5 comments about Empire Fashions.

1. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TOM TIERNEY'S ENTIRE PAPERDOLL COLLECTION. THE AGE LIMITS YOU HAVE SET ARE FAR TOO RESTRICTIVE. ONLY WE ANCIENTS HAVE A BETTER APPRECIATION OF HIS WORK. I AM A COSTUME DESIGNER, AND OWN A COSTUME SHOP, AND EVEN THOUGH I HAVE VOLUMES OF BOOKS ABOUT HISTORY AND COSTUMING IN MY PERSONAL LIBRARY, I KEEP MR. TIERNEY'S PAPERDOLL BOOKS IN MY SHOP, NOT FOR SALE, BUT FOR INSTANT RESEARCH FOR MY CUSTOMERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ERA THEY NEED FOR THEIR COSTUME. NOT ONLY ARE HIS DRAWINGS WONDERFUL, AND I AM VERY JEALOUS OF HIS DRAWING ABILITY, BUT HIS CHRONOLOGY IS ACCURATE, ALONG WITH THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION HE GIVES OF THE PERSONALITY AND OR GARMENT HE HAS RENDERED. I FIND HIS WORK INVALUEABLE IN MY BUSINESS. THEN AGAIN I HAVE NOT GROWN UP YET, AND REFUSE TO DO SO, AND JUST LIKE TO CUT SOME OF THEM OUT, AND USE THEM FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES, ALWAYS GIVING MR TIERNEY FULL CREDIT, AND NEW FANS FOR HIM.



2. I own four of Tierney's coloring books. The Empire Fashions book is well drawn in terms of the clothing, but the people's proportions, especially the women, seem a bit off. I like the addition of pages of hairstyles and accessories, and the two page spread with the drawing of Napoleon crowning Josephine is good as it gives historical perspective to the book.



3. I guess this is one of the best Tom Tierney's fashion history coloring books. Drawings are really well done and details are clear. Unlike some other Tierney's illustrations, these don't make an impression that they were drawn too quickly.
   
   Pages are thick enough for gentle watercoloring.
   
   The book contains 45 fashion illustrations from 1789 to 1815, including military dresses, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine, 4 outfits for children, special 4-page section of hairstyles, hats and fashion accessories, and much more.
   
   Buy it and enjoy!



4. I just purchased these Dover COloring Books for my mother and she loves them. The detail is out of this world and the variety of colors you can use are only limited by your inagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



5. I wasn't aware that this was a coloring book. Otherwise, it is a decent period overview much like Tom Tierney's other books. It could be useful to costume students looking for base illustrations to adapt.

3 comments about Pattern-Welded Blade: Artistry In Iron (Equipment & Techniques).

1. This book is not intended for a novice at forge work. But if you have already hammered hot steel, and want to try something more challenging this book gives you all the information you will ever need about making forge welded blades. This book is an absolute must have for anyone who wants to start making pattered blades. The third of Dr. Hrisoulas' books, buy the other two as well (although if you're experienced enough to want this book, you've probably already got the others) and you won't need to ever buy another book on blade forging again. Buy this book. Buy it right now.



2. If you've read the author's previous books you will find some repetition (e.g., workshop, materials, weights, measures, compounds) yet this book really delves in-depth into the art of pattern-welding like no other I've read. It's his shortest book too, for that matter, but it really delivers on topic. You will learn everything you need to know to begin making stunning, functional Damascus creations. Well written, well illustrated, and very well done!
   
   Lawrence Kane
   Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction



3. the book gives concise information on all aspects of the pattern welded blade. A great how to on billet building, forging the pattern, and completing to finished blade.

5 comments about Adorable Knits for Tots: 25 Stylish Designs for Babies and Toddlers.

1. I just wanted to mention that editors are not the designers. Yes, people make mistakes, including editors/publishers of designer's books, and this one is no exception. Easily solved in this case, just call the number on the book( back cover) and they will speedily( less than a fifteen minutes for me) e-mail you the errata page. They will also continue to be there for help if you find another problem that was not addressed yet. Perhaps they are in contact with the authors and can do that, better than we could.
   I've done that with another book as well, "Little Badger Knits" and got an immediate reply and help from the publishers.
   I would not write off a book because of mistakes that can easily be solved.
   I am looking forward to knitting from this book and it certainly does have "adorable knits" in it!



2. If there is a toddler in your life, you are going to love this book of knitting patterns. The sweaters are adorable! And the patterns are not terribly difficult. Have fun!



