Old-fashioned ABC samplers are nowhere to be found in this collection of 26 stylish and witty designs that give cross-stitch a forceful new look. Unconventional wall hangings fill the first section of the book and dazzle with their bold colors, unusual lettering, and offbeat quotes from songs, books, movie dialogue, and even truck stop bathrooms. A second group of patterns features intriguing, small designs called "tattoos" to sew on T-shirts, jean jackets, bracelets, and handbags, and a final section shifts to the decoration of household items such as pillows, dish towels, and a cloth-wrapped money jar. Each project is accompanied by commentary explaining the inspiration behind the design, and sidebars offer tips for personalizing the final product by adding beads, dyed fabric backgrounds, or frames made from hardware and found objects. Basic technique demos teach beginners how to form cross-stitches, mix cross-stitch with other embroidery, choose and use embroidery thread, stitch on linen, and work out designs on blank graphs.

Instructions for creating quilts with complex designs that resemble graffiti art.

When Yarn Bombing was first published in 2009, the idea that knitted and crocheted objects could be used as a political act of resistance was brand new. Ten years and thousands of pink "pussy" hats later, the art of knit and crochet graffiti has entered the public zeitgeist - a cultural phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing down. Yarn bombing is an international guerrilla movement that started underground and is now embraced by crochet and knitting artists of all ages, nationalities, and genders. Its practitioners create stunning works of art out of yarn, then "donate" them to public spaces as part of a covert plan for world yarn domination, or fashion them into personal political statements. Yarn Bombing the book is a wildly colorful guide to covert textile street art around the world; it also includes over 20 amazing patterns, provides tips on how to be as stealthy as a ninja, demonstrates how to orchestrate a large-scale textile project, and offers revealing information necessary to design your own yarn graffiti tags. This tenth anniversary edition includes a new foreword by the authors and a new chapter that includes many infamous examples of yarn bombing over the past ten years. Subversive and beguiling, this new edition of Yarn Bombing demonstrates that the phenomenon of knit and crochet graffiti is more relevant than ever, especially in these troubled times.

A beautiful sewing reference guide full of exercises designed to inspire great ideas and motivate readers of all skill levels to create. This inventive book is a treasure trove of over 40 inspiring practical exercises, a rich and creative exploration of fabric and stitch, and a fascinating all-round read. Elizabeth Healey’s approach to sewing is that it should be fun, and not like a chore or an exam we need to excel in. Her aim is to simply encourage you to pick up a needle and thread and get sewing! The exercises draw inspiration from around the world: create corded works of art inspired by Milton Glaser’s iconic Bob Dylan poster; craft bold embroidered African masks; layer up and cut away to make Mola applique; use bleach and fabric paint to create Aboriginal dreamtime lizards; create knotted works of art inspired by ancient Mayan counting systems; embroider varsity cross-stitch letters; or try out decorative Japanese book binding. Alternatively, try a host of other techniques such as quilting, printing, dyeing, couching tumbled crockery, creating pleats and puckers, and needle lace. Packed with stitch galleries and bursting with slow sewing ideas, the book also contains “behind the stitches” features: illuminating insights into sewing movements such as Boro textiles, Gee’s Bend quilting, and Dorset buttons.

Stitch London: a city of people pigeons, puddles and purly kings and queens. Want to whip up your own Royal couple to add a bit of majesty to your manterpiece? Need to knit some little London landmarks to show off your travels? Whether you love London, or haven’t made it there yet, Stitch London will show you a whole new side of the city and its people and places. And if you can’t knit? Fear not! Author Lauren O’Farrell (fearless leader of the knitting community Stitch London) will show you how to get clicking with your sticks and string in no time at all. From cute London characters and critters, to practical accessories for every walk of life, these projects are simple enough for beginners, yet bonkers enough to inspire more seasoned knitters who love to knit, but don't like rules. It even comes with a everything you need (from needles to thread) to knit your own Cooey the proud London pigeon! So hop on, mind the gap and Stitch London like you mean it. Go on!

Create your own slice of the Big Apple with twenty colorful projects for knitters of all skill levels, from little characters to quirky accessories. Stitch New York: the knitty city that never stops stitching! Want a breakfast with Handmade Holly Golightly? Knit Feisty Fiber Firefighters? Or hail a Small Yellow Taxi that really rolls? From proud and purly Little Lady Liberty, to the Squishy Empire State, to the star-struck Broadway Beanie, Stitch New York is a melting pot of Big Apple knitting patterns. Can’t knit? Fuggedaboudit! We'll show you how and have you knitting in a New York minute. So hop in, cast on and lose your heart to the homemade metropolis of Stitch New York. Go on.

Discover a Gorgeous New World of Texture and Color Get ready to knit like you never have before with this incredible, comprehensive guide to brioche knitting from expert designer and brioche authority Lesley Anne Robinson. For any knitter who has ever been intrigued by the colorful designs and luxurious texture of brioche, but too intimidated to pick up their needles and cast on, let Lesley’s cheerful, encouraging voice walk you through this exciting technique step by step. Featuring a treasure trove of tips, tricks and technical knowledge, as well as 16 stunning patterns, this book will have you feeling confident creating the fun vertical stripes and exquisite texture this popular technique is famous for. Best of all, each pattern not only functions as a lovely knit piece but also as a specific lesson in brioche mastery. From squishy one- and two-color hats and cowls, to eye-catching three-color shawls and sweaters, you’ll create striking knitwear while learning an exciting new skill. So grab that yarn you’ve been saving for a special project, and dive into the beautiful world of brioche!