Needlework, textile and fabric crafts Books

Book SynopsisThis exciting new Japanese stitch dictionary is from popular designer Yoko Hatta—the founder and driving force behind the Kazekobo Studio. Though this is her first book in English, her work already has an extensive following in Western countries—more than 1,000 of her designs can be seen on Ravelry.com.Hatta is one of several Japanese knitters whose patterns and designs have sparked an explosion of interest in Japanese knitting techniques and aesthetics around the world. Her work in knitwear design spans more than thirty years, and knitters love her modern-yet-timeless, fun-yet-classy styles.This book presents her 200 favorite Kazekobo stitch patterns—a delightful selection of multipurpose knit-and-purl, lace, cable, Aran and rib & twist stitches in solids and motifs. Sample projects give knitters a chance to practice Hatta's techniques. These include: Mini mufflers using knit-and-purl stitches A cozy scallop-edged scarf using lace stitches A beautifully textured pair of mittens using cable and Aran stitches A stylish and sturdy pair of two-tone socks using rib and twist stitches Experienced knitters will find a wealth of unique patterns just waiting to be brought to life. A guide to the basic symbols shows how to knit the stitches, step-by-step.Originally published in Japanese by Nihon Vogue, whose books have brought the designs of artists such as Hitomi Shida, Keiko Okamoto and others to knitters around the world, this book will be a much-anticipated addition to every knitter's library.Trade Review"Not for the faint of heart (or hand), this knitting guide from yarn virtuoso Hatta will appeal to those already expert in the craft. The superbly designed and photographed book represents Japanese knitting at its finest…This is a perfect stitch dictionary for any knitter embarking on charted territory for the third or fourth time." -- Publishers Weekly"…the best, most workable, most wearable, most usable knitting stitch patterns…an extremely valuable compilation of recommendations from a knit designer who is incredibly good at what she does…I think of this book as being a rare and precious treasure--especially considering that the team at Tuttle Publishing has helped us all to transcend the language barrier to give us this priceless gift." -- KnittingandCrochet.net"If you are searching for unique cultural inspiration, this exquisite book delivers an excellent range of knitting projects…This detailed work includes a conversion table at the back and also a quick guide on how to read the Japanese charts, which differ from Western ones. A book you're sure to love!"--Simply Knitting magazine

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Book SynopsisCreate twenty unique and whimsical Christmas cross-stitch designs with this latest addition to the Twenty to Make series. Emulate Michael Powell’s distinctive cross-stitch style to make Christmas cards or samplers as special gifts for friends and family. Designs range from festive candle arrangements to vintage winter street scenes, and each design is accompanied by an easy-to-follow stitching guide.Trade ReviewThis is one of the best of 20 to Stitch Books by Search Press. Unique designs by Michael Powell with his attention to detail. The charts are clear and in colour, easy to follow and suitable stitcher. Excellent value and if you know someone who stitches a fantastic Stocking filler. -- Muriel Campbell, Board Chair * Embroiderers Guild *Popular artist Michael presents twenty contemporary designs on a Christmas or winter theme. The delightful images are suitable for cards and decorations or other small items such as book marks and scissor-keepers, which would make lovely gifts. The designs, worked from easy-to-follow full-colour charts, are ideal for beginners, but also include suggestions for those with some sewing experience to expand the techniques. Good value for money. * East Kent Embroiderers Guild *Issue 102 - September 2017 The latest in the hugely popular series, this book is unlike any cross-stitching guide we have seen before. With 20 unusual and charming designs, it will bring your festive decor right up to date. You're sure to enjoy the process as much as the results, thanks to the detailed yet easy-to-follow stitch guides and straightforward instructions. * Sew *Create 20 unique cross stitch desgns to make cards or samplers as special gifts for friends and family. The designs range from festive candle arrangements to vintage winter street scenes and each design has an easy-to-follow stitching guide. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Table of ContentsIntroduction 4 Stitching instructions 6 Hanging Baubles 8 Festive Townhouse 10 Christmas Candle 12 Catch a Falling Star 14 Sparkling Snowflake 16 The Christmas Star 18 O Christmas Tree! 20 Season’s Greetings 22 Dancing Trees 24 Candle Cluster 26 Wintry Chapel 28 Christmas Bell 30 Christmas Cake 32 Coloured Light Border 34 Heart Decoration 36 A Stack of Gifts 38 Starlit Stable 40 Snow-topped Tree 42 Little Christmas Tree 44 Vase of Stars 46

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Book SynopsisA beautiful collection of brand new Tilda projects, featuring seasonal designs in Tone Finnanger's quirky style. Each chapter is themed on a classic children's story, such as Pinocchio, Bambi, The Nutcracker and The Princess and the Pea. Projects include new doll designs (ballerinas, princesses, soldiers and various animals), as well as gifts and decorations using the latest range of Tilda fabrics and products.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Materials; Techniques; Swan Lake (Ballerina, Vintage Roses, Ballerina Stocking, Mini Boards); The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Little Ballerina, One-Legged Tin Soldier, Decoration Ideas); Teaspoon Lady (Teaspoon Ladies, Teapot, Homemade Pie; Kitchen Ideas); The Nutcracker (Nutcrackers, Letters); Pinocchio (Pinocchio Doll, Long Stockings); Bambi (Bambi, Mushrooms, Mini Animals, Theatre, Decoration Ideas, Princesses); The Princess and the Pea (Nightdress Princesses, Play Carpet, Make-Up Purses, Little Hearts); The Fox's Widow (Foxes, Angel Hens, Decoration Ideas); Templates.

