4 comments about Making Kumihimo: Japanese Interlaced Braids.

1. To my shock...there was nothing in the description that mentioned that if you want to make anything in this book you will need about $700.00 in equipment and supllies!
   Other than that it is a good technical book with lots of pretty pictures and instructions.



2. For anyone who has Owen's other book, Braids: 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond, and thinks you will be getting more patterns to be used on the marudai loom, think again. I built the loom from the first book and thought this was other patterns for flat braids I could use on it. This book is about weaving on a completely different loom, a takadai loom. He does give a diagram of all the parts of the loom if you want to build one but doesn't include any dimensions. I could follow most of the instructions for the braiding but had trouble in spots where he made leaps over information a beginner would need. Someone who weaves already might have a clearer understanding of the instructions.



3. Darn I should have read the other reviews. I looked at the pictures and thought I could do them on one of my looms - but no it's for a way more complicated loom. Rats I should have not bought this since I am a complete novice!



4. The equipment needed to make these kumihimo braids is the Takadai, not Maurudai. It is an excellent book for takadai braids, covering color and weave patterns, rep braids, double weave braids, pick-up designs, texture and edges. The illustrations and directions are excellent. Most of these braids could be done with fingerweaving techniques. The takadai is just the elegant solution for this technique. Fingerweaving books: A Manual of Fingerweaving, Fingerweaving Basics
   
   To read about the various types of kumihimo and for a bibliography go to http://www.weavershand.com/

3 comments about 33 Contemporary Swedish Weaving Patterns for Monk's Cloth.

1. This book is diverse within types of patterns from Southwestern to tummbling teddybears to a gentle lilac, one can imangine the softness and feel of these through the pictures. Ideas on color and finishing are very clear and opportuninites for different projects just make laundy, grocery shopping, cleaning and those special cleaning projects just seem less important in the long run. With results of lovely peices to grace that favorite easy chair, or over the back of sofa along with matching pillows. Such a quiet lovely hobby, not difficult, and I am convinced could help to woman keep her sanity in todays instant paced world. A good take along project while waiting for summer trains, planes and endless swimming lessons, baseball practices and the constant parade of "things" that keep us on the run. Now I can take my own piece of mind around with me these projects, a walkman and a diet coke! Let's here it for woman's survival!



2. This book is diverse within types of patterns from Southwestern to tummbling teddybears to a gentle lilac, one can imangine the softness and feel of these through the pictures. Ideas on color and finishing are very clear and opportuninites for different projects just make laundy, grocery shopping, cleaning and those special cleaning projects just seem less important in the long run. With results of lovely peices to grace that favorite easy chair, or over the back of sofa along with matching pillows. Such a quiet lovely hobby, not difficult, and I am convinced could help to woman keep her sanity in todays instant paced world. A good take along project while waiting for summer trains, planes and endless swimming lessons, baseball practices and the constant parade of "things" that keep us on the run. Now I can take my own piece of mind around with me these projects, a walkman and a diet coke! Let's here it for woman's survival!



3. 
   Women in our park meet weekly to make the beautiful afghans that are in the book, Avery Hill's 33 Contemporary Swedish Weave Patterns for Monk's Cloth written by: Jeanne Tams and Nan Duffin. Once a year we display the afghans that have been done that season. It never fails to amaze me how many there are. This book has such a wonderful variety of patterns, all with very descriptive directions, diagrams and color grafts that are so helpful in reading the patterns. The hardest part about making these afghans is choosing which pattern to make.33 Contemporary Swedish Weaving Patterns for Monk's Cloth

4 comments about The Myth & Magic of Embroidery.

1. This is a another future needlework classic by Helen Stephens! Wonderfully illustrated with truly unique needlework images. Richly detailed, instructions and comments, a true joy to read and use. Helen's lessons and ideas are useful for anyone who uses a needle and thread! Wonderful for the beginner as well as the experienced. Detailed explanations of various techniques, use of light and background, are through out the book. Wether you copy Helen's designs or use it as a starting point for your own, this book will inspire you to greatness in your own work!



2. I have purchased all of Helen Stevens books except for the new one on flowers. I must say this book and 'The Timeless Art of Embroidery' as very very simiular...so much so, I chose to keep this book and return 'Timeless'.

   'The Myth & Magic of Embroidery' appeared to be more updated and had several stitches which were not included in her other books. They are all wonderful, it was just my choice.




