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.

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.

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.

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.

**SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** **RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK** **WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE MONTH** 'An astonishing feat' Christina Patterson, Sunday Times 'An inspiring and moving sideways look at history' Eithne Farry, Sunday Express An eloquent blend of history and memoir, Threads of Life is an evocative and moving book about the need we all have to tell our story. From political propaganda in medieval France to secret treason in Tudor England, from the mothers of the desaparecidos in Argentina to First World War soldiers with PTSD, from a POW camp in Singapore to a family attic in Scotland, Threads of Life is a global chronicle of identity, protest, memory and politics. Banner-maker, community textile artist and textile curator Clare Hunter chronicles the stories of the men and women, over centuries and across continents, who have used the language of sewing to make their voices heard, even in the most desperate of circumstances. 'A beautifully considered book... Clare Hunter has managed to mix the personal with the political with moving results.' TRACY CHEVALIER

Cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, budgies, guinea pigs, goldfish, rats and ferrets are just a few of the popular animals featured in this parade of pets in cross stitch. Over 40 popular breeds of dog and cat alone give the stitcher plenty of choice, whether they want a detailed portrait or a nose-to-tail likeness. Additional themed alphabets, fitting sentiments and cute motifs reflect the humorous side of being a cat or dog lover. Other pets are also represented, from the tiniest mice and goldfish to wide-eyed reptiles, mischievous ferrets and familiar farmyard friends. Advice is given on changing thread colour to match your subject, and many chart keys feature alternative colour combinations. Gift and keepsake ideas suggest how to display your prized pet's pictures.

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.

In Wardrobe Embroidery, Warunee Bolstad of @plystreknitwear shows you how to easily breathe new life into your wardrobe by adding embroidery to clothes both old and new. Warunee presents a collection of charming embroidery patterns, ranging from beginner-friendly hearts and daisies to intricate floral arrangements. Use these lovely designs to freshen up worn out blouses and jeans or to personalize plain white t-shirts and boring bags. Colourful step-by-step photos will help you master your stitching technique and offer inspiration for developing your own embroidery designs.

Discover the world of punch needle embroidery with this modern take on a traditional craft. It's easy to master as you're guided by clear step-by-step instructions, patterns and beautiful photography. Faustine and Cathy will teach you all you need to know about punch needling through the creation of 20 adorable, contemporary animal motifs including a folk-inspired leopard, a delightful rabbit, a llama and a cunning fox. Each project is accompanied by a list of all the tools and materials, including the wool colours and stitches, you'll need to bring your adorable new friends to life. The reuseable, iron-on templates make taking up this popular craft even easier! Grab some yarn and a punch needle, and relax with this fun, simple craft as you create a whole menagerie of punch needle friends.

*** WINNER *** Won BEST CRAFT BOOK in The Craft Business Awards 2021! Learn from experienced crafters Roz Dace and Judy Balchin how to master the art of needle felting. Perfect for beginners, this fun, felty book teaches a different technique in each project. The authors take you on a journey, building up your skills from basic needle felting to confidently using armatures. They share their secrets with you and teach you how to capture expression and character in faces, as well as how to create realistic figures or more exaggerated caricatures. You can sculpt miniature teacup worlds, endangered and garden animals and even your friends and family - it's all covered. With twelve varied projects to get stuck into, you just need to choose where to start. Beginners will love this much-needed guide to a fascinating craft.

The Embroiderers' Guild was founded in 1906 and has in its collection embroideries from all over the world. These wonderful works, which somehow survived through the ages, could be said to be one of the most important group of embroideries assembled in one place. Stitched pieces and fragments and were gathered together by early members of the Guild and inserted into portfolios that were circulated among members. Nature has always been a huge source of inspiration to embroiderers and this fantastic book showcases the Embroiderers' Guild's huge collection of embroidered flowers through the ages. Featuring full-colour photographs , items are shown in full and also with detail images to show off the flowers at their best. These wonderful embroidered treasures are as varied as wall hangings, children's dresses, bridal bags and samplers, some of which date back to the 17th century. The images are shown with extended captions. Collected from many different countries, this is an opportunity to see fabulous works that are very rarely seen in public.

