Knitting is a relaxing and therapeutic pastime, and this winning combination focuses on mindfulness and the perfect stress-busting knitting projects. Whether you choose a portable project to knit on the go, a group project to do with friends, or one that introduces new skills to stimulate a creative mind, this book is the perfect path to keeping calm. The book is aimed at beginners as well as more advanced knitters, but does not include anything more complex than basic knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing and some simple colourwork. Lynne Rowe covers the essential techniques at the start of the book, followed by projects that have been specifically designed for mindfulness. The projects themselves are split into five sections: Quick and Easy, Portable, Group, Big, and New Skills. Within these sections, you can choose to make things such as a wash cloth, a hat, a blanket, a shawl and an evening bag, amongst others. Every single one has been designed to promote calm and mindfulness and all the projects are beautifully photographed with clear and simple knitting patterns. The Introduction is written by Betsan Corkhill, an experienced healthcare professional who founded the community interest company stitchlinks.com in 2005. It has grown into a global online community for those who enjoy the therapeutic benefits of craft, and in particular, knitting. Betsan has also advised on the projects included in the book and repetitive techniques to promote a calm state. The five sections have different ways of promoting calm and the feelgood factor: Quick and Easy: the projects in this section are designed for when you when you feel like a quick fix to raise your mood. Use your favourite colours and textures to enhance the benefits of the rhythmic movements and the feelgood effects. The feeling of success you experience will motivate and inspire you. Portable: These smaller projects are even more portable, so keep one in your bag at all times. Use it to manage stress on the go, on your commute to work, in your lunch break, when travelling or at any other time when life is getting a bit much and you need to feel calm. Group: Getting together with friends to knit, chat and laugh over a cuppa is one of life's joys. Supportive friends help us to live longer, healthier, happier lives so why not combine the calming nature of knitting with the support of being with friends? It's a powerful way to switch off your stress fight-or-flight response and switch on a bit of fun, play and laughter. Big: It's a lovely cosy feeling to sit quietly at home with your Big project on your lap, keeping you warm as you knit. Let it be your constant friend, the one you turn to to find calm and consistency when the world around you feels a bit frantic. As you get into the flow of the pattern, its familiarity will enable you to settle into a soothing rhythm whenever you need to knit yourself calm. New Skills: Learning new skills on a regular basis is essential for nurturing a healthy brain, opening new neural pathways and even encouraging the growth of new brain cells right into old age. This section focuses on a range of new skills to encourage you to experiment with different stitch patterns and combinations of colour and textures. They are designed specifically to stimulate your creative mind. Whatever your skill level, there are plenty of projects in this book to help you achieve calm, bust those stress levels and enjoy a pastime which is creative, fun and produces beautiful projects to wear, or for the home.

Scotland's Fair Isle is celebrated the world over for its distinctive, stranded-color knitting, and Alice Starmore is famous for her expertise in designing and instructing knitters in this appealing regional tradition. Starmore's richly illustrated guide offers both beginning and advanced knitters a complete workshop in the Fair Isle style. It not only explores the art's history, patterns, and traditional techniques but also encourages knitters to develop their own creativity.
Starmore explains the traditional Fair Isle techniques of circular knitting and presents detailed tutorials on incorporating classic motifs, exploring color schemes, and creating unique patterns and designs. She shares fourteen of her own original designs, including patterns for cardigans, vests, fishermen's sweaters, hats, gloves, and mittens. More than 250 photographs, drawings, and easy-to-follow charts illustrate sources of inspiration, simple instructions, and spectacular results. Knitting devotees agree: If you have only one book of Fair Isle patterns, this is the one to have

In this visually stunning book, Moy Mackay reveals how you too can create beautiful pictures using felt. Characterised by her wonderful use of colour, Moy's work is breathtaking and includes still-lifes, animals and landscapes inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works. Moy takes you through every step of the process, including the materials and tools you need, the feltmaking process itself (which is easier than you'd imagine), and how to put together four fabulous felt paintings of your own. There is guidance on stitching, including both hand- and machine-stitching, as well as how to use colour and introduce texture in the form of different fibres and threads. There are numerous examples of Moy's work through the book, and by the end you will not fail to be inspired to create gorgeous felt paintings of your own. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter - her work is very free." - Kaffe Fassett

Every knitter loves to make baby items-for their own family and to give as gifts-and the cuter the better! This book offers patterns for 26 of the most adorable baby rompers you will ever see, in characters and animals including a giraffe, elephant, pumpkin, and ballerina, as well as everyday colorful and striped designs. These designs are also comfortable and practical (easy to take on and off) for the busy parent. Presented in an easy-to-follow format to build your knitting skills, you can start with a basic romper and then learn to add stripes, bum pockets, and hoods. Take it to the next level and add ears, tails, and other embellishments for a variety of animal designs. All instructions are clear and concise, so even a novice knitter can complete these rompers with ease. The only question is, which one will you knit first?

