A guide to harnessing the world of nature to create sustainable textile art. Textile artist Alice Fox shows how to work with found, foraged, gathered and grown materials to create fabulous textile pieces that are inspired by, and made from, nature. She encourages crafters to be open minded and experimental, using local (and sometimes) unconventional materials, working with the seasons and learning what materials are available at different times of year to ground artists in natural cycles and integrate creative activity with a strong sense of place and character. Alongside advice on growing your own plants (such as flax or nettles) for creative work, the book is packed with practical ideas for foraging - from weeds, dandelions and other plants useful for making cordage, or leaves that can be stitched, quilted and shaped into vessels, to grass, wool, plastics and mud that can be gathered and delightfully repurposed by the textile artist. Other ideas for found materials include stones, shells and wood that can be wrapped or woven into, as well as a multitude of urban treasures that find a new life in creative hands. Alongside advice on growing your own plants (such as flax or nettles) for creative work, the book is packed with practical ideas for foraging - from weeds, dandelions and other plants useful for making cordage, or leaves that can be stitched, quilted and shaped into vessels, to grass, wool, plastics and mud that can be gathered and delightfully repurposed by the textile artist. Other ideas for found materials include stones, shells and wood that can be wrapped or woven into, as well as a multitude of urban treasures that find a new life in creative hands.

NOW FULLY REVISED AND EXPANDED You can do Hardanger embroidery! Have you always wanted to try Hardanger embroidery but thought it looked too difficult? Or have you mastered the basics and want new challenges? This manual will take you step by step from novice to advanced stitcher, with helpful diagrams and hints and tips at every stage. There are stunning Hardanger projects, graded beginner, intermediate and advanced, to guide you to your next level of expertise. You will refer to this Hardanger embroidery book again and again.

Stitch your very own garden.

Explore your stitching versatility with this comprehensive guide by learning to use any thread and embroidery stitch you desire! Jennifer Clouston shares how to make the most of the thread you already own by introducing hundreds of stitch and fiber combination options to create your own unique flower garden.

From textured stems and leaves to colorful bunches of flowers- your end result will look and feel like a true artistic and organic garden.

• Includes step-by-step illustrated instructions for over 80 embroidery stitches and 400 stitch combinations
• Embroider beautiful flowers, stems, leaves, twigs, and more
• Learn to use different fibers to create a striking, textured organic garden

Thread painting embroidery is one of the most beautiful embroidery techniques. Often mistaken for painted art, it shows off the true skill of an embroiderer. This book demystifies the technique and shows how easy it is to start embroidering your own stitched masterpieces. For the true beginner and the experienced stitcher alike it will be a treasured guide, explaining the techniques and providing the inspiration to master this exquisite form of embroidery. Over 600 colour photographs support twenty step-by-step projects that range from a simply shaded topiary tree to a three-dimensional hydrangea bouquet.

Make a statement--and smash the patriarchy, one stitch at a time--with these 40 feminist-themed cross-stitching patterns! Crafty activists will love this snarky book with its 40 irreverent, vintage-inspired cross-stitch patterns. Whether you want to proudly announce to the world that you're a nasty woman or remind others that a woman's place is in the revolution, you'll find edgy slogans, sharp one-liners, and cheeky images that make fabulous wall art or wonderful handmade gifts. An illustrated basics section will get you started, with information on materials, tools, techniques, and framing your finished pieces.

Find endless inspiration in this photo guide for embroidery stitching. Beginners and experienced embroiderers will create new patterns by playing with stitches - manipulating height, width, symmetry, and layers - for crazy quilting and contemporary projects. An essential guide to surface embroidery with 120 contemporary stitches, including left-handed stitches, and step-by-step photos.

Master the colourful bargello stitch with 17 projects and learn how to incorporate it into your home. Starting with the basics, Nerrisa Pratt introduces you to this iconic stitch, explores its historical roots and shows you how to grow in confidence so you can build up to creating your own designs. From cushions and lampshades to plant pot covers and bags, this craft is extremely versatile and can add instant colour and texture to any interior thanks to its graphic style. Rediscover your love for needlepoint with Bargello: 17 Modern Needlepoint Projects for You and Your Home.

Fiber artist Judith Baker Montano is back with this handy little reference guide that belongs in every needleworker's sewing basket. You can always find the perfect stitch for your project, with dozens of flat, linked, cross, looped, composite, floral, and silk ribbon stitches to choose from.

Authors Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby, a.k.a The Shibaguyz, teach 30+ sashiko and boro designs in the traditional Japanese style. This guide includes nine contemporary projects like a pillow, wallhanging, tote, and kimono jacket.

From picnics to garden themes, this book features lovely, happy cross stitch charts for both beginner and advanced sewers. The featured patterns can be used for any number of projects. Many of them are smaller in size and would be ideal for home crafting projects such as cards, pictures, cushions, sachet bags, or pincushions. The cohesive floral theme makes it easy for the sewer to create larger and more elaborate patterns. Crafters are sure to enjoy this collection of pretty, colourful designs.

Everything embroidery bundled into one helpful how-to guide! Start simple and learn how to choose tools and threads, achieve the perfect stitch, and then start designing your unique embroidery project. From basic stitches to complex combinations, each of the 500+ designs come with step-by-step instructions. Best-selling author Christen Brown provides expert guidance for all including tips and instructions for left-handed embroiderers.

A range of designs that are suitable for all sewing abilities. The essence of this book is to keep it simple, fun, and easy to stitch. With that in mind most of the designs are sewn using only whole cross stitch, and back stitch is kept to a minimum. The patterns vary in sizes. From small quick stitch designs for tags, pincushions, key fobs, and cards, to larger, more involved designs for notebook covers, pictures, fire screens, or table cloths. Many of the designs can easily be used in multiple ways. A single small design or band could be used to edge a place mat, table cloth, towel, or curtain tie back, or you could combine several designs together to make a sampler. A stunning collection of patterns for both new and experienced stitchers alike.

Accomplished cross stitch designer Helene Le Berre brings you 14 stunningly beautiful alphabets to embroider. All of the alphabet designs are inspired by natural themes, including birds, animals and flowers. There are comprehensive instructions and stitch charts for each one, plus ideas are provided on how to use the motifs to decorate projects such as a make-up bag, an apron and a tote bag. All of the essential techniques are given at the back of the book, making this delightful collection of embroidered motifs a must-have for beginners as well as more experienced stitchers.

This nostalgic treasure chest of vintage art embroidery patterns offers hundreds of authentic designs from the classic magazines and needlework catalogs of yesteryear. From birds and bunnies to flowers and fruit, these retro-cool motifs are accompanied by gorgeous color photographs and stitching advice. Four step-by-step projects show how to make quilts, potholders, and a laundry bag. You're sure to find the perfect inspiration here for creating either a thoughtful gift or a new family heirloom.