Become a skillful sewer, even if you've never sewn a stitch before! Choose from over 20 projects for you and your home and quickly go from beginner to expert. Clear photography guides you through all the basic techniques before delving into the beautiful projects. Become a skillful sewer, even if you've never sewn a stitch before! Choose from over 20 projects for you and your home and quickly go from beginner to expert. Clear photography guides you through all the basic techniques before delving into the beautiful projects. Complete novice? Start with the simple shopper or pretty lace bow top. Ready for something a bit more challenging? Try your hand at curtains or even a tunic dress. Watch your confidence soar as you work your way through this brilliant book. Other titles in this series include: First Beading (9781843406136), First Crochet (9781843406129), First Card Making (9781843406143) and First Knits (9781843406112). Also available in 2014: First Cake Decorating Word count: 20,000

Create over 30 cute felted animals with this easy-to-use needle felting book. There's something for everyone in this needle felting book, and all the projects are easy to make. Great for all levels, beginners can learn the basics and experienced felters can pick up tips on how to work with new colors and details. Thorough instructions for each project show you how to take wool roving to make the basic shapes and blend them seamlessly. A special step-by-step section shows you how easy even the most complex piece can be, and how any small figure can be made into an accessory you can carry or wear. These cute miniature animals range from the wonderfully realistic to enchantingly adorable. Included in this book are: An Elephant all decked out for festival day A Queen's Guard and a Dutch Girl in traditional dress A Mama Kangaroo with her Joey An enchanting Teddy Bear Cute accessories featuring foods and flags from different lands Felt scenery to set the stage for your felt creations And a lot more! The projects range from about 2-4 inches high and instructions are included for turning a few of your felt creations into fun dangly accessories. A full lesson takes you through one of the projects from beginning to end, covering all the basics to ensure that you have all the skills you need to make any fuzzy friend you want. Put your felting needle to work!

Keep it simple and do it well. The Merchant & Mills Sewing Book contains fifteen step-by-step projects aimed at guiding you gently but firmly through the basics of sewing. Each project you make from this book will be stylish, but above all, useful. Part I of the book presents a fundamental overview on the art of sewing, the tools and materials you will need and homegrown tips on essential good practice. In Part II, seasoned dressmaker Carolyn Denham leads you step by step through fifteen achievable projects, each building on the skills gained as you progress through the book. First, equip your sewing room with practical items you never knew you needed, such as a Tailor's Ham, Sleeve Roll and an Ironing Board Cover (essential items for good pressing practice), a Hussif (the ever ready portable sewing kit) and a Maker's Apron (utilitarian chic for good workers). Then go on to use your new sewing skills to make cushions, throws and bags before progressing on to garments with the Tailored Shawl and Fisherman's Top, using the paper patterns provided in the back of the book. Make them all and you will be a very capable dressmaker with a raft of functional, beautiful, handmade goods.

If you have ever dreamed of showing your designs on fabric, textile aficionado Kim Kight, of popular blog True Up, is here to teach you how. Comprehensive and refreshingly straightforward, this impressive volume features two main parts. First, the Design and Color section explains the basics with step-by-step tutorials on creating repeating patterns both by hand and on the computer. Next, the Printing section guides you through transferring those designs on fabric-whether it's block printing, screen printing, digital printing or licensing to a fabric company-and how to determine the best method for you.

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

This is a delightfully presented book of original designs and projects for creating homemade and lovingly crafted mementos to keep forever. It shows you how to use traditional skills such as embroidery, applique and quilting to makes items for weddings, christenings and birthdays that will always be treasured. It contains items that are not only perfect as gifts, but also luxurious accessories that will enhance your own bedroom, boudoir or bathroom. You can create a Christening bonnet or tiny booties, a beautiful beaded evening bag or an exquisite applique Valentine. It is superbly designed, and lavishly illustrated with over 300 photographs, including step-by-step images that guide through each of the 40 projects. A gift that has been made with loving care is always the most appreciated, especially when it is something that has its own vintage style. This book reveals the secrets of creating fabulous pieces for significant occasions, which will be kept forever. The best of traditional skills have been gathered in 40 projects to create a beautiful collection of covetable items. Techniques range from the traditional, such as embroidery and quilting, to contemporary methods to create an antique effect. Throughout, guidance is given on selecting materials, textures and shades for a genuine heritage feel, with many of the projects inspired by charming customs surviving to this day. Superbly illustrated throughout, this book provides a practical guide to creating your own cherished mementoes and tomorrow's heirlooms.