The Badminton Handbook" is a compact groundbreaking training manual that gives the reader an overall insight into the world of badminton. The book is a compact training manual that is divided into two parts. The first part deals with training theory while the second contains background information about the sport & its stars thus giving the reader an overall insight into the world of badminton. " The Badminton Handbook" is groundbreaking in many ways. It combines training theory & information about badminton stars by reinforcing basic explanations on badminton technique with tips from the pros. It not only relates the excitement of this sport with Asian origins but tells you all you need to know about badminton from A to Z. It is a reliable reference book that readers will want to turn to again & again." ...

Judith Summers life is about to change dramatically. Her five-year relationship with her on-off boyfriend has finally ended. Her son Joshua is off to university & for the first time since her husband died shes living alone. Well not entirely alone. She still has George her King Charles Spaniel. Judith knows she needs a new challenge. But how free can she ever be with George in tow? He is of course immensely lovely. But hes also spoilt lazy & prone to flouncing around the house like a fluffed-up diva. But then during a chance encounter Judith finds out about Many Tears a dog rescue centre. Before she knows it she has joined a nationwide network of canine foster carers. Far from having Judith all to himself George suddenly finds he has to share his owner with lots of other less fortunate dogs. & hes finding adjusting to this new way of life a bit of a challenge... ...

From the author of the bestselling The Bag Making Bible comes an outstanding collection of 12 inspiring bags for you to make at home. Lisa Lam of U-Handbag.com brings you a stunning collection of sewing patterns to make your own bags. The book features 12 brand new bag designs with full photographic instructions for how to make a bag with truly professional results. The book features full-size patterns on three separate pull-out sheets so that you can get started right away
- no photocopying or enlarging required. The book opens with Lisa's in-depth advice on all the aspects needed to get started from the tools & equipment you need to understanding & interpreting patterns to choosing preparing & cutting fabrics. A comprehensive Techniques section explains some core bag-making techniques such as how to insert a zip pocket how to use magnetic snap closures how to sew bag straps & handles including adjustable straps & how to bind edges & use piping for a truly professional finish. There is also guidance on how to insert a lining to your bag. All the techniques are fully explained with easy to follow photographs so you'll be creating professional practical & great-looking bags before you know it! The 12 projects that follow range in complexity. If you're new to sewing & bag making there are beginner bag projects such as the Compact Groceries Tote All-Sorted Laundry Bag & Access-All-Areas Pouch to get you started before progressing to the more fully featured bags such as the Too-Cool-for-School Satchel & the 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack. You can make your own iPad case sew a child's backpack create a pretty purse using a metal purse frame make your own tri-fold wallet make a baby changing bag with matching changing mat sew your own bicycle panniers & sew a vanity case for your beauty essentials. The bags all have style & substance & are designed with real-life practical uses in mind. Within each project Lisa gives her hints & tips for success along with advice on how you can customize the patterns to create your own version of the design. The book is presented in a spiral bound format making it lay flat so you can follow the instructions with ease while sewing. This information-rich book will elevate your sewing know-how with versatile techniques & inspiring suggestions for making these bags your own." Amy Butler"
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The ultimate practical guide to sewing fabulous bags from expert Lisa Lam whose technical knowledge creative flair & enthusiasm have helped & inspired thousands while promoting the craft of bag-making worldwide. Whether you are getting started improving your technique or want to design your own creations this is the book you will grab for every bag you make! Detailed photographs illustrate every technique in this unique book from choosing fabric to inserting fastenings. Expert tips trade secrets & inspirational advice result in professional & beautiful results every time allowing you to create a capsule wardrobe of eight exclusive bag designs which will amaze your friends
- they will never believe you made it yourself! Lisa's helpful & friendly tone comes through in her instructions & it really feels like you have an expert by your side holding you hand every step of the way. She starts with the basics of how to read & interpret patterns how to prepare & cut fabrics & how to select the right interfacings & interlinings for your bags then moves on to more specific techniques in each chapter. The Structure & Reinforcement chapter covers how to sew darts pleats gussets flat bottoms & gathers
- showing you in detail how to sew these features. The Linings chapter reveals how to insert zip pockets into your linings as well as different methods of inserting a bag lining. The Closures chapter explains how to insert a zip in three different scenarios plus how to insert magnetic snap fastenings twist lock fastenings & how to use eyelets & rivets. The Handles & Straps chapter teaches you six different types of straps from making simple straps to adjustable straps & even designer looking piped handles. The Pockets chapter contains a wealth of different pocket types showing you how to sew a slip pocket to sewing roomy bellows pockets elasticized pockets & darted corner pockets. Finally the Edgings & Trimmings chapter reveals how to bind raw edges for a professional finish including how to make bias binding & also shows you how to sew piping & how to use ribbon jewellery & embellishments on your bags. At the end of each chapter there is a bag project to make so you can put the techniques into practice straight away. These exciting & desirable designs are explained in full detail with helpful photographs to guide you every step of the way. Starting with how to make a tote bag the projects build in complexity. You will learn how to make a clutch bag how to sew a messenger bag how to make a hobo bag how to make a travel holdall bag & more. Crucially the pull-out pattern sheet gives full-size patterns meaning there is no resizing or photocopying to do
- you can get straight into cutting & sewing bags. This one-of-a-kind book is the ultimate guide to bag-making & an invaluable resource that you will reach for time & time again. An amazing sewing education coupled with beautiful bags that of course you can customize!" Amy Butler."


