An irresistible felting book for cat lovers! From playful tabbies to fierce black cats, this book shows you how to create felted felines in every shape and posture: crouching, preening, stretching, napping and ready to pounce! Master Japanese felting artist and teacher (and a great cat lover himself) Housetsu Sato shows you how to become an expert in capturing a cat's essential form and character--especially at the kitten stage, when they are full of surprises. In this book Sato teaches you how to: Form the basic shapes and cat body parts Create a variety of familiar cat poses and postures Add realistic textures and markings to the fur Give unique expressions to your cat faces Along the way, he shows you how to infuse your felted friends with a playful sense of "cattitude," including how to incorporate fur from your real kitties into your felted models. Detailed instructions and photos for each cat piece, fur texture and marking make these projects friendly even if you are new to felting. Full-size templates help you form the correct shapes and proportions, and brief lessons in cat anatomy help you make your felted cats truly lifelike. Photos showing variations on the poses and markings make it easy to envision your own cat's likeness emerging from your hands.

Learn to make felt plants and flowers so rich with detail that they look freshly picked! Aimed at absolute beginners, the book starts with an overview of basic techniques and then progresses on to simple lessons for making flowers, plants, leaves and branches. Each lesson comes with a detailed reference photograph, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, and pattern. Felt flowers include magnolia, poppy ranunculus, rose and sunflower and learn to make projects such as a garland, decorative pillow, potted plant, Bohemian crown, terrarium, and more!

With hundreds of step-by-step illustrated instructions and a user-friendly, stay-flat format, Patternmaking with Stretch Knit Fabrics provides emerging fashion designers with comprehensive information on how to draft patterns for popular cut-and-sew stretch knit fabrics such as jersey and knits with spandex. After covering the basics of knits and techniques for gauging stretch capacity, Julie Cole introduces a unique, simplified approach to drafting slopers using hip and top foundations. She then provides information on converting, drafting, grading, and reducing patterns for proper fit in four categories of stretch. The book proceeds to drafting slopers and patterns for tops, dresses, jackets, sweaters, cardigans, skirts, pants, lingerie, swimwear, and activewear. Patternmaking with Stretch Knit Fabrics is ideal for students with basic or intermediate design, patternmaking, and sewing skills for any course in which students design and draft patterns for knits; or courses that incorporate both knits and woven fabrics. Features - Accurate and simplified system for patternmaking with stretch knit fabrics with easier to follow approach than other books -Each chapter includes - Key terms - Highly-illustrated step-by-step instructions - Three types of boxes: "Important", "Pattern Tip", and "Stitching Tip" - End of chapter features "Knit It Together" checklist, "Stop! What Do I Do If..." troubleshooting tips, and "Self Critique" review - More than 900 technical drawings with color accents and 100 photographs of sewn samples on the dress form Patternmaking with Stretch Knit Fabric STUDIO - Study smarter with self-quizzes featuring scored results and personalized study tips - Review concepts with flashcards of terms and definitions - Access downloadable files for half-size top and hip foundations, and slopers found in the book Teaching Resources - Instructor's Guide and Test Bank includes sample syllabi, suggested projects, test questions, and evaluation guides

A complete resource for furniture upholstering, regardless of your abilities, with easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions explaining all the essential upholstery techniques, from covering buttons to stripping and upholstering entire chairs. Build your skills at your own pace, with advice on the basics such as choosing materials and tools for the job and estimating yardage, as well as more complex upholstering techniques. It features invaluable advice on what to look for when buying second hand furniture, teaching you what's fixable and what's not as well as how to avoid costly mistakes by choosing the right stitches, and techniques and textiles for the job.

This delightful planner is designed especially for sewists so that you can track multiple projects throughout the year - because let's face it, who doesn't have lots of projects going at once? Set your project goals, track your progress, and manage your time and works-in-progress.

Learn to make Luna Lapin's friends and their exquisite wardrobes. This collection of sewing patterns features four of Luna's best friends and their clothes including Reynard the Fox, Clementine the Cat, Freddie the Badger and Wilhelmina the Wood Mouse! Author, Sarah Peel, takes classic garments and recreates them on a miniature scale and with exquisite fabrics including Liberty cottons, wool tweed and French lace. Full sized patterns and step-by-step instructions are included - as well as a collection of charming stories about the characters and their adventures.

