This fantastic book showcases the prestigious Embroiderers' Guild's huge collection of embroidered animals through the ages. Featuring photographs taken especially for the book, items are displayed in full along with detailed images that show off the stunning variety of creatures at their best. Dr Annette Collinge's informative extended captions for each of the pieces give information on the provenance where known, and evaluate the quality of, and variety in, each of the works from her expert perspective. Rarely exhibited in public, these beautiful and important embroideries that span the centuries are now available for everyone to see.

In this first book in her new Sewing Room Secrets series, Debbie Shore walks you through every aspect of machine sewing, revealing her top tips and providing in-depth and helpful guidance every step of the way. Starting by looking at sewing room essentials, Debbie then guides you around your sewing machine and explains all the tools and materials you might need, including wadding/batting, interfacing, fabrics and threads. There's a handy troubleshooting section to reassure and guide you when you encounter problems. Debbie covers the key techniques you need to know, including inserting zips and piping, using shirring elastic, free-motion embroidery and applique. Debbie's focus is on craft and home items, but she also includes some dressmaking and quilting tips for those looking to explore other areas. The ten beautiful projects help you learn the techniques as you progress through the book, beginning with a simple pincushion before moving on to a pillow cover, a tablet case, a drawstring bag, a sewing machine mat and more.

An inspirational, practical guide by textile artist Letitia Thompson, the world of Mrs Bertimus! In this exciting new book Letitia shows you how to create colourful, contemporary, animal-themed stitched textiles with a quirky mix of vintage and whimsical style. Letitia's subjects range from playful, dancing mice to crafty foxes, their personalities skillfully captured in stitch using free-motion machine embroidery and hand stitching. The progression from idea to stitch is developed in easy stages, providing a valuable insight into the author's creative process and the methods she uses to achieve her stunning textile artworks. Starting with a comprehensive materials and techniques section, the book includes three step-by-step projects, templates, and numerous finished pieces to spark your creativity, resulting in a unique source of ideas and inspiration for textile artists of all abilities.

Over 300 lovely designs from Book of Kells, Tara Brooch, other authentic Celtic sources: spiral work, knot work, biomorphic patterns, more.

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

How to Cross Stitch is the perfect starting point for all those wanting to learn this rewarding and accessible craft. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of how to cross stitch. Each technique is clearly explained and accompanied by a stylish project to make, with clear step-by-step instructions. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little cross- stitch experience you have to start with, you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your new-found practical skills.

Eight popular cross stitch designers have come together to bring readers the Cross Stitchers Countdown to Christmas. A ready resource of festive cross stitch motifs, each of the 25 chapters provide an inspirational way to create charming cards, beautiful keepsakes and delightful items for the home. Designs range from the classic to the contemporary and many are ideal to stitch in an evening or a weekend - perfect for that busy time of year. With clear color charts, photographs and easy-to-follow stitching instructions, readers will be well on their way to stitching something special this Christmas.

Starting and completing these sweet little framed stitcheries is a breeze! With 16 charming projects that all measure 2 1/2" x 4 1/2", it's easy to mix and match their uses. Display finished embroideries: * Framed with beautiful watercolor mats (mats included!) * On sachets and note cards * As bowl fillers or on pillows The choice is yours! Instructions for creating each type of pretty project are included. Themes include redwork houses, bluework birds, garden decor, and more, all shown in alternate colorways so you can choose your favorite look. Also included are a trio of decorative mats (three of each) featuring Kathy's original watercolor designs. Everything you need is inside! Cut out or photocopy the mats to use behind your framed embroidery pieces. Together, they'll be picture perfect.

