5 comments about Treasury of Crazyquilt Stitches: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Hand Embroidery Inspired by Antique Crazyquilts.

1. I agree with the last review that said you really need to be experienced in a few of the stitches, but once you have mastered the main stitches you can go anywhere with this book. Maybe a review of how to do the basic stitches would help those who are inexperienced, but I found that everything shown was simple once you broke it down into those individual basic stitches. I'd encourage anyone to buy a basic book first and learn before venturing into this one, but it is fantastic for those of us who need ideas and designs for our simple or ornate crazy quilt tops. Thank you Carole Samples!



2. Any needleworker - making a crazy quilt or not - will be amazed at this wonderful book. Ms. Samples has clearly invested a lot of time into her research and has presented us with not only solid historical documentation but also with a platform for delving off into new uses and combinations for these glorious stitches. As for the complaints that the book has no specific stitching instructions, that is true, but a beginner embroiderer with a stitch encyclopedia should have little trouble since the stitches are grouped and labelled by their most prominent basic stitch, i.e., "blanket stitch," "feathered chain," etc. The only suggestion for improvement I have is that the text portions be printed in a different font.

   I highly recommend this book to any needle artist. Just have your needle and floss nearby once you start looking at it!




3. I love this book. I took out about 10 books from the library and settled on (and bought) this one because the collection is so complete (it's over the top actually). Granted, there are not detailed instructions for each stitch (if there were, it'd have to limit the number of stitches). Also, it is easy to lose yourself in the book -- definitely mark a stitch once you've found it because finding a particular stitch again is challenging. There are so many gorgeous stitches that I did not see anywhere else. If you go through the trouble of making a crazy quilt, you'll want the unique stitches in here.



4. This book is one of the best on the market for Crazy Quilt stitches. It shows not only the traditional stitches but how to combine different stitches to come up with a new design. It is outstanding, I can't say enough praise about it. It is a must have if you crazy quilt.



5. This is more of a reference book Mostly with drawings on brown paper making the stitches hard to see and no actuall instructions to guide you if you have never done them before. There are Many more books better for first timers Such as "The Magic of Crazy Quilting" by J Marsha Michler. It has nice black & white Drawings and color photos showing the stitches. THEN maybe this book will be helpfull...if you can get past the brown colored paper and black drawings. CHECK THIS ONE OUT OF THE LIBRARY FIRST! There is a book called "The Embroidery Stitch Bible" by Betty Barnden. It is a Nice 250 page Full Color Spirial Bound Book Just Loaded With Stitches For All Types Of Projects. A worthwhile investment if you do other things besides just quilting.

5 comments about 101 Ideas for Embroidery on Paper.

1. This book has alot of ideas, but overall I was very disappointed with it. Some of the instructions were very vague, and alot of the "ideas" did not include a pattern - instead you had to have one of Erica's templates to complete the project. I have been doing paper embroidery for a long time and I have several of her books... and she is good, but IN MY OPINION this is not one of her best!



2. This book has many ideas and good instructions to do embroidery on cards. The illustrations are quite beautiful.



3. This book provides a variety of paper embroidery projects for cards for different occassions. For about a quarter of the 101 projects shown no template is provided and instead the materials list includes a stencil sold by the author. I purchased this book so that I could make the cards shown - not to spend further money lining the pockets of the author by buying stencils. So I'm somewhat disappointed.



4. Was not the type of Book I thought it was. Was disappointed in it because you have to order extra patterns that are not included in book. Most books like that have the patterns in it. I will not order them.



5. I love this book! I have used the patterns again and again. It is definitely a good buy.

5 comments about An Encyclopedia of Crazy Quilt Stitches and Motifs (4178).

1. This book was exactly what I was looking for, it teaches you many different basic stitches and then later in the book combines them together to make great looking designs. It also has a small section on embroidering with ribbons which is really nice. It shows you how to make flowers, birds and even a spider web with a spider attached. If you haven't done much embroidery and are looking for a book to show you how to get started this is the one for you. Happy Quilting.



