Sweet & Simple Needle Felted Animals provides detailed instructions to create your own cute and cuddly collection of needle felted pets, barnyard buddies and mascots. These adorable furry figurines make beautiful gifts and accessories that you can carry around or wear. This DIY needle felting book includes step-by-step instructional color photos and texts that couldn't be easier to follow. It shows you how to make the central shape, attach the components, add the details and then attach the finding. And voila! Your accessory is ready to be worn and appreciated! The animals you can make include: A playful Kitten A sweet miniature Dachshund Puppy A mommy Pig and her Baby Piglet A downy Duck and Ducklings A saucy Squirrel A friendly Chipmunk A pair of adorable White Bunnies A trio of brightly-colored Parakeets A fairytale Bear And a host of other miniature animals and charms With over 20 charming projects, great techniques and helpful tips, this is a craft book that felting beginners and experts alike will enjoy and treasure. Grab some wool roving and your felting needle and get crafting!

Fat Quarter: Toys is the latest addition to a fabulous series of stash-busting sewing books. There are 25 cute and colorful toys and games to make for young children, all from fat quarters or fabric scraps. Each project has clear step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, and there's a useful tools and techniques section for those who are new to sewing. Ideal for using up leftover remnants of fabric, and the projects make great gifts. Projects include: tiger rattle, rabbit cuddle blanket, teddy bear, fox in sleeping bag, fishing set, bean bags, stacking rings, memory game, alphabet letters, number cubes, rag doll, picnic.

The essential guide for every sewer just got better! AH New Fabric Savvy is updated to include detailed information on 107 different fabrics, must-know information on determining fabric content, working with knits, working with different types of interfacing as well as removing stains and choosing lining material; recommended tools and notions; illustrated reference sections on seams, details, closures and hems; 476 photographs and 110 illustrations. Organised alphabetically, the 107 fabrics include old favourites-like cotton, wool, knits and silks-to new options, some of which you might never have heard of or sewn with--synthetics; those that resist water, sun, stains, and wrinkles; those made from animal hides (and, of course, their faux cousins); those regenerated from wood pulp; and many more.

The latest addition to the Love to Sew series, this new title from best-selling author Debbie Shore contains 15 gorgeous, practical items that every sewer will love to make, use or give as gifts. The book contains storage solutions and sewing accessories to equip every sewing space. The projects range from practical storage solutions such as tool rolls, carry cases and cutting mat carriers to innovative ways to keep a sewing space tidy, such as a handy armchair storage device and an ironing station, complete with board cover and handy hanging pouch for storing a mini iron and attachments. The book also contains colourful sewing room essentials such as a pincushion, a seam press and handmade bobbins, and inspiring items perfect to give as gifts: a sewing room diary cover and a sewing case. The book contains a comprehensive materials and techniques section at the beginning, showing clearly all the techniques needed, with beautiful photography and easy-to-follow instructions. Each of the projects contains step-by-step photography and clear instructions so that even beginners will find these projects a doddle.

In this innovative study, Sarah Hill illuminates the history of Southeastern Cherokee women by examining changes in their basketry. Based in tradition and made from locally gathered materials, baskets evoke the lives and landscapes of their makers. Indeed, as "Weaving New Worlds" reveals, the stories of Cherokee baskets and the women who weave them are intertwined and inseparable. Incorporating written, woven, and spoken records, Hill demonstrates that changes in Cherokee basketry signal important transformations in Cherokee culture. Over the course of three centuries, Cherokees developed four major basketry traditions, each based on a different material--rivercane, white oak, honeysuckle, and maple. Hill explores how the addition of each new material occurred in the context of lived experience, ecological processes, social conditions, economic circumstances, and historical eras. Incorporating insights from written sources, interviews with contemporary Cherokee weavers, and a close examination of the baskets themselves, she presents Cherokee women as shapers and subjects of change. Even in the face of cultural assault and environmental loss, she argues, Cherokee women have continued to take what they have to make what they need, literally and metaphorically weaving new worlds from old.

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.

