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Prepare to be amazed by textile artist and pattern designer Britt-Marie Christoffersson’s fantastic work and learn how to use embroidery to give knitted garments a new lease of life. Using just 18 simple stitches such as running stitch, couching, blanket stitch and rya knots, Britt-Marie creates over 250 patterns that will inspire you to even more creativity. Embroidery on knitwork can involve knitting a new piece to be embroidered, but it can also be interesting to revamp existing clothing. Even commercially produced sweaters, hats and mittens can be embellished with a needle and yarn. If you wish to embroider knitted garments you can cover the whole item with stitches, or let a few strategically placed details work as a decoration. If there is a hole in the garment you can cover it with embroidery. Using the explanatory drawings in the book, you can renew and alter exactly as you wish. Any knitted item can be enhanced, and if you tire of the embroidery you can simply unstitch it! 260 beautiful stitched items are shown, all displaying amazingly different effects that can be achieved on knitting with just a needle and a length of wool.

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Fuse two of your passions – knitting and felting – to create gorgeous, woolly animals filled with character. In this incredibly inspirational and unique book, Catherine shows you how to knit, wet felt and needle felt 20 cute creatures that you, your friends and family will love! Whether you love lions, rave over rabbits, are awed by alpacas, crazy for koalas or head over heels for Highland cows, there is a stunning variety of animals for you to choose from and make. Only basic knitting skills are required (cast on, cast/bind off, knit, purl, increase and decrease) and the wet felting process is simpler than you think! Then, once you've stuffed and sewn them up, you'll see how easy it is to needle felt details onto your velvety friend to create a fun and realistic creature! Whatever your skill level, a friendly and comprehensive techniques chapter is included on knitting, wet felting and needle felting, all accompanied by clear, fully-illustrated step-by-step instructions – so you can dive into your designs with confidence and creativity. The tools and materials needed are basic, easy to source and cost very little, making these fuzzy critters perfect for beginner crafters, or more experienced knitters and felters looking for fresh ideas and effortless projects.

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What could be cuter than a woolly pompom creature? With Sachiyo Ishii's ridiculously loveable pocket-size creations, you have all the ingredients of a fabulous, fun book! There are 34 imaginative designs for animals, birds, sea creatures, bees and other insects accompanied by clear, step-by step instructions. With sections on materials, tools and basic techniques, you have all you need to get you started. Learn how to make the pompoms, attach them to each other and needle felt on features such as faces, ears, arms and legs - adding the features is where their characters really come to life! All the pompoms can be made from scraps of yarn in your stash and each design uses only small amounts. You can be up-to-the-minute with plastic pompom makers or keep it traditional with the cardboard ring technique. Sachiyo's delightful designs include a ladybird, a fox, a hummingbird, a hamster, a dolphin and a hedgehog. With beautiful photographs to show off these charming pompom creations, this is sure to delight young and old alike.

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This sumptuous book by accomplished embroiderer Ayako Otsuka is full of incredibly delicate and beautiful whitework embroidery of all kinds. Whitework is simply embroidery worked in white thread on white fabric, and it is renowned for its calm beauty and simplicity. An ancient form of embroidery that was popular in the Middle Ages, Ayako has brought whitework completely up to date with her gorgeous examples. The projects include such items as a sampler, a tea cosy, a teddy bear cushion, a christening gown, a ring bearer’s pillow and a table runner. Some items are more complex than others, and there is a comprehensive techniques section with detailed step-by-step instructions, clear photographs and diagrams to guide you. Featuring drawn thread work, Schwalm, Ajour and Hedebo embroidery among other techniques, there is a wealth of information here for the keen embroiderer and 30 very beautiful projects to choose from.

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A new pocket-book edition of the bestselling watercolour tip book by renowned artist Charles Evans. Discover 100 top tips for painting in watercolour that will take the mystery out of painting, covering topics from creating depth, introducing harmony, how to deal with light and shade and how to create mood and atmosphere, this book was previously published as Charlie's Top Tips for Watercolour Artists. Contained inside one slim, notebook-size book that will fit perfectly in your kit bag for easy transportation while painting on the go, it includes quick, clever tips that are easy to follow and effective.

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This beautiful, practical guide to creating and embellishing embroidered boxes is written by Heather Lewis, a tutor with the Royal School of Needlework. It contains a history of the embroidered box, from the seventeenth century to the present day, and features techniques and guidance for needleworkers wishing to apply their skills to a practical application of the craft. There are three projects to try: a small treasure chest with a curved lid, embroidered dragonfly detail and a false floor; a hexagonal box with a beautiful embroidered lid depicting afternoon tea, and an intricate stumpwork casket with a mirror in the lid and a hidden drawer. Each has a template and extensive instructions for preparation, embroidery and construction.