Reinvent crewel embroidery with colourful wool and cheerful designs that are sure to brighten any home. Jo Avery invites stitchers of all abilities to take on this traditional heritage art and make projects that pop! 15 fresh designs breathe new life into traditional crewelwork embroidery. Includes projects such as pincushions, pillows, wall hangings, hoops and more.

This book will give you the method, patterns and information on the yarns required to create your own gorgeous fox, bird, doll, dog, sheep, bunny and many other cute creatures. A number of the patterns come with quirky little extras such as flower crowns, dresses, and other accessories which can be used to personalise your creations. Suitable for absolute beginners and more experienced crocheters with step-by-step instructions and high quality photographs to help you create your own cute crocheted collection.

An illustrated guide showing how to create beautiful, timeless pieces, whether you're picking up needles for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for advanced patterns From scarves and sweaters to bags, pillows, and more, you'll find lots of projects for practicing and perfecting your knitting skills in Knitting For Dummies, which includes an instructional online video showing you the actual knitting techniques being done step-by-step. Experienced and novice crafters alike can benefit from the book's step-by-step instructions that explain knitting in plain English. For anyone new to knitting, this hands-on friendly guide shows you how to Cast on, knit, purl, and bind off -- the four basic skills needed to complete any knitting Decipher pattern instructions and charts Combine knit and purl stitches with increases and decreases for different effects Create different kinds of cables, lace, and more Read the language and graphics in knitting patterns and charts Increase and decrease stitches and use these techniques to shape a project and create design It also shows you what to do if you drop a stitch or inadvertently add one. If you know the basics of knitting and want to expand your skills to include stitch patterns with more complexity, you've come to the right place: Combine stitch increases and decreases to create lacework Get familiar with Fair Isle patterns and simple intarsia motifs, which involve working in more than one color in one row Practice with plenty of projects to perfect your advanced knitting techniques Learn to add interest with stripes Have fun with fulling and felting Make sweaters, from blocking and assembling your pieces to adding finishing touches like neckbands, edging, and buttonholes Knitting For Dummies includes ten quick projects to make for gifts and exercises to "unkink" your neck and shoulders should you lose yourself for hours at a time in your craft! Finally, the book ends with a couple appendixes showing you more cool effects and a list of knitting software and helpful online resources. If you're itching to start stitching, grab this book to start crafting your knitted masterpiece today.

A new, larger format edition of the classic reference work on goldwork embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). The Essential Stitch Guides provide a set of definitive works on traditional embroidery techniques. Written by Helen McCook, Graduate Apprentice, Tutor and renowned embroiderer, this book begins with an historical account of goldwork, then moves on to the materials and equipment required; framing up, how to transfer a design on to fabric and how to start and finish a thread. The main section of the book then covers all of the essential stitches and techniques through clear, step-by-step diagrams and photographs, coupled with beautiful, close-up photographs showing how then can be used in a finished piece. All the key traditional techniques are included: couching, bricking, basketweave, cutwork, spangles, s-ing, pearl purl, plate and kid. The book ends with beautiful and exquisitely-worked examples of how the techniques can be combined in finished pieces. The RSN teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard and is well respected all over the world. It not only upholds the traditions of English embroidery that go back many hundreds of years, but is constantly taking embroidery forward in new and innovative ways.

Norwegian knitting is loved for its combination of practicality, texture and traditional patterning. In this brand-new book by best-selling knitwear designer and author Monica Russel, there are 15 Nordic-inspired clothes and accessories for children that blend classic Scandi style with fun and functionality! Beginning with a crash course in essential knitting techniques, create stylish hats, mittens, sweaters, dresses and even a loveable bear in a distinctive Fair Isle design. The garments are designed for children aged 3 to 9 years, with styles ranging from beautifully subtle and textured knits to patterned creations with motifs inspired by classic Nordic knitwear and the Scandinavian landscape. There are numerous photos of the finished designs, clear written instructions, and every knitted item with colourwork includes a chart with corresponding written instructions. Whether you're knitting for a special occasion, a holiday, or for day-to-day wear, these are fuss-free patterns that will have you knitting, classic-mod makes for your little one all year round.

