Susie Johns – författare

How To Sew - If you've always fancied taking up sewing but didn't know where to start, this guide for the absolute beginner is for you. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of this fun and creative craft. You'll learn everything you need to get started, including how to do the necessary stitches, how to make seams and add creative details and fastenings.Each skill is accompanied by a stylish project including:An apronPadded coat hangerCushionEach project is explained with the help of clear illustrations that will guide you every step of the way. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little sewing experience you have to start with you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your new-found practical skills.

How To Machine Sew - If you've always wanted to learn to use a sewing machine but didn't know where to start, this guide for the absolute beginner is for you. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of using a sewing machine.You'll learn everything you need to get started, including:Basic machine stitchesMaking seams and hemsBinding edgesWorking with zips.Each technique is accompanied by a stylish project to make, and everything is explained with the help of clear illustrations that will guide you every step of the way. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little machine sewing experience you have to start with, you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your newfound practical skills.

How To Embroider is the perfect guide for beginners.If you've always fancied taking up embroidery but didn't know where to start, this guide for the absolute beginner is for you. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of this fun and creative craft. Each technique is clearly explained and accompanied by a stylish project to make, so that you can put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. You'll learn everything you need to get started, and each project is explained with the help of illustrations that will guide you every step of the way. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little embroidery experience you have to start with, you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your new-found practical skills.Projects include:Wall hangingsBlanket stitchTea cosyNapkinsApron with pockets

Fat Quarter: Bags & PursesPart of a fantastic series of stash-busting sewing books aimed at beginner to intermediate crafters, this book has 25 quick and easy projects to make, all from fat quarters or fabric scraps.Projects include:beach bagtool bagtoy bagart and craft caddyswimming bagovernight baglaptop bagEach project has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, as well as a comprehensive techniques section.

Fat Quarter: Vintage – 25 Projects to Make from Short Lengths of FabricFat Quarter: Vintage is the latest addition to a fabulous series of stash-busting sewing books. Separated into five decades, from the 1930s to the 1970s, each chapter contains five projects using fat quarter fabric or scraps that reflect the era.The projects have clear step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, and there's a useful tools and technique section for those who are new to sewing.Projects include:1930s pin cushion1940s flower brooch1940s sewing machine cover1950s apron1950s sunglasses case1960s child's dress1970's draft stopper1970s shopping bag This book is ideal for using the leftover remnants of fabric, and the projects make great gifts.

A new baby or toddler is the perfect excuse to get creative, and an adorable handmade pair of booties or slippers makes a delightful gift. This cute collection of 10 projects is packed full of gorgeous designs to keep precious tiny toes warm. With handy templates and all the basic know-how presented in a clearly explained step-by-step format, there’s everything you need to get started.10 step-by-step projects for fun, imaginative booties and slippersIncludes techniques section and templatesGreat for turning leftover yarn into gifts!

Fat Quarter: Toys - 25 Projects to Make from Short Lengths of FabricThis book is the latest addition to a fabulous series of stash-busting sewing books. There are 25 cute and colourful toys and games to make for young children, all from fat quarters or fabric scraps. Each project has clear step-by-step instructions and beautiful accompanying photography, and there’s a useful tools and techniques section for those who are new to sewing. Projects include:Tiger RattleRabbit Cuddle BlanketTeddy BearFox in Sleeping BagFishing SetBean BagsStacking RingsMemory GameAlphabet LettersNumber CubesRag DollPicnic  This book is ideal for using up leftover remnants of fabric, and the projects make great gifts.

Relive the childhood excitement of a travelling circus arriving in town with this beautifully stitched celebration of traditional performers and their awe-inspiring acts. Packed full of nostalgic motifs and projects influenced by circuses of the past, you won't be able to resist getting into the carnival mood and picking your favourite member of the troupe to stitch. The extensive collection of bright, playful motifs makes a handy resource for any embroidery enthusiast to dip into. With spreads made up of template outlines on one side and the finished stitched items on the opposite, it couldn't be easier! Projects cover every imaginable spectacle that might be seen at a circus of yesteryear, including:Daring acrobats and dancersTumblers and tightrope walkersIncredible performing animals, such as elephants and big catsClowns, strongmen, musicians and ringmastersAccessories such as banners, flags, tents, ticket office signsAnd many more motifs and characters You'll be transported straight back to this exciting world from another era. Also included are the tents, signs and caravans that make up the circus infrastructure, along with decorative borders, banners and lettering.

Fat Quarter: Accessories -- 25 Projects to Make from Short Lengths of FabricFat Quarter: Accessories is the latest title in the successful 'Fat Quarter' series. This title is packed with 25 stash-busting sewing projects, all made from fat quarters or fabric scraps and aimed at beginner to intermediate crafters. Each project has easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions as well as beautiful photographs of the finished pieces.This book also shows how to create a wide variety of accessories including:BroochesBadgesEarringsBraceletsHeadwearKeyringsCharmsFat Quarter: Accessories also contains a comprehensive techniques section.

Still Life is an accessible instruction course for complete beginners to learn how to draw and paint contemporary still-life subjects.Following a concise guide to the tools, materials, and basic techniques that every beginner needs to know (including line, tone, colour, composition, and perspective), there are ten tutorials showing how to draw and paint a variety of still life subjects.Beginner-friendly materials, include:PencilCharcoalColoured pencilsPen and inkWatercolour paintsWatercolour pencils.Each tutorial has a list of the materials and tools required, step-by-step photographs of the work, informative text and tips and strategies for getting the best results.By working through the tutorials, you will gradually develop your skills and build confidence until you feel equipped to attempt any still life. In addition to the tutorials, you’ll find three ‘focus on’ feature spreads. These pages offer more in-depth/advanced techniques appropriate to the projects.

