Discover the creative satisfaction and stress-relieving benefits of embroidery while stitching fun, modern, vibrant designs such as flowers, plants, animals, landscapes, and celestial scenes. Beginning a new creative pursuit can be intimidating, but Satisfying Stitches takes all the guesswork and fear out of getting started with techniques designed to boost confidence and provide relaxation. This easy-to-follow, photo-illustrated guide includes a review of the basic and inexpensive supplies needed to get started, foundational techniques, and step-by-step instructions for creating a variety of stitches. As your skills and confidence grow, you will find that stitches that may look advanced are quite simple, and you'll be able to easily add dimension and texture to your designs. The exclusive embroidery designs include a wide variety of motifs and patterns, such as houseplants, florals, mushrooms, butterflies, fish, landscapes, and sunsets, in a variety of color palettes. The projects are divided into three levels to match your confidence, skill level, and time. While most beginner books don't go beyond a couple of easy stitches, Satisfying Stitches takes the opposite approach, incorporating stitches that pack a big "wow" factor but are quite easy, such as fern stitch, wheatear stitch, thistle flowers, and woven wheel roses. Author Hope Brasfield offers tons of encouragement to beginners and beyond. You'll learn to embrace imperfection, slow down, and enjoy the process. You will also discover, as Hope did, that embroidery offers much more than a creative outlet. Focusing on something that requires imagination, handwork, and concentration can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Satisfying Stitches features: A wide range of attractive embroidery stitches that can be used to create any embroidery designs 18 original embroidery designs for popular motifs Detailed step-by-step instructions with clear photographs Troubleshooting tips and tricks throughout the book So much more than pretty patterns, Satisfying Stitches offers an exciting opportunity to gain new skills, become a more confident creative, ditch the smart phone, and de-stress.

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.

This innovative and breathtakingly detailed book from the V&A presents dress patterns, construction details, embroidery, and making instructions (including a knitting pattern and lacemaking) for 15 garments and accessories from a 17th-century British woman's wardrobe. Step-by-step drawings of the construction sequence and scale patterns for each garment enable readers to accurately reconstruct them. There are scale diagrams for making linen and metal thread laces, silk braids, and embroidery designs. Multiple photographs, close-up construction details, and X-ray photography reveal the hidden elements of the clothes, the number of layers, and the stitches used inside. This first book in a new series takes the physical examination and study of historical clothing to a new depth and degree of detail, using the expertise of designers, tailors, and makers from London's Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

All the bears in the book are based on the same, simple knitted bear, instructions for which are provided at the beginning of the book and are easy enough for even novice knitters to follow. There are 20 unique designs, including a hiking bear complete with boots and a backpack, a beach-loving bikini bear, a sweet honey bee bear, and a pretty pink ballet dancer, each with its own knitted outfit and accessories. Every bear has its own special character, and the reader is bound to find at least one they just have to knit. Suitable for adults as well as children, they make ideal gifts, and of course there is nothing to stop the reader creating characters of their own that they can personalise to suit a particular person or occasion.

They're hot, they're shiny, and they're oh-so-glamorous. The mettle of movie star wardrobes, the spark that lights brides' eyes, and the flash that marks music videos-metallic fabrics have defined glamour for half a century. This book revisits metallics past, with historic fabric swatches from Europe and Japan dating back to the 1950s, and takes us to today's top European couture houses in a visual exploration of metallics' allure. In all, 237 pictures will provide inspiration for designers and insight for fashion historians.

Sustainability meets DIY in this instructive guide to garment embroidery from designer and fiber artist Alexandra StratkotterCombining comprehensive instruction with photography and illustrations, The Embroidered Closet guides novice and experienced stitchers through the process of adorning and upcycling garments. Now more than ever, we are all pitching in to help the planet: This book offers a fun and satisfying avenue to do just that by refreshing the wardrobe you have and making your clothes seem new again. The Embroidered Closet presents the inexpensive craft of embroidery and uses it to show readers just how fun embellishing your own clothing can be. Expect to learn not just about tools, techniques, stitches, and project designs, but also how to pick fabrics that work best for you and your wardrobe, how to source and thrift your clothing, and how to mend and prevent wear and tear. Stratkotter will inspire you to expand your options and test out your own embroidered creations. Whether you're interested in personalizing your clothing, upgrading wardrobe staples, or seeking to enhance your skill set, Stratkotter's stylish and classic designs offer something for everyone.

