Needlework, textile and fabric crafts Books

Book SynopsisEach of the 101 felted flower projects are explained with step-by-step photos, creating an enjoyable activity for children or adults.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Mending Matters teaches you how to stitch, patch and repair your favourite denim items, helping you to give your jeans and jackets a new lease of life." -- Love Sewing"the “IT book of the modern make do and mend movement,” -- Mason-Dixon Knitting

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Book SynopsisLearn the stunning art of Sashiko stitching with this comprehensive guide that's packed with inspirational ideas. Meaning "little stabs", it's a traditional Japanese sewing method that uses evenly spaced running stitches to create eye-catching geometric patterns. . 20 patterns and motifs that readers can choose from and use as templates for their own unique Sashiko designs. . Thorough guidance on the tools, materials and basic techniques, . Included are large-scale items such as bedding, a door curtain and wall-hanging, and smaller items, such as brooches, greetings cards and notebook covers. Sashiko Craft explores the history of this strikingly effective technique and demonstrates how to apply it to a range of useful and ornamental items for the home, accessories and gifts. AUTHOR: Jill Clay worked as a silk artist and taught adult education including City and Guild Textiles for many years. She started a tour company, Festival of Japan, with a special focus on textiles. Sashiko stitching now remains her favorite pastime. Jill lives in Richmond, North Yorkshire, UK. SELLING POINTS: . Projects include bedding, wall-hangings, greeting cards, notebook covers and brooches. . This Japanese sewing method is perfect for making modern ornaments, accessories and gifts. . 20 projects to help you master the stunning art of sashiko.

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Book SynopsisIn this visually stunning book, Moy Mackay reveals how you too can create beautiful pictures using felt. Characterised by her wonderful use of colour, Moy’s work is breathtaking and includes still-lifes, animals and landscapes inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works. Moy takes you through every step of the process, including the materials and tools you need, the feltmaking process itself (which is easier than you’d imagine), and how to put together four fabulous felt paintings of your own. There is guidance on stitching, including both hand- and machine-stitching, as well as how to use colour and introduce texture in the form of different fibres and threads. There are numerous examples of Moy’s work through the book, and by the end you will not fail to be inspired to create gorgeous felt paintings of your own. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter – her work is very free." - Kaffe FassettTrade ReviewWe love this refreshing take on how we can use our own photographs as inspiration, creating unique felt versions. We think its fresh and we are drawn in by Mackay’s passion for her subject. This isn’t an artist simply producing a book for the sake of it, this seems to be her life and love. For the full review click here. -- Ailish Henderson * www.mrxstitch.com *May 12 'Art in Felt & Stitch' by Moy Mackay is a colourful splash of fleece, fibre and thread. The book involves wet felting with wool tops and machine stitching on top of the picture created with it. The book has very clear instructions at the beginning and is excellent if you are thinking of starting to felt pictures. There are six projects in the book with quite a few pages on each one and there is a very clear photographic step-by-step process to follow. What irritates me sometimes about art books is that they can show you how to draw or paint a complex picture and only show four stages. Suddenly they've finished the picture and you wonder how many stages they've skipped over while your picture looks nothing like the final shot in the book. Moy has photographed each stage so if you are a beginner you won't feel lost or frustrated. Each layer is shown and you get a feel for what she has done in each step. Moy explains her inspiration for using felt in the book: "My 'felt paintings', as I call them, are [...] a way of placing the strokes of coloured fibres as one would place brushstrokes. The results are strikingly rich in colour and texture, and as my passion is for colour, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from working with this medium in this way." If you love texture and colour I can't imagine why you wouldn't love this book. A three-dimensional soft intricate woollen picture looks amazing and can look more dramatic than an oil painting. * sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *Summer 13 Vivid colours and dramatic scenery attracted me to this book. Moy’s enthusiastic introduction describes how her love of painting, drawing and ‘making things’ from an early age progressed to ‘create work that utilises colour and subjects in an uplifting, inspiring way.’ Her bio explains that ‘Since graduating from Glasgow School of Art with a BA (Hons) degree in Design, she has lived and worked as a full time artist in the beautiful Scottish Borders, which are the main source of inspiration for her work.’ Moy hopes that her book will inspire and guide you to create in felt, and that through it she can pass on the positive encouragement given by her creative mother and uncle who nurtured her early efforts. The clear contents page outlines a natural progression of topics to inspire even those who have been previously hesitant, to create their own ‘felt painting’. The first few chapters give full details of the materials and equipment required. Chapters with advice on source of inspiration, colour, texture, composition and techniques follow. Projects are grouped under the headings of landscapes, birds, flowers and still life. Clear, easy to follow, step by step instructions accompany photographs to guide you through all the basic techniques. These include the felting process itself as well as how to embellish it to create form and structure with machine and hand stitching. Plentiful inspiring photos of Moy’s own felt paintings enhance the book. I think that this book is suitable for people with all ranges of experience and it has certainly inspired me. Linda Russell, Gwent Guild * Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *Sept 12 This book is a refreshing take on still life and art. Moy Mackay creates her pictures using felting and stitch and gives guidance in the book on how these beautiful works are created. The book begins with an introduction to all the materials and equipment you would need to tackle this kind of work. There is an interesting section where you can see, via instruction and photographs, the progression from wool tops to finished piece. It is quite surprising that the majority of design work is completed prior to felting, and what follows from that is embellishment. It covers the process of wet felting, needle felting, machine and hand stitching, and how each technique adds to the picture. After the initial tutorial, there are three project sections that cover Landscapes, Birds and Flowers. You are guided through these with step-by-step photographs and there is also a gallery of a series of works to illustrate each section. It is a wonderful book to read, with good clear instruction to guide you, and to see the finished pieces which are so colourful and perfectly executed is impetus for the reader to try their own. * Workshop On The Web *May 2015 Since learning to needle felt I have wanted to take it to the next level. This book takes me to that next level and far beyond. Moy gives you everything you need to make the most amazing felted pictures. She uses everything from needle felting, wet felting & sewing to create the most amazing pictures. She takes you through step-by-step each of the techniques so that you'll be able to create each of the pictures in the book. She also gives you all this knowledge so that you can create your own. II love the pictures that you can create. They look amazing! I haven't used some of the techniques in the book but after reading the instructions I feel confident that I will be able to perform them. Moy's use of colours is amazing. I can't wait to try her colour mixes. I feel they will give me more confidence to use more colours in my own projects. I can't believe the amazing looks she gets from her techniques in this book. I've already ordered the items I'll need to make my first picture. I just hope I can do justice to her amazing book. * Crochet Addict UK *June 12 Moy Mackay creates beautiful works of art using fleece, fiber and threads in her book "Art in Felt & Stitch". It is filled with colorful felt paintings of still-life, animals and landscapes inspired by her home in the Scottish Borders. See how she uses various felt techniques to achieve her paintings. Felt is one of the earliest fabrics and is older than weaving, spinning and knitting. The book itself is a work of art with the fiber colors jumping off the page in the numerous photographs. Four step by step projects are included with instructional pictures that are clear, detailed and inspiring and numerous. Also included are many examples of her finished pieces. Moy walks you through the materials and equipment you will need. She explains about fibers and texture, composition and technique. Wool, bamboo and silk are just a few of the fibers she works with. Learn about needle and wet felting and using machine and hand stitching to strengthen the highlights and shadows and creating depth. Her flowers are lovely and landscapes breath taking. It is her project of the Birds with berries and her felt painting of Waxwing with Cherry and Lime Blossom that will make you sigh. If you have been thinking about trying your hand at felting or felting pictures in particular, you will enjoy every page of her book. * www.examiner.com/knitting-in-hartford *May 13 Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter - her work is very free. (Kaffe Fassett) * Author *June 12 This is a lovely book. It is beautifully produced with Moy's felt paintings vibrantly reproduced. The book takes the reader through all the processes beginning with a full description of her colour blending and all materials used in her work. There may be a little too much detail on the techniques of hand carding but that is only a slight criticism. Moy is exceptionally generous with her descriptions and tips, which are scattered around the pages. The reader is taken step by step through all the elements of her work from the designing, preparation, laying of fibres, felting, embellishing, needle felting and embroidery with hand and machine. The projects start with a quite simple scene of bucolic bliss, proceeding onto a patchwork landscape and then on to more complicated designs. These exercises are interspersed with some wonderful nature pieces and landscapes of exceptional beauty. She is a very talented artist and colourist. This is a book which will inspire, delight and instruct and may lead the reader on to experiments of their own or you can just enjoy it for its wonderful images. * Felt Matters *Apr 12 It is fabulous. If you like contemporary art, with vivid colour and lots of texture then this book is for you. There are lots of pictures of Moys work, and plenty of supporting text. Additionally, there are four diverse projects which detail, step-by-step, how to create similar work using felting, embellishing and stitching techniques. I'm awaiting the delivery of some wool and silk tops, so I can get started.-"BushBabyJane", Amazon * Customer *Jun/Jul 12 Moy Mackay's unique and vibrant 'felt paintings' are created by replacing paint as a medium with fleece, fibres and threads and combining traditional felting techniques with fine art. The result is an exquisite fusion of art, felt and stitch that is both up-lifting and inspiring. There is clear guidance through all of the basic techniques, including the felting process itself and how to use machine and hand stitching to further create form and texture. The four projects and numerous examples of Moy's work complete this visual feast, which cannot fail to inspire and excite painters and textile artists alike. * Fabrications *Jun/Jul 12 Hot water and soap have a profound effect on wool. If your favourite sweater has accidentally been treated that way, you are probably less than thrilled with the outcome. But, if the process was intentional, you've probably been experimenting with the art of felting – and creating one of the earliest fabrics known to man. Dry needle-felting using a felting needle or embellisher machine is currently very popular, but the techniques in this book use the traditional wet-felting methods. Every step of the process is clearly described and illustrated with step-by-step photos. The results are simply beautiful and the 'fibre paintings' range from softly impressionistic landscapes to still-lifes of teacups and bold flowers. Needle-felting is used to refine the shapes and simple hand and machine stitching add definition, details and, of course, texture. Moy shares the techniques that she uses to create her beautiful pictures, and every stage is beautifully illustrated with clear photographs. She begins at the very beginning, showing how to card the fibres, lay them down to form the picture and finally felt the piece. When the felting process is complete, more photos show the process of needle-felting to add details and stitching to create definition in the finished piece. There are four projects, which take you through the processes used to create a patchwork landscape, birds, flowers and a still-life (teacup and cakes). If this book doesn't persuade you to explore the creativity of felting, nothing will. * Stitch *Jun/Jul 12 Using fleece, fibres and threads, Moy creates stunning felt ‘paintings’, combining felt-making with fine art in a unique way. Comprehensive step-by-step instructions guide the reader through the basic techniques and continue with four projects, where Moy shows how to use machine and hand embroidery to produce landscapes, still-life studies of flowers and animals. This colourful and exciting book will inspire the felt-maker to try a different approach to their craft. * East Kent Embroiderer's Guild *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials and equipment 10 Inspiration 20 Colour 22 Texture 26 Composition 28 Techniques 30 Landscapes 52 Birds 76 Flowers 92 Still life 110 Index 128

