From the elegant bias-cut gown to the light and liberating day dress, this book looks at and celebrates the historic silhouettes, fabric cuts and contextual history of 1930s clothing. Equipped with instructions, patterns and enchanting photos, it explores the history of 1930s fashion, and explains how to make a range of versatile thirties-inspired garments. It takes ten examples of 1930s garments, ranging from a lingerie set to a heavy coat, to create a thirties-inspired capsule collection. The patterns are taken from original 1930s garments, with each piece being carefully measured and the patterns scaled down accordingly. Step-by-step instructions for making each garment are complemented by close-up photographs of historic details and decoration. A beautiful and practical book, it will inspire designers, dressmakers and lovers of vintage fashion who want to express themselves through timeless and elegant style.

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.

Mix and match collars, neck plackets, and sleeves for an endless variety of professional, store-quality results. Stitch up a sharp bodice pattern, designed to fit sizes XS to XXL, in assorted lengths, styles, and trims. Well respected in the sewing industry for their pattern reviews and online garment challenges, Sarah Gunn and Julie Starr make the tunic accessible and exciting for those with basic sewing skills and beyond.

You love to sew. How many of you wish you could make a living from sewing? Help to live the dream with this practical guide from professional sewist and pattern designer Virginia Lindsay. Everything you need to know is here, from finding your personal sewing style to creating a product line, identifying customers, equipping a sewing studio, pricing and selling your work, marketing, designing patterns, and handling the business and legal side of sewing. And that's not all! The book also includes 16 projects to start sewing and selling right now. Bonus-16 Starter Projects. * How to sell locally and online * Hands-on guide for starting and running a successful home sewing business is a win for you too-you sell the fabric and supplies * Informative interviews with four women who already run profitable sewing businesses * Includes 16 projects to sew and sell-perfect to pitch as classes to make aprons, tote and messenger bags, tablet covers, baby quilts, and more * Plus pattern pullout

Experienced sewing instructor and blogger Barbara Emodi shares her sewing wisdom to help readers get started or simply hone their existing garment-sewing skills. Not a sewing reference book as much as a book of experience, this book offers Barbara's thoughts, tips, and tricks on the benefits of sewing, the importance of fit, basic techniques, available tools, patterns, and materials, and so much more.

Kick tension problems to the curb and say goodbye to presser foot problems! This pocket-size guide helps you troubleshoot your sewing machine on the go. Quickly fix issues with needles, threaders, buttonholes, tension, and more. It provides all the information you need to resolve common issues for stress-free sewing.

The Felt Succulent Crafting Kit delivers the trendy joy of succulents in an easy-to-complete DIY package--no green thumb required! This kit includes: * 2 miniature terra cotta pots. * Pre-printed felt pieces (three colors) * 2 straight pins * 32-page miniature book.

This beautiful, instructive book from The Great British Sewing Bee's Jenniffer Taylor shows you how to make and adapt your own clothes without the need for shop-bought patterns. Using Jenniffer's fun and imaginative ideas, this book will teach you how to get started transforming unloved items of clothing into new and exciting outfits; how to customise clothes with doilies, tassels, tie-dyeing and block printing; and finally how to measure yourself, create patterns and make clothes from scratch, including dresses, skirts, tops, trousers and a coat. The book is packed with all the tricks of the trade that Jenniffer has learned along her sewing journey, and it will get you started on your own #sewingrevolution!

Fresh ideas and techniques for the rapidly evolving area of three-dimensional textiles. Leading textile artist Ann Goddard takes three-dimensional textiles to a new level in this practical book. Drawing inspiration from natural landscapes, organic material and a concern for the environment, Ann's work combines textile and non/textile elements with construction. Linen, loose fibres, paper and yarn are complemented by seemingly unlikely materials including concrete, wood, lead and bark. Fragile is juxtaposed with hard, natural with man-made, beauty with imperfection. The techniques range from stitching, wrapping, couching, and knotting to sawing, drilling, and casting. In this book, previously separate art media are combined to create eclectic works; boundaries are crossed, expectations challenged and categorisation rejected. Mixed Media Textile Art in Three Dimensions takes a linear look at the creative process from themes, research and experimentation through to preparing elements, conveying meaning and constructing three-dimensional forms, encouraging you to broaden your horizons in textile work. Brimming with beautiful artwork from the author and featuring the work of some inspiring and exciting artists creating three-dimensional constructions.