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

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Book SynopsisSewing By Heart is a heartfelt sewing book from the creator of Tilda, Tone Finnanger. In this glorious celebration of her love of fabric, you''ll find over 20 sewing, patchwork, appliqué and quilting projects that will bring colour and beauty to your home. Projects include stunning quilts, pretty pillows, sophisticated soft toys, and beautiful accessories such as pincushions, pumpkins, flowers, stockings and more all designed with characteristic Tilda charm.Featuring gorgeous photography, in-depth instructions and full-size templates, you''ll soon be sewing by heart.Table of ContentsIntroduction Bumblebee Quilt Bumblebee Pillows Bee Appliqué Pillow Beehive Pincushions Busy Bees Flower Quilt Flower Pillows Fabric Flowers Circus Quilt Tree Pillow Appliqué Elephant Cabbage Rose Quilt Patchwork Squirrel Patchwork Rabbit Birds and Sunflowers Quilt Birds and Sunflowers Pillows Patch Fox Pumpkin Harvest Quilt Harvest Pillow Patchwork Pumpkins Cottage Quilt Cottage Pillows Patchwork Santa Patchwork Stocking Materials General Techniques Patterns Suppliers Index

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

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Book SynopsisThis is a new title on the intricate skill of tatting; one of the oldest forms of lace making still in use today. This practical and informative book showcases the use of this accessible and thriving craft, ideal for creating fantastic necklaces, bracelets, pendants and earrings. Lyn Morton's wide-ranging collection of charming and innovative patterns will inspire tatters of all levels, from the relative beginner to the experienced and dedicated tatter seeking to create their own unique accessories.

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Book SynopsisEmbrace the freedom and creativity of improv quilting with award-winning quilter Laura Loewen (@QuiltFortCo). ?The asymmetrical designs offer a refreshing departure from standard quilting fare... This is sure to get quilters? creative juices flowing?.Publishers WeeklyAre you ready to embark on an exciting quilting adventure?Discover the joy of ruler-free cutting, explore the world of color play, and dive into fun, fearless creative piecing using Laura''s expert guidance.This book is a must-read for confident beginner quilters eager to discover new skills and looking for a vibrant, playful quilting experience, but any level of quilter can use this book to begin their improv journey. Laura showcases her own working methods - from sketches and fabric play to painterly color movement - covering all the necessary techniques in detail, and helping you to create a solid base of color knowledge before you launch into combining color play with improv shapes.Inside you''ll find: 10 stunning colorful step-by-step quilt projects thatbuild your skills as you work through the book Techniques throughout, from building harmonious color schemes and value sorting to going ruler free and working with curves Stunning photographs and easy-to-follow illustrations, as well as key guidance on quilting essentials including basting, quilting and binding Confidence-building prompts for your own improv quilts Coloring sheets so that you can work out your colour schemes on paper before committing to fabric This book is your ticket to fearless, fun, and utterly unique improv quilting. Discover inspirational finished pieces,prompts to begin your own individual improv projects and new ways to design quilts through the mouthwateringly colorful projects inside.Laura has exhibited quilts at QuiltCon (#quiltcon) in 2019 and 2020, and in 2020 her More Is More quilt won 1st Place in the Appliqué category.

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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 SynopsisThe Medieval Tailor's Assistant is the standard work for both amateurs and professionals wishing to re-create the clothing of Medieval England for historical interpretation or drama. This new edition extends its range with details of fitting different figures and many more patterns for main garments and accessories from 1100 to 1480. It includes simple instructions for plain garments, as well as more complex patterns and adaptations for experienced sewers. Advice on planning outfits and materials to use is given along with a range of projects and alternative designs, from undergarments to outer wear. Early and later tailoring methods are also covered within the period. There are clear line drawings, pattern diagrams and layouts and over eighty full-colour photographs that show the garments as working outfits.

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Book SynopsisWith 35 projects that you’ll love to make and a helpful techniques section, this book will teach you all about sewing machines. Start out with Clothes and Accessories, where you can make a felt collar and cosy scarf, as well as a pretty skirt. Then try one of the Bags and Cases, such as a cute bobble-trim coin purse, an MP3 player case and even a sleepover bag. Transform your room with Things for Your Room – the wall tidy looks great and gives you somewhere to store all your bits and pieces, and you can brighten up your bedding with a patchwork quilt. Finally, why not have a go at the Toys and Games? Make a rag doll, and then clothes for it, too, to get a feel for dressmaking, or create a fabric games board for playing draughts and chess. Every project has step-by-step artworks to guide you, plus a skill level so you can start with easy items and move on to more challenging things as you get better at using your machine.

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Book SynopsisLine is an essential component of textile art. When used effectively, it can convey texture, tone, form, movement and mood. Drawn to Stitch is a practical guide to the uses of line in embroidery and textile art, presented as a structured series of exercises designed to help the reader explore line’s potential and develop their own creativity. It covers line and mark-making tools, materials and processes – including printing and mixed-media techniques – and then moves into stitch, explaining how to interpret different line qualities from crisp and sharp to soft and diffused, from raised and overlaid to recessed and inlaid. Full of inspiring ideas, the book is illustrated with stunning examples of stitched-textile work.

