This sourcebook of stitching techniques, together with twenty projects demonstrating how to use them, helps you to become your own textile designer, stitching fabric into fresh, new forms by hand and machine. Techniques covered include pleating, pintucking, cording, quilting, embroidery, appliqué, hand-stitch marks and smocking. Stitch magic is the ideal reference for anyone who has basic knowledge of sewing but wants to branch out into creating his or her own textiles.

'Stitch Magic' is an animated celebration of the magic of hand stitching by two internationally renowned embroiderers. Using the wide range of fabrics, threads and materials now available, Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn give aspiring and knowledgeable embroiderers alike the inspiration to experiment with the basic hand stitches to create infinite stitch interpretations. Over 100 sumptuous photographs of stitched pieces introduce a breathtaking range of new work by the authors as well as stitching from different cultures and a selection of other contemporary work. These examples are accompanied by detailed captions explaining the working methods. Complete with stitch diagrams showing the different design applications of the stitches and a comprehensive glossary, this is a colourful sourcebook of ideas for embroiderers wanting to exploit the compelling texture of stitch.

Splice Magic is a groundbreaking quilting technique by Tiffany Hayes of Needle in a Hayes Stack. Tiffany Hayes, together with Kristie J. Smith and a host of friends, created a pattern book of 10 quilts to showcase the Splice Magic technique. The book is sponsored by Stitchin' Heaven, in Quitman, TX.

Explore personal transformation through the stitching of dreams and intentions. Anything but ordinary, Mystical Stitches combines the beloved and accessible craft of embroidery with a spiritual element, introducing a rich treasury of 200 magical symbols you can use to set an intention and create personal icons to wear or embellish items in the home. Christi Johnson offers unique patterns inspired by botanicals, animals, numbers, the cosmos, earth elements, zodiac signs, and mythical beasts, for novice or well-practiced crafters to combine into talismans with personal meaning. Johnson’s folk art style is vibrant and unintimidating and provides a framework for bringing spiritual elements into physical form.

â??Hand Sewing Magic is an essential reference for all things stitching, including how-tos for dozens of stitches, sewing and mending basics, stunning embroidered embellishments, and fun, creative projects. Discover the pleasures of slow stitching as Lynn Krawczyk shows you how to enjoy the meditative and mindful process of stitching by hand. Stitching and embroidery are great ways to add color, texture, and interest to all kinds of textiles, and you’ll see how easy it is to develop a distinctive style. After mastering a variety of stitches, apply them to imaginative projects, such as a boro sketchbook cover, a stuffed toy bunny, a wabi sabi neck scarf, and an embroidered square bowl. Even experienced sewers and embroiderers will learn how to transfer patterns, ideas for organizing and caring for thread, differences in thread types, and great troubleshooting tips. Hand Sewing Magic is a modern, all-in-one guide for hand stitchers of all levels of skill and experience, and for all applications. In this unique guide book you will: Get an in-depth overview of essential tools and materials, including thread, needles, fabric, and other key supplies. Explore a comprehensive visual dictionary of 35 stitches, plus dozens of variations, including basic mending, stylish decorative embellishments, and unique art stitching. Discover key techniques, such as starting and ending threads, the correct way to use an embroidery hoop, stitching curved shapes, color shading, and more. Gain confidence in your stitching and embroidery skills as you try new techniques. Learn essential tips and tricks from influential and innovative stitchers, including Joanne Sharpe, Allison Aller, and Catherine Redford. Use stitches and techniques in unique ways for 10 simple and stunning projects. With Hand Sewing Magic, you’ll make the most of your hand stitching and give all your projects a beautiful handmade look.

Let the magic of Christmas inspire your stitching with these 20 cross stitch patterns, blending the traditional style of France with a charming contemporary simplicity. Many of the designs include multiple scenes and motifs, offering you hundreds of components to use in a myriad of ways. The elements of a cross-stitched Christmas are all here: wintry scenes, Father Christmas, toys, sparkling decorations, and children enjoying the anticipation! Along with the patterns, enjoy instructions for projects to show off your stitchwork, like a Christmas stocking, a gorgeous Advent calendar, gift cards, and a holiday ABC sampler. Scattered throughout are spirit-inspiring activities and holiday lore, like what the real Santa Claus Village in Finland is like, how the department store window display tradition began, and a recipe for German Christmas cookies.

