Crafts & Hobbies

This book offers simple techniques and sophisticated, 100 per cent natural soaps that please the eye and the environment. The melt-and-pour method offers readers a safe and accessible way to make soaps at home without investing in elaborate tools or supplies and author Rebecca Ittner's friendly, you-can-too writing style invites both the novice and the aficionado to delve into the world of soapmaking. The eco-friendly, animal-free ingredients featured in each project span a delicious range from oatmeal, lavender, sweet almond butte... read more

Furoshiki is the ancient Japanese custom of wrapping objects in a piece of cloth, and as we all become more eco-aware, the tradition has had a rather deservedly modern revival. Rather than using unnecessary plastic bags for shopping or wrapping gifts in throw-away paper, furoshiki allows us to wrap and carry clothes, gifts, food and much more in a variety of beautiful cloths that can be reused time after time. The book starts with the four basic knots and then explains the various folding methods that can be used according to the s... read more

This comprehensive, one-of-a-kind sourcebook is now revised and expanded with 32 additional pages. Ideal for architects, landscape designers and home crafters, it features authoritative text and beautiful photographs that explore classic and new mosaic materials, designs, tools and techniques. The book opens with a section on techniques used in designing, making and installing pebble mosaics, including information on patterns, mosaics for frost-prone areas, how to pre-cast a mosaic, computer-aided patterns and unusual materials. ... read more

From Greenland to Bali, from the Ukraine to France, beadwork from all around the world is illustrated and its history revealed in this remarkable book, newly available in paperback. After an introduction and an in-depth survey of bead manufacturing centres in Europe and Asia, the book is organized into five principal sections, with over forty topics in all. With more than 600 illustrations, information on collecting and conserving beadwork, and on where to see public collections, this survey reveals as never before the wealth and d... read more

You want to keep your baby stylish and safe all year round, and with "The Big Book of Kids' Knits" you can do just that. Choose from a huge range of irresistible designs including everything from Cashmere bootees and a Pirate sweater to the heavenly Starlight blanket to help your little treasure dream the night away. As well as cosy clothing, "The Big Book of Kids' Knits" provides you with great ideas for decorating the nursery, including knitted toys, party flags and colourful play cubes for softer seating. All skill levels are ac... read more

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Offers colourful and imaginative children's clothes to sew, designed with kids in mind. This collection of patterns offers step-by-step instructions for making boy's and girl's clothing with a variety of fabric styles and decorative embellishments - including embroidery, patchwork, and trims.

A collection of quilt designs using layer cakes, jelly rolls, charm packs and fat-eighth bundles. It includes 14 delighful projects, varying from lap quilts to full-sized, that show you how to get the most from pre-cut fabric bundles.

This is a project book with a focus on easy techniques and low-cost materials; each project uses just 3 fabrics to create attractive, contemporary designs. It features quilts made with simple squares and rectangles, and strip piecing, two of the quickest and easiest ways to assemble quilts. Foolproof approach includes random designs that are hard to mess up, and the 12 designs use larger blocks than those found in most quilting titles. It includes all basic techniques such as rotary cutting, pressing and quilting and a DVD to compr... read more

Feltmaking is the magical transformation of a loose pile of wool fi bers into a durable, alluring nonwoven fabric. An ancient process that continues to work its wonder on modern artisans and crafters, feltmaking produces a flannel-like fabric with a tactile appeal like nothing else. How is this fabric alchemy accomplished? The feltmaker adds a little soap and water to the wool, presses the fibers until they tangle together and hold the shape of cloth, and then vigorously works, or fulls, the cloth until it shrinks and strengthens... read more

Capelets, cowls, and collars-whether in a chunky knit or dainty lace-have been storming the runways for the past few seasons, but knitting books have been slow to pick up the trend. This collection of 25 knitted projects is the first to focus exclusively on beautifying the neck and shoulders. There are romantic capelets that float and flutter about, bold collars, and high-drama cowls that frame the face when worn slipped over the head or that drape elegantly when pushed down. With these projects-done up in a variety of yarns with s... read more

Whether you love vintage prints, classic spots and stripes or colourful florals, you'll be inspired by the simple and versatile patchwork projects in Everything Patchwork. Using the patterns as a guide, mix-and-match your favourite fabrics with buttons, ribbons and lace to create unique accessories for friends and family. What better way to customise tea cosies, quilted throws, cushions and fabric grocery bags? These step-by-step projects using simple shapes and stitches will delight both beginners and seasoned patchwork experts. B... read more

"Do you browse through vintage or retro clothes at flea markets and wish you had the knack to breathe new life into the dated frocks, skirts and smocks?br / Whether you've been trotting out in vintage forever, or you've come late to the vintage trend, quality vintage pieces are a modern staple of every woman's wardrobe for their unique beauty and flair. But how do you find the best vintage pieces, or know them when you see them? And how can you customise and wear them, without looking dated?br / Crafter, fashionista and vintage vix... read more

From pink cotton dresses with embroidered hems to bibs with bright motifs and stripy blankets, "Made in France: Cross-Stitch and Embroidery for Babies, Toddlers and Children" will inspire readers with its unique collection of embroidery and cross-stitch projects in the finest French style. With all the projects tailored to suit babies and young children, this book is the perfect gift for expectant mothers or friends and family. Making these affordable gifts is possible for beginners and accomplished crafters alike following the ste... read more

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Craft has seen a huge resurgence in recent years. This book showcases the new wave of cool crafting quirky, cutting-edge, craft-based artwork, often called Indie Craft or D.I.Y. craft. While the methods and disciplines are often traditional such as embroidery, crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, tapestry, needle felt and plush toy making the finished results are very different. Indie craft is contemporary, sometimes controversial, sometimes kitsch, ironic or humorous, often blurring the lines between art and craft. Work includes tatto... read more

Contains 35 easy-to-follow projects for making statement jewellery pieces that will look stunning and elegant. This book works through 35 projects in photographic step by step, showing how to choose and use one-offs and groups of stones and beads in jewelled pieces, many with variations and additional ideas.

Step into the imaginative and inventive world of mosaics with authors Liz Atkins-Hood and Joy Bell. This truly inspirational book will fire up your creative spirit. Innovative ideas and designs using a wide range of media and the latest techniques. Includes over 150 beautiful photographs and a fun, passionate text to inspire both the beginner and experienced mosaic artist. Step-by-step guide to individual projects, along with tips and techniques to help readers with their own creative ideas. Mosaic art is perhaps the ultimate... read more

Japanese craft books are loved the world over for their beautiful and practical design, unique aesthetic, and their clear, meticulous and educational instruction. Translated into English for the first time, Girls Style Book contains 24 projects for gorgeous dresses, blouses, outfits and accessories for girls aged 4–10. The easy-to-follow instructions are accompanied by detailed diagrams, gorgeous full-colour photographs and full-sized pattern sheets. Japanese Craft books are hugely popular, with hundreds of blogs and online cra... read more

The best way to find a t-shirt that suits you to a T is to make one! Popular craft personality Cathie Filian has dreamed up more than 101 ways to embellish, customize, and transform the everyday t-shirt into something truly fashionable. Beginners will find Cathie's projects wonderfully easy and creative - and the 10 technique-themed chapters give crafters plenty to choose from. Just take a shirt of any type - from crew neck to long-sleeved - and cut and stitch, embroider, paint, dye, image transfer, or add rhinestones, ribbons, and... read more