Needlework, textile and fabric crafts Books

Book SynopsisThis comprehensive guide to everything about bag making features the very latest techniques and tips from expert bag designer Samantha Hussey, aka Mrs H. As well as the techniques there are full-size patterns for eight bag projects: choose from a dainty clutch right through to a large overnight bag perfect for a weekend away.

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Book SynopsisOver 1 million subscribers return to Bernadette Banner's popular YouTube channel for Victorian and Edwardian garment profiles, reconstructions and history lessons. Make, Sew and Mend is infused with her charming, informative voice to teach readers how to use historically proven sewing techniques to hem skirts, patch holes and sew gussets to add space to garments. As people learn the environmental and economic toll of fast fashion, they are turning toward more sustainable fashion practices like mending. From running and herringbone stitches to basting, pleats and buttonholes, Bernadette breaks down techniques with step-by-step photos to show people with any level of sewing skill how to achieve the most lasting results for every stitch. Whether readers are looking build and maintain a vintage wardrobe or merely want to phase out fast fashion in favor of more sustainable practices, Bernadette has the basics covered for every kind of seamster.

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Book SynopsisLove at First Stitch gives you all the know-how you need to start making the dresses of your dreams. Written for novice stitchers by the author of the popular sewing blog Tilly and the Buttons, Tilly Walnes demystifies dressmaking for the generations that have never been taught to sew. This book presents the core sewing basics in an informal style, with Tilly's friendly and encouraging voice cheering the reader on throughout. Instead of overwhelming the novice dressmaker with theory, this book is about learning by doing. Each chapter presents practical tips and inspiration to guide you through creating a made-to-measure garment from one of the seven versatile and adaptable patterns included with the book, which can then be personalised to suit your individual style. Peppered throughout the book are Tilly's top sewing tips, including everything from what to look out for when buying – or borrowing – your first sewing machine, through how to behave in a fabric shop to appear like an expert, to techniques for pressing perfection.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis book is a confident knitter’s bible with a wealth of patterns to use in projects. Whether it be cable, fair isle, intarsia, slipped stitch, brioche or lace designs you would like to knit there is no shortage of choice. The layout of the book is very enticing and one could spend many an hour getting ideas and playing with stitches. The photography is excellent and the knitter can easily see how each finished piece should look. The techniques section is extremely helpful with step-by-step instructions to follow, e.g. stranded colourwork using the continental method. All patterns have charts so if you prefer written instructions then the book is not for you. I would love to add this book to my library for inspiration when knitting future projects. -- Monica Russel, Knitwear Designer

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIf you're intrigued by Tunisian crochet but don't know where to begin, this book contains an introduction plus five patterns. It's a shortened version of Sharon's Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting With The Ease of Crocheting, making it a great choice if you're unsure and just want to dip your toes in! Clear photos explain the basics, while patterns include a scarf, skirt, lacy shawl, baby blanket and a vibrant placemats. * Inside Crochet *The publication has large, clear diagrams of the ways of working the three basics stitches; Tunisian simple stitch, Tunisian knit stitch and Tunisian purl stitch. It also describes the tools used and explains that the hooks are long because they often have to hold a large number of stitches for the first pass [...] There are instructions on how to decrease, how to change colours and how to finish off the piece. The second part of the publication has five projects; a scarf, a skirt, a shawl, a baby blanket and a set of place mats - all basic patterns that are ideal for a beginner. If this is your first venture into Tunisian crochet it is a useful source. -- Rita Taylor * Slipknot *

