-edged and turned-edge appliqué. She also includes information on feature stitching, using paper templates, layering, quilting and binding. There are templates to trace supplied for the projects. Jam-packed with information and colourful projects, jump in and start learning all things appliqué. Put your skills into practice and at the same time create beautiful projects to keep or give as gifts.Trade ReviewFollowing on from Sarah Payne’s Quilt School comes her latest book – Sarah Payne’s Appliqué School which focuses on teaching the reader 3 forms of appliqué; machine-sewn raw edge appliqué, machine-sewn turn edge appliqué, hand-sewn needle turn appliqué. The book starts off with a detailed guide to the tools, materials and techniques you’ll need for the projects. Covering techniques including freezer paper appliqué, reverse appliqué, pulled thread appliqué, needle turn appliqué, iron on adhesive appliqué, the common stitches used for attaching the appliqué, hand quilting and free motion quilting. There are good step-by-step photos as well as written instructions to help you follow the steps required. The remainder of the book is project based, split into lessons, each project focusing on different skills. In the introduction to each project it tells you which skills you will practice when making the project. The colourful projects are divided into the 3 forms of applique mentioned above. The projects are mainly for the home – cushions, quilts, wall art, wall hangings etc as well as a few bags too. I especially liked the robot friends height chart and the Japanese wall art projects. The projects are easy to follow, detailed instructions, close up photos and best of all full-size templates at the back of the book, so no faffing around with resizing templates. You can also download them from bookmarkedhub.com if you don’t want to trace them from the book. If you are new to applique, by the end of this book you will have mastered several different ways to do it and will have ideas of how you can incorporate it into future projects. It is very beginner friendly, easy to follow and with handy tips scattered throughout the book. -- Fiona Pullen * The Sewing Directory *TV personality Sarah Payne takes a deep dive into the wonderful world of appliqué. Whether you're a novice of experienced sewist, this terrific title is sure to teach you a thing of two about both hand and machine appliqué. Filled with fun and accessible lessons, it features an array of clever needlework techniques, from reverse, raw-edge and turned-edge designs. School is back in session! * Sew Magazine *In her fun and practical introduction to the craft, well-known TV personality Sarah Payne leads us through a series of techniques to build up our skills. Packed with information and colourful projects, her book is a guide to hand and machine appliqué for all sewers and quilters. * Machine Knitting Monthly *This fun and practical primer leads readers through a series of hand and machine appliqué techniques. The opening section presents chapters on ‘Tools and Materials’ and a fully illustrated guide to ‘Basic Techniques’, which is a handy reference whatever appliqué project you are creating. This is followed by sections on ‘Machine-sewn raw-edged appliqué, ‘Machine-sewn turned-edge appliqué’ and ‘Hand-sewn appliqué’. The sections are divided into a series of lessons, each one presented as a step-by-step project featuring designs that build up your skills – full-size templates are provided. Items include cushions, home and fashion accessories and wall-hangings. An ideal introduction to appliqué, the colourful, up-to-date designs will appeal to those who like a more modern aesthetic. * The Quilter *After the success of her first book, Sarah Payne has now turned to applique. The techniques are divided into three sections - machine-sewn raw edge, machine-sew turned edge and hand-sewn applique. Each section has projects to practice the techniques. There is a comprehensive tools and materials section which covers equipment, threads and fabrics. The anatomy of fabric is a very useful section for beginners as is the section on waddings. The basic techniques follow next and it is certainly worth-wile reading through the different options. Attaching the shapes by wither machine of hand follow next, along with some commonly used embroidery stitches that can also be used. There is a useful page on designing your own shapes and then a short section on finishing your projects. There are sixteen projects which feature the different techniques. Most are smaller items such as pictures, cushions, runners with one or two smaller quilts. This is an excellent book on various applique techniques. Chosen as the British Patchwork and Quilting Book of the Month. -- British Patchwork & Quilting * British Patchwork & Quilting *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Tools and materials 8 Basic techniques 20 Machine-sewn raw-edged appliqué 44 Lesson 1: Perky parrot cushion 46 Lesson 2: Dog and cat feeding mats 50 Lesson 3: Robot friends height chart 56 Lesson 4: Japanese wall art 60 Lesson 5: Peacock wall hanging 63 Lesson 6: Farmyard play mat 70 Machine-sewn turned-edge appliqué 76 Lesson 7: Retro tote bag 78 Lesson 8: Heart cushion 82 Lesson 9: Orange peel table runner and placemats 87 Lesson 10: Harlequin bed runner 90 Lesson 11: Happy flowers quilt 95 Hand-sewn appliqué 102 Lesson 12: Vintage clutch bag 104 Lesson 13: Fabulous felt book cover 108 Lesson 14: Seaside wall art 111 Lesson 15: Scented pillow 114 Lesson 16: Baltimore-style wall hanging 118 Templates 124 Index 144

