Step-by-step guide to decorating cakes.

Shows how to create a variety of cool knitting projects, offering ratings of project difficulty as well as instruction in different needlecraft techniques.

A Batsford Craft Paperback

Building on the success of Jan Horrox's previous book, Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls, Jan's new book focuses on her exquisite fantasy dolls, including beautiful fairies, amazing mermaids, an enigmatic witch and a steampunk doll with attitude. These magical dolls are full of character and are amazingly easy to achieve with the help of this practical book. Step-by-step instructions are provided for all the basic techniques, including how to make the bodies, heads, arms, legs, hands and feet; how to make the hair; and how to needlesculpt and paint the exquisite faces to really bring your character to life. There are instructions for making webbed fingers, delicate fairy wings as well as a mermaid's tail, and there are three easy-to-follow projects to put all your newly acquired skills into practice. Jan encourages the reader to use their imagination and create dolls of their own, and the alternative designs that accompany each project show how easily this can be done simply by changing the faces, colours, fabrics and embellishments used.

General how-to instructions follow, emphasizing the actual crafting of two different types of hands and faces, well illustrated with color photographs. Tips, some helpful, some not-so, are scattered throughout in shaded boxes, ranging from a reminder to craft both right and left feet to the steps of sewing the ladder stitch. Then the dolls debut, each with a second variation.

Previously published as The Beginners Guide to Knitting (978-1-90397-583-1), this popular book has been given a completely new and updated look. Now in a handy small format that fits comfortably in a bag and wire-bound so that it lies open while you are working, it also has a useful fold-out flap at the back that provides a quick and easy reference to all the abbreviations used in the patterns. All the essential techniques are covered, including basic garter and stocking stitch, casting on and casting off, and increasing and decreasing, all clearly explained using step-by-step photographs and simple instructions. Alison's designs have a timeless appeal that will delight knitters of all ages, and there are projects for children as well as adults. Within a few pages you will be knitting a fabulous stripy scarf, and by the end of the book you will be able to knit yourself a gorgeous cable-knit cardigan! Packed full of helpful tips and simple projects, this is a 'must-have' book for anyone who would love to knit but doesn't know how to.

Nicola Tedman and Sarah Skeate awaken their inner George A. Romero and focus their creative attention on the malleable, fuzzy softness of felt inside Zombie Felties: How to Raise 16 Gruesome Felt Creatures from the Undead. Inside, crafters will find instructions for more than 15 zombie creatures, including a Romero-esque Day of the Dead Zombie. Additional Zombie Feltie projects include: * Zombie Bride * Zombie Puppy * Vampire Zombie * Zombie Bunny * Folklore Zombie * Zombie Surfer, and more! With only the most basic of sewing skills, crafters can raise their own macabre multitude of Zombie Feltie creations from the undead with an average construction time of less than one hour per pattern. Each design includes a full-color photograph of the finished project, as well as an illustrated, instructional overview, pattern diagrams, and a convenient list of everything needed to complete the project. Zombie Feltie friends can be customized with limitless embellishments and they make great Halloween decorations, party favors, finger puppets, key rings, and even mobile phone mascots. Get ready to shudder as you stitch!

Applique

"Home Sweet Sewn" is packed with projects, ideas and inspiration to add a unique homespun look to your interiors and accessories alike. It helps you to create fabulous projects that you will want, as well as need, with designs to reflect all aspects of your home and lifestyle, from cosy cushions and throws to an eye-catching apron. It also helps to explore a variety of easy-to-follow techniques, including patchwork, quilting, applique, rag rugging, embroidery and sewing with oilcloth. With designs to suit every season, these projects are guaranteed to be used and cherished day after day for years to come.

Projects included: Bat wings -- Thousand pyramids -- Snowballs -- Aunt Etta's diamond -- Soccer ball -- World without end -- Spring fling -- Job's trouble -- Block patchwork -- Tumbling blocks -- Desert rose -- Whirligig -- ZZZs.