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Book SynopsisYou will be inspired when you see the variety of designs and fabrics you can combine to make irresistible children’s quilts. Fun and whimsical, warm and cuddly, or sweet as can be, there is a design in this book that will fit the personality of your child or grandchild to the tee. Make a quilt for each child, or create just for the joy of giving to your favorite fund-raising charity. Either way, both you and the child will have an everlasting memory of the wonderful quilt you created. Children will love the quilts made from this book. Whimsical themed fabrics with animals, race cars, bugs and colorful shapes will intrigue and delight each child who receives the quilt. Sized just right for child’s beds, cribs and your favorite rocking chair, you will see the happiness in their eyes when you wrap them up in these special quilts. Written for both beginner and experienced quilters, the book features full color photos, step-by-step instructions and drawings that will guide you through each step of the quilting process. 'Great ideas, adaptable designs and lots of fun.' www.yarnsandfabrics.co.ukTrade ReviewMake quilts for kids from a gift for a newborn to toddlers. These designs can be made in a day. The sampler quilt is a beginner's project using many of the blocks in the book in one design. You could just as easily keep repeating certain blocks or add more blocks that you know to vary the design. Baby Blocks is an even simpler beginner's quilt, Bugs is similar and Baby Bricks is simple enough and very effective. Here's My Heart is classed as beginner's but with its two-blocks plus borders, I thought that this on was moving up to an intermediate skill level. Both this, Nine-Patch and Critters use triangles. Chevron is another I thought would be better classed as intermediate. It is probably my favourite quilt in the book, but also seems aimed at a much older teenager, if not adult. Check This, and Let's Go are two more beginner's quilts. Call of the Wild is based on strip blocks alternating with squares. Around The Block is also an effective way of using up strips. The instructions are clear, with great photos of the finished quilts and step-by-step line drawings of construction. Great ideas, adaptable designs and lots of fun. * yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *September/October 2014 You will be inspired when you see the variety of designs and fabrics you can combine to make irresistible children's quilts. Fun and whimsical, warm and cuddly, or sweet as can be, there is a design in this book that will fit the personality of your child or grandchild to the tee. Make a quilt for each child, or create just for the joy of giving to your favourite fund-raising charity. Either way, both you and the children will have an everlasting memory of the wonderful quilt you created. Children will love the quilts made from this book. Whimsical themed fabrics with animals, race cars, bugs and colourful shapes will intrigue and delight each child who receives the quilt. Sized just right for child's beds, cribs and your favourite rocking chair, you will see the happiness in their eyes when you wrap them up in these special quilts. Written for both beginner and experienced quilters, the book features full colour photos, step-by-step instructions and drawing that will guide you through each step of the quilting process. * Workbox *Table of Contents* 12 captivating design techniques allow you to choose your style, add your colors, and create the perfect quilt to keep or give as a gift * Add fun to your quilts with these kid friendly designs. Choose whimsical fabrics and watch everyone's face light up when they see the very special quilts you made just for them * Step-by-step instructions, full-color photos, and clear drawings guide you through each block technique. General instructions cover tips and secrets to cutting, piecing and finishing the quilt like a pro

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Book SynopsisCombining Huck with Color and Weave orders opened the door to astonishing pattern possibilities. With 144 patterns in four color schemes--Light and Dark, Complimentary Colors, Monochromatic, and Triadic--that's 576 patterns. Instructions for five Huck Lace projects are included.

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Book SynopsisOffers a learning resource and projects for leathercrafters who believe that high quality matters!

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Book SynopsisThe bags in this book draw inspiration from the 20s-50s - with 20 projects are suitable for all levels and there are four matching purse designs that can be adapted to any bag. Patterns and seam allowances are also included. Patterns for all the bags are included and all have seam allowances added already so that the book is not just inspirational, it's practical too. The bags are made from easily acquired cost-effective materials using straightforward techniques and come in a range of beautiful shapes that give them a really stunning and unique look. Designs range in skill level, so if you are new to the craft you can start simply, then move on to gradually more challenging designs as your ability increases and your creativity blossoms.

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Book SynopsisKraft-tex, the eco-friendly leather alternative, now comes in six hand-dyed, hand-finished colours that bring new texture and colour to all your sewing and crafting projects.

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Book SynopsisThis book takes the mystery out of the sewing machine, holding first-time stitchers by the hand and showing the easiest ways to get the most from their machine. In the climate of 'make do and mend', sales of sewing machines have soared, but many are only accompanied by a difficult-to-understand technical manual. Here, Jane Bolsover provides a comprehensive guide for beginners. Starting with an essential overview of the sewing machine, learn how to thread it and wind bobbins, why tension is important and which needles to choose. There's information on the basic sewing kit you will need, plus advice on which fabrics to choose and how to cut out. The chapters then build into a complete sewing course, and at the end of each chapter is a simple project to consolidate the skills you have just mastered. The projects include items for the home, including a cushion cover and a lampshade, stylish accessories, such as bags and scarves, plus great clothing basics, such as an A-line skirt and a simple shift dress. Also included at the back of the book are two full-size pull-out paper pattern sections.Table of ContentsStep by step, master all the sewing skills you will ever need, from the simplest running stitch to making your own patterns Packed with tips and techniques, from which fabric to choose to making your own clothes and furnishings Features 12 stylish projects, building on the sewing techniques demonstrated in each chapter The essential companion to your sewing machine

