The blue-and-white quilt is one of the most desired antiques, and many can still be found in good condition. Learn the history of blue fabrics used during the 19th century, from the first production of indigo fabrics through the invention of the sewing machine, and up to the development of synthetic dyes in the late 1800s. Get inspired to design and create your own heirlooms, stitching up 15 historically accurate reproduction quilts from traditional blocks.

The first pattern book for making unique, customizable African American crochet dollsFrom American Girl Dolls to Barbie, there's something special about having your own doll, and even more so, having a doll that looks like you. And it's not just about clothing; having a doll that has eyes, skin tone, and even a hairstyle to match your own is a thrill. For African American girls, this isn't the norm nor is it easy to find. Created by Yolanda Jordan, My Pretty Brown Doll offers patterns and crochet techniques to create this charming crochet doll, with skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, and outfits that are customizable to match the young person this gift is for. Jordan's unique aesthetic will appeal to a wide variety of crocheters, and there are endless possibilities to make this doll unique.The book covers a basic wardrobe, including pants, shirts, shoes, coats, a hat, and a scarf. But then Jordan dives into specific adventures like going to school and playing soccer, dancing ballet and traveling to Paris. There's even a mermaid and a scientist outfit, complete with lab coat. Offering African American girls the chance to have their own doll, who looks like them and can be outfitted exactly the way they want, is a gift unlike any other. It's a wonderful opportunity to deliver something special to an underserved market.

The world's first comic-strip knitting book, Knitstrips presents 22 original patterns, boundless humor, and seriously appealing knitting instructionInspired, original, and laugh-out-loud funny, knitstrips are patterns and knitting instruction mixed with advice and humorous commentary-and presented in illustrated comic book panels. Launched in 2016 on the mega-popular knitting site Modern Daily Knitting, the strips gained instant popularity and have attracted thousands of avid fans. The book includes 22 brand-new patterns and is designed to mimic a bound collection of comic books in a series: each "issue" with its own cover and wry theme-from yarn stashes to binge knitting-that is close to the heart of knitters. Issues offer four to six knitting patterns each, plus designer highlights and a variety of stories and technical discussions. The result is a fresh, lively knitting adventure that is like nothing the fiber world has seen before.

Lexi's easy template-tracing method makes embroidery into a wearable art, so embroiderers can show off their stitching as a part of their everyday style, rather than just as a static wall display. All readers need to do is choose a pattern from the templates provided, and follow the author's simple, straight forward application instructions to be able to embroider designs directly onto their favourite accessories. Readers will learn to jazz up a basic baseball cap with cheerful stitched daisies, and take a plain tote from service-able to too cute with some bright, fresh fruit embroidered accents. Lexi also shows readers how to create individual pretty patches they can attach to their favourite jeans or blouses, as well as how to embroider feminine floral touches directly onto their jean jackets. This book will have 25 projects and 60 photographs.

A celebration of handmade toys, featuring fabulous stuffed animals, handmade baby gifts and more - all made using fat quarter cuts of fabric - the most popular way that sewers buy fabric. Continuing the series from 50 Fat Quarter Makes, this fun collection features beautiful styled photography, step-by-step diagrams and templates for over 50 handmade toys, with patterns provided by 10 top international talents. These include Amie Plumley co-author of the bestselling Sewing School books, Ayda Algin of Cafe Nohut, Mollie Johanson of Wild Olive, bestselling author Emma Hardy and Aurifil thread designer and founder of #GreatBritishQuilter Sarah Ashford. All the toys are made using simple sewing techniques alongside patchwork, applique and embroidery.

Feltmaking is a popular and exciting contemporary medium, expanding in many new directions. This practical book focuses on the specific requirements for making felt bags. It explains the principles of using a resist to create 3D forms, and looks at shapes and styles of bags to suit all occasions. Clear instructions on feltmaking techniques for beginners are given. A guide to equipment and to choosing appropriate wool breeds and decoration for individual projects are given too. There is advice on design, choosing handles and fastenings, and the functionality and the form of a bag. There are detailed practical, step-by-step instructions for nine projects, covering both basic and advanced options, with easily adaptable elements. It is a fabulous guide to the various processes necessary to create a functional and unique felt bag.

Knit unique beanies inspired by the jaw-dropping and unique landscapes from each of the 63 US National Parks. From the brightly colored pebbles of Lake McDonald in Montana's Glacier National Park to the regal granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome in California's Yosemite Valley, the US National Parks contain some of the most recognizable and iconic natural landmarks in the world. Capture the majesty each national park offers with original beanie patterns created by knitting designer and outdoor enthusiast Nancy Bates. Beanies range from simple beanie constructions to more challenging stitch patterns such as the two-color crossovers inspired by South Dakota's Badlands or the multiple cable designs inspired by New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns. Clear charts, easy-to-read keys, and thorough instructions help any knitter, whether beginner or experienced, through these gratifying projects. Show your love and appreciation of our national parks with these beautiful and practical beanie projects you can wear any time or any place. 63 KNITTING PATTERNS: Every US National Park is celebrated with a unique beanie design, including the newly designated park New River Gorge in West Virginia BEAUTIFULLY PHOTOGRAPHED: Each pattern is accompanied by photos of the finished beanie and gorgeous images of the park's landscapes that inspired it INSPIRED BY NATURE: Learn about each national park's unique fauna, flora, and landscapes that inspired each original beanie, from the Painted Wall in Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the Salt Flats in California Death Valley EASY-TO-FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the 63 beanies knitting patterns have been tested and verified and offer clear charts so that knitters of every skill level can knit a beanie in no time

