Many American women made warm and attractive quilts to honor and benefit US soldiers during the period 1940-1945, either as outright gifts or as raffle items to raise money for the war effort. This book reflects extensive original research of newspaper and magazine articles of the era, and authenticates the patterns and designs available to quiltmakers, anchoring the quilts historically in time. Color photos and descriptive text identify many patriotic quilts made for donation to the Red Cross and organizations such as Bundles for Britain. When possible, original patterns and designs that inspired the quilts are included. The quilts can now be interpreted from factual and objective perspectives, enhancing their historic and emotional importance.

Feather your nest with this avian collection of easy sewing patterns for beautiful bird designs, all made using simple hand-sewing techniques. Featuring the most popular and distinctive species - including garden birds, exotic birds, birds of prey, water birds, flightless birds and more - each pattern wings its way to you with step-by-step instructions and full-size templates, making them perfect for all abilities. The finished little birdies would make cute brooches, bag charms and home accessories, or can even be scaled up to make bigger plushes, all of which will make your friends into avid twitchers! Author Alison J Reid has spent months brooding away in her studio, researching all different kinds of birds, both common and rare. She has checked out their shapes, plumage and markings, and spent so much time trying to perfect their colourful, beautiful wings. It became an obsession! It was only by researching the various details that make each breed so distinctive, that Alison has been able to capture each of their unique qualities and differences. Pattern, colour and shape are key, so capturing these details in felt was important. Luckily, there are so many different colours of felt available! Felt's non-fraying, double sided, robust qualities make it easy to create all the little details that make each bird design so unique and instantly recognisable. Each bird pattern can be traced straight from the page (or enlarged if you want to sew a larger plush), and simple instructions mean that even beginners can get started. And because all the birds are sewn by hand, you don't need a sewing machine and can sit out in the garden with the birds while you sew. Whether you choose to sew just your own favourites, or make gifts for the other bird-lovers in your life, this book will provide hours of fun and inspiration.

A wonderful new collection of sewing patterns from the author of the Luna Lapin sewing books, Sarah Peel. Immerse yourself once again in the whimsical world of Luna Lapin with this collection of patterns and instructions for five delightful animals. Luna Lapin is a quiet and kind rabbit with impeccable taste and, in this collection, she introduces us to some of her dearest friends. This brand new collection of toy sewing patterns will resonate with sewists of all abilities and the designs are perfect for making wonderful heirloom toys for friends and family which will be treasured forever. Introducing Luna Lapin's New Friends proudly presents five characterful animals and their delightful wardrobes: Ziggy the hedgehog, Ottoline otter, Hamish the Highland cow, Dora the pig and, of course, Luna herself. Author, Sarah Peel, takes classic garments and recreates them on a miniature scale with exquisite fabrics including Liberty cottons, taffeta, corduroy, velvet, lace and wool tweed. All of the animals are made with wool felt and hand sewn using overstitch/whipstitch - this makes them a perfectly portable project that you can work on when you're on the move or when relaxing in the evening. Sarah recommends machine sewing the garments and there are tips and tricks for sewing small items. Have fun sewing each animal's outfit whether it's Ziggy's military jacket and pants, Ottoline's anorak and fisherman's top (which is perfect for keeping her warm on her nautical expeditions), or Hamish's kilt and ruffle top. And Luna also has a new outfit in this collection - she wears a beautiful red velvet skating coat over a full skirted dress for a magical twirl around the frozen lake. As well as the animals and their delightful outfits there are the much-loved whimsical stories that really bring their characters to life. Immerse yourself in the timeless appeal of Luna's Little World and discover how Luna met her friends with this collection of charming stories about the characters and their adventures. There are step-by-step instructions and diagrams for all of the clothes and the animals, and the templates are included at full-size so you can get sewing straight away.