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Book SynopsisMaster the popular art of Japanese Amigurumi and take your skills to the next level with this enchanting illustrated guide for creating pandas, rabbits, penguins, and other animals from the author of Ami Ami Dogs, Ami Ami Dogs 2, and Ami Ami Kittens.The Japanese art of Amigurumi—which translates to knitted stuff toy—is a crocheting technique that creates adorable stuffed animals with large heads and small bodies. In her previous books, Mitsuki Hoshi taught crocheters how to make cute Amigurumi dogs and cats. Now, she shows them how to knit a range of popular animals, including a chick, chicken, parakeet, penguin, panda, frog, pig, rabbit, mouse, and bear.Super Easy Amigurumi begins with basic crochet techniques to create four animals, each increasing in complexity: the chick, chicken, parakeet and penguin. Clear and easy photos demonstrating the fundamental crochet skills accompany and guide you through the instructional crochet charts. Starting off with basic crochet techniques for beginners and developing into more challenging patterns for experts, Super Easy Amigurumi is perfect for knitters of any level!

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Book SynopsisA bespoke hat, designed with a particular event in mind, is something many people long for, but often feel is price prohibitive. In this fabulous new book, couture milliners, Lomax & Skinner, show that this need not be the case. With clear and comprehensive step-by-step-instructions and photography, Sarah Lomax and Rachel Skinner show readers how to make 12 very different hats for a variety of occasions, including a wool-felt trilby, a chic pillbox, a fascinator and a feathered headband. The materials and equipment required are fully detailed, along with all the necessary techniques, enabling the reader to adapt the designs if they wish, or to create their own unique hats. Full of inspirational and instructional photography, this beautifully designed book truly showcases this wonderful craft and provides all the know-how in order to achieve high-end, couture results at home.

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

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Book SynopsisCreate one-of-a-kind outfits with this essential guide to Japanese-style fantasy fashion!Using the authors' unique Costume Matrix, you will learn how to develop new and daring designs for your anime and manga characters and cosplay creations. First, choose a look to serve as your fashion foundation. Then select an alternate style and fuse it with the first fashion theme to create an unexpected ensemble combining elements have never before been seen together!Mixing and matching basic themes and styles in this way results in one-of-a-kind mashups and hybrids, for example: School Uniforms & Military Apparel Casual Basics & Gothic Formal Wear Japanese Fashion & Folk Costumes Plant Motifs & Animal Motifs Nature Motifs & Mechanical Objects Seasonal Motifs & all of the above! Using the Costume Matrix, the fashion mashup possibilities are endless! Here are just some of the unique combos made possible by applying the Costume Matrix technique: A Folk Costume crossed with a snake motif that results in a Scheherazade vixen with veils transforming into slinky scarf-like vipers! A Gothic Lolita paired with a Rabbit for a fun and furry character with fuzzy paws for boots and a crazy carrot-top hairdo! A Sailor Girl School Uniform combined with a Female Ninja fighting outfit—with a throwing star as the perfect accessory! A mashup of Casual Basics and Plant Motifs creates a head-turning Sunflower Girl complete with a green-leaf collar and flared-petal skirt Fantasy Costumes for Manga, Anime & Cosplay presents over 55 fantasy fashion mashup examples and provides you with the key to designing your own totally original characters and styles!

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Book SynopsisBreathe Life Into Your Summer Wardrobe Transform your summertime wardrobe with fashion-forward, lightweight, handmade pieces designed for beach days, vacations, and lounging in the sun. Created by designer Janine Myska, who is known for her thorough, size-inclusive patterns and refined, chic sense of style, this collection is the perfect blend of bohemian fashion and summer staples. In addition to clear, detailed instructions, Summer Crochet is chock full of helpful resources, including comprehensive stitch charts, full sizing charts and plenty of customization tips throughout each pattern, making it easy to personalize this collection and alter each design to fit your unique body type and sense of style.Complete with lace details, open stitchwork, and classic silhouettes, Janine's patterns will help you look and feel your best all summer long. You can create the Tropical Beach Dress for a dressed-up vacation dinner, the Boardwalk Bralette for a day by the pool or the Bellflower Bucket Hat to keep the summer sun out of your eyes. Whatever you choose to create, this book provides boutique-quality pieces that will instantly become favorites in your closet. Grab your hook and crochet your way to a sun-soaked summer with each of these beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs.

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Book SynopsisLike Japanese knitting before it, Japanese-style crochet is getting ready to sweep the globe! Japanese Wonder Crochet is the first major Japanese crochet book to be translated into English. It introduces crafters outside Japan to the wonderful crochet techniques and charts that are so popular within the country. The book shows a creative approach to classic crochet stitches such as Aran, herringbone, Bavarian, waffle, crocodile, reversible crochet, and many more. In Japan, crochet work is often added to knitted garments; while you may choose to incorporate these techniques into your own knitting projects, Japanese crochet is a great pleasure in and of itself. In this book, a swatch pattern is provided for each stitch which helps crocheters practice the mechanics of the stitch before applying them to larger projects. The personal and home accessory projects included provide something for every level of time commitment from potholders and cup cosies to tote bags and blankets. More than 25 exciting projects are included: A patchwork throw; A reversible cowl; Bags in Bavarian, crocodile, Aran stitches and more; Totes in herringbone and rib stitches; A vintage bag and floral brooch in bullion stitch; A tea cosy, mittens, a shawl; And so much more!. An extensive introduction by Japanese knitting and crochet expert Gayle Roehm explains the stitch charts as well as the differences and similarities between Japanese and Western styles of crochet. A guide to stitch symbols and extensive lessons provide visual guidance. With Japanese Wonder Crochet and a little practice, crocheters and Japanese-style knitters can open up many new horizons using the wonderful patterns that so many Westerners have already fallen in love with.Trade Review"…Translator Roehm (Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible, 2017), an American fluent in Japanese who lived in Japan for many years, includes tutorials for 15 different crochet stitches, each of which is used to create one to three of the 35 projects in the book. The tutorials are clearly illustrated with color photographs accompanied by step-by-step instruction…Readers wishing to use the tutorials will not be disappointed…" -- Booklist"A unique and profusely illustrated step-by-step instructional guide and manual, Japanese Wonder Crochet is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library needlecrafting collections." -- Midwest Book Review"For those of us who have collected Japanese pattern books, the publication of this book in the English language is cause for celebration…What is particularly inspiring is the range of suggested projects for each of the stitches…A must for anyone looking to improve their skills bank." -- Inside Crochet magazine

