Before appearing on the BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee, Chinelo Bally had never used a sewing pattern. She wowed the judges with her ability to create stylish, fitted garments using a freehand cutting method that was taught to her by an aunt. In Freehand Fashion, Chinelo lets us in to the secret of how she does it. Using a series of basic garment blocks, Chinelo explains how this innovative technique can be used to create a whole wardrobe of fashionable clothes that will fit every shape and size - with no patterns required. Based on a traditional Nigerian technique, Chinelo has developed her own freehand cutting method. The emphasis is on the individual's own body measurements, and getting the perfect fit. This is a surprisingly simple technique that anyone can learn. No fancy equipment is needed - just a sewing machine, measuring tape, chalk and of course a good pair of scissors. Using step-by-step illustrations, the book shows how to draft, cut and construct the five basic blocks that are used - either singly or in combination - to make every item of clothing in the wardrobe. Once you have your basic blocks, you are ready to tackle the projects - practical garments that are fashionable, modern, stylish and versatile. There are tops, skirts, day dresses and eveningwear. This is an exciting sewing technique that will be brand new to most people, even experienced dressmakers. There really are no limits - and the beauty of this technique is that it can be applied to any body shape.

It can be difficult to find bag designs that really inspire you: you might want the shape and pockets of one combined with the size and handles of another. But how do you put all these different elements together to create your perfect bag? Let sewing superstar Debbie Shore equip you with all the techniques you need to create 12 beautiful, customizable projects, and then show you how to apply these techniques and ideas to create your own unique designs. The projects are wide-ranging, giving you plenty of ideas and techniques to try out, including a large, square-bottomed beach bag, a zipped, curved-top shoulder bag, an oilcloth tote, a pleated cosmetic bag, and a three-pocket cross-body bag with a magnetic fastener. Learn how to complete a range of techniques, from adding piping and making eyelets to inserting zips, adding handles and straps and creating a square bag base. What you create next is up to you! Mix and match techniques, fabrics and ideas to create a truly personal bag. All the techniques and stitches you need are clearly explained, and the projects can all be made on a basic sewing machine. The book is packed full of Debbie's friendly help and advice, with all the projects shown using clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instructions.

Learn to make fairies and angels for any occasion and discover the joy of crafting with magic wool. Magic wool is warm, vibrant and perfect for making beautiful, magical fairies for seasonal nature tables, birthday celebrations, Christmas decorations and much more. This book includes step-by-step instructions, colour photographs and clear diagrams for more than 20 beautiful fairies. The projects range from simple yet effective ideas to more elaborate designs for experienced crafters!

A creative and practical guide on how to get in touch with your local natural world to create thoughtful works of textile art. Filled with projects and step-by-step techniques, this book is perfect for textile students and professionals alike. Renowned quilter and textile artist Helen Parrott explores the creative potential of your local surroundings and teaches you the processes and techniques used to create beautiful textile artworks. Drawing on the Slow Stitch movement, she explains how mark-making techniques can be used meditatively to record personal lives and surroundings influenced by seasonal changes of colour, energy and light. She encourages you to connect to your own locality, whether it be urban or rural, at home or on holiday, and its specific seasonal aspects in order to create a personal, working cycle of textile art. The book is divided into seasons; from learning how to spot the first signs of Spring to recording seasonal characteristics - equinox through to solstice - Helen teaches you how to be in tune with your environment. Each location will have different signs, so each artwork will truly be unique. Techniques and projects are also covered in this book: she first teaches you the basics of both hand and machine stitch techniques, working with free-form stitching, chain stitch, corded quilting and then moves onto applique, blackwork and dyeing. The techniques build in complexity ending with pieced textiles and collages. Helen also explores how to work with dot and line, repeating patterns, light and shadow, colour (and lack of colour), plant structures and people in landscapes. The last chapter consolidates techniques you've learnt in the book and showcases finished works from her exhibitions, as well as the Bradford Textile Archive, to help you better understand where inspiration leads.