Step into the vibrant world of Melly & Me to discover sewn softies that are utterly irresistible. Melly & Me present a fun and fabulous collection of personality-packed designs that will have you sewing adorable toys in no time! Each of the brightly coloured characters is a joy to sew for all abilities, making them the perfect gift for children or adults, or a trendy home accessory. Projects combine simple sewing techniques with funky fabrics, embellishments and colour palettes to add zing and excitement to your sewn toy creations. Easy to follow step by step instructions, quirky photography and traceable templates make this book a delightful gift as well as an irresistible addition to your sewing collection. Colourful fabrics, personality-packed characters and lots of fun details make up 12 distinctive designs. Girls of all ages will adore Lou-Lou the panda and shy mouse Mabelle. Little and not so little boys will want to make friends with Harry the monster and cuddly alien Alvin. With expert advice about choosing fabrics and sewing techniques, all you have to do is decide who you'd like to meet first - it's sew much fun!

Get the mini pocket guide to paper piecing that everyone's talking about - perfect to take on the go! Follow step-by-step instructions from expert Tacha Bruecher for preparing and piecing using a foundation, then try out the technique with ten fun and graphic paper-pieced blocks. Including techniques for both traditional foundation paper and freezer paper, as well as where and why to use each, this petite paperback is the perfect size for your purse or sewing kit.

From knotting a simple spiral bracelet to creating a boho wall hanging--macrame has never been easier or more stylish. In this book, Japanese macrame and handicraft guru Harumi Kageyama presents illustrated step-by-step lessons that introduce you to 28 different knots and 30 innovative projects, including ornamental, wearable, and useful items such as: Reusable shopping bags that look chic and cut down on waste Knotted handbags and pouches that add a boho touch to any outfit An ornamental feather to embellish just about anything Spiral bracelets that call back to everyone's favorite friendship bracelets Covers to transform glass jars into unique decorative objects for events or home decor And more! While this book offers practical instructions and opportunities to practice what you've learned, it also serves as a resource for inspiration. Once you get the hang of the basics, your imagination and creativity will take over.

From the sewing machine whisperer comes this in-depth, visual guide to how a sewing machine works, how to keep it in good working order, and how to solve common problems. Perfect for sewists and quilters of all levels, this friendly approach to learning about and troubleshooting your sewing machine gives you the tools you need to sew and quilt with less frustration and better results!

A survey of the prolific work of a Turkish artist who developed a contemporary visual language using a flat-weave “kilim” technique

Through Woven Times is a kaleidoscopic glimpse into the subjects, themes, and formal concerns that Belkis Balpinar (1941) examined over her prolific work. With large-scale woven pieces, hanging sculptures, and wall pieces spanning five decades, Balpinar’s textile experiments are a resolute but continuously evolving process medley of material and shape in service of unexpected narrative. In this monograph, the semi-abstract visual language predominates. She amalgamated her knowledge of traditional flat weaves with imaginative interpretations of centuries-old techniques. Her work can be seen as a humanistic projection field that emphasizes what we all have in common, such as our passions and dreams, regardless of where in the world we live.

Rebecca Yaker, co-author of the best-selling "One-Yard Wonders, " offers this complete introduction to making your own curtains, covering everything from measuring to calculating yardage, choosing the best fabrics, sewing your curtains, adding linings, and selecting the right fixtures and hardware for hanging.She includes step-by-step instructions for making five different curtain styles: pleats, eyelets, tab tops, tie tops, and rod pockets."

Britain has more native breeds of sheep than anywhere else in the world, providing a valuable source of wool for feltmakers. The characteristics of these breeds vary widely, making some more suitable for felting than others. Aimed at all levels of feltmakers, this helpful guide explores a selection of native breeds, and explains how their wool can be used successfully to create a variety of types and weights of felt. The book gives detailed information on each breed of sheep and then advises on their suitability for individual projects. It covers combining different wools, and blending colours to create colour and texture and includes how to work with raw fleece, and how to dye wool and felt. There are over 250 photos which illustrate a wide variety of felted projects.