3. I bought this based on the previous reviews. Very disapointing. I have many other embroidery books that are far better. Helen Stevens does pretty work, but a majority of the stitches are straight stitches (satin stitch) and only the thread choice seems to make her work shine. Do yourself a favor...try to get an Erica Wilson book...you can still get some used, or borrow from the library. Or look around at other embroidery books/authors. This one is very limited.



4. 2006 is a special year for the author - the 25th anniversary of giving up her 'day job' and devoting her life to embroidery. This book contains an appendix of the author's signature techniques, including 'opus plumarium' (feather work), shadow lining and voiding, but I wouldn't really classify "The Myth and Magic of Embroidery" as a how-to guide.
   
   It is a beautiful book of art. Stevens reminds me of my favorite watercolorist, Charles Burchfield in her use of natural themes that are suffused with mysticism. Her silken flowers and butterflies and spiderwebs are to nature as Michelangelo's torsos are to real human beings. The only subjects on which she falls completely flat are her attempts at supernatural creatures such as fairies. They go klunk in otherwise perfect natural vignettes, although the dragons are okay.
   
   Nature is not Stevens' only choice of subject. This book also includes entire landscapes, cathedrals, Celtic knotwork, and Celtic heroes. The accompanying text discusses embroidery techniques, mythology, history, and nature. The author has the eye of a silken magpie for bright knickknacks of poetry and literature, and quotes everyone from James Russell Lowell to Rudyard Kipling.
   
   I've been embroidering off and on for more than twenty years, although rarely with silk but even this author's simplest pictures are probably beyond my skills. She has a website at helenmstevens.co.uk where you can view more samples of her work, and buy embroidery kits and lessons.
   
   For example, there is a beginner's online project called 'Champagne Rose,' which requires ten different colors of silk embroidery thread, plus a small amount of fine gold thread. The lesson itself is free, but the silks cost between 15 - 25.50 pounds sterling. This is for a single champagne-colored rose and a blue butterfly, and the result is gorgeous. I just can't imagine myself working something that fine.
   
   "The Myth and Magic of Embroidery" will join my art books on the shelf, rather than mingle with my craft volumes.

5 comments about Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork (Beginner's Guide to).

1. Beautiful book with great illustrations. Helpful illustrations for those learning or people who already know but want to verify technique. Projects are a more manageable size for beginners or those who just want a dabble into the technique.



2. I have not even scratched the surface of this new stumpwork hobby, but I have tried learning a lot of new embroidery techniques over the last 10 years. If I have come away with anything from the experience it's how to spot a good beginner's book:).
   
   Students want to feel encouraged to try. Three things are important:
   1. The book must not be so thick that it's overwhelming.
   2. Embroidery instructions are better if there are photos and/or illustrations for every step of the process. The higher their quality, the better a newbie will be able to follow and duplicate techniques (hint: look for full color!).
   3. Projects should be basic and quick to complete.
   
   Kay Dennis has hit the nail on the head with all of these points. The Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork covers just enough technique to give the reader a feel for the craft, really showing just a few of the most common stitches and their variations to get somebody started stumping and needlelacing. The sample projects are quite simple, even a bit primitive in my opinion, but they are presented perfectly for learning and building confidence.
   
   Once you gain some basic practice from this book, I would recommend moving on to the Complete Book of Stumpwork Embroidery by Jane Nicholas for elegant, inspirational designs and a nice bit of background on the history of stumping.
   -Andrea, aka merribelle



3. Cute good starter book. Did not know about this method and just stumbled on it. Great cute ideas.



4. Giving a bad review is not something I care to do, but this is to save anyone else from ordering the book unless this is what they are looking for. I ordered this book instead of a Jane Nicholas book because I was afraid the Nicholas books were too advanced.
   
   I was expecting a book about stumpwork techniques. From page 18 to page 37 there are instructions for basic embroidery techniques such as satin stich, turkey work and bullion and french knots--which almost any embroiderer already knows how to do. Little information is included about padding or wire work--which are the basis of stumpwork. Then the rest of the book is about needlelace--why doesn't the title state such? There is more needlelace than stumpwork in this book.
   
   Additionally, the designs are amateurish, reminding one of the craft books from the 1960's. The colors are not artistically chosen, and variegated threads are used in lieu of using color gradients to create depth and shadow. The embroidery skill demonstrated is not particularly well done either, it is a clumsy but well meaning kitschy effort.
   