From the editors of the popular Making Mathematics with Needlework, this book presents projects that highlight the relationship between types of needlework and mathematics. Chapters start with accessible overviews presenting the interplay between mathematical concepts and craft expressions. Following sections explain the mathematics in more detail, and provide suggestions for classroom activities. Each chapter ends with specific crafting instructions. Types of needlework included are knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, quilting, temari balls, beading, tatting, and string art. Instructions are written as ordinary patterns, so the formatting and language will be familiar to crafters.

Masako Wakayama shares 12 feel-good projects in the American design aesthetic. Sample techniques feature sewing, wool applique, punch needle, quilting, and embroidery!

Wrap up in style with these 35 cute crocheted projects. It takes no time at all to crochet a scarf or a hat, and Nicki Trench has created a wide range of contemporary designs, with a variety of stitches and fashionable colours, so you'll really stand out from the crowd. Start with the soft and cosy seashell stitch scarf or the bright beanie hat which can be made in a range of eye-catching shades. Not every scarf or hat has to just be for winter! The delicate daisy scarf and the pretty rose headband can be worn all year round. There are also handy stash-busters such as the granny square patchwork scarf and the pompom hat for babies. All the stitches are explained and there are infinite possibilities to match your accessories to your outfit with Crocheted Hats and Scarves.

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.

Now you can create even more of the world's most beautiful embroidered blankets! This colourful and vibrant collection brings you eight all-new and original projects, featuring adorable blankets with teddies and baby elephants, a magnificent beaded blackberry wreath and a resplendent bouquet of pastel blossoms. And as a special treat, the all-time-favourite `Fruits of the Hedgerow', originally published in Inspirations issue 8, reappears as a bonus pattern in this stunning new edition to Inspirations Books that is not to be missed!

Skip the tracing and cutting - just pop out templates and jump right into English paper piecing six mini quilts! Begin with a unique English paper piecing glue-pen method and finish with simple applique to create six stunning mini quilts.

Learn the historical art of fine whitework in this informative, instructional guide from the Royal School of Needlework and master skills of Jenny Adin-Christie. This exquisite guide provides a historical background to fine whitework, and an exploration of the key stitch techniques involved in this intricate style of hand embroidery. Discover how to master five key areas of whitework technique: sculptured, translucent, filigree, fretted and voided; then apply these to two detailed and stunning pieces - a delicate button with scabiosa motif, and an elaborate embroidery honoring the 150th anniversary of the RSN. Clear step-by-step instructions and stitch diagrams aid the reader in their own whitework embroideries, and there is plenty of inspiration by way of Jenny Adin-Christie's own elegant works, and those of other RSN students and tutors.

Communicate your ideas using line, shape, color, and texture with this reference and how-to exploration in one. Whether your particular interest is pictorial, portraiture, abstract compositions, or actual text, you can "say" almost anything with thread. More than 350 color photographs translate the techniques of drawing, painting, and good composition into the world of stitch, and "Try This!" projects inspire your own individual approaches. Including the role of machine stitching, this design resource, learning tool, and inspirational reference helps practitioners at all levels, whether beginning student, dedicated amateur, or professional. Take a lyrical-but logical-journey of skill building, and begin to stitch intentionally and express your creative vision.

You'll love these portable projects! Make the most of the moments you spend in waiting rooms, lunch rooms, trains, planes, or cars. Learn Kathleen Brown's unique Double Stitch technique--featuring a simple running stitch--and sew wherever you are. Learn to easily sew by hand to join patchwork pieces and create the look of hand quilting at the same time using the Double Stitch technique 14 charming patterns for beginners, including embroidery designs Delightful table runners, pillows, handwork suitable for framing, and more

Master the popular art of Japanese Amigurumi and take your skills to the next level with this enchanting illustrated guide for creating pandas, rabbits, penguins, and other animals from the author of Ami Ami Dogs, Ami Ami Dogs 2, and Ami Ami Kittens. The Japanese art of Amigurumi-which translates to knitted stuff toy-is a crocheting technique that creates adorable stuffed animals with large heads and small bodies. In her previous books, Mitsuki Hoshi taught crocheters how to make cute Amigurumi dogs and cats. Now, she shows them how to knit a range of popular animals, including a chick, chicken, parakeet, penguin, panda, frog, pig, rabbit, mouse, and bear. Super Easy Amigurumi begins with basic crochet techniques to create four animals, each increasing in complexity: the chick, chicken, parakeet and penguin. Clear and easy photos demonstrating the fundamental crochet skills accompany and guide you through the instructional crochet charts. Starting off with basic crochet techniques for beginners and developing into more challenging patterns for experts, Super Easy Amigurumi is perfect for knitters of any level!

