5 comments about Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt.

1. This is a wonderful book it helps to take old worn out drab tee shirts and turn them in to new and exciting designs that are tailored to your body. There is nothing more attractive then clothing that fits. It also helps take the scraps and turn them in to accessories so that nothing is wasted. If you are and Eco lover this book will be right up your ally. It is perfect for all ages and do it together projects for bonding. It is not just for females there is lots of male ideas also.
   leahunter



2. ...I'm not small enough for these outfits! All the girls modeling the clothes in the books pages are tiny thin; I should have taken that as a clue. I love the ideas in this book and it's a lot of fun; unfortunately I don't think they work unless you're very thin (if I'm wrong please say so - I'm dying to make a Simpsons altered tee!).



3. After checking out MULTIPLE books before and after buying this one, I'm still totally satisfied that this is definitely the one to keep on hand. Some ideas are silly in that anyone who's ripped something apart and put it back together as something else wouldn't necessarily need the instructions (wristband or satchel) but most are both easy and super-cute (halter top featured on the cover; hoodie t-shirts). They mark the designs that are 'No-Sew' and those that require sewing are given an estimated time. Other books may have a few other ideas but, if you have this book, you can pretty much figure any others out on your own.



4. Pressed to find a great birthday gift for the girl who has everything? Or do you just want to give something unique and special? Why not give the gift that keeps on giving: a fun, edgy and easy-to-use craft book! Generation T is a gift for any lady!! It was given to me when I turned 18, and I have since given it to my friend on her 17th, my co-worker on her 25th and my T.A. on her 30th!! There are projects in this book that can appeal to everyone's tastes, and as a present it is a great conversation starter at a birthday dinner. I simply cannot tell you how great this book is, you must really have a peek at it for yourself!



5. Pros: simple, easy to read, good starter ideas
   Cons: styles not for everyone, designs generally for petite girls
   
   I had been eying this book for several months and finally broke down and bought it.
   To let you know, I am a beginner when it comes to sewing. I am essentially self taught, starting with some needle and thread stuff when I was in middle school and working up to a simple cheap sewing machine that I use now.
   I bought this book after flipping through it a few times, it seemed like it had a variety of different t-shirt ideas and that even if I didn't use them all at least they would provide some inspiration.
   I agree with some of the other reviews, the safety pin thing gets a bit old, but then again even if you don't like that the book does show you other techniques that could be used as well (sewing seams, using a lace and holes to thread two pieces together, buttons, etc).
   THIS BOOK WAS NOT MADE FOR OLDER GENERATIONS NOR FOR HIGH FASHION. It makes it clear on every project that these are designs for punk or hipster types. They are fun ways to transform your old useless clothes into something you might want to wear without too much effort.
   Yes, the clothes look better on the super-skinny New York girls that are pictured in the book, but I am a size 18-22 and I was able to pull off many of the designs with little to no adjustments.
   
   In conclusion this is a fun book, it is not a highly technical sewing manual, but an introduction to the possibilities of DIY and to the basics of sewing that would be great for anyone just getting started in sewing or who likes the "deconstructed" look.

5 comments about Jelly Roll Quilts.

1. This is a great book. Simple to follow and lots of good patterns and ideas.



2. Excellent source of patterns AND some very good sewing tips. I'm an experienced quilter, but found lots of new tricks and ideas.



3. This book has beautiful patterns and detailed instructions for each. It also includes alternate color schemes for each quilt. I'm currently making the cover quilt which is going together easily. I would recommend this book for quilters with at least basic knowledge and experience. Jelly Roll Quilts are GREAT for all skill levels.



4. This is one of the best quilt books I've purchased and I have about 25 of them. The book makes you want to buy a jelly roll and get started. Some quilts are more difficult than others, but for someone that's not experienced enough to take on a more complex quilt there lots of simple ones to choose from. The quilts are very attractive for how easy they are. In this book easy does not equal boring.



5. This is a very instructive book with heaps of good ideas with jelly rolls. I like to cut my own fabric and the book helps me to create plenty of wonderful patterns. It is easy to read, great photos and very enjoyable for quilters.