Make, mend, and customise your own wardrobe with this highly photographic beginner's guide to machine sewing. A sewing book for beginners that's actually helpful. It's love at first stitch! This highly photographic, easy-to-use guide to machine sewing features more than 200 step-by-step techniques to help you master every stitch in the book! Inside the pages of this sewing reference book, you will find: - More than 200 sewing techniques, all clearly and closely photographed and explained in sharp detail - Discover how to read a pattern, use a sewing machine, and sew basic stitches, seams, and hems - Explore how to put your new-found skills to use to create, personalise, up-cycle, and re-purpose your clothes and soft furnishings. - Photographs and explanations of essential sewing equipment and materials - for both hand and machine sewing - A guide to sewing jargon and terminology that describes when, where, and how to use each tool and technique - Techniques to create something new or to customise things you already have Whether you're a seasoned sewer or just starting to learn how to sew, a fashion design student or sewing for yourself at home, Sew Step by Step will guide you through every hand stitch, machine stitch, and sewing technique you will ever need. With fully updated text and a refreshed design, this is an essential sewing handbook that you will want to keep next to your sewing machine to come back to time and time again. Close-up photographs accompanied by crystal clear instructions take you through everything from cutting out patterns to inserting collars, sleeves and pockets into garments. Explore how to put those skills to use to make, mend and customise your clothes and home furnishings. You will also learn how to find a suitable fabric for every project with an easy-to-use guide to different materials. It also makes a wonderful gift for beginner sewers and expert stitchers alike.

This innovative and breathtakingly detailed book from the V&A presents dress patterns, construction details, embroidery, and making instructions (including a knitting pattern and lacemaking) for 15 garments and accessories from a 17th-century British woman's wardrobe. Step-by-step drawings of the construction sequence and scale patterns for each garment enable readers to accurately reconstruct them. There are scale diagrams for making linen and metal thread laces, silk braids, and embroidery designs. Multiple photographs, close-up construction details, and X-ray photography reveal the hidden elements of the clothes, the number of layers, and the stitches used inside. This first book in a new series takes the physical examination and study of historical clothing to a new depth and degree of detail, using the expertise of designers, tailors, and makers from London's Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Get inspired to elevate your wardrobe with dozens of tips and tricks on creating handmade, fashionable pieces from materials you already have! StyleHacking is designed for every sewist to succeed - there is no time spent on measuring, on decrypting the lines on huge paper patterns, or altering premade patterns. Take five basic pieces (tank top, t-shirt, sweater, trousers, and leggings) from your closet to make templates from which you can create an endless variety of garments including over 30 styles to get creative with.

With this book you'll create your own gorgeous handmade gifts, stitched with love using the extra fabric scraps that you couldn't bear to just throw away. My Handmade World includes 15 original sewing patterns that incorporate Giovanna Monfeli's eye for detail and her unseen mastery in shaping fabric into amazing objects. The patterns range in difficulty, so beginners may easily complete projects from start to finish, while other patterns will challenge a more advanced sewer to learn some new techniques. Projects include gorgeous nursery mobiles, cute keychains, soft pillows, an adorable doorstop, a handy paperweight, as well as toy animals and poufs that will decorate your living room, and many more. Instructions are thoughtfully hand-illustrated throughout in a clean and simple style and the inspiring photographs showcase the possibilities using different color combinations or fabrics. My Handmade World is sure to become every sewists go-to project book for one-of-a-kind gifts. * Full-size templates * Clear illustrations accompanying almost every step * Beautiful photography by Giovanna showing her creation process

The Book of Decorative Knots illustrates more than 50 beautiful - and functional - knots for a wide variety of purposes. This meticulously illustrated book presents each knot with clear, step-by-step line illustrations that explain each phase of the properly tied knot. Included are lanyard knots for decorative braidwork, bowknots that make loops, 'Turk's head' knots for making decorative handgrips, button knots, sinnets, flat knots, and many, many more.