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Book Synopsis30 easy-to-make, stylish decorations all made from felt. The book includes templates, a comprehensive techniques section, guide to embroidery stitches and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations to accompany every project. The fabulous projects include mug hugs, hanging decorations, seasonal decorations, pillows, ornaments, wall-organisers, brooches, children’s toys and much more.Trade ReviewSeptember 2016 This book, the second from Yorkshire based designer Corinne Lapierre, is packed full of 30 craft patterns sewn using felt. It is easy to think of felt being used to make decorations, but this although the book does have patterns for lots of hangers and brooches, it also contains projects for the home, such as a wall hanging organiser, a mug cosy and a cushion. I was attracted to the wide variety of designsl, and the Scandinavian influence stops the book from looking too 'cutesy'. Sometimes felt books can feel like they are aimed at children, but the choice of designs and colours prevents this, and many of the projects feel very grown up. However, it would also be an ideal present for a child, as the patterns are well written and easy to follow, plus felt is a good introduction to using a needle and thread. The beginning of the book has clear photographs with the embroidery stitches and it is this addition which really enhances the designs. There is something very satisfying about makng items from felt. With no raw edges to worry about it is easy to get lost in playing with colour, cutting and stitching, and this book will provide you with enough inspiration to keep you sewing all through the year. * Popular Patchwork *Wool felt is the medium for the quirky, cute projects in designer Lapierre’s debut collection. The book opens with several brief tutorials on stitching and embroidering felt, including information about transferring embroidery patterns from templates and a detailed guide to the basic embroidery stitches used in the projects. This is followed by three seasonally inspired groups of accessories and embellishments, as well as a final “catch-all” chapter featuring a number of nature-and-animal-themed projects. Each project features a list of tools and supplies required (including the amount of felt needed in each color) as well as step-by-step instructions for completing the project with line drawings or photographs of key points. Projects span the small and simple, such as the carefully folded rose brooch, to intricate and complex, such as the owl pillow. Everything is hand-sewn and hand-embroidered, so a sewing machine isn’t required. Some basic sewing knowledge is assumed—there’s no information about cutting pattern pieces or constructing stuffed toys—but wool felt is a forgiving material and beginners should be able to work their way through the projects. VERDICT Sewists looking for “slow-sewing” projects or hand-stitchers desiring fun projects to embellish will be drawn to Lapierre’s adorable designs. * Library Journal USA *Fabulous Felt by Corinne Lopierre is a lovely book that gives you inspiration and projects to cover all seasons! There are 10 pages of techniques and stitches so this book is good for anyone new to working with felt. There are a number of projects for Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter and these include both Easter and Christmas decorations and even Halloween. All the templates needed for the projects are in the back of the book and only a few require photocopying at more than 100% so most can be traced directly from the book. The instructions are clear and there are some lovely photos to help guide you! Overall I'm really pleased with this book! * Gemma Cornish *With 30 projects that are very appealing, it's really nice when it has all the information we need to get started. It gives extra motivation, when everything you need is at your fingers from start to finish. It comes with a step by step guide, amazing and lovely photos, good attention to details and all the templates needed are also provided. Absolutely love it and will definitely recomend it to friends. * Ana Afonso *Still working my way through this fabulous book. I'm a totally beginner to felting and have found this book excellent for newbies! The instructions are clear yet concise to follow and the patterns included are fabulous! I've picked out my first project and slowly working my way through- can't wait for it to be finished so I can pick another! * Helen Louise *This beautifully photographed book will appeal to both kids and adults. It's full of gorgeous contemporary scandi/folk style felt projects (30 to be exact) that are suitable for beginners and more advanced crafters. Each project contains details of materials and tools required plus step by instructions that are accompanied by clear photographs or illustrations. The templates at the back of the book are easy to trace and duplicate plus they are mainly true to size with the exception of a few that need to be enlarged 200%. My girls (9,9,10) are all totally smitten with the book and love how quick many of the makes are. They have started to create the most delightful gifts for friends, teachers and themselves and all the time they are slowly learning new stitching techniques that they can apply elsewhere. #ReviewItFriday * Blue Bear Wood *This book is colourful and very well set out with makes for both novices and experienced crafters. It ranges from small brooches and decorations to larger cushions and wall hangings. The step by step instructions, patterns and photography are very clear and it is easy for children to follow too. Thirty lovely items to keep you entertained crafting throughout the year. I am now looking forward to the next book by Corinne Lapierre. * Lynn Harris *Fabulous Felt by Corinne Lapierre is a delightful book that will suit beginners and experienced crafters alike. It would make a wonderful gift for beginners to encourage them since the instructions, lists of materials and descriptions of how to make the projects are clear and concise. Patterns are included and there is a lovely range of projects to choose from. More experience crafters could adapt the projects and make them more intricate as desired as a springboard for personal creativity. Instructions include the basic skills needed to embark on the projects from scratch and together with the colour photos make the book very accessible. The projects are so inspiring and some would be suitable for family craft sessions on a wet holiday. The finished projects would be lovely as handmade personal presents if you could bear to part with them or could be