No comments about By Native Hands: Woven Treasures From The Lauren Rogers Museum Of Art.

No comments about Indian Basketry.

1 comments about How to Weave Hawaiian Coconut Palm Fronds.

1. Really wanted this book to help me make a palm leaf hat. Although the pictures and text are VERY clear, I get about 3/4 of the way through and can't get any further. I have spent HOURS trying. Still, I did manage to make the roses and fish, so it's a start.

1 comments about Complete Book of Basketry.

1. Despite the title of "Complete Book of Basketry," this book actually only covers what I would call wicker baskets, those made with a weave of strong wood fibers and solid wood components. Adequate histories of those baskets are given, as well as some nice DIY designs. She also covers, although not in depth, popular Native American baskets but VERY LITTLE is said about baskets other than those found in the US.
   
   There also is a strong focus on what she categorizes as Appalachian baskets.
   
   I was looking, however, primarily for information about the world-famous baskets made by blacks/African-Americans in the Charleston, SC, area, commonly called Sweetgrass/Gullah baskets. Wright allots only one paragraph and no illustrations to this huge and popular subject, and uses the word "negro," perhaps reflective of the book's initial 1977 copywright.

1 comments about The Techniques of Basketry.

1. If basketry puts you off, be careful; Virgiina Havey's insight, appreciation, and knowledge might convert you into becoming a connoisseur. If you've never before woven fiber structrures, the detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and many photographs can launch you into new and enjoyable paths. Over 400 photographed examples and explicit line drawings enable even the beginner to master the steps easily.

3 comments about Indian Basket Weaving.

1. This book is great for someone who has a little experience with baskets already. Someone with no experience can follow as well, but some of the techniques are a little bit harder than in standard basket weaving. The instructions are pretty clear, and if you thouroughly read them, then you shouldn't have any trouble. Overall, this book makes a great addition to a basketweaver's library, and I'm glad that I bought it.



2. This book is a reprint of the original 1903 version. The writing and comments are charmingly dated. The photos are clear, even though in black and white. The instructional drawings are easy to follow.
   This will be my reference book for great designs for years to come.
   Great buy.



3. The book was orginally published in the early 1900's this is apparent by the dialect of the text. The information about the different styles of baskets is very interesting, however the photographs as an aid in constructing them leave something to be desired.

2 comments about Lightship Baskets of Nantucket.

1. I took a class by Martha Two yrs. ago that was great to. It was at the MBA in Grand Rapids MI. The book is just as good if not better. The history is something I always wanted to know about . Thank You Martha for such a wonderful book . C. M. Miller Bay City MI.



2. I bought this book after taking classes in making lightship baskets locally, and must admit that without it I would not have been able to continue making them at home. The history of the baskets is excellent, and colored photographs of baskets as well as the island of Nantucket are numerous throughout the book. If you are at all interested in baskets, this book is a must!

No comments about Bead International 2008 & Beyond Basketry.

5 comments about Fast, Fun and Easy Fabric Boxes: Eight Great Designs -- Unlimited Possibilities.

1. I saw a demo by the author on HGTV's "Simply Quilts" and downloaded those instructions from that site which were vague, at best. I managed to cobble-together a box using different brands and types of fusibles as those recommended by the author; it wasn't a rousing success. After reading these reviews, I'm still going to buy the book but now know to read it ALL before attempting another box. Perhaps if we write to the AUTHOR and publisher of the book with our concerns the revised edition (if there IS one) will be more clear. I feel it would be extremely helpful to note in the book alternative brands/types of fusibles because I couldn't find what was recommended at my local fabric store. I agree that some amount of experience with fusing fabrics is helpful...I had to draw on my experience to figure out how to get my fabrics to stick together. A lot of sewing experience isn't necessarily needed or even usable...you literally have to "think outside the box" (no pun intended) in order to parse out the instructions. I think now that I have made one, I've seen the mistakes I made...and how the box could be improved over what the author suggested, so I'm still going to buy the book.



2. I didn't think the boxes were that hard to make. I am no expert sewer, but I have been sewing for 15 years. This was my first foray into craft sewing. The book is a bit confusing. There are two sets of instructions- one general set, and one specific set for each of the boxes, so you have to flip back and forth. My suggestion is to make a practice box first, to get the technique down. I used Fast 2 Fuse interfacing- stiff interfacing with the fusible web alreading incorporated. I'm sure there are other similar products out there. I also used regular multipurpose thread. I needed to do the satin stiching twice, and I found while the topstiching thread looked very shiny and nice, it was way too thick and jammed under my foot the second time around. Buy plenty of thread per box- each box uses about 150-200 yards of thread. I used a rotary cutter- not all the fancy scissors they suggested. I also made a quick tailor's ham by gluing together two same size scraps of 2x4 lumber and covering it with scraps of fabric. It really helps in pressing the edges and corners. So, practice a lot, have patience and good luck!



3. I am looking forward to making many of these projects. With the holidays past there are fun times to be had.



4. I gave this book 4 starts vs 5 because, well, the instructions have to be read several times to discover the "style" of the author. Once you've read the instructions several times and gather your materials, which are discussed in the very front of the book, you can make lots of cool boxes. My very first box turned out great. I do have a lot of sewing and quilting experience,so that helped. But, I think that with a bit of attention to detail, this book would be fine for most crafters.



5. I ordered two of these book and they both came sooner than I expected and were in great shape. I had no problem with this purchase and would buy from this seller again.

No comments about Decorating Gift Baskets.