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Book SynopsisThis breathtakingly detailed book presents dress patterns, construction details, embroidery and making instructions for fifteen garments and accessories from a seventeenth-century woman's wardrobe. Full step-by-step drawings of the construction sequence are given for each garment alongside photographs of the objects and the groundbreaking use of x-ray photography revealing the hidden elements of the clothes, the precise number of layers and the stitches used inside.

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Book SynopsisMake six classic garments and create a stylish multi-layered wardrobe from scratch.Full-size patterns are provided for a neat vest with a boxer back detail, an elegant bias-cut long-sleeved dress, a simple long gathered skirt with a drawstring waist, a batwing wrap top, an oversized drop-shoulder jacket and a pair of classic wide leg trousers. By choosing seasonal cloth, the versatility of these projects can be enjoyed from the first hint of spring to the end of winter.The aim of this book is to move beyond simplicity and dare the maker to develop new skills. With variations for tops, dresses, shorts and a coat, our precise step-by-step instructions and inspiring photography will enable you sew with confidence. The reward will be an all season, multi-layer wardrobe by your own hand. We hope you, the reader, are ready for this set of challenges and willing to pace yourselves through the more complicated garments.Full-size patterns for all six garments are include

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Book SynopsisThe lavish new book from bestselling author and renowned textile artist Moy Mackay. From concentrating mainly on the felting techniques described in detail in her previous books (Art in Felt & Stitch and Flowers in Felt & Stitch), this latest title by the prolific and popular felt artist now shows you how to find inspiration for your own felt painting creations. Delve into the catalogue of Moy’s beautiful, colourful sketchbooks and photographs and learn about her own design process and influences, through which your own artistic abilities can be explored. Moy takes you through every step of the felt-making process then shows you how to put together four fabulous felt paintings of various subjects. There is also guidance on stitching – both hand- and machine-stitching – as well as how to use colour and introduce texture in the form of different fibres and threads. There are numerous examples of Moy’s work throughout the book, inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works, providing further inspiration for your own gorgeous felt paintings. From inspiration and design to the finished vibrant picture, Moy’s third book explores the development from initial thoughts through to the essential embellishments that add life and character to her work.Trade ReviewFollowing her two previous successful books, this latest title from Moy explores some new ideas for combining felt and stitch and is bursting with examples of Moy’s colourful and inspiring felt works, depicting many beautiful Scottish scenes, and other subjects. Suggestions are given for the fibres that can be used in felting and the wet-felting process is shown with clarity. Moy demonstrates how the detail is then added using extra fibres and threads, with hand or machine embroidery, to give perspective and dimension to each piece. There are four projects, with step-by-step instructions, for the reader to try, and a gallery for additional inspiration. This is a beautiful book for those who already love felting, or for anyone wishing to try something different, as, such is the nature of the technique, each piece of work produced will be as unusual and unique as the maker. Highly recommended. * East Kent Embroiderers’ Guild *I have always enjoyed using different media in my artwork to create sumptuous texture in my paintings. In this book, the artist offers up all of her knowledge and experience of using different fibres and stitch to create texture and depth. I hadn’t heard of feltings before reading this book. They are the use of fibres to create a painting, a felt painting. The artist takes you clearly through materials and equipment to start with. Lots of pictures accompany some of the unfamiliar bits of equipment, which was very helpful in the beginning. I found lots of new ideas to try and plenty of inspiration for projects in the dedicated chapter which included lovely quotes and picture showing the steps in the creation of a project. Felting techniques are covered extensively and the artist takes a very practical approach which I found easy to follow. The final part of the book sets out step by step several different projects to try yourself, all of which would produce a stunning result. -- Alex ScottMoy Mackay is a true master of her craft. Her generosity in sharing her skill, and encouraging others to tap into their creativity through this book/guide, is a testament to Moy's role as champion of this very distinct art form that she has made wholly her own. Moy Mackay can rest assured that she has shown the world that fibre and felting, in her hands, rightly deserve a place at the high table of art -- Kathleen Soriano, Independent curator and Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year JudgeThe book buyer at the Hutt Public Library must be a textile artist – there are a whole lot of new and yummy titles on the shelves at the moment. The cover of this gorgeous book caught my eye, even though my felting prowess leaves something to be desired. Moy Mackay is a Scottish artist and the work in this book is what she calls ‘painted’ felt pictures. The painting is not on the felt but she uses a palette of coloured wools, silks, and embellishments to create landscape pictures. This could be twee, but Moy’s skill with colour makes them atmospheric and startling. The examples she makes use of in the book are relatively small (mostly less than an A4 size) so the process is manageable for a kitchen or small studio. The process of wet felting supplemented with needle-felting, machine, and hand sewing, is described well, with a good description of equipment (and workarounds if you don’t have the best). There are several projects that are worked through step-by-step. Even if you are not a felter – and wet-felting is not for everyone – there is a lot of good material here about colour and working with samples to perfect your composition, tips on perspective, selection of colours to reflect a mood, mixing threads to achieve the colours, and presentation. Her work reflects the often sombre moods of the Scottish highlands with dramatic Prussian blue skies, scarlet and orange sunsets, and purple hills. It probably won’t appeal as much to those who like pastels, but it was glorious eye candy for a wet week. -- Caroline Strachan * Thread Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6Materials & equipment 10Inspiration 22Developing ideas 36Colour 48Composition & perspective 58Texture & embellishment 62- Mark making 64Felting techniques 78- Choosing your colours 70- How to card? 71- Carding colour charts 74- Wet felting 76- Needle felting 85- Freehand or Free-motion embroidery 88- Hand stitching & embroidery 92- Finishing 94Projects- Landscape Loch Lomond 88- Animals Highland Cow 94- Still life Vase of Flowers 108- Architecture Doorway 122A final word 158Index 160