100 Essential Embroidery Stitches is a handy directory of 100 need-to-know freestyle embroidery stitches to refresh or add to your embroidery skills.Embroidery is like ‘painting’ with thread and this book gives you all the techniques you will need to create your own works of art. Whether you are new to embroidery and want to widen your repertoire or just need a comprehensive reference guide to look things up, you’ll find everything you need to improve your embroidery skills and feel confident tackling a wide range of projects.Organised into five main sections, the 100 stitches lend themselves to a variety of different uses. Running stitch, backstitch, chain stitch, split stitch and stem stitch are used for outlining, while others are used for filling and making textures, patterns, motifs and borders. Each stitch is rated for difficulty and is laid out with a decorative stitched sample and clear step-by-step instructions. There are also sections that cover other essential knowledge on tools and materials and preparing to stitch.Main sections include: Lines and outlines, Bands and borders, Isolated stitches and motifs, Filling stitches, Couching and laid work.100 embroidery stitches to practise and perfectEmbroidery is having a resurgence in popularitySuitable for all levels – each stitch has a difficulty rating of one to three100 Essential Stitches series

Whether you are new to knitting, want to widen your repertoire or just need a comprehensive reference guide to look things up, you’ll find everything you need to improve your skills and feel confident tackling a wide range of projects.Organised into five main sections, the 100 stitches lend themselves to a variety of different uses. Simple stitches provide the foundation of knitted fabrics, unusual textures and lacy patterns add interest to your work, colourwork designs brighten up any knit while delicate edges and trims finish things off nicely. Each stitch is rated for difficulty and is laid out with a decorative stitched sample and clear instructions. There are also sections that cover other essential knowledge on tools and materials and getting started.Main sections include: Simple stitches, Textured stitches, Colourwork stitches, Lacy stitches, Finishing touches.100 knitting stitches to practise and perfectSuitable for all levels – each stitch has a difficulty rating of one to threeThird title in the series - 100 Essential Crochet Stitches has sold over 6,000 copies to date

From delightful daffodils to cheerful cherry blossoms, this book introduces readers to a range of fundamental embroidery techniques and best practices through easy-to-follow instructions, tips and step-by-steps.Each spread features beautifully photographed projects which vary from pillowcases, table cloths and cutlery wraps, to tea cosies, aprons and picnic cloths. Projects included in this book are suitable for both beginners and more experienced embroiderers.Whether you're a seasoned needlework enthusiast or a budding embroidery artist, this book offers a bouquet of inspiration and step-by-step guidance to create stunning floral masterpieces.Projects include: Lavender Sachets, Buttercups and Daises Cutlery Wrap, Summer Bouquet Cushion, Honeysuckle Apron, Poppy Picnic Cloth

Create a wide variety of practical and pretty items for celebrating in style, including love tokens, garlands, wedding favours, party hats, party bags, bunting, bags, table settings, birthday rosettes, birth announcement cards, crowns, wands, decorative pumpkins and Christmas decorations.Each project has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions as well as beautiful photographs of the finished pieces. A comprehensive techniques section covers all the essentials, making it suitable for those new to sewing as well as those who have more experience of the craft.

Create beautiful motifs to embellish any project, big or small, with this directory of 100 embroidery designs. Grouped by theme, the designs in the book include animals (mammals, birds and insects), plants (flowers, fruits and vegetables), the sea, home, mythical creatures as well as some popular decorative patterns. Add the motifs to a patchwork quilt, gifts, framed pictures, or greetings cards. It is a perfect resource for novices, and an inspirational reference guide for more experienced embroiderer.

Sashiko, meaning ‘little stabs’, uses evenly spaced running stitches to create eye-catching geometric patterns. Originally employed as a form of darning to mend clothes, it is now a popular form of decorative embroidery. With its clean, minimalist look, sashiko is perfect for modern interiors; it is also a great way of using up spare textiles and extending the life of old clothing.The twenty appealing projects show how to apply this technique to a wide range of useful and attractive items. A comprehensive introductory section covers all the tools, materials and basic techniques you will need, so even a complete beginner can make a beautiful and unique piece. Learning the simple art of traditional Japanese stitching has never been so easy nor so useful.Projects Include: tea towel, cushion cover, table mats, covered buttons, stylish knot bag and a furoshiki wrapper (an eco-friendly alternative to gift wrap).

Cute and Easy Baby Knits is a collection of 25 charming designs to keep little ones cosy and comfortable all year round.Learn how to make beautiful garments and accessories for newborns to 3-year-olds, from booties and hats to a textured tunic sweater and a pretty skirt. Susie Johns, an author of more than 30 books, shows you how to make 25 patterns that can be knitted by beginners as well as more experienced crafters. You'll find out how to create practical items that are certain to be a hit, such as a blanket with a ribbed border or a drawstring bag to store toys, as well as a teddy bear and bunting with bells that will jingle above a baby’s bed. Illustrated with clear step-by-step artworks, the knitting know-how chapter guides you through all the techniques you will need, from simple knit and purl stitch to delicate delicate detailing effects and eye-catching features.

Combining style with practicality, the 18 projects in this book are made using baby-friendly, machine washable yarns spun from natural fibres to ensure comfort and softness for a baby's delicate skin. From jumpers and cozy cardigans to head-hugging hats, beautiful blankets and lovable toys, there is something here for every baby up to 12 months--and for every knitter. Tiny knits take shape very quickly, which is good news for beginners and experienced knitters alike. And in a world where so many baby clothes are mass-produced, the gift of a hand-knit is pretty special.