For centuries, the peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa have been producing domestic and professional embroidery to decorate themselves, their families, clients, homes and public spaces. Embroidery is an expression of artistic, personal, family, regional and even political creativity which has played an important role in the social and cultural lives of people throughout the region. It has also reflected economic and political changes over time as well as social, religious and artistic contexts. This is the first reference work to describe the history of embroidery throughout Africa south of the Sahara from the early modern period through to the present. From quilted armour to embroidered caps and leather sandals, it offers an authoritative guide to all the major embroidery traditions of the region and a detailed examination of the material, technical, artistic and design dimensions of the subject. Generously illustrated with 395 images (362 in colour) of clothes, accessories, and examples of decorated soft furnishings such as cushions, bed linen, curtains, floor coverings and wall hangings, the Encyclopedia is an essential resource for students and scholars of the subject.

Embroidery is back! This book by Cristin Morgan, founder of the popular hand embroidery company Marigold + Mars, contains a stunning collection of contemporary embroidery motifs with bold colour palettes for you to stitch away at for hours on end. The 50 motifs include abstract and geometric patterns, botanical motifs, hand-lettered designs and much more, and will inspire you to get stitching in fresh and imaginative ways. Beginners will learn to master the 10 basic stitches and skills needed to create the motifs inside, all clearly explained in an attractive, approachable way; then, whether you're new to embroidery or the more experienced stitcher, your hand stitching skills can flourish by stitching the motifs onto 20 beautiful and practical projects inside, all featuring easy-to follow step-by-step instructions, lovely photography and helpful templates. Hoop Art will help you bring embroidery out of the hoop to add a touch of stylish handmade flair everywhere.

Beginners rejoice-getting started with punch needle embroidery has never been easier! Delve into six versatile projects accompanied by step-by-step instructions and comprehensive information on tools and techniques. This project-based introductory guide will give you everything you need to know to explore and enjoy a fun, hands-on fibre art.

Learn how to do the big stitch technique of sashiko with these 8 simple sashiko sewing projects. Traditional Japanese sewing technique, sashiko, is currently a major sewing trend in craft, interiors and fashion. Big stitches are used to create stunning, geometric patterns and texture to make home wares with a stylish, Japanese minimalist look. This collection, featuring content previously published in The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook and Japanese Sashiko Inspirations, includes eight patterns for home decor so you can try this traditional technique for yourself. Choose from eight simple projects including coasters, cushions, wall hangings, bag and greetings cards.

Learn the nostalgic, easy-entry craft of spun cotton and make the perfect handmade decorations. Spun Cotton Crafts features over 25 step-by-step projects using affordable materials. From glitter icicles and bell garlands to cotton ball chicks and mossy forest mushrooms, this book is accessible to anyone regardless of skill level. Also included is a brief history of spun cotton and helpful sections on materials and techniques. Author Valerie Lloyd is the owner of Smile Mercantile Craft Co. where she sells quality craft goods such as twine, papier mache, spun cotton craft shapes and holiday novelties. Her popular YouTube channel by the same name showcases her easy-to-follow craft tutorials.

Invite light, warmth, and the freshness of spring into your home in time for Easter! Designer Thea Rytter, a fan favorite for her beautifully subtle color palettes and undeniable creativity, is back with a brand-new selection of decorations, ornaments, and more-including both well-known Easter classics such as colorful eggs and fluffy hares, and fun, festive springtime designs for flowers, feathers, and a sweet, soft friend or two. Welcome the season in style, with cozy, charming, characteristically Norwegian Easter knits. - Start small and work your way up: quick single-color patterns keep it simple for beginners, and wrapped-yarn projects like birds and feathers are perfect for kids - Once you've mastered the basic patterns for eggs, flowers, and miniature birds-shake things up with color changes, beads, embroidery, and more! - Step-by-step instructions, full-color photographs, and additional guidance for techniques like short-row shaping, to guide knitters who've never tackled them before.

Make incredible personalised gifts for friends and family with this collection of over 100 letter and number charts. All the charts can be used for aida and canvas using embroidery thread and yarn for very different results. Felicity has selected three different fonts for the letters and numbers including the very popular circus font; a woodblock font and a screen print font, which pick up on current trends. As well as the alphabet numbers there are decorative end posts to break up number sequences and handy charts for ampersands, stars and hearts. She has also designed decorative borders for each of the alphabets to finish the designs beautifully. The letters and numbers can be combined to create names, words or initials as well as significant dates and times, to make special gifts for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Includes full colour cross stitch charts, colour charts and stitch guide information. Also includes beautiful styled photography and instructions for potential projects to inspire you to create your own very special cross stitched keepsakes.

Get the pocket guide to embroidery that everyone's talking about - a 64 - page mini book perfect to take on the go! With over 30 essential embroidery stitches, this all-in-one-reference is ideal for hand stitchers, crazy quilters and freeform embroiderers. Learn the best stabilisers and thread for embroidery, then branch out with eye-catching embellishments. This petite paperback is the perfect size for your purse or embroidery kit - a great gift for all sewists!

