Quazen

Learn what you can and can’t fix before you splurge on that damaged vintage find.

On a cold winter’s night there’s nothing nicer than to cuddle up in bed with a cosy hot water bottle. Warmth, softness and comfort are the bywords for this lovely – and surprisingly easy – project.

While the basic knitting stitches are extremely simple, this is a craft that can be used to create fabrics in which colour, pattern and form combine in the most complex and harmonious ways. Useful, everyday items can be plain and unassuming or highly sophisticated, creative works of art.

The subtlety of the shibori technique has to be seen to be believed, and this throw is an utterly glamorous example of just how beautiful and impressive it can be. The delicious deep slate grey of this soft velvet combines perfectly with its irregular shibori-dyed pattern to create an irresistible piece that is almost decadent in its luxury.

This napkin is so pretty, it’s almost a shame to use it! The charming motif of a fantastical flower combines whimsy and daintiness to enliven an otherwise classic table setting for today’s more casual style of dining.

You can sew fabulous clothes that are stylish and inexpensive.

The back stitch is one of the most common in embroidery. Here’s how to do it.

Information about how to lay out pin a pattern, and how to mark the fabric.

An easy to make but effective costume with instructions to make a knitted jester hat.

Fitting a zip can be daunting and very frustrating if it doesn’t go in correctly first time. However with the help of these tips and a little practice you’ll be zapping in those zips in no time.