These are beautifully delicate Christmas cross stitch designs to delight the heart and soul! If you love cross stitch, you need this book. Extremely pretty these designs from accomplished embroiderer Helene Le Berre are light and airy, using backstitch to outline and emphasize with great skill. Split into chapters on Advent Foliage, Christmas Animals, Festive Foliage and Amazing Alphabets, there is a lovely range of designs to fit every Christmas situation. You can make beautiful cutlery pockets with fox, bunny or baby deer motifs, a reindeer photo album cover, a pine cone confectionery sachet, personalized gift labels and many more elegant embroidered Christmas items. The charts are beautifully presented, along with a comprehensive techniques section at the back of the book. Suitable for beginners to more advanced stitchers, these designs are achievable and utterly gorgeous.

The elegant form, fragile iridescent wings, mystical bead-like eyes and shimmering colours of the dragonfly have fascinated needleworkers for centuries. Jane Nicholas takes a close look at the anatomy of dragonflies and damselflies and their representation in natural history. She combines those observations with designs form as far back as the sixteenth-century and from throughout the world and then uses a variety of materials and techniques to build works of mesmerising beauty. Jane shares new ways of using unusual materials to interpret and create your own dragonfly designs. The projects - including a remarkable collection of nine creatures in a 'specimen box' - not only set off the dragonflies exquisitely, but they exemplify Jane's impeccable eye for detail and composition. This stunning book - fascinating for anyone interested in textured embroidery is a pure delight to read.

Kogin-zashi is an iconic form of sashiko that is both functional and breathtakingly beautiful. Detailed photography and step-by-step visual instructions guide readers to create stunning projects using Kogin-zashi stitching.

Part of bargello's appeal lies in the simplicity of using a single stitch in a repeating pattern that is only ever worked vertically or horizontally. The technique lends itself to dramatic, wavelike designs in exciting, gradated colourways (think Missoni) that can be used for pillows, bags, belts and purses. This new pattern collection brings bargello stitch designs bang up to date offering fresh contemporary colour stories: brights and clashes, muted fades, contrasts, complementary colours, zesty neons and metallic rainbows. Includes 40 design samples graded from easy to advanced, easy-to-read charts, patterns for edges and borders for smart finishes, ideas for bringing texture using fancy flosses, and a freestyling collection that mixes several techniques on one canvas.

Happiness and Cheer, Redwork Through the Year (Leisure Arts #5275) is a seriously cute collection of redwork embroidery designs that capture all the joy of the holidays and seasons. Designer Dolores Storm of Lakadaisies is winning the hearts of stitchers everywhere with her folk-art portrayals of childhood. These 10 whimsical designs celebrate Halloween, Christmas, Easter, May Day, Thanksgiving, and five more events and occasions youngsters have always adored. Each fun design uses only one or two easy embroidery stitches and can be worked in your favorite floss color -- redwork doesn't have to be red Our instructions also show you how to give your stitched piece an authentic folk-art look.

Globally recognised needlework expert Judith Baker Montano shares 180 stitches and 70 combinations in this improved and updated second edition. Featuring even more traditional embroidery stitches, silk ribbon stitches, and crazy quilting combinations, this beautiful handbook has an updated section of free-form inspiration for improvisational work. With full-colour illustrations and advice for lefties, the essential reference goes far beyond the basics!

WINNER OF THE ACIA (Australian Craft Industry Awards) CRAFT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2014. Learn the art of Punt 'e Nu, a style of knotted whitework embroidery from Teulada, Sardinia, with this step-by-step manual from whitework specialist, Yvette Stanton. This beautiful embroidery features stunning white on white texture and pattern with its geometric knotted patterns of traditional motifs. The stitching techniques are explained in Yvette's usual detailed step-by-step style, with clear diagrams to assist you. There are even separate instructions for left-handers! There are 11 projects, suitable for beginner through to advanced embroiderer, and there is something to delight everyone. Projects range from impressively large to exquisitely small and include a tablecloth, dress, cushion, table runner, biscornu, candle wrap, and hand towel, all featuring beautiful Punt 'e Nu style embroidery. Each project has detailed instructions for its completion. With Yvette Stanton's comprehensive instructions, you can learn this traditional style of Sardinian needlework today.

This classic book, now completely revised and expanded, has long been a favorite of both teachers and students of tapestry weaving. Learn to weave tapestry on any kind of loom, vertical or horizontal. Take an intriguing journey to make an elaborate, but logical, tapestry sampler. The process is explained step-by-step and illustrated with over 300 beautiful color photographs and diagrams of tapestry techniques. Along the way, color theories applicable to tapestry are explained. You will be inspired by the ancient art form explored on these colorful pages. Treasures from museums and prominent contemporary artists relate the historic significance of tapestries and their limitless range of visual power. Learn how archival finishing and mounting your handwoven textile completes the project. A chapter on designing for tapestry provides tools for translating future concepts into compositions. Be a part of this ancient, yet completely modern, weaving tradition.