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Book SynopsisPyrography is the art of burning a design into wood using a heated metallic point. Most books on the market take a fairly traditional approach to the subject, limited to using pure burning onto a range of wooden surfaces. The Art of Pyrography goes far beyond this. Cherry Ferris takes the subject to new heights, incorporating mixed media, unusual supports and innovative techniques to elevate the craft to an artform. The book is suitable for beginners as well as more advanced pyrographers, and is well-suited to artists from other media who want to experiment with new ideas and incorporate pyrography into their practice. Pyrography machines are easily obtainable from online suppliers and major craft stores. The Art of Pyrography begins with an overview and history of the subject, a tools and equipment section, an introduction to the basic techniques and information on surfaces that you can safely burn. The book moves onto how to transfer designs onto surfaces and incorporate a mixed media approach by looking at shading techniques, introducing colour into your work, playing with backgrounds and how to finish, protect and display your finished pieces. Four shorter mini burns complement ten longer step-by-step projects that walk the reader through the techniques and materials used. A troubleshooting and safety section is also included, making this a one-stop shop to get all your pyrography questions answered. Chapters include: Colour: Incorporating coloured pencils, paint, and inks Using resin to finish your work – which results in a beautiful glass-like finish Using gold leaf to add a touch of magic. Trade ReviewI would add this to my ever-lengthening list of 2022’s innovations, but I’m pretty sure pyrography has been written about before, albeit more as a craft, maybe a curiosity, than as art. This is the first book to cross my desk, anyway. It’s also worthy of note that this appears in Search Press’s The Innovative Artist series, which betokens both a broad coverage and a move of the technique into something more mainstream. As you might expect, this is not a beginner’s guide, nor should it be. I think we can accept that those exist and that this is as much a showcase for an experienced practitioner as it is a book of instruction. That said, there’s plenty of technical analysis to get your teeth into here. Someone wanting to pursue this as art will find a great deal to occupy and challenge them and the results are simply stunning. The blurb announces that it’s suitable for beginners too, but they always say that. Yes, Cherry does explain the fundamental techniques as well as what equipment you need and how to use it, but I think I’d start with something a lot more basic and with rather more simplified exercises. You aren’t going to achieve the sort of detailed, coloured work that Cherry demonstrates without a very thorough grounding first and, without belittling the fundamental work done here, I don’t think this is the book for it. This is basic techniques for the more experienced worker who mainly wants to make sure they’re on the right track and learn from a master. Small rant over, this is an astonishing book that will open your eyes to work you probably didn’t think possible. The detail and subtlety of shade and colouring that Cherry achieves is remarkable and looks more like painting or drawing. There’s much to learn and this is a book you’re going to want to spend a lot of time with – I’d go so far as to say that, if you price a book by the number of hours spend between its covers, this is definitely well below minimum wage. Will you ever manage to achieve the same results as Cherry? Well, it wouldn’t be for want of trying, on your part or hers. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *This book can really only be described as a revelation. As the cover image shows, there's a great deal more you can do with Pyrography than simply burn designs onto plywood with a soldering iron. The images here contain as much fine detail as pencil work and Cherry introduces colour in ways that leave you astounded. Although this is an advanced book, there is a sound introduction to tools and techniques, with basic exercises to get you started. Further demonstrations will help you progress as far as you could possibly want. -- Henry Malt * The Artist, February 2023 *Cherry's book is full of the most beautiful works of art. It is such a worthwhile book for anyone, like me, interested in starting with pyrography, but I'm sure that it will also be valuable to those who are experienced in this art. All the basics are comprehensively covered on a very practical level with excellent illustrations. This book is however so much more than basic pyrography. There are chapters on colour, introducing mixed media, the use of gold leaf is explained so you can add your own magic and even the use of resin. I have not had time to explore all this book has to offer but I am thoroughly enjoying reading such a beautifully written book which is infused with the author's magic in her writing as well as her works of art. This is a book that I will treasure. * Customer