given as cutout kits for crafty recipient to make up for themselves. All in all it is a delightful book that would be inspiring to purchase or receive as a present. Thanks to Corinne for the hardworking and inspiration included in it. I already have a project picked out but have also found myself just picking up the book and reading it since it is so charming to browse through too. * Dianne Barnett *I received this book as a gift. I'm not the best crafter but my daughter is very much into creating things, so I was hoping it would give me easy to sew projects we would be able to do together. I find the book very clear structured. The projects are very charming, shown with very good photography and small enough for me as a beginner to try out. I was concerned not to manage to follow the instructions but the first few pages help understand terminology and give clear guidance applique and various stitches required. The templates are also very useful. I'm very happy with the book and am looking forward to trying our first project - the butterfly and flower hanging. * Nicole Selley *Fabulous Felt is a fantastic tutorial book with beautiful full-colour photography throughout. Each page is full of information and written in an simple, easy to understand format. There are thirty patterns included but these can be easily adapted to your own ideas and imagination. She patiently explains how to do each stitch in the project in the first few pages, using excellent photos to show how they are done. I like the fact that it is sectioned into themes, e.g. Summer Garden, Spring and Summer, etc. Every project is easy to find with the contents page at the front. There is an abundance of templates at the back and only a few of them need to be enlarged - always a bonus for me! I particularly like the chicken projects and have the perfect felt ready to do this. Each project has a small section on the side, detailing what templates, tools and material is needed. I really enjoyed looking through this and will definitely be using this book for years to come. 10/10. * Kaiserin Maggs *Fantastic book, very clearly written with excellent photographs. The part showing how to do some of the stitches is great for beginners and those of us who have forgotten how to do some! There are projects for everyone,children would be able to do some of them, or help someone older to do them. there is something for everyone and all seasons in this great book * Donna Hall *This book is set out well with clear photos showing the different techniques and equipment used to create the projects, exactly what I look for when attempting something new. The templates are clearly labelled and are printed with a thick enough line to accurately trace around. The instructions are comprehensive, easy to understand and along with the photos show exactly how each project should be completed. As felt comes in such wonderful colours, it would be easy to stray from the suggested colours to come up with personalised projects. Experimenting with the template sizes would help get much more out of this book, I'm thinking of enlarging the Woodland Mobile to make bunting for my campervan and shrinking the Lavender Sardines and adding a magnet to each one to make a fishing game! * Sarah Dennis *Lovely book well written. The projects are clearly explained and easy to make with fabulous photographs to help. All the templates are at the back of the book and easy to use. All the stitches are also clearly explained making the projects a delight to make. Highly recommended. * Jen English *June 2016 We love Corinne Lapierre's style and felt kits she produces and so we're excited to learn that she hasa a second fabulous new book coming out. You'll be glad to hear we weren't disappointed. Corinnehas designed 30 brilliant new scandi-style felt creations that are suitable for both the complete beginner as well as more experienced crafters, Split into four chapters: Summer Garden, Spring & Easter, Autumn & Winter and Home and Lifestyle, there's plenty to choose from yourself, your home and love ones. * Love to Make *Comment For all the projects Lapierre recommends felting material made from a blend of wool/viscose. Apart from supplying yourself with good quality felt, you do not need to equip yourself with much more than a basic sewing kit will provide. Some projects require the use of fusible webbing, plain tissue paper and toy stuffing and it would be enhancing to purchase some special threads, plus beads, buttons etc to make results extra pleasing. The book is suitable for crafters working at all levels. Techniques are shown in close up photography and there are templates at the back of the book. With the exception of just one of two designs the designs geared for children do not include small parts. Conclusion :How lovely that author Corinne Lapierre grew up with a creative Mum who inspired her! I see a lot of craft books but I was really taken aback by the stunning, yet gloriously simplistic layout of this one. I will be very quick to recommend Lapierre and her work in the future, plus the book itself. The felt designs are pretty fabulous so the book lives up to its bold title. This book has been received very well with 100% 5 star reviews on Amazon * Debra Hall -Notcompulsory.blogspot.co.uk *Find 30 little contemporary projects suitable for complete beginners. I think the front cover just about says it all for this book. Colourful, cute, desirable and fun projects. The book is split into chapters: Summer Garden; Spring & Easter; Autumn & Winter and Home & Lifestyle. The techniques section includes the basic techniques needed and the stitches used. Even children could easily master this, under supervision. There isn’t anything to dislike. It’s full of easy yet stylish projects using bought felt, well photographed and foolproof. There are templates too, some need to be enlarged. * Karen Platt- yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & equipment 8 Techniques 10 Embroidery stitches 14 SUMMER GARDEN 20 Beach Hut Bunting 22 Rose Brooches 26 Flower Brooches 30 Lavender Sardines 32 Racoon & Fox 34 Spring & EASTER 38 Hen Egg Cosies 40 Bird Hanging 42 Easter Decorations 44 Spring Hanging 48 Butterfly & Flower Hanging 50 Decorative Rabbits 52 AUTUMN & WINTER 56 Christmas Lavender Bag 58 Woodland Mobile 60 Halloween Decorations 64 Christmas Pixie 68 Scandi Houses 70 Mug Cosy 72 Heart Hanging 74 Christmas Clog & Mitten 76 Scandi Horse 78 HOME & LIFESTYLE 80 Bag Charm 82 Russian Doll 84 Sleepy Fox Brooch 88 Scandi-Style Pillow 90 Owl Pillow 94 Sleepy Fox Pillow 98 Toy Bunny 102 Wall Hanging Organiser 106 Hedgehog Pillow 110 Children’s Wall Hanging 114 Templates 116