Life is a busy undertaking. We always seem to be on the go, with days (and nights!) never having enough hours. Bestselling author Melissa Leapman has just the perfect solution for today's busy makers: InstaKnits. The 24 sophisticated, quick-to-knit projects are each expertly designed, fun to make, and easy to wear. From accessories like scarves, hats, and mittens to gorgeous wraps and sweaters, all of the projects are ready for their social media close-up! Projects are divided into sections by the approximate length of time to complete, so it's easy to choose a pattern that both excites you and fits into your busy lifestyle. Take a look at Melissa's colorful pieces designed for instant gratification, and you'll be inspired to pick up your needles and cast on an InstaKnit today!

Piece beautiful blocks from your scrap bag or uniformly plan your approach from fabric yardage-with line drawings of each quilt to colour in, the choice is yours! Start with 8 quilt patterns, each shown in 2 distinct looks, plus get easy sewing and pressing tips to remake quilts in your favourite fabrics. Piece complicated-looking designs, learn special binding techniques, and uncover new ways to freshen up and use your fabric collection. Even beginning quilters will be able to jump right in and sew their own colourful stash quilts.

Techniques and projects for using shibori dyeing in textile art. Shibori is one of the world's richest textile traditions. Commonly associated with Japan, it is in fact a technique long used in Africa, India and South America. In this practical guide, textile artist Janice Gunner shows how to combine traditional Japanese, African and Indian shibori methods with contemporary techniques to create stunning textiles that are bursting with rich, intricate patterns and bold colour. Various techniques are covered - from tied and stitched designs to ideas for wrapping, folding, clamping, pleating and binding. Simple and safe instructions for a range of dyeing techniques are also included. Practical information is accompanied by clear instructions and diagrams, aimed at quilters, embroiderers and textile artists of all abilities. Stunning quilts and embroideries throughout demonstrate the full potential of the technique, alongside practical advice on turning your shibori textiles into beautiful quilts, hangings and textile art.

The possibilities for three-dimensional manipulation of fabric - gathering, pleating, tucking, shirring, and quilting woven materials - are seemingly endless. To describe them all would be to describe the entire history of sewing.

In "The Art of manipulating Fabric," Colette Wolff has set herself just this task, and she succeeds brilliantly. Working from the simplest possible form - a flat piece of cloth and a threaded needle - she categorizes all major dimensional techniques, show how they are related, and give examples of variations both traditional and modern. The result is an encyclopedia of techniques that resurface, reshape, restructure and reconstruct fabric.

• More than 350 diagrams support the extensive how-tos, organized into broad general categories, then specific sub-techniques
• Handsome photos galleries showcase the breathtaking possibilities in each technique and aid visual understanding by emphasizing the sculptured fabric surface with light and shadow
• Textile artists and quilters, as well as garment and home decor sewers, will expand their design horizons with the almost limitless effects that can be achieved

This new book from Japanese cross stitch sensation Makoto Oozu is packed with hundreds of tiny motifs that can be stitched onto anything from badges and hankies to T-shirts and bags. You will find it impossible to choose a favourite! The book is arranged by themes inspired by all aspects of everyday life. Take a trip to the toyshop with teddies, dinosaurs, cars, trains and computer games. Make sure you're on trend with sunglasses, watches, socks, jewellery and make-up. Visit the shoe shop with different trainer designs as well as cowboy boots, high heels and sandals. Keep yourself active with boxing gloves, tennis rackets, balls, ice skates and skis. Stitch up your friends by choosing from different faces and hairstyles. Go wild with dogs, cats, birds and fish. Fill up on cakes, ice-creams, sushi, spaghetti, dough nuts, wine, beer and biscuits. Get your five a day with carrots, radishes, chillies, bananas, cherries, a pineapple and a watermelon. Enjoy your free time with TVs, cassette tapes, cameras, sewing equipment and tools. With step-by-step cross stitch instructions for beginners, as well as tips for stitching onto different fabrics, be warned: this is an addictive hobby! Once you start, you will soon be stitching these super awesome motifs onto anything and everything.

Iconic knitwear designer Sasha Kagan treats us to a fascinating retrospective of her work from the past four decades in this beautifully presented book. Known best for her innovative use of the intarsia technique, striking pattern work and unique use of colour, Sasha's designs transcend fleeting fashion trends and have become classic pieces in their own right. Reworked in gorgeous new yarns, this collection of cardigans, fringed shawls, statement jackets, jumpers and waistcoats are just as wearable today as the day they were created. Spanning from 1969-2009, five patterns are included for each decade along with swatches, magazine cuttings, articles and photographs that help portray the original design context for each piece. It includes written contributions from fashion-industry members.