The highly anticipated third installment of this popular set takes knitters on a brand-new and freshly exhilarating journey, filled with color and imagination: roaring tigers, cunning foxes, wide-eyed fawns, whirling flowers, and so much more! With Lumi Karmitsa's creativity, inventiveness, and unforgettable color combinations coming to life on every page, this is an endlessly charming collection full of design delights no knitter will want to miss. - Packed with dynamic, expressive, irrepressibly fun patterns for mittens, socks, and matching sets. - Clear step-by-step instructions, with full-color charts and high-quality photos. - Readily adaptable designs-mix and match, choose your own colors, work long or short socks and mittens with or without decorative cuffs.

Stitch a colourful array of cozy wool creations that will brighten any room in your home. Choose from a mix of cheerful little projects, including coasters, wall hangings, sewing accessories, bags, and more. Create stunning effects with easy hand stitching, simple applique, and artful wool layering Achieve an effortlessly embellished look with simple techniques that even beginners can master quickly Detailed how-to photos and clear instructions are included

Over 20 different contemporary embroideries to transfer and stitch, plus 11 extra transfer designs to get your creative juices flowing! In Carina's latest book, discover how to 'doodle' embroider and create over 20 different designs full of colour and personality Kickstart your journey to original, personal doodle work with a variety of designs, ranging from formal patterns - such as geometrics, mandalas, labyrinths and knots gardens - to more experimental, free-form shapes that will encourage you to explore your skills and creativity. Then, be taken step by step through Carina's 'Garden' sampler, so you can see how to forge a unique embroidery yourself with no design to follow. The 22 designs can fit either in a 3- or 6-inch hoop, which are easy to source instore or online. Each of Carina's designs will include photographs of the finished embroidery, a thread key, a stitch diagram and suggestions of how to work the design. In addition, Carina will give advice on how to rework her embroidery, to encourage your own creativity. At the back of the book, a corresponding transfer can be found so that you can easily draw the design outline onto your own fabric. Essential materials and easy-to-follow techniques chapters can be found at the beginning of the book, along with step-by-step stitch diagrams for the 15 embroidery stitches used to make all the designs in the book - providing you with a fuss-free, colourful crash-course. Finally, there are 11 extra transfers at the back of the book, offering variations and ideas for you to dive into and work up your own unique stitcheries!

Hazel Everett is an exceptionally skilled goldwork embroiderer, and in this beautiful book she passes on her knowledge and expertise in a way that is both practical and visually stunning. Drawing on traditional methods, she creates works that are brilliantly executed, in a style that is both modern and unique. Here, Hazel provides expert guidance and advice on an extensive range of goldwork embroidery techniques. Her detailed descriptions and step-by-step instructions are accompanied by clear diagrams and embroidered samples, all carefully and exquisitely worked by the author herself. Throughout the book there are numerous examples of the author's own work, providing inspiration for embroiderers who wish to extend their skills in this fascinating area. The book ends with ten fabulous projects, including richly worked samplers, Christmas tree decorations and needle books, all using the full range of techniques, threads and other materials that the reader has learnt about in the previous sections of the book. This is an invaluable reference for those already familiar with the art of goldwork embroidery, as well as an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to embark upon it. A unique source of information and inspiration for anyone interested in goldwork embroidery. All of the major techniques and materials associated with goldwork embroidery are explained through clear, step-by-step instructions, worked samples and diagrams, and there are ten fabulous projects to put into practice all the reader has learnt, allowing them to produce beautiful embroideries of their own. Numerous exquisitely worked pieces provide inspiration and ideas.

Whitework embroidery traditionally features beautifully intricate designs using white thread on white background fabric, examples of which can be found in many cultures across the world. Without the addition of colour, the fabric surface is ornamented with high-relief stitching, cutting, pulling or withdrawing threads with some styles utilizing all these techniques. Whitework Inspirations highlights the very best whitework has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Kim Beamish, Deborah Love, Judy Stephenson, Christine P Bishop, Susan O'Connor, Patricia Girolami and Luzine Happel, this special collection - including a tablecloth, table mats and sachets - has been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning whitework projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to create them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely whitework, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.

Bargello stitching is a form of needlepoint and making a comeback. There is a project for everyone, whether you are new to bargello, or are an original bargello fan. Tina Francis shows you how to combine bold, bright colours in attractive, almost psychedelic patterns to create the illusion of 3-D. Use her easy-to-follow charts and approachable instructions to create 15 projects including cushions, wall art, pincushions, bangles and a brooch. Bargello is easy to master, quick to achieve and very addictive. The stitches take on a rhythm of their own which makes it extremely relaxing and before long you'll be measuring your days in centimetres not hours. With only a handful of materials required - canvas, tapestry wool, tapestry needle and instructions - bargello is certain to become your craft of choice.

