Tanya Whelan is known for blending the romance of the past with a contemporary sensibility. Her vintage modern aesthetic has made her fabrics and sewing patterns some of the most admired by sewers and quilters everywhere. In her first book, she offers a stylish collection of 30 sewing projects that can be made using simple sewing techniques. Ranging from a pretty pleated clutch to a flirty French-inspired day dress, a portable child-friendly checkers set to an easy-to-make ottoman, each project comes with step-by-step instructions and illustrations, inspiring photographs and helpful tips. Included are 3 pattern sheets enclosed in a pattern pocket providing everything you need to stitch something beautiful for yourself.

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.

This is a full guide to using a Serger machine - an 'at your fingertips' reference book containing hundreds of techniques and tips for making the most of the Serger, or overlock, machine - a speedy and versatile tool for stitching garments and home decor. Readers learn how the serger works, the many styles available, the variety of functional and decorative stitches possible. There are also easy-to-find-and-follow charts - thread choices, accessories, best stitches for a range of fabric types. This book is an easy-reference collection of basic techniques, tips, and helpful information for anyone who is learning about or who already owns a serger.

Onesies are essential clothing for babies, toddlers and young children. In this practical and fun book, author and expert Janelle Fischer shows you how to personalize a plain garment to tie in with your child's favourite animal. You can choose from a dog, a cat, a tiger, a reindeer, a cow, a duck, a pig, a rabbit or a monkey. Each motif is cut using a template as a guide and is appliqued in place. Decorative stitching adds definition, humour and style to the garment. Alternatively, make your own onesie using the patterns provided. You can choose from a skeleton, superhero, princess, pirate and even a dinosaur. Basic sewing skills are required.

This book is an essential guide for anyone interested in the popular craft of needle-felting. Whether you are completely new to needle-felting or an experienced felter, this book has something to offer, from precise instructions to creative inspiration. Written by two authors, experienced in making and teaching crafts to students of all ages and abilities, instructions are easy to follow and include practical yet creative ideas to fix common mistakes. Projects arise from a genuine love of the natural world and animals, whether they be family pets ('Our Friend Dexter') or wild animals whose widespread ill-treatment has brought them into the limelight. Requiring no experience other than an interest in working and playing with wool, projects progressively build on skills throughout, and will transform you into an avid needle-felter in no time at all.

To the rhythm of a buzzing sewing machine, Sanne & Riet guide you through their world of fabric and thread. A floral brooch for your daughter, a laptop sleeve for your son, a tissue box cover matching your curtains, or a handbag for yourself: there is no need to register for sewing classes as Sanne & Riet's manuals show a healthy dose of creative resourcefulness and contain helpful tricks and simple alternatives to get around the classic sewing rules. Beginners start with the well-documented step-by-step tutorials explaining all the basics, while skilled seamstresses discover helpful advice from fellow experts. In short, you will find a most delightful array of simple, stylish projects: from baby items to bags, from home decoration to picnic blankets. A separate pull-out section of full-size patterns enables you to get started right away--no photocopying or enlarging required.