4 comments about Temari: A Traditional Japanese Embroidery Technique.

1. A very basic book of the more simple Temari patterns, which could be good for the first timer. If you have already attempted and mastered any Temari you'll probably find it a bit disappointing. There are some interesting variations on basic designs, but use your own colors. For someone wishing to make their own base mari, there are very good step by step directions, and overall the directions given for the book contents are clear both in verbage and photo illustrations.



2. As a beginner to the craft of Temari I must say that I found this book to be very clear and concise with easy to follow instructions and some excellent hints to make the constructon of the basic mari very easy to attain.Also appreciated was the instructons on making tassels etc. to add the finishing touches to the completed ball.All in all I would heartily recomend this book as an excellent beginners manual.



3. nearly twenty years ago, i bought a temari ball in little tokyo in los angeles. i was fascinated, but had no idea of how to learn. (not living in l.a., looking for instruction in little tokyo was a non-starter.) i was thrilled several years ago to find a temari instruction book.

   i was less thrilled when i tried to follow the instructions.

   having just taken a class in beginning temari making, which made everything much, much more clear, i have acquired a couple more temari books for advanced instruction and inspiration.

   of the three i own as of this moment, this one has the clearest diagrams, and some of the best instructions and photos. ludlow mentions 'minor' points, such as when to hold the thread in position, that make actually accomplishing the design possible. the diagrams are varied, from 'maps'(the way a globe is flattened to a map) of the patterns to diagrams for stitch directions and where each section of the design starts. the photos are clear, and include some that show method, as well as those that show the finished product.

   there is even a section with line drawings to show how to develop patterns from the various divisions, a great help for designing your own.

   this is an excellent book for the beginner (and i wildly applaud anyone who can teach themselves this craft from written instructions)and for the somewhat experienced. ludlow's advanced designs may not be as advanced as some in other books i have seen, but she certainly does well by the beginning and intermediate crafter.




4. This book is wonderful. It provides full instructions for making temari with photo illustration. This book is excellent for beginners that have never tried doing temari. Everything is written in an easy and understandable format. Even my 15 year old girl could make one all by herself

2 comments about Hungarian Folk Designs for Embroiderers and Craftsmen (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. This was a pretty good book. It gave me a lot of things to do. I liked it a lot.



2. This book contains floral designs from 13 craft districts of Hungary. A brief introduction to each district suggests typical colors and stitches, and sometimes origins of the designs. For example, "Sarkoz embroidery has its origins in Byzantine culture. Brought to Hungary by the Turks, the Byzantine forms were gradually adapted by local folk artists." If you like to do freestyle embroidery and are looking for simple, lively floral designs to which you can apply your own color schemes, Hungarian Folk Designs for Embroiderers and Craftsmen offers a huge trove of patterns.

4 comments about The Anchor Book of Free-Style Embroidery Stitches (The Anchor Book Series).

1. I needed an easy to understand book about embroidery.I'm a begginer,and because of it I decided to use this book.All I needed to know and all I needed to do was right there.The ilustrations on this book where excellent and clear.And I love the fact that they also placed the pattern of the samples in the book, which where beutiful.I'm so glad I bought this book because it help me to learn about embroidery in a very simple ,easy and fun way.I highly recommend this book to mothers who would like to teach their children about embroidery.I'm sure they are going to have a lot of fun and good memories.Thank you so much for making my experience of learning needlework an unforgetable one.



2. As a graduate of the certificate course at the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court, London, I find this book extremely helpful when designing projects. I use it as a reference booklet, and it is much cheaper than more expensive "encyclopedia" of stitches on the market. Instructions are clear for beginners; samples are clearly photographed; price is right. If you don't want to spend a lot of money learning embroidery, then buy the Anchor Book Series.



3. I've been embroidering for years and this is a great reference book for both beginners and experienced stitchers. For the experienced, this small volume can be used when designing projects, and for beginners, each stitch comes with clear instructions. As a bonus, there are some patterns at the back. Great value for the price!



4. This is one of the best "how to" embrodery books that I seen. The directions are very clear and the pictures are color coded. I would recommend this to anyone that really loves embrodery the way I do.

3 comments about Erica Wilsons Childrens World.

1. This now out of print book is a delight. The designs, which feature a variety of needle work techniques, are classic. The "chelsea" cat embroidered ornament is only one of several animal motifs worthy of reproduction. I would highly recommend this book even though it may be difficult to acquire. Erica Wilson never disappoints needle workers with her love and passion for the needle and her designs are classic and inspired.



2. I liked this book so much that I uploaded the back cover to match the front. There is no cheshire cat in this book, I guess the other reviewer was thinking of another. The topics are Beatrix Potter, the Muppets (in crochet and knitting), Barbar by Jean de Brunhoff, Winnie the Pooh on the cover and the Wind and the Willows, Kate Greenaway and the Sun and Water Bonnet Babies.
   
   Ms Wilson tells you how to enlarge, block and transfer these gems and here's a real treat....many of Beatrix Potter's are given in stencils for walls or as she has for appliqueing a quilt (yes she discusses how to paint the fabric). This book is a gem.



3. Great price, great deal, great book. I haven't try yet any of the stuff that is on the book because right now I don't have enough time, but they don't look so difficult to elaborate.

1 comments about Splendid Silk Ribbon Embroidery: Embellishing Clothing, Linens & Accessories.

1. This book is one of the best for providing suggestions on how to use silk ribbon embroidery to embellish your clothing (vests, tops, etc). It has a short section describing the stitches, and each design element is identified by the type of stitches used to make it.

