Put aside those preconceptions of dusty, medieval tapestries hanging on castle walls! Tapestry weaving has a whole new look, and fiber enthusiasts of all levels are eager to try their hand at creating images with yarn. Rebecca Mezoff, a renowned teacher of contemporary tapestry weaving, shares her techniques in this in-depth guide to every aspect of the process, from developing a color palette to selecting yarn, warping the loom, and weaving the image. Crafters can choose from inexpensive tabletop and hand-held looms to larger floor looms. Detailed step-by-step photos and inspiring examples from a range of weaver-artists make this a one-stop resource for tapestry weaving how-to.

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.

This book shows you how to make twenty Christmas decorations including hanging tree decorations, a Christmas wreath, an advent calendar garland, free-standing felt ornaments, a Christmas cottage storage box and a bottle gift bag. The designs have a fresh, contemporary look that will appeal to a young audience and traditional crafters, and all the projects are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced sewers. The easy-to-make pieces use pre-bought felt, which are relatively cheap to buy and widely available in a huge range of colours. Includes step-by-step instructions, lists of the materials and tools needed, and a beautiful photograph of the finished piece. Templates are provided where required, and the basic techniques and stitches used are included at the start of the book.

Get info on all of the basics you need to dye fabric, including necessary tools, the best dyes, which fabrics to use, precautions, and more-all in one handy reference tool!

The finishing touches applied to a garment can take it from the realms of the ordinary to the heights of luxury. Creating Couture Embellishment offers a step-by-step guide to manipulating fabric and making and applying a rich variety of embellishments. Chapters cover fabric-manipulation techniques of pleating, quilting, tucking, ruffling, shirring and smocking, as well as the fabrication and application of feathers, beading, embroidery, flowers, decorative ribbons and bows, bias bindings and piping, fringe, braids and passementerie. The heirloom quality created by the insertion or application of lace is also explored. Featuring a visual index of every embellishment in the book that is designed to offer inspiration as well as showcasing the myriad of choice, Creating Couture Embellishment provides a comprehensive sourcebook of ideas for the student, professional and home sewer alike.

Turn your kitchen into a waste-free zone with these crafty solutions for everything from 'unpaper' towels to reusable kitchen wipes and clever storage solutions. The zero waste movement is huge and this collection will help you to craft your own zero waste solutions - with just a few craft skills you will be able to turn your unwanted waste into storage and cleaning items for your kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of our homes and finding ways to make it feel healthy and wholesome are really important. From leftover food scraps to the endless packaging that our food comes in, there's so much that goes on in a kitchen and it's the place in our homes where we generate the mosts waste. Make your kitchen more sustainable with some clever craft ideas for reusing, upcycling and transforming waste. Whether you're a committed crafter or new to making, there is something for everyone no matter what your skill level is. Choose from projects and tutorials for the kitchen including sewing, crochet, patchwork, upcycling and reuse ideas. There are also some projects that require cutting, sticking and even drilling thrown in for good measure: learning how to do little bits of everything will give you a 'toolkit' to think creatively about how to reuse everyday things as you progress on your journey to zero waste living. Learn how to use up fabric scraps and old linen to create beeswax wraps for storing food; make your own paper caddy liners for food waste and create pots for growing kitchen herbs from empty bottles. Create a unique and practical apron from an old pair of thrifted curtains and sew some handy storage ideas for the family using pockets rescued from unwanted clothes. Upcycling and reuse gurus Emma Friedlander-Collins and Christine Leech show you how to turn your kitchen into a zero-waste zone with step-by-step instructions and some clever crafting. Packed full of original ideas, Zero Waste: Kitchen will help you to live the zero-waste way and improve your efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle while at the same time having fun.

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.

This title helps you learn the classic techniques of painting silk, with creative projects to do at home. There are exciting designs to create, including a Decorative Fan, a Lily Scarf, a Flowery Camisole and a Block-printed Blind. It features a gallery of exquisite silk painting treatments by leading contemporary artists. It includes information about materials, equipment and techniques such as using gutta and marbling. There are 25 original and easy-to-achieve projects presented step by step. It contains over 300 specially commissioned photographs, which clearly demonstrate each stage. This is the definitive approach to a traditional craft. The art of decorating textiles has been popular since ancient times and of all the natural fabrics silk is the most sought after. Increasingly sophisticated dyes have led to new and elaborate decorative techniques, but the real beauty of silk painting is that even simple designs produce outstanding results. This book shows how to create 25 decorative pieces, and contains all the information you need to get started. Types of silk and their suitability for different dyes are discussed, and many basic techniques - including tie-dye, dip-dye, salt scattering, gutta resist, marbling and batik - are explained. Once you have mastered these basics the projects will be easily achieved. The projects vary in complexity so you can start off with a dip-dyed handkerchief before tackling more involved techniques such as the gutta hand-painted parasol. The projects are presented step by step with photographs to take you through the stages. This book is a wonderful introduction to one of the world's most rewarding crafts.

