A super-stylish new handbook from Merchant & Mills containing all the answers to sewing's most frequently asked questions. Providing an overview on the art of sewing, this handy volume is packed with information on the tools and materials you will need, seasoned with homegrown tips on essential good practice. Topics given the full Merchant & Mills treatment range from the planning stages through to putting the finishing touches to your project. Measuring and marking, form (including darts and gathering), seams, ease, hems, interfacing and closures such as buttons and zips are all covered. There is expert advice on using and understanding patterns, performing basic alterations, and of course plenty of tips on making the most of any dressmaker's best friend - the iron. Successful sewing is very achievable: just make sure that you have this book to hand at all times, and bear in mind the Merchant & Mills motto: do it once, do it well.

Fashion drawing is the most important way to visualize ideas and concepts in costume and fashion design. This new and expanded two-volume edition of the already classic title Figure Drawing for Fashion Design--revised, updated and expanded--is a precise, topic-by-topic manual that will help readers acquire and perfect their skills drawing fashion designs on the female form. Mastering the rules of figure drawing as well as stylistic techniques that add individuality and flair to the design is an essential skill for all designers and illustrators to master in order to bring one's vision to the page, and eventually mannequin. In its approach, this book is ideal both for those designers and students who want to apply themselves professionally to fashion design, and for all enthusiasts of drawing the female body in a fashion context.

From Sherri K. Falls, the talented designer behind This & That Pattern Company, comes a bright and beguiling collection of delightful designs you'll love to stitch. Even if you're a beginner, you'll be successful from the get-go as you sew a variety of cheerful and colorful projects that are both fun and functional. You'll enjoy giving handmade gifts to friends and family--even to yourself! Choose from more than a dozen enjoyable projects for beginning to intermediate stitchers Sew affordable and attractive projects using your favorite precuts, especially charm squares Make these fast-to-finish projects with basic sewing techniques; many are embellished with simple embroidery

Never before has it been so important to be aware of our environmental footprint and impact. As a knitter and yarn lover you will already be aware of the benefits of 'making' rather than 'buying' and the benefits of knitting with natural rather than synthetic fibres. But are you sure your yarn choices are as environmentally friendly as they could be? This collection of 20 projects from knitting blogger and environmentalist, Epipa, shows you how to knit more sustainably. With this practical guide you can learn how to make your knitting more environmentally friendly by choosing the most eco friendly yarns such as bamboo, organic cotton, linen and flax, as well as tips on how to reduce your yarn footprint. Drawing on her childhood experience where she was encouraged by her grandmothers to reuse rather than throw things away, repair damaged clothes and homewares, and recycle unwanted linen to be used as cleaning rags and cloths, Epipa shares all her ideas for living a more sustainable lifestyle while still enjoying the craft of knitting. As well as advice on yarn sourcing and the environmental impact of various different types of yarn, Epipa shares her knitting patterns for a more zero waste lifestyle without the need for 'disposable' cloths and paper towels. There are instructions for how to turn old t shirts, bed linen and tablecloths into your own cotton yarn and how to restore unravelled yarn from unfinished projects to its former glory rather than laying abandoned in a cupboard. The projects include beautiful, useful and practical things for everyday life such as shopping baskets for the larder, the kitchen and the bathroom as well as rugs and runners and accessories for the bathroom. Choose from knitted tea towels, dish clothes, and shopping bags so you don't need to buy 'disposable' plastic versions. Many of the projects are suitable for beginner knitters, and all the basic knitting instructions are included, but there are also more complicated projects including a knitted top and backpack for those with more experience. This is the perfect resource for any knitter wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and create wonderful, sustainable projects for their friends and family.

Hungry for new knitting techniques? Try knitting brioche

"Knitting Brioche" is the first and only knitting book devoted exclusively to brioche stitch, a knitting technique that creates a double-sided fabric. This complete guide will take you from your first brioche stitches to your first (or hundredth) project, and even to designing with brioche stitch, if you desire. Whether you're new to brioche knitting or experienced at "brioching," author Nancy Marchant provides the information and inspiration you need.

Inside "Knitting Brioche," you'll find:

• Detailed instructions and step-by-step photos that will guide you through all of the techniques you'll need for brioche knitting.
• A stitch dictionary including 60 beautiful stitch patterns with many multicolor options.
• 25 patterns for garments and accessories, all made with brioche stitches, some combined with other design elements including cables, lace, intarsia and more

In Knitting Pearls, two-dozen writers write about the transformative and healing powers of knitting. Jodi Picoult remembers her grandmother and how through knitting she felt that everlasting love. Lily King remembers the year her family lived in Italy and a knitted hat that helped her daughter adjust to her new home. Laura Lippman explores how converting to Judaism changed not only Christmas but also her mother's gift of a knitted stocking. And Bill Roorbach remembers his first year at college when knitting soothed his broken heart and helped him fall in love again. Other contributors include Steve Almond, Jane Hamilton, Ann Leary, Nick Flynn, Lee Woodruff and knitting rock stars Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed and the Yarn Whisperer, Clara Parks.

