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      • Local history

        Cornish Guernseys & Knitfrocks

        by Mary Wright

        In late 19th century Cornwall hand-knitting was a vital cottage industry and coastal villages developed their own distinctive patterns and names for the traditional navy blue guernsey or knit-frock. Contract-knitting - the occupation of many Cornish women - had died out by the 1920s and was almost forgotten until author Mary Wright started asking old people what they remembered of it. Her research has resulted in a remarkable picture of social history. Cornish Guernseys & Knit-frocks includes many delightful contemporary photographs, and detailed instructions and charts show how to knit a Cornish guernsey incorporating one of thirty local patterns.

      • Embroidery crafts
        September 2020

        Animal Embroidery Workbook

        by Jessica Long

        Embroider a menagerie of 30 adorable animals! From a sweet giraffe and a happy cat to a sly little red fox and a friendly hedgehog, Cute Critters features step-by-step instructions and dozens of easy-to-use patterns to create embroidery hoops for all your favorite animals with charming floral details. Intermediate embroiderers will pick them up in no time, and beginners can tackle the simpler projects and further their skills with the more complicated designs. Also included is basic introductory information about materials and supplies, techniques and a guide to basic stitches.

      • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts
        November 2020

        Blackwork Embroidery

        Techniques and Projects

        by Jen Goodwin

        Blackwork has a rich history that has developed over the years into an iconic and sophisticated style of embroidery. This practical book presents a number of ways to approach blackwork embroidery, from forming basic stitches and patterns to developing complex shaded pieces with confidence. Through an assortment of exercises, it introduces the principles of shading along with several projects to further explore the potential of blackwork.   • Detailed instructions on designing and developing shaded pieces of blackwork embroidery • Guidance on how to choose suitable images for translating into stitch • Step-by-step instructions on how to form basic stitches and how to form patterns • Almost 250 shaded patterns, indicating how differing patterns appear when worked in different thicknesses of thread • Patterns grouped by family for easy identification and pattern blending

      • Knitting & crochet
        November 2021

        A Knitter's Guide to Shawl Design

        by Emma Vining

        As a desirable item of fashion, a cherished gift or a wardrobe essential, the shawl enjoys enduring popularity among knitters and non-knitters alike. The most admired of these beautiful accessories are designed with inspiration drawn from a wide range of themes and ideas. This creativity is achieved by blending a knitter’s imagination with their knowledge of how to translate a source of inspiration into an exciting new design. A Knitter’s Guide to Shawl Design will inspire knitters of all levels to personalize their knitting and create original shawl designs. Author Emma Vining describes her own design processes, encouraging readers to explore and experiment with shawl shapes and stitch patterns. Beautifully illustrated with photographs, sketches and explanatory diagrams, this book explores tradition and innovation in shawl design. It demonstrates the effects of yarn, knitting techniques and finishing choices on the end design and considers the framing effect of edges and borders and how to plan these into your project. The geometry of the shawl shape is examined - there are individual chapters on squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, semi-circles and crescents. Finally, the design process is illustrated in full over five detailed case studies, each culminating in a full shawl pattern by built environments.

      • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure

        Cute Felt Bears

        20 easy-to-make felt bear projects

        by Benjamin Rowling

        This delightful bear-themed collection includes charmingly quirky bear toys and cute bear-decorated projects such as accessories, pillows and bags to craft. There are stylised versions of real bears (giant panda, polar, grizzly, black  and sloth bears) alongside a troupe of imaginary bears that include a romantic bear for Valentine's day, a vampire bear for Halloween, and a Christmas Santa bear.

      • Needlework & fabric crafts
        November 2017

        Stumpwork Embroidery

        Techniques and Projects

        by Helen Richardman

        Stumpwork is a highly decorative and imaginative embroidery technique, which typically uses raised and padded stitches that are rich in texture. This practical book explains how to create your own piece of stumpwork embroidery. Beginning with an introduction to the appropriate materials, equipment and tools, it instructs on a wide range of stitches and techniques, and illustrates them with ten delightful projects. It then explains how to design your own piece of stumpwork before advising on finishing, presenting and caring for you work. Written by a leading embroiderer, this beautiful book will inspire and encourage you to try this exciting technique and create your own exquisite designs.

