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].

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!

Thousands of natural materials can produce glorious colour-the cochineal insect produces pink, maroon and purple, and more than 500 species of plants produce indigo blue. Now, in The Modern Natural Dyer, expert Kristine Vejar shares the most user-friendly techniques for dyeing at home with foraged and garden-raised dyestuffs as well as with natural dye extracts. Demystifying the "magic," Vejar explains in straightforward, easy-to-follow detail how to produce consistent, long-lasting colour. With stunning photography of the dyes themselves, the dyeing process, and 20 projects for home and wardrobe, The Modern Natural Dyer is a complete resource for aspiring and experienced dye artisans.

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

A practical 'make do and mend' guide to help you fix your favourite pair of trousers or alter that special thrift store find. With basic sewing hints and tips, you can revive your existing wardrobe and save money at the same time! From sewing on a button to taking up a hem, everything is clearly explained so that even complete beginners can successfully tackle these tasks and more.

Create festive dolls with bright colours and cheerful eyes that are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any home. Shirley Hudson's art dolls are easy to make and fun to paint using cloth, simple sewing, and fun embellishments. Crafters of all ages will have fun making these dolls.

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!

Stay pain-free with this quilter's survival guide for a healthier mind, body, and spirit. This guide will make sure you have the right posture, techniques, and stretches when putting in those dedicated hours on your next project.

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!

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.

This title is the third in the successful theme-based Stitched Textiles series. It contains a comprehensive techniques section, six beautiful step-by-step projects and galleries of inspirational pieces that are vibrant, contemporary, and beautifully executed. Very much aimed at the contemporary textile artist, this beautiful book is designed to inspire and encourage and contains all the information a beginner needs. Birds are an enduring theme in art and textile work and this book will appeal to any textile artist interested in exploring their design possibilities. It features a range of birds including much-loved garden blackbirds, characterful chickens, cute and curious puffins and cheeky seagulls. Fresh and innovative in its approach, it covers the design process itself, from inspiration to final design, and provides information on the materials used and step-by-step demonstrations of a whole range of techniques including dyeing, using dissolvable fabric, using found objects, piecing and stitching.

"101 Designer One-Skein Wonders"is a delightfulcollection of knitting patterns that each use just a single skein of yarn -- perfect for all those leftover skeins you have tucked away The patterns were contributed by knitwear designers across the United States and are perfect for knitters of all skill levels.These designer projects range from the adorable to the elegant. There are plenty of patterns for those can't-have-enough items -- hats, scarves, bags, and shawls -- but you'll also find the unexpected, likea knitted notebook cover, a bath rug, a mitered square belt with beads, and a ring-bearer pillow. There's something for everyone "

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.

This is a delightful collection of more than 20 simple and stylish sewing projects for home and fashion. Now you can add new dimension and texture to your projects, even if you're just learning to sew. "Make it Sew Modern" is an exciting collection of more than 20 simple sewing ideas for current, fresh home decor and fashion patterns - including eye-catching quilts, pillows, scarves, purses, and an assortment of clever embellishments.

Mending Matters explores sewing on two levels: First, it includes more than 20 hands-on projects that showcase current trends in visible mending that are edgy, modern, and bold-but draw on traditional stitching. It does all this through just four very simple mending techniques: exterior patches, interior patches, slow stitches, darning, and weaving. In addition, the book addresses the way mending leads to a more mindful relationship to fashion and to overall well-being. In essays that accompany each how-to chapter, Katrina Rodabaugh explores mending as a metaphor for appreciating our own naturally flawed selves, and she examines the ways in which mending teaches us new skills, self-reliance, and confidence, all gained from making things with our own hands.

Journey into a land of fairy tales as you paper piece 16 blocks, including unicorns, dragons, and more! Sew seven cute and useful projects like quilts, pillows, and a backpack.

Make sewing by hand your next creative accomplishment! Embrace the chance to unwind and enjoy the process of creating quilt blocks from scratch with Becky Goldsmith's step-by-step instructions.

Sew Pretty Little Luxuries features an irresistible collection of more than 30 adorable projects that use luxurious fabrics and exquisite embellishments. Incorporating an eclectic blend of materials including felt, ribbon, denim, buttons, beads, wire and more, Sally Southern provides you with new ways for using a variety of fabric and notions to create simple sewing projects. Step-by-step instructions, technique advice and handy tips make it easy to recreate these simple little treasures, regardless of skill level.

Feltmaking is the magical transformation of a loose pile of wool fi bers into a durable, alluring nonwoven fabric. An ancient process that continues to work its wonder on modern artisans and crafters, feltmaking produces a flannel-like fabric with a tactile appeal like nothing else.
How is this fabric alchemy accomplished? The feltmaker adds a little soap and water to the wool, presses the fibers until they tangle together and hold the shape of cloth, and then vigorously works, or fulls, the cloth until it shrinks and strengthens to the desired shape.
In "Uniquely Felt," Christine White, a professional teacher and feltmaker, gathers her considerable knowledge of the craft to write the comprehensive guide to all things felt. She describes the equipment, explores concepts and theories of felting, and thoroughly covers all felting techniques, including traditional, needle, three-dimensional seamless, nuno, cobweb, carved, and Beede ball.
And then there are the projects -- handsome, indestructible bags; nuno shawls that marry soft wool fibers and wispy silks; bright picnic blankets and plush bath mats; lacy curtains made with impossibly sheer cobweb felt. Every project is striking in its fabulous depth of color and purity of form. There are no stitches, no seams, and no signs of woven cloth -- just a wonderful, flowing piece of textile art.
The basic steps of feltmaking are simple enough to learn in an afternoon, but the infinite possibilities in every new pile of fiber keep enthusiasts fascinated for a lifetime. The process always begins the same way, but the fibers make the felting journey unique every time. This book is the ultimate guide to that magical adventure.