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

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Book SynopsisLearn to make fairies and angels for any occasion and discover the joy of crafting with magic wool. Magic wool is warm, vibrant and perfect for making beautiful, magical fairies for seasonal nature tables, birthday celebrations, Christmas decorations and much more. This book includes step-by-step instructions, colour photographs and clear diagrams for more than 20 beautiful fairies. The projects range from simple yet effective ideas to more elaborate designs for experienced crafters!Trade Review'A wonderful introduction to the exciting world of needle felting. Magic wool fairies is suitable for beginners but also a worthy companion to inspire those more skilled, with its three levels of difficulty.The layout is easy to follow, with simple clear instructions and pictures for reference. There's a wonderful array of inspirational ideas to decorate countless seasonal fairies and angels.This timeless book is often at my side, to be dipped into for reference. A book guaranteed to start you on a new magic wool fairy addiction!'-- Tamsyn Ross, full-time crafter'[An] enjoyable read and a useful practical guide for making magic wool fairies and angels. This book offers you [the chance] to explore the wonderful qualities of wool and enjoy the tactile therapeutic experience of working with wool fibres. Christine Schafer's passion for fairies, inspiring images and links to folklore make this book particularly attractive for Art and Craft Lovers. I highly recommend this book.'-- Raya Brown, Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio'The contents of the book are colourful, attractive, easy to read and follow instructions. The fairies are fun to make and the end product is gorgeous.'-- Tiphereth Camphill'In the fingers of Christine Schäfer, magic wool becomes the substance for creating a series of decorative angels... Great easy-to-fashion holiday gifts.' -- Booklist OnlineTable of ContentsGet Prepared A few words about fairies Introduction to magic wool Working with a felting needle Three preliminary exercises Making a simple fairy Proportions and sizes Making an all-in-one fairy Making a two-part fairy Decoration and finishing details Flower Fairies Apple-blossom fairy Lavender fairy Daisy fairy Daffodil fairy Orchid fairy Rose fairy Poinsettia fairy Seasonal Fairies Spring fairy with cornucopia Autumn fairy with torch Christmas fairy Christmas angel Small Christmas angel Winter fairy Fairies for Children Cradle fairy Fairy godmother Birthday fairy Rainbow fairy Rainbow fairy mobile Tooth fairy More Ideas Fairy inspiration Final words Beware of the cat! Further reading Resources

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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 Tilda Characters Collection:Create 30 lovable sewn Tilda characters with this charming collection of four beautiful hardback sewing books.Includes four titles presented in a stylish slipcase Birds, Bunnies, Angels and Tilda Dolls perfect for both dedicated fans and crafters new to the Tilda series. Gorgeous colour photographs and delightful step-by-step illustrations accompany each sewing pattern, along with easy-to-follow instructions for an array of sewing techniques, from appliqué to free embroidery.Tilda Birds beautiful bird toys and decorations, including doves, hens and ducks.Tilda Bunnies an assortment of cuddly bunnies, as well as applique projects an cute Easter gifts.Tilda Angels friendly angels for every room, including garden helpers, party girls and bedtime friends.Tilda Dolls dolls of all shapes and sizes, including pixies, babushkas and snowmen.Table of Contents• The Tilda brand is strong worldwide, with fans always seeking the next offering • Presented in a stylish slipcase that makes a great gift purchase at a great price • Focuses on the most popular Tilda projects - the characters - and uses co-ordinating fabrics and accessories that are readily available to crafters

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Book Synopsis

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

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Book SynopsisSimply everything you need to know to master the delicate art of crocheting.Even if you''ve never held a crochet hook before, this practise book will help you pick up basic crochet stitches. Soon enough, you''ll be ready to show off your skills with crochet hats, crochet baby clothes or traditional crochet afghan blankets.Learn how to crochet at your own pace, in your own time and comfort of your home with this beginner''s guide to crocheting. It includes:- Unique, easy to follow 3-stage course structure - Start Simple; Build On It; Take It Further - that encourage you to make continual progress- Practical projects that explore key techniques, illustrated with step-by-step photos that show exactly how to succeed- Approachable, incisive text and annotations offer expert advice if things go wrongPacked with practical instructions and action photos, A Little Course in Crochet starts by teaching you simple crochet techniques aTable of Contents 1: Start Simple 1: Make a Slip Knot 2: Hold the Yarn and Hook 3: Make Chain Stitches 4: Work Double Crochet 5: Join in New Yarns and Colours 6: Work Half Treble Crochet 7: Work Double Treble Crochet 8: Work Triple Treble Crochet 9: Identify Parts of Stitches 10: Work Simple Variations and Textures 11: Work into Chain Spaces 12: Washcloth 13: Phone Cover 14: Cafetiere Cosy 15: Towel Edging 16: Friendship Bracelets 2: Build On It 1: Crochet Flat Circles 2: Make Granny Squares 3: Join Colours in Granny Squares 4: Work Double Crochet Increases 5: Work Double Crochet Decreases 6: Work Treble Crochet Increases 7: Work Treble Crochet Decreases 8: Measure Tension 9: Block Crochet Pieces 10: Crochet Tubes 11: Combine Stitches 12: Read Stitch Symbol Diagrams 13: Basic Stitch Patterns 14: Set of Coasters 15: Round Cushion 16: Baby’s Blanket 17: Toy Balls 18: Chevron Cushion 19: Baby’s Hat 20: Project Basket 21: Bookmark 22: Clutch Bag 3: Take It Further 1: Work Around the Post 2: Crochet Openwork 3: Crochet Colour Patterns 4: Crochet Motifs 5: Crochet Edgings 6: Work Step Decreases 7: Work Step Increases 8: Filet Stitch Patterns 9: Openwork Stitch Patterns 10: Colourwork Stitch Patterns 11: Motif Patterns 12: Simple Edging Patterns 13: Ribbed Scarf 14: String Bag 15: Lacy Scarf 16: Tote Bag 17: Patchwork Blanket 18: Baby’s Cardigan 19: Teddy Bear 20: Baby’s Shoes 4: Index 5: Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisDelve into the world of traditional Japanese art with these handy stencils that will give you the confidence to start each sashiko project with accuracy and ease. Includes nine embroidery designs and three durable plastic stencils.