   A very disappointing embroidery book that is being returned.



5. The instrucions are quite clear and serves its purpose. Looking forward to do those projects

4 comments about Embroidered Bags & Purses.

1. If you're looking for a book to teach you how to make bags, this book is a great choice -- even if you don't do embroidery. The book describes how to make 16 classic styles with clear, complete instructions and full-size patterns.
   
   The techniques are solid and enable you to produce high quality bags that stand up well. If you like soft, romantic designs, you'll fall in love with every project in the book. And they provide great basic forms for more artistic interpretations using different materials and embellishment.



2. This book features some unique and beatiful designs, such as a pattern for an evening bag called "Bird of Paradise" and a rather nifty handbag called "All Roses". There's patterns for everything from totes, drawstring bags, handbags, evening bags, and a couple of whimsical designs for a little girl's first purse.
   The diagrams for construction of each of the bags as well as embroidery are clear and easy to use. Each project description includes measurements of the finished product and a detailed list of supplies (measurements are given in standard and metric). Different types of embroidery are introduced, such as shadow work, stumpwork, and casalguidi stitching.
   If you've got a bit of artistic talent you can adapt many of the ideas presented to your own designs - diagrams are produced for tassel making using floss or beads, and an inventive decorative stitch is used to make a lace-like sideseam for one of the drawstring bags.
   This book was well worth the money - a definite must-have for embroiderers and textile artists.



3. The designs in this book are simply beautiful. I found the instructions easy to follow and I'm not an expert embroiderer. I want to make every single bag. Great for Christmas presents.



4. It's a good book in truth I got it just for the Elizabethan bag on the cover and it is great for beginners I just wish we were told more about what style of embroidery we were using for all the entries and personally (for the elizabethan bag) which stiches were used and what inspired the bag) but I'm biased as I am making something for a recreation group, and like to document what I am working on

5 comments about Punchneedle Embroidery: 40 Folk Art Designs.

1. Wonderful book --- I would recommend to anyone who does Punchneedle Embroidery --- Great designs.



2. Excellent book on needle punching. I have already completed two projects and like them very much.
   Well defined book. My hat is off to the artists who designed this one. I would recomment this book
   to any body who wants to do Punchneedle Embroidery.



3. Barbara Kemp has produced a beautiful, informative, and inspiring book of Punchneedle patterns and instruction. After drooling over the photos of completed pieces, the hardest job was choosing which one to start first! But don't skip the Intro and Basics sections, they're well written, beautifully photographed and even the most experienced "puncher" is sure to pick up a tip or two. Really, this book is one of the "Most Excellent" Punchneedle books available. Janice in Niwot



4. This is a fantastic book! It has great instructions and wonderful projects. If you like folk art this is the book for you!



5. Some crafts books have fabulous photos, but when you try to duplicate the projects, you discover that you can't because the author used some over-the-top talented artist type to do the pictured project and you don't have the talent or "secret" resources they had access to, so the book basically becomes a coffee table keepsake of fabulous photos. NOT SO WITH THIS WONDERFUL BOOK!!!! The projects are mouthwatering, for those who love primitive and folk art, and the instructions are easy, clear, and simple!! These authors really want to teach you this craft, and they see to it! I love the discounts I can get purchasing through Amazon.com, but this book is worth its weight in gold!

5 comments about Creative Recycling in Embroidery.

1. this book is very helpful if you are a sewer or a crafter. Always have things to recycle and it helps with ideals



2. I actually returned this book to Amazon - I think that's a first. Although I'm a huge fan of Holmes' and love most innovate needlework books - this one is stale material and there isn't anything new that you don't already have on your shelf, assuming you have purchased other books in the genre. Had I seen it in a book store and leafed through it, I would not have bought it. However, if you don't have any other books that are similar (the Maggie Grey books, or Janet Newton books) then you will probably find it worthwhile.
   
   It isn't bad, it is just not new or original. The presentation and photos are wonderful, as I expect from British needlework books, and the techniques are described well. Ms Holmes has authored a number of embroidery books, and I believe I have them all - if you don't, and don't have other books on this subject, then I would recommend it.



3. Fantastic book showing how to use elements from nature, everyday life, special or significant items or man made fibres or plastics. This book will inspire you and take your artmaking to new levels. Whether it is a delicate one off or a handbag everything is beautifully illustrated and the step by step instructions are easy to follow.



