This colourfully illustrated guide introduces new and established crafters to the traditional skills of hooking and its close relations prodding, punching and tufting. Textile artist Lynne Stein gives advice on materials, tools and equipment, and provides step-by-step directions – accompanied by vibrant instructional photographs – for 20 projects exploring playful design and quirky creativity, including rugs, cushions, bags and personal accessories. There are also lots of helpful hints on sustainably repurposing fabrics, yarns, and other precious and useful items that might otherwise be discarded. A list of international museum collections is also included, as are examples of the work of both historical and contemporary artists and designers such as Evelyn Ackerman, Anya Paintsil, Anna Perach, Joan Moshimer, and Lady Emma Tennant. A brief history of the traditional textile craft of rag rug making and other techniques, and ideas for their inclusion in community projects all demonstrate the vast potential for experimentation, self-expression and creativity within these processes. This book has plenty to fire and inspire and will encourage you further on your creative textile journey, making both decorative and functional items.

Anne-Marie Littenberg is a well-known author and fiber artist. She teaches how to capture personalities and likenesses in wool in hooked rugs, an exciting current trend. Tips and tricks will add depth, dimension, and emotion. There is also a section for capturing the personality of your dog or cat.

From simple mug rugs to Renaissance-style tapestry wall hangings, 16 charming projects lead fiber lovers on a journey to discover the art of needle felting. Felt artist Neysa Russo shares her years of experience with felt and felt design so that you can confidently create your own felted masterpiece.

A celebration of female inventiveness and aesthetic sensibility, Shedding the Shackles explores women's craft enterprises, their artisanal excellence, and the positive impact their individual projects have on breaking the poverty cycle. In the first part of the twentieth century, suffering from a legacy inherited from the Victorian era, craft skills, such as weaving, sewing, embroidery, and quilting were regarded largely as women's domestic pastimes, and remained undervalued and marginalised. It has taken several decades for attitudes to change, for the boundaries between 'fine art' and craft to blur, and for textile crafts to be given the same respect and recognition as other media. Featuring artisans and projects from across the globe Shedding the Shackles celebrates their vision and motivation giving a fascinating glimpse into how these craft initiatives have created a sustainable lifestyle, and impacted upon their communities at a deeper level.

Rag rugs have been around for centuries, but never has there been such a wealth of creative possibilities available using traditional rug techniques. Rugs are only the beginning! In Rag Rug Creations, you will discover a huge range of applications for this basic technique, such as wall hangings, bags, cushions and accessories, to name a few. This book reveals all the techniques and possibilities open to you using only a minimum of specialist tools, and a wide range of materials, including recycled and found objects, which makes this craft affordable as well as enjoyable. Every part of the process is covered in Rag Rug Creations, from planning and designing to hooking and prodding; plus instructions on additional decorative techniques such as felting, heat-bonding and fleece-carving. Armed with this book and a rug hook, you'll be producing rag rug creations in no time.

From Wall Art and Pillows to Rugs and Kitchen Accessories—Everything Is Better with Punch Needle Welcome to Melissa Lowry’s colorful world of punch needle. In this all-inclusive beginner’s guide, you’ll learn how quick and easy it is to dive into creating your own one-of-a-kind, vibrant fiber art décor for your whole home. Punch needle is perfect for beginners and experienced fiber artists alike because it takes the stress out of stitching and is easy on the hands. All you need is a punch needle, some cloth, a frame and your fiber, and you’re ready to start punching Melissa’s gorgeous designs. Featuring full-size templates, this book makes it simple for anyone to make a professional-quality piece right at home! Inspired by Mexican textiles, these patterns will fill your rooms with unexpected charm and pops of color. Ranging from simple projects that work up quickly like the Flor Hanging Hoop and the Fiesta Rectangle Pillow to small touches like the Carpeta Coasters and Primorosa Table Napkins and even big-impact pieces like the Otomí Storage Cushion and Sarape Rug, you’re sure to find the perfect unique statement pieces for your home. Full of soothing geometric patterns and exciting floral designs, this book has all the inspiration and instruction you need to make your life more beautiful.