"Stitched Sewing Organizers is the book I have been waiting years for." The Sewing Directory Celebrate and use your sewing skills with well-known and popular designer Aneela Hoey's 15 stylish yet functional patterns for a wide variety of sewing organisers. Designed to work together, many of the smaller projects fit into larger ones and can be made into a coordinating set. Showcase trendy fat quarters and half-yards or use up odds and ends of your favourite fabric as you make cute containers for yourself, to give to your friends, or to bring to swaps. Even the more challenging patterns can be sewn in less than a day - perfect for when you need a break from those more time-consuming projects.

Recycled Chic is for those who aren't content to look like everyone else. It both inspires and instructs on ways of recycling, renewing, and reinventing pre-loved fashion and fabrics. Featuring 30 simple and accessible projects, for even a novice seamstress, Recycled Chic will arm you with the techniques, inspiration and confidence to renew your existing clothes and accessories, or alter pre-loved fashion and fabric to suit your individual taste. Each project requires only minimal time, effort and expense to achieve stylish and satisfying results. It could be as easy as removing the sleeves from a frumpy dress, shortening a skirt, or adding an embellishment to a tired old top. And when your confidence grows why not test your skills creating a leather clutch from an old jacket, or a sweet summer top from a man's work shirt? Take a creative plunge and explore the possibilities to refashion your wardrobe with these unique, yet simple, projects.

Ever wanted to learn how to sew but don't know where to begin? Take the first step with A Little Course in Sewing, part of a new series of learning guides from DK where nothing is assumed and everything is explained. Learn at your own pace, in your own time and in the comfort of your own home. Each course follows the same structure; start simple and learn the basics, build on what you've learnt and then show off your new skills! A Little Course in Sewing takes you from complete beginner to being able to complete over 30 beautiful projects. Start simple with lavendar hearts and pin cushions, build on your skills with bunting and tote bags and show off with a child's skirt and purses. The step-by-step pictures show you what other courses only tell you and the practice projects keep you on the right track. A Little Course in Sewing will help you learn your new skill in no time.

Add a gorgeous finishing touch to any outfit! This mouthwateringly colourful book contains 20 beautiful bags to sew from popular designer Debbie von Grabler-Crozier. It includes a huge variety of different styles and sizes, from totes and bucket bags to backpacks, clutches and shoulder bags, and Debbie makes each one easy. The book contains a complete guide to all the techniques needed, shown using easy-to-follow step-by-step photography. Also included is a section on creating beautiful finishing touches, including embroidery, applique, crocheted flowers, beaded charms and labelling. All the templates required are included on a handy pull-out sheet.

This is a fantastic new free-hand cutting technique giving quilters the opportunity to let their creativity run wild. Save those scraps! Discover the joy of creating collage-style quilts without rules and measurements with this fantastic new free-hand cutting technique from award-winning quilter Susan Carlson. "Serendipity Quilts" features four beautiful, colour-rich projects that go from beginner to advanced, giving quilters everywhere the confidence to let their imaginations run wild and create the quilts they've always dreamed of.

The world of haute couture is a place where only a privileged few can ever hope to reside, right? Wrong. Fashion historian Claire B. Shaeffer opened the door to this exclusive realm in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, the industry bible, "Couture Sewing Techniques," has been revised and updated throughout -- with new photos and a chapter on specialty fabrics. No one can unravel couture garment construction the way Schaeffer can, from the art of hand sewing to mastering edge finishes, from classic closures to shaping a garment for a perfect fit. Readers learn all the basics -- and more importantly: how to apply the techniques -- on skirts and sleeves, pockets and jackets, evening gowns, and more. Gorgeous photos, clear illustrations, and concise language combine to make this the most complete couture-sewing course available.

Pattern Cutting Techniques for Ladies' Jackets shares the trade secrets from the world of bespoke tailoring and haute couture, alongside procedures from the ready-to-wear industry. Written by a trained Savile Row tailor working in the fashion industry, it explains how to make a basic pattern for a jacket by flat pattern cutting or draping on the dress form. It introduces a broad range of techniques with clear detailed instructions, and emphasizes the importance of an individual and creative approach.

This is the complete guide to pattern cutting for special occasion clothes: party dresses and eveningwear.With step-by-step instructions and clear, informative diagrams, Dawn Cloake shows how to develop the basic design blocks to create a wide range of designs, encouraging you to 'mix and match' elements to create your own unique garments. Special features include tips on combining pattern cutting with modelling techniques and advice on using stretch fabrics.Design elements include: sleeveless bodices, backless bodices, wrapover bodices, ruched bodices, flare skirts, full skirts, set-in sleeves, yoked trousers, jersey dresses, Empire line dresses, low necklines, wide necklines, draped bodices, close-fit skirts, godets, close-fitting sleeves, short sleeves, tapered trousers, bias-cut dresses, strapless dresses, hipsters, plunge necklines, asymmetrical bodices, strapless bodices, draped necklines, fishtail skirts, separate sleeves, jackets, high-waisted trousers, panelled dresses, backless dresses and waistbands.

