Exquisitely detailed and worked in silk floss thread with tiny size 12 needles, Victoria Matthewson's embroideries are a masterclass in thread painting, and shine with vibrant colour and life. Many people think of bees as being the only pollinators but, in fact, a wide variety of insects help with the pollination of plants, including butterflies, moths, wasps and beetles - all of which make wonderful subjects for embroidery. Starting with key stitches and techniques, this inspiring and practical book contains nine step-by-step embroidery projects. Choose from nine key plant and pollinator combinations including the dogrose and greenbottle fly, ox-eye daisy and hoverfly, and fennel and seven-spot ladybird. Each stunning project contains fascinating entomological insights about each pollinator and its plant, verified by the experts at the charity Buglife. With a foreword written by TV naturalist Iolo Williams, and a comprehensive design and stitch guide, this gorgeous and informative book will inspire you to observe and capture the beauty of these vital ecosystems. The book will suit people with some previous embroidery knowledge, or ambitious beginners.

Learn how to do the big stitch technique of sashiko with these 8 simple sashiko sewing projects. Traditional Japanese sewing technique, sashiko, is currently a major sewing trend in craft, interiors and fashion. Big stitches are used to create stunning, geometric patterns and texture to make home wares with a stylish, Japanese minimalist look. This collection, featuring content previously published in The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook and Japanese Sashiko Inspirations, includes eight patterns for home decor so you can try this traditional technique for yourself. Choose from eight simple projects including coasters, cushions, wall hangings, bag and greetings cards.

A new, larger format edition of the classic reference work on goldwork embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). The Essential Stitch Guides provide a set of definitive works on traditional embroidery techniques. Written by Helen McCook, Graduate Apprentice, Tutor and renowned embroiderer, this book begins with an historical account of goldwork, then moves on to the materials and equipment required; framing up, how to transfer a design on to fabric and how to start and finish a thread. The main section of the book then covers all of the essential stitches and techniques through clear, step-by-step diagrams and photographs, coupled with beautiful, close-up photographs showing how then can be used in a finished piece. All the key traditional techniques are included: couching, bricking, basketweave, cutwork, spangles, s-ing, pearl purl, plate and kid. The book ends with beautiful and exquisitely-worked examples of how the techniques can be combined in finished pieces. The RSN teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard and is well respected all over the world. It not only upholds the traditions of English embroidery that go back many hundreds of years, but is constantly taking embroidery forward in new and innovative ways.

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.

Renowned embroiderer and best-selling author, Hazel Blomkamp, is back with a brand new book in the popular Crewel series. In this fifth title in Hazel Blomkamp's series on crewel embroidery with a twist, the focus is on animal portraits. Crewel Animal Portraits is a celebration of Hazel's signature techniques: a wide variety of surface/crewel stitches, some of which are brand new, and many with a different take, or different ways of combining stitches to make them more interesting. Also included are needle lace techniques used as embroidery stitches, loom weaving techniques modified for embroidery, and unique combinations of both of these. The incorporation of beads and crystals adds even more dazzle to the intricate designs. There are six projects, each explained with detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, with design templates and a full stitch gallery providing everything readers need to recreate them with ease. The sumptuous and inspiring projects comprise a tiger, lion, zebra, giraffe, monkey and leopard. For embroiderers looking for something different and new to stitch, and for those keen to challenge themselves with more complex embroidery techniques, this book is a must-have.

Embroidery artist Hisako Nishisu invites you to try her new collection of elegant cross stitch designs, inspired by the beauty and simplicity of wildflowers and grasses. There are over 30 stunning motifs to choose from, so whether you admire the lily of the valley or the violet, or prefer to stitch the Japanese silverleaf, there is sure to be a project that will catch your eye. After a gallery of beautifully photographed embroideries, a cross stitch overview is provided outlining the tools, materials and techniques needed for completing these charming samplers. This is followed by a clear, full-page chart for each design. Once your floral sampler is finished, frame it and hang it for a beautiful addition to any room, or use the designs to add pretty motifs to your linens, clothing and accessories.

For centuries, the peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa have been producing domestic and professional embroidery to decorate themselves, their families, clients, homes and public spaces. Embroidery is an expression of artistic, personal, family, regional and even political creativity which has played an important role in the social and cultural lives of people throughout the region. It has also reflected economic and political changes over time as well as social, religious and artistic contexts. This is the first reference work to describe the history of embroidery throughout Africa south of the Sahara from the early modern period through to the present. From quilted armour to embroidered caps and leather sandals, it offers an authoritative guide to all the major embroidery traditions of the region and a detailed examination of the material, technical, artistic and design dimensions of the subject. Generously illustrated with 395 images (362 in colour) of clothes, accessories, and examples of decorated soft furnishings such as cushions, bed linen, curtains, floor coverings and wall hangings, the Encyclopedia is an essential resource for students and scholars of the subject.