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When Mike Noonans wife dies unexpectedly the bestselling author suffers from writers block. Until he is drawn to his summer home the beautiful lakeside retreat called Sara Laughs. Here Mike finds the once familiar town in the tyrannical grip of millionaire Max Devore. Devore is hell-bent on getting custody of his deceased sons daughter & is twisting the fabric of the community to this purpose. Three year old Kyra & her young mother turn to Mike for help. & Mike finds them increasingly irresistible. But there are other more sinister forces at Sara Laughs
- & Kyra can feel them too...
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To his fellow West Indians who assemble every weekend for the all-night poker game at Mrs Knight's he is always known as Bageye. There aren't very many black men in Luton in 1972 & most of them gather at Mrs Knight's
- Summer Wear Pioneer Anxious Tidy Boots
- each has his nickname. Bageye already finds it a struggle to feed his family on his wage from Vauxhall Motors but now his wife Blossom has set her heart on her sons going to private school. In this wonderful memoir Colin Grant looks at his father through the eyes of his ten-year-old self. Colin is Bageye's favourite 'pickney' & often his reluctant companion in his latest attempt to placate Blossom with another DIY project or a little cash. When he acquires a less than roadworthy old car Bageye sets himself up as an unofficial minicab service lack of a driving licence notwithstanding. More profitable are his marijuana deals until the day he mistakenly entrusts Colin with choosing a hiding place for a huge bag of ganja...

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From the creator of Wibbly Pig & Kipper this new edition of Baggy Brown celebrates friendship priceless teddy bears & royal babies. Baggy Brown was born at Better Bears Limited. Only he wasn't born as Baggy Brown but Number One. & as a special limited edition bear he was due to be presented to the Royal Baby daughter of King & Queen of Thingl&. But this isn't quite what happened. This is the story of how Alfie found & named Baggy Brown & the beginnings of a very special friendship. ' Echoing the theme of the children's classic The Velveteen Rabbit Baggy Brown reminds children that the best-loved toys are usually the oldest & shabbiest & that being scruffy & worn is a sign of having been loved.' The Observer ...

Ever wondered what members of the Special Forces did after they left the services? This story starts with five guys organising an undercover road trip across worn torn Iraq in the spring 2003. Discover how they used their unique military skills to create a successful security company with over 300 employees during the early days of the occupation. See how Iraq was torn apart from the inside from someone who was there & get an insight into what it took to rebuild a country ripped apart by war & insurgency. Discover how their journey moved from the Basra oilfields where they apply their skills to beat the bad guys & get more work into Baghdad dangerous streets. Learn how they used their Close Protection skills to escort their clients around the country's electricity grid. Find out how the power stations became a target & what steps were taken to protect them from mortars rockets & infiltrators. Learn how the insurgents upped up their game & turned their attentions on the security teams using everything from snipers & rockets to car bombs & IEDs to try & kill them. Also see how the security teams played piggy in the middle between the American military & the Iraqi police & how they had to use their skills & wits to keep working. Even in Kurdistan the safest part of the country one wrong move could cost have cost lives. Find out how Britain's ex-Special Forces helped Iraq's reconstruction & the piece they had to pay along the way... ...

Baghdad 1917. Captain Jim Stringer invalided from the Western Front has been dispatched to investigate what looks like a nasty case of treason. He arrives to find a city on the point of insurrection his cover apparently blown
- & his only contact lying dead with flies in his eyes. As Baghdad swelters in a particularly torrid summer the heat alone threatens the lives of the British soldiers who occupy the city. The recently ejected Turks are still a danger
- & many of the local Arabs are none too friendly either. For Jim who is not particularly good in warm weather the situation grows pricklier by the day. Aside from his investigation he is working on the railways around the city. His boss is the charming enigmatic Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd who presides over the gracious dining society called The Baghdad Railway Club
- & who may or may not be a Turkish agent. Jims search for the truth brings him up against murderous violence in a heat-dazed labyrinthine city where an enemy awaits around every corner.


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Baghdad 1917. Captain Jim Stringer invalided from the Western Front has been dispatched to investigate what looks like a nasty case of treason. He arrives to find a city on the point of insurrection his cover apparently blown
- & his only contact lying dead with flies in his eyes. As Baghdad swelters in a particularly torrid summer the heat alone threatens the lives of the British soldiers who occupy the city. The recently ejected Turks are still a danger
- & many of the local Arabs are none too friendly either. For Jim who is not particularly good in warm weather the situation grows pricklier by the day. Aside from his investigation he is working on the railways around the city. His boss is the charming enigmatic Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd who presides over the gracious dining society called The Baghdad Railway Club"
- & who may or may not be a Turkish agent. Jim's search for the truth brings him up against murderous violence in a heat-dazed labyrinthine city where an enemy awaits around every corner."


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