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"

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.

Wait until you get your hands on the rugged paper that looks, feels, and wears like leather, but sews, cuts, and washes just like fabric-now with an even softer and more leather-like finish! kraft-tex (R) Prewashed is supple, yet strong enough to use for projects that get tough wear. These 10, 8 1/2" x 11" sheets are perfect for adding embellishments or making smaller projects. This sumptuous surface is prewashed, preshrunk, eco-friendly, tear-resistant, and so much more.

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.

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.

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.

Detailed diagrams, stitch-by-stitch directions, and illustrated patterns explain each step necessary to make baby clothes, hats, rugs, afghans, and household accessories, to name just a few. For only a modest investment in equipment and materials (and Mrs. Duncan gives expert advice on this step as well), the needlecraft enthusiast can have the satisfaction of creating hand-crafted, personalized goods.

Beginners and experienced crafters alike will treasure this expert guide to making one-of-a-kind teddy bears. These full-size basic patterns include adorable costumes for the bears and are easy to customize. Step-by-step instructions and more than 150 diagrams explain everything from choosing the right fabric to adding the final touches. Sixteen color and 11 black-and-white photographs perfectly illustrate the possibilities for creating plush companions. The founder of the magazine "Teddy Bear Review, " Ted Menten has written 19 books on the subject and conducts teddy bear-making classes around the world. This guide features his well-tested techniques, which include tips on how to add distinctive facial expressions and other individual, expressive traits that transform ordinary crafts projects into truly personal keepsakes and gifts.

The Japanese word 'kanzashi' originally referred to decorative pins as part of the traditional female hairstyles. These pins were often works of art in themselves, holding in place elaborate floral arrangements made with natural or silk flowers. Today, kanzashi encompasses flowers made from regular fabrics. Sylvie Blondeau shows you how to make 65 of these simply stunning designs. The projects are so easy and fun to make that you will soon be making them for every occasion. Perfect as accessories on clothing, jewellery, home decorations or table adornments for special occasions.

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.

This step-by-step introduction to grading combines the theory of pattern grading with its practical applications. After presenting the x, y orientation to familiarize readers with the concepts of computer grading and using the Cartesian graph, the text takes a holistic approach, integrating anthropometry, size specifications, and grade guides into the grading process for women's garments with emphasis on maintaining fit and style sense. New to this Edition: - Expanded discussion of computer grading technology including Optitex, Gerber, Lectra, and Tukatech software - 20% new end-of-chapter exercises - Includes more than 200 illustrations and 85 tables for grade rules, measurement charts and garment specifications - Added discussion on grading from specifications and development of tolerances - Instructor's Guide and Test Bank provide answers to exercises, completed and blank grade rule tables, grade charts for different base sizes and projects for further research Concepts of Pattern Grading STUDIO: - Study smarter with self-quizzes featuring scored results and personalized study tips - Review concepts with flashcards of terms and definitions - Practice your skills with extra exercises

In Print Play, screen printing designers and teachers Jess Wright and Lara Davies welcome you into their colourful, pattern-filled world with a series of how-to screen printing projects. The book covers all the basics of screen printing at home before delving into projects ranging from homewares to accessories and clothing. The 24 projects are accessible to novice screen printers, as well as keeping more experienced screen printers challenged, and include printed wallpaper, art prints, beach towels, napery, tote bags and planter boxes. There are also chapters that focus on creating colour palettes, finding inspiration and designing your own unique patterns. Written with a sense of fun, and easy-to-follow instructions, Jess and Lara invite you to create some screen printing magic of your own.

The best-selling authors of "One-Yard Wonders" are back with another all-new amazing collection of 101 sewing projects. Responding to the increasingly diverse range of fabric weights and types now available, "Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders" is organized by fabric type. From home dec to knits, wool to flannels, corduroy to cottons, these patterns show how to make the most of each fabric 's unique characteristics.
Sewers will love the affordability and ease of these patterns, each requiring just one yard of fabric. There 's something for every skill level and interest. Waterproof coated cotton fabrics are perfect for a gym bag or set of bicycle panniers, wool makes a warm cap for the outdoor enthusiast, knit jersey whips up quickly into a ruffle scarf or sassy dress, corduroy makes a sturdy farmers market tote, lightweight cotton voile is perfect for a little girl 's smocked sundress, and cozy pink fleece makes an irresistible mother pig and piglets stuffed toy set. The perfect blend of fabric and function is evident throughout this wide-ranging collection.
Every project is shown in a full-color photograph, accompanied by detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrations and a complete cutting layout. All required pattern pieces are included in a secure envelope inside the book. As with the original "One-Yard Wonders," the contributors to this volume include popular sewing bloggers and designers from all over North America. This blockbuster collection of projects is sure to be enthusiastically embraced by the ever-growing number of fans of one-yard sewing.

