28 projects seamlessly merge stitching, sustainability, and resourcefulness with simple, clean design Advancements in technology have increased the pace of our lives. As a response, a vibrant Do It Yourself movement has risen to reclaim age old traditions that reconnect us to slower and simpler times. A sewing renaissance has been set in motion at a time in history when economic instability and an awareness of the importance of using sustainable resources is peaking. With this in mind, award-winning blogger Maya Donenfeld offers a guide to working with her favorite recycled materials. You'll find linen, burlap, wool and more with details on their history, deconstruction techniques, sewing tips, and information about their environmental impact. Reinventing everyday materials into extraordinary items of beauty and utility for the modern home and family will excite new and experienced sewers alike. To add an element of personalization, Maya draws on her experience leading print workshops to share easy methods for transforming gently-used fabric with paint and ink. Stenciling templates and thorough instructions are provided, as well as encouragement to invent your own designs. Stories, a favorite recipe, and nature activity are tucked between and around the projects to offer the reader an invitation to slow down, and create with intention.

This book gathers together 10 easy yet elegant projects celebrating the life and talents of Beatrix Potter. With 10 applique and 6 embroidery designs, even beginning stitchers can work with hexagons to create a beautiful embroidered quilt, stitch up a cushion based on The Tailor of Gloucester, applique a wool storage box and construct a beautiful wedding quilt based on one from Beatrix Potter's home. Plus, all of the designs can easily be adapted - just add a dash of imagination to create bags, appliqued pinafores, or embroidered gifts. 'It is a handsome volume that will appeal to any sewing enthusiast who loves Beatrix Potter's delightful work.' www.myshelf.com 'Hill is an expert in her field...she has conveyed the expertise she possesses perfectly well in the writing, instruction and presentation of this book.' TSSREVIEWSDOTCOM

Step-by-step illustrated instructions, beautiful close up photographs, and pattern pieces included in a bound-in enveloped make it easy and fun to create all kinds of adorable items, including the Merry-Go-Round Dress, the Ruffle Romper, the Western Shirt, and the Secret Monster Overalls. From tops and caps to play pats, pillows and plushies, this book overflows with creative clothes, accessories, toys, and furnishings for little ones from newborn to elementary school age. Whether you're furnishing your nursery, making new clothes for a growing child, or creating a unique gift for a baby shower, this collection has the perfect project for you.

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.

With more than 200,000 copies in print, Storey's One-Skein Wonders series is an unqualified success. Now, for the first time in the series, fabric takes center stage And the timing couldn't be better. Sewing machine sales have doubled over the past 10 years, and crafters are discovering the joy of another kind of stitching."One-Yard Wonders" will delight anyone who has ever fallen for fabric - from the novice sewing enthusiast to the lifelong seamstress. The book presents a delightful array of simple, stylish projects that can be made with just a single yard of fabric - from apparel to accessories, from plush toys to pet beds, from baby items to bags, and from home decor to "Happy Birthday" banners. Projects have a hip, contemporary flair, and most can be completed in a few hours. For each project, the book provides a full-color photograph, easy step-by-step instructions, and simple illustrations. Templates and pattern pieces are also included wherever needed, making this collection of 101 projects the best sewing deal ever. Great fabric demands to be purchased, even if it's just a yard or two at a time. But such tantalizing textiles should never hide in a closet; "One-Yard Wonders" promises gift-worthy solutions for that stash of irresistible fabric-store buys. At last, it's time to stop storing and start sewing "

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

Packed with colour and style, this gorgeous and inspiring new book from Scottish artist Moy Mackay delves deep into the world of felt painting. The book includes an introduction to Moy's use of colour and texture, as well as a useful section detailing what inspires her and how she forms these initial ideas into a composition. There are 4 easy-to-follow but inspiring step-by-step projects, along with extensive galleries of Moy's vibrant work. Unlike the broad range of her previous book, the focus here is flowers - in still life, in the landscape and as botanical portraits - and the book includes an in-depth techniques section on creating a range of different flower and leaf shapes, so that the reader can go on to produce their own unique masterpieces. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter - her work is very free."-Kaffe Fassett

* 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!