2. I love to get ideas from the first few pages that show all the stitches in one place. I've learned lots of new stitches that have looked great. The drawings make it easier to see where the needle should go. I wasn't disappointed.



3. this book, An Encyclopedia of Crazy Quilt Stitches and Motifs, was very useful and
   informative for my current needlepoint project which included crazy quilt stitches
   as an overlay. the color photos allowed you to see the application of each stitch.
   the pages of illustration were easy to follow. i am very pleased to own this book for
   my stitching library.
   
   robin king
   memphis tennessee



4. I had finished piecing my first crazy quilt and only knew about two embroidery stitches with which to embellish it...of all the books that said they were "the one" I chose this one, and it was PERFECT. Each stitch, no matter how complex, is broken down into simple stitches and explained, so not only did I add feather stitches, I made vines and flowers and butterflies! This book is perfect for the beginner who wants her project to look like she's not a beginner!



5. I bought this book first, and keep buying other ones that may be better. Don't! The Encyclopedia of Crazy Quilt Stitches is perfect, and I use it the most. It actually gives details rather than assuming you already have an idea of how to embroider. This book has all the basics, and is perfect for beginners or people like me, who forgot how. Once you get the hang of embroidery, you can create many variations just using one stitch. I wish it were spiral bound so the pages would stay open. If you are looking for a basic stitch guide, with complete easy to follow instructions--this one is for you.

5 comments about Painting with a Needle: Learning the Art of Silk Embroidery with Young Yang Chung.

1. excellent book. There are 16 stitches to learn and they are well ilistrated. Also with each stitch explainaton, there are photos of embroideries using the stitch. There are 19 projects with detailed directions. The most amazing feature is that the colours for the projects is keyed to the DMC floss colours.



2. I have the 1979 version of this book. This book inspired me to pick up a needle and for the last 25 years, strive to create my own needlework masterpieces.



3. I love this book, I have found it to be very informative and having shown another friend who loves needlework, she can't wait to get her own book.
   The pictures and details are lovely, it is well written and easy to understand,



4. I have purchased three of these books at 3 separate times. Two I gave to friends, and the last was for myself. One of these friends was with me in Suzhou, China, as we wandered through small, chilly shops where women clustered together to sew these beautiful paintings on large wood frames. Those we talked to had done this since childhood. My friend wanted to buy some silk thread to experiment with on her own, but we found the range of colors to be overwhelming. Of course, I gave her this book. She is still in China, and can bring this book into the shop, point to the project color charts, and get the thread she needs without speaking a word of Mandarin. (I purchased several "paintings," but I use this book to relive my favorite day in China, and learn more about this beautiful art form.)



5. This is a very beautiful book with information on the stitches of Chinese embroidery that will enable a serious embroiderer to begin to learn how to practice this craft. The book includes a description of the frame that is used by Asian embroiders and suggestions are given for using canvas stretcher bars to make your own. Instructions are given for stretching the fabric on the frame and for transferring patterns.
   
   Each of the stitches are described, illustrated with line drawings and one or more historic textile examples is shown. The covered stitches include satin stitch, satin stitch with padding, long and short stitch, seed stitch, outline stitch, mat stitch, well stitch, star cross stitch, couching stitch, water weed stitch, chain stitch, counted stitch,holding loop stitch, weave stitch, and bullion knot stitch.
   
   There are nineteen projects at the end of the book that are very tempting; the instructions are extensive.

3 comments about A Perfect World in Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork.

1. This is by far the best book on this subject I have seen. Great instruction and it is beautifully illustrated.



2. 1. This book is definitely intermediate level or above. Having learned some stumpwork and ribbon embroidery myself, I think of my skills as intermediate and I would never give this to a beginner as a learning tool. Although the author does explain the stitches and techniques, it is done in a very condensed way that could be confusing for first-timers. There are few how-to illustrations here compared to beginner's books.
   