Review *Although I have never done any pyrography before, I would be able to follow Cherry’s easy to follow instructions on materials and techniques of this method of making art. I think the beginner but also the more experienced pyrographer would benefit from the instruction in this book. As a painter I appreciated the use of mixed media materials, and the section on inspiration for making pictures. I was very impressed by the beautiful production of the book , especially the standard of the photographs. I shall enjoy exploring this book in more depth. * Customer Review *This book is without doubt one of the best books on pyrography I have had the pleasure of reading. Cherry has written this book with a friendly vibe, being able to pass on the skills that she has without the reader being swamped with the dos and don'ts. Full of stunning art and pure inspiration throughout I would recommend this book to anyone, experienced or beginner. * Customer Review *The book contains a lot of innovative ideas suitable for both the novice beginner and the more experienced in Pyrography. Comprehensive and well illustrated, it provides a good background into the different equipment available and the author has captured all the useful information into one very good book. The techniques used can only add to the inspiration when giving this a go. I am very new to this and have found it to be useful. I have even bought some gold leaf to try out some of the projects. An easy to follow book which will keep you reading if you want to gain knowledge on this art. * Jenny Nixon *I was given this book as a present and wow what a fabulous read. I haven’t been able to put it down and can’t wait to have a go at a new skill for me. Cherry describes in marvellous words and pictures how to do wood burning and chapter by chapter how to use different materials to enhance your work. I am particularly keen on the chapters using resin and gold leaf. I would definitely recommend this book to any art lover. * Customer Review *Just the book to help you on your way, The Art of Pyrography opens with an overview and history of the subject, moves on to an equipment section, offers up an introduction to the basic techniques, and finally, provides clear instructions for safely transferring, completing, and protecting your designs. This comprehensive title also features plenty of step-by-step projects. * Sew Magazine, April 2023 *Table of ContentsInto the fray 6, Feel the burn 12, Exploring line and capturing tone 32 Bee Happy – Mini burn 48, 3D Butterfly – Mini burn 50, Tree Frog – Step-by-step project 60, Drawing on inspiration 62, Sketch with fire – Mini burn 74, Hibiscus – Mini burn 74, Magic of the Moonlight – Step-by-step project 80, Tree frog tone – Step-by-step project 86, Times gone by – Step-by-step project 88, Sidmouth seafront – Step-by-step project 92, Colour your world 96, Bringing colour to the jungle – Step-by-step project 110, Pyro and the peacock – Step-by-step project 114, Gaia – Step-by-step project 120, The Midas Touch – Adding gold to your pyrography 126, Reed Warbler: Lady of the Marsh – Step-by-step project 144, A Final Froggy Flourish – Step-by-step project 150 Through the looking glass 154, The final curtain 162, Troubleshooting 168, Safety 172, Afterword 174, Index 176

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Book SynopsisBe impressed by the ease and versatility of resin jewellery making. Building on the success of her first book, well-known crafter Sara Naumann provides over 50 new projects that are modern and straightforward to replicate. She demonstrates how simple and quick resin jewellery is to make, using minimal equipment and readily available products. All relevant safety information is included, along with a troubleshooting section. The technique is very easy: simply mix the two-part resin together and pour into a mould, bezel or pendant. Sara uses pre-made, inexpensive moulds in a variety of shapes and sizes. Rings, pendants, brooches, cufflinks, hairpins and bracelets are all achievable and look professional. You can add numerous items to the resin to create different effects. Paper or foil inserts, for example an old photo or map, can provide a background for bezels of varying shapes and sizes, or make your own custom background by spraying or stencilling your own designs onto paper. You can also immerse various items in the resin before it cures, such as dried flowers, glitter, sequins, watch parts and gemstones, or use dyes and coloured inks to personalize. Create a broad range of fresh, stylish projects to make your own bespoke wearables or fabulous gifts.Trade ReviewBe impressed by the ease and versatility of resin jewellery making. These 50 projects are modern and straightforward, using minimal equipment and readily available products. Relevant safety information and troubleshooting section are included/ Rings, pendants, brooches, cufflinks, hairpins and bracelets are all achievable and look professional. * Machine Knitting Monthly, April 2023 *This is a lovely book covering how to make over 50 inspiring projects including earrings, bracelets, cuff links, necklaces and more. The author likes to use metal bezels of various shapes in the design of the jewellery. Then she uses paper, dried flowers, ink, glitter and stamping to embellish the resin which makes each item of jewellery unique. Moulds, layering