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Book SynopsisHandmade Style is a thoughtful collection of a variety of sewing projects to stretch your skills and keep you enjoying the process of creating throughout the year. Each project builds upon the other and is designed to help any sewist create a complete cohesive handmade simple and sophisticated look. Unlike other sewing titles that include a random combination of projects, Anna has spent years compiling a well-edited collection of projects to ensure that her fans will want to make each and every one. From wearables and accessories to quilts and pillows: these projects are made to live together to create the ultimate handmade style for every modern sewist.Trade ReviewSept/Oct 2015 The modern stitcher who wants to showcase not just a whole wardrobe of sewing excellence but an entire life, too. Handmade style is just the book. Home to a variety of well thought-out creations, these projects will stretch your skills and allow you to build a complete collection of handmade sophistication. Using its easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions you can create everything from outfits and accessories to quilts and pillows. * Make it Today *

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Book SynopsisProvides an approach to the world's oldest textile fabric. This title explores a range of techniques, including needle felting, wet felting, fulling and using store-bought felt fabric. It helps to create a range of projects including jewellery, flower corsages, bags, slippers and cushions.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Basic Techniques; Needle Felting; Wet Felting; Embroidery Stitches; 1 Star Notebook Cover; 2 Glittering Tree Decorations; 3 Denim & Daisy Elephant; 4 Favourite Jumper Bag; 5 Beautiful Bird Mobile; 6 Paisley Purse; 7 Rustic Beret; 8 Springtime Egg Hangings; 9 Applique Document Bag; 10 Collar Necklace; 11 A Stockingful of Sparkle; 12 Charming Egg Cosies; 13 Mirrored Jewellery Boxes; 14 Tropical Tote Bag; 15 Fabulous Flower Corsages; 16 Christening Booties & Rattle; 17 Decorative Cushion; 18 Jester-style Slippers; Templates, Suppliers, Index.

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Book SynopsisRE-ISSUE This beautiful and delicate work is a form of whitework embroidery. It incorporates surface stitches, pulled fabric, drawn thread, needlelace and needleweaving, and is embroidered on garments and linen. All works are based on the 'Tree of Life'. Projects included in the book are suitable for the beginner through to the more advanced embroiderer.Table of ContentsColour photographs clearly show the intricacy and beauty of the work Clear and simple instruction in stages Step-by-step illustrations to complement instructions 9 projects from easy to advanced

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Book SynopsisAdd a little fun to your home décor with these eight modern amigurumi designs. Each design is made using Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling DK-weight yarn and a size D/3/3.25mm hook. Designs range from 10" to 6".

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Book SynopsisSew 15 edgy and fun embroidered projects. Mix and match 50 designs on accessories and décor, personalizing jackets and shoes. Download embroidery patterns to print, or use the iron-on transfers.

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Book SynopsisCreating your own, stylish clothing has never been simpler than with this book of beautiful, modern patterns for the beginner sewer. Opening with a chapter completely devoted to the fundamentals of sewing, Sew Beautiful makes sure to start you off with all the information you’ll need to get stitching in easy-to-learn, accessible pearls of wisdom from prolific designer and seamstress Kennis Wong. Once you’ve learned how to take your measurements, select the perfect fabric, and all the different ways to sew a seam or hem a garment, you’ll be ready to take on any of the designs her book has to offer. Slip into the luxurious Castlepoint Faux Wrap Skirt on a breezy summer day, or bundle up in the cosy Luxor Dolman Sleeve Sweater for a cold autumn night. Going to a fancy event, but can’t find anything to wear? Wow everyone when you tell them your Giza Dress is 100% handmade. And with patterns designed for sizes 00 through 20, this book is filled with projects that are sure to flatter any body type. For the craft-lover who has always wanted to make their own clothes, let Sew Beautiful be your guide to a closet full of elegant staples you’ll be proud to wear. This book will include 8 patterns with 15 pattern variations and 60 photographs.