More than 200 classic quilt blocks to create a keepsake quilt

From Rosemary Youngs, the author who brought you "The Civil War Diary Quilt" and "Quilts from the American Homefront," comes this treasury of beloved quilt blocks. A stunning collection of classic quilt block patterns and historical anecdotes, this invaluable resource is perfect for quilters of all abilities. Combine the blocks to make any of the projects featured in the book, from full-sized quilts to table toppers and baby quilts. With so many blocks to choose from, you're sure to find inspiration in this book.

CD-rom includes PDF templates from 202 classic blocks

Perfect your professional handmade style with garment-making sewist Barbara Emodi by learning methods to understand common sewing missteps and how to avoid frustrating mistakes. Each strategy is geared towards making every project a successful one!

Learn to crochet following Bella Coco's sure and simple methods, and make beautiful items along the way. Sarah-Jayne Fragola is the creator of Bella Coco Crochet, which she started in 2011. She specializes in teaching people to crochet, using simple and structured methods so that anyone can learn how to start! If you are looking for a comprehensive, beginner's guide to crochet, this is the book for you. Starting with a section on hook types, your essential crochet kit and the yarns you'll need, you are guided by Sarah-Jayne through the key crochet stitches you'll need before you get stuck in. Each stitch - described using UK terms - is accompanied by clear step-by-step instructions and photographs, and handy quick-stitch boxes that include key stitch details as well as the US equivalents. Once you've conquered your stitches, get stuck into your first projects, starting from the easiest designs to the more complex ones to crochet. These 12 projects range from sweet and simple coasters and scarves, to a stunning hexie pillow and hat 'n' mitten set. With each new project, learn a new technique to gradually build your knowledge and familiarity with crocheting. To reward your efforts, Sarah-Jayne then treats you to a section on advanced stitches that you can use to crochet her 'Showstopper Blanket' - a beautiful, textured blanket that you'd be proud to drape on your bed or sofa. These gorgeous patterns will inspire crochet novices and more confident crocheters alike. With Bella Coco, you can crochet!

A sweet and sunny way to learn embroidery! Stitch on the bright side with these sixteen adorable embroidery projects for absolute beginners and beyond! Written by popular fibre art designer and author Celeste Johnston, this book features uplifting projects that focus on positive messages, the beauty of nature, and simple pleasures. Inside you will find: 16 cheerful embroidery projects that build your skills as you work through them; A sunny sampler project to help you practice each stitch; Easy-to-follow stitch diagrams; Inspiring quotes and creative prompts to enhance the relaxing benefits of stitching; Expertly designed full-sized patterns for each project. From fresh florals and farmer's market favourites to adorable chickens and nature scenes, you will be smiling with every stitch. Each project includes a detailed reference photograph, step-by-step instructions, a full-sized perforated pattern, and everything you need to know about stitches, thread, and materials. The perfect book for beginners and advanced stitchers alike!

Britain has had an influence on the world that far outweighs its size. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes and creative people, Britain is without doubt one of the greatest places in the world. And in Knit Your Own Britain, you can now create your own miniature woolly version! Knit Your Own Britain is a unique and beautiful collection of some of the finest British icons, from The Beatles and James Bond to Robin Hood and Henry VIII, and includes contemporary figures like David and Victoria Beckham and Ant & Dec. Fun, fascinating and fantastic, Knit Your Own Britain is a woolly celebration of some of the best of British.

Stitch in Bloom is a gorgeous new embroidery book, celebrating the art of couching, an embellishment technique used to adorn fabrics.

Artist and mixed-media textile designer, Lora Avedian demonstrates the versatility of this stitch using different materials to produce a range of finishes before showcasing 15 stunning projects to try yourself.

Featuring ways you can enhance pre-owned garments and accessories, to creating statement pieces for the home, and with each design giving a nod to nature, this book will emphasise the beauty of this style of embroidery, the joy of stitching by hand and making with intention.

Get Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges More than 350 ways to warm all of the hands, heads, feet, and bodies that you love. This book contain instructions for creating the most popular knitted items - socks, mittens, gloves, hats, tams, scarves, sweaters and vests - all sized from baby to toddler to large adult - all written for multiple gauges and yarn weights. Your Trusted Resource - Use it Over and Over Again. More versatile and useful than standard pattern books, The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns features easy-to-follow, charted instructions plus a detailed glossary of techniques for both beginning and advanced knitters. Easy-To-Use Format The spiral-bound and hardback format makes this book as functional as it is informative and instructional. The lay-flat binding allows for hands-free access and the sturdy hardcover ensures you'll be able to use it for years to come.