Recycling is one of the hottest new trends in embroidery, and this is the first book to cover it. Embroiderers recycle for many different reasons: to conserve old pieces of ephemera for the future, to give their work a personal touch, to convey meaning, or simply for economy.Covering both hand and machine embroidery, this book is packed with ideas for using many different types of salvaged material, such as fabric, paper, nature's materials including dried flowers and tree bark, plus plastic, wood and metal waste, and precious personal objects such as broken jewellery or special souvenirs. Illustrated in colour throughout with work from the world's leading contemporary embroiderers, the book covers :Introduction: Why recycle? * How to collect salvaged objects * Finding your own meaning * Fibre waste * Fabric waste * Recycling old embroidery * Paper and natural waste * Plastic waste * Wood, metal and mineral waste * Recycling packaging and books

Renowned textile artist Meredith Woolnough creates replicas of nature using a delicate system of tiny stitches. Her artwork is breathtaking, and now for the first time Woolnough offers crafters and fiber artists a lesson in how to use the "organic embroidery" technique. Look behind the scenes of her art process, from the initial fieldwork sketching and research that inspires her designs, to the production of her ethereal embroidered sculptures. She guides you through 12 creativity-prompting activities to help you begin your own mastery of this method. As you learn to find your desired shape or pattern in nature, from sources like leaves, shells, or coral, then use your sewing machine to turn it into openwork art, you'll also enjoy dozens of inspirational photos of Woolnough's own art pieces. Woolnough's instructions offer simple but highly versatile techniques, and allow you space for your own creative approach.

100 Essential Embroidery Stitches is a handy directory of 100 need-to-know freestyle embroidery stitches to refresh or add to your embroidery skills. Embroidery is like 'painting' with thread and this book gives you all the techniques you will need to create your own works of art. Whether you are new to embroidery and want to widen your repertoire or just need a comprehensive reference guide to look things up, you'll find everything you need to improve your embroidery skills and feel confident tackling a wide range of projects. Organised into five main sections, the 100 stitches lend themselves to a variety of different uses. Running stitch, backstitch, chain stitch, split stitch and stem stitch are used for outlining, while others are used for filling and making textures, patterns, motifs and borders. Each stitch is rated for difficulty and is laid out with a decorative stitched sample and clear step-by-step instructions. There are also sections that cover other essential knowledge on tools and materials and preparing to stitch. Main sections include: Lines and outlines, Bands and borders, Isolated stitches and motifs, Filling stitches, Couching and laid work.

Learn to make 20 button designs using fabric - as an embellishment to a garment or as a piece of jewellery or accessory. Gina Barrett uses techniques such as stitching, embroidery and beading, and provides shaped templates for those projects where the reader may need more assistance. The buttons are all worked at a small size, so will require limited materials and thread for a polished finish. There are no complex button-making techniques here; all the buttons can be created by the reader at home, following Gina's straightforward instructions and stitch diagrams.

Originating in the 17th century, stumpwork embroidery creates beautiful raised designs with satin backgrounds, padding, and motifs often embellished with beads. Designer and author Jane Nicholas details 19 projects containing 28 motifs of field flowers, pansies, wildlife, and other features applied to apparel and household decorations. Includes hundreds of illustrations and photos.

There's something therapeutic about taking a piece of fabric and turning it into something wonderful. Whether you're adorning it with a flowery motif, cross stitching the name of a newborn or creating something colorful for your wall, the punching of the needle through a fat quarter or Aida and the rustle of the thread that follows is incredibly calming. In Beginner's Guide to Embroidery, you can experience this for yourself. Regardless of if you're a needlework novice or a seasoned sewer, we've laid out all the tools and techniques you need to get started. The wide range of projects you'll find in these pages mean that you'll never be short of gifts for birthdays, holidays, Christenings or those 'just because' moments. So what are you waiting for? Grab your needle and thread, that all-important cup of tea, and turn the page to learn all about the magical world of embroidery. Great projects to get you started - Animal clocks - Bee Needlebook - Floral purse - Elephant cushion - Bird tote bag

Home is where the heart is, so what could be more rewarding and enjoyable than stitching up these projects to decorate your home? Patterns are suitable for both beginner and advanced cross stitchers. There are many pretty, bright, and modern projects including colorful samplers, uplifting quotes, seasonal flowers, animals and plants, pretty sewing motifs, and many more designs to choose from. The only question is which one to stitch first? The projects are designed to be versatile, so make them up as wall hangings, framed pieces, cards, gifts, pillows, tote bags, and more!