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Book SynopsisThis adorable book is all about the birds! From budgies to owls to peacocks, these projects will pique your curiousity and make your heart sing! Many talented designers bring you soft sculptures, quilts, ornaments, and more. Trade ReviewSept 10 Unlike most collections, which concentrate on a particular craft, this collection, the first in Stash's new "Design Collective" series, focuses on a theme: birds. The styles vary from folk-art embroidery, to realistic stuffed toys, to colorful quilts and wall hangings. Most of the projects are small, sweet, and suitable for beginners. They aren't children's toys as much as trinkets you might display on a mantel or with a whimsical collection of objets d'art. Each project includes a brief designer bio and contact information, including a website. * Library Journal, USA *July 10 This book features 26 projects involving birds from soft toy birds to embroidery involving birds in the design there is something for everyone. The book incorporates techniques such as quilting and embroidery but the projects are suitable for beginners. Some of the birds are decorative and others, like the Bird on Branch Make Up bag or little birds quilt, are functional. Each project has the instructions broken down into a few different steps, from getting the necessary equipment together before you start to cutting the fabric and constructing the bird itself. What I love is that at the start of each project there is a little biography of the contributor along with links to their website/blog/shop so that you can find out more about them, or buy one of the birds if you don't want to make it yourself. At the back of the book you will find pattern pieces and a guide to the embroidery stitches used. * Sewing Directory, The *

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Book SynopsisThe hugely accomplished textile artist Jean Draper gives an invaluable guide to designing and working with pattern in textile art. Jean goes back to basics with simple dots and lines, demonstrating how even basic squares, circles and triangles can have a stunning impact in stitch and textiles. She provides practical and simple instructions for developing and experimenting with pattern, using grids, symmetry, rotation and repeats. Jean draws inspiration from patterns around the world, from West African Kente Cloth to the Gee’s Bend quilts of Alabama. There are instructions on creating bands and borders, strip patchwork and strip piecing, plus an extended study of Banjara stitched textiles. Natural patterns from plants and flowers also offer exciting opportunities for stitch, and Jean explores important design emblems such a the Tree of Life alongside other stitched flower forms. Finally, the ornamentation of the body provides many unique and striking ways to interpret the human form in stitch. Pattern is everywhere and can be used to stunning effect, taking your textile art to the next level. This fascinating and exciting guide brings together inspiration, design methods and stitching techniques to help you develop truly great textile art.Trade Review‘An enlightening read for crafters and non-crafters alike.' -- Sew * Book Review *‘A fantastic resource for people who love to get on with making, especially those with an interest in creating rich surfaces and taking their work into three-dimensions using textiles and mixed media.' -- Embroidery * Book Review *

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Book SynopsisThe events of your life, from local walks to exotic trips, can provide endless inspiration for textile art. This inspiring book shows you how to record your experiences, using sketchbooks, journals and photography, to create personal narratives that can form a starting point for more finished stitched-textile pieces. Acclaimed textile artist and teacher Cas Holmes, whose work is often inspired by her life and the journeys she makes, helps you find inspiration through your own life and explains how to record what you see in sketchbooks and journals, which can often become beautiful objects in themselves. She explains how you can use photography, both as documentation and as inspiration, and sometimes incorporate it into the work itself, along with found objects and ephemera. Throughout the book are useful techniques that can be harnessed to add extra interest to your work, such as methods for making layered collages, how to 'sketch' with stitch, and advice on design and colour. If you want to create beautiful, unique work inspired by your life and travels, this is the perfect book for you.