Bring your cosplay dreams to life with your own two hands! The Best Cosplay Tutorial Guide Ever! Get ready to impress ordinary mortals with your superhuman costume-making skills. You can do it no matter what your experience level with this, the first full step-by-step technique book on cosplay--with no sewing! Internationally known cosplayer Kamui Cosplay (a.k.a. Svetlana Quindt) shows you how to easily create elaborate costumes and successful props out of items available at your local arts and craft or hardware stores: turn foam into a realistic axe, create a breastplate from scratch and use a glue gun to modify just about anything. You will even learn the best and most accessible techniques for working with specialty cosplay materials such as Worbla! Packed with more than 30 step-by-step demonstrations that teach the skills you need to bring all your favorite characters to life no matter the genre, Kamui Cosplay deconstructs the work that goes into making a complete costume, from the first thought to the final photo. Tutorials cover design planning, fabricating body armor, 3D painting techniques and more. Best of all, you can adapt every lesson to use in all future fandom projects spanning video games, books, anime, movies and even your own original characters! Includes: How to choose a costume and find good reference art A short shopping list of necessary materials and tools for beginning cosplayers Basic safety tips A beautiful photo gallery featuring inspiring images from other cosplayers Next steps--how to grow your workshop, take professional photos, participate in contests and join the cosplay community

As the plastic bag is increasingly banished from stores, the cloth bag is stepping up to save the day. Whether toting groceries, books, baby supplies, gardening tools, or a wallet and some electronic gadgets, eco-conscious crafters will find a bag design to fit their needs in "Sew What Bags." The focus is on simple, pattern-free sewing that requires no previous experience just an inventive spirit, some fun fabric, and a basic sewing machine.
Author Lexie Barnes is a nationally known brand in the bag world, noted for contemporary designs that combine practical detail with stellar functionality. Her unique approach to bag design starting with the need and then customizing the bag to fit it perfectly is inspiring and freeing. She encourages crafters to jumpstart their creativity with "warm-up projects" that will carry just a single object, from a pair of eyeglasses to a pack of tissues.
The 18 core projects in "Sew What Bags" show how to use bold, contemporary fabrics to make totes, drawstring sacks, messenger bags, organizers, satchels, and purses in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Every project is shown in a full-color photo accompanied by step-by-step, illustrated instructions. Many more variations in size, fabric combinations, and styling features are also pictured to show just a few of the dozens of possibilities for customizing each project.
Crafters of all levels are sure to be carried away by Lexie Barnes's inspired approach to creating the bag of your dreams.
Share your projects at www.sewwhatbags.com
Praise for the book:
"Spot on tips for hemming, choosing fabric and breaking out of the pattern mold help ensure this book is a crafter's delight." - "Bookpage," August 2009"

Learn how to make lovely leather projects with a professional finish. This exciting new book features fabulous handcrafted items for your wardrobe and your home. Most of the projects are suitable for those new to leatherwork, and those who have some experience of the craft will be inspired by the exclusive designs. Projects include: Log and kindling basket, storage baskets, key fobs, pencil cases, writing set, booklets, necklace, scarf belts, tote bag, purse and wallet, and more.

Many people have a sewing machine tucked away in a corner, but little understanding of how to use it. With accessible and clear instructions, this book takes you on a journey, teaching and building upon basic skills to build up a repertoire of techniques and ideas, until you are a confident and creative sewer, able to design and adapt your own ideas and develop an individual sewing style. This new guide to understanding your sewing machine includes winding the bobbin; threading the machine up correctly and adjusting the settings. It also covers skills for making simple projects such as measuring, cutting, pinning, tacking and understanding fabrics. Common techniques for everyday use are given such as inserting a zip, taking up a hem and creating simple decorative applique designs.

This comprehensive guide explores the fundamental sewing methods fashion designers need and teaches professional garment construction. Chapter One introduces sewing tools and machinery (including industrial machines). It discusses how to work with patterns and explains cutting-out methods. Chapter Two is devoted to different fabrics and how they work, focusing on the construction of a garment, including fastenings and trimmings, and the use of materials to support structured pieces, such as corsets. Hand-sewing techniques and basic seams are explored in Chapter Three. Techniques are demonstrated with step-by-step photographic guides combined with technical drawings. A guide to making garment details and decorations, such as pockets, waistlines, and necklines, is found in Chapter Four. Chapter Five addresses fabric-specific techniques, for everything from lace to neoprene. The best technical approaches to use for patternmaking and construction are discussed for each fabric. Catwalk images demonstrate how these kinds of techniques are employed by designers.

This is a crash-course on printing with techniques, materials and surfaces that can all be done in the home. Every project features Yellow Owl Workshop's sought-after motifs and the author's art-school style illustrations. This title is full of original ideas for things to make and use, such as jar labels, pillows and a stationary set. "Print Workshop" grabs readers hand and leads them through a crash-course on printing with techniques, materials and surfaces they never dreamed they could take on at home. It can be as simple as carving a potato or as complex as a chemical bath, but no matter the skill level, these printing techniques never require expensive equipment or lots of space. Everything in this book is easily do-able at home; and every project features Yellow Owl Workshop's sought-after motifs and Christine's art-school style illustrations. The book is full of original ideas for things to make and use. There's jar labels for your canning and pickling needs. There's pillows inspired by YOW's famous city and bicycle stamps. There's everything from a stationary set (complete with wax seal) to a dartboard, from a deck of cards to a fine art print.

