Wearable fiber art, whether in garment or jewelry form, is unique in that the human body breathes life, shape, and movement into the pieces. Be it a felted brooch or a dress made of book pages, wearable fiber art can provide personal expression unavailable from the world of mass production. In this volume of the acclaimed three-book series, comments from the makers, who discuss creating pieces that the wearer influences, are accompanied by more than 300 photos. Susan Taber Avila offers insights to what wearable art means and how fibers play into that combination. Margery Goldberg discusses the term in relation to jewelry. The hundreds of creations here, bridging art, design, craft, and fashion, show how fiber art that relates to the human body is in a class of its own.

How do you keep your piles of scrap fabric from growing out of control? Sew with them, of course! In this inspirational book, best-selling author Debbie von Grabler-Crozier shows you how to stitch 20 stylish, fresh items from very small amounts of fabric. From tiny scraps that can be transformed into patchworked coasters, strips that can be made into scrap bunting and offcuts that can be used for pouches or pincushions, your treasured scraps can be given a new lease of life! An invaluable crash-course on key techniques is included at the beginning of the book, and every project includes clear step-by-step instructions and a stunning photograph of the finished design to inspire. Furthermore, there are templates for particular projects provided at the back of the book, so you can sew your items with ease.

Collecting pretty handkerchiefs has become a wide-spread and popular hobby for many people. This entertaining and comprehensive identification and price guide will be useful and fun for all vintage linen enthusiasts. Over 400 color photographs and a lively and factual text present hankies from both historical and design points of view. You will learn how events of the 20th century influenced their designs, and how clever hankie aprons and wall-hanging hankie-quilts were popular. To aid collectors, the examples are arranged by decades and by their geometric shapes. Helpful information about displaying your collection and general care are provided.

This is an adorable collection of "Tilda" characters, complete with all the sewing techniques, designs and templates you need to create them. It includes four titles presented in a stylish slipcase - Birds, Bunnies, Angels and Dolls - perfect for both dedicated fans and crafters new to the "Tilda" series. Gorgeous colour photographs and delightful illustrations accompany each project along with easy-to-follow instructions for an array of sewing techniques, from applique to free embroidery.

This delightful book presents a wide variety of baskets with the author's view of "temporary" and "permanent" uses, and hundreds of photographs to illustrate his text. Basketmaking is a hand process that has never been mechanized and continues virtually unchanged in each part of the world. Here are found Asian, American and European ceremonial baskets, some of which support lavish facades of feathers and shells, as well as humble work baskets and those made quickly to satisfy a moment's need. Many traditional methods of converting plant materials into baskets are described with pictures of their constructions and discussions of their unique qualities.

Sew beautiful projects you'll love to use

Create 20 charming projects perfect for your lifestyle using patchwork, applique and embroidery techniques, all illustrated by pattern and fabric designer Verna Mosquera.

Let Verna guide you through the process and projects so you can start creating a handmade lifestyle all your own

In her second book, author Marge Jones guides readers through the process of refurbishing items for virtually every room in the home by using more of her alternative slip-covering technique. With detailed, step-by-step instructions and 350 photos and diagrams, 19 projects will have you creating covers for various style chairs - channel back, wing, twin barrel, dining, wooden trim, and recliners - as well as barstools, ottomans, throw pillows, boxed cushions, neck rolls, sectionals, and sleeper sofas. Readers will be given tips and ideas for making Roman shades from old drapery, towel bar drapes, valances, and repurposing linens and shams. Marge's method of making these beautiful coverings eliminates the muslin or paper pattern-making process, saving valuable time and energy, while achieving a tighter, more attractive fit. Once again, snug-fitting, easily made custom slipcovers will fit so well that your furniture will look brand new. For individuals of all skill level.

For everyone who dreams of sewing but suffers from the common fear of how to use the sewing machine, your worries are over! Thanks to this step-by-step method, illustrated with nearly 200 photos and drawings, you'll painlessly discover all the basic techniques, and even how to sew on a button. You'll then very quickly be able to put your new sewing machine skills into practice with the 15 special projects designed for beginners. This handy guide has a fold-out stand and is set up as a spiral flip book, ready to sit on your sewing table. Cheerful and encouraging, the guide walks you through the functions and accessories of the machine, along with the equipment you'll use with it, the choosing and cutting of fabric, the different kinds of stitches, how to sew pieces together, and more. Train yourself to sew straight, to make a hem, to add bias binding, piping, and zippers. Then create a reversible hat, a sewing-machine cover, a table runner, a shopping bag...from there, the possibilities are endless.

