This practical and inspiring guide to creating and using natural dyes from plants, offers information on current environmentally friendly dyeing techniques and more than 65 species of plants and natural dyestuffs. This comprehensive book outlines how to: Select fibres and plant parts Choose the right methods for mordanting and dyeing Obtain a range of gorgeous colours from every plant. Wild Colour is the all-in-one resource for fibre enthusiasts, including knitters, sewers and weavers gardeners who are interested in new uses for traditional dye plants and eco-conscious DIYers who want authoritative information about the natural dyeing process and the plants that are essential for it.

The 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.

A silk scarf has a special allure, embodied in its lustre and sheen in the light and the soft, silky feel of the luxurious fabric against your skin. Though feather-light it is wonderfully warm in winter and a fantastic sunscreen in summer. This book teaches you how to colour and print your own silk scarves, achieving fabulous finishes. With 50 patterns and colourways to choose from, you can ensure that you always have the perfect accessory for any event or outfit, and enjoy the thrill of telling people that you have made it yourself when they compliment you on it. The techniques in this book are simple enough for a beginner to master, yet offer lots of creative ideas for experienced colour crafters. All the scarves are rated in terms of production time and level of difficulty, giving you ample opportunity to practise the different skills involved on easier projects before tackling more challenging finishes. Each project is explained clearly with step-by-step instructions and photographs, showing you how to create a wide range of stunning colour effects. Recycled printing with found objects make up a substantial section of the book, and you will be amazed at the results you can achieve by using simple everyday items for printing. Also learn how to make your own lino blocks for printing, compose eye-catching designs and plan colour mixes that will dazzle and delight.

'n Syserp het 'n besondere aantrekkingskrag danksy die lieflike glans, skitterende kleure en die sagte, sygladde gevoel daarvan teen jou vel. Al is dit veerlig, is dit heerlik warm in die winter, maar bied tog uitstekende beskerming teen die son in die somer. Met hierdie boek kan jy leer om jou eie syserpe te kleur en te druk en so fantastiese afwerkings te skep. Met 50 verskillende patrone en kleursamestellings om uit te kies, kan jy seker maak dat jy altyd die perfekte bykomstigheid vir enige uitrusting of geleentheid het, en wanneer mense jou daaroor komplimenteer, hulle trots vertel dat jy dit self gemaak het. Die tegnieke in die boek is eenvoudig genoeg vir groentjies om baas te raak, maar bied genoeg kreatiewe alternatiewe vir ervare kleurkunstenaars. Daar is by elke serp 'n aanduiding van die gevorderd-heidsvlak en tyd wat dit sal neem, sodat jy met eenvoudiger projekte kan oefen voor jy meer gevorderde afwerkings aanpak. Elke projek word met duidelike stap-vir-stap aanwysings en foto's gedemonstreer en leer jou om 'n verskeidenheid lieflike kleurafwerkings te verkry. Drukwerk met gebruiksvoorwerpe maak 'n groot deel van die boek uit, en jy sal verstom wees om te sien watter fantastiese voorkomste jy met alledaagse goed kan skep. Die boek wys jou ook hoe om linoblokke vir drukwerk te maak en te gebruik, treffende ontwerpe daarmee te skep en stralende kleurkombinasies te beplan wat almal sal bekoor, en dek al die nodige tegniese aspekte van kleur- en drukwerk. Die manjifieke foto's van die voltooide syserpe sal jou inspireer om sommer dadelik aan die werk te spring en jou ware kleure te toon!

Beautiful handmade gifts for all occasions

In "Present Perfect," you'll discover gifts to sew for all of life's major celebrations: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, new homes, new babies, or simply "just because."

Betz White, known for her earth- and family-friendly designs, offers a new collection of sewing projects for you to stitch and give to those you love. Projects include cuddly toys for babies and toddlers, clever bags and accessories for women and men, and beautiful items for the modern home. Sewers with a range of abilities, from confident beginner to seasoned seamstress, will find the projects achievable and enjoyable to make.

Each handmade gift begins with a thoughtful selection of materials just right for the project and the recipient. Throughout this book Betz also offers hints for using alternative materials and ideas for upcycling. Reusing a favorite fabric with a history, such as outgrown baby clothing, a grandfather's necktie, or a vintage tablecloth, can add meaning to a truly memorable gift.

Decoupage is one of those age-old crafts that keeps returning in new guises. The latest trend is to use fabric to decorate a wide range of objects from shopping bags to bedside tables, or bathroom tiles to storage boxes. It is a fun and easy way to recycle just about any object, and materials and ideas from many other crafts can be incorporated.

This practical, step-by-step guide offers a refreshing and original look at decoupage, focusing on the use of fabric and textiles as the decorative medium. The text is packed with useful information, helpful hints and sound advice.

Detailed instructions, supplemented by clear step-by-step photographs, explain all the techniques required to ensure beautiful, professionallooking projects, while magnificent photographs of all finished items provide loads of inspiration to get started.

