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.

Over 300 lovely designs from Book of Kells, Tara Brooch, other authentic Celtic sources: spiral work, knot work, biomorphic patterns, more.

With the 100+ motif and border patterns in this book, it's easy to combine them to make your own personal cross-stitch designs. The 21 unique cross-stitch alphabets, made to coordinate with the motifs in a variety of styles-floral, lacy, Christmas and more-allow you to add words to complement your ideas. From flowers to cottages and houses, birds and animals to holiday and sampler-style motifs, there is so much to choose from! Borders add a professional touch to your designs, and a variety of letter styles help you personalize with names or meaningful words. Each motif is presented in chart form with a color key for ease of reference and a finished, worked example to show how the patterns should look when complete. If you are new to cross stitch or new to designing, an introduction to the craft covers all of the tools and equipment needed and demonstrates basic cross-stitch techniques from start to finish, plus gives instructions on how to graph and use your designs. Based on a simple grid and one basic stitch, cross stitch is easy to learn and master, so get started mixing and matching these beautiful designs into your one-of-a-kind creations!

This book is about the processes and techniques of designing, stitching and completing realistic interpretations of Landscapes. The processes described in this book will enable any embroiderer from any country in the world to adapt and produce hand-embroidered landscapes portraying their own regions. The techniques are the combination and adaption of different art genre, textiles, traditional stitch's and hand embroidery techniques. It is the result of over 25 years of experiment, refinement and tutoring by author, Judy Wilford. The book is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 covers the materials and equipment needed to design and embroider a landscape: a simple landscape is adapted, designed, drawn up and used throughout demonstrating the layering techniques used for the background. Surface stitchery completes the foreground and covers the stitches used and adapted for the work required to produce surface elements such as grass, tress and flora that combine to make up the landscape. Part 1 contains the Project "Of the Tablelands", this project can result in 2 completed works, - one depicting grasses as the main foreground feature and the other depicting the verge side flora of the region. Part 2 contains projects based on different land forms -The coastlines, The Escarpments, The Plains and The Deserts, each further develop and extend techniques. They describe the landscape types and elements and the use of fabric and stitch to achieve specific effects. These effects could be sand patterns on beaches, the water ways of lakes and dams, vertical tree trunks and their textures, the wide expanse of deserts flowering or the crops and grasses of the plains and the closed secret canopies of the forests. As in Part 1, each of the land forms will have stitch samplers of specific elements and the flora of the region giving a total of 8 projects.

The classic book on sewing church linens, newly revised.

The classic book on sewing linens for the church is back in a revised edition. This complete explains the materials and equipment needed, a variety of hemming options, special instructions on the small linens such as purificators and palls, working with fair linens, white work embroidery, and caring for church linens. New to this edition are directions for rolled hems, chalice veils, more specific directions and an improved worksheet for planning shrinkage, special advice specifically for beginners, an updated "Sources and Resources" section, and new patterns.

In this beautiful book, Tatiana Popova shows the reader how to create stunning crewelwork embroideries inspired by traditional fairy tales, including The Wizard of Oz, Karolcia, the Wild Swans and Cinderella. This magical collection takes as its central theme a magnificent embroidery depicting the 'Tree of Happiness'. Each part of the embroidery is then explored in detail through stitch diagrams, explanations of the threads used, and alternative ways of working. There are seven wonderful designs in total, each dedicated to one of Tatiana's favourite fairy tales, and all illustrated with gorgeous photographs and informative diagrams. Over 90 stitches are described in the book, all worked using stranded cotton and cotton pearl thread rather than traditional crewel wool, which gives the embroideries a fresh, modern appeal. Whether you are new to embroidery or an experienced embroiderer looking for inspiration and expert guidance, Tatiana's beautiful book is one you will turn to again and again.

Each of these twenty beautiful needlepoint designs from Jayne Schofield is accompanied by a full-colour chart, key and general instructions. These fun, quirky designs in bright, contemporary colours are all small, measuring on average approximately 10 x 12.5cm (4 x 5in), though the designs come in a variety of formats and include tall, narrow designs as well as squares. All the designs are worked on 10-hole canvas and there is a broad range of subjects to choose from, including a country cottage, flowers, hearts, a festive reindeer, a hen, owl and some sheep, to name a few. So, whatever the occasion, there is bound to be a design that suits it perfectly. There are general instructions and a simple stitch diagram at the beginning of the book, so even those new to needlepoint will be able to accomplish all of the projects. At the start of the book there is a double-page spread of basic techniques. Jayne uses Anchor threads and provides the code numbers for the colours used; however, any suitable thread such as DMC or Madeira could be used.

Collecting insects, and displaying them, has long been the delight of natural history enthusiasts. In the 19th century, collecting butterflies and moths as serried rows in specimen boxes, or as decorative patterns in framed pictures, was a popular pursuit. Faithful to the tradition of these collectors, the Moth and Butterfly Specimen Box in this book is the third in Jane's series of stumpwork insect boxes, preceded by those in Stumpwork Dragonflies (2000), and The Stumpwork, Goldwork and Surface Embroidery Beetle Collection (2004). Lavishly illustrated in colour, with detailed step-by-step instructions accompanied by explanatory diagrams, this book will be a valued addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in textured and dimensional embroidery.