A sampler is a project made from a "sampling" of different stitches or different motifs. Once the learning tool that helped generations of girls master basic needlework skills, this traditional project is still a great way to learn and practice embroidery skills-as well as a creative way to add color to a room or a fabric item.Covers samplers in several different styles: cross-stitch, counted thread, surface, and freestyle embroideryCreative uses for sampler art beyond the basic wall hanging: gift bags, ornaments, scarves, tote bags, and moreIncludes a how-to section with step-by-step instructions for basic embroidery stitches and sewing skills16 projects for decorative sampler designs plus creative variations

Transform ordinary artist canvas into an embroidered masterpiece! With easy-to-learn stitches, your embroidery needle becomes a paintbrush. Get your feet wet with small art pieces and step-by-step techniques for stitching on stretched canvas. Gather supplies to add applique, acrylic paint, fibres, beads, and even mirrors to your mixed-media pieces! Get tips on how to finish and display canvas embroidery art, with an extensive project gallery for inspiration. It's like art quilting for needlework lovers!

Slip into serenity through your stitches with this collection of 24 beautiful, meditative mandalas by Polka & Bloom's Carina Envoldsen-Harris. In our hurried modern world, we rarely take a moment to rest and spend time with our thoughts. In this book, rekindle lost tranquillity and quickly discover a new obsession with these exquisite mandalas. By following the delicate and repetitive patterns in the motifs, you can finally soothe your mind, slow down and treat yourself to much-needed me-time and peacefulness. The book offers 12 large and 12 smaller mandalas to embroider, which Carina explains how to make through simple, beautiful stitch diagrams and keys. Only 10 stitches have been used to create all the mandalas, and each one is explained and accompanied by clear, step-by-step diagrams at the beginning of the book. In addition, there are notes on what you need in your basic embroidery kit - from fabrics through to needles and thread - which means those new to embroidery can start their journey to mindfulness right away. With Carina's gentle guidance beginners can also learn how to display their creations in embroidery hoops, including the much-loved Dandelyne hoops which the 12 mini mandalas can fit inside perfectly. Any long-forgotten, tired pieces in your wardrobe and home? There is also advice and photos inside on how to use your stunning mandalas to embellish myriad accessories and items, from shoes to tote bags. If readers are less confident about jumping straight into embroidery - or are pressed for time - 24 corresponding black and white motifs can be found on transfer sheets at the back of the book, which you can iron onto your chosen fabric multiple times. There is also a final, mystical mandala template included for you to transfer, allowing you to test your new embroidery skills and develop your new-found creativity. So sit back, pick up your needles and lose yourself in the captivating, calming world of embroidery.

The Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. Written by RSN apprentice, and now tutor, Jacqui McDonald, this book contains an extensive stitch guide, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own crewelwork embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of crewelwork, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide, for the dedicated stitcher, to this classic form of embroidery.

This new book from Japanese cross stitch sensation Makoto Oozu is packed with hundreds of tiny motifs that can be stitched onto anything from badges and hankies to T-shirts and bags. You will find it impossible to choose a favourite! The book is arranged by themes inspired by all aspects of everyday life. Take a trip to the toyshop with teddies, dinosaurs, cars, trains and computer games. Make sure you're on trend with sunglasses, watches, socks, jewellery and make-up. Visit the shoe shop with different trainer designs as well as cowboy boots, high heels and sandals. Keep yourself active with boxing gloves, tennis rackets, balls, ice skates and skis. Stitch up your friends by choosing from different faces and hairstyles. Go wild with dogs, cats, birds and fish. Fill up on cakes, ice-creams, sushi, spaghetti, dough nuts, wine, beer and biscuits. Get your five a day with carrots, radishes, chillies, bananas, cherries, a pineapple and a watermelon. Enjoy your free time with TVs, cassette tapes, cameras, sewing equipment and tools. With step-by-step cross stitch instructions for beginners, as well as tips for stitching onto different fabrics, be warned: this is an addictive hobby! Once you start, you will soon be stitching these super awesome motifs onto anything and everything.

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.

Combine cotton and wool thread to create embroidery motifs and projects that are beautiful, contemporary and great for beginners! Through her unique combination of wool and cotton thread, designer Yumiko Higuchi reinvents traditional embroidery for modern makers. Simply Stitched includes 20 beautiful embroidery motifs, plus project and instructions. Use these stunning designs to create accessories, clothing, and home decor.

With 200 Embroidered Flowers, modern hand embroidery expert, Kristen Gula of Gulush Threads, shows you how to create all different types of floral & plant motifs with a stitch library of only SEVEN common embroidery stitches! This colorful hand embroidery how-to book is the perfect introduction book for beginners and contains plenty of valuable tips & tricks to help anyone develop a deep love for modern floral hand embroidery! 200 Embroidered Flowers includes: Complete list of supplies needed to start your hand embroidery journey Seven (7) stitch tutorials including whipped back stitch & french knot Two (2) embroidery pattern transfer methods 200 different floral/foliage/plant embroidery patterns including tropical and desert plants, wildflowers, fruits and vegetables and more Ten (10) embroidery projects (to go further with what you learn with the book) including tutorials such as embroidered shirt collars, shoes, appliques, iron-on patches and more!