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Learn how to draw all kinds of farm animals using this fun and easy step-by-step method. Starting with simple shapes, Susie Hodge shows you how easy it is to develop circles, rectangles, squares and ovals into an exciting selection of animals and birds including sheep, ponies, pigs and piglets, turkeys, hens, cows and ducks. If you have never drawn before this is definitely the book for you, and there is a lot here to inspire more experienced artists too.

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Sew 12 cute and cuddly characters using this fun, colourful book. Choose from Pippa Puppy, Sally Seahorse and Patty Piglet to Miranda Mermaid and Peter Pirate - or make the whole set. Created in an adorable amigurumi style in a gorgeous range of colourful fabrics, these toys would make perfect collectibles as well as cuddly playmates. All the full-size templates are provided in the book, and the instructions are clearly illustrated and easy to follow. The projects are ideal for beginners and can be sewn by machine or by hand.

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We all love Christmas! This gorgeous little knitting book by the ever-popular Sachiyo Ishii contains irresistibly cute knitted Christmas toys for knitters of all abilities. All the projects are accompanied by a clear, easy-to-follow pattern and fun photography. There is a useful page of basic techniques at the start of the book, including making up, stuffing and simple, decorative surface stitching. These lovely mini knits range from a polar bear, angel, penguin and robin to a Christmas pudding, bauble, snowman and Santa with his sack - and many more cute and quirky Christmas ideas, all bursting with character. All the projects are beautifully made and exquisitely designed, and very easy to make. They make perfect gifts and will delight young and old alike.

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Bestselling author Sachiyo Ishii gives us mini knitted astronauts, planets, satellites, moon buggies, aliens and a whole host of astro-animals such as dogs, bunnies, elephants and giraffes. Knit your own fabulous cosmos with this delightful book! All the projects are quick and relatively simple to make, with very easy techniques to follow. There is a step-by-step section on how to sew the figures and animals together and the patterns are all suitable for competent beginners. Including full-size templates and more than 40 simple knitting patterns, this is all you need to make your very own knitted cosmos.

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Explore nature through a combination of textiles and embroidery in this new, modernised edition of Gilda Baron’s inspirational, innovative, step-by-step work. Using painted and dyed backgrounds, and hand and machine embroidery, this guide presents a wonderful variety of three dimensional landscape and flower embroideries. A number of techniques are employed when applying colour to the fabric including batik, salt discharge and brushing dye into a wet surface. Beautiful pictures are then stitched and built up over the background in easy stages. The feeling of perspective is enhanced by the clever use of scale and colour, and all the techniques are explained clearly and demonstrated in a series of stunning projects. This original book is packed with practical advice and information. Anyone interested in pattern, texture and colour will discover a wealth of inspiration when they work through the projects. These highly individual designs will encourage beginners and more experienced embroiderers to create their own embroidered flower designs.

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This fantastic new book from bestselling author Debbie Shore contains 24 projects: 12 bags and 12 matching purses. Choose from flowery patchwork totes, backpacks with faux leather detailing, clasp-top clutches, cute floral messenger bags, practical folder holders and a stylish business travel bag, all complete with a matching purse. Each purse is made in the same style and from the same fabric as its corresponding bag - mix and match the bags and purses or make yourself the pair. Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. All the instructions you need are provided in Debbie's clear, friendly style, along with inspiring, easy-to-follow photography, and any templates required are included at full size. There are also QR-coded video links, providing additional support and advice from Debbie.

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This book is the culmination of various expeditions made by well-known artist and bestselling author David Bellamy to his beloved Arctic. His descriptions of his travels, written from an artist’s point of view, vividly bring to life the challenges he faced when painting outdoors in one of the harshest environments on the planet, and make for an exhilarating and captivating read. Filled with David’s watercolour paintings and sketches, made during his various expeditions, the book provides a fascinating insight into the wildlife and people that live within the Arctic Circle and captures perfectly the majesty and breathtaking beauty of the world’s final wilderness.

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A wonderful introduction to drawing moving people, shown in very simple step-by-step stages. Susie Hodge includes a wide selection of ages and activities, from adult dancers to young footballers. Both beginners and experienced artists will learn and be inspired by these illustrations inside.

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Snow scenes are a popular subject of painters all year round. In this inspiring and accessible guide, best-selling author and popular tutor Terry Harrison shares a wealth of tips and techniques for painting snow in watercolour. Suitable for artists of all abilities, Terry shows you how to capture the beauty of snow-covered landscapes using easy techniques. The book begins with guidance on colour mixes and brushes for achieving different effects, and moves on to step-by-step demonstrations of painting snow-laden trees, frozen streams, wintry skies, falling snow, and the warm glow of a low winter sun. He provides valuable tips on using photographs for reference, and turning a summer landscape into a snow-covered one. There's also a section on how to create a traditional Christmas scene, and how to turn it into a Christmas card. With numerous examples of Terry's beautiful artwork, this book is a truly indispensable guide for anyone wishing to paint snow scenes in watercolour.

