Christabel King is the foremost botanical artist at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, world leaders in the study and preservation of plant species.

Here she shares her passion for depicting plants, both in scientific illustrations and in looser botanical art.

This inspiring guide covers everything you need to know: choose a subject and create a vibrant composition; accurately sketch, shade and colour leaves, flowers, cacti and more; finally, press and preserve your own treasured specimens. A chapter on travel drawing gives a flavour of the author’s worldwide experience, and there are many of her beautiful plates from the prestigious Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. There is a helpful section on suitable subjects for beginners and a glossary of terms, to get you started in the beautiful art of botanical illustration.

This seminal reference guide remains the go-to masterwork for crafters, who will find hundreds of patchwork, appliqué and quilting techniques explained clearly and simply.

The techniques range from fundamentals such as cutting fabrics and hand sewing; to advanced special effects and complex techniques like eight-seam joins. All are explained through more than 1,000 step-by-step illustrations, patterns and templates.  The techniques range from the traditional – including Amish quilting patterns and Seven-and-Nine-patch patchwork – to more unusual, like yo-yos. The book also contains glossaries of terms, making this perfect for both beginner and expert.

Over 200,000 copies of the previous edition have been sold worldwide.

Praise for The Complete Book of Patchwork, Quilting & Appliqué:

“Linda Seward’s book has been the essential volume on every quilter’s bookshelf since its publication in 1987 and has never been bettered.  This new edition updates the original techniques and embraces the current developments of the craft. Its place on that bookshelf is assured for many years to come.” – Lynne Edwards MBE, quiltmaker and teacher

“A definitive choice for the beginner and one worth investigating for a more experienced quilter” – British Patchwork & Quilting

“This is an amazing book for those embarking on a quilting journey and even for seasoned quilters. The illustrations and directions are easy to understand and great for the visual learner. As a quilting teacher I would highly recommend this book. The number of techniques alone will keep the reader up at night! Rock on Linda Seward!”  – Kim Rudd,  quiltmaker and teacher

“Linda Seward’s guide has always been my go-to bible for every question I have about quilting. I didn’t think a new edition could be any better, but this refresh is even more inspiring. Not only has she updated technical aspects (adding sections on fusible web appliqué and free-motion quilting, for example), she has chosen spectacular recent quilts to illustrate the text. While marvelling over them, I was reminded that quilting is an ever-evolving art that brings joy and satisfaction. Linda’s book captures that perfectly, and leads us through how to do it ourselves.” -  Tracy Chevalier, novelist and quiltmaker

Tilly shows you how to make 15 gorgeous projects, including cloth journals, lavender hearts, framed collages, wall hangings and miniature quilts. All of the designs have a story to tell and are made using a plethora of vintage fabrics, threads, lace, ribbon, buttons, beads, photographs and other found items. If you don’t have a collection of suitable materials at home, you can have fun sourcing them from online marketplaces, thrift/charity stores and flea markets, and try mixing them with modern fabrics and embellishments for a more contemporary look.

The projects incorporate a range of exciting techniques, all explained through clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, including layering and collage, hand embroidery, transferring your own designs to cloth, stamping, appliqué, embellishing, patchwork, free motion embroidery and photo transfer.

This book will take you on a truly inspirational journey, encouraging you to be creative, to source and re-use materials of special significance, and to incorporate them into textile artworks that become treasured keepsakes.

Best-selling author Sachiyo Ishii starts by showing you how to make the basic calendar, and then provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and templates for 24 tiny felt toys to place in the pockets. These cute little Christmas-themed projects are quick to make using just a few pieces of felt, stuffing, thread and ribbons, and make perfect little gifts for children and adults alike.

Easy to make and fun to use, the calendar can be stored away and brought out year after year to become a much-loved family favourite for many years to come.