4. I am thrilled to own this book. It will provide me with lots of
   inspiration and has already inspired me to safely experiment with what normally would be considered trash to create art...



5. I am a contemporary artist--painter and textile--and ordered the book on a whim.
   
   Much of the work is tiresome, mediocre and lacking anything new that has not already been done. The book has photos of the work with some explanations of construction and found objects used. The use of embroidery is very loosely used in connection to the works. Most of the embroidery was machine and the very little hand work that was done was simplistic and minimal.
   
   Another disappointment goes back to store.

1 comments about Simple Silk Ribbon Embroidery by Machine: Step-by-Step Techniques for Beautiful Embellishments.

1. This beautiful instructional book has clear, concise directions for "machine" embroidery with silk ribbon!!!!!! Since I do not own, nor can I afford a NEW embroidery machine, imagine my delight to discover this book that I can use my 30-year old Kenmore zig zag machine!!!!!!!!
   
   The photographs are gorgeous! And there are many ideas for use of this technique.
   
   Thanks for may opinion.

5 comments about Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists.

1. Sketchbooks are typically mentioned as part of a painter or sketcher's art, but they're also an invaluable tool for modern textile and embroidery artists - and finally here's a book for this audience. Leading textile artists contribute their works and techniques to a unique coverage which follows first sketches to finished works, showing textile artists how to develop ideas, record observations, use sketchbooks for rough drafts and technique experiments, and more. Creating Sketchbooks For Embroiderers and Textile Artists is a 'must' for any serious about their craft.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. Wondeful photos, original and beautiful Art, but I'm still not sure to have completely understood the exact subject of this book. And I was waiting for something else when I ordered it, but I don't regret to have bought it, and it's more Art than Craft, I think. It's very, very original and very different from most books sold. It is very "avant-garde", and has nothing to do with the traditional Art & Craft books. If you like what is different and new, this book is for you,
   Yael



3. I was very disappointed with this book. The text was uninteresting. The examples were not how to build your sketch book, rather it was focused on completed work.



4. This is an excellent and inspiring book. It gives an artist plenty to think about for constructing an idea book or journal. There are lots of high quality photos of examples that are powerful artistically. The book is well written and thoughtfully considered.



5. Kay Greenlees provides a great range of techniques for dealing with 'the white page' in a visual diary. Her ideas for mark making and collecting sources of inspiration are very helpful, particularly to those not in the habit of keeping a sketchbook. I've recommended the book to many of my adult art students who work in a really diverse range of media.

5 comments about Red & White : American Redwork Quilts & Patterns (Volumes 1 & 2).

1. This book would make a lovely gift for anybody interested in textile arts, even for someone with little or no quilting or embroidery experience. The presentation is lovely -- two nicely bound, wonderfully illustrated books nestled inside a snug cardboard jacket. One book features a short discussion of redwork embroidery along with illustrations of exquisitely executed quilts. The other supplies brief instructions (perhaps too brief -- especially the section on transferring the patterns)and a lovely collection of redwork patterns so that readers can create their own redwork quilt. My only quarrel with the book is that a beginner (like me!) might not feel confident with the brief instructions. However, a quick trip to the fabric store to talk to a knowledgable salesperson should dispel any doubts. Despite this small problem, I give the book 5+ stars -- it was great fun to browse through, then to read intently , then to pore over as I selected possible designs for my very first quilt!



2. Often it is difficult to get accurate, well documented information on traditional crafts and handwork. Much of that art form was passed down from generation to generation with very little written record. Deborah Harding has done a wonderful job of finding old newpaper and magazine articles on Redwork, as well as fantastic old patterns reproduced here. A friend of mine loaned me this set of books, and I could never bring myself to return them to her, so I knew I had to have my own set!



3. I found these books to be very informative and interesting. I would recommend them to anyone interested in Redwork Quilts.



4. Book came in great condition, on time, and worth every penny. It's filled with many old patterens and lots of history, a pleasure to read. If it's Redwork you enjoy , then order this one.



5. A wonderful two volume source of Redwork information. The author's knowledge and private collection enhances the work in volume I; volume II provides patterns for the vintage Redwork (penny square) patterns. I highly recommend this resource for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating method of embroidery that originated many years ago.