A collection of boro-inspired projects and techniques which celebrates this traditional Japanese textile and its relevance to the modern sewer and quilter. Learn about the history of boro and how it is being revived for a new audience using contemporary fabrics including denim, linen and shibori tie dye as well as sashiko and other embroidery stitches. The word boro comes from the Japanese boroboro meaning something tattered or repaired. It refers to textiles that have been mended or patched together for utilitarian, not decorative, purposes to make the fabric stronger and warmer, and to mend torn and threadbare areas. The techniques section includes a short stitch directory with traditional stitches (running stitch and applique) and contemporary stitches (herringbone stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch and whipped running stitch). Other techniques include instructions on improvisational patchwork; applique: raw, turned edge and reverse; darning techniques and methods for distressing and ageing fabrics to achieve an authentic boro finish.

Lovable Felted Animals is--dare we say--the cutest felting book EVER! This book shows you how to make graceful models of a lifelike sleeping lion, a mom and baby koala, a regal deer, a polar bear with cub, a fluffy alpaca, the world's most adorable hedgehog and so much more! Illustrated step-by-step instructions walk you through how to make 43 different projects, and a lesson on basics helps you get started. The animals featured in this book include: A curious panda or a sleepy fox with a flower pot A catch-all tray featuring "swimmy" creatures like a dolphin, seal or otter Friendly bears and a perky hedgehog Bright-eyed, bushy-tailed pen and pencil covers (a dog, a cat, and a few woodland friends) Simple faces to make into brooches or fridge magnets (a cat, a chipmunk and a menagerie of bears) And more! Different projects show how to add details such as clawed feet, antlers, markings and tail feathers. With the variety presented in this book, you can start with something easy and move on to animal figures that let you capture delicate expressions and add a little attitude, making this book an excellent guide to both learning and developing needle felting skills.

Quick and easy, bright and delightful--these are gifts you'll love to make and give! Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, home warming, or "just because," you'll want to make these thrifty and nifty gifts for every special occasion! Featuring a wide variety of cheerful and colorful projects, including home decor, bags, wearables, and more Fun, functional, and fast gifts to give or keep, with appealing designs for adults and youngsters Easily customize each project with favorite colors and fabric patterns for truly personalized gifts

Fashion-conscious ladies love their purses--and vintage is today's key couture look. These bags draw inspiration from the elegance, glamour, and sophistication of styles popular in the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, so they're as exquisite as anything in a fine boutique...but at a fraction of the cost. There are 20 original projects in total (five per era) and they have wonderful details like beaded ring handles, three-dimensional trims, whimsical appliques, and eye-catching prints. Go for art deco styling, slimline clutches, tapestry bags, and gathered ones with felt corsages. Plus, each handbag has a pretty matching purse pattern to go along with it. All the patterns have seam allowances added already to make things easy, and sewers will find everything they need to know to take their choice from beautiful idea to finished item.

Pretty flowers, expert styling, and flattering designs characterize some of the features that define high fashion hats of the 1950s to 1980s. This comprehensive book combines over 700 color photographs with carefully researched facts about historical events, hairstyles, and hat designers in each decade. See the hats Christian Dior, Sally Victor, Mr. John, Halston, Oleg Cassini, Adolfo, Oscar de la Renta, and others designed for their exclusive and general clientele. An extensive millinery glossary is very useful and period photographs of women in the neighborhood proudly wearing their best hats are delightful today. Fashion collectors will drool at the images and current designers will love the inspiration. Hats are becoming again an important fashion accessory.

Pattern Magic is the cult pattern-cutting book from Japan. Taking inspiration from nature, from geometric shapes and from the street, this book harnesses the sheer joy of making and sculpting clothes. The book takes a creative approach to pattern cutting, with step-by-step projects for fashion designers and dressmakers to enjoy. All the basic information you need to start pattern cutting is included, from the basic block to measurements and scaling. Each project is beautifully illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs showing the stages of construction, the toiles and the finished garments. These easy-to-follow illustrations and detailed instructions make it easy to create stunning, sculptural clothes with a couture look.

Readers need only to master several simple steps to discover the true pleasure of creating unique, durable baskets. In 284 photos and illustrations, plus detailed instructions, learn to choose and prepare raw materials, and gather and use necessary tools. Find optimal working positions, create basketwork structures, and discover essential steps (splitting, weaving, and peeling) in making closed- and open-weave basketry, rib basket weaving, and border designs. Since the dawn of time basket weaving has been a part of humanity's daily activities. Today, practicing this art, readers may indulge in a historical, yet always evolving and current craft that allows one to create useful, long-lasting articles from various plant materials. The baskets made will remain both gorgeous and useful for many years to come. A glossary of terms is provided for quick reference. This informative guide will be a welcome addition to any basket weaver's library.