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Book SynopsisFor fast and professional edging, hemming, seaming, and decorative stitching, you simply can’t beat a serging machine. This all-skill-level book is the perfect guide to make sure you get the most out of your new machine (or out of that old serger that you’ve never got the hang of!) Photographs and step-by-step instructions guide you through the essential techniques, showing you how to set up your machine, how to adjust the settings to get the best results on a range of different fabrics, and how to edge your fabrics quickly with perfect results. The troubleshooting section provides tips and quick fixes for skipped stitches, snapped threads, and uneven stitching. Also includes a buyer’s guide to different sergers, providing you with advice on finding the right machine for you.Trade ReviewMay 14 Are you too scared to get an overlocker out of its box? This book for all skills includes photographs, diagrams and illustrations with every basic detail to get started. Once you've got to grips with an overlocker, you'll never look back. It's easy to thread up and sew, edge fabrics quickly and create a perfect finish. Step-by-step instructions ensure you get the best results with any fabric, including knitting. * Machine Knitting Monthly *June 14 Whether you have just bought an overlocker for the first time, or you have had one for years but barely used it, this manual will enable you to get the most out of your machine! An in-depth introduction to the basics answers any questions you might have and explains with clear illustrations exactly how to use and adjust your overlocker for professional results. Once you are confi dent overlocking simple seams you can move onto the techniques section which is a comprehensive guide to the more decorative uses of an overlocker, including using different feet for gathering, beading and bias binding amongst others. Each technique is well illustrated with photographs and step-by-step instructions and the quick constructions allow you to practice the techniques you have learnt whilst simultaneously making desirable projects. * SEWING WORLD *Feb 14 Want a professional finish to your sewing? An overlocker is the answer. It provides professional seams, hems and edges. This manual provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through the essential techniques. Find out how to get the very best from your overlocker – it is more versatile than you think. A range of projects will help hone your skills. Useful for all skill levels; to learn, remind or keep as a resource. Clear instructions and photographs. * Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *Aug 2014 This is the third of the books that Search Press sent to me for review purposes. I chose to review it because although more and more home sewists are investing in overlockers (or ‘sergers’), it seems to me that they are often perceived as ‘scary’ machines – so I thought this book might appeal! I bought my overlocker in 2011 and it probably wasn’t until last year that I actually nailed how to rethread the thing quickly. To be perfectly honest, it wasn’t the threading that was an issue: although a bit fiddly, I can do that bit in a couple of minutes. No, it was getting the tension of all the threads right that took hours. It became like a jackpot – sometimes I would rethread and it would be fine straight away, and other times I would fiddle about for hours. One day last year, out of pure frustration, whilst feeding my test scraps of fabric through and trying to get the right tension, I manually pulled each of the four threads in turn as they were feeding through, making the tension incredibly tight for a short time and then letting go and letting it feed through normally. For some unknown reason, it worked a treat, and this is what I do each time now if it isn’t working properly. So, it took me two years to be able to confidently rethread my machine. I knew my machine had uses other than finishing raw edges and sewing knits, but until a few weeks ago when I sat down in front of the overlocker with this book at hand, I hadn’t experimented at all. Why? I suppose time was a factor. Who wants to spend hours on end faffing around with an overlocker? I could make a dress in that time! But this book review was the incentive I needed to get down to business – how could I review a book properly without putting it to the test? Readers – I gave this book a thorough test. I worked my way through this book in maybe 5 or 6 hours, starting right at the beginning and working through in order. As I began to work through the book, my main question for the purposes of this review was: how is this book different to my instruction manual? After all, there is no value in buying a book that is the same as the overlocker’s manual (unless, of course, you don’t have the manual for your machine). The book is divided into three chapters: ‘Overlocking Basics’, ‘Techniques’ and ‘Quick Constructions’. Working in conjunction with this book and my overlocker instruction manual, I familiarised myself with what each bit of the overlocker is called and what it is/can be used for. Some of this I already knew, but I did learn some new things and as a result of the exercise I now have quite a thorough understanding of the machine. In the three years of owning my overlocker, only once have I changed the differential feed – I did this to help gather up the hem of a circle skirt. The book taught me that when the differential feed is a higher number than ‘N’ (normal), the front teeth of the feed dog move more quickly than the back teeth, and this creates gathering. When the differential feed is lower than ‘N’, the front teeth move more slowly than the back teeth, to create a stretch effect (depending upon the fabric type, of course). One thing that I had always found confusing in my overlocker manual was something it referred to as ‘size of bight’, and elsewhere in the manual ‘width of bite’. This ‘bight’/’bite': I had no idea what it was – only that I could widen it if I wanted. But the book taught me that it’s the cutting width – perhaps this ‘bight’/’bite’ is a translation error in my manual or something? Either way, I’m glad to have finally got that information straight! Under the guidance of this book, I learnt how to retract the upper knife, how to adjust the stitch width, and how to remove the stitch finger. This enabled me to stitch a teeny tiny rolled hem! I’m so pleased I learnt how to do this, I can definitely see me using this function a lot. I also learnt how to make pin-tucks on the overlocker, French seams, welt seams and fell seams. I would never have considered using my overlocker before for any of these seam finishes. It isn’t exactly rocket science, but it was good to learn some alternative methods. The book tells you how to use a variety of different attachments, such as elastic and beading attachments and piping, blind-hemming, gathering, bias binding, taping and cording feet. My machine only has one foot, but this foot doubles up as a cording foot due to the small hole in the top of the foot through which one can feed cord. With the help of the book I learnt how to overlock over a piece of cord or yarn (for decorative purposes), and how to overlock over stabilising tape, which will be useful when constructing seams of knit garments that need extra stabilisation, such as shoulder seams and waist seams. I didn’t have any clear elastic to practise with, but I imagine that would work on the same principle as the seam tape. So far so good. The techniques section of this book really did enable me to get to grips with my machine. I learnt new techniques that I will definitely use again, and these techniques were explained in a much clearer way than in my manual, and with clear photographs too. The ‘Quick Constructions’ section is comprised of a series of simple projects in which you can test out your newly acquired overlocking skills. The projects are basic, and nothing to write home about. The chapter does finish with a ‘Guide to Fabrics’ section though – giving guidance on different fabrics and what size needles they would be best paired with, what differential feed to use, what stitch length is best, suggested tension settings and tips on hemming techniques. These four pages are very, very useful. The biggest disappointment of this book was that there was no mention of the care and maintenance of your overlocker – for instance how (and where) to oil it, how to remove the needle plate and clean the feed dogs, how to change the bulb, the blades etc. After all the time I spent learning about how to use the machine, I felt so invested in it that I was willing to spend another hour giving it a mini home-service, but the book doesn’t touch on this at all, which I think is a great shame. I may have learnt a lot about the functionality of the machine, but I’m still a bit nervous about taking it to pieces to clean it properly! Boo! One other, small, gripe: it suggests overlocking with different types of thread to achieve different effects, for example using thread that changes colour, metallic thread, woolly nylon, embroidery thread, even yarn…which is all very well and good if these are wound onto a bobbin, but when I attempted to use some metallic pearl cotton from a skein, I was left wondering how on earth to wind it suitably and place it securely onto the bobbin holder?? Overall, this is a good book to have. I’ve learnt a lot from it and, although it is not tailored specifically to my exact model of machine, it has been a lot more useful than the manual itself has ever been. I would recommend the book to people who have overlockers with no manual, or to people who want to get more from their machines and try new techniques. * threadcarefully.com *Table of ContentsAbout this book 6 Why I love my overlocker 8 Chapter 1: Overlocking Basics 10 Anatomy of an overlocker 12 Must-have tools 16 Threads 20 Setting up the machine 22 Getting comfortable 27 Getting started 28 Fixing mistakes 30 Finishing and securing ends 32 Adjusting the overlocker settings 34 Adjusting the cutting width 35 Adjusting the thread tensions 36 Adjusting the stitch length 40 Adjusting the differential feed 42 Chapter 2: Techniques 44 Basic stitches 46 Simple seams 48 Overlocking around corners 52 Overlocking curves, circles and tubes 56 Stabilising seams 60 Mock band hems 62 French seams 64 Welt and fell seams 66 Roll hemming 68 Cover stitch 70 Chain stitch 72 Flatlocking 74 Overlocking with decorative threads 76 Using a piping foot 79 Using an elastic attachment 82 Using a blind hemming foot 84 Using a gathering foot 86 Using a cording foot 88 Using a bias binding foot 90 Using a taping foot 93 Using a beading attachment 94 Chapter 3: Quick Constructions 96 Evening scarf/sarong 98 Simple top 99 Tote bag 102 Child’s dress 104 Quick quilt 106 Cushion cover 110 Drawstring bag 112 Tube skirt 117 Guide to fabrics 120 Glossary 124 Index 126 Credits 128

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Book SynopsisThere are many useful and fun works included, packed with various ideas and tricks. You can sew your own bags or accessories by following easy step-by-step images. You will find real size pattern sheet in the book for all projects.

