Hoopla rebels against the quaint and familiar embroidery motifs of flowers and swashes, and focuses instead on innovative stitch artists who specialize in unusual, guerrilla-style patterns such as a mythical jackalope and needlepoint nipple doilies; it demonstrates that modern embroidery artists are as sharp as the needles with which they work.Hoopla includes twenty-eight innovative embroidery patterns and profiles of contemporary embroidery artists, including Jenny Hart, author of Sublime Stitching; Rosa Martyn of the UK-based Craftivism Collective; Ray Materson, an ex-con who learned to stitch in prison; Sherry Lynn Wood of the Tattooed Baby Doll Project, which collaborated with female tattoo artists across the United States; Penny Nickels and Johnny Murder, the self-proclaimed Bonnie and Clyde of embroidery; and Alexandra Walters, a military wife who replicates military portraits and weapons in her stitching.Full-color throughout and bursting with history, technique, and sass, Hoopla will teach readers how to stitch a ransom note pillow, mean and dainty knuckle-tattoo church gloves; and create their own innovative embroidery projects. If you like anarchistic DIY craft and the idea of deviating from the rules, Hoopla will inspire you to wield a needle with flair!With a foreword by Betsy Greer.

    The twenty-five simple sewing projects in this book offer home accessories made from linen, wool, and cotton, from durable linen aprons to cozy wool blankets and washable cotton lunch bags. This book is full of beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instruction, and detailed diagrams that are reflective of the Japanese craft style. All of the projects are perfect for those new to sewing, yet the unsophisticated charm and useful nature of each item will appeal to every sewer. Make the projects in this book and add a little bit of comfort and style to your home.Projects include:   • Linen: Sarong Apron, Handkerchief, Slouch Bag, Hand Towel, Wastebasket Cover, Duvet Cover, Pillow Case, Kitchen Cloth, Fruit Bag, Apron    • Wool: Muffler, Socks, Room Shoes, Blanket, Bottle  Cover, Lap Blanket, Messenger’s Bag    • Cotton: Jumper, Wall Pocket, Bath Mat, Small Bag, Sweets Mat, Lingerie Case, Lunch Bag, Parent and Child’s Bag

    Book by Walker, Barbara G.

    It's like a private "show me" quilt class designed to help quilters expand their skills.

    Showcasing colleagues who are pushing the boundaries of this ancient craft, Mr X Stitch introduces more than 20 lovely, cutting-edge projects to make, and shows that beauty, innovation and 'craftivism' are alive and kicking in this inspirational book.The book is aimed at stitchers of all abilities, from absolute beginners looking to learn a new craft to embroiderers and cross stitchers who want to do something different in cross stitching. For many, cross stitch conjures up images of cute kittens and country cottages, but this book shows people that there's a different side to cross stitching - that it's an art in its own right, and will encourage them to be a little braver with their art.Jamie's writing style is fun, entertaining and highly inspirational. The book will attract readers of all ages, and is aiming to appeal to men as well as women. It will teach the basics of cross stitching, including materials, tools, techniques, colour blending, etc., but will also put Jamie's own spin on it, with urban flavours, and the introduction of different materials such as glow-in-the-dark threads. There will be several exciting designs for the readers to stitch, and Jamie will arm people with the skills and inspiration to create cross stitch designs of their own, for example, by using photos and other images for reference.Jamie is particularly interested in typography and there is a good balance of typographical and pictoral projects to stitch. The book is split into 5 themes: Colour, Glow in the Dark, More than a Hobby, Using Computer Software and Outside the Hoop. Colour explores techniques such as ombre design, inverting colour and using geometric shapes; Glow in the Dark looks at how to use glow-in-the-dark threads to achieve different effects; More than a Hobby considers the idea of mindfulness in cross stitch, including black work, backstitch etc.; Using Computer Software looks at photorealism and how to originate your design on a computer; and finally, Outside the Hoop explores projects not stitched on canvas.The final spread of each section features an Outlier - the work of another stitcher to illustrate a different aspect of cross stitch made on a surface other than canvas. The book will be informative, fun, instructive and inspirational.