The perfect companion for anyone new to machine sewing, or looking for a little extra guidance, this book is packed with friendly advice, stylish projects and expert sewing tips. Sewing machine guru and popular author, Wendy Gardiner, brings you this invaluable guide to getting up and running with a sewing machine. She includes all the basics, including machine anatomy, how to thread up, and how to check stitching and tension. Once you have built up your skills, there are 12 great projects to make, including: a patchwork placemat, a drawstring bag, an appliqued pillow, a clutch bag, a tablet cover, tab top curtains, a quilted pot holder, and a notebook cover - there is something for everyone. Each project is designed to teach techniques such as sewing seams, adding buttonholes and zips, blind hems, quilting, free-motion embroidery, using an alphabet and making pleats, trims and pockets. There is also a glossary of all the important terms, and an excellent trouble-shooting guide. Revised, updated and expanded edition of The Very Easy Guide to Using Your Sewing Machine (9781844488285).

Make little girls' dreams come true with the prettiest sewing projects ever imagined! Sewn in Liberty's timeless classic florals, rainbow hues and delicate prints, this exquisite collection of easy sewing patterns will help you bring joy and colour to any little girl's life. Let her snuggle up in a quilt... twirl and whirl in skirts and dresses... play-fight with pillows... carry her treasures in bags and purses... become best friends with a topsy turvy doll... and pretty up every part of her bedroom with lampshades, curtains, cushions and more. Featuring Liberty Art Fabrics - the world's most desirable fabrics with a unique heritage dating back over 100 years - and created by life-long Liberty lover and purveyor of fine fabrics Alice Caroline, this stunning book will wow you with the beauty yet genuine simplicity of the makes.

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.

Once upon a time in the quiet coastal town of Whitstable, previously known for oysters and fingering, a bunch of (mostly) novice embroiderers but accomplished swearers came together to sew, drink and swear. And amidst all the stitching and laughing, friendships flourished and beautiful, irreverent pieces of art were created, adding a contemporary flavour to the ancient art of embroidery. F*ck Off, I'm Sewing! brings you the highlights and lowlifes of the Profanity Embroidery Group. Often funny, at times moving and always profane, their colourful embroidery will leave you in stitches.

Complement your cosplay with incredible wigs - custom-designed and created by you! Regan Cerato of Cowbutt Crunchies shows you how to make dozens of extravagant wigs for cosplayer needs, from dyed spikes to dragon scales to fibre flowers and so much more!

The benefits of sewing are well known - nothing feeds the soul like the act of creativity and sewing garments and projects gives you a huge sense of satisfaction. Not to mention the enjoyment of wearing the finished garment! Sewing is good for the soul and this collection of relaxed garments, accessories and loungewear sewing patterns is designed to soothe the soul and lift the spirits. But this book isn't just about the clothes, it's about the power of sewing to help you relax and unwind: there are smaller projects for hand sewing, the ultimate mindful craft, and quick dressmaking patterns for times when you want a sewing 'fix' but are a bit pushed for time. As well as the sewing projects there is also a smattering of delicious recipes to feed more than just the soul! Sewing and baking have always been natural bed fellows and this collection features garments, cakes and drinks to celebrate every season whether it's 'Mullered Wine' in the winter or a delicious Lemon Drizzle Cake for the summer. There are full-size, graded patterns (up to a UK size 26/US size 22) for 10 easy-to-wear garments including pyjama pants, a linen T shirt, a summer dress and palazzo pants. This means that you can find your perfect size and get sewing straight away without having to print out the patterns. The designs are for relaxed-fit clothes and 'loungewear', which are suitable for both work and home and all the garment instructions have written step-by-steps and diagrams making them suitable for all abilities. Unlike other sewing collections Sewing for the Soul takes you on a journey throughout the year with sewing patterns, projects, recipes and drinks to take you from season to season. Each season has a slow sewing project for when you have more time, a quick sewing project so that even the time-poor can get a therapeutic sewing 'fix' and either a hand sewing project, such as embroidering a decorative detail onto one of the garments, or a reinvention project. This means that, by the end of the year, you will have a whole new wardrobe to be proud of and will have spent many relaxing hours mindfully making.

