Freehand Machine Embroidery: Learning to draw with your machine

Break the rules with a sewing style that's all about irresistibly rough edges, uneven stitching and mismatched fabric! Step into the studio of popular textile designer Poppy Treffry, as she demonstrates how to create quirky, fun and memorable sewing projects using freehand machine embroidery, in this follow up to her first book Free and Easy Stitch Style. Learn to draw and doodle with your sewing machine, using scraps of new, used and vintage fabrics for one-of-a-kind creations.

This book will make you look at your sewing machine in a whole new light - not just as a maker of curtains and tablecloths, but as an artist's tool. As you work your way through the steps and become more confident with the techniques, you'll be able to make your sewing machine do things you never thought it could!

Poppy guides you through the basics, from getting to grips with your sewing machine and setting the right tension to choosing fabrics and hooping up ready to stitch. She then demonstrates how the core techniques, including outlining, shading and applique, are used to create pictures with charm. She shows how layering fabric pieces and leaving edges to fray add to the unique and personal effect.

Once you have mastered the techniques, 16 projects allow you to put your new skills to use to make practical and desirable sewn objects. Make your own embroidered craft kit in the Getting Crafty chapter, with needlecase, pincushion, sewing kit and knitting bag designs. Create beautiful gifts for little ones in the New Arrivals chapter, with a tooth fairy pillow pouch, baby bib, nursery wall hanging and quilted baby blanket. Set the stage for a celebration in the Party Time chapter, with nautical bunting, place name tags, a party bag and a stunning tablecloth design. Finally, have a great getaway with the Happy Holidays chapter, with designs for a sunglasses case, bookmark, wash bag and beach backpack. With style and substance, these charming project ideas are sure to excite and inspire you.

Step-by-step instructions, helpful illustrations and photographs combine with a fresh design to offer you a new twist in needlecrafting.