The possibilities for three-dimensional manipulation of fabric - gathering, pleating, tucking, shirring, and quilting woven materials - are seemingly endless. To describe them all would be to describe the entire history of sewing.

In "The Art of manipulating Fabric," Colette Wolff has set herself just this task, and she succeeds brilliantly. Working from the simplest possible form - a flat piece of cloth and a threaded needle - she categorizes all major dimensional techniques, show how they are related, and give examples of variations both traditional and modern. The result is an encyclopedia of techniques that resurface, reshape, restructure and reconstruct fabric.

• More than 350 diagrams support the extensive how-tos, organized into broad general categories, then specific sub-techniques
• Handsome photos galleries showcase the breathtaking possibilities in each technique and aid visual understanding by emphasizing the sculptured fabric surface with light and shadow
• Textile artists and quilters, as well as garment and home decor sewers, will expand their design horizons with the almost limitless effects that can be achieved

In First Time Felting, felting and fiber expert Ruth Lane teaches a class for absolute beginners on three classic methods of felting. Start by learning about the various types of wool fibers used for felting, preparing them for the process, and simple methods for dyeing. Next, discover the basic supplies and techniques for needle felting, wet felting, and nuno felting. You'll use those essential skills to make fun, easy projects-artworks, embellished fashions, three-dimensional figures, and more-skills you'll turn to again and again to create your own original pieces!

In Putting on the Dog, Melissa Kwasny explores the age-old relationship between humans and the animals that have provided us with our clothing: leather, wool, silk, feathers, pearls, and fur. From silkworms grown on plantations in Japan and mink farms off Denmark's western coast to pearl beds in the Sea of Cortes, Kwasny offers firsthand accounts of traditions and manufacturing methods-aboriginal to modern-and descriptions of the marvel and miracle of the clothing itself. What emerges is a fresh look at the cultural history of fashion. Kwasny travels the globe to visit both large-scale industrial manufacturers and community-based, often subsistence production by people who have spent their lives working with animals-farmers, ranchers, tanners, weavers, shepherds, and artisans. She examines historical rates of consumption and efforts to move toward sustainability, all while considering animal welfare, worker safety, environmental health, product accountability, and respect for indigenous knowledge and practice. At its heart, Putting on the Dog demonstrates how what we choose to wear represents one of our most profound engagements with the natural world.

Chic and timeless, macrame has once again established itself as a popular home decor trend. Decorative Macrame walks you through the process of creating your own unique pieces, perfect for your space. Clear step-by-step photographs show you how to create the four basic knots and apply simple macrame techniques, while detailed diagrams help you with things like measurements--making the creation process less daunting. Diagrams, drawings and instructions show you how to create 20 projects that are simple enough for beginners and satisfying enough for practiced knotters. Ranging from small accessories to hanging statement pieces, everyone will be able to find something that catches their eye. The projects in this book include: Soft wall hangings--perfect for warming up any space An elegant room divider A boho chic lampshade An adorable bunting that can hang year-round Multiple hanging plant holders Curtain ties that add a touch of interest to your windows A keychain so you can carry your crafts with you And much more! Beautiful lifestyle images of the finished projects (surrounded by muted tones, natural materials and an abundance of plants) are sure to inspire your own space.

Classic A-lines, sleeveless summer dresses, and party frocks-learn to sew eighteen-inch doll dresses for every occasion. This huge collection of over forty miniature dress designs includes twenty-eight complete patterns, plus thirteen bonus looks created from mix-and-match elements. Richly photographed, stylish dress projects are paired with sewing tutorials aimed at intermediate and advanced doll dressmakers. With princess seams, pretty pockets, and a variety of necklines, dressing up your doll has never been so much fun!

