Whether you've been sewing for years or just gotten the itch, you'll find invaluable information inside for using your sewing machine to its maximum potential.Learn how to:Troubleshoot machine problems like skipped stitches, needle breaks and tension troublesPerform basic maintenance on your machine to keep it running smoothlyChoose fabrics, threads and other materials that will keep your machine running at full capacity and result in quality projectsRecognize and utilize the best sewing machine feet to achieve the desired resultsRefine everyday tasks from installing zippers to sewing buttonholes and constructing perfect hemsCreate beautiful embellishments like scallops, ruches, smocking, pin tucks, cutwork, puffing and entredeux to enhance any sewn project or garmentAn indispensable reference book to keep next to your machine, inside you'll find quick answers to all your sewing problems. Take control of your sewing machine and achieve wonderful results every time!

    And none are more charming than the graceful, functional, sewn objects called zakka. In Japanese, zakka means “household goods,” referring specifically to hand-sewn items for domestic use—tableware, kitchenware, containers of various kinds, even simple clothing. Therese Laskey and Chika Mori were enchanted by the many clever pieces they saw online but disappointed that directions and patterns were solely in Japanese. They knew they had to put together an authentic zakka book for English-speaking crafters. To do so, the authors enlisted the help of some of the best zakka makers in Japan to create 25 projects ranging from utterly simple (an appliquéd pot holder, flower-shaped coasters) to ambitious (a house-shaped camera cozy, an adorable pair of comfy padded slippers). Each project includes easy-to-follow instructions and how-to illustrations. The lovely photos of finished pieces were taken by New York–based Japanese photographer Yoko Inoue.

    You are sure to find plenty of ideas to inspire you in every room of your home. Designer style can be achieved at a fraction of the cost. Store-bought soft furnishings can be expensive and the choice is often limited-but with so many gorgeous designer fabrics on sale, there's never been a better time to make your own. Sewing in No Time sets out 50 simple step-by-step projects using nothing more than the most basic of sewing skills. From a simple curtain with a pattern border and a striped duvet to a fabric storage box and a children's play tent, Sewing in No Time is the perfect book for people who are big on ideas but short of time. Whether your home is a traditional country cottage or a modern warehouse-style apartment, you're sure to find plenty of ideas to inspire you. Softcover: 160 pages. Made in USA.

    These ingenious projectsfrom ultra-feminine and vintage chic to whimsical color-playinclude waist and bib aprons, pinafores, smocks, cobblers, and even something for the pint-sized cook. All of the projects are photographed in a playful style. And templates, sewing basics, and quick and easy projects for sprucing up store-bought aprons and whipping up aprons from recycled materials are here too!"

    Whether you are a beginner or have been sewing for years, this book is packed with all the information you need to get the most out of your sewing machine, simply by changing the feet.• Everything you need to know about feet attachments, from basic feet such as the zigzag foot to specialty fabric and technique feet that will help you invent new design ideas for your sewing projects.• Work effortlessly with a full range of fabrics, learn great time-saving tricks, and experiment with a range of decorative effects by following the authors' creative "ideas files."• Includes a guide to needle, thread, and fabric choices and buying advice for choosing basic, mid-range, and top-end sewing machines, embellishers, and sergers.

    Once kept demurely concealed, lingerie now pervades every fashion category, inspiring designs for day looks, loungewear, evening clothes, and accessories. Slips have become dresses unto themselves. Bra straps are meant to peek out from under tank tops. Camisoles are worn on their own or as layers over or under other clothes. Now, with "Knitting Lingerie" Style, designer Joan McGowan-Michael interprets this undeniable fashion trend for the knitter and, along the way, shares fascinating stories about lingerie history. Did you know that it was airplane magnate Howard Hughes who masterminded the underwire bra? McGowan-Michaels 30-plus designs, stunningly photographed by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, range from the truly functionalknitted bras, slips, corsets, camisoles, and stockingsto the purely fun. The brassiere inspires a curvature-enhancing twinset. The baby doll negligee is the basis for a lacy little gown and a matching thong set thats both luxurious and (slightly) notorious. And a ribbed, laced-front sweater is an updatedand much more comfortable!take on the classic corset. The only book of its kind on the market, "Knitting Lingerie Style" includes projects that are bold and sexy, daring us all to bare a little skin, as well as more understated and demure, with sizes ranging from petite to plus.

    At the same time, they are not so trendy as to turn off more traditional and/or older knitters, and the technical applications are so clever and unique that even advanced knitters are fascinated by them. Most of the designs - even those that may look complex--are actually fairly easy to create, providing gratifying learning and artistic experiences as well as fast results. Because of the strong technical nature of Loop-d-Loop, it is poised to last much longer than a simple collection of fashionable patterns and to become a standard reference within the knitting community.