Silk ribbon embroidery enthusiasts all over the world have been discovering the work of renowned Ukrainian embroiderer, Tatiana Popova. Here she teaches all the essential techniques and stitches you need, including traditional ribbonwork and thread embroidery, as well as new ways of working that she has developed herself to make silk ribbon embroidery easier. The second part of the book is devoted to 20 stunning projects inspired by the seasons, each accompanied by numerous step-by-step photos, diagrams and instructions. These include vibrant floral arrangements as well as romantic and whimsical designs such as hearts, owls and posies, and there are ideas for seasonal gifts such as an Easter wreath, a Wedding Day heart and a Christmas star. Ten of the designs feature full-size images to scan and print on your fabric before embroidering. Whether you are new to ribbon embroidery or an experienced embroiderer looking for inspiration and expert guidance, Tatiana's beautiful book is one you will turn to again and again.

This fantastic book showcases the prestigious Embroiderers' Guild's huge collection of embroidered animals through the ages. Featuring photographs taken especially for the book, items are displayed in full along with detailed images that show off the stunning variety of creatures at their best. Dr Annette Collinge's informative extended captions for each of the pieces give information on the provenance where known, and evaluate the quality of, and variety in, each of the works from her expert perspective. Rarely exhibited in public, these beautiful and important embroideries that span the centuries are now available for everyone to see.

Get that 'just right' balance into your home and life with the 20 fresh Scandinavian-inspired designs in this book. Lagom ar bast, or 'the right amount is best' - a Swedish philosophy that fosters the concept of living a simpler and more balanced life. In this book, author and blogger Debbie von Grabler-Crozier shows you how to embrace the ethos of Lagom by teaching you how to sew 20 beautiful accessories for your home that combine Scandi style with simple and practical design.

In this first book in her new Sewing Room Secrets series, Debbie Shore walks you through every aspect of machine sewing, revealing her top tips and providing in-depth and helpful guidance every step of the way. Starting by looking at sewing room essentials, Debbie then guides you around your sewing machine and explains all the tools and materials you might need, including wadding/batting, interfacing, fabrics and threads. There's a handy troubleshooting section to reassure and guide you when you encounter problems. Debbie covers the key techniques you need to know, including inserting zips and piping, using shirring elastic, free-motion embroidery and applique. Debbie's focus is on craft and home items, but she also includes some dressmaking and quilting tips for those looking to explore other areas. The ten beautiful projects help you learn the techniques as you progress through the book, beginning with a simple pincushion before moving on to a pillow cover, a tablet case, a drawstring bag, a sewing machine mat and more.

This latest addition to the Transfer & Stitch series covers a huge range of designs of butterflies, bees and an assortment of bugs, to be embroidered onto clothing or home furnishings for a unique, quirky finish. Designs range from traditional, life-like insects to edgy modern steampunk designs. These intricate motifs can be rendered in metallic or variegated threads to give them a colourful, insect-like sheen. There are over fifty designs to choose from, starting from tiny ladybirds up to larger-scale grasshoppers, and each one comes with an iron-on transfer that can be applied directly to fabric.

Want to show your love for animals in your sewing projects, but feel you need to sew more practical pieces for your home? Look no further than this gorgeous book by designer Helen Rhiannon! In Sew Practical Pets, 18 whimsical and imaginative animal-themed projects have been designed not only to add character and colour to your home, but also to serve as functional items that will last for years to come. From useful items such an owl doorstop, a snake draught excluder and a sheep hot water bottle cover through to an elephant tea cozy, fox pillow and doggy oven mitt, there is a cute and handy little creature for every room. For kids (and the child within us), Helen has also included beautiful cat and dog toys and an animal-shaped apron. Key techniques and basic materials are detailed at the beginning of the book, and all of the projects include easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. Templates for all the animals are provided on a fold-out sheet at the back of the book. For sewers of all abilities, bring a touch of playfulness and practicality to your home today with these fresh faux animals that you'll soon love as much as the real guys!

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.

Superb illustrated guide to the art of making handmade lace by looping and knotting a single cotton thread. Author describes the evolution of basic tatting elements-rings and chains-and discusses how they can be regrouped in innumerable combinations to form traditional or original designs. For beginning and experienced tatters. Over 50 illustrations.

Over 500 classic copyright-free motifs reproduced from finest Victorian source, classified according to type. Wide variety of flowers, greenery, sprays, plus butterflies, owls, insects, more. Large and small motifs as well as numerous borders. Over 500 illustrations.

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.

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!

Let's face it: women rock! Whether dominating stages on a major stadium tour, charming a small coffeehouse, or redefining entire genres, women have always been a powerful force in shaping the course of the music industry. Celebrate their accomplishments in style with Women Who Rock Cross-Stitch, a collection of patterns and stories about some of music's most badass women. With an introduction on the role of women in music, and instructions on the basics of cross-stitch, this book features patterns for embroidering twenty iconic women -- like Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks, soul legend Aretha Franklin, rockstar Joan Jett, and innovator Lauryn Hill -- and ten classic song titles. This charming book provides everything readers need to create crafts that bring their inner divas to center stage!