Elementary design principles and Sara Delaney's unique, straightforward formulas provide everything readers need to start creating their own crocheted scarves, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks. At a glance tables, variation explanations and a substantial stitch dictionary-with 27 solid and lacy stitches, both basic and advanced - ensure crocheters will never lack for ideas on how to personalise their custom designed accessories. Eighteen sample patterns designed by the author feature the formulas she used to make them, illustrating clearly how each technique is put to use. This beautiful and practical package will give readers both the information and confidence they need to venture into a whole new world of crocheting possibilities.

Jam-packed with hands-on, practical advice, and with gorgeous projects to practise the skills you learn, Debbie will teach you everything you need to know about quilting. Whether you are at the start of your sewing journey or are already an experienced quilter, you'll be inspired by Debbie's friendly and easy-to-follow approach to useful quilting techniques. Beginning with a section on quilting essentials she'll guide you around your sewing machine and explains all the tools and materials you might need. The second section then introduces you to the key quilting techniques you'll need to know: discover patchwork favourites such as disappearing nine patch and English paper piecing, different quilting styles, sashing, binding and more - each explained clearly with stitched samples or illustrated step by steps. Projects then follow a single or selection of core quilting skills, so you can put your new knowledge into practice. This is the ideal book for those new to quilting, looking for in-depth and helpful guidance, or for the more experienced quilter looking to brush up on their skills.

With country style a key trend for this Fall why not create the country feel in your own home with these 8 stylish country-inspired home projects. From a simple draught excluder to a large bean bag floor cushion to sink into in front of the fire, these projects will add to your home's comfort and beauty. Each project is demonstrated using two differing fabrics from Westminster Fibers Free Spirit amazing fabric designers--with the colorful and creative style of Anna Maria Horner and the classic and eclectic style of Joel Dewberry.Easy-to-follow instructions with step-by-step illustrations and lots of detailed photographs will guide you through the creative process from preparing your fabric, cutting it out, sewing and adding finishing touches. The gorgeous other projects featured include a round tablecloth, food covers, a lap quilt, table mats, fabric bowl & lid and a padded chair cushion.So get sewing and create the country feel around your home

Spark your creativity with 13 warm, welcoming, Civil War-inspired quilts and projects from the sisters behind Yellow Creek Designs. While they draw inspiration from the past, Jill Shaulis and Vicki Olsen can't resist adding their own unique twist, whether adapting blocks into smaller projects or incorporating several elements at once! Explore many techniques, including foundation piecing, wool applique, hand-worked hexagons, and more, as you sew bed quilts, samplers, wallhangings, and table toppers and runners, all with a charming, primitive style. With so many projects there is something for everyone, no matter your taste or skill level!

An exquisite collection of toy sewing patterns to make stuffed animals to treasure! These stunning animal dolls are easy to sew and then embellish with simple hand embroidery stitches to beautiful effect. The dolls and their cute outfits all use small amounts of fabric, so are great for using up scraps. With step-by step instructions and full guidance on the embroidery stitches and full-size pattern pieces to trace from the page, this super-accessible book will help you make future heirlooms that will stay in the family for generations.

Learn to make felt plants and flowers so rich with detail that they look freshly picked! Aimed at absolute beginners, the book starts with an overview of basic techniques and then progresses on to simple lessons for making flowers, plants, leaves and branches. Each lesson comes with a detailed reference photograph, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, and pattern. Felt flowers include magnolia, poppy ranunculus, rose and sunflower and learn to make projects such as a garland, decorative pillow, potted plant, Bohemian crown, terrarium, and more!

Make little girls' dreams come true with the prettiest sewing projects ever imagined! Sewn in Liberty's timeless classic florals, rainbow hues and delicate prints, this exquisite collection of easy sewing patterns will help you bring joy and colour to any little girl's life. Let her snuggle up in a quilt... twirl and whirl in skirts and dresses... play-fight with pillows... carry her treasures in bags and purses... become best friends with a topsy turvy doll... and pretty up every part of her bedroom with lampshades, curtains, cushions and more. Featuring Liberty Art Fabrics - the world's most desirable fabrics with a unique heritage dating back over 100 years - and created by life-long Liberty lover and purveyor of fine fabrics Alice Caroline, this stunning book will wow you with the beauty yet genuine simplicity of the makes.

A guide to crafting knitted gifts, including scarves, sweaters, socks, and mittens, from master knitter and bestselling author Wendy Bernard An exciting book from Wendy Bernard, Knitted Gifts for All Seasons is packed with 30 new garments and accessories. Projects are organized by season and range from cozy slippers, mittens, and a pom-pom wreath to Fair Isle yoke-neck sweaters for the whole family. Embracing the full calendar year and a wide spectrum of reasons to gift knits, each project captures the season's essence through color scheme and project type, resulting in a well-rounded and unique book. Some patterns include simple non-knitting embellishments like embroidery, needle-felting, and crocheted edging options, offering additional appeal to makers. Bernard has a keen understanding of today's knitter and understands the desire to "make any project your own," and in turn, provides numerous ways to customize and personalize. Knitted Gifts for All Seasons is sure to be a book readers return to again and again for ideas, and to gift from continuously.