I learned how to dye a colour wheel and how to dye up to 9 shades of the same colour from this book. Covers similar ground to Ruth Issett - optional extra. Very easy to use.

When you're ready to take it further, this book shows how to combine dyeing, painting, stamping, stencilling, discharge, foiling and transfer printing to create multi-layered, decorated cloth.

Extremely easy to follow guide. Inspirational images of traditional and contemporary examples too.

Anyone doing City & Guilds recognises the emphasis on design work and keeping sketchbooks. This book and the ones that follow are full of ideas and inspirational examples.

One of Jan Beaney's and Jean Littlejohn's Double Trouble series of booklets. For sketchbooks, particularly recommend "A Sketch in Time". Can be obtained from their web site if Amazon don't have it.

Excellent book on using embroidery stitches creatively. Covers backgrounds; integrating stitch into background; combining hand and machine stitch as well as ways of interpreting traditional stitches

More on backgrounds but goes beyond this to include high relief applied pieces and 3D items. Includes ideas on working with heat mouldable foam, wire and metal.

Loads of ideas for creative edges, tassels and cords

Ideas for working with textiles in 3 dimensions - good section on the design approach for this as well as techniques.

Easy approach using craft Vilene - lots of possibilities.

Comprehensive manual of traditional sewing techniques. First published 1884! The illustrations in old second-hand copies are often better quality than the newer editions.

Excellent book on design and creativity. Also recommend her earlier book, "Contemporary Quilts". Good ideas and advice - not just for quilters.