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Book SynopsisPacked with colour and style, this gorgeous and inspiring new book from Scottish artist Moy Mackay delves deep into the world of felt painting. The book includes an introduction to Moy’s use of colour and texture, as well as a useful section detailing what inspires her and how she forms these initial ideas into a composition. There are 4 easy-to-follow but inspiring step-by-step projects, along with extensive galleries of Moy’s vibrant work. Unlike the broad range of her previous book, the focus here is flowers – in still life, in the landscape and as botanical portraits – and the book includes an in-depth techniques section on creating a range of different flower and leaf shapes, so that the reader can go on to produce their own unique masterpieces. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter – her work is very free."-Kaffe FassettTrade ReviewNovember 2014 Subtitled ‘Creating Floral Works Using Fleece, Fibres and Threads’. Moy Mackay’s ‘felt paintings’ are works of art. This book contains many images of her work. You can discover how to create a ‘felt painting’ with the four step-by-step projects. See the in-depth techniques used, learn what equipment is needed, be inspired and discover how to add detail with machine or hand stitching. Marvellous colourful and imaginative work. Highly recommended. * Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *December 2014 Moy Mackay’s previous book ‘Art in Felt and Stitch’ (reviewed in WOW in September 2012) looked at felting a variety of subjects. In this follow-on book, flowers are the focus. From the outset, the author sets out her more unconventional approach to felting. Using felt fibres to ‘paint’ a picture, she talks of how to use these and other silks and threads to include as much detail as possible. She also uses scissors as an integral part of her process to achieve clear lines and angles. She takes us through the felting techniques from placement of fibres, wet felting, followed by needle felting and then embellishing through stitch. As a book geared towards flowers, the different flower forms are explored and felting techniques explained to achieve the shape and look of flowers as diverse as daisies, thistles and lavender. This is a particularly good section, providing enough different shapes for the reader to be able to tackle most flowers. The author’s reworking of a Victorian-style flower study is a work of art before it’s felted, and to see the project explained from start to finish puts the different stages into context. The book covers three main areas of flowers in art and adapts them to felting. In addition to the ‘Victorian Study’, there are ‘Flowers in Still Life’ and ‘Flowers in Landscape’. Each of these contains a sample project, fully illustrated with step-by-step instructions and photographs, together with a large variety of finished pieces for each section. This is a very bright and colourful book, full of beautiful felted pieces that show you how to felt flowers in a variety of artistic styles. * Workshop On The Web *February 2015 Textile artist Moy Mackay's book Art in Felt and Stitch was a huge success, and this follow-up volume delves a little deeper into her methods and inspirations, Moy's paintings are a vivid fusion of felting and stitching techniques with fine art; what really sings from these pages is the tremendous sense of energy her work contains, and this is an exuberance that extends to the reader. When you see what the author achieves with carding felt and hand stitching, you can't help but want to give these methods a try yourself. With a complete lack of any kind of pretension, Moy helps the reader construct their own works of art with ease, breaking down her techniques in a very understandable way, and encouraging experimentation. The images and illustrations are sumptuous, and the book provides a rich seam of inspiration which anybody with even a vaguely creative notion will want to follow. Whether you're looking for something different to do in between heavy quilting projects, or want to supplement your existing skill set, then you should give this book a try; its dreamlike images and good advice will stay with you. * Popular Patchwork *April 2015 Moy's 'felt paintings' blend traditional felting techniques using fleece, threads and fibres with hand and free-machine embroidery to create dynamic, tactile images. Colour guru Kaffe Fassett describes Moy's style as 'very free' with a 'passionate use of colour and deep texture'. As Kaffe says, Moy 'concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter'. Indeed, in this especially, Moy's fine art training shines through. Flowers are not outlined and separated from their backgrounds, but interpreted as part of their environment whether in their natural habitat or in bouquet form in a still-life. Although outlines and details may be emphasised by stitch, the flowers are always completely integrated with the ground. In 'Summer Meadow', for example, suggestions of individual blooms are created using additional stitch in the foreground, diminishing subtly in size and quantity tumbling around a house at the picture's centre. The landscape is then interpreted more loosely, the horizon and skyscape melding as naturally as if real. Full-page images of Moy's jewel-like pictures are invitingly textural, encouraging further experimentation. Full instructions are given for creating both individual flower forms and landscapes. Introductory chapters cover not only basic techniques and materials but are also a guide to developing your own design style. * Stitch *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials and equipment 10 Inspiration 22 Colour 30 Adding texture and detail 36 Techniques 40 Essential flower forms 64 Leaves 82 Flower study 86 Flowers in still life 94 Flowers in the landscape 112 Index 128

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Book SynopsisExplore amigurumi , the Japanese art of crochet design, with 30 unique patterns. Whether a novice or an experienced crocheter, anyone can pick up a needle and complete these cuddly creations. Author and amigurumi guru Lauren Espy inspires crocheters with her easy-to-follow patterns, pictures, and helpful instructions. Lauren always takes the patterns one step at a time to ensure that your finished product is as cute as the creation on the page!. The book features fanciful patterns in a variety of themes, including: In the Garden; At the Aquarium; Down on the Farm; At the Bakery.Trade Review"In Whimsical Stitches, Lauren Espy has created a truly adorable collection of unique and colorful designs that are perfect for any occasion! The step-by-step instructions and pictures that go along with each pattern ensure that you get picture perfect results each time. If you're new to amigurumi, the simplicity of the layout and illustrated explanations of each stitch and technique will have you creating adorable items in no time at all. If you're a seasoned crocheter, you will appreciate the perfection of each design and enjoy being able to make quick and adorable amigurumis for everyone you know!" -- Holly Salzman, Owner of Storyland Amis (@storyland_amis) "Whimsical Stitches is such a bright and colorful book chock-full of adorable and well-explained crochet designs! It is evident that Lauren Espy loves amigurumi, and her cheerful and sweet style will entice beginner and experienced crocheters to try making their own stuffed animals! The five fun themes in the book (In the Garden, At the Aquarium, Down on the Farm, At the Bakery, At the Market) allow you to crochet everything from a personified piece of pie with a cute cherry on the top to a trendy succulent planter! This beginner-friendly book is a fabulous collection of adorable designs that is sure to draw readers into the wonderful world of amigurumi!" -- Stephanie Lau, crochet designer and blogger of All About Ami "Whimsical Stitches is an absolute joy for amigurumi enthusiasts! Through her incredible patterns, Lauren was able to take us inside her own endless imagination and share her unique, wonderful perspective on amigurumi design. Whimsical Stitches is easy to follow for the beginner, and delightful for the master. A must-have for every crocheter's book collection." -- Lee Sartori (CoCo Crochet Lee), Assistant Editor of Happily Hooked Magazine

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Book SynopsisIf you've watched ProjectRunway or Makingthe Cut andwondered how the competitors instinctively know how to create such a diversearray of garments - it's because they learned the art of pattern making. Ultimate Guide to Designing Patterns for Clothing is anillustrative master class in the art of garment pattern making for aspiringfashion designers, fashion design students, and sewing and fabricenthusiasts.  Lifelong designer andpatternmaker Suzy Furrer hasdistilled her 35+ years of fashion pattern experience into this definitiveresource for expert pattern making instruction. The book includes 11 chapters, each meticulously explaining afundamental element of the pattern making process.  Each element is fully explored with diagramsand illustrations making it ideal for visual learners.  Furrer begins with an introduction to patternmaking explaining what is required for building a proper patternmaking toolkit and terminology used throughout the book before guiding the budding patternmaker through the 11 instructional chapters. QR codes provide additional video instruction.

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Book SynopsisMaking Working Women's Costume gives a unique account of the clothes of ordinary women from the mid-fifteenth century to the early twentieth century. As well as introducing the historical periods, it gives patterns for a range of typical garments that women of the poorer classes would have worn. Organized by century, it draws on historical sources and finds, paintings and photographs to recreate the clothes of these under-celebrated women.

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Book SynopsisNatalie Ranae taught readers the basics of designing macrame in her first book, Macrame at Home, and now she is back to teach next-level macrame projects. Just as Natalie created large-scale, chic macrame pieces for spas, such as the Knot Springs in Portland, Oregon, or The Beauty Barn in Ontario, Canada, readers will learn to craft sizable decorations for the home that take anywhere from 1-4 weeks. With the knotted-rope craft already making a huge comeback in home decor, this book will be a great asset to those who grasp the basic technique of macrame and now want to make large, astonishing pieces. Readers will follow Natalie's step-by-step instructions through 12 different intermediate and advanced macrame projects, from wedding event backdrops to wall hangings, from hammocks to chandeliers, from window curtains to multi-plant wall hangers, and even mats and bed headboards. With 12 guided designer pieces and beautiful photos, macrame crafters everywhere will feel empowered turning to this book to guide them through impressive projects. Readers will finally be able to skip the high prices for macrame decor in stores like Urban Outfitters and West Elm, and brag that they made their own professional, designer-looking pieces by hand. This book will have 12 projects and 100 photos.

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Book SynopsisWhether you’re working socks from the toe up or from the cuff down, designer Donna Druchunas’s complete, step-by-step instructions make sock knitting easy, enjoyable, and successful. You’ll learn several approaches for getting started, and you’ll also discover how to shape comfortable toes, create heels that fit, and ensure stretchy cuffs that can be counted on to keep your socks up. Druchunas’s useful tips and tricks include working confidently with double-pointed needles, knitting socks on one or two circular needles, and even knitting two socks at the same time. Once you’ve mastered these basic techniques, you can adapt them to create your own custom sock designs.

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

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Book SynopsisNothing epitomizes the look of the 1950s more for women than the hour-glass silhouette of the tightly fitted bodice and full skirt. This ubiquitous style - first introduced in 1947 with Dior's New Look - was so widely adopted by the mid-50s that it came to define the decade. This practical book introduces and explores the styles and construction techniques used in the 1950s. Step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate how to achieve a well-finished and authentic look using equipment easily obtainable at home. Chapters explain the processes from fabric selection, cutting out and preparation through to garment assembly using traditional techniques for creating the silhouette of the day.

