Starting with the early years of Victoria's reign, this essential book examines the developments and evolution of fashionable dress as it progressed throughout her six decades as queen. From the demure styles of the 1840s to the exaggerated sleeves of the 1890s, it explores the ever-changing Victorian silhouette, and gives patterns, instructions and advice so that the amateur dressmaker can create their own versions of these historic outfits. Other topics covered include: information on tools and equipment; a guide to transferring pattern pieces; a concise guide to the various layers of Victorian underwear; step-by-step instructions with colour photographs to help construct the patterns and advice on how to personalize the outfit. Illustrations of fashion plates, Victorian carte de visite photographs and original surviving garments provide visual inspiration and reference.

The authoritative guide to cosplay written by a legend in the community, and packed with step-by-step advice and fascinating investigations into every aspect of the art. Cosplay--a portmanteau combining "costume" and "play"--has become one of the hottest trends in fandom . . . and Yaya Han is its shining superstar. In this guide to cosplaying, Han narrates her 20-year journey from newbie fan to entrepreneur with a household name in geekdom, revealing her self-taught methods for embodying a character and her experiences in the community. Each chapter is information-packed as she covers everything from the history of cosplay, to using nontraditional materials for costumes, to transforming your hobby into a career--all enhanced with expert advice. Illustrated throughout and easy to use, this practical manual also delights with fascinating stories from the past decades' global cosplay boom. It's the perfect gift for anyone interested in learning (or improving their skills in) the art of cosplay.

SINGLE? WIDOWED? DIVORCED?
Having trouble coping with the Single Scene? Tired of the same old faces at singles events? Here's a fresh look at how to break away from the humdrum and loneliness and meet that special person who is already out there looking to meet you It's a no-nonsense sharing of the experiences of over 15,000 "singles," written to be fun, witty and very adaptable to your daily lifestyle. You'll feel confident - and happy - about being Single Again
WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT AFTER YOU'VE FOUND "MR/MS WONDERFUL"?
Read George B. Blake's sequel book, "Married Again: Making the Right Decision The Next Time." It will show you whether your new found love is really the right one for you. Quotes the experiences of over 3,200 singles who had been married two or more times. Also ideal for the engaged couples to discuss and solve any potential problems before the "I DO's." Even features a pre-nuptial agreement that cost $1,500 in legal fees to prepare. If you want to be sure your new mate is right for you, you must read "Married Again."

A practical 'make do and mend' guide to help you fix your favourite pair of trousers or alter that special thrift store find. With basic sewing hints and tips, you can revive your existing wardrobe and save money at the same time! From sewing on a button to taking up a hem, everything is clearly explained so that even complete beginners can successfully tackle these tasks and more.

The fine sewing techniques used in the ateliers of Paris fashion designers are explained here in easy to follow terms, giving helpful advice on how to make couture garments. Accompanied by over 1,000 illustrations, this book shows readers how to master such difficult sewing techniques such as the Spanish snap buttonhole, circular pockets, novelty sleeve designs, and much more.

Learn how to make fairies and mermaids to suit every season, and discover the joy of crafting with magic wool. Magic wool is a soft, vibrant material, perfect for creating figures for nature tables, celebrations, and Christmas decorations. From beautiful seasonal fairies, to shimmering mermaids and charming root children, crafters can create a wonderful selection of figures as the perfect focal point for festivals and storytelling. This inspiring book includes clear step-by-step instructions, colour photographs and diagrams for more than twenty standing figures, created using a combination of winding and needle-felting. The projects range from simple figures for beginners to more elaborate designs for experienced crafters.