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Book SynopsisThis is the ultimate guide to how to make your own clothes even if you have never done so before.As well as step-by-step instructions for all the basic dressmaking techniques, there are six garments to choose from. It even includes multi-sized paper patterns for all the garments so you can get started immediately. The garments include a maxi dress/skirt, jersey top, simple jacket, trousers, fishtail skirt and a shift dress. The author has also included advanced techniques for optional techniques such as pockets and collars which you can choose to add to the basic patterns as your skills improve.CONTENTS LIST:1. The Projects (building in complexity, each project to have made-up samples photographed in different fabrics to aid in fabric choice and using the different modular elements to personalise style and increase skill level): Fishtail skirt Techniques covered: centred zip, bias binding, gathering. Modular elements: patch pockets. Jersey maxi Table of ContentsCONTENTS LIST: 1. The Projects (building in complexity, each project to have made-up samples photographed in different fabrics to aid in fabric choice and using the different modular elements to personalise style and increase skill level): Fishtail skirt - Techniques covered: centred zip, bias binding, gathering. Modular elements: patch pockets. Jersey maxi skirt / dress - Techniques covered: sewing knit fabrics, gathering. Modular elements: length options, adding extra seams. Jersey top - Techniques covered: sewing knits - finishing edges. Modular elements: adding extra seams. Simple boxy biker style jacket - Techniques covered: sleeves, exposed open-end zip, bias binding. Modular elements: collar, patch pockets, additional seams. Loose trouser (jersey fold over waistband / woven legs) - Techniques covered: sewing knit fabrics, pleats. Modular elements: side seam pockets, length options. Shift dress - Techniques covered: centred zip, pleats, darts, understitching. Modular elements: optional sleeve, collar, side seam pocket, adding extra seams. 2. Basic Techniques (a section to refer to when working on the projects, this section needs a comprehensive contents page): Seams - ways to neaten edges - how to get accurate, straight seams, including sewing and neatening curved seams. Simple centred zip. Exposed / open-ended zip. Bias binding - used as a trim / used as a facing. Gathering. Pleats. Hems. Darts. Setting in sleeves. Understitching (facings). Cutting - to include explanations of straight grain, selvedges, bias, etc (including knit fabrics). Taking measurements and how to relate to size charts for patterns in book, include body measurement size chart in this section, each project has its own finished garment measurement chart. Include an explanation of ease here. Sewing knit fabrics - seams / hems / edges / cutting. 3. Modular Elements (optional techniques that could be applied to the projects to personalise and customise and increase skill level): Adding additional seams to the patterns in order to mix fabrics. Flat collar. Standing collar. Side seam pockets. Patch pockets. 4. Resources - where to buy fabrics and haberdashery suitable for the projects described. 5. Glossary - a list of the different kinds of fabrics, their best uses (i.e. Simple styles, draped styles, will it be warm fabric to wear, how would you care for the finished garment - would it be washable, etc) and their advantages and disadvantages.

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Book SynopsisFollowing her previous book, Jane Nicholas explains in detail how this fine needlework can be achieved, introducing 23 new elements. Projects are included on: field flower pictures; wild life pictures; roundels for pictures or brooches; pansies for brooches and designs; and needlework accessories and gifts.

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Book SynopsisExquisite embroidered garden flower designs showing the four seasons, all brought vividly to life with stitches and colours that truly reflect the flowers being worked. Includes complete flower samplers and a lovely selection of projects showing the embroidered flowers used in a variety of combinations and styles. This is a beautiful book combining the very popular first two books from Diana Lampe, Embroidered Garden Flowers and More Embroidered Garden Flowers, and includes the new "Kardinal Rose Garden".Trade ReviewNov 07 If you enjoy freestyle embroidery you will know that floral and garden-inspired pieces are a great favorite. Here is a book that combines two older titles (plus some new material) and contains patterns for four seasons of a garden, plus a special rose garden not featured in the earlier books. …And garlands too, samplers, a cottage garden and initials as well as ideas for gifts to make embroidered with these lovely floral images. I particularly liked the way that each flower was shown in a line drawing, together with instructions on working, threads used and the stitches needed. There are instructions too for the stitches, shown in right and left handed versions and although this is not ostensibly a book for the beginner embroiderer, it shows how few stitches are needed to accomplish so much. Beginners can learn the stitches and attempt some of the single flowers, while more experienced embroiderers can make up the lovely patterns or combine the flowers for their own pieces (what I have done). The more you look at this book, the more there seems to be in it. * Myshelf.com *Table of ContentsThe four seasons of Diana's garden embroideries in one book for the first time Extra projects to go with each season A comprehensive flower glossary covering every flower shown in the garden embroideries Stitch glossary, which includes instructions for left-handed stitchers

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Book SynopsisPicture-perfect embroidery projects!Looking to add some inspiration to your embroidery? Look to Pen to Thread! Illustrator and fabric designer Sarah Watson has hand drawn more than 750 whimsical, imaginative motifs in one place--sheer delight for anyone who wields a needle!From every day objects like birdcages and backpacks to sophisticated poodles, playful mermaids, and punchy pinatas, each pattern is more charming than the next. Sarah has also included embroidery and stitching basics in case you're new to this fun and addictive hobby. She offers tips on choosing color as well as a CD containing individual PDFs of all motifs and alphabets for easy resizing. Any motif can be made distinctly yours with Sarah's easy-to-follow instructions. Your finished projects will make perfect gifts--but you won't want to give them away.With pattern chapters like School Days, In the Kitchen, The Great Outdoors, and By the Sea, there's no limit to where Pen to Thread can take you!Trade Review"Bring the 750+ hand-drawn motifs in this must-have collection to life with colorful embroidery." --Better Homes & Gardens Make It Yourself Magazine "Sarah's latest triumph is the beautiful book, Pen to Thread. In it, she shares a huge array of motifs you can incorporate into your cross stitch projects. There are plenty of themes to choose from, including 'In the Garden' and 'By the Sea', but as you might expect, our favourite is 'Craft Room', with dinky jars of buttons and packets of pins." --Cross-Stitch Collection Magazine "A tremendous resource for your stitching library." --Creative Machine Embroidery