3. I love the patterns, but the number of mistakes is frustrating. You should probably only buy this book if you are an experienced knitter and can pre-read patterns to figure out where errors might be. If you are planning to knit one of the cabled patterns, you should be prepared to waste a ball of yarn before you find out where all the errors are. I've knitted for ten years, and I've never encountered so many mistakes in a published pattern book before. Proceed with caution.



4. ...Unless I'm convinced they've gotten their act together. I am currently about to begin the Lacy Sweater for the third time due to a giant errata. This was not a matter of a single missing stitch, but of a rep instruction that specified half as many as were actually needed (as in said 7, needed 14). This is just plain sloppy.
   
   Because neither the author nor the publisher had an errata page, I assumed I was doing something weird. After the second start, I became suspicious enough to go digging, and found the errata posted by a knit blogger who'd pegged away at the publisher.
   
   For what they charge for these books, I expect better QA. And ZM, would an errata page kill you?



5. I thought the patterns in this book were beautiful and I've knitted the lacy sweater twice for my daughter and a friend's daughter. She loved it so much she wants an identical one for her other daughter. I knitted the heart jacket and the mary-janes (although I'm still to sew those together and I've nearly finished the pirate sweater for my son. They have all turned out adorable and although the patterns are challenging they have been really fun to knit. I love the styles that she's used and think that they are beautifully modern and very wearable. I've found a couple of errors but they haven't been a huge problem to me. I am an english woman knitting in America and wonder if the instructions may be a little different. I've had a lot of difficulty finding knitting projects in craft stores that aren't just blankets and throws.
   In my opintion I think it's a stylish book with beautiful knits.

5 comments about Art Clay Silver & Gold: 18 Unique Jewelry Pieces to Make in a Day.

1. This art clay (trade name) book covers what everyone should know that is going to use the Art Clay brand metal clay. The first sections/chapters get the basic stuff down so one can move on to the fun parts making the projects. The pictures are of a good size with large numbers to correspond to the descriptive blurbs. They are of the close up type with little background of the work surface visible. (I do hate it when they show more work surface than the item they are making.) The material lists are well thought out in their content. The glossary and the gemstone characteristic chart is a nice touch. the chart really important in selecting stones to bake with the clay. I own it



2. Great book. Easy to use. Great ideas for projects. Taught me things that I did not learn in a class I took



3. The instructions were good and I found the advice great. I am just starting to apply my self to PMC. This book is just what I need.
   Thanks



4. Like Jackie's later book Metal Clay: The Complete Guide, she totally ignores the fact that there is more than one metal clay product on the market. Why? Because Jackie does not distribute Precious Metal Clay® (PMC) made by Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation; she runs Art Clay® World, USA, Inc, distributing Art Clay®, a metal clay product made by Aida Chemical Industries, Ltd. At the very least, she might have discussed the pros and cons of the two companies' products. To ignore PMC® altogether seems too mercenary an approach to writing a project book. I said my peace when panning Jackie's book Metal Clay.
   
   The projects shown are somewhat inspirational but the "faux raku" project stands out as just plain economically silly. For "faux raku," Art Clay® Silver paste is applied over terra cotta then, after firing, liver of sulfur is applied for a raku-like patina. It occurred to me that it would be a whole lot less expensive to actually make raku pottery than to make "faux raku" with jewelry-grade silver. Yes, you can do it with Art Clay® but why would you?



5. It is pretty much nonsense that you can make these pieces in a day-- some of them maybe yes, but mostly no. Some of the directions given don't work, and then if you want to make the piece you are on your own. But there are some interesting new ideas.

4 comments about Tudor and Elizabethan Fashions (History of Fashion).

1. If you're an adult and you still love to color - the coloring books by Tom Tierney are WONDERFUL! I especially love the fashions in the Tudor and Elizabethan fashions. His descriptions of the fashions and clothing of the times make the books unique and fascinating. Make sure you have plenty of color pencils on hand, though, because the books are too detailed for crayons. I would not recommend this book for impatient people or children because the coloring of the drawings can be tedious (up to 1-2 hours for one drawing depending on the book and the outfit, but then again, I'm a perfectionist).



2. I just purchased these Dover COloring Books for my mother and she loves them. The detail is out of this world and the variety of colors you can use are only limited by your inagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



3. This is a coloring book of Tudor Fashions. I like the fact that I can copy and color in the way I want a costume to look. Fairly historically accurate.



4. This is a useful reference work, not for creating the actual costumes (unlike how-to books)but to get a sense of the wardrobe of the period.

5 comments about The Craft of the Japanese Sword.