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Book SynopsisAll the dressmaking techniques you need, explained simply for easy, professional-looking results.

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Book SynopsisWho’s ready for the holidays? Not us! Grab your needle & thread and get ready to stab away the stress of the holidays with this collection of festive f*cking patterns–and maybe even make a few gifts to boot!Let’s face it - the holidays can be stressful. When the peppermint latte won’t cut it, you might find yourself in need of something to stab. A LOT. Now, you can release your holiday anxiety with some truly irreverent and silly sentiments, and make a couple of presents in the process! Featuring 20 patterns from the crafting world’s most bad-ass cross-stitchers, this book has everything from a simple “Ho” ornament to a sampler featuring Clark Griswold’s famous “Hallelujah, holy shit, where’s the Tylenol?” There is no previous experience required here! In addition to simple instructions and clear, easy-to-follow patterns, you get a basic lesson in cross-stitch technique, so anyone can make these designs. Stitch your stress away with a little “Hello Drunk, I’m Christmas” for your tree, or make a “Deck the Halls and Not Your Family” for your sibling. And above all, have a Happy F*cking Holiday! TOP DESIGNERS: Patterns created by some of the f*cking best-selling cross-stitch designers and influencers on Etsy 20 FESTIVE PATTERNS: Festive As F*ck includes 20 hilariously sassy patterns to help ease the stress of the holiday season EASY-TO-FOLLOW-DESIGNS: With simple instructions and clear and easy-to-follow patterns, even a novice potty-mouth can enjoy this filthy holiday fun INSPIRING IMAGES: Full-color images of the finished projects help ensure success and offer ideas of how to frame and display your festive artwork THE PERFECT SNARKY GIFT: Make the best f*cking gifts of the season with hilarious and irreverent cross stitch designs that will make anyone laugh their ass off.

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Book SynopsisPart of a fantastic series of stash-busting sewing books, here are 25 fabulous projects to make, each using one fat quarter. The projects have easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, and there is also a handy tools and techniques section. This book is ideal for using up small pieces of fabric to create a range of decorative and useful items for your home. The projects also make great gifts for friends and family. Projects include an oven glove, child's apron, magazine holder, pencil case, eye mask, bedside lampshade, slippers, cot mobile and pinboard. AUTHOR: Tina Barrett was taught to knit by her grandmother and has been passionate about creating her own gorgeous yarn and fabric-based designs ever since. She is a regular contributor to many knitting and sewing magazines and is the author of several books for GMC Publications including Home Sewn Nursery and How to Knit. SALES POINTS: . 25 projects to make using only one fat quarter . With step-by-step instructions and photography throughout . Suitable for beginner to intermediate sewers 240 colour photographs

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Book SynopsisThe essential guide to 150 fabric manipulation techniques including pleating, folding, gathering, smocking, quilting and applique. Ruth explains her innovative variations of these traditional techniques and offers inspirational project ideas. Features colour photography and illustrations throughout.

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Book SynopsisThe art of needle felting can produce endless possibilities of hyper-realistic, almost taxidermic results. With a little know-how, some needles, wool and a few inexpensive accessories, you can learn to needle felt like a professional. Take your needle felting to a whole new level to create a range of lifelike British wildlife. World class felting master Cindy-Lou Thompson of Chicktin Creations will take you through the steps. Covering four different British wild animals, with illustrated step-by-step instructions, Cindy guides you through the process of creating different body shapes, proportions, armatures, coats, and blending, as well as realistic finishing touches such as eyes, nails, ears and detailing. Learn how to achieve a professional finish you will be proud of with different textured coats, blending, clipping, and adding shape and giving a realistic finishing touch with a variety of mediums and methods, some of which Cindy has designed and developed herself. From the author of the best-selling book A Masterclass in Needle Felting Dogs, this follow-up book will teach you new techniques, and inspire you to try new and exciting creations of your own!Table of ContentsChapter 1. Basic information, items used etc. Chapter 2. The Fox, highlighting armature, initial covering, long fur attachment and coat pattern, Fox eyes and texturing wool. Chapter 3. The Hare, highlighting proportions, blended coat, large ears, eyes and finishing off details Chapter 4. The Badger, highlighting an unusal body shape and armature, claws Chapter 4. The Deer, highlighting long thin legs, large ears and a shorter coat.

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Book SynopsisMake It Simple is full of quick and easy sewing projects to help you get your creative fix, no matter how busy you are.In this book, award-winning sewing author, pattern designer and working mum, Tilly Walnes of Tilly and the Buttons, shares her sewing shortcuts and time-saving tactics for squeezing sewing into even the smallest window of time.The 24 simple, modern dressmaking projects can be whipped up in a few hours – whether that’s a few short sittings after work, or a stolen afternoon away from the kids. The full-scale dressmaking patterns include ten sizes (UK 6–24 /US 2–20) and range from a classic t-shirt and snuggly cardigan to a cute pinafore and stylish playsuit.If you’re a beginner, you’ll find easy-peasy projects and fuss-free techniques to kickstart your sewing journey. If you’re an experienced stitcher, you’ll enjoy the satisfyingly quick wardrobe-building patterns and tips for speeding up your sewing.

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Book SynopsisRecreate memories of the seaside with simple sewing, papercraft, crochet and knitting projects using beautiful Tilda fabrics, yarn and embellishments. Be inspired by life at the beach and in the ocean to make gifts, toys and pretty accessories for your home. From adorable whales and fishing girl dolls to hanging mobiles, appliqué blankets and summer scarves, the designs will take you on a journey of the perfect seaside holiday.Table of ContentsBY THE SEA Whales - Small whale - Ceiling mobile Sailboat applique Jellyfish Sea urchins Fisher girl Sailing jacket AT THE BEACH Summer scarf Flowers - Crochet circles - Fabric flowers Summer girls - Knitted cardigan Ice lollies Paperweight Paper ideas Patterns Suppliers Index

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Book SynopsisA year in the life of Marmalade Rabbit! Celebrate the changing seasons by stitching this 100% wool hand-dyed felt rabbit and her seasonal outfits and accessories in this charming book, Making Marmalade. You will find: a moses-basket-style bed with warm Winter mini quilt; hooded cape for those chilly autumn walks; a head scarf and apron for lazy summer days; butterfly wings to celebrate spring... and many more. These designs are suitable for most toy makers and contain step-by-step instructions and diagrams for machine sewing and hand stitching the components of each project. Marmalade is brought to life on the page by Simone Gooding's adorable illustrations.