and how to add colours are all explained. There is a helpful section on troubleshooting should you require it. I would recommend this book! -- Joanne Moorey * Customer Review *It is a beautiful book with over 90 quality gloss pages with loads of helpful tips and tricks to make all kinds of jewellery using resin. I can highly recommend it if you are starting out. There are ideas for using jewellery findings, colouring resin with powder and liquids, 3D inclusions and quick dry clay. -- Glynis Dover * Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Getting started 8 All about resin 10 Supplies needed 12 Mixing and pouring 14 Troubleshooting 16 Jewellery with bezels 18 Jewellery findings 22 Beads and beading 26 Washi tape and rub-ons 27 Bespoke backgrounds 28 The Projects Paper Inserts 38 Patterned paper 40, Handmade paper 41, Found paper 42, Luminous layers paper 44, Rice paper 45, Washi tape 46, Rub-on transfers 47, Painted & foiled paper 48, Painted paper 49 Colourizing with liquid 50 Opaque epoxy pigment 52, Crystal tints 53, Alcohol ink 54, Resin dye 56 Colourizing with powder 58 Resin powder 60, Metal powder 62, Perfect pearls pigment powder 64, Shimmer shakers 65 3-Dimensional Inclusions 66 Embossing powder 68, Fine glitter 69, Sand quartz aggregate 70, Watch parts 71, Mica 72, Botanicals 73, Opals 74, Chunky glitter 75, Gilding flake 77 Resin coating 78 Quick cure clay 80, Cement 81, Metal 82, Casting resin 83 Resin with moulds 84 Moulds 86, Moulds with glitter 87, Layered moulds 88, Floating moulds 91, Small moulds 90, Bead moulds 92, Cylinder moulds 93, Sphere moulds 94, Bauble moulds 95 Index 96

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Book SynopsisIf you love Christmas, you'll love this book! It's the perfect antidote to the traditional tinsel and glitter that shed harmful microplastics, polluting our oceans and waterways. The Eco-Christmas Craft Book is filled with lots of ideas to create your own stylishly beautiful, eco-friendly Christmas. All you need to do is save up some recyclable or foraged items such as cardboard, newspaper, wine bottle corks, twigs and pine cones. You can choose your own colour scheme to match your home and, because the materials are recyclable, you could make new ones every year! Including all the things that make Christmas special, such as tree decorations, advent items, Christmas cards, table decorations, wreaths and many more, there are 30 fabulous projects to make, and ideas for many more. So start collecting and learn how to make gorgeous, professional-looking decorations cheaply, without harming the planet.Trade ReviewFrom the first to last page this book is so easy to follow. Great for children to grannies to make Christmas decorations to last for years. All these projects can be made at minimum cost as like me many will have a crafts box full of bits and bobs just waiting for this book to inspire you. -- Pauline Forster * Amazon Customer Review *This bright and approachable selection of Christmas crafts evokes old-timey warmth updated with contemporary sensibilities. Introductory notes discuss tools, reusing supplies, reducing purchased items, using biodegradable adhesives, and foraging for natural craft elements like pinecones; after which the crafts unfold with simplicity and a reliance on neutral tones. Especially useful to craft groups in libraries are several ideas that reuse book pages, and many smaller decorations like hanging ornaments or ribbon-wrapped candles that can be made from remnants left over from past craft activities. Some projects, like Advent calendars and wreaths, will be more time- and supply-intensive and may require more purchased materials if the crafter desires a unified look. But on the whole, projects like tiny gift boxes made from last year's holiday cards, folded book trees, and fragrant dried oranges offer low-cost, low-waste, joyful crafting options for new or experienced crafters. -- Heather Booth * Booklist *Learn to make beautiful Christmas decorations using eco-friendly materials that won't break the bank or harm the planet with Marrianne Mialls The Eco-Christmas Craft Book. Save up recycled or foraged items to make tree ornaments, advent items, cards, wreaths and more! With 30 projects to make, its never been easier to create professional decorations. * Crafts Beautiful *Love presents, but hate the waste that comes hand in hand with packaging? Look no further - The Eco-Christmas Craft Book is here to offer some genius crafty alternatives to wrapping and more. Choose from 30 fabulous projects, including wreaths, baubles and table decorations. All you have to do is collect everyday recyclable and foraged items, and you're good to go! * Sew Magazine *This book is filled with ideas to create our own stylish and eco-friendly Christmas using recyclable or foraged items such as cardboard, newspaper, wine bottle corks, twigs and pine cones. There are 30 fabulous projects and ideas for many more, to make professional-looking decorations at little cost, without harming the planet. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 Tools 10 Techniques 12 Making an origami star 12 Making a tassel 16 Making a bow 17 The Projects 18 Christmas Crackers 18 Ribbon Tree 22 Felt Bauble 26 Milk Bottle Fairy 30 Yarn-wrapped Cardboard Tree 34 Foliage-filled Bottle 38 Cork and Rosemary Place Cards 42 Cardboard Star Garland 46 Cardboard Tube Snowflake 50 Cardboard Angel 54 Christmas Cards 58 Napkin Rings 62 Origami Star Wall Hanging 66 Paper Strip Bauble 70 Cork Christmas Tree 74 Cork Rudolph the Reindeer 78 Cotton Twine Tied Wreath 82 Hessian Ruffle Wreath 86 Branch Christmas Tree 90 Mini Envelope Advent 94 Cardboard Tube Advent 98 Decorated Jars and Tins 102 Santa Sack Fabric Advent 106 Gift Wrapping 110 Hanging Twig Star 118 Folded Book Tree 122 Pine Cone Tree 126 Cork Wreath 130 Concertina Christmas Tree 134 Dried Orange Slice Decorations 138 Templates 142 Index 144