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Book SynopsisConnecting us to the wide variety of contemporary fiber art in wall-mounted format, this resource combines more than 600 photos with personal comments from 100 of today''s established and emerging artists. In conjunction with the other two books in this acclaimed series, it invites readers to re-examine fiber art through a multifaceted contemporary lens. The creators here are pushing the boundaries of what wall-mounted fiber art is, using fibers of paper, metal, fiberglass, milkweed seeds, or high-tech polymers. Bhakti Ziek''s computerized loom work and Sue Benner''s textile-collage quilts are but a few of the examples of how artists expertly combine different fiber techniques in a single piece, go beyond the technical processes, and cross-pollinate mediums.

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Book SynopsisNearly 500 photos of artwork with personal insights from 78 of today's most noteworthy artists show the tremendously broad range of possibilities that working in three dimensions can offer. In conjunction with the other two books in this acclaimed series, it invites readers to re-examine fiber art through a multifaceted contemporary lens. Both established artists and emerging artists whose work is attracting notice are gathered here. Carol Milne's knitted glass and Peter Gentenaar's technique of vacuum forming and air-drying paper fibers are but a few examples of artists using new materials with traditional methods.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBox Stitch Crochet: Use the Corner-to-Corner Stitch in New Ways to Make 20 Hats, Wraps, Scarves & Accessories by Corinne Freeman is a fantastic new book written especially for those who love the crochet box stitch, aka the corner to corner or C2C stitch! And if you don’t already love it, this book might just change your mind… * MooglyBlog.com *Maybe you have heard of the box stitch before; it is also known as the corner-to-corner stitch or C2C. Traditionally it was used to crochet corner-to-corner afghans & graphghans, pillows, scarves or other square/ rectangular crochet pieces. In her book, Corrine proves that this stitch can do so much more! She has used the stitch in innovative ways, designing fashionable crochet pieces, such as shawls, cowls, ponchos, hats, headbands, fingerless mitts, boot cuffs and more. . . . After learning the basics of the box stitch, you will learn how to increase and decrease the box stitch, how to work various shapes, such as a rectangle or motif, how to change colors while increasing or decreasing and how to join motifs. . . . I found Corrine’s instructions clear and easy to follow; the step by step pictures were a great help also. -- MyHobbyIsCrochet.com * No Title *Whether you call it the corner-to-corner stitch, C2C stitch or the crochet box stitch, you are about to be impressed by the versatility of this simple-to-learn crochet stitch. Box Stitch Crochet moves beyond the afghan to create gorgeous one-of-a-kind garments in various shapes and styles. Learn how to crochet the box stitch with Corinne's straightforward step-by-step instructions. Tutorial with photos are included for: ·Box Stitch Increase, ·Box Stitch Decrease ·Rectangle ·Motif ·Beveled Edge ·Changing Colors - Increasing - Decreasing ·Joining - Box Stitch Join - Lattice Join Instructions have been included for 30 beautiful designs ranging from accessories to garments . . . . . . Each pattern specifies the yarn used, hook(s) used, gauge, finished measurements in inches and cm and important details in the notes section . . . The extra sizes range from extra small to size 5X. -- Oombawka DesignYou’ve seen box stitch crochet online, even if you don’t think so. When you have, it’s been called ‘c2c’ or corner-to-corner. A lot of crocheters use it to create beautiful pictures in their work, often when crocheting blankets. Corinne Freeman is taking this stitch to a whole new level with her book Box Stitch Crochet: Use the Corner-to-Corner Stitch in New Ways to Make 20 Hats, Wraps, Scarves and Accessories. -- ACCrochet.comTable of ContentsContents Introduction The Box Stitch Box Stitch Increase Box Stitch Decrease Rectangle Motif Beveled Edge Changing Colors Increasing Decreasing Joining Box Stitch Join Lattice Join Projects Butterfly Shawl Candy Stripes Cowl Celebration Cuffs and Headband Cocoa Dream Alpaca Shrug Crossing Neck Scarf Down by the Bay Poncho Under the Sea Motif Shawl Favorite Cowl Hot Pop Neckerchief Dusty Purple Motif Stole Pomegranate Camisole Pretty in Pink Beveled Shawl Cozy Shoulder Wrap and Boot Toppers Starlight Chunky Scarf Twilight Dress Forest Skirt Raspberry Hat and Fingerless Gloves

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