'This is a joy of a book. I know nothing of sweaters and little of Iceland, and this book used pictures and words to open Iceland and its people for me, using Icelandic sweaters and knitting to do it.' - Neil Gaiman In Iceland there's a piece of knitwear that everybody has but no one has bought: the lopapeysa, or 'lopi' for short. This sweater made from unspun Icelandic wool is a treasured piece of the island's culture passed down from generation to generation, used and cherished. In this guide, Joan of Dark and Kyle Cassidy take you on an 800-mile adventure around Iceland's breathtaking landscapes to explore and experience the island's rich knitting tradition and to show you how to make your very own lopi-style knits. By interviewing local experts, wool producers and knitters they trace the history of the patterns and along the way meet rock stars, professors and designers who share their knitting-related stories and reveal some of their country's hidden gems. From isolated waterfalls, hot springs and iconic movie locations to beautiful Icelandic horses, giant glaciers and erupting volcanos, the book is full of stunning photographs at every turn. The journey inspired 12 beautiful lopi-style knitting patterns all presented here with photographs, charts and detailed instructions to carefully guide you through each project whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced knitter. So pick up your needles and spend some time in the land of ice and fire! Work your way through the projects from the traditional sweater to gloves and hats, a cosy jumper dress and stylish headbands all while finding out why the lopapeysa is so special and so individual to Iceland.

A revised and expanded edition of a long-standing classic, this expansive book is the clearest and most comprehensive handbook for applique, patchwork and quilting available. This seminal reference guide remains the go-to masterwork for crafters, who will find hundreds of patchwork, applique and quilting techniques explained clearly and simply. The techniques range from fundamentals such as cutting fabrics and hand sewing; to advanced special effects and complex techniques like eight-seam joins. All are explained through more than 1,000 step-by-step illustrations, patterns and templates. The techniques range from the traditional - including Amish quilting patterns and Seven-and-Nine-patch patchwork - to more unusual, like yo-yos. The book also contains glossaries of terms, making this perfect for both beginner and expert. Over 200,000 copies of the previous edition have been sold worldwide. Praise for The Complete Book of Patchwork, Quilting & Applique: "Linda Seward's book has been the essential volume on every quilter's bookshelf since its publication in 1987 and has never been bettered. This new edition updates the original techniques and embraces the current developments of the craft. Its place on that bookshelf is assured for many years to come." - Lynne Edwards MBE, quiltmaker and teacher "A definitive choice for the beginner and one worth investigating for a more experienced quilter" - British Patchwork & Quilting "This is an amazing book for those embarking on a quilting journey and even for seasoned quilters. The illustrations and directions are easy to understand and great for the visual learner. As a quilting teacher I would highly recommend this book. The number of techniques alone will keep the reader up at night! Rock on Linda Seward!" - Kim Rudd, quiltmaker and teacher "Linda Seward's guide has always been my go-to bible for every question I have about quilting. I didn't think a new edition could be any better, but this refresh is even more inspiring. Not only has she updated technical aspects (adding sections on fusible web applique and free-motion quilting, for example), she has chosen spectacular recent quilts to illustrate the text. While marvelling over them, I was reminded that quilting is an ever-evolving art that brings joy and satisfaction. Linda's book captures that perfectly, and leads us through how to do it ourselves." - Tracy Chevalier, novelist and quiltmaker

For Italian immigrants and their descendants, needlework represents a marker of identity, a cultural touchstone as powerful as pasta and Neapolitan music. Out of the artifacts of their memory and imagination, Italian immigrants and their descendants used embroidering, sewing, knitting, and crocheting to help define who they were and who they have become. This book is an interdisciplinary collection of creative work by authors of Italian origin and academic essays. The creative works from thirty-seven contributors include memoir, poetry, and visual arts while the collection as a whole explores a multitude of experiences about and approaches to needlework and immigration from a transnational perspective, spanning the late nineteenth century to the late twentieth century.

At the center of the book, over thirty illustrations represent Italian immigrant women's needlework. The text reveals the many processes by which a simple object, or even the memory of that object, becomes something else through literary, visual, performance, ethnographic, or critical reimagining. While primarily concerned with interpretations of needlework rather than the needlework itself, the editors and contributors to "Embroidered Stories" remain mindful of its history and its associated cultural values, which Italian immigrants brought with them to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina and passed on to their descendants.