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Book SynopsisPopular author Corinne Lapierre creates a charming range of 20 exquisite folk embroidered felt birds, including a swan, a hen, a goose, a partridge, an owl, a dove, a peacock and a flamingo. Beautifully made in lovely, soft colours, the birds are filled with toy stuffing and embellished with folk-style surface embroidery in different-coloured threads. The stitches include chain, feather, fly running, blanket, French knots and satin stitch. There are also bead and sequin embellishments on some birds. The book includes pretty hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations and there are same-size templates at the back of the book for all the designs. The birds all have optional ribbon hangers for display.Trade ReviewWhether or not you make your own felt or just enjoy stitching, the twenty different birds featured in this book might appeal as characters with a folksy feel. In designing the projects the author, Corinne Lapierre, has combined her love of felt, folk embroidery and birds. The first part of the book lists the necessary materials, tools and equipment required before moving on to the basic techniques for making the birds.This is followed by instructions for the embroidery stitches used in each project. Throughout this section the author adds a series of tips to help the maker work through the different techniques smoothly. The second part of the book concentrates on the different bird projects. For each bird there is a list of the materials and equipment required followed by step-by-step instructions for making. Cutting templates are also provided at the end of the book. The author points out that the birds themselves are relatively easy to make, but their characters are defined by the colours and embroidery stitches used. The information provided throughout the book is clearly presented and well illustrated. Each fun project should be achievable for anyone with a basic knowledge of stitch and embroidery. * Journal of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *This book is a delight from cover to cover. It starts by explaining what items are needed to complete the projects and then goes on, in simple terms, to talk about techniques from drawing templates to cutting out the felt, to embellishing with hand sewn embroidery. These stitches are clearly explained at the beginning of the book in easy to follow instructions and photos. There are even simple instructions for making birds feet. Once this has all be laid out for you, there follows 20 easy to make colourful birds which are so pleasing to the eye! I particularly like the use of sequins on the pigeon to add texture and shimmer. All of the templates needed to complete the projects are at the back of the book, these can easily be copied or traced as they are so simple. All in all, a lovely book! -- Shirley Marriott * Customer review *A great little book. Every process is clearly described, with beautiful photos and diagrams. Perfect for experienced and beginners alike. The patterns are clear and easy to follow. The birds are beautiful - I love the robin - that will be the one I will make first. All of the templates to make each bird, are at the back of the book, and they can be easily traced, or scanned so that you don't need to damage such a lovely book. -- Sue Rowland * Customer review *What a superb book, the techniques section is very informative and will certainly be a great help for me, a novice embroiderer. The illustrations are bright and clear, fantastic photography. At the back of the book you will find the templates for each of the projects. I can’t wait to make my first bird, which I think will be the peacock. -- Sandra Dennis * Customer review *Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a beautiful book full of lovely birds to create. The techniques are clear with lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions to follow for the basic creating, then each bird has its own instructions that are easy to follow. I would recommend to anyone who wanted to have a go. Hooray - all patterns are full scale and easy to copy from the book, no upscaling, popping to the library, or giving up and leaving on the shelf. -- Helen Harries * Customer review *If you want a book to help you sew felt into beautiful birds... look no further!! The clear photographs and instructions are just so easy to follow. This book would be a lovely present and you could give the person a few felt squares, some thread and let them start creating right away!! Love it!! -- Moyra Blayney * Customer review *Received my book today the projects are lovely and more importantly achievable. I love the fact that the project is all hand stitched. My nieces and I have already picked which ones we are going to do and are off out to get our materials this afternoon. These projects are going to provide many happy sewing hours for us and some great little gifts which we plan to give away as random acts of kindness. Search Press have produced yet another fab book. -- Wendy Burt * Customer review *The square format of this beautiful book makes it feel different and inside it is filled with the enthusiasm of the author for her felt birds. There are twenty very attractive birds to make. Each of them a pleasing mix of well chosen felt colours and embroidery stitches. Techniques and stitches used are illustrated with excellent photographs and easy to follow instructions. The hand drawn illustrations add a personal touch to the book. Full size templates are included for each project. This is a book to make you smile. A clever use of simple embroidery stitches such as fly, seed, chain and French knots are used effectively to give each of the birds their individual characters. I very much liked the proud peacock, a pheasant with attitude and the trendy flamingo. Making felt birds is not my usual thing but I could be tempted by my favourite, the hen, whose comforting shape and embroidery really epitomises 'folk art'. -- Carol Winter * SEW Region Magazine (June 2019) * Time for a book review! And today’s book review is all about fun! Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a new book packed full of – you guessed it! – folk embroidered felt birds! And they’re delightful! If you love birds (I love birds) and you like the look of folk embroidery, and you like working with felt to make three dimensional objects, then you need to add this book to your library. It’s one of those books that just makes me happy when I flip through it. Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a project book. The projects are small, three-dimensional birds made from felt, stuffed and embroidered. The cover is the seller for me. I know, I know! Don’t judge a book by its cover and all that. But really – a flamingo AND a puffin? With those legs? And those feet? I see this book being perfect for those who like to make. The birds are perfect for whimsical ornaments and delightful gifts. What a great way to pass on a bit of cheer to a friend on a birthday – or out of the blue for no reason at all! The book features a fairly vast array of projects focusing on twenty different types of birds, which are all recognizable. From the humble robin, to the pheasant and flamingo, the parrot, the toucan, the gentle dove and the flamboyant peacock, the gangly stork, the majestic swan, the hen, the goose, the owl, the gull and goldfinch – they’re all there, waiting for you to bring them to life! Like any good project book, Folk Embroidered Felt Birds begins with a section on materials. There’s nothing too out of the ordinary here – felt (the author recommends a wool / viscose blend); embroidery floss; wire (for legs), filling, ribbon, sequins, wire tape, and other very regular stuff. From materials and tools, we move into techniques: transferring the template designs to felt, to sewing, filling, stuffing, making legs and feet, appliqué, and all the techniques necessary for creating a three dimensional bird. Every aspect of instruction is presented in very clear, step-by-step photos with text. The text is succinct quite minimal; it’s very precise and easy to follow. And of course, there’s a selection of embroidery stitch instructions with step-by-step photos as well. And then – the projects! For each project, you’ll find a list of tools and supplies required to make the bird, along with a list of the templates to use from the back of the book. The templates in the back of the book are clean line drawings of the different bird parts, that you trace and cut out for patterns. Along with the materials and templates lists, you’ll find a page of instructions that take you through constructing the bird, referring to the techniques covered at the beginning of the book. The projects in the book are all darling! And the instructions are excellent and very accessible. If you enjoy making things and you like birds, folk art, and felt, this book would be right up your alley! I’m pretty sure it will put a smile on your face! See the full review here. -- Mary Corbet * Mary Corbet's Needle n Thread *Anybody who cut their sewing teeth on felt will enjoy this book; inside it are twenty folk art style birds to make up and display. If, like me you have loved working with felt since early childhood you will probably want to dive in but if you are new to it read the first section of the book before picking up a needle. This will tell you what type of felt to use (a mix of viscose and wool sold on the author’s website) and how to work with it, do several embroidery stitches, sew up the patterns and make the wire legs and feet. When you have the basics sorted you can progress to the patterns. Each one features a page-sized photograph of the bird in a suitable setting, a list of materials, tools and templates and written instructions. These usually come with a simple diagram or two, but unless you are a total beginner you won’t have problems making them up. The first section lays it all out very clearly with staged photographs, including some excellent ones for the embroidery stitches which are so good I wish there was a whole book of them! I think the family pet could learn how to embroider with these…the birds themselves are mostly those familiar to UK residents including robin, blue tit, heron, swan, peacock, hen, goose, herring gull and owl. A few exotics are included such as a flamingo, toucan and parrot, and many are suitable for certain occasions such as Christmas (robin and dove) Easter (hen and goose) and new baby (stork). At the front is a handy double page spread showing all the birds for easy choice, and at the back are all the templates life size. No sewing machine is required for these projects, and all are ideal quick makes for somebody who knows a few basics but is not confident enough for larger projects including older children (be careful with that wire though). Anybody in more need of something easier can go to the author’s website and buy kits of some of these birds as well as lots of other creatures and Christmas decorations. Bundles of wool/viscose felt and kits are available from www.corinnelapierre.com -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *Tweet, Tweet You're guranteed to love Corinne Lapierre's latest book, Folk Embroidered Felt Birds! This read contains 20 flighty friends which you can whip up an afternoon, including swans, hens, flamingos, peacocks and many more. This book also has hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations and traceable templates to make embroidering these pretty birdies fuss-free. * Sew *Corinne Lapierre's easy-to-stitch folk birds include templates for a swan, a hen, a goose, a partridge, an owl, a dove, a peacock and a flamingo among others, making this book ideal for beginners or youngsters. * The Textile Art Magazine - Embroidery *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & tools 8 Techniques 10 Embroidery stitches 17 Projects 24 Robin 26 Blue Tit 30 Goldfinch 34 Chaffinch 36 Swan 38 Hen 42 Pigeon 46 Goose 48 Flamingo 50 Peacock 54 Owl 58 Pheasant 60 Thrush 64 Dove 66 Stork 68 Parrot 72 Heron 76 Toucan 78 Puffin 80 Seagull 84 Templates 88

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Book SynopsisThis book is your complete introduction to the art of hand printing. You will be guided through a plethora of techniques that include relief-, screen- and mono- printing - all using tools and materials that are easy to source and use at home in your kitchen, bathroom or garden. A printing press is not required for any of the projects. Vanessa Mooncie's beautiful original designs will enable you to make your own printed greetings cards, crockery, cushions, silk scarves, jewellery, bag, even wallpaper, plus many more inspirational projects for fashion and home. With easy-to-use templates and beautiful step-by-step illustrations you can create that special, individual gift with handmade charm.

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Book SynopsisThe first book on how to create handwoven passementerie (ornamental fringe, tassels, braid, piping, and more) using widely available materials