1. This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese swordmaking by looking at modern masters and how they make swords. If you are just beginning an interest in Japanese swords and how they are made, this is the book for you. The book takes you through the process of forging the blade, polishing, making the habaki and finally the scabard. This book is highly recommended!



2. It's a good book, good information!
   Photos should be color, that's the only thing I don't like!
   But anyway, I like it!



3. An excellent book. It has all you need to know to either understand the craft of the sword or to begin your own explorations into the craft. Or both.Craft of the Japanese Sword is well written and illustrated, with an emphasis on the artisanship and detail of each step in creating these beautiful works. Ken wa hito nari.



4. An excellent book, getting a bit old now but still extremely relevant.
   
   Well written with excellent descriptions and photos.
   
   Good to see Yoshindo Yoshihara is still alive, but he looks a bit older than the book photo!
   
   I throughly recommend this book to anyone starting out in Japanese swords.
   
   Steve



5. Worth every penny. It doesn't go very deep in each subject, but enough to better understand and appreciate Japanese swords. The described forging techniques are detailed enough in my opinion for someone who wish to start trying forging his own blades (most probably knives for beginning). Lots of stuff can't be learned by books, and this one is no exception, but at least you'll learn basic forging techniques instead of starting from scratch, on your own.
   
   It has a great deal of information on Japanese swords, how to identify them according to the era they were made, etc.
   
   I highly suggest this book for every Japanese sword enthusiast.

No comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: Countries of the World: G-I (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 3 Countries G-I).

2 comments about Matchbox Toys 1947-2007: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys).

1. Newly released September 2008, this comprehensive guide lists Matchbox toys alphabetically by model name, and cross-references alternate names for easy searching. Includes regular series as well as larger Matchbox toys.



2. This is the latest edition of a standard work covering all Matchbox products with comprehensive and chronological lists of models and their variants.
   Highly useful for the completist brand collector as through the years stock numbers have been reused for entirely different models.
   If you love Matchbox you will find this revised update essential to building your collection, whatever sub-line or vehicle type you dsire.

5 comments about Vintage Vavoom: Romantic Decorating with One-of-a-Kind Finds.

1. Refreshing look at vintage style done well! Excellent step-by-step guide on how to obtain this look in your own home. The photos are gorgeous as one would expect from Romantic Homes and even the copy is beautifully written. There are many home decor books out there today from which to choose that range from cutesie to pathetically self-important. How nice to find a treasure like this one that really provides solid information and creative ideas that marry nostalgia with good taste and can even do so while being mindful of the average home owner's budget. Vintage Vavoom is destined to become one of my all-time favorites!



2. Got this book for my birthday, and I love it. Pictures are from the magazine, but they are so wonderful. Text is great, with wonderful ideas for making your home and life Vintage Vavoom.



3. Some pretty pictures, but not much else, and all of the pictures started to look the same to me after a while. The writing style is grating: "vavoom" really is kind of a ridiculous word and gets old fast. The advice is the same-old, same-old. I love a pretty book, but I didn't even finish looking through this one. Buy a magazine and use your savings to buy one of those one-of-a-kind treasures. I don't like to be negative, but I also don't like to spend my money on something that's just not that great.



4. Thank you so much for a wonderful book. I received it as a gift shortly before my wedding. When I went to my florist to check on the centerpieces I was devastated to find the shop suddenly went out of business. I had no idea what to do. My sister came over and together we looked through your fabulous book and were able to put together our own centerpieces using your ideas. This book is the best!!!!



5. This book is basically for the "beginner decorator" that wishes to decorate in the more "romantic style".
   
   Advanced decorators might find most of the information redundant.
   
   However, if a person is a "beginner" in this area of decorating, then they will find this book very inspiring.
   
   The photos are simply amazing---just as the photos in the magazine ROMANTIC HOMES are.... Colorful, large and bright!
   
   The book begins with an information chapter, explaining the purpose of this book.
   
   Basically, this book is like a mini-workshop because it shows the reader how to put together a "Decorating Journal", in order to organize their decorating style , from start to finish.
   Thus, each Chapter in this book covers an area that is linked to the decorators' journal.
   
   Most advanced decorators (of the romantic style) already know what they like, so this is why I state that this book is mainly for the beginning decorator.
   
   This book is quite expensive, so if you can find this book "on sale", I think it would be worth while, even for the advanced decorator...Why?----Answer: because of the amazing photographs.
   
   I think the photos in this book are what are truly amazing. The information itself, is slightly too basic though.

No comments about The Tractor in the Haystack: Great Stories of Tractor Archaeology.