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Book SynopsisHave you heard of paper piecing and wanted to give it a go, but didn't know where to begin? Or are you a keen quilter looking to create intricate patchwork designs, but have struggled to create perfect, sharp shapes and corners? Then this is the book for you! Paper piecing involves stitching fabrics over paper templates, and allows you to create complex geometric designs easily. The book starts with the key materials and tools you need, followed by seven stunning contemporary designs, each demonstrating a new paper piecing technique. Every design features illustrated step-by-step instructions, and comes with 26 full-size templates for you to cut out and stitch on to right away. Once you’ve mastered the essential techniques, put your new skills into practice by making the seven gorgeous step-by-step sewing projects – from a pillow cover and a tote bag to a beautiful quilt – each of which can be adapted to include any of the paper piecing designs. This folder includes the instruction book, and a separate envelope containing the templates.Trade ReviewThis book is split into three parts; tutorial, designs and the projects. He has separated modern paper piecing from foundation paper piecing and suggested they are different methods with certain amount of overlap. [...] A simple tools and materials section is followed by the how to read a pattern section. The tutorial is next which takes you through each step [...] Designs are basic but cute, including a pencil, banana and an ice cream cone. Modern and simple. The projects supplied are smaller items; a pencil case, an apron, cushions and a box. * British Patchwork & Quilting *In his first book, The Crafty Gentleman's Guide to Modern Paper Piecing, self-confessed sewing addict and blogger Mike Aspinall shares all there is to know about paper piece quilt-making. The collection features seven stunning contemporary designs, each demonstrating a new technique. * Sew Magazine, February 2023 *If you've always wanted to master paper piecing, then you'll love this guide by Mike Aspinall, best known as The Crafty Gentleman. It features seven striking geometric designs, and 26 full-size templates for you to play with. You'll discover a range of essential methods for achieving perfect patchwork results, as well as how to make an array of beautiful projects, including a pillow cover, tote bag and quilt. * Sew Magazine *If you want to try paper piecing, but don't know where to begin, or struggle to create perfect, sharp shapes and corners, this is the book for you. By stitching fabrics over paper templates, you'll easily create complex geometric designs. Once you've mastered basic techniques, there are 26 full-size templates to cut out and stitch. Seven detailed step-by-step projects can be adapted to include any of the paper piecing designs. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Table of ContentsIntroduction, How to use this book, What is paper piecing?, Fabrics, Tools and equipment, Before you begin, Basic techniques Designs: Pencil, Ice cream, Rocket, Abstract, Banana, Monstera, Scissors Projects: Pencil case, Beach bag, Piped pillow, Planter cover, Wall art, Quilted throw, Apron Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisThis third book from Claire Gelder presents Bonnie the Highland Cow and Isla her calf, as well as other adorable crocheted companions. With soft, chunky yarn and long, floppy limbs, you'll have no choice but to pick them up, or snuggle on the sofa with them. Oversized, and full of life, these toys are about 70cm tall and the babies measure about 35cm. The projects are aimed at beginners to improvers, and are suitable for someone who has mastered the basics of crochet. Open up the book to be introduced to 20 loveable animals such as garden birds, deer and doe, badger and fox, cat and dog, mouse and hedgehog, owls and lovebirds, as well as a frog and baby and a goat and his kid. Which one will steal your heart first?Trade ReviewCrochet stuffed animals are a perennial craft favourite, and author Claire Gelder is experienced at designing and writing straightforward patterns for these creatures. In addition to the titular Bonnie Cow, a variety of familiar beasts are featured here, including Elsie Cat, Finlay Dog, Mack Mouse, and an assortment of specific birds. A combination of colour contrasts, yarn texture, and a handful of stitch techniques bring life and character to these endearing critters. All are meant to be slightly understuffed, giving the desired floppiness and avoiding the sometimes-stiff texture of crochet. Clearly written patterns preceded by a step-by-step instructional section with photographs deliver achievable projects with cute personalities. -- Anne Heidemann * Booklist *They don’t come much cuter than this when