Tote bags were initially mainly used by brands to advertise themselves and promote sustainability (as an alternative to plastic bags). Nowadays, however, tote bags can be seen everywhere, out on the street, in a range of different styles, and can be adapted to any situation. This book gives you an easy pattern for making a basic tote bag, as well as, above all, twenty ideas for personalizing it to your taste and requirements. If you do not fancy the sewing part, it is very easy to buy your own plain tote bags. Then all you have to do is add your own personal touch! You can use different techniques to make the bag (or bags!) that suit your fancy: embroidery, painting, dyeing, transfers, boutis (French quilting), stamping, etc. And although each project has been assigned a particular level of difficulty, all are well within reach of even the most absolute beginner.

Feltmaking is a popular medium for craftsmen, but few have explored its potential as an art form. This new book demonsrates the exciting scope of pictorial feltmaking and explains how to create felt pictures with the depth and atmosphere usually associated with a graphite drawing or a watercolour painting. Written by a leading felt artist, it shows to work freely with the wool as if it were paint or a piece of charcoal.

Everyone remembers the rag doll that their granny made for them as a child, or that homemade quilt with cozy and familiar patchwork pieces. There is something so special about things that have been made by those closest to us and not mass-produced for the high street. Home Sewn Nursery is a complete sewing guide for creating bold and bright toys, accessories, clothes and furnishings carefully stitched with love and originality. This booklet includes 12 simple sewing projects suitable for beginners, along with a basic techniques section and a handy pull-out pattern sheet. Four main sections cover a delightful mix of items for every occasion: clothes and shoes, out and about, toys and games and nursery accessories. Patterns include: Sunshine skittles and ball, Easy- peasy sunhat, Froggie hooded towel, baby shoes, earflap hat and changing bag.

Nothing epitomizes the look of the 1950s more for women than the hour-glass silhouette of the tightly fitted bodice and full skirt. This ubiquitous style - first introduced in 1947 with Dior's New Look - was so widely adopted by the mid-50s that it came to define the decade. This practical book introduces and explores the styles and construction techniques used in the 1950s. Step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate how to achieve a well-finished and authentic look using equipment easily obtainable at home. Chapters explain the processes from fabric selection, cutting out and preparation through to garment assembly using traditional techniques for creating the silhouette of the day.

Aimed at those who already have basic skills in soft furnishings, but are now thinking of doing an intermediate course on the subject or starting up their own business, this book (made available again in paperback) is a hard-working manual packed with all the techniques and advice you will ever need.Whether you hope to develop your passion into a rewarding career or simply want to add finishing touches your own home, Wendy Shorter will show you how to produce schemes and specify effectively for them.A basics section at the front takes you through all the essential techniques, which are clearly explained and illustrated with step-by-step photographs. Colours and fabrics are all covered, along with window treatments, chair coverings and household linen.Create bright, fresh items for your home and be inspired by the beautiful projects featured, all broken down into easy-to-follow steps: chair covers, bed treatments, cushions, curtains and blinds are all included.

The complete beginners' guide to sewing with 20 exclusive projects. Sewing is the perfect hobby - it's relaxing, creative and useful! Now the team behind Mollie Makes magazine have brought together all their favourite designers to share their tips, stories and beautiful sewing projects. Featuring 20 fun and stylish makes, this book will appeal to all skill levels, but the step-by-by step instructions and comprehensive techniques section make it perfect for complete beginners - building their confidence from the basics of hand-stitching, through utility and decorative stitching to machine sewing and beyond! Make great gifts like a dapper bear pyjama case or hedgehog sewing set; run up cute wedding favours, a foxy sleep mask or a beautiful make-up brush case; cosy up your home with fruity floor cushions, an easy peasy patchwork quilt or Christmas stockings; or makeover your wardrobe with an on-trend A-line skirt, embellished t-shirt or the picture perfect trapeze sundress. This book has everything to inspire readers to clear their kitchen tables and get sewing!

Seasonal delights! Stitch your way through the year with 40 creative and fun-to-stitch ornament projects. Projects include Spring Pretties, Summer Sensations, Autumn Expressions and Winter Heart-warmers.

