Synopses & Reviews
Knowing how to sew allows you to mend garments and make up-to-the-minute fashions and soft furnishings inexpensively, as well as offering a great creative outlet.
The Ultimate Sewing Bible, which in its last edition sold over 40,000 copies, provides hundreds of illustrations and instructions that make the learning process simple. Divided into seven sections to cover each skill, it provides ample opportunities for variations that the more advanced stitcher will enjoy putting into play. From choosing the right machine and picking fabrics to reading dressmaking patterns and altering existing garments, from sewing simple napkins to constructing a slipcover, this stylish and contemporary guide covers it all including information on caring for and repairing your projects, and a glossary to every sewing term.
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Synopsis
Discover one of today's most popular crafts. Ultimate Beading Bible introduces beginners to all the basics: tools, techniques, and ready-made beads to buy. See how to make beads from scratch, create jewelry, use wirework on decorative items and cards, bead loom and weave, and add beads to needlework. Everything a novice needs to know is here.
Synopsis
This new title in the bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques you need to begin beading - all the main crafts that use beads have been brought together in one book. The first chapter takes a brief look at the different ways of working with beads and covers the tools and basic techniques you will need to get started, as well as taking a detailed look at the ready-made beads available and how they are best used.
The following chapter covers making beads in several different materials; although ready-made beads are easy to find, making your own can be very easy and is the ideal way to add a unique personal touch to your work. It also includes a section on using found materials as unusual beads. The chapter on bead jewellery covers basic jewellery making techniques and then moves on to threading ideas, and how to incorporate beads with different materials and techniques to make more unusual pieces. In the wirework chapter you will learn how to use wire and beads together for more than just jewellery - this section also covers ideas for decorative items and cardmaking. Bead looming and weaving are traditional techniques for creating closely beaded work, which can be used for everything from vintage-look decorative straps to ethnic bracelets. Beads can also be worked in to knitting and crochet projects as you work; all the basic techniques for doing this are included in chapter 5, along with some unusual beaded stitches to try. The final chapter on beaded embroiderycovers the different ways to combine beads and fabric or thread, from how to add a few random beads for a little sparkle to creating luxurious beaded fabrics or heavily beaded fringing.
Synopsis
This new title in the bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques you need to begin beading. All the main crafts that use beads have been brought together in one book. From materials, methods and jewellery projects, this book has you covered.
This new title in the bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques you need to begin beading - all the main crafts that use beads have been brought together in one book. The first chapter takes a brief look at the different ways of working with beads and covers the tools and basic techniques you will need to get started, as well as taking a detailed look at the ready-made beads available and how they are best used.
The following chapter covers making beads in several different materials; although ready-made beads are easy to find, making your own can be very easy and is the ideal way to add a unique personal touch to your work. It also includes a section on using found materials as unusual beads. The chapter on bead jewellery covers basic jewellery making techniques and then moves on to threading ideas, and how to incorporate beads with different materials and techniques to make more unusual pieces. In the wirework chapter you will learn how to use wire and beads together for more than just jewellery - this section also covers ideas for decorative items and cardmaking. Bead looming and weaving are traditional techniques for creating closely beaded work, which can be used for everything from vintage-look decorative straps to ethnic bracelets. Beads can also be worked in to knitting and crochet projects as you work; all the basic techniques for doing this are included in chapter 5, along with some unusual beaded stitches to try. The final chapter on beaded embroiderycovers the different ways to combine beads and fabric or thread, from how to add a few random beads for a little sparkle to creating luxurious beaded fabrics or heavily beaded fringing.
Synopsis
and#160;Beading is one of today's most popular craftsand#8212;and Ultimate Beading Bible shows you how to get in on the fun. It brings together all the main crafts that use beads in one fabulous book. Learn about all the basic tools and techniques and the variety of ready-made beads you can buy. See how to make your own beads from scratch, create unique jewelry, use beaded wirework on decorative items and cards, do bead looming and weaving, and add beads to knitting, crochet, and embroidery. You'll discover a new creative world to enjoy.
Synopsis
The latest fashion magazines are full of crocheted pieces, but beginning stitchers looking to tap into the trend might not know where to start. Ultimate Crochet Bible is the ideal guide for anyone casting the first time, but is also the definitive reference for more experienced practitioners who just need to brush up on a technique. Filled with more than 400 images, it explains exactly how to create garments, jewelry, accessories, and more, from the basic chain stitch to finishing touches like a picot trim. Additional topics include creating texture, structure and shaping, color work, and embellishments.
Synopsis
This is the one-stop resource for both beginning and accomplished stitchers alike! Itand#8217;s a definitive reference for all aspects of knitting, from the first stitch you cast on to the care and maintenance of your projects. Newcomers can learn every aspect of the art, including how to knit with color, make professional finishings, and adapt patterns. Experts will love its simple format, glossary and index, and find it handy for looking up old tricks and learning some valuable new ones, too. And, with more than 400 illustrations and diagrams to follow, readers will never drop a stitch. Knitters who find themselves in knots will find help in a troubleshooting section, and the more ambitious will find irresistible challenges in a chapter devoted to making their own designs.
Synopsis
Every quilter will want to own this comprehensive and accessible guide to machine and hand quilting, as well as patchwork and appliquand#233;.and#160; Each chapter is devoted to one key area of quilting, including basic skills, advanced techniques, embellishments, designing and adapting, caring for quilts and connections, and making a quilt top.With Marie Claytonand#8217;s wonderfully clear instructions, and hundreds of illustrations and diagrams showing each stage of the process, this will be the one resource needlecrafters turn to time and time again.
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Synopsis
Ultimate Papercraft Bible has everything you need to know to create beautiful paper projects, from tools, materials, and techniques to printing, coloring, and texturing. Learn how to design stunning cards; personalize gifts with handmade envelopes, giftwrap, and boxes; and put together a beautiful scrapbook. Instructions on decorative techniques, papier machand#233;, decoupage, quilling, and more make this an indispensable guide to all things paper.
Synopsis
Everything you wanted to know about drawing and painting . . . in one beautiful volume! The latest in the bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques of the masters in an easy-to-understand format. From tools and materials to a rich array of mediaand#8212;including watercolor, acrylics, oils, gouache, chroma color, and collageand#8212;this comprehensive reference covers it all. Attractive step-by-step photos, plus plenty of tips and hints, guide novices as they experiment with the most popular subjects for painting, and satisfy their creative urges.and#160;
Synopsis
The latest volume in the hugely successful Ultimate Bible series explains all the skills a woodworker needs, from selecting tools to joints and finishing.and#160; Furniture maker Ben Plewes and Good Woodworking consultant editor Phil Davy provide top tips from leading carpenters, along with step-by-step diagrams and instructions. For novices learning the basics or experienced woodworkers seeking a new detail, this book will be an indispensable reference.
About the Author
Marie Clayton is a professional writer who has worked on a variety of craft books, including Ultimate Sewing Bible and Make Your Own Clothes (both Collins and Brown). She currently lives in London.