it comes to crochet creations. This is the third book by Claire that not only has Bonnie the Highland cow and her calf, but other adorable animals such as a fox, hedgehog and birds, too. In soft, chunky yarn, they make the perfect gifts for little ones. The substantial projects – the toys are about 70 cm with the “babies” 35 cm – are perfect for beginners through to those who have already mastered the basics of crochet. * People's Friend Special 223 *We can’t resist the lure of a new book packed with cute crochet creatures to treasure. Bonnie the Cow & Friends is packed with loveable characters, including farm animals, wildlife, and garden birds. A beautiful crochet toy is not only cheering to make, but they are also gorgeous to give as gifts too. This book uses Wool Couture’s 100% Merino Cheeky Chunky yarns for all the main projects to create the softest, cuddliest toys, although you can substitute other chunky yarns. Claire includes photo-illustrated step-by-step guides to all the stitches you’ll need to complete the projects including helpful tips for assembling and finishing toys. The animals in this book are so appealing you won’t know which one to start with – from the shaggy coated Bonnie the Cow and her little calf Isla to the deer and doe, Oscar and Daisy, and the elusive woodland duo, Mary Badger and Finn Fox, there’s an ami friend in here that’s perfect for everyone. * Inside Crochet *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Tools and materials 8 Techniques 14 Crochet stitches 16 Bringing the toys to life 30 Meet Bonnie's family 40 Bonnie Cow & Isla Calf 42, Ava and Maya Lovebirds 48, Finlay Dog 52, Elsie Cat 58, Maisie Hedgehog 62, Mack Mouse 68, Oscar Deer 72, Daisy Doe 78, Riley Robin 84, Rosa Blue Tit 88, Angus Goat & Tilly Goat 94, Mary Badger 102, Finn Fox 108, Harry Tufty-Eared Owl 112, Freya Barn Owl 116, Frankie Frog & Freddy Frog 122

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Book SynopsisThis indispensable book is your go-to guide to colour crochet. It's packed with inspiration, including a comprehensive guide to choosing and using colour, a collection of 40 vibrant colour stitch patterns, a guide to Intarsia, Mosaic, Fair Isle and tapestry crochet, the authors' own innovative 'smart' charting method, shared here for the first time, PLUS 10 wonderful crochet projects. The book will take readers step by step through the stitch patterns and techniques using photos, charts and accessible text. Helpful hints and tips are given throughout the book. The 10 stunning projects include a bag, hat, blankets, mittens and baskets, which will give readers the opportunity to practice their newly-acquired skills.Trade ReviewFor those looking to up their colourwork game, this book is packed with inspiration, including a comprehensive guide to choosing and using colour, a collection of 40 vibrant colour stitch patterns and the authors' own innovative 'smart' charting method. It also includes a guide to popular colourwork techniques such as intarsia, mosaic, Fair Isle and tapestry crochet, and features illustrated step-by-steps, with ten projects to try. * Inside Crochet, Issue 155 *This is great. It shows lots of different ways to work with colour, and I really like the way the patterns are both written out and charted. I'm a fairly experienced crocheter, and I'll learn a few things from this book. I'm looking forward to working through it. -- Nicky Thompson * Customer Review *This book is fabulous. If you are a beginner to charts it talks you through it, including how to read stitch charts as well as colour charts. It explains about when to carry yarn, when to cut, and when to use bobbins. It gives in depth explanations of how to create colour schemes. It contains a wealth of patterns and explanation on how to increase these to scale as required. The authors are big on helping you develop your skills to be able to create your own designs and building the skills you need for this. There are also a number of lovely projects to get you started. I would recommend this book to any crocheter, and as an advanced crocheter myself I have still found plenty of great content that has challenged me and inspired me further. As long as you know the foundations of basic stitches you will learn plenty from this book. Top marks! -- Holly Merry * Customer Review *This is unusual – a crochet book devoted entirely to the mechanics of using colour. The book starts with the basics including handling multiple yarns. There are even flowchart-style algorithms that help us decide whether to cut the yarn when changing colour or carry it over to another row. This is followed by a section with 40 colourful stitch patterns. Each one has a big clear photo, written instructions, and a chart. This book would appeal to crocheters who like to play with techniques and extend their skills. It would also be very useful if working a crochet picture in Intarsia, or how about getting fashionable with a statement beanie? There are example projects featured as well as encouragement to design your own! -- Sally Magill * SlipKnot, June2023 *This collection of 40 stitch patterns and ten crochet projects is packed with inspiration and a guide to choosing and using colour. It takes us step-by-step through stitch patterns and techniques using photos, charts and text. Intarsia, mosaic, Fair Isle and tapestry crochet are included, along