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Book SynopsisKeep it simple and do it well. The Merchant & Mills Sewing Book contains fifteen step-by-step projects aimed at guiding you gently but firmly through the basics of sewing. Each project you make from this book will be stylish, but above all, useful. Part I of the book presents a fundamental overview on the art of sewing, the tools and materials you will need and homegrown tips on essential good practice. In Part II, seasoned dressmaker Carolyn Denham leads you step by step through fifteen achievable projects, each building on the skills gained as you progress through the book. First, equip your sewing room with practical items you never knew you needed, such as a Tailor’s Ham, Sleeve Roll and an Ironing Board Cover (essential items for good pressing practice), a Hussif (the ever ready portable sewing kit) and a Maker’s Apron (utilitarian chic for good workers). Then go on to use your new sewing skills to make cushions, throws and bags before progressing on to garments with the Tailored Shawl and Fisherman’s Top, using the paper patterns provided in the back of the book. Make them all and you will be a very capable dressmaker with a raft of functional, beautiful, handmade goods.

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Book SynopsisOffers ideas for things to make and use, such as jar labels, pillows and a stationary set. This title leads the readers through a crash-course on printing with techniques, materials and surfaces.Trade Review"Print Workshop radically transcends conventional printmaking guides. Schmidt's witty, conversational approach illuminates one graphic project after the next, from pinprick stationery to royal wax seals and jar decals." -Chantal Lamers, San Francisco Chronicle"[Print Workshop] celebrates the imperfect, the humanness of printing and the beauty in that. Geared for the home printer, the materials and tools are simple and easy to find at a local craft store. The book is a great way to dive into hand printing, an amazing starting point for customizing household items and a really nice guide for bringing more life into your every day. The aesthetic of the projects is incredibly current and inspiring and still approachable enough to feel comfortable attacking them on your own." -Laure Joliet, Apartment Therapy"I’ve always loved the voice and style that Christine [Schmidt] has brought to the printing community. Her style is unique and fresh and I’m so excited to see that celebrated and translated into book form. Her book will teach you how to roll up your sleeves and create fantastic home, fashion and accessory-based projects. I love that the book keeps budget in mind and will give you a wide range of ideas that won’t drain your wallet. Whether you’re looking to create a custom t-shirt, deck of cards (my favorite) or dartboard, Christine has you covered (including all the basics tools and terminology you’ll need for printing)." -Grace Bonney, Design Sponge"A thoroughly engaging entry into the world of personalization through print." -Dwell Magazine"Artists who love what they do are infectious: They motivate the rest of us to give creativity a shot. Just talk with Christine Schmidt, who fairly gushes about her printmaking efforts, both in a phone interview and in the pages of "Print Workshop: Hand-printing Techniques & Truly Original Projects". -Associated Press"While the range of projects is impressive, the real beauty of the book is its comprehensive nature. Each section begins with a description of the specific tools necessary for each topic, followed by straightforward directions on execution. Schmidt offers an immense amount of details for all the different categories, and the utility of having a single-source of tried-and-true design at your fingertips is invaluable. Schmidt's language is casually encouraging, and in true DIY spirit every paragraph makes you feel more confident in your ability to complete the task at hand. While the book won't tell you how to rubber stamp the Mona Lisa, it's an excellent launching pad for imaginative minds." -Cool Hunting

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Book SynopsisLearn to sew cute rag dolls and their gorgeous clothes to make the perfect present for little girls. Includes one basic doll sewing pattern which can be altered to change hair and eye colour and hair styles. Choose from a range of different themed outfits and accessories, including a ballerina doll, a bedtime doll and afairydoll, each with their own charmingoutfit todelight children and adults alike.The step by step instructions, which areare suitable for intermediate to experienced sewists,enable you to create a fabulous wardrobe of clothes and accessories for each doll.Includes full-sized templates for the doll, clothes and accessories.Table of ContentsMaking the Doll 07 Blonde Doll 09 Brunette Doll 10 Red-Head Doll 11 Auburn, Dark Blonde and Ginger Doll 12 Raven-haired Doll 13 Doll Pattern templates 16 Doll in Dungarees 21 Floral Doll 27 Doll in Red 33 Doll in Pink 41 Bride Doll 49 Doll with Stars 57 Doll with Strawberries 65 Bedtime Doll 71 Doll in Blue 79 Ballerina Doll 87 Doll in Raincoat 95 Fairy Doll 103 Off on Holiday 110 Clothing Directory 114 Templates 116 Index/Suppliers 143 Acknowledgements/Copyright 144

