Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisJump right in and get sewing. With this value-packed booklet of 10 baby quilt patterns from top designers, you'll find a perfect style for every baby. Cute and fun appliqué patterns are mixed in with bright and cheerful patchwork, with designs ranging from traditional to modern. And with clear instructions, illustrations and how-to photos, even beginner quilters will be whipping out these quilts in no time at all. Never wonder what to make for that new baby again.Trade ReviewI love the fact that C & T Publishing is bringing together different designers to create these fantastic books. The designs are bright and modern with each having it's own unique look. This book is a brilliant way to get a beautiful collection of quilts as well as getting to know the style of each designer. The patterns are brilliant for both sexes and would make brilliant baby shower gifts or birthday presents. Not only are they brilliant for babies they are also fantastic for toddlers. There is nothing better than finishing off a bedroom with a beautiful quilt. Each quilt project starts with a full picture of the quilt, details of the designer and the book the quilt pattern is originally from. You have details of the finished quilt & block size as well as details of all the materials that are required. From there you are given all the instructions you will need to make the quilt. There are step-by-step details of how to create the blocks, including diagrams. From there is the details of the rows, borders and the finishing. There are also more beautiful pictures of the quilt. On some of the quilts where other techniques are used there are also clear pictures to help you with the process of making the quilt. I love the clear and beautiful designs of the quilts. They are just so bright and refreshing. This book brings together ten beautiful and adorable designs and offer fantastic value for money. * Crochet Addict UK *

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Book SynopsisA quick path to a bold quilt design. Wedges are versatile and captivating - a must-have shape in the modern quilter's toolbox. Expertly piece this trendy and versatile shape without complicated maths or drafting. Sew up 10 distinctive quilts, each will full-size patterns, plus get tips on how to accurately cut and sew wedges. You'll be amazed at the wide variety of quilts that can be made from a single shape.Trade ReviewIt's always nice to see a new quilt book that presents something really different. This book is dedicated to wedges and ways in which to use them. The book is divided into Basic Round Construction, Round Variations and Beyond Rounds. In the introduction, you'll see photos from the Volckening collection of quilts. You'll discover wedge basics, rulers, shapes, possibilities and formulas. In the first chapter, you'll see all the essentials, information and avoiding the pitfalls of construction. The projects hone your new found skills. Instructions are clear and easy to follow with great photos and line drawings. In chapter two, you'll learn some variations on the theme. These tend to be fabric oriented i.e. scrappy, two colour wedges and not variations on using wedges in innovative design ways. Another three projects follow. Chapter three is about designing wedges that are not in the round. There is no design instruction as such, this section goes straight into five more fantastic projects. That's ten projects in all of varying sizes. The book finishes with some basic quilting techniques such as machine applique and setting in a circle. There are some ideas for quilting. The afterword explains the creative making of the Sacred Heart quilt. A very enjoyable and informative book on quilting wedges. -- Karen Platt * www.karenplatt.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisLearn how to make simple, one-of-a-kind quilts using large-scale print fabrics! Easy Stack is a quick-cutting, fabric-efficient way of making great quilts that are rotary cut and machine pieced. Using only 4 fabric repeats and easy-to-cut strips, you can create 3 kinds of fun and unique blocks. Then play with 8 setting options, with 4 quilt sizes for each option, to create an endless variety of quilts.

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Book SynopsisLearn to incorporate treasured clothing into heirloom quilts without sacrificing your modern aesthetic. Stitch memories together forever with 12 quilt projects that are as meaningful as they are stylish! Modern heirloom quilter Suzanne Paquette shares the emotional, creative, and technical aspects of memory quilting through colourful storytelling and photography. Practical projects inspired by real families’ stories will help you celebrate love, provide comfort, and honour your family’s heritage.Trade ReviewThere are many ways of capturing our memories and this book shows us how to incorporate our cherished ones into an heirloom quilt. 12 designs are showcased in this wonderfully unique ideas book and each one is personal to the family we get to know. Appliqué designs in the shapes of dogs, photographs and favourite clothing are all included in the designs and as well as giving a host of ideas there are many ways of making a personalised quilt that will last for many years and generations. Each design comes with a step by step quilting guide, with tips and hints on finishing your quilt. The quilts shown are modern, edgy and what's more they are personal history of those we love. Different from a traditional quilt, there is no reason why a quilter will not find inspiration within these pages. They really are exquisite pieces of art. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Discover how to create a joyful quilt that will be loved for generations! This book combines step-by-step guides and detailed images to help you sew your own quilt, alongside inspiring stories about the individuals Suzanne has crafted quilts for. * Sew Magazine (June 2019) *Discover how to create a joyful quilt that will be loved for generations! This book combines step-by-step guides and detailed images to help you sew your own quilt, alongside inspiring stories about the individuals Suzanne has crafted quilts for. * Sew *There are twelve carefully designed, beautifully made memory quilts. The quilts are a combination of fabric piecing and 'memory' items including knitted, fur and sari fabric. It is not a 'How to Do' book but one to inspire. In preparation garments must be washed, cut into flat pieces and stabilised with starch or interfacing. Details like pockets and buttons should be saved. Each quilt has a history, they reflect the varied heritages of their owners. There is a quilt with Arabesque tile shaped blocks and another has a stunning colourful Mandela. The design choices, patterns and arrangements are explained. 'Memory' items are not crowded together, they are well spaced apart. I found it fascinating, it is my Book of the Month. * British Patchwork & Quilting *