String art, a summer camp staple in the `70s, is coming back in a big, big way as young urbanites and creative types yearn to decorate their own spaces with unique creative touches. From murals strung directly on the wall to a rustic wooden gift basket tag, string art can go from sweet and simple, fun with the kids, to elaborate masterpieces. This book starts with beginner basics and builds to truly impressive string art designs. The crafter will learn about various surfaces and how to prep them, different nail types and stringing materials, what types of tools work best for which projects and be able to create their own nail art designs in addition to the templates included in the book.

"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.

Marsha Greenberg returns with even more stunningly original doll-size fashions, flawlessly crafted from vintage handkerchiefs and paired witty lifestyle advice, in this newly re-designed and revised edition of Hankie Couture. Featuring a gallery of 125 unique outfits and accessories, with 60 new fashions and fresh Hankie Couture girl "philosophy," Hankie Couture showcases an infinite variety of doll-sized styles for every occasion, from pyjamas to wedding gowns. The book also includes a how-to-guide with patterns and easy-to-follow sewing instruction to help you craft your very own unique outfits. Whether you're a crafter or doll enthusiast, Hankie Couture is the perfect book to unleash your imagination in transforming treasured heirlooms or colourful flea-market finds into one-of-a-kind fashion ensembles.

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!

This book is packed with a selection of beautifully designed cross stitch patterns to suit all skill levels. The themes include flowers, cupcakes, summer days, wedding and baby samplers, afternoon tea, butterflies, and floral garlands. Many of the designs can be easily personalized by adding names and dates using the alphabet charts available. The author's love of nature and her sense of color have been lovingly captured within its pages. Inspired by her home and garden, the pretty cross stitch projects within this book are designed to fill a home with delightful stitching.

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.

Introducing prewashed kraft-tex in a sophisticated range of new colours! Wait until you get your hands on this rugged paper that looks, feels, and wears like leather, but sews, cuts, and washes just like fabric. kraft-tex Designer is supple and easy to sew with, yet strong enough to use for projects that get tough wear. This cruelty-free leather alternative now comes in hand-dyed, hand-finished denim blue, saffron yellow, moss green, and linen, and will bring an exciting new texture and colour to your craft-sewing projects, mixed-media arts, and bookmaking. The sumptuous surface is prewashed, preshrunk, eco-friendly, colour-fast, tear-resistant, and so much more. * Play with it! Sew it, stamp it, draw on it, fold it, inkjet print it * Prewashed treatment gives it a suede-like finish and lovely crinkles * Pieces are hand-dyed and hand-cut, so colour and size may vary slightly.

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.

Tired of wearing the same clothes? How about revamping your wardrobe with new custom made clothes? This is a practical sewing manual that shows all the steps for making skirts and trousers, from the basics, like different hand stitches and using a sewing machine, to taking measurements and understanding patterns, all explained with detailed illustrations and photographs for each step. The results are bespoke garments, handmade by you. The book includes everything you need to know to get started; no previous sewing experience is needed, but you will be amazed at what you can achieve: a wealth of different types of skirts -straight, curled at the waist, classic, mini, flared, balloon, mermaid, asymmetric and more - and trousers - with or without pockets, classic, skinny-fit, low-waist, and many more.

This is a must-have collection of essential techniques and projects for sewers of all abilities looking to create the perfect slip covers to give their upholstery and furniture a stylish new look. Whether you are want to learn new techniques or brush up on your sewing skills, the comprehensive step-by-step technique advice and invaluable tips and tricks will help you along the way. Twelve technique-led projects from a variety of designers range from simple tie-on covers for dining chairs to fully-fitted armchair covers plus bedroom furnishings, floor cushions and table coverings. Stylish photography and easy-to-follow layouts complete the package, making this an essential buy for anyone who sews, or wants to get started.