Make six classic garments and create a stylish multi-layered wardrobe from scratch. Full-size patterns are provided for a neat vest with a boxer back detail, an elegant bias-cut long-sleeved dress, a simple long gathered skirt with a drawstring waist, a batwing wrap top, an oversized drop-shoulder jacket and a pair of classic wide leg trousers. By choosing seasonal cloth, the versatility of these projects can be enjoyed from the first hint of spring to the end of winter. The aim of this book is to move beyond simplicity and dare the maker to develop new skills. With variations for tops, dresses, shorts and a coat, our precise step-by-step instructions and inspiring photography will enable you sew with confidence. The reward will be an all season, multi-layer wardrobe by your own hand. We hope you, the reader, are ready for this set of challenges and willing to pace yourselves through the more complicated garments. Full-size patterns for all six garments are included, ready to be traced off and put to good use immediately. Make fashion work.

For over thirty years Sue Quinn has designed gorgeous little felt animals that appeal to both adult collectors and children. Now she would like to share her master secrets. Colourful, strong and easy to use, felt is the perfect material to make this collection of charming classic woodland animals. Follow the clear step-by-step instructions to create a group of endearing little creatures that you will want to make and keep.

Part of a fantastic new series of stash-busting sewing books aimed at beginner to intermediate crafters, this book has 25 quick and easy projects to make, all from fat quarters or fabric scraps. Each project has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, as well as a comprehensive tools and techniques section. This book is ideal for using up leftover remnants of fabric to create a range of gorgeous items. Use them to decorate your home for the holiday season or simply to add unique finishing touches to gifts. Projects include hanging hearts, tree bunting, fairy light shades, traditional stocking, gift bag, card ribbons, snowflake garland, parcel belt, decorative rosette, napkin rings, placements and mantle edging.

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

Have beautiful nails right in the comfort of your home with this YALSA Quick Pick Award Winner and #1 New York Times bestselling cure for the common mani. Black Lace. Summer Citrus. Hot Pink Zebra. Get ready for nails that will get you noticed! Catherine Rodgers, creator of the popular nail art YouTube Channel Totally Cool Nails, shares her secrets in DIY Nail Art. Packed with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips for recreating Catherine's stunning looks, you can create one-of-a-kind nail art designs without ever stepping inside a nail salon. Inside this colorful guide to all things nails, you'll find seventy-five eye-catching designs including never-before-seen styles like Argyle, Light Burst, and Spiderweb Nails. Complete with step-by-step photographs so you can nail your look every time, DIY Nail Art will have you saying goodbye to the nail salon-and hello to fashion-forward nails at home!

Some people own a dog, whilst others are owned by their dogs - but either way the relationship between each is unique and special. Dogs come into our lives, bringing with them a level of devotion never before experienced . They make us laugh at their antics and funny ways, and when they leave us after a life-too-short, they break our hearts and leave our homes empty and echoing. This book is a collection of stories, photographs and illustrations that will make you laugh and cry. The stories are based on real dogs, which have been lovingly recreated by Stephanie as handmade felt models. A book that will appeal to both creative felt-makers and dog lovers alike.

From the heavily beaded tubular dress of the 1920s through to the body-skimming shift dress of the 1960s, this book looks at and celebrates the historic shapes, detailing and romance of vintage wedding gowns. Equipped with instructions, patterns and photos, it explores the history of wedding wear and explains how to make a vintage wedding gown inspired by historical fashions and trends. A beautiful and practical book, it will inspire everyone who wants to express themself through timeless and elegant styles.

"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.

Superb reproduction of most popular 16th-century lace design book by Queen of France's favorite patterner. Contains all of the nearly 100 original patterns for point coupe, reticella and guipure; the second part describes square netting and embroidery on cloth. 83 full-page plates.

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.

Sewing secrets for getting the most from your serger. If you own a serger, or are contemplating getting one, then you'll want to learn all the techniques, tips, and tricks for mastering this specialized sewing machine. Sewing Essentials: Serger Techniques, an instructional guidebook and DVD workshop combo, is about to take your skill to the max. Thoroughly covered in a book and DVD package. Read the informative guidebook for detailed yet easy-to-follow written steps, accompanied by over 200 vivid photographs. Watch the DVD as popular instructor and sewing expert Pamela Leggett demystifies the serger, making it more fun to use. And then see what you'll create! In no time, this double-whammy approach will have you navigating your serger like a pro. Go way beyond basic raw-edge clean ups Learn spool-threading secrets - the elixir for successful serger use! Adjust tension and control the fabric feed Sew basic stitches and seams, lickety-split Use flatlock stitching to secure heavy fabric Embellish with decorative stitching Create heirloom-quality pintucks and ruffles And more! Build or hone this impressive sewing skill and put it to use right away. Basically, a serger trims the seam and encloses the seam allowance or edge of the fabric, inside a thread casing, all in one step. Once you get the hang of it, you'll marvel that you ever sewed without the multi-tasking capabilities of this machine! Whether you're a beginner or have sewing experience, Sewing Essentials: Serger Techniques will give you the confidence to do more with the serger than you ever thought possible. Even experienced sewers will love the professional techniques, shortcut tips, and insider tricks packed into this must-have reference.

