This is aimed at the beginner sewer who wants to make soft furnishings
for the home with a minimum of skill and on a slim budget. A series of
projects progressing in difficulty guides the reader through basic
skills and techniques, starting with simple cushions, and moving up
through throws and bedspreads, basic curtains, blinds and tablecloths
into easy upholstery such as sofa and armchair covers, and screens. The
projects require a basic sewing machine but no particular experience or
previous skill. The idea is to recycle and renew, creating lovely new
things for the house from old clothes, curtains, sheets or
skirts, by cutting them up, combining and restructuring them or
embellishing them with new materials and trimmings. Projects take
approximately a weekend and can be done cheaply with the emphasis on
personalising and creating something unique. A new technique will be
introduced into each project such as beading, making trimmings and
simple print techniques, as well as an optional extra idea for
embellishing at the end for the more adventurous.

Jaqueline Mulvaney is an artist who makes a range of things from skirts
to head pieces, cushions and curtains. She shows her work at
professional craft fairs and has created work for The Conran Shop,
Harvey Nicholls and Bergdorf Goodman. She is also responsible for all
the artwork and interior textiles at Mao Tai restaurant in London.

Jacqueline taught at Higher Education level for 10 years before setting
up her own fashion label which is now sold internationally,
particularly in America. She is currently working on a retail web shop,
which is a step towards opening her own shop in the future.