Minimise waste and maximise creativity with 14 stylish freehand dressmaking projects from Chinelo Bally. Making your own clothes is a sustainable, ethical and fun craft that is brought alive by bestselling author and designer Chinelo Bally. Using the freehand cutting method for which she has become so well known, Chinelo shows how to upcycle and make stunning new items from old garments as well as making clothes using interesting new fabrics, without the need for sewing patterns. The book features eleven projects for stylish women's clothes and three projects for children's clothes. Learn to turn a man's shirt into a fashionable dress and old pair of jeans into a sassy tutu skirt. Other projects include a one-shoulder jumpsuit and Chinelo's signature collared top. Throughout the book, Chinelo encourages the reader to make clothes to suit their own style and achieve results that are beautifully distinctive - and a far cry from throwaway fast-fashion. Projects include: * Women's Clothes: 2nd Date Night Dress, Angled-overlay Pencil Skirt, Asymmetric Peplum Top, One-shoulder Jumpsuit, Shirt to Button-back Dress, Jeans to Sassy Tutu Skirt, Pencil Dress Refit, Signature Collared Top, Versatile Maxi Dress, Showstopping Maxi and Strapless Wrap Dress. * Children's Clothes: Child's Peekaboo-back Dress, Shirt to Child's Dress, Jeans to Child's Dress Packed with tips, techniques and inspiration, Sew Chinelo reveals the secrets to producing sustainable and wearable clothes with style, feminine glamour and a professional finish that fit perfectly every time.

Expand your costume-making skills and go from beginner to confident maker! Enhance your design skills! Amanda shares her expertise in costume design, SFX makeup, LED basics, and more to take cosplayers of all skill levels from sketchbook to convention floor.

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.

"Susa's approach to needle felting will give beginners the know-how to get started, but experienced felters will also appreciate her whimsical designs." --Library Journal Cute Needle Felted Animal Friends shows you how to create lifelike felted figures that remind you of the pets you love--using a little wool roving, a felting needle, and a few basic tools and techniques. Even more than this, it shows you how to capture their adorable expressions when they're playing hard, napping, or just happy to see you. A sweetly cocked head, perky ears, and a tail that makes you think it's actually wagging--the charm of these miniature figures is all in the details! Easy step-by-step instructions and photos show you how to make the basic shapes and components, then how to add details like long or curly hair, spines, and stripes, as well as little faces that are utterly irresistible. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to portray the unique poses and expressions of beloved pets from your own life. And just like your pets, this needle felting book is so friendly that even novice felters will have no trouble making these miniature animal figures, including: A perky Yorkshire Terrier An elegant Russian Blue Cat A playful Tabby A sleepy Mottled Cat A Holland Lop Rabbit A curly Toy Poodle A fluffy Pomeranian A dapper French Bulldog Matching mom-and-pup Chihuahuas A sweet Pygmy Hedgehog And many more!

Finally, an easy explanation of Crackle Weave! Susan Kesler-Simpson, author of the popular Overshot Simply and Shadow Weave Simply, now explains Crackle Weave "simply." Her teaching style is to break down the weave structure into its basic parts so that it is easy to understand, and then teach you how the parts work together to create the weave structure so that you can use any pattern or create your own. The areas of separating threads give Crackle Weave its appearance of cracking pottery, and once you see how the structure works, there is so much you can do with it! Crackle weave is a block weave structure made up of four or more threading blocks that are based on the twill structure. Each block has four threads made up of two primary threads and two secondary threads. Incidental threads are added when needed to keep the proper twill sequencing. These blocks can be enlarged, reduced, or change location, allowing you to have a traditional or more modern approach to your project. And then there is color! Crackle Weave has many options for playing with colors; colors can be added through the warp, primary threads, and/or secondary threads. Learning is not complete without practice, so there are 25 patterns to try for a variety of pieces in both modern and traditional effects. The projects are simple enough for any beginning weaver, and include shawls, scarves, rugs, blankets, towels, and table runners. Some are woven in the traditional crackle method while others introduce weaving crackle as overshot, summer/winter, and more. Start your exploration of Crackle Weave today!

Every vintage-obsessed sewist dreams of having a closet full of gorgeous dresses. The follow-up to the popular Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing and Gertie Sews Vintage Casual, Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book is packed with all the information and patterns you could ever need to create a wardrobe filled with stunning vintage frocks. The book begins with all the essential techniques for dressmaking and includes instructions and patterns for 23 dresses for a variety of occasions. Elements of each pattern can be mixed and matched, allowing readers to customise the bodice, skirt, sleeves, pockets and details of each dress for a truly unique creation.

TWO FREE METAL CLASPS INCLUDED. Are you curious about using metal purse frames to create cute, boutique-style coin purses and handbags, but find yourself intimidated about working with metal hardware? Then The Purse Clasp Book is just for you! With a step-by-step photo guide, you'll learn just how easy it is to install a metal purse frame and create a beautiful, professional-looking bag. Use your newly acquired skills to stitch up any of the 14 unique designs. These sweet and simple coin purses, pouches, purses, and tote bags make excellent gifts for friends, family, co-workers, and teachers. In fact, most projects can be completed in just a few hours. The best part is that this kit includes two free high-quality metal clasps so you can get started straight away. If you require additional clasps these are available to purchase from www.zakkaworkshop.com for individual orders For wholesale orders please contact [email protected].