5 comments about Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium.

1. There were some techniques in here that I am truly enjoying in my mixed media work. It is a great book, and the instructions are well written and the pictures are just glorious. A MUST HAVE for every mixed media artist!



2. Yes, that's right, this book is so much a part of what I do that it has paint spatters on the pages. And I think that's a real recommendation. This is not a book sitting pretty on my shelf, it's a living companion working with me in my daily art practice. How cool is that? Buy this book...



3. I am experimenting with all the techniques and having fun learning. It seems easy to follow.



4. I bought it last week and it can totally be called a reference for you to deal with mixed-media acrylic painting techniques. The only lack of it is that the author does not deal with paintings made by more than one specific technique.
   By the way, is it a necessity? :))



5. Great! Was a gift for my Father who just took up painting at the age of 74. He loves it!

5 comments about Build Your Own Electric Vehicle.

1. The book is practically a collection of mind maps of various decision trees and other concepts... The text probably is adequate for designing a decent conversion. It's pretty useful if you don't mind the author's quirks.



2. I liked this book a lot, it reads well, it provides the "how to" information in the title but also a lot of background information. The only real defect I can find in it is the date of last update (1993). Suprisingly, most of what is said is still valid, but there are some things missing which did not exist then or were not mature enough. Some recommendations actually got even better: the "AC propulsion" system, which is already much praised in the book, went on to even greater success in the Tesla roadster. Just get someone (the author, if still active, or someone else) to update it for 2008 new technologies.



3. In general I found this book of value as a technical reference volumne but was extremly disappointed in the bias shown toward hybrid vehicles and larger cars of all types and the attitude that EV'S are for short shopping runs and you should use an ICE for anything else. This attitude has been what has slowed the uptake of EV's and kept the creation in the hands of mainly gifted amateurs. Yes I certainly will be using the formulae in the book but will be looking beyond the USA most of the electrics and electronics for my electric touring car



4. This book was written in the early 90's. It's so out of date that it's almost usless. Whish I had know before I spent $$$.



5. I read the book because I was interested in converting a car. At times, it became waaay more technical than I bargained for. But it gave me the confidence to go ahead with my project.
   
   I later learned that what I wanted to build was going to be so expensive, that I would not be able to afford it. This led me to see the book on a different light. For example, I would have liked it to be more specific info on the ranges and speeds one could get with a certain system. I did not find that... maybe I skipped it when I blew off the extremely technical info.
   
   But other than that I thought the book was AWESOME. I would not recommend anyone to start a project like this without first talking to people who have done it already. (That is how I found out that I was being too ambitious).
   
   I have not converted a car yet, since I decided to wait until batteries get better so I can get the range and speeds I need. But when the time comes, I going to pick up this book again. This puppy is NOT going to the used-book bookstore.

5 comments about Plus Size Crochet: Fashions That Fit & Flatter.

1. I've had this book now for a few months and love it. Margaret Hubert's book has concise easy to read directions, great contemporary patterns and FINALLY someone dares to design outside the realm of worsted weight yarn.
   
   As an advanced yarn addict I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this IS the best plus size crochet book on the market.



2. Margret Hubert wrote this book with me in mind. These are sweaters that are flattering, colorful and I want to be seen in them. The patterns are easy to follow and well written. These patterns are not beyond the abilities of most crocheters in my opinion.



3. With only one possible exception, most of the patterns in this book are extremely unflattering to the fuller size figure, both in style and in yarn choices. I was so excited to receive this book and get started on making myself some great new clothes that would actually fit, however when I received it, I started flipping through... unflattering, unflattering, makes you look even bigger, unflattering, unflattering, unflattering. There weren't even any cool or creative stitches to learn so the whole book was a total waste of money as it will be going to the thrift store promptly.



4. I wear a 3x and there isn't one item in this book I would make. Most of them require specialty yarn and some are definately not styled for the plus-size figure. They are either too short or require waist shaping that a plus sized person does not appreciate or require. Piecing diagrams with measurements are necessary for this kind of garment construction and they are not included in this book at all.