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Book SynopsisImprove your quilt designs by learning how to organise fabric by size and colour, while making adorably sophisticated quilts (both pieced and appliquéd) for babies and children. Each of the 20 bright, happy quilts is shown in warm and cool colourways to spark the imagination and use up your stash. Stacey Day's friendly voice and great advice make it easy to choose beautiful palettes and add design flair, while also guiding you through the best methods for organising fabrics by colour and size, from tiny scraps to bulky yardage.

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Book SynopsisCosy up to wool appliqué with fifty colourful garden blocks to mix and match! Best-selling author Kim Schaefer shares seven easy wool appliqué projects to teach you embroidery basics or to bring your hand stitching to the next level. Layer luscious flowers, birds, and butterflies of wool on top of cotton fabric, then add the embroidered finishing touches to fusible appliqué wall quilts, table toppers, and pillows. It’s the perfect primer for every skill level.

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Book SynopsisWinter, spring, summer, fall—who’s the coziest of them all? Make your home warm and inviting with pretty quilts for all four seasons! Sew 20 projects from quilts and table runners to wall hangings and pillows. With a suite of patterns for each season, you’ll combine colourful cottons, luscious wool appliqué, and simple hand stitching. A variety of techniques from patchwork to paper piecing and raw-edge appliqué will keep you inspired to sew all year long. Say hello to the seasons with quilted decor for your walls, pillows, tables, and more. Build your skills with 20 sewing projects, from small and simple to more advanced quilts. Capture the colours of nature with sweet embroidery, patchwork, and wool appliqué.Trade ReviewI love this book. The designs are simple but beautiful and with templates included, they are just waiting to be stitched. I loved the winter designs, The snowmen are so cute. Table runners, quilts and cushions are just some of the inspiring projects and each one is easy to personalise, so they can be made with specific people and designs in mind. Embroidery and buttons are suggested as embellishments and appliqué is a beautiful addition. Each project has a menu for things you need to create your project, and with sizes and a simple to follow instruction guide, even a beginner quilter could achieve a stunning and usable item. From cutting out your design to the finishing touches, each step is explained fully. These projects are works of art, and depending on your fabric choice they can adorn and decorate your home as well as keeping you warm and snuggly. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *

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Book SynopsisBreak down the process of modern quilt design with scientific design principles. Applying the concept of negative space in eight key ways, you’ll start with traditional blocks or quilts and transform them into modern masterpieces, step-by-step. Each chapter teaches skills such as removing elements or disintegration, with a quilt project for each technique! Complete with tips on piecing, choosing fabrics, and machine quilting for an artistic finish, this book has something for every quilter.Trade ReviewI actually received and read it through from start to finish in one day. It is so much more than a book of patterns and contains such useful information for anyone interested in making modern quilts - either from a pattern or by designing their own. In each chapter there is information on techniques to make quilts modern, for example taking a traditional block quilt and removing elements, varying sizes and inverting colours to name a few. I really liked how Sylvia talks you through each process and gives examples along the way. Some of these are computer generated images but there are so many lovely photos of real quilts that just make you want to touch them. If you don't want to design yourself, each chapter has a pattern with full instructions for you to make the quilt. I have to say I now have more quilts added to my ever-growing, or is that never-ending, to do list. The quilt below features in the book as an example of disintegration but it isn't a pattern in the book - I just included it here because I happen to love it! All in all I think this is a fantastic book and a wonderful resource for quilters both modern quilters and those looking to explore modern routes more. Watch this space for upcoming quilts that will be made using some of these techniques. See the full review here. -- Abigail * Cut & Alter *It is a design technique leaving large open spaces. The introduction defines negative space as 'space surrounding around or between the subjects.' It begins with exercises encouraging experimenting with traditional blocks. The instructions and diagrams need careful study; these are not simple designs. The examples have cutting plans and templates often using foundation piecing. All the patterns are shown in bright coloured fabric. An interesting new trend in quilting. * British Patchwork & Quilting *

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Book SynopsisCreate dynamic quilts the fast and easy way, with no piecing required. Learn the principles of design to create your own modern quilts, with an intro to fusible fabric art and seven satisfying projects to help you realize the freedom of fusing. Get tips on dyeing your own gorgeous fabrics and try a new way to quilt as-you-go for a faster and more beautiful finish. If you can imagine it, you can quilt it!