Stitch your own collection of stunning crocheted tiles with this selection of crochet patterns and charts inspired by beautiful decorative ceramic tiles. 100 Crochet Tiles features a wide range of crochet patterns and charts from a number of different, talented crochet designers. Choose from your favourite whether it's a multicoloured, middle eastern pattern or a geometric design in an understated colour way. Create stunning, colourful designs using crochet techniques including intarsia crochet, overlay crochet, mosaic crochet and tapestry crochet. All of the crochet stitches and techniques you will need to make the crochet patterns are included in the techniques section along with helpful step-by-step artworks and instructions. There are crochet charts for each of the tiles alongside the written crochet patterns. These crochet tile patterns are the perfect stash buster and a great way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn. As well as the tile patterns there are eight project ideas for ways to use the crochet tiles. These include cushion and pillow covers, afghans and throws as well as rugs, wall hangings and table mats. You can choose your favourite designs and make beautiful crochet gifts for friends and family.

Even beginners to crochet can follow the lessons and learn the skills needed to enter the wonderful world of filet crochet. Charted designs range from beginners to more advanced levels.

Ahead of the Curve is the first sewing book to empower curvy and plus size women to feel body confident by sewing a wardrobe that fits. Don't change your body to fit your clothes - change your clothes to fit your body! Ahead of the Curve includes 5 basic garment patterns (UK sizes 16-36/US size 12-32/EUR sizes 44-64), which includes a pair of trousers, a t-shirt, a sleeveless top and two dress designs. Jenny takes you through a series of "Fit Clinics" - tutorials and case studies demystifying the fitting process - showing you how to adjust these patterns to master the perfect fit for your body shape. Once you have got to grips with this, you can go on to customize your closet and create an unlimited array of fantastic clothes that celebrate your body. If you're curvy or plus size, trying to find clothes that fit and reflect your personal style can be incredibly difficult and frustrating. Plus size women feel constantly excluded and like they can't express their personality through clothes. This book finally changes that.

Sweet and sassy baby knit patterns that will bring a smile to your face The hat and cap designs in Baby Beanies are the perfect knitting accessories for the little ones in your life. Here are seven patterns that knit up in a snap for a wardrobe of irresistible hats for babies and toddlers. Easy-to-follow instructions guarantee success for knitters of all skill levels, and each original pattern has a whimsical twist moms and kids will love.

7 adorable patterns: -Birthday Cupcake Cap

-Baby Beastie Beanie

-Greenie Beanie

-Fancy Scrumptious Beanie

-Pretty-in-Pink Cap

-Peppermint Candy Cap

-Wee Wild One"

A collection of boro-inspired projects and techniques which celebrates this traditional Japanese textile and its relevance to the modern sewer and quilter. Learn about the history of boro and how it is being revived for a new audience using contemporary fabrics including denim, linen and shibori tie dye as well as sashiko and other embroidery stitches. The word boro comes from the Japanese boroboro meaning something tattered or repaired. It refers to textiles that have been mended or patched together for utilitarian, not decorative, purposes to make the fabric stronger and warmer, and to mend torn and threadbare areas. The techniques section includes a short stitch directory with traditional stitches (running stitch and applique) and contemporary stitches (herringbone stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch and whipped running stitch). Other techniques include instructions on improvisational patchwork; applique: raw, turned edge and reverse; darning techniques and methods for distressing and ageing fabrics to achieve an authentic boro finish.

Turn fat quarters into gorgeous quilts! A great resource for quilters, especially beginners, fat quarters are bundles of colorful, coordinating fabrics so all of the "choosing" is already done for them! Fat Quarter Quilt Club features 12 quilt patterns and step-by-step projects using these convenient bundles, plus insightful details on how to choose fabrics and colors to use in your quilt projects and essential quilting techniques. Also included are clear explanations for special treatments and techniques, from custom ruler work, free motion quilting, straight-line quilting, and more. Stephanie Soebbing is the owner of Quilt Addicts Anonymous and the Fat Quarter Shop where she provides a fat quarter subscription service for quilters. She is also the best-selling author of Super Simple Quilts for the Modern Home

Originally published around 1900, this book is absolutely packed with well-illustrated crochet patterns. The information and instructions within are still of much practical use to the modern reader. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. Contents Include: Entirely New Designs for Lingerie - Edgings and Insertions - Borders for Tray Cloths and D'oileys - Deep Laces for Table Cloths and Valances - Motifs for Inlet Work and Irish lace

Making Working Women's Costume gives a unique account of the clothes of ordinary women from the mid-fifteenth century to the early twentieth century. As well as introducing the historical periods, it gives patterns for a range of typical garments that women of the poorer classes would have worn. Organized by century, it draws on historical sources and finds, paintings and photographs to recreate the clothes of these under-celebrated women.