Surface Design for Fabric is a comprehensive, how-to guide to more than 60 surface design techniques for various fabrics and leather-ranging from the traditional to the experimental.Highly illustrated with more than 600 color images, the step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate surface design techniques, allowing readers to quickly grasp the material and further explore and experiment on their own. Irwin covers a broad range of surface design techniques including: dyeing, staining, removing color, resists, printing and transfer, fiber manipulations, fabric manipulations, embroidery, and embellishments. This modern studio resource clearly guides readers in the creation of beautiful, innovative, and professional surface designs. Key Features ~Surface Design for Fabric STUDIO provides online access to video tutorials featuring select techniques from each chapter; student self quizzes with results and personalized study tips; and flashcards with definitions and image identification to help students master concepts and improve grades ~Chapters feature a fabric selection quick guide, tools and materials, how to set up your workspace, application methods, and safety guidelines for each technique. ~Designer Profiles and Collection Spotlights show current examples of surface design end uses in fashion design, textile art, fine art, and interior design ~Environmental Impact boxes address critical environmental and sustainability issues and concerns for each chapter ~Includes helpful hints, important facts, shortcuts and mistakes to avoid throughout chapters Instructor's Resources ~ Instructor's Guide and Test Bank

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.

Presented in a kitschy, comic-book style, Epic Cosplay Costumes combines fantabulous illustrations with all the how-to information you need for creating your own cosplay designs. Award-winning artist Kristie Good (aka Karmada) shares techniques for making must-have pieces to mix and match into original costumes--from hand-sewn garments to armor made with Worbla and EVA foam. In addition to her step-by-step instructions for pulling together attention-grabbing designs, she shares expert advice for making the most of conventions, striking a pose, and strutting your stuff at costume competitions. Whether you're a hero, heroine, villain, or sidekick, Kristie gives you the power to create the most talked-about designs with Epic Cosplay Costumes!

Sharing her passion for applique, experienced teacher and author Annie Smith teaches you everything you need to know to sew the quilt of your dreams! This colourful guide to hand and machine applique includes step-by-step techniques, plus advice on fabric selection, choosing supplies, and working with templates. Gain the confidence to design your own applique blocks and quilts, or flip to find several pretty patterns to get you stitching.

This book offers you all the guidance you need to create beautiful clothes, whether you are following a pattern, adding embellishments or starting from scratch.The step by step instructions cover a wide range of dressmaking techniques from basic patterns through to couture designs, suitable for beginners as well as sewers with more experience.Easy-to-follow, highly illustrated instructions explain the essential dressmaking techniques--allowing you to work confidently from a pattern to create beautiful clothes that fit perfectly. It features an at-a-glance guide to basic garment shapes and styles, cross referenced with the relevant techniques throughout the book.Includes advice on body shape, choosing the right fabric for the right garment as well as decorative sewing techniques such as embroidery and applique. It features step techniques for making basic garment details including waistbands, hems, sleeves, cuffs, necklines, collars, fastenings, pockets and linings.Suitable for beginners, or those who are already designing or making their own clothes, this is the perfect book for honing dressmaking skills and inspiring fashionable new designs.

Trade in your sad sack for a flashy new backpack in brilliant kraft-tex-the textile that looks like leather but sews like fabric. Weaving kraft-tex into beautifully textured panels, you'll learn advanced bag-making techniques: adding interior and exterior zippered pockets, a cargo pocket, adjustable straps with buckles and eyelets, purse feet, and a swivel hook. The perfect accessory for your backpack, the woven wristlet attaches to the bag, but you'll love to carry it solo!

This book takes the mystery out of the sewing machine, holding first-time stitchers by the hand and showing the easiest ways to get the most from their machine. In the climate of 'make do and mend', sales of sewing machines have soared, but many are only accompanied by a difficult-to-understand technical manual. Here, Jane Bolsover provides a comprehensive guide for beginners. Starting with an essential overview of the sewing machine, learn how to thread it and wind bobbins, why tension is important and which needles to choose. There's information on the basic sewing kit you will need, plus advice on which fabrics to choose and how to cut out. The chapters then build into a complete sewing course, and at the end of each chapter is a simple project to consolidate the skills you have just mastered. The projects include items for the home, including a cushion cover and a lampshade, stylish accessories, such as bags and scarves, plus great clothing basics, such as an A-line skirt and a simple shift dress. Also included at the back of the book are two full-size pull-out paper pattern sections.

Nearly 500 photos of artwork with personal insights from 78 of today's most noteworthy artists show the tremendously broad range of possibilities that working in three dimensions can offer. In conjunction with the other two books in this acclaimed series, it invites readers to re-examine fiber art through a multifaceted contemporary lens. Both established artists and emerging artists whose work is attracting notice are gathered here. Carol Milne's knitted glass and Peter Gentenaar's technique of vacuum forming and air-drying paper fibers are but a few examples of artists using new materials with traditional methods.

