This book combines everything held dear to the author's heart in a single volume - embroidery, writing, artwork, history and books. Her beautifully executed creations combine myriad materials, including hand-stitched threads, glued papers, fabrics, fibres, paints and beads, and are presented here as a series of 'altered books', each representing a chapter that follows on from the last, and each exploring one of the major themes of the book, including textiles, stitches, clothing and accessories. Historical facts are ingeniously interwoven with contemporary renditions of ancient artworks, bringing to life the ancient skills of Celtic, Viking and Anglo-Saxon women, and celebrating the centuries-old tradition of embroidery in England that has served as a foundation for present-day excellence.

"With a different and delightfully practical approach to a traditional and time-honored subject, Jan Messent shows you how to create portraits in stitch. There are simple instructions for shaping and padding different-angled heads, creating faces, adding features and stitching the hair and garments, as well as explorations of the most suitable fabrics, stitches, threads and embellishments to use. Within this book you will discover a host of personalities, including a mysterious white Edwardian lady, the formidable Bess of Hardwicke and a 'book-box' that opens to reveal exquisite renditions of Cinderella and Prince Charming. All of Jan's portraits are filled with character and charm, and have a timeless appeal that will enthral and excite textile artists and embroiderers alike"--Dust jacket cover.

A Heritage of Colour explores the techniques that can be used to create a wealth of colours from 50 plants, including many that have been in constant use as dyes for over 2000 years. Inspired by the colours on textile fragments from the Iron Age and by the achievements of early dyers, the author describes some of the dyes and methods of the past and considers how they can be adapted for use by today's dyers. The book covers all the basics of natural dyeing and explains in detail how to experiment with local plants, wherever you may live, to produce a wide range of beautiful, rich colours on textile fibres. A Heritage of Colour also includes sections on dyeing with fungi, contact printing on cloth and dyeing multi-coloured fibres and fabrics. The emphasis throughout is on environmentally-friendly methods and on the thrill of personal discovery through practical experience. Follow Jenny's blog on http://www.jennydean.co.uk/

This archaeological study of textiles and costume considers all aspects of early Anglo-Saxon clothing-how textiles were made in the early Anglo-Saxon settlements, how the cloth was fashioned into garments and the nature of the clasps and jewellery with which the clothes were worn. Drawing on the author's 38 years of experience, and a database of 3,800 finds, it includes a review of the primary evidence from 162 Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, where small fragments of the dead's clothes have been preserved with brooches, pins and necklaces. Regional styles of dress, the social and cultural meaning behind changing fashions, the role of women in textile production, and Scandinavian and Continental influences help to place the study in its broader historical and archaeological context. The volume is amply illustrated with line drawings of craft processes and reconstructions of individual costumes.

Now in its third edition, History 5-11 aims to make teaching about the past exciting and stimulating for both teachers and children. Focusing on the English National Curriculum for History (2013), and with an emphasis on the importance of learning about the past through the processes of historical enquiry, History 5-11 contains case studies, lesson planning guidance and methods to develop pupils‘ historical understanding. It offers creative and innovative ways to teach the subject of history, refreshing teachers‘ confidence in teaching the 2013 curriculum, and is illustrated by new case studies and research. This fully updated third edition includes: References to the 2013 National Curriculum, its aims and purposes, and its content and processes for Key Stages 1 & 2 Guidance on making local, national and global connections between societies over time Planning for assessment and progression New research and illustrative case studies New sections on local history and links to oracy Updates to all existing chapters Reflection on practice and research: undergraduate, Masters level and PhD. This textbook is an invaluable resource to all trainee and practising primary teachers interested in teaching history in an accessible, dynamic and above all, enjoyable way.

This hugely successful Christmas favourite has been completely reworked for modern knitters. The pieces have all been knitted in today's yarns, taking advantage of the variety of sparkling and novelty yarns now available, and the nativity scene has been recreated and photographed using Jan Messent's excellent patterns and instructions. The nativity scene is small enough to be manageable yet large enough for many people to have a hand in its making, from the older, more experienced knitter to the youngest beginner; there is even a yarn wrapping activity for young fingers (the making of the stable wall), making this the perfect project for a school, church, knitting group, family or community. The materials needed are simple and inexpensive; the knitted figures and items are assembled using box card, and the patterns allow for individual interpretation in the yarn and stitch patterns. The knitting patterns are clearly presented and there is plenty of advice on all the knitting processes. Full patterns, diagrams and drawings show how to make the stable and stars, Mary, Joseph, the infant and manger, an ox, donkey and sheep, shepherds, an angel, children and wise men. Knit and assemble your own beautiful nativity scene to be enjoyed for years to come.

The analysis of silk is a fascinating topic for research in itself but here, focusing on the 9th and 10th centuries, Marianne Vedeler takes a closer look at the trade routes and the organization of production, trade and consumption of silk during the Viking Age. Beginning with a presentation of the silk finds in the Oseberg burial, the richest Viking burial find ever discovered, the other silk finds from high status graves in Scandinavia are discussed along with an introduction to the techniques used to produce raw silk and fabrics. Later chapters concentrate on trade and exchange, considering the role of silk items both as trade objects and precious gifts, and in the light of coin finds. The main trade routes of silk to Scandinavia along the Russian rivers, and comparable Russian finds are described and the production and regulation of silk in Persia, early Islamic production areas and the Byzantine Empire discussed. The final chapter considers silk as a social actor in various contexts in Viking societies compared to the Christian west.

Normandy 1067---William may have conquered England, but it is a conquest of a different kind that one English earl has in mind. Fresh from his defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy has returned home in triumph, accompanied by the English nobles he cannot trust to leave behind. For Waltheof of Huntington, however, rebellion is not at the forefront of his thoughts. From the moment he catches sight of Judith, daughter of the King's formidable sister, he knows he has found his future wife. When Waltheof saves Judith's life, it is clear that the attraction is mutual. But marriage has little to do with love in medieval Europe. When William refuses to let the couple wed, Waltheof joins forces with his fellow rebels in an uprising against the King. William brutally crushes the rebellion, but realizes that Waltheof cannot be ignored. Marrying him to his niece, he decides, is the perfect way to keep him in check. But is the match between the Saxon earl and Norman lady made in heaven or hell? As their children grow, Waltheof and Judith must choose between their feelings for each other and older loyalties. At the same time, the reputation of Waltheof's Norman acquaintance Simon de Senlis continues to flourish. The son of William's chamberlain, he shares a special bond with Waltheof, who rescued him from being trampled by a horse when he was a squire. Now Simon enjoys the confidence of both the King and the rebel earl. And when tension between the two ignites once more, it is Simon who is set to reap the reward. Based on an astonishing true story of honor, treachery, and love, The Winter Mantle is historical fiction at its very best, reaching from the turbulent reign of William the conqueror to the high drama of the Crusades.

"Blending historical facts and an absorbing account concentrating on the practical aspects of creating such a mammoth piece of art, this survey examines the mysteries behind a centuries-old artifact, the Bayeux Tapestry. Through vividly detailed illustrations impeccably true to the piece's intricately worked characters and elements, this volume offers a thoughtful envisioning of the stories of the women involved in embroidering the piece--their identities, materials, methods, organization, working conditions, and venues. Incorporating a sketchbook feel that evokes a sense of a work in process, the chronicle pieces together an extensively researched and colorful narrative that helps place the famous embroidery in a plausible context. The author's reconstruction of the final eight feet that are missing from the tapestry will be of particular interest to embroiderers."--Publisher's description.