Resurrecting the art of applique--a technique in which pieces of fabric are sewn onto clothing, bags, quilts, and other creations--this enlightening resource provides today's generation of "sewists" with a technique that can be combined with embroidery, beadwork, buttons, ribbons, and more to imbue works with a creative and personal style. Ideal for those with some sewing experience looking to break away from the restrictions of traditional patterns, this guide offers the details for both hand and machine applique techniques, as well as a history of applique and how it was rediscovered in the fiber arts. Featured are 20 modern, stylish sewing projects ranging from aprons, skirts, pillows, and totes to a duvet cover, wall clock, blouse, baby quilt, and scarf. With step-by-step instructions, color photographs, and comprehensive how-to embroidery instructions, this is an all-in-one resource and guide.

Bring joy, creativity & learning to your sewing with fabulous kid-friendly projects! Meg McElwee puts her signature sewing style into gorgeous children's clothes and creative activity-focused designs. From simple clothing to toys, Growing Up Sew Liberated is packed with innovative, playful sewing patterns. Follow the structure of a child's day with 20 projects including: Getting up and getting dressed: comfortable clothing patterns such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and pocket pants. Homemaking and cooking: projects for engaging children in helping around the house and for in the kitchen, such as aprons, bibs, and placemats. Playtime: indoor and outdoor activities are celebrated with dolls, a cape, a satchel, and a tent. Bedtime: snuggle in for a night in cozy pj's and a sleep sack. Meg adds in suggestions for projects and adventures for kids and adults to explore together and tasks that children can accomplish on their own. Includes a techniques section, how-to photos, extra tips and tricks, and a bonus full-size pattern section, Growing Up Sew Liberated collects designs, activities, and ideas that are perfect for adding creativity into the daily life of sewists, children, and families.

This sewing guide reveals a breakthrough method to simplify learning stitches of all kinds, with more than 100 stitches from the simple to the fanciful. As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. But when Natalie Chanin and her teams at Alabama Chanin and The School of Making began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid systems. They also discovered that learning new stitches—even elaborate ones—became simple and easy when using grids as guides. In The Geometry of Hand-Sewing Chanin presents their breakthrough method, featuring illustrated instructions (for both right- and left-handed stitchers) for more than 100 stitches—from the basic straight and chain to complex feather and herringbone. Photos of both right and wrong sides are included, as well as guidelines for modifying stitches to increase one’s repertoire further. The book also offers downloads for two stitching cards with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. These printable cards can be used as stencils for transferring grids to fabric.

28 projects seamlessly merge stitching, sustainability, and resourcefulness with simple, clean design Advancements in technology have increased the pace of our lives. As a response, a vibrant Do It Yourself movement has risen to reclaim age old traditions that reconnect us to slower and simpler times. A sewing renaissance has been set in motion at a time in history when economic instability and an awareness of the importance of using sustainable resources is peaking. With this in mind, award-winning blogger Maya Donenfeld offers a guide to working with her favorite recycled materials. You’ll find linen, burlap, wool and more with details on their history, deconstruction techniques, sewing tips, and information about their environmental impact. Reinventing everyday materials into extraordinary items of beauty and utility for the modern home and family will excite new and experienced sewers alike. To add an element of personalization, Maya draws on her experience leading print workshops to share easy methods for transforming gently-used fabric with paint and ink. Stenciling templates and thorough instructions are provided, as well as encouragement to invent your own designs. Stories, a favorite recipe, and nature activity are tucked between and around the projects to offer the reader an invitation to slow down, and create with intention.

This sewing book shows you how to create your own feminine wardrobe, full of super-cute dresses and tops. The clothing features wonderful, exaggerated bows and elegant frills to give you a uniquely feminine look. There are three themed chapters—town, party, and resort—containing stylish clothes to take you effortlessly from the city to the beach. The visual, stepby- step instructions are easy to follow, and will enable you to make any of the 21 projects with ease. A paper pattern is included in the back of the book.

Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses is Gretchen Hirsch’s modern reinvention of a simple idea, focusing on easily mastered sewing skills, minimal pattern pieces, and fabulous designs. “Gretchen ‘Gertie’ Hirsch is a passionate home seamstress, a sought-after sewing teacher, and the creator of one of the web’s most popular sewing blogs.” —Creativebug In the ‘50s and ‘60s, Simplicity released their popular line of Jiffy sewing patterns, which had minimal pattern pieces and simple constructions, yet were chic enough for fashion-conscious customers. This approach appeals now more than ever to stylish women who are continuously looking for ways to fit their love of sewing into busy lives packed with family, work, school, and countless other obligations. With the lessons offered here, you can make a Popover Dress, Chemise Dress, Swirl Dress, Boatneck Dress, and Patio Dress. Everything you need is included: pattern maps, finished garment measurements, and more. And the best part? Readers will end up with a sparkling wardrobe of easy-to-wear, fun-to-style dresses that will fill busy modern lives with retro charm. Chapters include: Supplies and Tools Fabrics Getting Ready to Sew Dress Construction: The Basics Dress Construction: Essential Skills Trims and Flourishes Fitting Hirsch writes in her introduction, “So why did I write this book? Because I want to show that it’s possible to cultivate real sewing skills without spending days or even weeks on a project. Sewing more projects means more practice!” The vintage aesthetic of these projects will appeal to beginner and expert crafters alike. They stand on their own as great examples of retro fashion. They aren’t just simple sewing projects. So, don’t wait. Start sewing! Includes color photographs and illustrations Also available: Gertie Sews Vintage Casual Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing Gertie’s New Fashion Sketchbook

Proving that the best things really do come in small packages, Kim Diehl shares 18 cute-as-can-be quilt designs in this delightful sequel to Simple Whatnots. Dig into your scrap bin, box, or basket, and get ready to have some quilting fun. And be sure to read Kim's expert advice sprinkled throughout as Extra Snippet tips to help your sewing time be even more enjoyable. Dozens of photos offer inspiration for displaying completed quilts on the wall, as table toppers, draped on a charming school desk or ladder--the options are plentiful! Layer these little showstoppers with your favorite antiques and collections to bring a bit of sparkle to even the smallest nooks in your home.

Presents a contemporary approach to the traditional Japanese silk-flower craft, sharing simplified methods that add user-friendly materials to silks in twenty diverse and customizable projects encompassing jewelry, fashion embellishments, ornaments, and home-décor items. Original.

Fresh from Japan, the much-anticipated collection of Nani Iro sewing patterns is finally available in English! Beloved by art fans and textile enthusiasts around the world, Nani Iro fabric has developed a cult following since the brand's inception by artist Naomi Ito in 2002. With their simple, yet artful design, the 18 garment patterns in this book showcase fluid movement and beautiful drape for signature Nani Iro style. You'll find instructions for stitching up a wardrobe of comfortable, flowy pieces that you'll look forward to wearing again and again, including The Basic Blouse, The Cocoon Dress, and The Everyday Jumpsuit. Inside, you'll find outfit inspiration for mixing and matching me-made pieces to create artistically layered outfits. Plus, take a behind-the-scenes look at the brand's studio in Osaka for glimpse at the studio team's favorite ways to style their Nani Iro pieces.

Drape Drape 2 is the follow-up to the cult Japanese draping book Drape Drape and the latest in the new series from Bunka Fashion College. Includes 14 stylish contemporary designs for tops, dresses, skirts, vests, and jackets, with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and diagrams that skilfully guide the reader through the draping process. With two full-scale patterns at the back, this book provides exciting design ideas and highly practical techniques for readers looking to continue exploring the art of draping.