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.

'After seeing mediocre needlework books and knits and whatnot aimed at children come and go over the years, I'm really happy to see this particular book. It's a terrific information, reference, instructional, and project book. I like it a lot! I like it so much I've purchased copies of it to use for summer birthdays and bundled it basic supplies.' Mary Corbet, Needlenthread.com Transform your plain stuff into awesome stuff with just a bit of fabric and thread! Glam up boring bookmarks, tote bags, and even your jeans! Bored during a road trip or on a rainy day? Grab your favorite colour thread and get stitching! Learn and choose from different stitches to make each project exactly what you want. Make presents that your friends and family will love. Put your own stamp on pillows and picture frames. Stitch up some cuteness! There are 23 great gifts to give to your friends and family for their birthdays and holidays and the 15 easy projects and 17 stitches show you how to personalise all your stuff. Unplug from tech devices and make something handmade!

Exquisitely detailed and sumptuously worked, Michele Carragher's embroidered art is breathtaking to behold. This comprehensive insight into her work guides you from her initial ideas, right through to the finished, astonishing pieces of work, collectively titled Trace. Rich in symbolism and drawing inspiration from throughout history, the book contains three created, embroidered artefacts: a lavish glove, jewelled bodice and Japanese-style hair pin. From these she extracts a narrative which becomes the basis for three embroidered artworks, exploring themes of human duality and our behavioural effects on society and the planet. The book begins with an immersive, exquisitely photographed gallery tour of all the pieces, showcasing Michele's work in incredible detail. Following on from this, each artefact and artwork is discussed in detail, giving insight into the working process, creative choices and techniques used. Michele has worked for many years in the film and TV industry, including as Costume Embroiderer for HBO's Game of Thrones, and HBO's 2005 Emmy award winning production of Elizabeth I. The last chapter of the book features a selection of images from her inspiring catalogue of work.

The classic book on sewing church linens, newly revised.

The classic book on sewing linens for the church is back in a revised edition. This complete explains the materials and equipment needed, a variety of hemming options, special instructions on the small linens such as purificators and palls, working with fair linens, white work embroidery, and caring for church linens. New to this edition are directions for rolled hems, chalice veils, more specific directions and an improved worksheet for planning shrinkage, special advice specifically for beginners, an updated "Sources and Resources" section, and new patterns.

Inspired by the banners and signs at recent marches around the world, Really Cross Stitch takes all that anger, outrage and protest and puts it inside a pretty, decorative border. Along with some snarky commentary and general annoyance.

Featuring more than 40 truly original cross stitch designs, the book also contains instructions on techniques for new stitchers.

Stitching for public protest is not new. First-wave feminists in the US and in Britain used needlework in their demonstrations and public protest lectures during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Needlework and other handcrafts, however, declined throughout the twentieth century, with second-wave feminists arguing against 'the oppression of the needle'. In the 21st century however there has been a steep resurgence and many are turning to crafting, especially needlework, as an activist strategy. In Knitting for Good, feminist Betsy Greer makes this point strongly when she proclaims, 'I think every act of making is an act of revolution.'

How to Embroider Almost Every Cute Thing includes 550 supercute, sweet, and little embroidery motifs for just about everything you could ever want to depict with needle and thread. From cheeseburgers and chihuahuas to earmuffs and exercise equipment, among the many charming motifs are flowers, food, animals, clothing, vehicles, sports and hobbies, letters, numbers, and decorative designs from Japan's leading embroidery artists. Use the motifs to embellish t-shirts, socks, bags, table linens, and more! What you'll find inside: Finished stitched examples, stitch guides, and templates for all the motifs Essential step-by-step tutorials for key stitches and techniques Bursting with fun little embroidery motifs, this book will give you the itch to stitch!