Popular author and crazy-quilting and embroidery expert Christen Brown has put together this collection of 4 easy-to-use stitch templates. Just position the stencil where desired and mark your designs with a quilter's pencil to get your embroidery off to an accurate start! The expert instructions and tips in the complete how-to booklet give you confidence in where and how to make your stitches, while the decorative and inventive designs add an unexpected creative element. Laser-cut durable, translucent, medium-weight plastic, the stencils are easy to handle and create perfect markings every time.

Wilderness Knits for the Home is Linka Neumann's second book, showcasing a stunning collection of homeware knits to make while embracing the Scandinavian spirit and cosying up next to a warm fire. After the success of Wilderness Knits, with its cosy jumpers and cardigans set against the backdrop of the Norwegian landscape, Linka brings us gorgeous wall hangings, cushions, blankets (including for your dog!) and more. Once again, set in the stunning Norwegian countryside, the book inspires you to knit these beautiful creations and embrace the aesthetic of the Scandinavian wilderness. As ever, Linka uses her environment to inspire her as well as animals from the snowy north - with dogs, orcas, polar bears and reindeers finding their way into her designs. If making jumpers and cardigans with Scandi-style yokes feels too complicated for you, these simpler shapes of squares and rectangles will give you the confidence to make your own creations with similar designs. Including 27 projects - all with knitting diagrams and inspirational photography - you will be knitting presents for all your friends and family as well as for your own home in no time.

The intricate designs of a lost art come to life in this illuminating instructional guide. Beautiful and delicate Schwalm embroidery is a form of whitework that uses surface stitches, pulled fabric, drawn thread, needlelace, and weaving. Precise instructions on fabric preparation and stitching technique, full-color photographs, and transferable patterns simplify a host of projects; some designs are suitable for beginners, like a dainty, lace-edged tea cozy while others cater to the more advanced needlecrafters. Each piece incorporates elements of the Tree of Life--hearts, flowers, fruit, leaves, sun, and dove--traditional hallmarks of Schwalm design. An illustrated glossary of stitches completes this unique volume, a must-have for everyone with a serious interest in needlework.

Discover the beautiful Japanese pattern darning technique kogin and how it can be used to create stunning stitched and quilted projects. Kogin is a variation of the popular Japanese embroidery technique sashiko and is rapidly becoming as popular as its 'big sister'.

Japanese embroidery expert, Susan Briscoe, has compiled a collection of over 60 pattern charts - kogin is a counted embroidery technique - and 12 accompanying projects to create The Ultimate Kogin Collection, following on from her previous title The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook.

The projects range from small and very accessible items such as simple greetings cards and coasters to larger projects including wall hangings and table runners.

This is not your grandma's embroidery book. Featuring a die-cut case with actual stitching on the front cover, Embroidered Life shows that illustrations created with needle and thread can be strikingly contemporary. From beautiful botanicals to bold affirmations, the work of self-taught fiber artist Sarah K. Benning gives any embroidery enthusiast, art lover, or plant fanatic a new appreciation for the craft of needlework. In this eye-catching art book, popular blogger Sara Barnes guides readers through Benning's innovative embroidery process and successful business model, offering behind-the-scenes insights to inspire makers and creative entrepreneurs.

Designed for the beginning to intermediate embroiderer, this workshop-in-a-book presents the basic concepts of this gentle art, and puts them to immediate use in creating a lidded box, striking evening bag, garden-themed journal cover, and more. Learn to select fabrics and transfer patterns, and the best ways to use common stitches. Save hours of frustration with the help of a complete section on project problem-solving. Increasing or decreasing scale is covered, as is color and perspective, and there are great tips for deciding when to use a jump stitch or a camouflage stitch, and ideas for embellishing other crafts with silk ribbon. Additional information is provided for selecting background treatments and fabrics that can add interest to any project.

Ancient European tradition lives on in goldwork, an art form encompassing embroidery with all types of metal threads, not only gold. Once reserved for royalty and other aristocrats, goldwork is now available to all through this fully illustrated guide. Part historical reference, part project plan book, and fully stuffed with pattern templates, it is an authoritative sourcebook on the history, materials, and techniques of goldwork embroidery. There are 15 projects for readers to complete, such as the Ornamental Fan, Portrait of a Woman, a lush Cornucopia, and an arresting Byzantine Angel. Color photographs show examples of medieval designs, and provide visual guideposts through each new project, while a section on metal thread manufacturing delivers a rich historical perspective.

Curious crafters looking for a new hobby look no further! Punch needle artist Andie Solar provides the perfect introduction with 13 colourful and well-designed projects organized from beginner to advanced level. Perfect for absolute beginners and the projects are kid-friendly.