with the authors' own innovative charting method. * Machine Knitting Monthly, August 2023 *I took my time to read through this book properly, because this isn’t your average crochet pattern book, this is the ultimate how-to book for crocheting with colour. The book is split into sections that are so informative even as an advanced crocheter or designer, you’ll pick up new tips and tricks. The first is: etting Started - Here you’ll find the usual information about yarn, equipment, stitches and abbreviations, along with how to handle the yarn, change colour & my favourite part of this section, colour theory. The book covers colour theory with great depth, explanation the colour wheel, how to use it and explaining the different colour schemes. Stitch Patterns - There are 40 beautifully unique stitch patterns included in this book, many that I haven’t come across before. Each one includes a photo, written instructions and a chart. Colour Changes - Here you’ll learn how to crochet different colour techniques like Mosaic (in two ways) Tapestry, Fair Isle & Intarsia. The Projects - This section has 10 gorgeous crochet patterns, that use the techniques that you’ve just learnt. I found this book to be beautifully laid out with easy to understand instructions. It’s perfect for someone simply wanting some unique colour work patterns, or maybe for someone who would like to understand colour work a little better & even for established designers wanting to improve their skills in colour work (even if you think you know it all, I bet you find some fab tips). I personally love designing & using colour work in crochet, this book will now be my go-to guide, I know it’ll take my designs to the next level. Left-handed people aren’t forgotten in this book, if a technique or pattern is different for lefties, then the instructions are included. -- Kelly Groves * @craftycruella *Being a designer myself, I'm aware to have a tendency to use mostly bright colours and preferably not more than 3 at a time (obviously there are exceptions to this rule of mine!). Anyway, I found this book interesting as it's a good source to look at when in doubt or when you are attempting colourwork the first time! You can find 40 stitch patterns to practice with colours so you can get a quick visual result to verify your choice of hues, tints, tones or shades ! A full chapter is dedicated to colourwork techniques and you are guided to crochet lovely swatches with the help of charts, step-by-step photos and patterns. There is a clever section about charting for crochet and smart charting. At the end of the book, you find a selection of 10 patterns to try: the project I prefer is the Forth Bridge Blanket, maybe because I live in Edinburgh. The only flaw, if I may call it this way, it's the absence of a reference about fluorescent/neon colours, which are often used by younger (not only!) designers/crocheters. -- Ale Poggiagliolmi * @alessandrapoggiagliolmi *Having never knowingly used colour theory, just choosing the colours that please me, I found it insightful. With some interesting colour choices and stitch patterns and clear 'how-to' advice on colour work crochet (including some handy flow charts) it's a great go-to guide. It also contains 10 projects so you can put any new found skills into practice, I have my eye on the tweedy shopper and the mittens, perfect for autumn when it eventually arrives! -- Sarah-Jane Hicks * @flo_and_dot *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Getting started 8 Getting the basics right 10 Reading a crochet chart 14 Abbreviations 17 Handling multiple yarn strands 18 How to change colour 20 Working with colour 21 Colour theory 22 Stitches in colour 32 Colour changes 94 Mosaic crochet 96 Tapestry crochet 104 Fair Isle crochet 108 Intarsia crochet 112 Smart Charting 114 Projects Bobble hat 120 Buchanan table runner 124 Moseying on down scarf 128 Tweedy shopper 132 Forth Bridge blanket 136 Hera blanket 140 Trinity baskets 144 Zahra hat 148 Zahra mittens 152 Intarsia love pillow 156 Chart paper 160

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Book SynopsisThis easy-to-follow course in lace knitting will transform the complete beginner into an accomplished expert. Progress from simple eyelet lace to openwork stitching and intricate edgings as you develop the skill and confidence to create beautiful pieces of lace filigree. With step-by-step tuition and a preliminary section explaining all the essentials – yarn, needles, tension, techniques and how to read knitting charts – this guide could not be more accessible. All of the stitch swatches are clearly photographed and each stitch is provided in both written and chart form, so even novices can start right away. There are also 13 lovely projects to practise your newly acquired skills, including a baby blanket and slippers, an evening bag, a shrug and a jewellery purse. Each stitch pattern is illustrated in both fine and thicker yarns, so you can choose the look of the finished item. The Very Easy Guide to Lace Knitting will give you the skills and the inspiration to get started. This is a reissue of the previously best-selling published book The Very Easy Guide to Lace Knitting (9781844486519).Trade ReviewI am very impressed with this book! Although it has a few patterns in this book it is primarily a source book for some beautiful lace patterns. These