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Book SynopsisThe seminal guide to figure drawing for fashion design in a completely revised, updated and expanded two-volume edition. Fashion drawing is the most important way to visualise ideas and concepts in costume and fashion design. This new and expanded two-volume edition of the already classic title Figure Drawing for Fashion Design - revised, updated and expanded - is a precise, topic-by-topic manual that will help readers acquire and perfect their skills drawing fashion designs on the female form. Mastering the rules of figure drawing as well as stylistic techniques that add individuality and flair to the design is an essential skill for all designers and illustrators to master in order to bring one's vision to the page, and eventually mannequin. In its approach, this book is ideal both for those designers and students who want to apply themselves professionally to fashion design, and for all enthusiasts of drawing the female body in a fashion context. AUTHORS: As a consultant, illustrator and stylist for renowned fashion companies, Elisabetta Kuky Drudi has planned and organised international fashion collections and shows. She has collaborated as an illustrator, fashion and textile designer with firms such as Baldessarini, Fuzzi, Hugo Boss & Hugo Boss Sport, Jean Paul Gaultier (Femme, Homme and Soleil) and Joop. Currently she designs for various international fashion houses and collaborates as a technical knit designer with Emilio Pucci, Mary Katrantzou and MSGM. Tiziana Paci lives and works in Pesaro, Italy, teaching fashion design and painting. In her thirty years of experience, she has invented original methods for design in general and for the improvement of drawing and painting techniques for fashion sketches and figures. All this material has been organised into a number of manuals which combine both educational and artistic aspects. Thanks to their innovative nature, effectiveness and wealth of images, the texts have been translated into many languages and used in schools in Italy and abroad. She is the author of Colour in Fashion Illustration. SELLING POINTS: . This new edition will continue to be the must-have reference publication for all fashion designers and illustrators, and anyone interested in figure drawing . The breadth of information and attention to detail make this title ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys fashion design . No other book is so comprehensive and devoted specifically to fashion illustration 1500 colour and b/w illustrations