Stitch your way to a better day! The 30 cross-stitch designs in Gail Bussi's signature chalk art, hand-lettering style, are easy enough for beginners and will encourage mindful, relaxing stitching.

The patterns are divided into the sections Inspire, Create, and Connect, and will give you positive thoughts for many occasions. Finished pieces are perfect for sharing your hopes and wishes for others, or to keep to remind yourself of your personal aspirations. As you stitch the meaningful sayings, let the words as well as the simple movements inspire you.

Ready to stitch your own favourite mantra? Use the provided alphabets to design your own pieces. Finish your designs as small pillows, hangings, framed wall art, book covers, or however you envision.

Each project includes chart, finished photo, materials list, and full instructions.

Part of bargello's appeal lies in the simplicity of using a single stitch in a repeating pattern that is only ever worked vertically or horizontally. The technique lends itself to dramatic, wavelike designs in exciting, gradated colourways (think Missoni) that can be used for pillows, bags, belts and purses. This new pattern collection brings bargello stitch designs bang up to date offering fresh contemporary colour stories: brights and clashes, muted fades, contrasts, complementary colours, zesty neons and metallic rainbows. Includes 40 design samples graded from easy to advanced, easy-to-read charts, patterns for edges and borders for smart finishes, ideas for bringing texture using fancy flosses, and a freestyling collection that mixes several techniques on one canvas.

Welcome Baby is a book of irresistible patterns to help you celebrate your very special new arrival. The book is packed with exciting new projects in a variety of sizes which can be used individually to make charming gifts and cards, or combined to make delightful samplers, pictures, and cushions. The challenge will be deciding which design to work on first.

The flexibility of whitework with colour has opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities. There are no limits to the subjects one can stitch, and readers will find nestled among the pages a wide variety of projects which will entice them to stitch. There are seventeen projects in the book, ranging from complete beginner to more advanced. No special skills are required but a little practice will go a long way in helping stitchers to master the technique. Trish believes colour is the key to any successful piece of embroidery so has used quite unusual colour combinations and stitched some of the projects in more than one colourway to show how different the same design can look when stitched in other shades. 'It is impossible to praise this book too much, for any superlatives do not do it justice. It is supreme, beyond compare and in a league of its own. I have often admired Trish Burr's books, but this is a book that dreams are made of.' www.yarnsandfabrics.co.uk 'Get it! You'll love it!' www.needlenthread.com 'Whitework with Colour is a stunning book both in appearance and content. Whether you are new to whitework or a more experienced stitcher this book will inspire you from start to finish.' Embroiderers' Guild Chair

Crewelwork embroidery traditionally features bold striking designs, rich vivid colours and thick textured woollen thread, and these designs are certainly no different. Crewel Inspirations highlights the very best crewelwork has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Hazel Blomkamp, Di Kirchner, Phillipa Turnbull, Margaret Light and Susan Casson, this special collection, including cushions, a footstool, a mandala, a framed picture and a jewellery roll, have been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning crewelwork projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to create them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely crewelwork, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.

Experience the magnificent work of one of the world's most esteemed quilt artists in this retrospective of Japanese master quilter Yoko Saito. Ms. Saito's distinguished career unfolds in dozens of spectacular photographs that reveal her astonishing patchwork and applique creations up close like never before--all sewn to perfection. Admirers will revel in this gorgeous hardcover keepsake volume as they read about Ms. Saito's fascinating artistic journey, in her own words. Patterns not included.

'A sumptuous Christmas romance' Woman & Home magazine 'A cosy and heart-warming Christmas read - the perfect festive treat' Heidi Swain 'A fun and festive read' Trisha Ashley *** Can a trip away lead you home? After a bad break-up, eternal optimist Evie Miller has moved to the small village of Willowbrook to finally pursue her dream of opening a craft shop. Unfortunately, with money worries and an ex-boyfriend determined to track her down, her fresh start isn't going entirely to plan. Jake Hartwood is also looking to escape his past. Haunted by the loss of his wife, he's determined not to get close to anyone again - and the last thing he wants is to be celebrating this December. Hoping to avoid the festivities, Evie and Jake arrange to escape Christmas together as friends in Provence. But will the magic of the season change things between them? And what happens if one of them starts to feel something more? ***** Readers are loving The Christmas Holiday! 'This was a wonderful festive story full of intrigue, drama and romance.' Five stars 'A lovely heart warming story. Loved it.' Five stars 'This is definitely a book to curl up with of an evening, a book to make you smile and feel happy. The characters are so lovely, the writing so warm.' Five stars 'I loved this book, and read it in one sitting.' Five stars 'A lovely heart-warming book that I could not put down. I really strongly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!' Five stars

If you met a dragon, could you keep it secret? One day in the forest, Winnie discovers the last dragon in the whole world. His fabulous friends, the gryphon, the winged lion and the tree-man, are the last of their kind, too. They'll be in danger if grown-ups discover them. But can Winnie really keep them secret? With its brave, resourceful heroine and magical endangered animals, this exquisite picture book is a perfect story for our time.