You've knitted your Pussyhat, now what do you do? This quirky new craft book will provide you with all the creative inspiration you need to carry on making a powerful feminist statement in a subversively homespun way. Missy Covington shows how simple and satisfying it is to use easy-sew, craft-store felt as the medium for your message. You'll discover how to make a wide variety of projects that are as edgy as they are whimsical, including a gallery of feminist icons in badge form, entertaining busy book pages to smash the patriarchy as you play, and stylised depictions of the female reproductive system as Christmas tree decorations. The glueing, stitching and embroidery techniques Missy employs are easy to master, and whatever the project, there is all the step-by-step practical guidance you need to ensure impressive results.

Originally a follow-up to the outstandingly successful Blankets and Throws, the newly reformatted Cosy Throws & Blankets (previously published as More Blankets and Throws) has over 100 different blanket squares that can be knitted up to create a dozen unique blankets or throws in a variety of styles. More gorgeous blanket squares from bestseller Debbie Abrahams - there's something for every knitter in this book. In this new book, Debbie Abrahams offers 100 unique blanket squares that can be combined to create a dozen stunning blankets or throws. Full instructions are given for each square, including expert advice on how to knit with several colours and how to personalize them using beads and other embellishments. Clear, step-by-step instructions show you how to piece the squares together to create each blanket, and close-up photos and clear charts mean you can't go wrong. Follow the patterns given or have fun and create your own designs using the squares. Practise a range of knitting techniques, from intarsia through to textured stitches, and create squares using clean, matt cottons and soft, hairy winter yarns. Be inspired by these beautiful projects from beginners' basics to advanced challenges. From a colourful circus-inspired afghan to a sea design in aqua shades, from a sophisticated blanket in mineral tones to a bright fruity rug, there's a design for every taste. Other titles in this series include Blankets & Throws to Knit (9781843404712), 25 Cushions to Knit (9781843405092) and Zoe Mellor's 50 Baby Bootees to Knit (9781843405078).

A practical and down-to-earth handbook for all skill levels. Designer and weaving expert Asa Parson and professional textile curator Amica Sundstroem have come together to create the modern reference book that weavers worldwide have always longed for-both inspiration and essential guidebook, for the novice and the experienced weaver alike, filled with engaging sample projects, in-depth discussions of techniques and materials, review of cloth textures and types, and explanations of weaving methods and levels of quality. Try out sample projects ranging from the elegantly simple to the increasingly complex, covering a wide range of weaving techniques Understand the principles behind the arrangement and preparation of the loom Learn about weaving tools of all shapes and sizes, and how to use them Discover the differences between various fibers and fabric types, and their looks, feels, and visual effects And so much more!

This book tells the story of a fascinating quilting tradition found in southern Pakistan and neighboring western India. These quilts, called ralli, are stunning in their designs, brilliant in their colors, and intriguing in their history. The designs, which include patchwork, appliqu*/e, and embroidered styles, are reminiscent of motifs found on painted pottery from the ancient civilizations of the area. Showcased here are more than 130 stunning ralli quilts, all shown in full color. They date primarily from the mid- to late twentieth century and feature a wondrous array of designs and patterns that have been passed from mother to daughter and woman to woman for hundreds of years. Quilt descriptions identify where each quilt was made, design or pattern characteristics, type of fabric, and dimensions. The carefully researched text provides intriguing information on quilt construction, colors, patterns, and regional variations. A valuable reference for textile historians, designers, and quilt lovers everywhere, this book is a tribute to the skill and creativity of the "ralli region" people who continue to make and use these beautiful textiles.

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.

With this book you'll create your own gorgeous handmade gifts, stitched with love using the extra fabric scraps that you couldn't bear to just throw away. My Handmade World includes 15 original sewing patterns that incorporate Giovanna Monfeli's eye for detail and her unseen mastery in shaping fabric into amazing objects. The patterns range in difficulty, so beginners may easily complete projects from start to finish, while other patterns will challenge a more advanced sewer to learn some new techniques. Projects include gorgeous nursery mobiles, cute keychains, soft pillows, an adorable doorstop, a handy paperweight, as well as toy animals and poufs that will decorate your living room, and many more. Instructions are thoughtfully hand-illustrated throughout in a clean and simple style and the inspiring photographs showcase the possibilities using different color combinations or fabrics. My Handmade World is sure to become every sewists go-to project book for one-of-a-kind gifts. * Full-size templates * Clear illustrations accompanying almost every step * Beautiful photography by Giovanna showing her creation process