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Book SynopsisStitched Textiles: Nature is the fourth title in this successful theme-based series. It contains an extensive section on techniques, featuring step-by-step guides to machine- and hand-stitching, attaching embellishments and found objects to your work; painting and printing on fabrics including cotton, silk and Khadi paper; and using objects found in nature, such as leaves, to make unique and iconic prints. The book includes three beautiful, inspirational projects based on different facets of the natural world: Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. Stitched Textiles: Nature also features examples of the author, Stephanie Redfern's own intricate and detailed works based on nature, exploring the means by which the pieces have been created, and the wonderful stories behind Stephanie's journey as an artist. The wealth of information and visual stimuli in Stitched Textiles: Nature is intended to inspire the reader to create their own works inspired by nature. Stephanie begins by exploring the use of sketchbooks and study pages; progressing to picking out iconic elements from sketches and photographs; and eventually assembling a stunning, personal piece of stitched textile work on fabric or on cotton-blend Khadi paper; applying handstitch in metallic threads; machine stitch in whimsical and beautiful patterns; embellishing with natural beads or found objects.Trade Review'Stephanie’s work is notable for her use of paper, painted and marked, fabric, stitch and poetry that can be found in her wall hung pieces and art books. These meet to create uniquely beautiful, complex surfaces with a minimalist aesthetic. The book captures the essence of her approach to mixed-media through an exploration of her art practice and process.' 'Steph has a unique way of presenting her work and the way she cuts her collage elements make flowers, leaves and trees pop out of the page. My favourite element of design in the book is the sun featured in Light and Shade II. It is a small part of a stunning piece featuring a bird based on a Lady Amherst’s pheasant that has been composed in such a beautiful way (cut, stitched and embellished), that despite not being the focal point of the piece, it catches the eye and nestles in the brain. That is what you get with so much of Steph’s work – the little details that could stand alone as piece of art but sit quietly, waiting to be discovered.' 'I love Steph’s work and am thrilled that I now have something else to pore over when I’m needing some inspiration.' Read the full review here. -- Samantha Packer * www.samanthapacker.com *The natural world has provided Stephanie Redfern with myriad inspiration throughout her practice and in this, the fourth title in this successful theme-based series, she offers a guide to creating contemporary mixed media textile artworks inspired by nature. Her style is richly detailed, with multiple layers of materials and papers embellished with a range of techniques however she breaks down the process so all can have a go. The introduction covers tools, materials and techniques - from machine and hand stitch to silk painting, printing and incorporating found objects. A helpful section follows on developing original designs and there are four projects (with templates) based on Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. Each page is packed with detailed photography and instructions for every step of the way, with multiple examples of work by Redfern and others for inspiration. There's no doubt that Stitched Textiles: Nature will inspire beginners but experienced makers will find plenty of new things here to try too. * Embroidery, The Textile Art Magazine (Sep/Oct 2018) *Another book in the Stitched Textiles series. Step-by-step techniques for textiles interpreting the natural world. Sources include the ocean, rainforest, flowers, birds and other animals. Textile techniques include hand and machine stitching, painting, printing and embellishment. There are three original projects to follow to practice the techniques. See how Stephanie uses her photos to develop design ideas, how she uses a sketchbook, creates collage and design sheets. Her sample textiles often use paper. You'll discover how she goes from idea to design. Stephanie creates some fabulous cut-out shapes of animals and birds, but for me, some of her backgrounds are far too busy and detract from the focus of her work. Her simple Rainforest 1 works much better. She also shows her artist's books and scrolls. Well worth buying. -- Karen Platt * www.karenplatt.co.uk *In the introduction to this colourful and attractive book the author states that 'there is something in nature to inspire everyone, from a forest to a single tree; from the ocean to an intimate study of a shell; the beauty of a single pebble, leaf, or a perfect butterfly.' She proceeds to offer practical advice on techniques and themes to encourage readers to embrace the variety of the natural world. The section on materials and equipment includes a wide range of items she uses in her work with numerous attractive illustrations and a realistic attitude to cost. It is reassuring to read that 'there are no rules; you can work in any way you like' rather than feel it is necessary to follow directions to the letter, particularly for less experiences stitches. The potentially scary process of designing is broken down into smaller sections and again helpfully illustrated. The science and language of colour is treated simply but accurately. Techniques mentioned include machine and hand-stitching, embellishment, colouring and printing and also trace the development of a design from sketch to stitch. The latter half of the book is devoted to a variety of nature-inspired themes; after an introduction each include a step-by-step project. These are far from prescriptive and include many suggestions for variations and the use of alternative materials. The book is extremely colourful with very attractive illustrations; the contents are accurate and down to earth with a good mix of information and ideas for stitching. it is very much a 'dip-in' book and would be especially suitable for relatively inexperienced stitchers. However even the more experienced would find it a useful collection of information and techniques. -- Hilary Jenkins * Sew Region Magazine *I am a long-time admirer of Stephanie Redfern’s beautiful work and this book – the latest in the Stitched Textiles series from Search Press – does not disappoint. The focus of Stephanie’s work is the natural world and is a source of inspiration we can all get access to, be it from the countryside, plants, the sea, birds or animals. The first half of the book takes the reader through selecting appropriate equipment and materials for making your own textile pieces, including the selection of natural embellishments for your work such as shells, feathers, pebbles etc. It then moves on to a detailed and comprehensive section about taking and using your own photographs for inspiration, making and keeping your own sketchbooks and collage techniques. Stephanie then demonstrates her use of machine and hand stitching and how she uses the embellishments found to add in to your work, various methods of fabric painting and then how to develop your design ideas into a finished work. These topics are extremely well-illustrated and comprehensive if you are new to this kind of textile work and will give you the confidence to have a go. The latter half of the book successfully talks the reader through various natural themes and how you might interpret them in your work. She covers Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. The final section looks at Collections of natural objects that you might gather and how to use these to inspire your work. There are three step-by-step projects in the different topic areas, including a lovely ‘book of birds’ to get you started and give you confidence to make your own unique pieces. All in all, a very comprehensive book that packs a lot into its 126 pages – a great resource for stitchers who love the natural world and want to interpret it in a unique way. -- Julie Briggs * thesewingdirectory.co.uk *The book covers the materials Stephanie uses in her work, which she describes as textile- and mixed-media-based, design and inspiration and process and practice. Having been drawn into her stand at the Fair by her wonderful appliqued art it has been great to read about how she goes about the process of creating a piece. I do not come from an art background and so I am always interested in how other people create especially with paints and printing. The chapter Themes contains more inspiration ideas and design advice and step by step projects. I haven't had the time to get started on one of these yet but have decided that it will be a summer project with my daughter once the summer holidays have started. In summary, I think this book has a great balance between detailed how to and more general design information which could lead you down your own path to creating truly unique textile art. I have been really inspired to seek out natural images from when we lived in New Zealand and to begin to use them in some art pieces. It may be some time before they appear so don't hold your breath! -- Abigail * Cut&Alter *Stephanie presents the latest title in this successful ‘Stitched Textile’ series, with a collection of exciting mixed media designs reflecting her knowledge and love of the natural world. She encourages the reader to be inspired by nature and to create work using combinations of fabrics and threads and papers with hand and machine stitching and embellishments. Detailed chapters covering materials, design and process are followed by three confidence-building step-by-step projects – a picture and two books. The reader is encouraged to change and develop the ideas shown to create their own unique piece of work. This is an inspiring book and perfect for anyone wanting to develop their work further. Good value for money. * East Kent Embroiderers Guild *Stephanie Redfern shows you how she takes nature as her inspiration and creates mixed media art. Learn how to incorporate many techniques and materials, create inspirational resources and interpret nature in your own unique way. This large format book also features plenty of lush good-sized photographs to inspire creativity, and three staged projects so you can put all you have learned to use. All the photographs are a good size and accompanied by explanatory text in an easy to understand, descriptive style. As this is a book on picture making rather than washable, wearable art many of the materials featured will already be owned by general crafters. They include colored pencils, acrylic paints, papers, a sewing machine, threads, fabrics and more. Discover how to look for inspiration in nature and make a record of it for reference, and choose a color scheme. There are various techniques you can try out before putting together to make your picture. These include machine and hand stitching, print making, painting and more with plenty of examples of finished work. The author looks at different themes and how to go from inspiration through planning your project to the finished work. Themes include rainforest, botany, ocean, birds and animals and the three projects are in this section, allowing you to put into practise some of the techniques and ideas explored earlier. In my opinion this book’s most appealing feature is the way the author discusses her work from initial inspiration, through how she uses different techniques and combines them to make pictures. Her style is mostly fairly abstract but even if this does not appeal it is the processes that get the creative juices flowing. They show how accessible this type of collage making is whatever your own level of expertise or chosen craft. An inspiring and enjoyable look at mixed media work. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *I’ve enjoyed almost all of the books in the Search Press ‘Stitched Textiles’ series but Stephanie Redfern’s book, ‘Nature’, is the best yet. It is, of course, a design source with which she is thoroughly at home and much of her work is based and grounded in the world of plants and animals. For this book, Stephanie focuses on materials, inspiration, design and technique and each of these sections contains good, solid advice. I like her ‘no nonsense’ approach to the gathering of information and turning it into sketchbooks and design boards. (I had thought I was the only person left who still makes design boards.) These really help when it comes to translating an initial concept into stitch. There’s a lovely section on colour theory, much of which is illustrated with stitched pieces, thus making it particularly interesting. Sections on machine stitching, hand stitching and incorporating embellishments, such as metal, driftwood, leaves, seed-heads and pebbles, are good. There are great ideas here on ways to fix the, sometimes bulky, item to your work. We then move in to colouring fabric, which includes printing with paint and digital prints. A particularly successful section is headed ‘Developing a Design’ where we see Stephanie’s work in step-by-step photos as she progresses through pattern-making, colouring, placement and stitch. We are then treated to a double-page spread showing the finished piece. A solid section headed ‘Themes’ varies from ocean to rainforest (especially loved the rainforest one), botany and birds. -- Maggie Grey * Workshop on the Web *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Equipment Design and inspiration Techniques Themes: Ocean Seahorses and Starfish: step-by-step project Rainforest Artists’ books Butterfly Scroll Book: step-by-step project Botany Birds A Book of Birds: step-by-step project Animals Templates Index