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This complete guide to the crisp, precise finish of botanical painting marries traditional technique with contemporary style and includes sections on colour, drawing, continuous tone, composition and dissection. Michael Lakin makes botanical art approachable with simple exercises and a variety of step-by-step instructional approaches, making this a fantastic guide for aspirational beginners.

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Meditative, peaceful and calming, watercolour painting offers a sense of control and self-worth to everyone, with no judgement or goal beyond the joy of painting itself. This book shows you how to calm and enhance your outlook through the movement of brush on paper. Master artist Jean Haines leads you on a journey through paint, showing you how to wipe away your worries with the soothing, gentle strokes of watercolour paint.

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From Aran knitting to Fair Isle, from Entrelac to Intarsia, this book will tell you everything there is to know about this beautiful and practical craft. Starting with the basics, you'll learn about the different types of tools and the wonderful array of yarns that are available today. Provided are easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for various ways to hold the yarn and needles, cast on and cast off, work basic stitches, increase and decrease, make buttonholes, knit bands, read and adapt patterns, finish off, fix mistakes and care for your knitted garments. And then there's more... learn about knitting in the round, loop knitting, Shaker knitting, slanted knitting, lace knitting, and much more. Be inspired to embellish your knitting with surface embroidery, Swiss darning, smocking, beads and sequins.

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Arne & Carlos derived the inspiration for this book from numerous Setesdal patterns. Many were found in the attics of old houses, in books, on postcards, and from old knitting patterns. In their newest book, Knitting Scandinavian Style, you will find 33 patterns for gorgeous sweaters in bright colours, to suit both men and women. Ideas for accessories such as mittens, hats, wrist warmers, stockings, small and large pillows, teddy bears and much more. The levels of difficulty vary from completely easy patterns to those for more experienced knitters. Through experience gained from working alongside Scandinavia's most respected knitters, many of whom still use centuries-old techniques, Arne & Carlos seek to preserve tradition while creating pieces that are fresh and modern. The 33 patterns in this book have been inspired by Setesdal’s cultural heritage but were designed with a little twist.

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Dave White introduces the simple but effective techniques that he uses to paint stunning, dramatic seascapes with beautiful and realistic skies. He demonstrates spattering, blending backgrounds, painting horizons, finger painting clouds and foam. There is expert advice on the anatomy of waves and how they rise and collapse, creating ripples, surf, foam and spray. Clear instructions show how to paint effective reflections and beaches to improve your seascapes. The sky section shows effective techniques for painting all types of cloud, with some innovative methods such as tipping up the surface to let dilute paint run, to create cirrus clouds. Dave's method of creating depth in sea, beach and sky using lines projected from the vanishing point will radically improve readers' seascapes. There is a section of moods and sunsets full of beautiful, dramatic examples. Finally three step by step projects show how to paint a beach panorama with a rolling wave, a spectacular sunset over a calm sea and waves crashing on rocks.

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Choose your new best friend from this cuddly collection of 28 playful puppies. Best-selling artist Susie Hodge teaches you to transform simple shapes into 28 cute and characterful puppies in a range of much-loved breeds, including beagles, goldendoodles, Frenchies, huskies and labradors. There are 28 different doggies to draw, in a variety of playful poses. Each project starts with a few basic outlines and progresses into a finished tonal drawing, and a final coloured version shows you how to develop your drawing even further. Perfect for beginners, as well as budding artists, you’ll be amazed how easily you too can bring these playful pooches to life with this inspiring guide.

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Choose your new cuddly companion from this collection of 28 cute kittens. Best-selling artist Susie Hodge teaches you to transform simple shapes into adorable furry felines in a range of playful poses. There are 28 different kittens to draw; each project starts with a few basic outlines and progresses into a finished tonal drawing, and a final coloured version shows you how to develop your drawing even further. Perfect for beginners, as well as budding artists, you’ll be amazed how easily you too can bring these friendly furballs to life with this inspiring guide.

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If you love drawing plants and animals but don’t know where to start, this is the book for you! 10 Step Drawing: Nature will help you turn simple shapes into beautiful nature images in just 10 steps. Create 60 different flowers, trees, animals and objects, from a bird’s nest to a cheeky harvest mouse, by following the instructions inside. Learning to draw has never been so simple!

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For 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.