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Book SynopsisCount down to Christmas with Debbie Shore. Sew unique, personalised advent calendars for your loved ones, and fill them with their favourite festive treats and handpicked goodies that they’ll really treasure. There are 20 designs included, from traditional flat-pocket calendars to hanging cones and festive pouches, for both adults and children alike, along with a treat-filled calendar for the family dog! The book contains all the techniques needed to make the calendars, and every project is shown clearly step-by-step, with helpful tips and advice throughout. Using Debbie’s friendly and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s time to get crafty and create a new festive family tradition!Trade ReviewNovember 2017 The build-up to Christmas is arguably bigger than the day itself, and this guide book will ensure that you're properly prepared, with 20 designs to suit every family member -even the dog! As always with Debbie, her tehcniques are thoughtfully explained and packed with handy tips. * Sew magazine * I was sent a copy of this book by Search Press Arts and Crafts in return for an honest review. Well what can I say, I love Debbie Shore and already have some of her lovely books. I am also addicted to making her tote bags from her youtube tutorials from which I learnt applique which will be helpful for projects in this book. Her instructions are always clear. This book is packed with projects to either follow exactly or you could adapt to make your own original piece. Yes, these calendars are definitely on my to do list, after I return from holiday! -- Shelagh Bird * Customer Review *I love this book! -- Pat Darlington * Customer Review *This is a must buy book! I love an advent calendar that comes with little gifts... there are many designs and lots of ideas such as what different numbers to buy. I like how you can customise the advent calendars however you wish. I love the idea of making a sausage dog version for dog treats for our pooch! The book has photographs and clear instructions including sewing essentials. This is the perfect way to do sewing in the run up to Christmas on cold autumn days. Off to buy fabric and haberdashery now! -- Penny Challinor * Customer Review *I have a few Debbie Shore books, but this one is going to be a favourite. Beautifully photographed and easy to understand instructions. Looking forward to christmas makes.. -- Vicki Chaput West * Customer Review *In her latest book, Shore (Half Yard Home) turns her attention to advent calendars in styles ranging from whimsical and kid-friendly to country-craft cute. Most of the calendars serve as a 24-day Christmas countdown, and there are options with pockets or pouches that can accommodate a small daily treat as well as those in which the countdown itself is the focus. The items are machine sewn with occasional hand-sewn embellishments such as embroidery or buttons. Shore’s instructions are clear enough for beginners to complete the projects successfully. As a bonus there’s even a dachshund-shaped advent calendar for dogs, featuring a daily biscuit as a treat. VERDICT Sewists interested in creating their own custom advent calendar will savor this collection. * Libray Journal, USA *In her newest book Debbie presents twenty stunning designs for fabric advent calendars to create for all the family. Each fresh and innovative project has full step-by-step instructions and full-sized templates where necessary and can be completed with ease by all abilities. Debbie even suggests some treats to be hidden within the pockets, pouches and cones. Perfect for anyone wanting to create something unusual and unique for the festive season and which can be enjoyed year after year as a special family keepsake. Excellent value for money. * East Kent Embroiderers Guild *Instead of buying ready-made advent calendars why not make your own? There are twenty different types in this book all made from fabric and suitable for all levels of expertise, even children. I could say also suitable for the family dog as there is a delightful dachshund shaped one – you will have to use your imagination to change it for cats. If like me you are mostly familiar with the flat type with windows or the hanging type with pockets prepare to be amazed with the sheer variety of calendars in here. From a rag doll holding a chalk board to bunting, wee bags, number cubes (think perpetual calendar), a snowman, cone shaped trees and my own favorite a train you will be spoilt for choice. There are several types of bunting and the type with pockets in too, all different shapes and styles for displaying in different spaces. Basic sewing equipment and skills are required but nothing more and special techniques are limited to a couple of embroidery stitches and making (and attaching) bias binding. There is a list of ideas for the treats to insert, and some ideas for different numbering options plus a page showing small thumbnails of the calendars for easy selection. Each project features a large photo of the item in situ plus a list of what you need, finished size and several steps with photographs. The mitten bunting is a simple project that children can make by hand; a nice touch and many of the other calendars have simple parts that younger family members (or beginner stitchers) can make easily. An imaginative book that a wide range of abilities can get a lot of fun out of. * Myshelf.com *It's countdown to Xmas with another fab book from Debbie Shore. Who does not love an advent calendar, that countdown that comes with little gifts? Debbie has created 20 designs, so you can make many people happy this Xmas. Includes sewing essentials and know-how - this is Debbies' rundown on what you need to know to make the projects; suggestions for adding treats, counting down - different numbers to buy and templates. Debbie has been inventive with her designs, using for example triangle pockets, quilted cones, cottage pockets, felt pyramids, pleats, chalk board, cubes, bunting, a train, tree, mittens and even a sausage dog. Discover many ways to deliver a countdown to Xmas with photographs and clear instructions. Never has Xmas been so much fun. * Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Sew Advent Calendars by Debbie Shore includes 20 fun advent calendars for you to create. They range from weekly countdowns to daily countdowns and there is even a countdown for your dog. There are more traditional looking calendars, and some very original calendars. There is something for everyone here! Debbie starts off with an informative introduction, and then moves onto Sewing Essentials. She describes a bit about each essential so you are sure to know what you need. Next is a bit on Sewing Know-How. Debbie shares the important skills you will need to successfully create the projects in this book. This section is very informative and a great addition to the book! After that there is even a page on treat suggestions and another on various ways to create your numbers for your advent calendars. Debbie has really given a lot of thought to all the information you will need to succeed. After all that great info, the book moves into the 20 lovely advent calendars. Reading through, I found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow. The patterns are very well written, giving the crafter the tools they need to create beautiful projects. I really love the variety in this book. I would recommend it to any sewer looking for great ideas to decorate for the Christmas season. (http://jessieathome.com/sew-advent-calendars/) -- Jessie Rayot * Jessie at Home *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Sewing Essentials 8 Sewing know-how 12 Adding treats 15 Counting down 16 The Calendars 18 Triangle Pockets 18 12 Days of Christmas 22 Christmas Cottages 26 25 Steps to Christmas 30 Felt Pyramids 34 Twig Pouches 36 Lace Pocket Calendar 40 Pleated Pockets 44 Calendar Girl 48 Snowman Calendar 52 Quick Cones 56 Calendar Cubes 60 Advent Bunting 62 Treat Bags 66 Four-week Calendar 70 Santa Express 74 Snowball Calendar 80 Promise Tree 84 Canine Calendar 88 Hanging Mittens 92 Templates 95 Index 96

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Book SynopsisExplore the world of Bobbin Lace with this book, which takes you through simple Torchon ground pieces to scarves, purse and bags. Bobbin lace may look complicated when you see a pillow set up with dozens of bobbins, but it will seem far less daunting when you realise that only four bobbins (two pairs) are in use at any one time, and there are only two moves – twist and cross – that you can do. While the basic lace stitches are common to all types of bobbin lace, different lacemaking traditions developed different ways of putting these stitches together. Bruges lace, for example, uses less than a dozen pairs of bobbins and a relatively coarse thread to create curved braids and flower-like motifs which are linked to form the fabric; on the other hand point ground laces, such as Chantilly or Bucks Point, are worked from one end to the other in fine silk or cotton and may need a hundred pairs or more.Trade ReviewThis is by far the best teaching guide for this craft. Bobbin Lace or Tatting, is a stunning project and can be used for making bookmarks, beautiful scarfs and cushions as well as being used for trimming. An age old craft, that is becoming more and more popular, this book has easy to follow instructions, templates and with a terrific visual format as well as written methods, it makes this an achievable skill to learn and to master. The detail and the beauty of the techniques is amazing. The finished projects are stunning and with the variety and varying sizes something small can be managed by every beginner or advanced lace-maker. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Summer 08 This book is designed for the newest recruit to bobbin lace making. It is attractively presented and gives an introduction to the tools used, instruction in basic stitches and several small items for the beginner. In addition to the basic stitches, there is instruction in preparing a pricking, tying in new threads and finishing off, and the final section includes some quite complicated projects. One criticism: the instructions are easy to follow, the photographs show threads in two shades of grey on a dark blue background. I think two brightly coloured, contrasting threads would be much easier for the beginner, who may progress to something more elegant later. This is a very practical book, and as it progresses from very simple to fairly difficult, I think it would keep one busy for some time! Sylvia Quixley, Penzance * West Country Embroiderers *Oct 07 I have always been mystified by the lacemaking process, but this book explains the methods so clearly that I feel I could possibly attempt a small sample. I was interested to find out that there are only two moves, twist and cross and only two pairs of bobbins in use at a time. Materials and techniques are well explained with good illustrations and photographs before the projects begin. The samples and finished products illustrated are quite beautiful, with a lively colour range which I would not normally associate with this ancient tradition. This book would be very useful to both beginners and more acomplished lacemakers. * Merseyside Embroiderers Guild *April 09 I'm rather impressed with a new book by Gillian Dye and Adrienne Thunder, "Beginner's Guide to Bobbin Lace"... It also has a lot of pretty and clear pictures showing stitches and closeups of projects in progress. It's a great book for learning BL on your own, although it may be a bit too basic for use with a teacher. I made sure that the local library (where I work) bought this book, about six months ago, and have been pleased to note that it has been almost continuously on issue since then! I know of one borrower who isn't able to attend classes in the city (three-quarters of an hour away) who has taught herself, mainly from this book. Last week, we had a lace workshop day in the city, where we worked on various Torchon bookmark designs. I can't remember ever having started a bookmark at a point, but my copy of the "Beginner's Guide" had just what I needed for me to be able to start to work my bookmark at home, before the workshop - clear, large, coloured photographs. I took the book to the workshop, and it was much in demand for expert lacemakers who had forgotten (because of no recent need to use the technique), a very basic process!-Erica McLeod, in NZ * Customer *May 08 A very competitively priced book of 80 pages, printed on high quality glossy paper throughout, it contains full colour photos and close-up step-by-step black and white photos of six bookmarks, along with five further designs entitled Four Seasons. These include a purse, two scarves, a bag and a pattern, which could be used either to decorate a cushion or make into a hanging. The prickings are also available in the back of the book along with details of the necessary enlargements when photocopying. The book is as it says a beginner's guide and starts with an introduction to lacemaking along with a guide to the necessary materials. The photos here are lovely – lots of bobbins, modern brightly coloured threads (no white in sight!) and beads. The bookmark collection starts with more tempting photographs, followed by the necessary preparatory work. A plait is then worked with excellent photographs of each bobbin movement; however, the completed plait (worked in cotton perlé) is far from exciting. A series of bookmarks follows, introducing a variety of stitches and techniques, also worked in cotton perlé – all with excellent instructions. The second section, however, is the most inspiring part of the book. Large-scale patterns and textured yarns are used to make or decorate usable objects – the photos really make you want a trip to the local thread shop, to try something different! A complete beginner could easily use this book to teach themselves the basics of bobbin lace; a super publication, which even more experienced lacemakers should buy – particularly if they fancy having a go at using the more exciting modern threads on offer these days. Best of all, it's written in English by English authors. Sally Wadsworth * The Lace Guild *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 The Bookmark Collection 14 Basic techniques 16 Four strand plait 18 Cloth stitch bookworm 22 Half stitch bookworm 28 Torchon ground bookmark 30 Torchon bookmark with spiders 34 Torchon bookmark with diamonds 38 Torchon bookmark with trails 42 Additional techniques 46 Four Seasons 50 Spring Purse 52 Summer Scarf 56 Summer Bag 62 Autumn Cushion 66 Winter Scarf 70 Patterns 78 Index 80