Potholder looms can make so much more than potholders! You can weave on these popular looms using the traditional loops or with nearly any yarn to make a variety of patterns, including Plain Weave, Twill, and Checkerboard. You can also weave shapes other than squares, such as rectangles and triangles. This variety of options means you can weave just the modules you need to make projects from wall hangings to place mats, runners, baskets, and more. Noreen teaches and explains each step of the techniques and projects in full detail, with photos, so even if you have never woven before, you'll easily be able to accomplish any project in this book. Tapestry weaving is also fun on the potholder loom, and Noreen shows you how with detailed instructions for setting up your loom and working tapestry techniques. Start with the Tapestry Sampler and then try your hand at personalized wall dolls, colourful wall hangings, and decorative art pieces. All you need to know for successful weaving on your potholder loom is in this comprehensive book!

Is it time to upgrade from the basic tomato? Treat yourself to a new pincushion that's sure to put a smile on your face! Sew 10 playful patterns from top designers, from 3D shapes to cute little critters. Try out a variety of techniques-like applique, embroidery, and piecing-in this value-packed booklet. Perfect for swaps, gifts, and stocking stuffers, these charming pincushions are so quick to sew, you'll want to make them again and again.

Making your own custom accessories is a great way to add colour, texture and comfort to your life-and can be fun too! Sew-It-Yourself Home Accessories offers 21 simple and beautiful projects to create with natural cotton. Using easy-to-learn sewing methods and bright, fresh fabrics, this book shows you how to make a range of useful items, from cushions, aprons and oven mitts to a laptop case, table linen and even a doorstop. Each project can be completed in just one weekend. Clear step-by-step instructions and colour photographs make the process straightforward and simple, even for absolute beginners. A basics section at the front of the book introduces you to all of the tools, materials and techniques you need to know.

Design and sew your own gorgeous, unique skirts, with no need for shop-bought patterns. Start by creating your own block and toile using just four body measurements. Then select your skirt shape, add the fittings, fastenings and details you want, and put the whole thing together with ease. With clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instructions, Jenniffer Taylor (of The Great British Sewing Bee) will show you how to mix and match the design elements you really want to make your perfect garment; choose from A-line, flared, gathered, pencil and pleated shapes, and from pockets, zips, buttons and yokes. The book contains 10 inspiring skirt options to get you started... but it's your skirt, your way, so fill your wardrobe with an array of gorgeous skirts that fit you perfectly and suit your style!

This inspirational book includes practical instruction for classic thread and wool crafts as well as related fabric crafts and needlecrafts. Full guidance is given on all the equipment and materials. Each basic technique is shown step-by-step, to ensure complete confidence and success. The prefect book for anyone new to needlecraft and a handy reference for experienced needle-workers.

More than 40 beautiful knits for babies, toddlers, and children up through age ten Knitting Children's Clothing is the one-stop guide for knitting a wide variety of clothing and accessories for your children in an economical way. With a range of modern to classic attire, your children are sure to be the talk of the playground-and you'll feel proud of your amazing knitting skills! With over forty patterns to follow, anyone can pick up a pair of knitting needles, grab a ball of yarn, and create a whole new baby or child's wardrobe. If you are attending a baby shower, you don't need to buy an expensive gift. Just follow the simple pattern inside and create the perfect booties or blanket. Or what if your son needs a new scarf? Why don't you choose his favorite colors and make him one he's sure to wear with pride? Following the step-by-step photos and instructions, you can now knit your favorite niece a beautiful dress with matching hat, or dress up your newborn grandchild with a handsome cardigan. Projects include: Ribbed yoke sweater for babies Warm baby blanket Christening gown Cardigan with crocheted flowers Bolero Knitted dress Striped beanie Mittens Woolen socks Knitting an adorable keepsake sweater or a fun pair of socks for that special child in your life is entirely doable with this inspiring book of patterns.

Ann Small's imaginative use of cutting and manipulating techniques, and her layering and colouring tricks, makes this your 'go-to' guide for bringing form and texture to your fabric artwork. This book is a rich resource and reference for textile artists seeking new ideas and who want to experiment with reverse applique and related techniques such as layering, trapunto, stacks, puffs and fabric manipulation. Packed with techniques suitable for quilting and other textile art Three wearable step-by-step projects Clear, close-up images make layering enjoyable and accessible.