Each title in the Easy Cross Stitch series provides a beautiful collection of designs to inspire and challenge beginning stitchers. These thematic resource books offer an easy-to-follow, full-color chart and a color key on every page. Full of vibrant floral cross-stitch designs, this crafting companion uses a variety of colors and endless shapes to capture the wonder of the natural world. Organized by color and by flower type, including popular varieties such as roses and lavender, this portable craft book is an ideal guide for anyone who wants to create decorative table cloths, cushions, or other household linens. Smaller designs that serve well on a greeting card or combine to make up a lovely sampler are also included.

Learning how to embroider and cross stitch has never been simpler! Like having a personal instructor at your side, this beginner's guide teaches everything you need to know about a variety of hand stitching techniques. This beginner's guide, by embroidery professional Linda Wyszynski, uses easy-to-follow, photo-illustrated instruction to teach you the basics of classic embroidery, crewel, and cross-stitch techniques. In no time, you can use these methods to create beautiful, personalized designs. After a review of equipment and supplies, fabrics, threads, patterns, and stitching basics, jump right in with these step-by-step projects: Creative embroidery - Embroidered Jacket Collar and Embellished Pillow Case Crewel - Paisleys and Pearls Pillow and Touch of Gold Fedora Hat Cross-Stitch - Violet Blossoms Candle Band and Springtime Journal There's a first time for everything. Enjoy the journey and achieve success with First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch. Each book in the First Time series distills how-to guidance and advice from an expert on a specific topic into targeted step-by-step instruction geared toward the absolute beginner.

Our homes are full of treasured items from the past. Hidden away from view but never thrown away, they are our links to the special people and events that tell our story. In this beautiful and inspiring book, Tilly Rose encourages you to seek out your precious stash of pre-loved items and transform them into beautiful and practical textile artworks that celebrate the lives of your loved ones and preserve your memories for generations to come. Tilly shows you how to make 15 gorgeous projects, including cloth journals, lavender hearts, framed collages, wall hangings and miniature quilts. All of the designs have a story to tell and are made using a plethora of vintage fabrics, threads, lace, ribbon, buttons, beads, photographs and other found items. If you don't have a collection of suitable materials at home, you can have fun sourcing them from online marketplaces, thrift/charity stores and flea markets, and try mixing them with modern fabrics and embellishments for a more contemporary look. The projects incorporate a range of exciting techniques, all explained through clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, including layering and collage, hand embroidery, transferring your own designs to cloth, stamping, applique, embellishing, patchwork, free motion embroidery and photo transfer. This book will take you on a truly inspirational journey, encouraging you to be creative, to source and re-use materials of special significance, and to incorporate them into textile artworks that become treasured keepsakes.

Learn how to create beautiful flowers using silk ribbon embroidery techniques, including foxgloves, roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums, primroses, geraniums, irises, poppies and much more. Only a few stitches are needed to create exquisite designs. All the techniques are explained using step by step photography and instructions, and there are clear diagrams with every project. There are also full instructions on how to paint and stencil fabric backgrounds. Suitable for beginners and experienced embroiderers. This timeless best-seller has been redesigned to appeal to the modern embroiderer.

In this gorgeous book, Jane E. Hall combines her love of butterflies with her outstanding talent as a textile artist to produce three-dimensional renditions of exquisitely worked butterflies that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Using the finest of silk threads and needles, Jane lovingly creates her butterflies using the tiniest of stitches worked on to silk. The butterflies are then placed within a setting of silk leaves and flowers, all made with the same painstaking attention to detail and expert skill as the butterflies themselves. There is a fascinating introduction to butterflies in nature, reflecting Jane's love and admiration for these exquisite creatures. This is followed by twelve studies, including the Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and the Brimstone, each presented as a finished piece along with the materials used to create them, and the photographs, swatches, drawings and paintings that inspired them. One of the most striking features of this book is the amazing photography of Jane's work, including detailed close-ups. This, together with Jane's poetic and inspiring text, make this a book that anyone who is a nature lover, embroiderer, textile artist or simply a lover of beautiful books will want to own.