   2. In order to complete the embroidery sampler as pictured (the whole book is a panel-by-panel sampler project, by the way), you need to go on the author's Web site and order her pre-printed cotton fabric to embroider and stump on top of. In theory one could trace the design in the book, but that would leave out the subtle colors and shading that give this piece its extraordinary colorful, dimensional quality. Apparently, all of Di van Niekerk's books need their accompanying printed fabrics, and this one is about 16 American dollars. Why this is never mentioned either on the online page or on the book's cover is a mystery to me.
   
   3. The threads and silk ribbons that you will need for Di's projects are brand names that can not easily be found outside of South Africa (the author lives in Cape Town). You can order these from her Web site as well. Of course you could use YLI or other brands more available in America, but you'd have to guess to match the colors. I'd feel more comfortable using the author's recommended brands and colors.
   
   A Perfect World in Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork is simply exquisite. It features high-quality, lovely, original designs. The finished effect of combining ribbon embroidery and stumpwork takes my breath away, and Di van Niekerk deserves credit as a pioneer of sorts in the world of embroidery. She does indeed show a few techniques that I have never seen before.
   
   Be prepared to do some online shopping first, and you will be able to make a sampler project that will be the envy of all your embroidering friends.
   -Andrea, aka Merribelle



3. I purchased this book for a present for a friend, who is a vastly more experienced embroiderer, than myself.But first, I had the delight of looking at the book myself,I was bowled over by the delightful mixter of animals and plants,and only wish I could be that skilled. When I gave it to my friend she was equally delighted so you have 2 satisfied custumers.Jillian

5 comments about Beading with Brick Stitch (Beadwork How-To).

1. first, i will say that i can misinterpret directions like nobody you've ever known. if this were a talent, i'd be a genius. it makes following even the best written craft instructions a wee bit difficult.

   but i'm not entirely to blame for my confusions with this book. until i took a class, i thought i was not following the instructions as presented, because there were no photos or drawings accurately showing what the edge of the work should look like. knowing peyote stitch, i should have realized that brick stitch would also have sawtoothed edges, but i didn't. i just thought all my attempts were wrong.

   after having been shown, by a real live person, how to do this stitch, i went back to the book to practice increasing and decreasing. well, several methods of increasing for triple brick stitch are well illustrated, but single is not so well served. granted, some of the methods would work with both, but only experimenting will tell for others. this is a drawback to me because i think an instruction book should instruct on the basics, not leave the reader to experiment to learn them. one method of decreasing which does not leave the thread visible is not included.

   tubular single brick stitch is covered, but not double or triple. maybe these are exactly the same, but nothing is said, that i could find, about whether there are any structural differences. circular brick stitch of any number is not covered.

   there are very nice, full-page-sized graphs for single, double and triple brick stitch. it would have been nice to have had a graph for circular, because, while i could probably eventually figure out the mathematics of increasing for a flat circle, i would really rather have it done for me.

   the reasons i gave the book four stars and not three are: the historical background section and photos and the inspiring gallery and project sections. diane fitzgerald's work is stunning and the examples of other artists in the gallery section are equally wonderful. the projects are interesting, and a nice feature is the inclusion of variations by the author's students.

   on one hand, the sparseness of instructions keeps this book from being more than a good introduction to brick stitch. on the other, the gallery is an excellent source of inspiration. so, even with the drawbacks, it does deserve space in any beader's library.




2. I found Beading with Brick Stitch an excellent book for learning how to do brick stitch. On working several of the projects, I found the instructions quite clear, and these were the first time I had done brick stitch. Several pluses put this book on a level above many beading books: the history of brick stitch with pictures of traditional uses; the inclusion of single-stack, double-stack and triple-stack brick stitch graph paper to copy; many different photos of each project as made by the author's friends to demonstrate variations; and a well-done gallery for inspiration. I have found that this book has been able to answer all my brick stitch questions so far, and I have found it one of the best books in the beadworks "Beading with" series.



3. I haven't yet read the book thoroughly because I'm beading a peyote project now but I can say I like the explanation on the history of brick stitch. I think the same shapes done by different people, each work varying in colors and much the same shape is somewhat pointless, though I enjoyed the variety of colors and the works are lovely. I think you could have included a wider range of instructions on how to build a sculptoral shape step by step. The works included in the gallery are beautiful and inspiring. Have I written between 75 - 300 words ? I'll let you have the fun of counting (if you ever intend to do so - ha ha ha !!! ) Tirza, Israel.



