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

Award-winning fiber artist and teacher Jaana Mattson's needle-felted landscapes explore fresh territory. See how with this beautiful resource for beginners and practicing artists alike. Enjoy inspiration from 50 fascinating photos of the artist's original works, together with five step-by-step tutorials for a satisfying introduction to basic landscapes. Mattson, who creates entirely dry-felted textiles with a simple handheld tool, shares her one-of-a-kind painterly, impressionistic approach of blending and layering techniques guided by color theory and an understanding of the fibers. Learn how wool works as a material, how to make the best use of tools as you work with the dry-felting-only techniques, and the color and composition basics you need for planning successful landscapes in wool. The projects include Vibrant Fields, Thunderhead, Moon Shadow, Birch Lake, and Lone Oak.

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.

This fresh and scholarly look at a century of rug hooking in Maine demonstrates the significant role non-woven rugs have played in American decorative arts. True Waldoboro rugs are explored in detail and the myth of "Acadian" rugs is explained. Edward Sands Frost manufactured preprinted burlap rug patterns in the mid-19th century that spawned competitions across the country. By the 1880s, summer visitors helped organize cottage industries that turned Maine's rug-hooking talents into income producers. The Arts and Crafts movement in America led to new and exciting styles of rug patterns in Maine, and by the early 20th century, artists pushed the craft of rug hooking in to a fine art, with Marguerite Zorach's designs among the prominent examples. This lavishly illustrated book has over 250 color photographs that highlight the extraordinary story of rugs created throughout Maine and eastern Canada, including popular maritime designs by men of the seas.

They're hot, they're shiny, and they're oh-so-glamorous. The mettle of movie star wardrobes, the spark that lights brides' eyes, and the flash that marks music videos-metallic fabrics have defined glamour for half a century. This book revisits metallics past, with historic fabric swatches from Europe and Japan dating back to the 1950s, and takes us to today's top European couture houses in a visual exploration of metallics' allure. In all, 237 pictures will provide inspiration for designers and insight for fashion historians.

During Queen Victoria's long reign there were constant, often subtle, changes to men's clothing in the large, diverse and growing population. This practical book guides you through the male fashions of the time and includes eighteen garments typical of the era. Each project is carefully grounded in historical research, while traditional tailoring techniques are simplified for the modern costume maker. It is an essential handbook that describes fabrics and tools for pattern drafting, tailoring and costume construction, and explains how to get the best results from each. It covers a wide variety of gentleman's attire adaptable for different occupations and social status, including assorted shirts, trousers, breeches, a tailcoat, a jacket, a frockcoat and several waistcoats. There is a full set of patterns for each outfit, along with clear, full colour construction photographs and finally, the author suggests how outfits can be adapted to fit different sizes and characters, and gives practical insights into the making process.

From the editors of the popular Making Mathematics with Needlework, this book presents projects that highlight the relationship between types of needlework and mathematics. Chapters start with accessible overviews presenting the interplay between mathematical concepts and craft expressions. Following sections explain the mathematics in more detail, and provide suggestions for classroom activities. Each chapter ends with specific crafting instructions. Types of needlework included are knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, quilting, temari balls, beading, tatting, and string art. Instructions are written as ordinary patterns, so the formatting and language will be familiar to crafters.

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.

Here is a selection of inspiring projects including: quilts, pillows, a spring wreath, little deer toy, handstitched pincushions, pretty fabric bags, coasters, charms, and decorations. Helen's work includes extra details and embellishments to inspire your own creativity.

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.

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.

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 unicorn tapestries are one of the most popular attractions at The Cloisters, the medieval branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Traditionally known as "The Hunt of the Unicorn," " "this set of seven exquisite and enigmatic tapestries was likely completed between 1495 and 1505. The imaginatively conceived scenes--displaying individualized faces of the hunters and naturalistically depicting the flora and fauna of the landscape--are beautifully captured in silk, wool, and metal yarns.

Written by one of the world's leading authorities on medieval textiles and illustrated with many lovely color reproductions, "The Unicorn Tapestries "traces the origins of the tapestries as well as possible interpretations of their symbolic meaning. This is an essential book for any lover of medieval art and textiles.

Pattern Cutting Techniques for Ladies' Jackets shares the trade secrets from the world of bespoke tailoring and haute couture, alongside procedures from the ready-to-wear industry. Written by a trained Savile Row tailor working in the fashion industry, it explains how to make a basic pattern for a jacket by flat pattern cutting or draping on the dress form. It introduces a broad range of techniques with clear detailed instructions, and emphasizes the importance of an individual and creative approach.

"Anyone who can work through the labyrinthian directions for sewing that accompany the commercial pattern can surely learn the comparatively simple and clear rules for pattern making," says nationally acclaimed sewing expert Adele Margolis. Her profusely illustrated primer allows you to create your own fashionable patterns and personalized commercial patterns. You'll learn how to design and execute everything from skirts, dresses, and blouses to sportswear, jackets, and children's clothing. You'll also find tips for: shaping fabric to your figure; mastering the art of flares, flounces, pleats, and tucks; creating fashionable necklines, pretty pockets, stylish sleeves, and much more.
Simple step-by-step directions and more than 1,000 illustrations show how to successfully complete apparel for work, home, and play that reflects your personal style and taste.

The world's foremost authority on the history of thimbles tells all, outlining the little tool's long history, from ancient Egypt to today. The thimbles' history is interwoven with that of women, giving glimpses of a private, domestic world that history books often overlook. Meet the poor little Victorian seamstresses with their everyday brass thimbles and the tiny children's thimbles worn by early straw workers. Glance at gold and gem-set thimbles worn by the courtesans of Paris and, on the other hand, learn why the thimble was the perfect romantic gift a proper gentleman could give to a lady. Romance aside, this book supplies practical tips on cataloging, maintenance, and display, along with price guides and a list of thimble collectors' organizations throughout the world. More than two thousand thimbles are illustrated in full color, some of which have never been seen before.

This fun, quirky book is packed with 25 gorgeous, colourful skirts for adults up to size UK 20/US 16 and children from 2 years old. Using the clear explanation, useful sketches and beautiful pictures to guide you, choose from A-line, bell, circle, straight, gathered, wraparound and elasticated styles, and also learn how to add underskirts and create maternity wear. All the skirts can be easily customised using the full-size pull-out patterns and each is shown made from several different fabrics and with different trims to inspire you to follow your own personal tastes. With tips on stitching, advice on choosing fabric and a comprehensive guide to cutting and using the patterns, Madame Zsazsa will show you exactly how to create your own fun and flattering designs!

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 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.

Artist and wool crafter Jessica Peill-Meininghaus decided that she needed a project to teach herself follow-through in life. She settled on making one of her popular felted-wool gnomes every day for a year. With pipe cleaners and wool roving, amidst the chaos of raising four children and moving cross-country, Peill-Meininghaus felted her way through hundreds of charming, pointy-hatted, often bearded characters. Lavishly decorated with photos of each charming creation, The Gnome Project is the surprising and magical story of what happens when we commit to something small. (Hint: It's something very big, as in making life more meaningful.) Here is her inspirational tale, complete with gnome-making instructions.

Join Gai Button as she shares her secrets to needle felting adorable miniature dogs. Using different wools, silks and fibres, and with just three needles, you can make all manner of realistic-looking dog breeds, including labradors, pugs and poodles. There are six dog projects in the book, and the techniques for making them are explained clearly with illustrated step-by-step instructions, along with handy tips. Each dog also has to-scale templates included, so you can start needle felting your favourite pooch right away. Needle felted dogs are easier to make than they look, making them suitable for beginners and confident felters alike!

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