For little heroes - children's fashion made from woven fabrics. Julika Landermann, founder of the JULESNaht label, presents great children's fashion made from woven fabrics that you can sew yourself. The step-by-step photographs make it easy to follow the instructions and sew lovely dresses, shirts, etc. The cuts are designed so that the clothes are easy to put on and perfect for playing. The Scandinavian designs make the models particularly magical. Information about the different types of materials, technical tips and 2 pattern sheets are included in the book.

Renowned colour expert and quilt and fabric designer Kaffe Fassett explores flowers as a source of inspiration for patchwork and needlepoint in this new quilting guide and pattern collection. Along the way, he shares a behind-the-scenes look at his fascinating design process-from mood boards and "sketching" with colour swatches to planning and sewing the quilts. While the focus is on patchwork and needle point, the design and color ideas translate to many design disciplines and materials, including crafts, fiber arts, floral design and home decor. Accessible to all skill levels, the designs on each page will inspire you to see how much more colourful and alive your needlework, quilts and creative projects can be.

If you have been invited to a baby shower, want to show your support for new parents, or want to make something pretty for your own lovely baby, then Made For Baby is just the book you're looking for! The arrival of a new baby is not only cause for celebration, it's also an opportunity to make handmade gifts. Sewing personalized presents for babies is more popular than everhere, and there's nothing more heart-warming than an exquisite handmade keepsake for a little one. You will find 20 beautiful projects including bibs, blankets, diaper bags, cute stuffed toys, and much more to transform your child's room into a joyful playground. Many of the projects are fat-quarter friendly, so it can be a great way to use up scraps of fabrics you have! The projects are presented with beautiful photography and charmingly illustrated step-by-step instructions. It is perfect for beginners while also giving the more experienced crafter inspirational ideas and patterns.

Stitched Textiles: Nature is the fourth title in this successful theme-based series. It contains an extensive section on techniques, featuring step-by-step guides to machine- and hand-stitching, attaching embellishments and found objects to your work; painting and printing on fabrics including cotton, silk and Khadi paper; and using objects found in nature, such as leaves, to make unique and iconic prints. The book includes three beautiful, inspirational projects based on different facets of the natural world: Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. Stitched Textiles: Nature also features examples of the author, Stephanie Redfern's own intricate and detailed works based on nature, exploring the means by which the pieces have been created, and the wonderful stories behind Stephanie's journey as an artist. The wealth of information and visual stimuli in Stitched Textiles: Nature is intended to inspire the reader to create their own works inspired by nature. Stephanie begins by exploring the use of sketchbooks and study pages; progressing to picking out iconic elements from sketches and photographs; and eventually assembling a stunning, personal piece of stitched textile work on fabric or on cotton-blend Khadi paper; applying handstitch in metallic threads; machine stitch in whimsical and beautiful patterns; embellishing with natural beads or found objects.

A baby or toddler is the perfect excuse to get creative and make unique and charming clothes instead of buying mass-producted items covered in logos. In this comprehensive guide, children's-wear designer Vanessa Mooncie shows you how to sew beautiful yet practical clothes that you'll love to make and children will love to wear. The clothes for boys and girls range from everyday outfits, fun clothes for dressing up and accessories to complete the look. Don't worry if you are new to sewing as all the basic know-how is presented in a clerarly explained step-by-step format.

23 clearly presented, easy-to-follow stylish projects for babies and toddlers, suitable for novice to intermediate sewers. Paper patterns can be easily adapted to suit different ages and the illustrated techniques section includes finishing touches to make each outfit truly individual."

Line is an essential component of all textile and surface art. When used effectively, line and mark-making convey texture, tone, form, movement, and mood. With "Drawn to Stitch" by your side, learn creative uses of line in embroidery and textile art.
Artist and teacher Gwen Hedley shares a series of exercises designed to explore line's potential as well as develop your creativity. "Drawn to Stitch" also covers line and mark-making tools, materials, and processes, including printing and mixed-media techniques. Gwen explores stitch, explaining how to interpret different line qualities from crisp and sharp to soft and diffused and from raised and overlaid to recessed and inlaid.
Full of inspiring ideas, "Drawn to Stitch" is illustrated with stunning examples of stitched-textile work from leading artists.