You'll love these portable projects! Make the most of the moments you spend in waiting rooms, lunch rooms, trains, planes, or cars. Learn Kathleen Brown's unique Double Stitch technique--featuring a simple running stitch--and sew wherever you are. Learn to easily sew by hand to join patchwork pieces and create the look of hand quilting at the same time using the Double Stitch technique 14 charming patterns for beginners, including embroidery designs Delightful table runners, pillows, handwork suitable for framing, and more

The patterns and instruction you need to start crocheting and kitting today! Knitting and crocheting go hand-in-hand and are the most popular yarn crafts today. This one-stop guide to all things needles, hooks, and yarn will give you everything you need to know to get started knitting or crocheting. The book covers absolute basics such as selecting yarn, casting on, and even how to hold the tools and yarn, to understanding stitches, checking gauge, and deciphering patterns. Hundreds of projects, from beginner to advanced, include complete, step-by-step instructions as well as detailed illustrations and photos, and instructional videos online. It includes content from: Knitting For Dummies Knitting Patterns For Dummies Crocheting For Dummies Crochet Patterns For Dummies Get started today and you'll be knitting and crocheting like a champ in no time!

A collection of Half Yard (TM) sewing projects for wintertime style, designed by the award-winning and best-selling author Debbie Shore. Debbie has chosen 35 of her favourite winter designs from her much-loved Half Yard (TM) series, and added five brand-new projects for you to sink your needles into. Whether you're decorating the house for the holidays, looking for crafts to keep the little ones occupied or searching for gift inspiration, you'll find a gorgeous collection of items to make: from classics such as stockings, advent calendars and fabric baubles to snuggly slippers, gorgeous gift bags and cheeky Christmas gnomes! Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. As always, every project features Debbie's friendly, easy-to-follow instructions, along with helpful tips and advice.

Here is the ultimate reference for fitting test garments and transferring accurate adjustments to patterns No matter what size or shape you are, wearing garments that fit perfectly makes you look and feel better. Rather than making commonly accepted changes to a commercial pattern, the method presented in this guide focuses on the way a test garment fits the body. The fabric is manipulated to improve the fit, and then those specific changes are made to the pattern. The result: patterns that fit perfectly

With The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting, you'll learn:

- The importance of a fitting axis and how to use it during a fitting

- How to recognize fitting issues, such as drag lines and folds

- How to manipulate fabric to solve common and unusual fitting problems

- How to transfer the fitting changes to your pattern easily

- Basic pattern-making skills to ensure accurate alterations

See the fitting process from start to finish on basic garments, fitted on real people. Then follow fitting solutions on different body types. The lessons you learn will help you fit any body.

Overshot is perhaps the most iconic weaving technique--think antique coverlets and fancy table runners--yet many weavers are intimidated by its complex-looking structure. But it doesn't have to be difficult! In this book, Susan Kesler-Simpson makes overshot approachable by breaking it down piece by piece so that the weaver understands how it works, and then she puts it all back together so that weavers will have the confidence to make their own overshot patterns or to try any of the 38 overshot projects she has designed for the book. Weavers will learn: *to understand overshot as a derivative of twill *to understand the tie-up, placement of tabby in the tie-up, threading, and treadling *how to choose threads for overshot *how to use borders in your designs *how to set up the loom for overshot *how to work an overshot gamp Projects include: *Blankets *Shawls *Scarves *Christmas ornaments *Table runners *Placemats *Napkins *Others "Susan's explanations are to the point and easy to understand. When you read through the chapters, it's as if Susan is sitting there with you, telling you in a friendly voice how to weave overshot step by step."--excerpt from the Foreword by Tom Knisely

Boasting countless benefits and applications, handmade felt is a chunky, durable and non-fraying fabric that can be used for fashion and home projects. With Complete Feltmaking, any crafter can learn the art of creating felt with a little fleece, water and soap. This exciting book covers all aspects of feltmaking, from making simple flat felt to felting 3D shapes, as well as felting knitted work, needle felting and some slightly more advanced techniques such as cobweb felting. Each technique is carefully explained in detail with step-by-step instructions and accompanied by several projects to keep you constantly inspired. From a cheerful polka-dot bag and cozy felted slippers to a whimsical mobile and heart-warming tea cosy, this spirited primer offers a range of projects for beginner and advanced felters. Once the crafter has become comfortable with basic techniques, they can graduate to more complex felting techniques in the advanced chapter. This book includes everything you need to bring the highly sought after handcrafted style of felt to your wardrobe and your home.