4. This is a comprehensive book on the brick stitch. It gives detailed instructions as well as beautiful eye candy for inspiration. This book will teach the beginner and motivate the experienced to a higher level. A book every beader should have in her library.



5. I haven't taken the time to learn this kind of beading, but it looks spectacular and quite daring--different, and would make good conversation pieces. Beautiful pictures.

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

1. I've looked at several other stumpwork and needlelace books and was very intimidated. This book makes these techniques seem doable and achievable by normal people. I haven't done everything from this book by any stretch, but I've done a few bits and pieces and her instructions WORK. And again, her instruction style is very unintimidating. This has to be one of the best places to start for stumpwork.



2. 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.



3. 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



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



5. 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 comments about Simple Thread Painting: Quilt Savvy.

1. This is a good,orimer, easy to use. The binding helps to keep the book open next to your machine.



2. Nancy Prince is well known for her tutorials in thread painting. This book, in the spiral bound Quilt Savvy series, gives clear instructions on how to do thread painting of both small areas on the quilt, and larger ones, based on tulle and added later. There are five exercises/ mini-quilts you can make to practise all of Nancy's suggested techniques. These tell you exactly what areas to do in which colour threads.
   
   The only thing that would improve it, for me, would be some examples of different amounts or styles of thread painting on the same task, so you could evaluate how much or how little to do.



3. I had seen this book on one of the quilting shows. It is very good and I think will teach you a lot about thread painting. The author is very informative and knowledgeable on the subject.



4. This book explains the technique of creating beautiful art with your sewing machine! Even includes patterns in the back. I love the narrow pages which makes it easier to keep your place as you are following the instructions.



5. This is a good basics thread painting book. Nancy Prince is a talented teacher. One recommendation that I would make is to enlarge the width of the book pages. As it is printed, the pictures are some times within the fold of the book. The spiral binding is good for laying down and still reading.

5 comments about Fusing Fabric: Creative Cutting, Bonding and Mark-Making with the Soldering Iron.

1. I am very excited about trying projects found in this book. Margaret Beal gives clear instructions, but yet allows you to express your own creativity. I will be trying these techniques soon!



2. The idea of fusing together synthetic fabrics by melting them with a soldering iron is a creative one. However, on opening the book, the reader is advised of the need for a respirator and an extractor fan to protect against toxic fumes. This is not to be taken lightly. A fire extinguisher might also be recommended.
   For those who decide to forge ahead, it might also have been helpful to have more guidance included about what to search for in a soldering iron. It is not helpful to say that we do not want it "too hot" or "too cool".



3. Another reviewer has said there was no mention of where to buy a soldering iron. Well, I emailed the author and promptly got one mailed to me. No problem. Definitely use with good ventilation and a respirator, especially if you are 'burning' plastic materials.I am enjoying experimenting with the process.Well written, clear instructions.



4. Found this book to be very well issustrated and clear and conciss directions well laid out



5. This happened to be on the "suggested" list and I took a chance on getting it. I have to tell you, this is one of the best art technique books I have purchased in a long time. Very well illustrated and the techniques are varied but all useful if you want to try something different than everyone else. Thanks for this wonderful book.

2 comments about The Fine Art of Kimono Embroidery.

1. Any with more than a light interest in Japanese embroidery will readily recognize the author's name, for Shizuka Kusano is one of Japan's premiere textile artists, and her 'canvases' are the kimono, obi, and tapestries. Dozens of her works are featured in a color guide that also covers the techniques used on each of her pieces. Kusano's essay on how she began in and developed her talents includes a history of embroidery in Japan. The pairing of history, art, and how-to will make FINE ART OF KIMONO EMBROIDERY a recommendation for not only art and needlework libraries, but for general-interest collections as well.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. It is not a book to teach you embroidery, but the beautiful photos will give you inspiration....