Shizuko Kuroha's Japanese Patchwork Quilting Patterns infuses a cherished American craft with an exquisite Japanese sense of color, detail, and design. This book brings a fresh eye to classic patchwork patterns in a way that is delighting quilters all around the world today. Here, Kuroha shares her intricate hand-quilting techniques and a design sense that has been refined over her 40-year career as a celebrated book author and teacher. Her easy combinations of soft colors, detailed patterns, and bold stripes show how to achieve balance and flow in any type of patchwork project--from the simplest to the most complex. Step-by-step illustrations walk quilters through Kuroha's intricate hand-piecework process. The book includes 19 sampler blocks used to make hundreds of different combinations for all kinds of quilting projects. The photos and diagrams of the block assembly are so clear, you hardly need to read the steps! A handy pull-out pattern sheet at the back of the book takes the labor out of drawing the pieces used to build these blocks. Detailed instructions show you how to incorporate the blocks into projects large and small, including: Pincushions in round and square designs Drawstring bags and zippered pouches embellished with patchwork Quilted tote bags and a stylish backpack Table runners and wall hangings with gorgeous color schemes Full-sized quilts destined to become cherished heirlooms This book is an invaluable introduction to the basics of hand-stitched piecework. Practiced quilters will also love it for the way it broadens their horizons. Kuroha fans will be happy to see this popular book finally available in English--where it's sure to become a treasured reference for years to come!

Welsh quilts, with their characteristic fabric choice, strikingly simple patchwork designs and decorative quilting patterns, have a rich tradition that some believe may have inspired the Amish when they first settled near Welsh communities in Pensylvania. This book explores the fascinating history of Welsh quilting with a stunning gallery of photographs of Wales' quilt treasures.It presents techniques, which range from traditional hand piecing and hand quilting methods to modern rotary cutting and machine quilting techniques. In-depth information is given on selecting the right fabrics and colours, and basic equipment needed to create these quilts. A pattern library of traditional Welsh quilting templates shows how the patterns were originally drafted from cups and saucers and other everyday household items.

Are you a knitter, crocheter, crafter, or none of the above?This clever book gives yarn lovers,both knitters and non-knitters alike,50 fun ways to use their stashes without taking out their knitting needles. The projects are easy and simple, but with a modern aesthetic that manages to be both sophisticated and inviting. Get your hot glue gun fired up, adhere some pompoms to an old office chair, and make the most ho-hum seat in your house into a cozy piece of pop art furniture. Or treat your neck to a stylish infinity scarf. All you need is some bulky yarn and the ability to braid. This book will strike a chord with DIYers who love yarn but don't always want to take the time and effort to knit something from it. Projects also include a Sputnik lamp shade, a welcome mat, friendship bracelets, and even a rehabbed woven lawn chair. Put away your needles and crochet hooks and create fabulous projects, from accessories to home goods and more!

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.

If you love to crochet and decorate your home with lovely projects, this is the book for you! Make 15 different crocheted succulents that can decorate your windowsill, table, shelf or anywhere else in your home. These delightful amigurumi plants are inspired by real succulent species, and there are both small and large projects. The projects are quick and easy to make so suitable for crocheters of all abilities. All you need is some yarn, a hook and some pots! With a short techniques section to get you started, you can make a whole display in no time.

Make 16 gorgeous scrap quilts from the scraps in your stash, including odd-shaped leftovers from craft or garment sewing. A unique cutting system helps beginning and seasoned quilters achieve beautiful results. Piece traditional blocks with ease when you start with 3 1/2", 4 1/2", and 5 1/2" squares. Imagine the feeling of accomplishment when you transform novelty, holiday, and even mismatched fabrics into striking quilts!

This is the one reference every quilter needs. Its 352 pages and 1,000 photographs cover every aspect of machine quilting. Sections include quilt basics, block-pieced quilts, applique quilts, special piecing methods, embellishing quilts, and a sampler quilt with related projects. Quilters from beginners to the skilled will turn to this book again and again. Revised with new photography and updated content to be more complete, this is the only reference machine quilters will need."

Crochet 15 iconic women who changed the world with this collection of amigurumi crochet patterns. Whether it's Greta, RBG or Malala, this collection of crochet patterns celebrates 15 women who have made an impact on the global stage whether in politics, sport, medicine or education. Learn more about each of the characters featured in this collection and make unique gifts to inspire and delight all generations. Marie Curie * Cleopatra * Queen Elizabeth II * Malala Yousafzai * Rosa Parks * Billie Holiday * Ruth Bader Ginsburg * Serena Williams * Greta Thunberg * Jane Goodall * Amelia Earhart * Jane Austen * Florence Nightingale * Audrey Hepburn * Emmeline Pankhurst

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.