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Book SynopsisBest-selling author Bonnie K. Hunter shares aperpetual calendar you can use year after year. Filled with inspiring quotes, quips and 60 gorgeous quilt photos.

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Book SynopsisAre you buried in scraps—big pieces, small pieces, hunks, chunks, strips, and parts? Bonnie K. Hunter fans will love her newest book of playful string-quilt projects! Sew a dozen vibrant quilt patterns using the small leftovers from other projects that seem too tiny to save, yet too big to toss. Learn Bonnie’s basics for foundation piecing narrow fabric pieces and turn them into dazzling scrappy blocks and one-of-a-kind quilts.

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Book SynopsisWhen sixty-eight year old Sarah Miller moves into the Cunningham Village retirement community, she is mourning the loss of the husband, her young grandson, and the place that has been home for forty-two years. But Sarah is a survivor. As she reaches out into the retirement community that is to become home, she finds friends, activities, new hobbies, a possible love interest, and of course, crimes to solve and murderers to track down. The tenth instalment of this fun, friendly series of cozy mysteries contains a new friend, trunks full of vintage fabric, credit card fraud, a budding romance, and murder—and Sarah and her friends are at the centre of it all. Trade ReviewThe last instalment of the series and one that includes murder, mystery and the most wonderful fabrics. One thing the author has done with this novels, is describe the quilts brilliantly. The colours, the condition, the poverty and the history behind each one give these books a feeling of the love that goes into making each quilt, and the necessities that brought them into being. Of course the drama, along with murder come hand in hand with all the books. But I really want the reader to know about the quilts. The characters. The friendships. the dogs and cats and most of all the love, that each story brings. Quilts are made of patchworks of fabric and the ties that bind each one are usually ones of family. Carol Dean Jones has brought all these things together and each book, with their own elements of life, bring the ups and downs that we would usually encounter... along with the added thrill of a mystery. I have loved this series, I will definitely miss each of the ladies, Charles and Barney. Each book has a quilt to make along with instructions included, and I think any sewist can achieve. Quilts like life are not perfect, but they are personal and relevant to the maker of the quilt and the person who is gifted one. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *

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Book SynopsisWhen sixty-eight year old Sarah Miller moves into the Cunningham Village retirement community, she is mourning the loss of the husband, her young grandson, and the place that has been home for forty-two years. But Sarah is a survivor. As she reaches out into the retirement community that is to become home, she finds friends, activities, new hobbies, a possible love interest, and of course, crimes to solve and murderers to track down. In the fourth instalment of this fun, friendly series of cozy mysteries, Sarah’s daughter, Martha, begins to play a larger role in her life, bringing a troubled past and impending danger.Trade ReviewBook 4 in the quilting cozy mysteries. Cute kittens, kidnap and of course quilts all help make this a novel worthy of a mornings read. Clean, fun and very entertaining they are perfect for quilt lovers and fans of mystery and suspense. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *

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Book SynopsisWhen sixty-eight year old Sarah Miller moves into the Cunningham Village retirement community, she is mourning the loss of the husband, her young grandson, and the place that has been home for forty-two years. But Sarah is a survivor. As she reaches out into the retirement community that is to become home, she finds friends, activities, new hobbies, a possible love interest, and of course, crimes to solve and murderers to track down. In the second instalment of this fun, friendly series of cozy mysteries, Sarah has settled in to Cunningham Village. But then a young girl goes missing, and Sarah and her friend Sophie promise to find her.

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Book SynopsisGet ready for some of the best-kept secrets in strip quilting! Learn tips for cutting, storing, and piecing fabric strips in a variety of widths. Start by sewing easy strip sets, then advance to triangles and more complex layouts. Make the most of your stash by turning precut strips, sliced yardage, and selvages into fifteen innovative projects. Customise the look of each quilt with blank colouring pages, laying the foundation to design your own.Trade ReviewDiane’s handy know-hows are so good you’ll want to keep them to yourself; the book teaches you how to bust your stash using fabric scraps to create 15 different designs – you’ll be whipping up quilts in no time with these thorough instructions. * Sew Magazine (March 2019) *

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Book SynopsisFrom veteran author, teacher, and designer Becky Goldsmith comes this amazingly striking Bullseye quilt with easy-to-use paper-piecing foundations. Though the result looks complicated, the quilt comes together easily with Becky’s simple, friendly instructions. Make the stunning Bullseye all on its own, add a border of Flying Geese, or make nine smaller Bullseye blocks for an eye-catching quilt. Includes instruction booklet and pattern sheets.