Make your own fake animal head for an eco-friendly alternative to hunting! This amazing collection of trophy animal heads to crochet will be a stunning addition to any home. Inside this colourful book there are 10 fabulous trophy animals to choose from. Simply place above the fireplace for a great conversation piece or on a child's bedroom wall for a playful decoration. The projects vary in level of complexity and there is a comprehensive techniques section to help you learn all the necessary skills. Each project includes beautifully drawn crochet charts and detailed instructions. Projects include: hare, mouse, ram, bear, stag and zebra.

Set the scene for Halloween! This book includes all the crochet patterns you need to decorate and entertain for the perfect Halloween party. Plus, you can stitch many of these 25+ patterns as fast as the flutter of a bat's wings! Crochet a spellbinding throw! Worked in a bright Halloween palette, the enchanting Esmerelda Throw captures the whimsy of the season. The throw is crocheted in rows of bewitching stitches that include clusters, bobbles and spike stitches. A monster face at every place; create some Spooktacular Mug Rugs each featuring a Halloween monster stitched in bright colours. Your guests can pick their favourites for party favours. Add a touch of drama to your dining room with a monochromatic Spooky Table Runner featuring the spooky silhouette of a cat perched upon a classic jack-o'-lantern.

Go wild with this brand new collection of adorable knitted wild animal toys and their clothes and accessories by best-selling author Louise Crowther.

After the success of Knitted Animal Friends, Louise has created knitting patterns for 12 new, wild animals in their own wonderful wardrobes. This collection includes a zebra in dungarees, an elephant in a tutu, a lion in jeans, a tiger in a party dress, a chimpanzee in a rainbow cardigan, a sloth in pyjamas (of course!), a koala in a furry gilet, a bear in a fair isle sweater, a hippo in overalls, a panda in a duffle coat, a giraffe in a pinafore and a rhinoceros in a day dress - all with their own distinct personal style!

Whether you love Charlie the Chimpanzee's casual outfit of rainbow striped cardigan, shorts and sneakers, or Sophie the Tiger's more formal pink ruffle dress which is perfect for a birthday celebration, there is a something for everyone. Edward the Sloth likes to take it easy and relaxes in comfy pyjamas a fluffy robe and slippers when he's kicking back (which is always!), whereas Hugo the Zebra is always up for an adventure and enjoys wearing his red and white dungarees so he's ready for anything.

Louise's attention to detail means that every outfit fits perfectly and you will enjoy creating all the details that make each one so distinctive. There are instructions for how to construct the animal dolls and outfits as well as step-by-step photography for the techniques. Louise also explains how to follow charts for the colour work details in the outfits, as well as step-by-step tutorials for any special stitches.

The animal dolls have the same basic body shape and are the same size so that all of the outfits are interchangeable (they also work for the dolls in Knitted Animal Friends too), so you can mix and match your favourites. Or you can just make the animals: the animal patterns and a lot of the clothes are knitted flat and then sewn together but some of the clothing is knitted in the round. All of the techniques for making up the animals include step-by-step instructions and photography.

There are so many possibilities for animal and outfit changes so that you can make the perfect doll for the cheeky monkeys in your life.

This title is a fantastic selection of six delightful quilts, each with a bonus project that uses up every last scrap! Now you can put every scrap to use - even those trimmed-off corner pieces - with this assortment of eye-catching projects from popular quilting teacher Kari M. Carr. "Twice as Nice" features six fun quilt patterns, each with a bonus project (such as a wall hanging, pin cushion, or lap quilt) for a total of 12 unique designs. Along the way, you'll discover a great system for using up leftovers and getting the most out of your precious fabrics, as well as how to sew perfect diagonal seams without marking by using the optional Clearly Perfect Angles tool.