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Book SynopsisThe third title in Nichole Vogelsinger’s bestselling embroidery series. This highly illustrated paperback with flaps is the follow-up to two bestselling embroidery books by Nichole Vogelsinger. With more than 100 illustrations and 50 photographs, Boho Embroidery will re-establish the techniques discussed in the previous books and lay a foundation for four new ones: beading/embellishing, stumpwork, fabric painting, and needle felting. Each technique will have three projects, so readers can continue to deepen their embroidery skills.

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Book SynopsisEmbrace your feminine style with a collection of 15 dresses and tops to make at home. Using simple shapes and in Brogan’s signature style, this book features a collection of classic designs with a playful twist in UK sizes 6–22. Brogan’s down-to-earth approach takes the fear out of dressmaking as she gently guides you through the projects, which include a simple t-shirt dress, a shirred summer dress, a showstopper party dress and an elegant tea dress, plus variations on how to turn many of these into tops. The book includes downloadable PDF patterns, step-by-step instructions and illustrations, beautiful fashion photography to give you inspiration and Technique Tutorials covering all the core skills you need to tackle the projects in this book, from gathering to sewing on the bias. Learn how to style your garments throughout the seasons because dresses aren’t just for summer! No matter

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Book SynopsisMore than 40 beautiful knits for babies, toddlers, and children up through age tenKnitting Children's Clothing is the one-stop guide for knitting a wide variety of clothing and accessories for your children in an economical way. With a range of modern to classic attire, your children are sure to be the talk of the playground—and you’ll feel proud of your amazing knitting skills! With over forty patterns to follow, anyone can pick up a pair of knitting needles, grab a ball of yarn, and create a whole new baby or child’s wardrobe.If you are attending a baby shower, you don’t need to buy an expensive gift. Just follow the simple pattern inside and create the perfect booties or blanket. Or what if your son needs a new scarf? Why don’t you choose his favorite colors and make him one he’s sure to wear with pride? Following the step-by-step photos and instructions, you can now knit your favorite niece a beautiful dress with matching hat, or dress up your newborn grandchild with a handsome cardigan.Projects include: Ribbed yoke sweater for babies Warm baby blanket Christening gown Cardigan with crocheted flowers Bolero Knitted dress Striped beanie Mittens Woolen socks Knitting an adorable keepsake sweater or a fun pair of socks for that special child in your life is entirely doable with this inspiring book of patterns.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to creating and styling modern macramé projects in the home from top creative tastemaker and sought-after macramé artist Emily Katz.

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Book SynopsisAll the basics on how to sew in three accessible guides: a compendium of tried-and-tested sewing, patchwork and embroidery techniques shown in 1300 photographs and diagrams.

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Book Synopsis100 easy-to-make accessories, decorations and gorgeous ornaments with step-by-step craft techniques shown in 800 photographs. The incredible range of colours and versatility of beads, ribbons and silken threads make them irresistible materials for crafts, artists, jewellery makers and interior designers of all levels.

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Book SynopsisA collection of sewing projects for Christmas wreaths and garlands to make the festive period even more special. Celebrated author and pattern designer, Mandy Shaw, shares her favourite Christmas sewing projects with us and shows us how to make beautiful Christmas decorations to decorate your home at this special time of year. The projects feature Mandy''s favourite seasonal motifs including snowmen, reindeer, holly, doves and candy canes. Mandy shows us how to use her super simple techniques to make 11 different garlands, wreaths and Christmas cones. These projects make the perfect presents for friends and family or treat yourself and make your own home extra special this Christmas!Table of ContentsIntroduction Recipe 1: Christmas Wishes on the Wing Recipe 2: Gnome for Christmas Recipe 3: Family Gingerbread Recipe 4: North Pole Night Recipe 5: Ring a Ring of Snowmen Recipe 6: Bobbin’ Robin Wreath Recipe 7: String of Buttons Recipe 8: Let It Snow Garland Recipe 9: Candy Cane Garland Recipe 10: A Cone of Christmas Treats Recipe 11: Christmas Mayhem Making the Projects The Stitch and Cut Technique How to Make the Wreaths and Garlands How to Make the Christmas Motifs Stitch Instructions Templates Suppliers About the Author Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisWith the skills learnt in this book, readers can create elegant, custom-fit garments for either men or women that look like the best money can buy. Using simple tools and techniques any sewer can acquire, you'll discover how to duplicate and even improve on these garments.Table of ContentsThe materials of fine shirts; shirtmaker's tools; the classic shirt; making shirts fit; developing a basic pattern; collars, plackets, cuffs; pockets; variations.

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Book SynopsisKnitwear designer Melissa Morgan-Oakes revolutionized the world of sock-making with 2-at-a-Time Socks. Her ingenious approach showed delighted knitters how to simultaneously create two socks on a single circular needle. With that book, yarn enthusiasts said goodbye forever to second sock syndrome, the frustration of completing one beautiful hand-knit sock, only to remember that another must be made. Now, Morgan-Oakes turns the approach on its head or rather, its toe with TOE-UP 2-AT-A-TIME SOCKS. Knitters adore toe-up socks for both novelty and practicality. Knitters can try on the sock as they work, they never run out of yarn before the foot is complete, and they avoid needing the dreaded kitchener stitch to finish off the toe. Many swear that toe-up socks just plain feel more comfortable, too.

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Book SynopsisCreate bold block prints for a completely custom wardrobe--print fabrics, customize patterns, and sew garments that truly express your own style.This book offers:    • Clear how-to instructions for carving motifs from soft blocks, plus 13 designs to get you started    • A guide to printing on fabric and construct repeating patterns    • 13 projects and full-size patterns for garments and accessories for a complete hand-printed wardrobe Infuse your everyday style with more color, more pattern, and more personality. Printmaker and textile designer Jen Hewett presents her distinctive process for block-printing yards of fabric with garment sewing in mind. Explore the process of designing and printing fabric through step-by-step instruction on carving blocks and printing pattern repeats. Hewett makes creating custom, hand-printed fabric approachable and doable. Inspired by her California home, Hewett''s designs reference the plants and landscape around her through botanical motifs, organic shapes, and a bold graphic quality. Paired with a playful use of color, the pattern designs here offer the perfect place to start with block-printing. Once you''ve printed your fabric, it''s time to sew. With sewing patterns for simple garments and accessories, you''ll discover the play between fabric and finished project and work toward building a highly customizable wardrobe. With step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and full-size sewing patterns this is a complete guide to sewing clothes that truly reflect your style and personality.

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Book SynopsisStep-by-step instructions and symbol charts put these 139 creative new border designs within reach for beginning and advanced crocheters alike. If you’re ready to chart your own crocheted course, Edie Eckman offers plenty of helpful design advice, including how to choose an appropriate border for each project and how to incorporate an element from the main stitch pattern into a new border design. She then explains, with the help of close-up photos, how the same pattern can have dramatically different results depending on the weight of the yarn. With each pattern diagrammed to approach in both rounds and rows, Every Which Way Crochet Borders is an inventive and invaluable resource.

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Book SynopsisPut aside those preconceptions of dusty, medieval tapestries hanging on castle walls! Tapestry weaving has a whole new look, and fiber enthusiasts of all levels are eager to try their hand at creating images with yarn. Rebecca Mezoff, a renowned teacher of contemporary tapestry weaving, shares her techniques in this in-depth guide to every aspect of the process, from developing a color palette to selecting yarn, warping the loom, and weaving the image. Crafters can choose from inexpensive tabletop and hand-held looms to larger floor looms. Detailed step-by-step photos and inspiring examples from a range of weaver-artists make this a one-stop resource for tapestry weaving how-to.

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