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Book SynopsisMake this darling bedroom set for a child, young adult, or anyone young at heart! Combine thirty-five popular emojis to create four fast, fun and easy projects—a twin-size quilt, throw pillows, a pillowcase, and a bolster. Then mix and match sixty facial features, including hearts, tears, eyes, mouths, sunglasses, tongues, and a halo, with suggestions for thirty additional emoji faces, plus four popular hand emojis (fist bump, peace sign, thumbs up, and praise) and the strangely popular poop emoji. With beginner-friendly projects and instructions, this book has everything you need to know to sew emojis!Trade ReviewSew Emoji is a book that is really well presented and clever by design. Each Emoji can be mixed and matched in any combination to create a cool image unique to the stitcher. Quilts, cushions, bags and more can be made ultra modern using the patterns and templates that are included in the back of this book. Easy to follow instructions with hints and tips are given and what I particularly liked was that a fabric colour guide for the fabric used in the patterns is also included. Beginners to quilting can use this book and the more advanced sewist will find it fun and very useful. There is a very extensive technique guide from appliqué to using interfacing and a sewing machine foot recommendation is also included. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *

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Book SynopsisGet the most out of your precuts with this pint-sized guide to precut squares, strips and bundles. Learn how many precuts to buy for any size quilt, from cot to king-size bed. Get cutting tips for layer cakes, charm squares, and fat quarters, with easy half-square triangles from precuts. Never be stumped at the fabric shop again with this 48-page mini guide to precut names and sizes, plus 25 dynamic quilt blocks to sew.

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Book SynopsisWait until you get your hands on the rugged paper that looks, feels, and wears like leather, but sews, cuts, and washes just like fabricnow with an even softer and more leather-like finish! Kraft-tex Prewashed is supple and easy to sew with, yet strong enough to use for projects that get tough wear. And with its suede-like finish and lovely crinkles, it will bring an exciting new texture to your craft-sewing projects and mixed-media arts.

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Book SynopsisStuck in a quilting rut? Stop dawdling and start doodling! Get inspired to machine quilt that unfinished top with an astounding two hundred and fifty new designs from best-selling Doodle Quilting author Cheryl Malkowski. Dozens of free-motion ideas for quilting individual blocks—plus themed motifs, allover designs, and sashing and border patterns—mean you’ll find a new freedom in travelling across the quilt. So change your tune from just getting it done to quilting up some fun!

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Book SynopsisIf you can’t stand the heat, get out the pot holders! Best-selling author Kim Schaefer shares fifty-two darling hot pad designs to appliqué, one for every week of the year. Pick one of three fully bound shapes; square, round or oval, and create your own festive kitchen set. With more than four dozen seasonal, holiday, and kitchen-themed motifs, each with full-size appliqué patterns, you’ll want to make these pretty and useful gifts for everyone you know; they’re perfect for housewarmings, weddings, bridal showers, and more!Trade ReviewDelve into a fun design every week of the year! From the bestselling author who brought you Calendar Quilts and Calendar Runners, Kim shares hot-pad designs to appliqué which will undoubtedly step-up your kitchen decorating game. With seasonal and holiday themed motifs included, this book is perfect for the upcoming festivities. * Sew Christmas magazine 2018 *Appliqué potholders throughout the year with this fun quilting book. You'll see all the designs at a glance. They consist of fun motifs, flowers, animals and food plus a few seasonal motifs. The gallery shows more designs and possibilities. You get three sets of instructions for making pot holders in different shapes. You'll learn how to do faux mitred corners, make a simple loop hanger. 52 motifs are included to trace. -- Karen Platt * www.karenplatt.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisTurn back time with colour photos and insightful essays about America’s quilting past! Admire one hundred antique quilts and textiles you’ve never seen before, curated from the remarkable Poos Collection. See elaborate hand piecing and appliqué, signature quilts, wholecloth beauties, and an extraordinary war cover quilt that’s the only known example from America. An invaluable resource to America’s quilt history, the Poos Collection shares its classic, one-of-a-kind quilts.

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Book SynopsisThis heavy-duty and spacious bag will become your new go-to carryall. It features the Smith Mountain Morning quilt from Scrap & Shirttails by internationally known and well-loved scrap quilter Bonnie K. Hunter. The environmentally conscious tote is made from recycled water bottles, also making it water-resistant. With double handlesâone short, one longâyou can carry it over your shoulder or on your arm as needed. Heavy-duty, oversized tote bag with easy access opening, shoulder straps, and sturdy stitchingBottom panel reinforced for standing upright and carrying books, sewing projects, and moreGorgeous printed bag shows off scrappy detail and quilted texture

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Book SynopsisElevate your sewing with a bagmaker’s secret—cork fabric! Learn how easy it is to work with cork from the innovative designer behind Sallie Tomato patterns. Sew seventeen projects from purses and pouches to gorgeous accessories and home decor. Using only regular sewing tools, you’ll love adding cork fabric accents to everything. Cork comes in a rainbow of colours, and it’s eco-friendly, maintenance-free, pliable, and hypoallergenic—making it the irresistible choice for all sorts of handmade gifts.Trade ReviewThe designer behind Sallie Tomato sewing patterns, Jessica shows you how to sew 17 projects, from purses and punches to accessories and home decor items, out of cork fabric. This material is eco-friendly, low-maintenance and comes in an array of colours, making it a must-have for your stash! * Sew Christmas *Elevate your sewing with one of the world's most sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials - cork! It's maintenance-free, pliable and hypoallergenic, and has long been considered a bagmaker's secret. This book teaches you how to incorporate the material into various different projects, from purses and pouches to gorgeous accessories and home decor. * Sew *