In the '50s and '60s, Simplicity released their popular line of Jiffy sewing patterns, which had minimal pattern pieces and simple constructions, yet were chic enough for fashion-conscious customers. This approach appeals now more than ever as stylish women are continuously looking for ways to fit their love of sewing into busy lives filled with family, work, school, and countless other obligations.Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses is Gretchen Hirsch's modern reinvention of this simple idea, focusing on easily mastered sewing skills, minimal pattern pieces, and fabulous designs. And the best part? Readers will end up with a sparkling wardrobe of easy-to-wear, fun-to-style dresses that will fill busy modern lives with retro charm.

Renowned embroiderer and best-selling author, Hazel Blomkamp, is back with a brand new book in the popular Crewel series. In this fifth title in Hazel Blomkamp's series on crewel embroidery with a twist, the focus is on animal portraits. Crewel Animal Portraits is a celebration of Hazel's signature techniques: a wide variety of surface/crewel stitches, some of which are brand new, and many with a different take, or different ways of combining stitches to make them more interesting. Also included are needle lace techniques used as embroidery stitches, loom weaving techniques modified for embroidery, and unique combinations of both of these. The incorporation of beads and crystals adds even more dazzle to the intricate designs. There are six projects, each explained with detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, with design templates and a full stitch gallery providing everything readers need to recreate them with ease. The sumptuous and inspiring projects comprise a tiger, lion, zebra, giraffe, monkey and leopard. For embroiderers looking for something different and new to stitch, and for those keen to challenge themselves with more complex embroidery techniques, this book is a must-have.

This classic book has been the go-to embroidery reference work since it was first published in 1934, owing to its clear instructions and huge library of stitches. It includes full illustrated instructions for over 400 embroidery stitches, ranging from simple border and outline stitches, to filling stitches, canvas stitches and pulled fabric stitches. Scattered throughout are dozens of inspirational embroideries to show the stitches in use. This detailed guide is ideal for those starting out with needlework as well as more accomplished embroiderers looking for inspiration for different stitches and techniques. This new, redesigned edition includes the internationally renowned embroiderer Jan Eaton's revisions to the original text, and includes a preface by famed embroiderer Mary Corbet.

Thousands of natural materials can produce glorious colour-the cochineal insect produces pink, maroon and purple, and more than 500 species of plants produce indigo blue. Now, in The Modern Natural Dyer, expert Kristine Vejar shares the most user-friendly techniques for dyeing at home with foraged and garden-raised dyestuffs as well as with natural dye extracts. Demystifying the "magic," Vejar explains in straightforward, easy-to-follow detail how to produce consistent, long-lasting colour. With stunning photography of the dyes themselves, the dyeing process, and 20 projects for home and wardrobe, The Modern Natural Dyer is a complete resource for aspiring and experienced dye artisans.

Fat Quarter: Quick Makes is part of a fantastic new series of stash-busting sewing books aimed at beginner to intermediate crafters. There are 25 super-quick and easy projects to make, all from fat quarters to fabric scraps. Each project has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, as well as a useful tools and techniques section. This book is ideal for using up leftover remnants of fabric from your stash to create a range of decorative and useful items in a flash. Projects include: book bag, baby dress, eye mask, bunting, festival flag, owl brooch passport cover, makeup bag.

With the power of this book and your fabric stash, you can whip up any of these 50 last-minute patchwork gifts with most taking under an hour to complete. All projects are sourced from some of your favourite designers like Anna Graham, Amanda Jean Nyberg and Jeni Baker. Don't waste your time scrolling through endless tutorials online looking for those instructions on how to make a zippy pouch, when you need to make that last-minute gift right now. This is a collection of all of those projects including: napkins, pincushions, gift card holder, keyrings, electronic cases, bibs & fabric baskets. Get inspiration for some unique gifts like a Christmas pickle ornament, geode coasters or a teabag wallet too. These quick and easy gifts involve no fussy paper piecing or complicated techniques and are suitable for quilters of all levels.

Crochet everything you need to make your very own mini farm! There are cute and quirky animals to make, including a friendly cow, a happy pony, a pig, a sheep and a naughty goat, plus a barn and fences, grass and food for the animals, a wheelbarrow, milk churns, hay bales and much more. All 26 projects are quick and easy to make, and for those who are just learning to crochet, all the materials and techniques are explained at the start of the book. Replace the beads with stitched eyes and leave out the stiffening wire in the legs, and children will have as much fun playing with this woolly farmyard as you'll have making it!

Design a skirt for every day of the week With these 28 irresistible projects, you'll learn all the techniques you need to custom-design and sew fabulous skirts that fit you perfectly. Smith shows you how to draft a pattern for a custom fit and then alter that pattern into one of four basic silhouettes: wrap, straight, flared, and high-waisted. Each skirt can then be easily redesigned into seven distinct and delicious looks -- one for each day of the week. These projects are suitable for sewists at every level, including beginners.