A fresh and enticing introduction to the art of millinery, blending modern design and refined techniques with trusted traditional methods. Clear and concise, this book has been compiled with all budgets and a variety of skill levels in mind. Explore core millinery materials through a series of techniques based on a single wooden block and sculptural, hand-sewn, flat-patterned hats. Learn how to push the boundaries of your equipment through creative thinking and nurture your own design ability with milliner-specific design advice and exercises. You'll also learn ways of working sustainably. Over 200 photographs, sketches, and clear guidance from Sophie Beale combine to offer you over 20 activities, with instructions for 11 complete headpieces and hats, including straw hats, boaters, felt hats, veils, and more. The projects are carefully planned to make them easy to digest, each focusing on different, interchangeable materials and methods.

Sew 17 paper-pieced baby animal blocks with Mary Hertel! Mix-and-match blocks into six projects for a sweet nursery set, featuring a cozy quilt, baby bib, adjustable diaper bag, and more.

Sew 15 edgy and fun embroidered projects. Mix and match 50 designs on accessories and decor, personalizing jackets and shoes. Download embroidery patterns to print, or use the iron-on transfers.

Fuse two of your passions - knitting and felting - to create gorgeous, woolly animals filled with character. In this incredibly inspirational and unique book, Catherine shows you how to knit, wet felt and needle felt 20 cute creatures that you, your friends and family will love! Whether you love lions, rave over rabbits, are awed by alpacas, crazy for koalas or head over heels for Highland cows, there is a stunning variety of animals for you to choose from and make. Only basic knitting skills are required (cast on, cast/bind off, knit, purl, increase and decrease) and the wet felting process is simpler than you think! Then, once you've stuffed and sewn them up, you'll see how easy it is to needle felt details onto your velvety friend to create a fun and realistic creature! Whatever your skill level, a friendly and comprehensive techniques chapter is included on knitting, wet felting and needle felting, all accompanied by clear, fully-illustrated step-by-step instructions - so you can dive into your designs with confidence and creativity. The tools and materials needed are basic, easy to source and cost very little, making these fuzzy critters perfect for beginner crafters, or more experienced knitters and felters looking for fresh ideas and effortless projects.

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.

A celebration of handmade toys, featuring fabulous stuffed animals, handmade baby gifts and more - all made using fat quarter cuts of fabric - the most popular way that sewers buy fabric. Continuing the series from 50 Fat Quarter Makes, this fun collection features beautiful styled photography, step-by-step diagrams and templates for over 50 handmade toys, with patterns provided by 10 top international talents. These include Amie Plumley co-author of the bestselling Sewing School books, Ayda Algin of Cafe Nohut, Mollie Johanson of Wild Olive, bestselling author Emma Hardy and Aurifil thread designer and founder of #GreatBritishQuilter Sarah Ashford. All the toys are made using simple sewing techniques alongside patchwork, applique and embroidery.

Sprinkle some fairy dust and journey to a land where fun and creativity rule! Sewing these 14 colourful projects will delight children and unicorn lovers of all ages. Patterns are clearly marked with one, two, or three rainbows to entice sewists of all skill levels.

Set tails wagging with this canine collection of easy sewing patterns for adorable dog designs, all made using simple hand-sewing techniques. Featuring the most popular and distinctive breeds - including terriers, toy breeds, gundogs, pastoral breeds, utility dogs, hounds and working dogs - each pooch pattern comes with step-by-step instructions and full-size templates, making them paws-itively perfect for all abilities. The only materials you'll need are felt, a needle and some threads, brads for eyes, a little stuffing and some wool roving if you want to add some fluffy fur to your dogs. To make your dogs you'll use are blanket stitch and running stitch and a couple of basic embroidery stitches, all of which are explained and illustrated for beginners. The finished little pups make cute brooches, bag charms and home accessories, or can even be scaled up to make bigger plushes, all of which will make your dog-loving friends drool!

Perfect your professional handmade style with garment-making sewist Barbara Emodi by learning methods to understand common sewing missteps and how to avoid frustrating mistakes. Each strategy is geared towards making every project a successful one!