15 projects inspired by the beauty of simple elements of European style. From the author of the best-seller, The Gentle Art of Domesticity. Stunning, scenic photography throughout this hardbound book. Instructions are written with a warm and inviting tone. Design tips will help you build confidence and learn how to discover extraordinary ideas in ordinary things. Jane Brockett has the knack for turning the simple into the sublime. She shares her personal experience with you every step of the way--from her dreams about days gone by, through the search for the perfect fabrics, to how she designs a quilt to convey a mood or sentiment. The photos of her quilts in delightful natural settings make you want to step right into the picture. Jane's instructions are descriptive and straightforward; quilters and non-quilters alike will be enticed and enchanted by every project.

Create totally unique quilts for family and friends Stunning inspirational photography throughout Discover how to quilt and design with confidence The Gentle Art of Quilt-Making is a charming, inspirational and practical collection of 15 quilts for would-be quilters by leading author Jane Brocket. There’s a Russian Shawl Quilt, inspired by traditional motifs of Russian folk art, a Floral Frocks Quilt inspired by summer dresses, flower gardens and herbaceous borders and a Suits and Ties Quilt reusing sober woollen suiting contrasting with extravagant silk ties designed in an Irish Chain. Finally, a practical section covers all the knowledge you’ll need – from chainpiecing, hand-quilting and sandwiching to binding, storage and caring for your quilt. Armed with the design tools, you can embark on your quilting journey and begin creating your own personal masterpiece.

With an emphasis on Jane Brocket's 'gentle' approach to craft, this book celebrates the simple act and very enjoyable pleasures of stitching. In a collection of more than 40 projects, Jane will show you how to make simple, stylish, and eye-catching pieces for your home. Whatever you choose to make, from quilts and samplers to needlepoint pin cushions and stitched greetings cards, Jane's unique take on stitching will ensure that the creative process is as enjoyable as seeing the finished object. The author's text and photographs outline her inspiration for each project, and includes her top tips on the best places to find fabrics, ribbon, buttons and everything else you need to create beautiful, gentle stitching. With techniques as varied as Japanese Sashiko, kantha quilting, traditional cross stitch and modern day 'crinoline ladies’, there is something here for every keen stitcher. Word count: 50,000

An exciting new title from the leading quilt author, Quilt Me! celebrates Jane Brocket’s liberated, joyous, colourful approach to quilting using wonderful fabrics and simple shapes and patterns to create stunning effects. Taking ‘inspirational fabrics’ as its starting point, the book explores not only the designs available in cotton, made-for-the-market quilt/patchwork fabrics, but also moves into a new realm of alternative fabrics that can be used to make beautiful, practical, usable quilts. It is as if a quilt-maker has walked into the haberdasher’s of her dreams and has explored the many possibilities that traditional fabrics offer, fabrics such as ticking, linen, gingham, tweed, tartan, suiting, shirting, velvet, silk and calico. With clear instructions for a fantastic variety of quilts, Quilt Me! recreates the excitement, known to all quilters, of rummaging through a new stash of fabrics. The author describes the joy to be found in a wonderful colour scheme, design or pattern, as well as the aesthetic and practical advantages of making the most of what we find in traditional fabric shops and in our textile heritage, finding alternatives to quilt cottons, and casting a new eye over fabrics made for other purposes such as clothes, curtains, upholstery and interior decoration.

Complemented by four hundred full-color photographs, a visual feast, celebrating everything that is wonderful about life and the domestic arts, explains how to apply a wide variety of practical skills in a creative way to transform the home, covering everything from needlework and cooking to gardening and homemaking.

In this updated edition of best-selling Intuitive Color & Design, Jean's workshop assignments get your creative juices flowing, giving you challenges to expand your quilting horizons. Start by learning to see line and color; study the nuts and bolts of design; develop your color work and composition; and when you get stuck, there's expert advice on problem solving. Design and piece spectacular, free-form quilts you'd never have guessed you could create!

This collection of poems that tell the story of the quilt-making community in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, is now available as a Dragonfly paperback. For generations, the women of Gee’s Bend have made quilts to keep a family warm, as a pastime accompanied by sharing and singing, or to memorialize loved ones. Today, the same quilts hang on museum walls as modern masterpieces of color and design. Inspired by these quilts and the women who made them, award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack traveled to Alabama to learn their stories. The lyrical rite-of-passage narrative that is the result of her journey seamlessly weaves together the familial, cultural, spiritual, and historical strands of life in this community.

A real return to the timeless, unchanging qualities of knitting – knitting to clothe, protect, wrap, comfort, enhance and insulate for all seasons. The aim here is show off the beauty of the stitch, the real joy and intimacy of knitting, and to emphasise that the slow, meditative, unhurried creative process counts just as much as the end product. Jane offers 40 patterns for knitting simple, honest, projects that are practical, easy to knit, easy to wear and use, and made with beautiful fibres in gorgeous colours inspired by nature’s own comforts. Notes and photographs illustrate the author’s diverse sources of inspiration for each project, whether it is a beautiful flower in her garden, a favourite wine or a treasured book. From a Plaited Bread Cabled Blanket and Fabergé Egg Cosies to a String of Purls Cushion and a Chanel-style bag, Jane’s designs are knits that you will want to stay around. This inspirational and instructive book – with knits for you, your home, your life – will be a true pleasure to explore.

How to get from "start" to "art" Make treasured art quilts from bits of cloth, stitched motifs, and painted details. Dip your toes into the world of art quilting with mixed-media techniques, practice exercises, checklists, and work-along projects presented using 8 design guides. This visual, step-by-step guide will help you unlock your own artistic vision as you quilt in a series, finish small art pieces, and incorporate meaningful symbols into your work. • Tap into your creative muse! Art quilt inspiration, techniques, and checklists presented in 8 easy-to-use design guides • Uncomplicated, visual guide to fabric collage with practice pieces to help you gain expertise • Tell your own artistic story with colors, materials, and beloved symbols

“With its diverse selection of fabrics and designs, A Quilting Life is a fine pick for any quilter looking to produce family-oriented keepsake results.” —The Needlecraft Shelf Bring the handmade tradition home with these charming quilts and home accessories. Inspired by a grandmother who loved to sew for her family, quilter and blogger Sherri McConnell gives traditional patterns like hexagons, stars, snowballs, and Dresden Plates a new look featuring fabrics by some of today’s most popular designers. Nineteen cozy projects include pillows, tote bags, table runners, and larger quilts—quick and easy designs that make great gifts. “Sherri’s book is a treasure! It’s full of fun and straight-forward patterns for quilts, table toppers, pillows, bags and more—all the goodies to make a cozy home.” —Thimbleanna “Would you like the opportunity to make tomorrow’s heirlooms in today’s vast selection of prints? . . . If so, this could be the reference book that will get you started. There are 19 projects, mainly focusing on handmade household items but including some larger quilts too.” —Fabrications Quilting for You “Beautiful inspiration if you are a seasoned quilter, but also a great resource with clear and in some cases, simple patterns for newbies as well.” —Diary of a Quilter “Color photos of finished needlework projects accompany step-by-step diagrams and assembly patterns, while at-a-glance sidebars covering materials and cutting allow needleworkers to gauge the complexity of each project.” —The Needlecraft Shelf