Overlockers do so much more than just join seams and neaten edges. With this practical book by your side, you will learn to make full use of your machine so that your sewing projects become easier and quicker to make. With helpful tips and troubleshooting advice throughout, it shows you how to make full use of your machine and how to enjoy the overlocking process. Topics covered include the different stitches an overlocker can produce, how to achieve them and when to use them. Useful techniques for making garments through simple steps are demonstrated along with photographs to illustrate the processes. Practical advice on equipment and accessories is given, along with troubleshooting tips for when things do not go to plan. There are quick reference charts and creative ideas for decorative finishes.

Over the centuries, the corset has been a vital garment designed to support and shape the fashions of the day, and has progressed from being an undergarment to bold outerwear. This practical book explains the full process of making a corset with clear instruction and supporting photographs. Packed with information, it explores methods of creating modern corsets, whilst acknowledging the pioneering techniques of the past. Whatever your reason for creating a corset- be it for theatre- re-enactment or personal wear - this book is an invaluable guide to making a well-constructed, figure-flattering garment. Includes: a list of helpful tools, equipment and materials; step-by-step illustrated instructions showing how to self-draft or personalize a commercially purchased corset pattern; techniques showing how to correct an array of fitting issues to produce a well-shaped corset; a selection of corset-making methods, illustrated with photographs and, finally, imaginative approaches to decorating and personalizing corsets. There are three main projects showing the development of the patterns and construction techniques to create gorgeous corsets.

Turn your favorite fabrics into a fashion statement. Stitch up these six easy patterns to make a wardrobe of ten wonderful bags that will hold everything.

Quick to make and easy to customize, these are projects you ll love to show off: One Tote, Three WaysSew & Go PursesFelted, Times TwoSailor-Stripe CarryallBohemian MessengerColorful Carryall

With multiple projects in every booklet, our 32-page Threads Selects booklets are a terrific value. Each booklet contains step-by-step instruction for pretty, clever projects that sewers and crafters of all levels can make in a weekend, a day, or even a few hours. Threads Selects booklets are available for sewing, knitting, crocheting, jewelry-making, cake decorating, and so much more all from the experts at Threads and The Taunton Press. You ll want to all kinds of new projects at this irresistible price "

Be inspired by versatile, quick-to-stitch patterns that offer a unique blend of traditional and modern quilt styles. You can discover how to dramatically change the look of a quilt with just a change of fabrics. Expert teacher and designer Deanne Moore presents achievable, versatile designs for all skill levels. Let these quilt patterns open the door to exciting possibilities! You can: select from 14 graphic designs that can be transformed from modern to traditional, and vice versa, by varying the selection of fabrics; see each project photographed in two diverse fabric styles; and, use the colouring diagrams to create your own colourway for each pattern.

Wet felting is an incredible textile art form that offers enormous opportunity for genuine creativity and innovation. This beautiful book is a complete guide to the process, from the basic techniques through to using embellishment materials to decorate your felt and resists to structure it. There are step-by-step instructions to nine projects, plus ideas for variations and an introduction to an innovative felting ball to create fully 3D-felted forms. Packed with practical advice throughout, this is truly a book to inspire your creativity and to guide you in the potential of this wonderful art form.

Fabric painting is a forgiving craft, allowing you to add your personal touch when you apply paint to textiles. This title is filled with fresh ideas for this evergreen craft and gives a modern take on a timeless pastime. Fabric painting is for everyone and the authors delight in sharing their secrets discovered over many years of hands-on painting and teaching. Here's what the title offers: new ideas on colour and colour mixing; advice on choosing fabric, design, paint and colours; a wide range of fabric painting techniques explained; step-by-step photographs and instructions for over 50 projects; many more ideas from finished items photographed in stunning surrounds; completely original designs with templates included.

Britain has more native breeds of sheep than anywhere else in the world, providing a valuable source of wool for feltmakers. The characteristics of these breeds vary widely, making some more suitable for felting than others. Aimed at all levels of feltmakers, this helpful guide explores a selection of native breeds, and explains how their wool can be used successfully to create a variety of types and weights of felt. The book gives detailed information on each breed of sheep and then advises on their suitability for individual projects. It covers combining different wools, and blending colours to create colour and texture and includes how to work with raw fleece, and how to dye wool and felt. There are over 250 photos which illustrate a wide variety of felted projects.

A book with the theme of "Let's make clothes to wear tomorrow," where adult women can make the clothes they want to wear now. Full of useful items for every season, such as coats and dresses and tunics made of warm materials. This book consist of sewing patterns of adult clothes delivered by the editorial department of the quarterly sewing magazine Cotton Friend. Under the theme of "Let's make tomorrow's clothes today," we have gathered adult clothes that are easy to make. Including items that are easy to make, such as ponchos, solid and kimono coats, as well as pants, tunics, dresses. Also note the proposal to enjoy the arrangement by changing the collar and fabric. The motto is "I want to make and wear them now."

Making Working Women's Costume gives a unique account of the clothes of ordinary women from the mid-fifteenth century to the early twentieth century. As well as introducing the historical periods, it gives patterns for a range of typical garments that women of the poorer classes would have worn. Organized by century, it draws on historical sources and finds, paintings and photographs to recreate the clothes of these under-celebrated women.