What do you get when you combine creative applique techniques with leftover fabric scraps? A whole new style of crafting. More than 30 fun projects are provided, with easy-to-follow instructions, patterns and templates. Color photographs show the finished pieces, including a charming "old cat" rag doll, patchwork mini-quilt, beautiful Moroccan-style vest, and more.
Upgrade from the basic tomato with a pincushion that's sure to put a smile on your face! Sew 10 playful patterns from top designers, from 3D shapes to cute little critters. Try out a variety of techniques-like appliqué, embroidery, and piecing-in this value-packed booklet. Perfect for swaps, gifts, and stocking stuffers, these charming pincushions are so quick to sew, you'll want to make them again and again.
No patterns here, but definitely a plan! Explore the freeing power of improvised piecing with Nicholas Ball in his first book, Inspiring Improv. Learn his step-by-step technique-based process to explore six fundamental piecing structures. Practice how to stitch fabric together in an improvisational manner to create blocks or sections before using them to sew unique quilts all your own. Improv piecing doesn't have to mean chaotic end results. Look to the eight original projects included to see how to create sophisticated quilts with structure focusing on repeating blocks or large-scale scrappy designs. Follow along as Nicholas walks you through his original inspiration and follow his plan through to finished pieces, as he discusses which combination of his core piecing methods he used, and how to achieve showstopping, exciting work. From simple strip piecing through to complex circles and rings, you will be eager to experiment with making slabs, gentle curves, insets, triangles and even 9-patch and Log Cabin stacks. In no time, you'll be using them as a stepping stone to sewing original full-sized improvisational designs.