A beautiful sewing reference guide full of exercises designed to inspire great ideas and motivate readers of all skill levels to create. This inventive book is a treasure trove of over 40 inspiring practical exercises, a rich and creative exploration of fabric and stitch, and a fascinating all-round read. Elizabeth Healey’s approach to sewing is that it should be fun, and not like a chore or an exam we need to excel in. Her aim is to simply encourage you to pick up a needle and thread and get sewing! The exercises draw inspiration from around the world: create corded works of art inspired by Milton Glaser’s iconic Bob Dylan poster; craft bold embroidered African masks; layer up and cut away to make Mola applique; use bleach and fabric paint to create Aboriginal dreamtime lizards; create knotted works of art inspired by ancient Mayan counting systems; embroider varsity cross-stitch letters; or try out decorative Japanese book binding. Alternatively, try a host of other techniques such as quilting, printing, dyeing, couching tumbled crockery, creating pleats and puckers, and needle lace. Packed with stitch galleries and bursting with slow sewing ideas, the book also contains “behind the stitches” features: illuminating insights into sewing movements such as Boro textiles, Gee’s Bend quilting, and Dorset buttons.

Learn to make 20 button designs using fabric – as an embellishment to a garment or as a piece of jewellery or accessory. Gina Barrett uses techniques such as stitching, embroidery and beading, and provides shaped templates for those projects where the reader may need more assistance. The buttons are all worked at a small size, so will require limited materials and thread for a polished finish. There are no complex button-making techniques here; all the buttons can be created by the reader at home, following Gina's straightforward instructions and stitch diagrams.

Learn the timeless skills and techniques of sewing designer quality fashions, and creating one of a kind, custom fitted pieces that have shape, strength and beauty.

21 quick and easy projects to transform your home and wardrobe. Includes trendy baby gifts, fabulous clothing and stylish home wares.

Kate Haxell is bang on trend and first in the market with this bunting and pennants book! In this fun addition to the Twenty to Make series Kate shows how to make twenty gorgeous bunting designs in a range of stunning fabrics and finishes. Perfect sewing projects to adorn the home and garden, these bunting designs are also fabulous for parties, weddings or to celebrate Christmas. Full sewing patterns/templates are included, as are full instructions for each bunting project. The projects include: Spots & Stripes Bunting, Christmas Tree Bunting, Garden Party Bunting, Pom-Pom Bunting, and many, many more. Each of the twenty finished bunting are shown in beautiful styled photographs. The small size of the book makes it a brilliant gift or stocking-filler.

Whether you want to create a tailored jacket, sew a collar that lies flat, fashion a one-of-a-kind special-occasion outfit or learn the subtleties of working with faux leather, the information is in this book. You will also find detailed instructions based on Clotilde's years of experience and sewing expertise. It's like having Clotilde in your sewing room to answer your questions as you plan and create each new clothing project.

This guide is for anyone who is interested in learning or re-learning the art of embroidery or needlepoint. Containing a history of needlecrafts, as well as an updated look at its uses for your home and wardrobe, it explains how to deal with such concepts as color, balance, scale, and texture, and how to incorporate your own personal syle. Everything you need to know about the art of embroidery, including needle and thread types, materials, stitch types, frames, techniques, enlarging or reducing designs, monogramming, and project ideas, is in this book.

This quick, easy stitch guide will be the most reached-for book on your embroidery shelf. With this handy guide at your fingertips, you'll know how to work 52 common embroidery stitches from the instructions and illustrations provided. It's the perfect reference to have by your side for any embroidery project. New to stitching? Expert teacher Cheryl Fall will show you the way. Each stitch is explained in detail as well as illustrated, so you can easily see how to make each one. To practice your skills, the included stitch sampler project is a great place to start. Two other beautiful patterns are also included, which can be used in a variety of ways. A review of the basic materials, such as fabric, threads, hoops, and needles, is also included to get you on your way.

Cross-stitch and other counted-thread techniques are enduringly popular. This book provides both beginner and experienced stitchers with instructions and inspiration for 23 pretty and useful projects for garments, gifts and homewares. The designs are a mix of the traditional and the contemporary, ranging from cushions, a table runner, placemats, napkins and an intricately beaded shoe bag, to an apron, jar covers, brooch cushion, curtain and tablecloth. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy item or more of a challenge, Handmade Style: Stitch offers projects to satisfy every needlework lover. Previous Titles in the Handmade Style Series: Handmade Style: Bead Handmade Style: Paper Handmade Style: Quilt Handmade Style: Knit