      • Embroidery crafts
        September 2020

        Figure work in Embroidery

        Techniques in Embroidery

        by Angela Bishop

        Figures can bring an embroidery to life, but they are tricky to do well. This book guides you through the materials, stitches, body parts and clothes to give you the confidence and skills to embroider a figure and experiment, using your creative inspiration. With over 400 colour photographs it gives key information for getting started, creating designs and preparing embroideries; techniques for making three-dimensional forms using stitching and padding techniques; clear instruction for mastering stitches and then ideas for using them creatively. Specific advice is given for embroidering the face, hair, hands and feet as well as ideas for using stitching embellishments, such as beads, sequins, buttons, ribbons, feathers and jewellery charms. Step-by-step projects demonstrate a range of beautiful styles and techniques.

      • Embroidery crafts
        April 2019

        Embroidered Boxes

        Techniques and Projects

        by Emma Broughton

        Boxes are a special way to display embroidery and to present and store treasured pieces. This beautiful book brings the traditional craft of box making right up to date with the latest construction techniques and modern designs. It starts with projects suitable for beginners, and then introduces further techniques so readers can design and construct their own boxes. There are ten step-by step guides on how to construct different styles and shapes of boxes, and how to insert more complex decorative and functional elements. With over 650 colour photographs as well as stunning examples of embroidery techniques and designs, it is sure to delight and inspire every embroiderer and craft enthusiast.

      • Embroidery crafts

        Art Deco Knits

        Creating A Hand-Knit Wardrobe Inspired By The 1920s-1930s

        by Jemima Bicknell

        The jazz age of the 1920s and 1930s is a particularly inspiring period in fashion design, well-known for its intricately embellished fabrics and elegant detail. Art Deco Knits aims to inspire the modern knitter who wishes to create a vintage-inspired wardrobe, or simply add a touch of Art Deco glamour to their knitting. Featuring valuable information on styles and silhouettes, fabrics and finishing techniques, this beautifully illustrated book celebrates the joy to be found in creating knitwear inspired by this most popular of eras, when fashion and self-expression became accessible to more women than ever before. Topics covered include tips on choosing yarns and adapting patterns to fit an Art Deco aesthetic; a collection of Art Deco-inspired stitch patterns; beading and embroidery techniques for creating uniquely embellished knitted fabrics and finally, finishing tips and techniques. Nine original patterns are included, each inspired by a particular facet of 1920s or 1930s style.

      • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure
        September 2017

        Bobbin Lace-Making with Children

        All basics - easily explained

        by Katrin Baumann/Steffi Schmat

        The first beginner's book of bobbin lace-making for children! Colourful and creative projects are waiting for the young and old beginners, whereby these are assigned to the individual learning steps. Exact lists of materials, lace letters, colour code drawings, many step-by-step photos, drawings of all work steps ensure that nothing can go wrong and that everyone will soon be enjoying themselves.

      • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure
        March 2014

        Handiwork Fun with Children

        by Brigitte Ettmann

        It is simply a pleasure to watch four to six year old children working with needle and thread with a lot of fun and skill and creating true handicraft works of art. This and much more they have been learning for several years in the kindergarten with Brigitte Ettmann. She and her comrades-in-arms worked as volunteers in children’s daycare centres in their hometown Leipzig to introduce the youngest children to the hobby of handicrafts. And with great success. For the boys and girls, this has an incredible number of positive effects - they playfully discover their talents and promote creativity and self-confidence. In addition, they train their concentration, dexterity and endurance. Also a great benefit for parents and daycare centres! Brigitte Ettmann has now compiled her easily used handicraft instructions in this colourful and child-friendly book. The simple introductions for handicrafts at home and in the daycare centre are best suited for children aged between 3½ and 8 years. With many clearly arranged step-by-step photos you will find the bobble making, knotting, embroidering with embroidery cards and embroidery frames as well as weaving in the lid of a shoe box, the popular finger knitting and the sewing of funny cuddly animals made of felt. The author has interspersed helpful tips and little stories. The book whets the appetite for handicraft fun with children, which is especially awakened by the many funny photos of the little "master craftsmen". For the pictures, some of Brigitte Ettmann's protégés from the Leipzig day care centre were used as models - and with great fun and zeal.

      • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure
        October 2015

        New Life for Old Clothes

        Small and fine sewing projects

        by Constanze Derham

        Recycle instead of buying new! The DO-IT-YOURSELF and refashion trend in fashion is moving more and more into the limelight. Rather, it is the fun of recycling sewing to breathe new life into old clothes or fabrics and at the same time act ecologically consciously in today's textile affluent society. On top of that it is easy on the wallet. And who doesn't have any clothes in the wardrobe that no longer fit properly, no longer please or have simply exceeded their fashionable half-life? Why then always buy new clothes when many garments can be turned into great individual pieces with little effort and a little skill?Author and amateur dressmaker Constanze Derham is a master in conjuring amazing things out of old clothes. Her sewing guide is full of creative ideas on how to sew completely new favourite clothes or trendy accessories from old jeans, shirts, T-shirts or sweaters. A worn out pair of jeans becomes a carpet as an eye-catcher for the apartment and a lined laptop or tray cover, a shirt becomes a pillowcase and a casual summer skirt or an old wool sweater becomes a children's jacket and "warming" cover for the e-book reader. There are almost no limits to creativity. The author presents a total of 20 small but fine sewing projects. The book also contains lots of practical tips on what you should consider when choosing the material, what sewing equipment you need and what you need to know about techniques such as cutting, ripping, dyeing, patching or hole repairing - all of which can be found in this book. Let yourself be inspired by the many possibilities to create new favourite pieces from old clothes. With this book sewing will become your new passion!

      • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure
        March 2018

        Enchanting Quilting and Patchwork Ideas

        by Constanze Derham

        This is the right book for all those who like to experiment with beautiful fabrics and colours, with shapes and patterns on the sewing machine. Patchwork quilts are simply decorative and embellish every home in a very special way. The technique of putting together a new whole from many small pieces of fabric, as a ceiling, wall hanging or curtain, has a tradition going back hundreds of years and is now once again a major trend topic. Unique characteristic patterns and colour combinations developed worldwide. The delightful models in this book introduce traditional and new techniques and styles of quilting to show the full variety of this craft. All 14 projects in the book are described in detail, easy to understand and with vivid step-by-step photos, so that even sewing beginners can try them out. The colours and sizes of all quilts can be changed according to your own taste. In addition, there are many tips on materials, tools and all work steps.

      • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts
        September 2020

        A Masterclass in needle felting dogs

        Methods and techniques to take your needle felting to the next level

        by Cindy-Lou Thompson

        The art of needle felting dogs can produce amazingly hyper-realistic – almost taxidermic – results, and with a little know-how, some needles and wool, and a few inexpensive accessories, you, too, can needle felt like a professional. If you have ever wanted to improve your needle felting and take it to a whole new level to create lifelike dogs, this book, by world class needle felting master Cindy-Lou Thompson of Chicktin Creations, will show you how. Covering four different breeds of dog (Dachshund, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle), with step-by-step instructions and photos, Cindy takes you through the processes of creating different body shapes, proportions, armatures, coats, and blending, as well as realistic accessories such as eyes, noses, mouths, ears, and nails. Learn how to achieve a professional finish with different textured coats, clipping and shaping, and finishing off, using a variety of mediums and methods, some of which Cindy has designed and developed herself, and never revealed ... until now.

      • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure
        October 2013

        Enchanting Lace Cloths

        by Christine Nöller

        Knitted lace scarves and accessories have been back in fashion for some time now. The lace knitting is a particularly beautiful, modern variant, which has now slowly arrived. Lacet cloths are knitted from fine yarns and from high-quality raw materials such as merino extra fine, silk or alpaca, but also from robust sock yarn, with needles that are too large. In our introductory series "ABC of Handicrafts", lace expert Christine Nöller, in cooperation with the yarn company Zitron, explains in detail how you can easily knit distinctive unique pieces yourself. The 16 different and coordinated models, such as scarves, shawls, loops and gauntlets, are sure to succeed thanks to the richly illustrated instructions. The Lace guide even contains instructions for a romantic and playful lace parasol. From the festive scarf to the elegant stole to the filigree handbag - here you will find your favourite lace accessory for every occasion!

      • Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure

        In Love with Knitting 1000 items by single pattern

        by Tanya Kurochkina

        This is a book about love, which almost inevitably develops into a stormy life-long romance. In Love with Knitting is that state of flow and inspiration when everything you do is easy, relaxed and clear! Even if you've never held a knitting needle in your hand, this book will be that sparkle to start your relationship with yarn which will result into your knitting collection. This is a step-by-step algorithm for creating lots of items easily! You can combine hundreds of models and you can calculate any of them for your own size based on just a simple formula of the school program!   " I don't like complicated formulas and long calculations! Life is simple and logical as knitting should be. It’s fun and pleasure!" Tanya Kurochkina

      • Needlework & fabric crafts
        January 2021

        Bedfordshire Lace

        by Jean Leader

        Bedfordshire lace became popular in the fashions of the second half of the nineteenth century because of the beauty of its bold-open designs, often with elegant floral motifs, and it continues to fascinate and captivate lacemakers today. This practical book is dedicated to the novice and experienced lacemaker wishing to learn these techniques so as to realize this elegance for themselves. Information is given about the equipment needed for bobbin lacemaking, how to make a pricking (the pattern on which the lace is made), and how to wind thread on the bobbins. Instruction explains how to work cloth stitch and half stitch, plaits, windmill crossings, picots and leaf-shaped tallies, and how to finish a piece of lace. There is a series of twenty-six patterns, some traditional and others designed more recently. These are supported by instructions, photographs and diagrams. The patterns include small motifs, edgings - some with corners for handkerchiefs - butterflies and, finally, three exquisite collars.

      • Handicrafts, decorative arts & crafts

        Doll’s Knitted Clothes: How to Make Clothes for Dolls Step by Step

        by 공은경, 정영경

        Doll clothes and accessories can be easily knitted with bamboo needles or crochet hooks.Readers can learn how to knit knitwear and pullovers with crochet hooks from top to bottom.24 types of clothes and accessories, including more than 10 types of knitwear.Detailed instructions, photos, diagrams and patterns are included.Special appendix at the end of the volume. Dress your beloved doll with the knitwear from the book! This book introduces hand-knitted clothes and accessories suitable for the fashionable look of dolls, mainly 1/6 size (27cm) dolls. The book contains a total of 24 classic doll clothes and props, including knitwear and pullovers that are knitted from the top, knitwear and dresses that are knitted from the bottom, capes, bamboos and so on, as well as hats and handbags knitted with crochet hooks, and introduces some knitting methods. The vivid and beautiful portraits of doll models and the illustrated instructions that are easy to learn even for beginners are the unique selling propositions of this book. In addition, there are two “dress up paper dolls” toys appended at the end of the volume as a small gift for all readers who like doll games.

      • Knitting & crochet
        February 2017

        Hygge Style Knitting

        9 cosy knitting patterns for sweaters, socks, slippers and more

        by Various

        Capture the spirit of 'hygge' – the Danish art of finding pleasure in simple things – with this collection of cosy knitted projects. Featuring a range of small and large projects for garments and snuggly home accessories this is the perfect hygge knitting pattern collection to keep the winter cold at bay. Choose from the ultimate snuggly jumper and cardigan knitting pattern, as well as gorgeous hand knitted socks, slippers and beanie hat. All the projects have been selected so they are suitable for beginner to intermediate knitters so anyone can tackle them and bring a bit of hygge into their lives.

      • Embroidery crafts
        November 2016

        Modern Folk Embroidery

        30 Contemporary Projects for Folk Art Inspired Designs

        by Nancy Nicholson

        Bring the folk-art trend into your home with this collection of 30 stunning embroidery designs. Folk art is a major trend and can be seen influencing everything from fashion to interiors. Now you can incorporate this trend into your home in a contemporary way with this collection of stunning modern folk art inspired embroidery designs by leading designer, Nancy Nicholson. Nancy's distinctive style, which draws on Scandinavian and Eastern European motifs, perfectly captures the folk art trend and will appeal to stitchers of all ages and abilities. This collection shows you how to use the designs to create beautiful and practical home decor items and accessories. The stitch techniques will be shown using Nancy's unique and comprehensive stitch library so they will be extremely easy to follow whether you are an experienced stitcher or a newbie. There are also plenty of suggestions for creating your own designs if you are feeling inspired.

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