Ahead of the Curve is the first sewing book to empower curvy and plus size women to feel body confident by sewing a wardrobe that fits. Don't change your body to fit your clothes - change your clothes to fit your body! Ahead of the Curve includes 5 basic garment patterns (UK sizes 16-36/US size 12-32/EUR sizes 44-64), which includes a pair of trousers, a t-shirt, a sleeveless top and two dress designs. Jenny takes you through a series of "Fit Clinics" - tutorials and case studies demystifying the fitting process - showing you how to adjust these patterns to master the perfect fit for your body shape. Once you have got to grips with this, you can go on to customize your closet and create an unlimited array of fantastic clothes that celebrate your body. If you're curvy or plus size, trying to find clothes that fit and reflect your personal style can be incredibly difficult and frustrating. Plus size women feel constantly excluded and like they can't express their personality through clothes. This book finally changes that.

Love at First Stitch gives you all the know-how you need to start making the dresses of your dreams. Written for novice stitchers by the author of the popular sewing blog Tilly and the Buttons, Tilly Walnes demystifies dressmaking for the generations that have never been taught to sew. This book presents the core sewing basics in an informal style, with Tilly's friendly and encouraging voice cheering the reader on throughout. Instead of overwhelming the novice dressmaker with theory, this book is about learning by doing. Each chapter presents practical tips and inspiration to guide you through creating a made-to-measure garment from one of the seven versatile and adaptable patterns included with the book, which can then be personalised to suit your individual style. Peppered throughout the book are Tilly's top sewing tips, including everything from what to look out for when buying - or borrowing - your first sewing machine, through how to behave in a fabric shop to appear like an expert, to techniques for pressing perfection.

Enter the world of the reclusive yet mischievous Impkins! I’m sure you have seen them out of the corner of your eye from time to time, racing from hiding place to nook or cranny—odd little creatures of stitch and stuffing, of endless variety in form and manner. In these pages, you will not find a taxonomy of their features or a list of the names by which you might call them, you will find guidance on something far more important—the techniques and methods by which you might craft one of these little stitchlings of your very own. It is a wonderful thing, I assure you, to bring an Impkin to life with hook and yarn, and herein you will find the detailed instructions necessary to craft one, with an endless array of options for ears, antennae, hats, wings, tails, scales, horns, hairstyles, clothing, and accessories. Each Impkin is unique, and only you can listen to find out what yours longs to be. Stitch by stitch, you’ll cast a spell, until at last you have made a brand-new creature. Don’t be surprised if it asks for a snazzy vest or a satchel to hold its treasures! Though hard to spot at first, when you see one Impkin you can be sure there are more around. Impkins are social little creatures; once you make one, it is sure to clamor for a multitude of friends from your hook!

Choose from a stunning variety of sewing and papercraft designs, including bags, decorations, gifts, cards and soft toys. The colour palette used includes beautiful shades of red, pink, taupe, cream, turquoise and blue. Projects are accompanied by clear instructions, gorgeous photographs and colour illustrations.

Get ready to take your coverstitch machine skills to the next level! Learn all the necessary techniques you need in order to create professional-looking garments that will rival ready-to-wear. Master the Coverstitch machine will guide you through the best practices needed for successful coverstitching, with easy to understand, illustrated, step-by-step instructions. With the basics covered, you'll be able to create garments following the detailed tutorials on everything from sewing binding and neckband to jeans making and underwear. Master the Coverstitch Machine will teach you how to: Hem garments like a pro Sew binding, ribbing and other neckline finishes Buy the coverstitch machine that best fits your needs Use professional techniques for swimwear, activewear and underwear Stitch decorative seams Use a coverstitch machine for jeans making Fix common coverstitch issues Use different presser feet and attachments for maximum results Pick the right type of needles and thread for your projects Clean and maintain your machine Master the Coverstitch Machine also features sewing industry experts who share their best tips for successful coverstitching. Coverstitching can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. If you follow the methods described in this book you'll be amazed how little tweaks can vastly improve the end result!