Read from front to back, 77 p. section includes pop-ups, flip books, and paper folding. Read from back to front, 69 p. section includes items with hidden aspects, accordion folding, and snap wallets.

From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman and master knitter Lisa Hoffman comes Faerie Knitting, a magical melding of words and yarn where the ordinary is turned into the extraordinary and where imagination becomes creation. The magic of storytelling and the magic of knitting—woven together in 14 original patterns inspired by each story. “How fairy tales are told and remembered has a great deal in common with knitting traditions. It is no mistake that we describe storytelling as knitting a tale, or weaving a story, or spinning a yarn.”—Alice Hoffman, from the Introduction of Faerie Knitting Featuring fourteen original fairy tales, Faerie Knitting is an entrancing collection of stories of love and loss, trust and perseverance. Seamlessly woven into the plot of each tale is a magical garment or accessory inspired by the bravery and self-reliance of the tale’s heroine and brought to life through an imaginative and bespoke knit pattern. From the Blue Heron Shawl and the Love Never Ending Cowl, to the Three Wishes Mittens and Amulet Necklace, each project is as wearable as it is magical. Lush, atmospheric photography captures the enchanted faerie domain while beautifully rendered charts and instructions are well suited for beginner and advanced knitters alike. Presented in an elegant linen case with foil accents that evoke the fairy tale tradition, Faerie Knitting is a rare gift for creators—and lovers—of magic.

Stitch for a greener future with this stunning collection of environment and nature focused designs from leading cross stitch designer Emma Congdon. Whether it’s a plea to save the bees, clean up the oceans, appreciate nature, or unplug from technology, this celebration of the green movement in thread will remind us of the need to come together to build a brighter future, one stitch at a time. Emma's iconic designs are universally loved by her fans who have bought over 40,000 of her patterns on Etsy, and who have set up a dedicated fan group on Facebook, where they share their work in progress and proud finishes. This collection features 20 exclusive designs, each with an easy-to-read full colour and symbol chart. Alongside the designs, Emma shares her thoughts and inspirations for each one, with a detailed materials list and instructions for stitching. Beginners to cross stitch will find a helpful guide to the stitches and techniques used – and the beauty of cross stitch is that if you can sew one cross you can sew all these designs! The designs range in size from mini hoops to larger scale samplers, so there are options to suit everyone – and they all share Emma's skill with colour, typography and design which have made her one of the world's best-loved cross stitch designers. Sentiments include: We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children Pardon the weeds, we're feeding the bees Leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time Live gently on the Earth Never underestimate the difference you make The Earth has music for those who listen All good things are wild and free Take care of the Earth and she will take care of you Between two pines is a doorway to a new world The world is full of magic Cross Stitch for the Earth is printed on FSC paper, is recyclable, and every purchase includes a donation to Friends of the Earth, an environmental campaigning community dedicated to the wellbeing and protection of the natural world.

Create a suave high-flying rhino, a lovesick elephant who knows her way around a kitchen, and a seriously chivalrous tiger . . . With just two weeks to go before her baby Edward’s due date, yarn enthusiast Kerry Lord picked up a crochet hook for the first time, and a new obsession began. Over the next twelve months, the collection of crochet animals expanded week by week until Edward’s Menagerie was complete—with forty unique patterns. These cute animals with larger-than-life personalities are made using simple crochet techniques, and the step-by-step instructions enable a complete beginner to get hooking straight away. Each animal also has a universal pattern, allowing crocheters to change their hooks and yarns to create four different sizes, making for 160 different possibilities. Be warned—these unlikely characters, made using a super-soft yarn in a sumptuous natural color palette, will become your new best friends as you hook your way through the whole menagerie!