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

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Book 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 SynopsisThis colourfully illustrated guide introduces new and established crafters to the traditional skills of hooking and its close relations prodding, punching and tufting. Textile artist Lynne Stein gives advice on materials, tools and equipment, and provides step-by-step directions – accompanied by vibrant instructional photographs – for 20 projects exploring playful design and quirky creativity, including rugs, cushions, bags and personal accessories. There are also lots of helpful hints on sustainably repurposing fabrics, yarns, and other precious and useful items that might otherwise be discarded. A list of international museum collections is also included, as are examples of the work of both historical and contemporary artists and designers such as Evelyn Ackerman, Anya Paintsil, Anna Perach, Joan Moshimer, and Lady Emma Tennant. A brief history of the traditional textile craft of rag rug making and other techniques, and ideas for their inclusion in community projects all demonstrate the vast potential for experimentation, self-expression and creativity within these processes. This book has plenty to fire and inspire and will encourage you further on your creative textile journey, making both decorative and functional items.Trade ReviewLynne Stein’s book should be a boost to creative people who wonder what to do with those textiles every home accumulates. I for one loved delving into charity shops’ collections of second hand tee shirts etc to find the missing colours for some rug design I was dreaming about. This book helps you to see the unlimited variations this craft opens for the maker. * Kaffe Fassett *Imaginative, informative, instructive, and all beautifully presented. * Jovan Nicholson, independent art historian *Lynne takes the reader on a visual journey through the rich textile history of the rag rug and textile practices associated with this craft. We gain a fascinating insight into the rag rug evolved from a domestic household item through to a revered art form... A highly visual book with thematic projects from beginner through to advanced level, including rag rug methods, latch hook, needle punch and needle felting. * Angie Wyman, Course Leader – BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery, Royal School of Needlework *Table of ContentsIntroduction Rag Rugs: A Brief History Materials, Tools and Equipment Making Processes Recycle, Upcycle… The Creative Eye: Sources of Inspiration Projects - Allotment veggie markers - Christmas stocking - Circular seat pad - Embroidery hoop portrait - Floral tote bag - Flower power garland - Fried egg pot plant holder - Hair accessories - 'Home is where the hearts are' - Hooked and braided rug - 'It's a Wrap' - Lady tea cosy - Lazy daisy chain - Mizzy-mazzy runner - Oval rag runner - Spotty lovebird cushion - Stitched scribbles wall hanging - Toadstool brooch - Tooth fairy pillow - Birdie tote bag Community Projects Gallery Museum and Gallery Collections Further Reading Supplies and Resources Acknowledgements Index

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Book Synopsis Knitters’ and crocheters’ favorite yarn-maker Brooklyn Tweed partners with some of the best designers working today to offer more than 20 patterns for making the perfect blanket or afghan. What could be more delightful than cuddling up under a handmade blanket? In this book, Brooklyn Tweed founder Jared Flood presents irresistible patterns for making blankets and afghans, large and small. Each chapter presents dozens of cozy designs that range in complexity, style, and size; no matter your aesthetic or skill level, there’s a blanket here you’ll want to make. Brooklyn Tweed is one of the top knitwear design houses and yarn brands in the United States, focused on sustainability, ethical practices, and US–based production. For the book, they’ve gathered a star-studded list of contributors, including Ainur Berkimbayeva, Aistė Butkevičienė, Amy van de Laar, Boann Petersen, Emma Ducher, Hiroka

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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 SynopsisUnlike many crafts, needle felting is very forgiving to beginners, so there's no excuse not to give it a shot. No matter how much experience you have in crafts or how creative you think you are, needle felting offers endless possibilities. As if by magic, pieces of natural wool can be sculpted simply by stabbing them with special felting needles. The tiny barbs on the needles make the wool denser and denser, so that you can mould it into whatever shape you desire. This book will guide you through all the basic techniques you need to be able to make the 20 gorgeous projects. Each adorable item has a step-by-step guide with clear photographs. There are also hints and tips to help you make your beautiful needle-felted creations. Relax into it, have a go and see where it takes you.

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