Here's a fun and inexpensive way to transform your decor -- furniture slipcovers that can be applied and removed to fit the occasion or the season. A talented seamstress shares her tips and techniques for creating slipcovers for a sofa, the headboard of a bed, and a variety of chair forms including wingback, bergere, club, and contemporary styles. Be inspired by the detailed color photos and instructions. See beautiful fabrics by Waverly and Woeller used to enhance furniture design.

On the island of Nantucket, the Nantucket Lightship Basket developed over many decades into the distinctive basket so highly prized by collectors today. The baskets evolved in the mid-nineteenth century from wooden splint baskets made by Algonquin Indians and were adapted by Nantucketers, who introduced hardwood bottoms, utilized wooden molds, and replaced wooden splints with rattan. The fascinating history of this basket and its makers is richly illustrated with color photographs that detail construction and show beautiful examples of the craft. Special emphasis is give to depicting the rigorous life aboard the New South Shoal lightship, the crew of which produced beautifully constructed baskets, many of which are shown here. The history of the basket is updated to the present day, including the 1940s development of the covered "pocketbook" basket and the work of contemporary basket makers. For the collector, Martha Lawrence provides details to consider in evaluating antique and contemporary baskets. She also takes the reader through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for the construction of a basket, including accurate photographs of the stages crucial to producing an authentic piece. Lightship Baskets of Nantucket is a fascinating study of a craft whose popularity is increasing and whose heritage is as enduring as the baskets themselves.

Here is the definitive resource on the fine art of making shirts. Author David Page Coffin shows how to create elegant, custom-fit garments for a woman or a man that have a great tailored look and fit perfectly. And, even more important, once you learn to make and fit a shirt -- whether you have sewn for weeks or years -- your sewing skills will be dramatically improved. David shares the construction secrets of garments from the world's finest shirtmakers. Discover how to duplicate and even improve on these garments, using simple tools and techniques any sewer can acquire. Includes 15 pages of full-sized patterns for collars, plackets, cuffs, and pockets. In the companion video, Shirtmaking Techniques, Coffin demonstrates the techniques that are the hallmarks of fine shirtmaking and shows how to master rolled hems, flat-felled seams, collars, cuffs, and plackets. "This book is great -- fresh, focused information on shirtmaking. David Coffin's approach is straightforward and logical...no sooner do you pose a question than he answers it." -- Sandra Betzina, syndicated sewing columnist, author of Power Sewing and More Power Sewing, and host of HGTV's Sew Perfect

More than 90 modern quilts juried into Quilt National '87, the most prestigious international exhibition of contemporary quilts are featured in this new book. These exciting examples demonstrate the increasingly varied field of the quilt as a modern form of art. The book is enriched by comments from the artists and jurors, including Gerhardt Knodel and Jan Myers, and author/curator Penny McMorris.

Create lovely new "once upon a time" keepsakes with these 44 cross-stitch patterns, blending the traditional style of France with a charming contemporary simplicity. The designs are eye-catchingly lovely with their subtle colors, gentle humor, and delicate lines. They're all here: wily foxes, big bad wolves, city mice and country mice . . . not to mention princesses, enchanted worlds, and fun rhymes. Many include multiple scenes and motifs, offering you dozens more components to use in a myriad of ways. Along with the patterns, enjoy instructions for 22 projects to show off your stitchwork: luggage tags, mobiles, cookie tins, quilts, a cuddly toy with its own sleeping bag, and more.

With this valuable book, novices and connoisseurs alike will be able to correctly identify the most distinctive styles and purchase contemporary Oriental rugs in traditional designs of the highest quality. Over 270 beautiful color photos, including many close-up shots, display these fascinating carpets to their best advantage. The authoritative text provides valuable information on unusual rugs, rug pedigree and discernible workshop style, knot count, dyes, the Lotus design, and specific rug weaving areas--including India, Pakistan, Persia, Turkey, Nepal, Tibet, China, Egypt, and Romania. The text also provides essential rug-buying tips and recommendations for rug care. Values are provided in the captions. This book is a must not only for prospective rug buyers, but also for everyone who admires the intricacy and beauty of Oriental rugs!