This is a book about creating sumptuous embellished surfaces made by collaging rich colourful silks, transparent organza and ribbons stitching with embroidery threads and ribbons, knitting and other yarns, and adding further texture with raised embroidery, cords, metallic threads and beads. Experience a process of creating where each application allows the surface to evolve from the first layer upwards with a sense of playfulness and thinking outside the square. The method or process is to create an original soft textile by assembling layers of fabric as a background that is embellished with stitches, quilting, beads and cords. Within the 144 pages there are 28 amazing projects, all with full instructions for an exact reproduction, or ideas for using what is available, or combining techniques throughout the book to create a truly unique piece. With beautiful photography of finished pieces, this book is a feast for the eyes and your creative spirit. 'You can't fail to be inspired by this wonderfully colourful book. The 28 projects are all clearly explained and illustrated with an abundance of sketches and colour photographs ... every embroidery in the book is a mouth-watering confection. In fact, I think the whole book is a 'zinger'! Stitch

The term 'tailored' has changed as methods of manufacture and the retailing of clothes have evolved. This book demonstrates the wide range of cutting methods used to produce garments which are described as 'tailored' jackets. Although the main focus is on modern methods of producing clothing, a rich and complex cutting tradition is acknowledged and used. It is hoped that the modern garment designer will be inspired to rediscover methods that retain their validity today.

The different approaches to 'tailored' cutting are described under three headings: bespoke cutting, engineered cutting and style cutting. The rich heritage of the latter came from the tremendous creativity that was unleashed by women's emancipation at the beginning of the twentieth century and the merging of tailored styles with fashionable clothing. The section on style cutting has therefore derived some of the cutting techniques from that period, thus demonstrating how they can be applied to current methods of production.

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.

Add peace to your busy life with a cosy afternoon of zakka sewing. Stitching in her signature style, Minki Kim is back with sixteen crafts for your must-sew list. With a number of techniques, from quilting and wool applique to embroidery, there's something for every sewist! Advance your skills by installing a variety of zipper styles, bag handles, and hardware. From purses to pouches, these useful handmade gifts are ideal for gifting and perfect for keeping!

This DIY sewing book presents a fabulous new collection of lightweight wraps that are easy to sew and look fantastic! Stylish Wraps Sewing Book provides 5 full-sized patterns that can be used to create 22 timeless wraps to keep the chill off--and look great in the process. All of the sewing projects can be made in a few hours for a fraction of what you would pay for a finished piece in a store. It's easy to mix and match different fabrics and styles to suit your individual style, meaning there's nothing to stop you from sewing your own clothes! Here are just a few of the fashionable pieces you can make with this book: Edgy, yet classic hooded cape Flowing draped jacket or vest Loose-and-light linen or wool coat Simple, feminine, lightweight poncho Ruffled bolero or classic blazer Coat dresses to emulate Kate Middleton's style And much more! The patterns are easily adjusted for size, and the soft, loose lines work on any figure. Whether your tastes run trendy or ultra-classic, this exceptional home-sewing book has something for you!

Count down to Christmas with Debbie Shore. Sew unique, personalised advent calendars for your loved ones, and fill them with their favourite festive treats and handpicked goodies that they'll really treasure. There are 20 designs included, from traditional flat-pocket calendars to hanging cones and festive pouches, for both adults and children alike, along with a treat-filled calendar for the family dog! The book contains all the techniques needed to make the calendars, and every project is shown clearly step-by-step, with helpful tips and advice throughout. Using Debbie's friendly and easy-to-follow instructions, it's time to get crafty and create a new festive family tradition!

* Flat-ended presser cap for finger pressing, folding, burnishing * Super-sharp BERNINA seam ripper for fast "unsewing" * Pointed wood end cap for turning bias tubes and doll parts * Extra-long stiletto protects fingers while pressing and machine piecing * Won't roll off your work surface!

The Wild Things Funky Little Dresses clothing range brings exciting and mythical clothing to your child's wardrobe; now you can make your own everyday play clothes to bring to life. WILD THINGS: FUNKY LITTLE CLOTHES TO SEW will inspire makers of all abilities to create something exciting for their children that they will really want to wear. Drawing on simple shape and whimsical imagery, the step-by-step projects include dresses, hats, jackets and dungarees, as well as some simple accessories and keepsake gifts with a little heart and soul. With themes from enchanted woodland to summer essentials for beginners, and outfits including a baby mouse dress, Red Riding Hood Cape and Mr Wolf jacket, this book adds a spark of adventure to everyday clothes.