    Now, in The Modern Natural Dyer, expert Kristine Vejar shares the most user-friendly techniques for dyeing yarn, fabric, and finished goods at home with foraged and garden-raised dyestuffs as well as with convenient natural dye extracts. Demystifying the "magic," Vejar explains in explicit, easy-to-follow detail how to produce consistent, long-lasting color. With stunning photography of the dyes themselves, the dyeing process, and 20 projects for home and wardrobe (some to knit, some to sew, and some just a matter of submerging a finished piece in a prepared bath), The Modern Natural Dyer is a complete resource for aspiring and experienced dye artisans.

    A full-color page of the finished dolls accompanies each character, along with large, easy-to-follow instructions and whimsical descriptions. Learn how to create 20 different characters in all, including favorites Sprite, Bad Guy, and Pinkie, and new additions Munky and Spritekin.

    The three twenty-something co-owners of Stitch Lounge, an urban sewing studio in San Francisco, teach you, in plain, fun language, how to do it, whether you're hand sewing, machine sewing, or, in a few cases, simply wielding a pair of scissors.The first three chapters lay the ground work: Hand Sewing Basics, You and Your Machine, and Gearing Up, which includes Fabric 101, how to set up a sewing space, and a run-through first project on the sewing machine. Then the fun begins with Embellishing and Customizing projects, including adorning your pant legs with ribboning, turning a computer-scanned image into an iron-on that you can apply to a t-shirt or skirt, taking in a skirt, or untapering a pair of pants (the authors believe tapered pants are the devil's work). Then move onto Refashioning: The Next Life of Your Old Clothes and turn a t-shirt into a skirt, a sweater into a halter top or legwarmers, or a pair of pants into a hip belt. There are 22 projects in all, some of which only require an iron and/or pair of scissors, while others can be sewn by hand, for those readers who haven't yet made the sewing machine plunge.

    From an Ombre Painted Canvas and Ribbon Chandelier to Chalkboard Frames and Sequin Curtains, this guide shows you how to create the fabulous room decor crafts that you've spotted in magazines and online on your Tumblr dashboard. With just a few simple tools and Smith's guidance, you'll turn your bedroom into a super cool space your friends will envy. Every page also includes step-by-step photographs that guide you through the process, so you'll never have to worry about how your projects will come out.Filled with easy-to-follow instructions for 50 imaginative ideas, DIY Bedroom Decor helps you transform your current space into the bedroom of your dreams!

    And most of them only take an afternoon! Whether it’s a casual carryall or a ritzy, patent leather clutch, the envy of your friends is only a few hours away. Why break the bank for a designer bag when you can easily make your own unique fashion statement? In Simply Sublime Bags, you’ll find 30 do-it-yourself, clever and affordable handbag projects—all of which require little to no sewing. With inventive methods of construction (like duct-taped reinforced interiors and iron fusing), these hip handbags, totes, and clutches have all the looks that bag-lovers want—the shine of patent leather, Chanel-style chain straps, or even funky logos—and each can be personalized to your own taste. The materials are easy to find in hardware, home, office supply, and fabric stores—sometimes even in your own closet!Bags include:• Charmed, I’m Sure—brightly colored vinyl makeup bags with vintage plastic charm zipper pulls• Keyhole Clutch—pink-and-white houndstooth fabric lined with duct tape, with keyhole cutouts for handles• Shower Curtain Tote—you guessed it, a funky fabric tote made from a shower curtain• Nights in Black Satin—an elegant evening clutch made from satin ribbon stapled together and adorned with a rhinestone earring claspDay to evening, totes to clutches, and everything in between, Simply Sublime Bags has something for every occasion. The results? Simply sublime!

    A Christmas-inspired color palette and lovable designs combine to create a festive and fun collection of over 35 projects with ideas for the entire home from the kitchen to children's bedrooms - readers will be able to spread Christmas joy throughout their house. Easy-to-follow instructions, stunning photography and delightful illustrations accompany each project, making it an ideal title for beginning sewers to more advanced stitchers looking for a festive spin.

    Walker, this book contains 380 Mosaic designs--each photographed and charted--including 116 brand new, never-before-published Magic Mosaics.

    Simply by applying a few easy sewing, darning, felting, or crocheting techniques, as well as some sashiko and other favorite embroidery stitches, you can repair your favorite pieces in a transformative way. These techniques don't just save you money, but make your life more joyful, fulfilling and sustainable in an age of disposable "fast fashion." Author Noriko Misumi teaches you her philosophy of mending and reusing items based on the age-old Japanese concepts of mindfulness and Wabi Sabi (an appreciation of old and imperfect things). In her book, she shows you how to: Repair any kind of fabric that is torn, ripped or stained-whether knitted or woven Work with damaged flat or curved surfaces to make them aesthetically pleasing again Create repairs that blend in, as well as bold or whimsical visible repairs Darn your handmade or expensive gloves, sweaters and socks to make them look great again The joy to be found in working with your hands and the personal artistry you discover within yourself lie at the heart of this book. While nothing lasts forever, there's pleasure, as well as purpose, in appreciating age and imperfection. Joyful Mending allows you to surround yourself with the things that truly give you joy, whether they were given to you by a loved one, picked up in your travels or simply have a special place in your heart.