Nancy Zieman's pattern fitting approach is easy - no cutting, slashing, tucking or pinching--just logical and easy pivot-and-slide techniques, providing a painless method to follow that results in a garment that is comfortable and attractive. Once you learn Nancy's techniques for fitting, you will find it easy to make every garment you sew fit your size and shape. Multiple fitting charts are included in the book, as well as an index for locating technical information at a glance.

Versatile, stylish and sustainable, this stunning collection of patterns includes snuggly mittens and beanies as well as chunky sweaters, flattering dresses, cool summer tops and even a zipped skirt. Bursting with Nordic charm and elegance, and the perfect antidote to fast fashion, every garment in this book has been lovingly designed to last. A Knitter's Year will see you through four seasons of clothes to make for your whole family; each piece is lovingly designed by the author, Ida, who is shown throughout the book, modelling the garments, along with her family, in their native Norway. The clothes include jackets, jumpers and skirts for adults, as well as cosy winter gear for the children. A Knitter's Year features 30 projects, so you'll never be wanting for inspiration, whatever the season. Some projects are new and exclusive to the book, and all designed with love by Ida herself.

Andrea Tsang Jackson guides readers through transforming the beauty, allure, and power of natural stones into glittering complex patchwork quilts. Using her expert tips and tricks and her step-by-step process to master a plan for the colour work required to achieve transparency and light through fabric selection, readers will paper-piece their way to a jewellery box of blocks. Beginning with nine traditional gemstone shapes, such as teardrop, marquis, and emerald cuts, each block progresses in complexity so readers can hone their skills as they work their way through the book. Next, quilters will be inspired to use their blocks in a series of projects - both large and small. Created with intermediate quilters in mind, the book includes: A beginner-friendly workshop on achieving effective transparency with fabric Andrea Tsang Jackson's speedy chain-piecing technique for paper piecing Nine basic 12'' gemstone blocks Graded patterns to create the perfect finished block size Traditional and modern settings Cutting and faceting with fabric workshop Gemstone groups with sampler ideas Field Guide approach with watercolour illustrations of gemstones

Grandmas, aunties, and moms-to-be: if there's a baby on the way, you want fast, practical gifts, handmade with love. Be the hit of the baby shower with adorable projects designed by two popular authors and proud grandmothers. Cute, colorful, and grandma approved! Choose from a great selection of clothing, accessories, bibs, quilts, receiving blankets, and more Darling styles suited for boys and girls are sure to be loved by new moms "Baby Talk" tip boxes offer hints for successful stitching with knit fabric, ultra-plush fabric, ribbon, rickrack, and more

Do you love bright, geometric quilt designs but wonder how to get such sharp points and accurate piecing? English paper piecing is the answer and this collection shows you how to sew your own patchwork projects even if you've never made a quilt before. English paper piecing (EPP) is a traditional patchwork technique which uses hexagon-shaped paper templates which are pieced together by hand sewing rather than machine piecing. This process of hand piecing is both mindful and calming and the fact that it doesn't rely on a sewing machine makes EPP the perfect 'sofa sewing' project that can be done while relaxing in front of your favourite TV show or while socialising with friends. Jenny Jackson is an expert in EPP and has been demonstrating the technique and showcasing her patterns on TV craft channels and magazines for a number of years. She has created this collection of techniques and patterns for modern EPP projects for the home including some really striking, large quilts. Jenny holds your hand through the EPP process so, even if you've never tried it before, you can complete projects to be proud of. Even if you already have some experience with EPP, Jenny shares her tips and tricks for quicker and sharper results so you can improve your skills. There are 18 projects for the home in a variety of sizes so you can build up to a full-sized quilt but you can also dip in and out of some smaller projects such as coasters, wall hangings and cushions while you hone your skills. The projects include repeats of EPP patterns and blocks as well as how to use EPP blocks and rosettes as applique within quilts and other projects. It's not just about the hexagon either: Jenny's geometric designs feature 20 different paper pieced templates including diamonds, octagons and even curved shapes for really exciting results. These sheets can be photocopied to give you multiple templates, fast. You can even flex your own creative muscle with the colouring pages included for every project so you can experiment with your own colour combinations to make your own unique designs.

This is truly an essential resource for all sewists! Set to be the new The Art of Manipulating Fabric, Ruth Singer offers a modern interpretation of fabric manipulation in this book, with hundreds of full colour diagrams. Discover and explore 150 creative sewing techniques including pleating, folding, gathering, smocking, quilting, trapunto and applique. Ruth explains her innovative variations of these traditional fabric manipulation techniques and offers inspirational project ideas demonstrating practical applications to create accessories and home decor. Photographs and illustrations are included to support the step-by-step instruction for each technique and all of the techniques can be done by hand or with a domestic sewing machine without the need for specialist equipment.