Sewing superstar, Debbie Shore has a real flair for designing simple projects that look amazing, and in this book she has created ingenious storage solutions to keep the home neat, tidy and beautifully styled. All the techniques and stitches needed are clearly explained, and the projects can all be made on a basic sewing machine. Projects are included for all areas of the home, and include a storage cube, drawstring toy bag, garment cover, iron caddy, jewellery pouch, tablet cover, knitting needle roll, drawer liner, laundry bag, sewing machine bag, gift wrap storage and even a heat-proof pouch for hair straighteners.

The needle arts are traditionally associated with the decorative, domestic, and feminine. Stitching the Self sets out to expand this narrow view, demonstrating how needlework has emerged as an art form through which both objects and identities - social, political, and often non-conformist - are crafted. Bringing together the work of ten art and craft historians, this illustrated collection focuses on the interplay between craft and artistry, amateurism and professionalism, and re-evaluates ideas of gendered production between 1850 and the present. From quilting in settler Canada to the embroidery of suffragist banners and the needlework of the Bloomsbury Group, it reveals how needlework is a transformative process - one which is used to express political ideas, forge professional relationships, and document shifting identities. With a range of methodological approaches, including object-based, feminist, and historical analyses, Stitching the Self examines individual and communal involvement in a range of textile practices. Exploring how stitching shapes both self and world, the book recognizes the needle as a powerful tool in the fight for self-expression.

A unique craft book in two parts learn to make a felted farm and enjoy an illustrated story! The crafting section contains step-by-step instructions, complete with beautiful colour photographs, showing how to make an entire farm with a range of needle-felted animals, people and buildings. The illustrated story takes those characters, animals and settings to tell a tale of a fun-filled day on the farm. Crafters may choose to make a couple of animals to supplement an existing farm set, but the entire farm is a wonderful project for an intergenerational group. Children can make simple items and animals, while adults can tackle more intricate projects. Throughout, experienced felter Rotraud Reinhard provides tips and tricks for working with felt and bringing colour and life to your farm.

Capture the essence of Japanese design with sashiko, the traditional technique of using decorative stitching to create striking patterns on fabric with lines of simple running stitch

Experiment with 12 essential sashiko techniques - each chapter includes a small starter project, ideal for beginners, then a more intricate design to perfect new skills

Discover all you need to know about threads, fabrics, and techniques, with a look into the history of sashiko

Achieve beautiful and creative results by combining modern materials with Japan's rich textile heritage

Be inspired by the traditional Japanese pieces that influenced the 25 stylish projects

Knotting, "the joining of two cords," is an old and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Since ancient times, Chinese knots have been used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes: to record events, aid in fishing and hunting, wrap and tie items, embellish personal attire, jewelry and fashion, ornament other works of art, and communicate. The intricate knot work and magnificent color combinations not only lent elegance to everyday objects, or a touch of gaiety and enchantment but were an aesthetic expression of Chinese folk symbolism, expressing wishes for good fortune and wealth or the joys of love and marriage. In craft book Chinese Knotting, author Lydia Chen first traces the origins, history, and symbolism of this fascinating craft, before taking the reader through the fundamental elements necessary for tying Chinese decorative knots--the materials, implements, and main processes. Step-by-step instructions are then given for the 11 basic knots, which provide the building blocks for the 14 compound knots-combinations and variations of the simple knots-that follow in the next section. The final section presents 41 knotting projects of varying difficulty. Detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and color photographs, combined with an exciting assortment of creative applications, will help readers discover the relaxation, artistic satisfaction, and beautifully personalized ornamentation that Chinese Knotting can offer.

If you've always fancied taking up sewing but didn't know where to start, this guide for the absolute beginner is for you. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of this fun and creative craft. You'll learn everything you need to get started, including how to do the necessary stitches, how to make seams and add creative details and fastenings. Each skill is accompanied by a stylish project to make, including an apron, padded coat hanger and cushion. Each project is explained with the help of clear illustrations that will guide you every step of the way. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little sewing experience you have to start with you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your new-found practical skills.