    In this book, David Coffin provides his inventive, sure-fire methods for getting it right.With his characteristic precision and straight talk - and with the help of photographs, drawings, and exclusive access to a series of online video sequences - Coffin teaches the reader how to get great results, whether making a showcase garment or just whipping out an everyday pair.For more information and book-related extras, visit http://makingtrouserswithdpc.blogspot..., David Coffin's blog all about making trousers and specifically designed for the readers of this book.

    The pleasures to be had from slowing down can be many, with connections to sustainability, simplicity, reflection, and tuning into traditional and other multicultural textile traditions.Slow Stitch is a much-needed guide to adopting a less-is-more approach, valuing quality over quantity, and bringing a meaningful and thoughtful approach to textile practice.Claire Wellesley-Smith introduces a range of ways in which you can slow your textile work down, including:Using simple techniques inspired by traditional practice (including hand-stitch rhythms)Reusing and re-inventing materials (reuse even old textile projects)Limiting your equipmentMending revisited (practical and decorative techniques)Project ideas and resources that help towards making a more sustainable textile practiceRichly illustrated throughout, and showcasing work from the best textile artists who work in this way, this is a truly inspirational book for those looking to reconnect with their craft and to find a new way of working.

    Knitting Without Needles brings cool home, gifts, and clothing accessories--cowls, totes, rugs, poufs, scarves, and more--within arm’s reach. An all-in-one resource for a new kind of craft, this book shows you how to loop yarn with your fingers or your forearms with thirty patterns that are simple to follow and produce stylish results. Best of all, many of them knit up fast—in less than an hour! Even if you’ve never picked up knitting needles, you can easily master the techniques to make fun knits with kids and for kids (a princess crown, baby booties) and even last-minute gifts (a statement necklace for your fashionista friend). With stunning photography, plenty of step-by-step photos, and a detailed resource section, Knitting Without Needles is your go-to for a new way to knit.From the Trade Paperback edition.

    

    30 detailed and easy-to-follow patterns for garments and accessories are presented including a slimming Jackie Kennedy-style Camelot coat and a reversible tank top with scoop neck.

    This work teaches you everything you need to know about colour theory, fabric selection, and design, as well as providing expert advice on piecing, hand and machine applique, and finishing techniques."

    This book is geared toward the absolute novice and assumes you know little or nothing about the craft. Filled with lots of step-by-step photos, useful sewing tip sidebars, and a painstakingly detailed glossary, Sewing 101 teaches you how to sew successfully. You will learn terminology used regularly in sewing, as well as all the basic skills that are the building blocks of the art. From threading the machine to sewing a straight stitch, to more complicated procedures such as installing zippers and following patterns, everything is covered. Chapters include such topics as: the sewing machine and its accessories, sewing supplies and how to use them, how to shop for, prepare, measure and cut fabric, and more. Each new technique is taught via the creation of an actual project, such as a pillow, window treatment, t-shirt, or baby blanket, thereby allowing you to learn a new skill and create an item to wear, display or use in your home. Dust off that machine and begin sewing for fun and function!'

    This title is a comprehensive and refreshingly straightforward fabric design guide that teaches you everything you need to know to get started - from design and colour basics to creating repeat patterns, screen-printing tips, even selling your designs!

    The authors are designers and owners of two popular pattern companies for kid’s clothes—Farbenmix and Studio Tantrum, known in the sewing community for their creativity, versatility, and fit. This collection of exclusive patterns, included with the book, offers step-by-step instruction for making boys’ and girls’ clothing with a variety of fabric styles and decorative embellishment—including embroidery, patchwork, and trims. The patterns for pants, tops, skirts, and dresses include variations for long and short hemlines and sleeves, various necklines, and adjustable lengths. The patterns are sized from 18 months to kid’s size 12.

    Kristeen Griffin-Grimes brings to life her signature aesthetic through timeless techniques for a stunning encore knitted pattern book. Organized into vignettes that travel from morning to night, these captivating projects invite knitters to imagine their own daily lives enhanced by these lovely designs.French Girl Knits Accessories includes sixteen intermediate-level knitting projects covering a full range of accessories for women. Designed with French savoir-faire, the projects include shrugs, hats, gloves and mittens, wraps and stoles, and socks and slippers. Want to add more romance with lace and ribbon? Desire a perfect pleat or fold? Sidebars and techniques include simple how-tos for these details and more. Throughout this collection of small projects, you'll find an emphasis on clean modern lines and style woven with vintage and romantic fashion inspiration.