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Book SynopsisRaconteur—The Storyteller’s Collection, an award-winning quilt, is your next take-anywhere project. Sew a collection of miniature pieced hexagons, making the king-size quilt your next long-term project, or pick and choose from 359 block designs to make a project of any size! A mix of hand-stitched and machine-pieced blocks are organised in 59 collections. Full-size foundation paper patterns are included when possible, with tips for English paper piecing. Trade ReviewMaking a quilt is always a challenge. The Storytellers Quilt is a beautiful piece of work consisting of 359 blocks. I loved the story behind the creation of this quilt and for the designer it was definitely a labour of love. With full sized templates and detailed instructions, this isn't a task for the faint-hearted, but while it is a challenging quilt, it is beautifully designed and very colourful. Using Paper piecing, foundation piecing and 59 collections it is one of those projects that will bring frustration and joy. I loved hexagons and that's what drew me to the design. I will be using a mixture of new fabric and recycled fabric from precious clothing I have been wanting to use. So for me it will be a memory quilt, as well as something useful for my home. Every part is explained fully, and with a lot of visual images you really cannot go wrong. From start to finish Cinzia White takes you through the process and with her expertise you can guarantee a perfect result. -- Tracy Shephard * Amazon *

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Book SynopsisPursue your quilting interest in new ways with this 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring Bonnie K. Hunter's gorgeous quilts. Like piecing together fabric scraps to make a quilt top, this pastime will give you a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Enjoy it yourself, or share your love of quilting with the puzzle aficionado in your life-this one makes a great gift for quilters, Bonnie Hunter fans, and anyone who loves a good challenge.

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Book SynopsisPrint, paint, stamp, and stitch... it’s never been so fun to design as it is with kraft-tex! Discover the incredibly durable paper that looks, feels, and wears like leather, but sews just like fabric. Modern designers share twelve clever kraft-tex projects plus six bonus ideas, from bags and wallets to coasters and embroidered bracelets. Whether or not they’ve used kraft-tex before, mixed-media artists and craft sewists will love its creative versatility.Trade ReviewIt looks like leather, feels like leather... but kraft-tex is actually an incredibly durable paper that sews just like fabric! In this book, expert designers share 12 clever kraft-tex projects and six bonus ideas, from bags and wallets to coasters and embroidered bracelets - you'll love this material's creative versatility. * Sew *Discover the incredibly durable paper that looks, feels and wears like leather, but sews like fabric. Modern designers share twelve projects plus six bonus ideas from bags and wallets to coaster sand embroidered bracelets. Mixed media artists and craft sewers will love the creative versatility of kraft-tex. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Kraft-Tex is technically a type of paper, but a better description of this remarkable material would be vegan leather. No animals are harmed in its manufacture and you can not only wash it but stitch it, paint on it, fold it, print on it and use it for all the things you would use leather, paper and fabric for. Not sure where to begin? Read on… Last year I reviewed a book entitled Sew Kraft-Tex Bags and if you want to make more bags there are some in here, but you can also find patterns for bunting, bracelets, baby shoes, a box, coaster set, necklace, magnetic fridge organizer and more. To start with you can get acquainted with this material which comes in several colours and three types. Not all are the same so you can find out how they differ and what tools you need to buy in order to work successfully. Most are things you will already own if you sew but there are a couple of others to buy (nothing too pricey). As this is a material more akin to paper than fabric there are some working methods to learn first, but none of this will take long to read and you can soon start your first project. These are divided into, quick ideas that make up fast and get you familiar with Kraft-Tex, and projects which take longer. Turn to the back for a sheet of paper patterns plus some to scan or trace. All projects have a short piece about their designer, a large photograph of the finished piece, instructions with some staged photographs plus a list of materials/tools and another for cutting. All measurements are in imperial. As you can imagine this is a book aimed at those who are au fait with basic sewing techniques rather than sewing newbies. You can also learn how to do many different things with Kraft-Tex including painting, printing, weaving, attaching a bag frame, working with iron-on printer transfers and more. This is one of those books that showcases an exciting new addition to crafting and makes you feel glad that you are living in a time when such wonders are available. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *

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Book SynopsisSharing her passion for appliqué, experienced teacher and author Annie Smith teaches you everything you need to know to sew the quilt of your dreams! This colourful guide to hand and machine appliqué includes step-by-step techniques, plus advice on fabric selection, choosing supplies, and working with templates. Gain the confidence to design your own appliqué blocks and quilts, or flip to find several pretty patterns to get you stitching.Trade ReviewIf you want to learn how to do hand or machine appliqué this book teaches it from scratch, at least if you are already either a quilter or have some other sewing hobby. A lot of the text is from the author’s own point of view, and there is much said about being bold and saying “I can”. I am not a quilter myself and it was interesting to note how different the creative process is between confecting a (presumably heirloom quality) quilt and making clothes. The appliqué journey goes from getting ready for the creative process by taking photos, keeping a journal etc and thinking about choosing the right fabrics. There is a look at the equipment you will need (don’t be alarmed, I have done this for years and don’t own even a quarter of all this) and then instructions on how to do the various different methods of hand and machine appliqué. This is certainly an in-depth look, and there are plenty of staged photographs to show what the work looks like as you go. Further chapters take a look at designing quilts and quilt blocks, and I would suggest that the person who would get the most out of this book is a quilter rather than a dressmaker. There are some shapes to use in your own work, although there is also a section on copyright and doing your own work rather than appropriating somebody else’s. Finally there is a useful list of definitions and another with recommended websites and books. If you are wanting to create something special to be handed down through the family filled with special memories, then this book is full of useful information. If you cannot find a good range of sewing and quilting materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. -- Rachel A Hyde * MyShelf.Com *

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Book SynopsisTransform ordinary artist canvas into an embroidered masterpiece! With easy-to-learn stitches, your embroidery needle becomes a paintbrush. Get your feet wet with small art pieces and step-by-step techniques for stitching on stretched canvas. Gather supplies to add appliqué, acrylic paint, fibres, beads, and even mirrors to your mixed-media pieces! Get tips on how to finish and display canvas embroidery art, with an extensive project gallery for inspiration. It’s like art quilting for needlework lovers!Trade ReviewStretched, mounted canvas is for artists to paint pictures on, right? Well, yes but you can also use it like an embroidery hoop and make pictures in another way. The subtitle says it all: “get creative with thread, fabric, paper, acrylic mediums and more”. I’m not an artist who paints pictures so tend to give canvases a miss, but they do have a lot in common with fabric in hoops so maybe they can be used in the same way? Apparently, they can, and this innovative book shows you how. It jumps right in with several stitches to practice before you put needle to canvas and sets the tone of the book, a hands-on approach which is all about having fun and using mixed media. Learn three very simple stitches plus how to sew on shisha glass and sequins. Find out what you need (basically canvases and the right needles plus whatever else you want to use). The book looks at some of these media and how they can be used, from different acrylic mediums and gels to fabrics, papers, and some additional items such as the Indian shisha glass and Mexican Milagros and Hojalatas. There is quite a Mexican vibe to this book with a calavera project later and lots of bright, vibrant colour. This section also has some useful information about colour and composition before you make a start on the first of three projects. These are quite simple but can be adapted to suit your skill level and what you have to hand. Start off with a simple heart motif and see where it can take you with a gallery of ideas. The other two are the calavera and a butterfly and all have enough good-sized photographs with captions to show you how to make a basic version. I like the idea of printing off two of the templates at the back and using one as a pattern and the other for notes and ideas. If you want to know how to hang up your finished work, there is even a chapter dealing with this using basic items. Finally, there is a gallery to inspire you, plus several templates of different sizes or aspects for the projects such as large and small hearts and butterflies plus three skulls to embellish your final pieces. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *

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Book SynopsisCapture the magic of the holidays (and every day!) with 30 hand-embroidery projects. Starting with simple stitches, you’ll add sweet sayings and motifs to home décor and gifts. Sew up country-cute pincushions, modern mug rugs, vintage-inspired pillows, and more! Whether you’re refreshing your home décor or sharing meaningful handmade gifts with a friend, you’ll love how quick and easy it is to sew up seasonal designs for each month of the year.Trade ReviewWith 30 quick and easy hand-embroidery projects, you'll soon be stitching up a storm making cute pincushions, modern mug rugs, vintage-inspired pillows and more! The cheerful projects are perfect for refreshing your home decor ready for summer, as well as brightening someone's day with meaningful handmade gifts featuring sweet sentiments and motifs! * Sew Magazine *This is such a pretty book, filled with cute designs for each month of the year. From a snowman in January, a fall mouse house pillow in September to a candy cane hoop in December, each celebration of the year is perfectly sewn up. There are hand drawn templates for each design, which give a beautiful handcrafted look. Simple instructions are given for each project, so even a beginner embroiderer can achieve something stunning. I love this book. It's more than just a stitch book. It enables you to add to your home or give you ideas for the perfect gift. Included in the back are projects for birthdays and the gallery section has small embroidery label ideas to embellish your design. Add beads, ribbons and binding to your project to give it a unique and personal touch and you will have something to be proud of. -- Tracy Shephard * Amazon *

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Book SynopsisThis heavy-duty and spacious bag will become your new go-to carryall. It features the Supernova quilt from Singular Stars by internationally known and well-loved quilter Judy Martin. The environmentally conscious tote is made from recycled water bottles, also making it water-resistant. With double handlesâone short, one longâyou can carry it over your shoulder or on your arm as needed.