   The book isn't really intended for a beginner, though. It doesn't give a description of HOW to make the flowers in a given design-- in fact, it doesn't walk you through making ANY flowers.

   As a result, if you already know how to make roses, lilacs, etc, and are seeking inspiration for applying these techniques to a variety of garments (vests, sweaters, girls' headbands, brooches, etc), then this is the perfect book for you. If you are a true beginner, don't expect that this book will teach you the basics.

4 comments about Celebrating the Stitch: Contemporary Embroidery of North America.

1. Barbara Lee Smith does a wonderful job weaving art and technique. The book highlights the work of about a dozen needlework artists. In each highlight is a discussion of the art itself, a review of special techniques used, and collection of tips from the artists on a number of topics (e.g., where they get design ideas, how they proceed from paper to canvas). The book is a wonderful introduction to needlework "art" for needleworkers who know the basics and are just beginning to design their own "serious" work. The best methods book I own.



2. I didn't even read the book,because I found the projects horrible.I gave it to one of my friends who also gave it to somebody else because she found it also horrible.It shows lots of projects from different people,very modern and abstract.Definetely not what I was looking for.Don't get me wrong,I like modern art and I'm very open-minded.I just found it ugly to my taste.I even feel bad of talking like that about someone else's work.I'm sorry,I really hope someone likes it.



3. It is extremely refreshing to see a volume that showcases serious fiber artists' work - NOT someone who is doing "crafts" (i.e., Sunbonnet Sue or Quilt-in-a-Day). Perhaps that is why the previous reviewer was so disillusioned. I really am stumped by her view that it was "horrible". She claims to be open-minded and liking modern art, but but I'm not sure I would call someone with that attitude "open-minded".

   This book shows a broad range of work from nearly 100 artists from the US and Canada. There are profiles of each one, explaining their technique and motives behind the work. The amazing array of images brings traditional needlework to new levels of interest. I find it to be extremely inspiring.




4. This is one of my favorite books, I reread it constantly to be inspired. The title is a bit misleading in that it's not solely about embroidery, but encompasses a wide range of fiber art. All the works are original, with several showing an off-beat sense of humor, such as the cat pushing the toaster into the tub while the owner is showering. The artists generously discuss their materials, techniques, and idea sources. Loads of photos and (almost) anyone is sure to find something they love in the book.

2 comments about Beautiful Beaded & Embroidered Fabric.

1. All I see is repeated stitches and design ideas in these books! It seem every author out there all of a sudden started writing "Beaded Embroidery" Books and they pretty much follow the very same ideas. Nothing new here. Nice Pictures, not as many instructions as "Beading On Fabric" by Larkin Jean Van Horn's book (which by the way is a nice spiral bound book! a real Plus) and nothing new.
   I have bought 5 of the beaded embroidery books and re-sold all but the one I mentioned. This one is going the way of the other 4 books. Save your money and check it out at the library. If fact check them all out THEN choose the one which bests suits you...



2. I am an experienced crafter, new to beaded embroidery. I was attracted to this book because it lives up to it's title-"Beautiful..." The sophisticated and elegant designs inspired me, the text is conversational and the instructions are simple. The previous review almost turned me off from buying this book, but I found it at the library and had to own it.

No comments about Favorite Applique & Embroidery Quilts.

1 comments about Best of Dick Martin Fun for Everyone in Plastic Canvas.

1. Are you a crocheter, knitter or needle worker with skeins of leftover yarn from all the projects you have created in the past? Do you hate to throw the leftovers out but don't know what to do with them? Then grab BEST OF DICK MARTIN, several sheets of plastic canvas, a plastic canvas needle and set to work on creating useful items for your home or something you can make up quickly for a gift.
   
   Dick Martin has put together over 50 of his creations in plastic canvas. Some of these can be made in less than an evening. The items range from things for babies, children and even adults. Ever want to give your child's special teacher a present but want it to be something unique? There is an "apple" to give her/him but this one won't spoil. It is a pencil holder! You can also send your child to school with a very special lunch box.
   
   Expecting a new baby or know someone who is? Create special items for the nursery such as a Kleenex box holder or a switch cover or a mobile to keep the little one entertained. There is a very masculine desk set for Dad, bookmarks for Mom and even a photo frame for a wedding or a small item gift box for the wedding party.
   
   The instructions come with a full color photo of the item, a full color photo of the plastic canvas and which stitches to use and the directions are written in a clear and direct manner making them easy to understand and follow. There are three pages of general instructions that tell you everything from how to cut the plastic canvas to the correct way to produce each stitch.
   
   With 128 pages of projects, instructions and photos, you will create useful and wonderful items while using up those "I just can't throw it out" leftovers!

2 comments about Applique Inside the Lines: 12 Quilt Projects to Embroider and Applique.

1. Applique Inside The Lines: 12 Quilt Projects To Embroider & Applique by quilting expert Carol Armstrong offers the needlecrafter twelve superbly presented and highly recommended projects depicting traditional quilting pattern favorites including flowers, fruit, hearts, stars, butterflies, and fish. Each pattern provides complete instructions and patterns for easy embroidery and simple applique. Offering ideas and inspiration for individual quilting designs, Applique Inside The Lines offers a fun technique accessible to even the most novice beginner, yet has great creative value for even the more seasoned quilting and needleworking expert.



2. I am very happy that I purchased APPLIQUE WITHIN THE LINES since it has provided me with more creative ideas to use with quilting. I love applique and this has just opened up new ideas to enhance the applique. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes doing applique with an added bonus of embroidery.