A practical and inspirational guide to textile folk art from cultures all around the world, accompanied by step-by-step projects. From samplers and quilts in Europe, to tribal and nomadic cloth further afield in Mongolia and China, folk and traditional designs have played a crucial part in the development of textile art and craft. In this book, Anne Kelly explores the traditional motifs used in textile folk art and shows you how contemporary textile artists use these in their work today. The beautifully illustrated guide is also packed with helpful step-by-step projects that demonstrate how to apply folk motifs to your own work. Drawing inspiration from the Far East to Scandinavia, artists and designers have often used folk art to influence their work. Beginning with the chapter 'Samplers in Stitch', Anne looks into handmade momentoes and souvenirs created in the UK and USA. Samplers as statement pieces are also explored and are contextualised within the role of women and children recording their personal histories and lives. 'Nordic Notes' then looks at Scandinavian traditional textile art, and how modern screen printing and embroidery have been used by contemporary makers. 'Silk Road' looks at the influence of nomadic cultures and textiles, including yurts in Mongolia and Miao folklore in China. Projects on how to make felt, pouched and jewellery are also covered. Lastly, 'Trees of Life' looks the motif of the tree in a variety of cultures. Anne also looks at traditional techniques from South Asia and how to create your own 'Family Tree' using photo transfers and applique. Featuring step-by-step projects as well as work from contemporary artists and makers throughout, this practical and beautiful guide shows how practitioners of all kinds can draw from folk art for making and inspiration.

Fantastic fashion that won't cost you the earth. What is a 'fashion footprint'? What's the problem with fast fashion? And is there any alternative to it? This inspirational guide is your sustainable sourcebook full of activities and practical tips on how you can cut ties with unethical fashion practices and form new fashion habits that work for you - all without compromising your signature style! Author Laura Strutt will help readers identify the approach that will work best for them - are you a seasonal clothes swapper or would you rather get crafty? Covering topics such as motivational mindset changes, trusted brands to try, buying and selling secondhand clothes, inspiration for upcycles, mending techniques and questions to ask companies before you shop, this is the ultimate book for the closet-curious who want to create a wardrobe that doesn't cost the Earth.

Celebrated quilt artist Sandra Meech's last book, Connecting Art to Stitch, explored the ways in which fine-art concepts can be taken into stitch to make outstanding pieces of quilt art. In this exciting new title, the author turns her attention to the rules of design, and how they can be harnessed - and broken - to inform your quilt-art work. You will learn how to recognise good design, and the immutable rules all designers need to know. The author's signature practical workshops and exercises help you translate these rules into your own textile work, stimulating your creativity and encouraging you to explore new textures, materials, techniques and compositions. Detailed analyses of textile artists' work provide a breakdown of how design rules can be applied.Illustrated with a wealth of inspirational images from the world's best quilt and textile artists, this beautiful book is a must-buy for everyone who wants to create better textile art.

Projects include sandwich wraps, baggies, bicycle bags, and totes. They are quick and easy to make with basic sewing techniques; everyone in your family will want one. Customise the outside with your favourite fabrics and insulate the inside. You can waterproof it with laminated cotton, oilcloth, nylon, or vinyl. The bags can be washed in your dishwasher or washing machine

If you've ever watched "Project Runway" and wished you were a contestant, or you're simply ready to take your sewing to a new level, "Design-It-Yourself Clothes" teaches you the fundamentals of modern patternmaking so that you, too, can create your own inspired clothing.

Until now, the aspiring DIY fashionista has been hard-pressed to find self-teaching tools other than dry textbooks or books with outdated looks. Finally, in "Design-It-Yourself Clothes," former Urban Outfitters designer Cal Patch brings her youthful aesthetic to a how-to book. If you want to wear something you can't find on store racks and make clothes that express your individual style, or if you've reached a sewing plateau and want to add pattern drafting to your repertoire, "Design-It-Yourself Clothes" is the book you have been waiting for.
In five key projects (each with four variations)-a perfect-fitting dress, T-shirt, button-down shirt, A-line skirt, and pants-Patch shares the art of patternmaking. At its core, it's much simpler than you think. Patch covers everything an intermediate sewer needs to know in order to become a fabulous fashion designer, from designing the patterns, taking your own measurements, and choosing fabrics to actually sewing the clothing. You will also learn how to stylize patterns by using darts, waistbands, patch pockets, and ruffles. Patch offers tips, explanations, options, and exercises throughout that will make the design process that much easier. "
"But besides showing you how to create clothing from scratch, she also teaches you how to rub off patterns from existing clothing-so if you have a pair of pants that you love but are worn out, or you have your eye on a piece in the store with a prohibitive price tag, you can figure out how to get the looks you want by using your own two hands.