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Book SynopsisExpand your idea of what a T-shirt quilt can be! Create nine innovative projects from special tees and more. Learn how to cut into clothing and solve common challenges.Trade ReviewExpand your idea of what a T-shirt quilt can be. Create nine innovative projects from special tees and more. Learn how to cut into clothing and solve common challenges. * Machine Knitting Monthly *

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Book SynopsisTrain your hands to free-motion quilt like a pro! Building your muscle memory, you’ll learn quilting workouts to help you master creative stitch designs, with clear step-by-step instructions. Then practise your quilting with ten unique skill-building projects, plus seven bonus ideas, ranging from modern quilts to home décor. Whether you’re a total beginner or coming in with a few 'races' under your belt, you can confidently walk, jog, or run the path to quilting success! Trade ReviewIn this fabulous new book by Dara Tomasson, the fear of free-motion quilting is sent flying as Dara talks you through a range of exercises, projects and tips for building skills, techniques, and quilting workouts! The book is split into two sections. Section 1 has four chapters and chapters 1-3 look specifically at the foundations of free motion quilting including sewing machine, needles, tension, maintenance, threads, battings, keeping a quilter’s log, and the physical space for quilting (taking particular note of lighting, body posture and fatigue). I really like how much detail Dara goes into here because it feels informative, but not overwhelming, and provides a solid foundation and understanding before practically starting with free-motion quilting. Chapter 4 then begins to get us ready for the real-life use of free-motion quilting by guiding us through the process of making a quilt sandwich and basting the quilt. Dara is clear from the start that imperfections are part of the learning process with free-motion quilting and I really like that Dara emphasises this before we even start free-motion quilting…it takes some of the pressure off! So…we’ve got our space set up and ready to go, we’ve made the quilt sandwich and the quilt is basted…what next? Well, section 2 is next! Section 2 is split into 10 chapters with each chapter exploring a different free-motion quilting (straight lines, e’s and i’s, loops, daisies, paisleys, stippling, circuit boards, wishbones and fancy l’s, ribbon candy curves, and clamshells). To say these sections are phenomenal is an understatement! The level of detail, inspiration, instruction, and activities is incredible. Each chapter tells you what you need for practising that quilting technique, the skills you’ll learn, the key elements of that quilting design, examples of variations of that quilting design, a record/time sheet with practice ‘workouts’ (mini activities) for practising that quilting technique and an individual, stand-alone project to practise the quilting technique (with full instructions on making the project from start to finish). There is also an on-going pattern throughout the book to make a Sawtooth Star Quilt and, when Dara covers each quilting technique, she also demonstrates how to use that quilting technique within one of your Sawtooth Star blocks. I LOVE this as it enables you to not only learn new techniques and to practice what you’ve been reading, but it also enables you to have a full quilt at the end as a tangible sample of the different quilting techniques. What better way to remember them? This is a fabulous, inspiring, creative and, most importantly, accessible book which turns something that is typically quite daunting (free-motion quilting) into something which is fun and exciting! I really loved it and I cannot wait to start free-motion quilting! -- Naomi Clarke * naomialice.com *

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Book SynopsisJourney into a land of fairy tales as you paper piece 16 blocks, including unicorns, dragons, and more! Sew seven cute and useful projects like quilts, pillows, and a backpack.Trade ReviewJourney into a land of fairy tales as you paper piece 16 blocks including unicorns, dragons and more! Sew seven cute and useful projects such as quilts, pillows and a backpack. * Machine Knitting Monthly *If you want to make child something really special then this book is for you. Paper Piecing is a quick and effective method of quilting which even a beginner can master. The blocks are 8 x 8 and are all completely interchangeable. There are 16 blocks, that can be made into quilts, pillows and in fact you can create over 100 different projects from this fabulous book. Filled with handy information, basic knowledge and with written and visual instructions, these stunning creations can be created in just a short time. There is an abundance of colour in each design, each one with a mythical theme. There are mermaids, gnomes, seahorses and wizards so boys and girls can enjoy their own personal item. I think this book is fabulous! -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Use the paper piecing method to make quilts and more for the fantasy fan in your life. There are 16 blocks and seven projects to tackle, featuring mermaids, fairies, a dragon, unicorn, wizard, castle and more. If you already know what to do then here is a more challenging book for improvers and up who are ready for some more intricate piecing fun. At the front there is a list of what you will need, together with a brief staged refresher course showing the basics. The rest of the book contains the blocks and projects, the latter with line diagrams and fairly simple instructions. These are more than adequate for those au fait with the methods, and each project also features a helpful cutting list so you can quickly prepare your fabric. The projects include cushions and quilts of various sizes plus a backpack and wall hanging. Blocks are mostly square with a couple of rectangular ones so you can exchange the featured block for one of your choice in any of the projects. This is a lovely book with unusual and very on-trend patterns. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *The sixteen 'Disney-like' characters; fairies, mermaids, unicorns etc. adorn cushions, quilts and wall hangings. The foundation piecing technique is explained well and shown in step by step photos. The colourful foundation sheets are in sections, each clearly numbered. The largest quilt, 43" x 59", has a castle, dragons, a magician and much more. Every stage is explained in words and diagrams. It also includes sashing and mitred corner binding. The backpack, 16" x 17" x 3", is outstanding with sturdy webbing ribbon to close the top and form the arm loops. A delightful book, the objects would please any young child. It is my Book of the Month. -- Mary Hertel * British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine *

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Book SynopsisAdmirers of Minki Kim’s machine-sewn illustrations will adore her 63 impossibly cute easy-to-stitch designs that celebrate the best of everyday life. Display your work on six heartfelt projects. Surround youerself with Zakka Style with a gallery of ideas, including wall pockets, coin purses, key fobs, tote tags, baskets and draw string bags, wall art and covered boxes.Trade ReviewFollowing her books on machine-sewn illustrations Minki Kim shares her take on felt applique. Inside there are more than sixty projects, including wall pockets, coin purses, pencil cases, tote bags, baskets and drawstring bags, wall art and covered boxes, each capturing the simple, contemporary Zakka style that's so popular. Ideal for sewers or embroiderers, these are quick and simple projects that a beginner will enjoy. * Embroidery magazine - Nov-Dec 2020 *

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Book SynopsisFun fashion images from A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, by best-selling authors Sarah Gunn and Julie Starr, spring to life in this imaginative deck of playing cards. Each watercolour sketch is shown in exquisite detail, so you can admire the outfits from hat to boots. So lovely you will want every card in your hand, these popular playing cards make a great gift for fashion and art lovers, but will be adored by all! This display contains 12 decks of cards.

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Book SynopsisModern precuts meet classic quilt blocks! Sew 15 pretty quilts from 30.5 cm blocks in a variety of sizes. These precut-friendly patterns make it a breeze to mix blocks, colours, and prints.Trade ReviewFifteen projects using a mixture of pre-cut fabrics from strip rolls, 5" and 10" squares, quarters and eighths. The projects are based on 12" blocks which enable them to be swapped around to make further designs. Quilting Basics and Finishing are covered. There is a good set of binding diagrams. The quilts are a variety of sizes from my favourite, a smaller wall hanging based on a Carpenters Star at 24" square, up to 'Leaf Peeping' which is 72" by 84". There is also a table runner. There are no quilt design suggestions but there are close up pictures of the quilting. Clear instructions with fresh, adaptable designs make this a useful book for anyone working with pre cuts. * British Patchwork & Quilting *

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Book SynopsisStow your stuff in these colourful zippered Eco Pouches and stay organised everywhere you go. Set of two zip-top pouches: 24 cm x 18 cm features Yellow Bars Quilt image and 22 cm x 13 cm features Whale & I Quilt image, by fabric designer Jennifer Sampou. The pouches are durable and waterproof, and made from 100 % recycled plastic bottles. A portion of the proceeds from this product will be donated to California Whale Rescue, www.cawhalerescue.org.

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Book SynopsisSelect, mark and stitch! It's so simple to embroider accurately with this collection of four easy-to-use stitch templates featuring over 100 delightful designs, including an alphabet!

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisBeginners can sew 18 home décor and kitchen projects with Insul-Fleece. Make placemats, potholders, drink sleeves, a table runner, insulated shopping bag, lunch sack, and a stadium cushion.Trade ReviewInsulated fleece might not be the most glamorous of fabrics, but when it comes to making projects for your kitchen, nothing else compares. From placemats and potholders to lunch sakcs and shopping bags, designer Abigail Emerican Bennett has thoughtfully designed a collection of pretty and practical patterns – after all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and it deserves nothing bu the best when it comes to accessories! * Sew Magazine *Give your home a spring clean and then add a fresh touch with 18 home décor and kitchen projects with Insul-Fleece – American sewing addict Abigail American Bennett shows you how! Make placemats, potholders, drink sleeves, a table runner, insulated shopping bag, lunch sack and a stadium cushion. We can think of lots of ways you can jazz up these projects with cross stitched patches, initials and more. * Cross Stitcher *

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Book SynopsisGet info on all of the basics you need to dye fabric, including necessary tools, the best dyes, which fabrics to use, precautions, and more—all in one handy reference tool!

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Book SynopsisThis pretty, practical password keeper, featuring a beautiful quilt from Bonnie K. Hunter, stores all of your online passwords in one handy place. The pages are organised alphabetically by website for easy reference, while the spiral binding provides quick access to each page. Bonnie K. Hunter fans will want to buy one for themselves and one as a gift!

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