patterns, which are very well produced and detailed, can then be applied to any knitting you might need to add some decoration. I knit a lot of socks and can see me adding panels of lace to a plain sock. This could be applied to any garment you may need to add interest. The photographs are very clear and text is easy to read and understand. All the patterns are in written and chart form. There are several useful techniques listed and I personally found the article on blocking your completed work extremely informative. This very well-presented book is a brilliant book for any knitter’s library. -- Heather Tucker * Amazon Customer Review *Here's an easy-to-follow book, with 13 projects, to give the inspiration and skills to transform beginners into accomplished experts. All the swatches have clear photos and each stitch has both written and chart form, so even novices can start right away. * Machine Knitting Monthly *This is a very informative book with stitch ideas, lace patterns and great information about techniques to aid a knitter new to knitting lace. The photography clearly highlights the patterns and I really like the fact that there are charts as well as written instructions which caters for people who have different learning styles. There are a variety of patterns to choose from as well as lots of ideas where lace can be used for the knitter’s personal projects such as a scarf, cushion cover or blanket. The lessons at the back of the book are a useful backup for any beginner or intermediate knitter and can be used for other projects involving knitting and will help to develop new or reinforce techniques. This book will be an asset to add to your knitting book library. -- Monica Russel * theknitknacks.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Lesson 1: Yarns 8, Lesson 2: Knitting kit 10, Lesson 3: Circular needles 12 Knitting basics 14 Lesson 4: Casting on 16, Lesson 5: Knit and purl 18, Lesson 6: Reversible fabrics 20, Lesson 7: Casting off 21, Lesson 8: Decorative increases 22, Lesson 9: Decorative decreases 23, Lesson 10: Tension 24, Lesson 11: Charts 26 The lace knits 28 Lesson 12: Eyelet patterns 30, Technique: Simple eyelets 32, The stitch collection 34, Project 1: Baby blanket and slippers 44, Project 2: Hat and scarf 46, Project 3: Child’s cardigan 48, Lesson 13: Lace panels 50, Technique: Eyelets in diagonal lines 52, The stitch collection 54, Project 4: Cushion wraps 70, Project 5: Jewellery purse 72, Project 6: Women’s sweaters 74, Lesson 14: Lace patterns 78, Technique: Double decrease 80, The stitch collection 82, Project 7: Scarf 104, Project 8: Wrap 106, Project 9: Evening bag 108, Project 10: Pillow cover 110, Lesson 15: Lace edgings 112, Technique: Double increase 114, The stitch collection 116, Project 11: Shrug 120, Project 12: Baby’s shawl 122, Project 13: Guest towels 124 Finishing techniques 126 Lesson 16: Blocking and pressing 128, Lesson 17: Perfect seams 130, Lesson 18: Adding beads and sequins 132, Lesson 19: Basic tassels 134, Lesson 20: Beaded tassels 135, Lesson 21: Adding buttons 136, Lesson 22: Pompoms 138, Lesson 23: Aftercare essentials 139 Abbreviations and chart symbols 140, Index 142, Credits 144

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Book SynopsisEnter a stitching world of new shapes and new possibilities with over 150 unique knitted and crocheted block shapes, beautifully presented in a tempting directory of different shapes, motifs and textures. Create stunning blankets, afghans and throws with these flexible blocks, and discover pretty little joining blocks and edging ideas. Choose from simple hearts and flowers to swirls, shells, snowflakes and much more. Heather Lodinsky's geometric, circular and irregular shapes come with a mix-and-match suggestion for how the block shapes might be combined. There are patterns and charts at the back of the book and practical advice on planning and executing your own designs. With clear, easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams, and functional ideas incorporating the blocks in scarves, bags and afghans, have fun exploring the many design possibilities in the projects section. Previously published as 150 Blocks to Knit & Crochet (ISBN: 9781844486182).Trade ReviewUse the 150 unique, crocheted and knitted block shapes to create blankets, afghans, throws, scarves and bags. Little joining blocks and edging ideas are included together with mix-and-match ideas for combining shapes. Suitable for all levels, there are easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams. -- Machine Knitting Monthly * Machine Knitting Monthly *This stashbusting selection is a reissue of a previous book from 2011, so if you missed it then this is a great opportunity to add it to your shelves! The Block Collection contains 150 knitted and crocheted blocks, ideal for using up stash yarns and creating your own scarves, blankets and throws. Blocks are divided into a huge variety of shapes from squares to shells, and crochet patterns all include a clear chart and written-out instructions. * Inside Crochet *Table of ContentsForeword, About this book, Directory, The patterns, Circles, Diamonds, Squares, Triangles, Hexagons, Octagons, Pentagons, Snowflakes, Stars, Flowers, Hearts, Shells, Leaves, Connectors, Projects & Techniques, Reading patterns and charts, Index

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