501 Easy Look & Feel Good Tips. Cheryl Owen

      

      Traditional needlecrafts are as popular as ever as more and more of us are seeking to ‘make do and mend’ as a way of saving money. Making beautiful and original handmade items is a great way to add style and glamour to your home – and can be fun too.

      As part of a series, love…Sewing contains a collection of 25 wonderful projects – all of which are so easy to create. Soft furnishings are an essential part of any home – colour, texture and pattern add warmth and comfort. Using simple sewing techniques and bright, fresh fabrics, this book shows you how to create a range of soft furnishings and other items, from cushions, throws and bags to a cot quilt, table linen and even a blind.

      All the projects have clear step-by-step instructions and photographs taking you through the various stages, making them straightforward and simple, even for the beginner. A basics section at the front of the book takes you through all the essential techniques, from simple hems and seams to piping and buttonholes.

      Cheryl Owen is an experienced crafter who has also worked as a dressmaker, fashion designer and embroiderer. She is the author of many books and has contributed to numerous magazines.

      Other titles in the same series:

      love…Knitting Val Pierce ISBN 978 184773 594 2

      love…Quilting Marion Patterson, Sally Ablett, Sue Warren ISBN 978 184773 593 5

      love…Crochet Carol Meldrum ISBN 978 184773 595 9

      First published in 2011 by

      New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd

      London • Cape Town • Sydney • Auckland

      Garfield House

      86–88 Edgware Road

      London W2 2EA

      United Kingdom

      www.newhollandpublishers.com

      80 McKenzie Street

      Cape Town 8001

      South Africa

      Unit 1, 66 Gibbes Street

      Chatswood, NSW 2067

      Australia

      218 Lake Road

      Northcote, Auckland

      New Zealand

      Copyright © 2011 text: Cheryl Owen

      Copyright © 2011 photographs and illustrations:

      New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd

      Copyright © 2011 New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd

      Cheryl Owen has asserted her moral right to be identified as the Author of this work.

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers and copyright holders.

      10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

      ISBN 978 184773 592 8

      Editor Clare Sayer

      Photography Mark Winwood

      Design Beverly Price, www.one2six.com Production Laurence Poos Editorial Direction Rosemary Wilkinson

      Repro by Modern Age Repro House Ltd, Hong Kong

      Printed and bound in Singapore by Craft Print (PTE) Ltd

      contents

      introduction

the basics

      materials and equipment

      techniques

       the projects

      cutwork cushion

      bolster cushion

      pyramid cushion

      box cushion

      tie-on cushion

      stationery folder

      ripple table runner

       bordered tablecloth

       bound napkin

       pocketed napkin

       place mat

       bordered throw

       patchwork play mat

       potpourri sachet

       clothes envelope

       tissue case

       drawstring bag

       shopping bag

       scallop cot quilt

       picnic rug

       beach bag

       wall tidy

       buttoned blind

       lampshade

       cupcake doorstop

       templates

       useful addresses

       index

       Introduction

      The craft of sewing has been hugely popular for centuries, for both pleasure and practical purposes and with the fabulous choice of inexpensive fabrics that are widely available today, sewing has not lost its appeal. All the ideas in this book are not only beautiful to look at and fun to make but are useful too. Be inspired to make soft furnishings for the home and lifestyle accessories for yourself. Many of the projects would make lovely gifts for family and friends – if you can bear to part with them!

      Those who love fabric will probably have a glorious stash of fabrics and trimmings waiting to be dipped into and turned into innovative creations. Large quantities of materials are not required so you may find inspiration for a favourite fabric you have been waiting to use. Most of the projects featured are quick to make so are ideal for a novice and those with little spare time. All the essential sewing techniques you need are explained in detail at the beginning of the book and each project has concise instructions and step-by-step photographs to guide you through.

      Whether you are a complete beginner or are already a keen needleworker, you will soon be learning new skills or embarking on a new hobby such as patchwork or quilting. And, more importantly, you will have a collection of beautiful handmade items to add style and individuality to your home!