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Billy Showell is a well-respected botanical watercolour artist, and her exceptional eye for detail and ability to re-create the form, texture, colour and patterning of a wide range of plants have earned her a formidable reputation worldwide. Her compositions are given a contemporary, sometimes playful twist, while retaining all the beauty and accuracy of traditional botanical paintings. In this inspiring and indispensable guide for botanical artists, she reveals the materials, methods and techniques she uses to attain her stunningly beautiful portraits of flowers, fruit and vegetables. There is expert guidance on tools and materials, working from life, observation, and drawing and painting techniques, as well as detailed sections on pattern, texture, and colour and colour mixing. With numerous step-by-step studies, close-up photographs and examples of Billy's exquisite paintings, this book is not only packed full of invaluable advice and information but also a visually stunning showcase for the work of this amazing artist.

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If you love Christmas, you'll love this book! It's the perfect antidote to the traditional tinsel and glitter that shed harmful microplastics, polluting our oceans and waterways. The Eco-Christmas Craft Book is filled with lots of ideas to create your own stylishly beautiful, eco-friendly Christmas. All you need to do is save up some recyclable or foraged items such as cardboard, newspaper, wine bottle corks, twigs and pine cones. You can choose your own colour scheme to match your home and, because the materials are recyclable, you could make new ones every year! Including all the things that make Christmas special, such as tree decorations, advent items, Christmas cards, table decorations, wreaths and many more, there are 30 fabulous projects to make, and ideas for many more. So start collecting and learn how to make gorgeous, professional-looking decorations cheaply, without harming the planet.

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"The book is packed with step-by-step guides on drawing and painting techniques, colour mixing and clever compositions, it is an invaluable source of ideas for anyone wanting to develop their flower painting skills." – SAA Billy Showell's exquisite and technically brilliant watercolour flower portraits are beautifully presented in this highly informative, lavishly illustrated book. First published in 2009 and now back by popular demand in paperback, it provides the reader with valuable information on the brushes, paints, paper and other equipment they need, together with detailed guidance on drawing and painting techniques, colour mixing and composition. Learn how to paint white flowers, leaves and stems; add shadows; and create stamen, carpels, veins and texture. The book finishes with four stunning step-by-step projects to practice and consolidate your newly-acquired skills. This is an invaluable source of information and inspiration for anyone who wants to develop their flower painting skills.

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You don't need a garden to grow this charming crop of cactuses - just a crochet hook, some yarn and a little crochet know-how! This delightful little book contains 16 patterns for crocheted cactuses that can be used to decorate your window ledges, your table and anywhere else in the home. They don't need watering or feeding, don't have sharp spines and are quick and easy to make. Using simple crochet stitches and widely available yarn, there are diverse varieties to choose from, which are inspired by real cactus species. Some are embellished with beads and others have ridges, flowers, bobbles and look just like the real thing. They make perfect, quirky gifts for friends and family and all they need is a plant pot to sit in. With a short techniques section at the beginning of the book to get you started, you can make a whole display in no time - so pick up your hook and yarn and get started!

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28 different characters, poses and expressions that offer a dynamic selection of Manga-style male figures. Drawing boys is a very popular subject within the manga genre and this book is perfect for anyone seeking to learn the basics of creating these delightful characters.

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This book provides a thorough and expert guide to the subject of botanical drawing, through detailed text, examples of the author's own studies, short exercises and larger projects. Penny Brown produces traditional botanical drawings primarily rendered in pencil. The book touches on the history of botanical drawing, the rules and practicalities, and includes an accessible, basic study of botany for the absolute beginner. From creating an initial line drawing to adding tone and then creating more complex compositions, Botanical Drawing is a detailed study of the practice for anyone wishing to explore the subject in great depth, led by an expert artist.

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Leonie Morgan is back with another wonderful book, showcasing her vibrant colour and stitch combinations. Featuring both block patterns and stitch patterns, there is plenty to please granny-square lovers and row-by-row enthusiasts. Each of the 40 designs comes with a clear written pattern, an easy-to-follow chart, a skill-level indicator and a large photograph. Instructions and yardage are also provided for making afghans in three sizes: baby blankets, lap throws and bedspreads.With advice on picking lovely colour combinations and a selection of edgings to finish their project, and a comprehensive collection of crochet stitches and techniques, readers will have all they need to create their own unique afghan.

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Learn how to draw cute household pets, impressive wild animals and amazing birds using this fun and easy step-by-step method. Starting with simple shapes, four popular artists show how easy it is to develop circles, rectangles, squares and ovals into an exciting selection of creatures including cats, dogs, horses, lions, elephants, monkeys, penguins and eagles. If you have never drawn before this is definitely the book for you, and there is a lot here to inspire more experienced artists too. Uses material from the How to Draw series.

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