This illustrated reference guide from embroidery expert Christian Brown covers everything you need to make beautiful magic with needle and thread. Also included are nine complete embroidery projects to stitch and embellish, and step-by-step instructions that show exactly how to sew 85 different stitches.

If you've always fancied taking up embroidery but didn't know where to start, this guide for the absolute beginner is for you. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of this fun and creative craft. Each technique is clearly explained and accompanied by a stylish project to make, so that you can put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. You'll learn everything you need to get started, and each project is explained with the help of dear illustrations that will guide you every step of the way. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little embroidery experience you have to start with, you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your new-found practical skills.

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.

Crewelwork has a long history but this book brings the technique right up to date. It mixes contemporary styles with older traditions to give an exciting twist on this enduring and beautiful style of embroidery. Becky Quine, a tutor of the Royal School of Needlework, clearly explains each step to making a piece, from early planning to stitching and finally to presentation. She encourages new ideas and a fresh, creative look at this popular and timeless technique. Advice on design is given along with working with colour and how to plan and stitch a piece of embroidery. This new book includes a guide to framing up and transferring a desing onto fabric. There are step-by-step sequences to over forty different stitches ranging from filling to outlining stitches, and from accent stitches to new creative ideas.

Diana Lampe is world renowned for her exquisite, real-life flower garden embroideries, and here, for the first time, are her two bestselling books in one beautiful collection. Embroiderers are invited to stitch four seasonal gardens--spring, summer, autumn, winter--along with a "kardinal" rose garden; a cottage garden; embroidered initials; garlands; and other extra projects. Fully illustrated, including actual-size samplers, and offering precise instructions, it contains tools and materials lists; a comprehensive Flower Glossary; a Stitch Glossary with notes for left-handed embroiderers; advice on how to wash and press finished pieces; and framing information."A Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club."

A beginner's guide to modern raised stitches, 3D Embroidery is a curated collection of over 30 raised embroidery stitches and techniques, taught within the context of 20 in-hoop embroidery projects. The patterns featured offer contemporary designs for today's modern maker. With step-by-step guides, embroidery artist Ashley Dunn takes you on a pop-up journey and introduces you to the art of raised embroidery, identifying the materials needed for you to be successful, and including a directory of raised stitches and techniques. This wonderful must-have collection is perfect for both newbies and seasoned stitchers looking to add new techniques to their stitching inventory.

Popular 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.

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.

'A sumptuous Christmas romance' Woman & Home magazine 'A cosy and heart-warming Christmas read - the perfect festive treat' Heidi Swain 'A fun and festive read' Trisha Ashley *** Can a trip away lead you home? After a bad break-up, eternal optimist Evie Miller has moved to the small village of Willowbrook to finally pursue her dream of opening a craft shop. Unfortunately, with money worries and an ex-boyfriend determined to track her down, her fresh start isn't going entirely to plan. Jake Hartwood is also looking to escape his past. Haunted by the loss of his wife, he's determined not to get close to anyone again - and the last thing he wants is to be celebrating this December. Hoping to avoid the festivities, Evie and Jake arrange to escape Christmas together as friends in Provence. But will the magic of the season change things between them? And what happens if one of them starts to feel something more? ***** Readers are loving The Christmas Holiday! 'This was a wonderful festive story full of intrigue, drama and romance.' Five stars 'A lovely heart warming story. Loved it.' Five stars 'This is definitely a book to curl up with of an evening, a book to make you smile and feel happy. The characters are so lovely, the writing so warm.' Five stars 'I loved this book, and read it in one sitting.' Five stars 'A lovely heart-warming book that I could not put down. I really strongly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!' Five stars

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.

90 original iron-on transfer designs from the archives of the Embroiderers' Guild! An important though largely forgotten part of the Embroiderers' Guild legacy is the huge collection of hot-iron transfers dating back to the early 20th century that were created by members of the Guild. They fell out of favour in the 1960s and the Guild stopped producing them. Many transfers were stored away and haven't been seen since those times; others were simply thrown away. Recently rediscovered and made available for the first time in over half a century, this unique collection includes 90 original designs ranging from the early to mid-twentieth century. This treasure trove of design inspiration is presented in two separate books enclosed in a hardback folder. The Reusable Iron-on Transfers book includes 90 designs that you can cut out and store in the pocket inside the folder after use. This is accompanied by a handy Stitching Guide that includes 26 beautifully worked examples to inspire your colour, thread and stitch choices, as well as information on tools and materials, using an embroidery hoop, and 18 embroidery stitch diagrams.