Create unique projects with all types of embellishments - like lace, linens and hankies, trims and ribbons, buttons, and treasured pieces - with ideas, techniques, and a 100+ stitch library to inspire.

In Freestyle Embroidery on Wool you will learn how to kickstart your creativity and become confident at making your own colourful and expressive designs using applique and embroidery on felted wool fabric. Using her own detailed and imaginative embroidery as examples Karin Derland teaches you how to go about creating your own designs using applique and embroidery on wool felt. Karin shares plenty of instruction and helpful tips on making colour choices, how to apply ribbons, mirrors and other accessories, making and using cardboard templates for applique shapes and how to combine different types of threads and stitches for best effect. Sketches, diagrams and detailed photographs of different types of embroidered pillows, cushions, cases and other items will give you a head start on creating and applying your own designs. The book also offers plenty of inspirational images through Karin's colourful embroidery that draws on both the Swedish and Indian traditions. These can be used as an inspirational library of ideas when creating your own work. How simple or complex a piece becomes is up to you and your own level of experience and personal choice. Although the emphasis is on developing your own expressive embroidery, some step-by-step projects are included to help build confidence before launching out on your own. This is wool applique embroidery at its best - free, beautiful and generous. A note on materials: The author recommends using klade and vadmal, which are both types of Swedish 100% wool fabric of varying weight. They are made from woven fabric that has an even surface and processed so there is no visible weave. A good equivalent in the UK is a felted wool fabric such as Melton wool. Hobby felt containing polyester is not suitable.

Textile artists find inspiration all around them - from fleeting memories to treasured items, sketches, poems and photographs. But how do you collect and record these precious thoughts and ideas? Tilly Rose shows you how, by creating stunning fabric and paper journals filled with inspiration to spark your creativity. A lovingly created journal tells a story. It provides a fascinating glimpse into your world and is a beautiful object in its own right to be cherished by generations to come. There are eight beautiful designs to choose from, incorporating a range of exciting techniques that include layering and collage, hand embroidery, transferring your own designs to cloth, stamping, applique, embellishing, patchwork and free motion machine embroidery. All of the techniques are explained with clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, so even those who are just setting out on their creative journey will find inspiration and all the know-how they need to make their own gorgeous daydream journals.

Machine Embroidery is hugely exciting in terms of its potential as a creative medium and is part of a flourishing creative industry both in design and production. MMU hosts a specialist embroidery department, which has been instrumental in artistic and educational innovations in this area since the 1960s. The lecturers, graduates and students have remarkable expertise in machine embroidery, and MMU is home to a rich and unique archive of machines, samples and artwork, both historical and contemporary. This book will celebrate this archive, as well as providing the only definitive record (and exploring the potential) of the huge number of machines currently in use from the traditional Irish Embroidery machine to the new generation of computerised sewing machines. The book will demonstrate how key machines can be applied to the artistic, industrial and domestic practice, and shows machine embroiderers how to combine techniques and develop their ideas using machine embroidery. Each contributor gives their own individual perspective on machine stitch.

Jane Nicholas is one of the world's leading embroiderers, specializing in stumpwork. Her exquisite embroideries in goldwork and stumpwork are inspired by Japanese family crests, a subject that has fascinated her for many years. In this book, Jane has selected 12 designs and interpreted them in a variety of ways using combinations of goldwork, and raised and surface stitching. The projects feature a charming array of motifs including butterflies and other insects, Japanese plants and flowers. Measuring just 10cm (4in) square, each is worked on an assortment of silk Japanese kimono fabrics, and is accompanied by detailed instructions, a stitch diagram and the outline for the design. At the start of the book there is a fascinating history of Japanese family crests, followed by a stitch directory and a techniques section covering how to prepare your background fabric, how to transfer the design and how to work with wire. Illustrated throughout with sumptuous photography and informative diagrams, this is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration for embroiderers and lovers of Japanese culture alike.