5. I was very disappointed when I read this book. I was hoping for a crochet version of the Big Girl Knits books, with fashion-forward and trendy patterns. Despite the bright colors, the sweaters are frumpy. How many button front cardigans does one need? I live in a cold climate, and I own only one. The obvious plus size styles are all here: big, thick vertical stripes; oversized cardigans, oversized pullovers. Clothes that cling to outdated rules about what looks best on 'heavy' women. There are no styles that show off the plus size woman in her best light, whether she is an apple, a pear, or in-between. How about an equestrienne jacket or a sexy mock-surplice top? Maybe a cool bamboo or linen hoodie with a zipper? Even, gasp, a few skinny horizontal stripes.
   
   Another complaint I have is with the shaping instructions. Plus size women often need extra room through the back, bust, armholes, upper arms, ribcage, waist, hips, derriere, etc. In some cases, we need less room in one area and more in another. In sewing this is accomplished through darts, yokes, pleats, etc. Ms. Hubert seems to address mainly armhole, upper arm, and waist.
   
   I also really dislike it when there are no diagrams to accompany the patterns. This makes it difficult for anyone who is not standard height to adapt the pattern. Consider that I an 5'1" and 42DD. Also a 2X. But my arms are short for a petite 1X. I have a 25" inseam, as well! What looks like a normal V-neck may end up at my belly button!
   
   I also agree with the reviewer above who complained about the lack of variety in shoulder styles. A raglan actually fits my small shouldered busty frame better than anything else.
   
   On the plus side: I don't mind chunky yarns in outerwear, such as the cute mohair coat. The bamboo cardigan is attractive.The stylist certainly did these garments a disservice, as they are not shown in the best possible light. I really can't tell if I like the asymmetrical hem polo or not. I like the spiral-bound format: it'd very practical. While the stitch patterns are basic and could be more interesting without increasing difficulty, I am happy enough to see something that does not consist of plain double crochet on and on and on.
   
   Ms. Hubert has designed much better garments and written much better books. This looks rushed. I'm sure some will like it, but it was certainly not the book for which I was yearning.

1 comments about Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens.

1. I only just discovered Lena Corwin yesterday and was so inspired by the cover that I ran right out to the bookstore to get it. There are a variety of techniques with simple, detailed instructions and beautiful pictures. I am so inspired and can't wait to start printing.

3 comments about Simply Sublime Bags: 30 No-Sew, Low-Sew Projects.

1. I'm a friend of Jodi's and I saw many of the samples as she made them. The bags are adorable: fun, whimsical and useful. Whether you're looking for a fun craft project or creative inspiration, check this out!



2. My mom got this book for me: "Simply Sublime Bags", and I love it! I already made the CAUTION tape bag and all my friends think it's adorable. My mom is going to make the Nights in white Satin bag too. I would recomend this book for any kid who likes bags and wants to look super cool ; )



3. While I'm not one to have the need to carry a bag, I love creative things and I love great gift ideas -- and this is all of that and more! Jodi Kahn is funny, inventive and full of wonderful ideas for things you can do yourself. This is a must-have for anyone who likes to make things for themselves and come up with their own individual sense of style! It's a must-have for friends and family who like to do this stuff together.
   
   Buy yourself a copy...then some more for gifts! Anyone with a proclivity for crafts, homemade projects, etc. will absolutely love it!

5 comments about 1,000 Artist Journal Pages: Personal Pages and Inspirations (1000 Series).

1. This is a truly gorgeous and inspirational book featuring the work of well-known art journalists, as well as worthy newcomers and unknowns. I was pleased to discover several fresh faces; so often in recent art journaling books it's been the same six or seven people featured. The artists' work is presented without editorial comment. The layout is not too crowded, and the color reproduction appears to be good. Lots and lots of inspiration here for art journalists who want new ideas and a fresh perspective. The variety of the work is phenomenal and international, in several different languages, and from every corner of the globe. I had to earmark many pages for closer study in my studio. A great reference volume, especially for teachers of art journaling.



2. I just got my book today and was going to email Dawn personally to tell her how great it turned out, but then decided I should share it here with other potential readers too.
   
   When I heard about the book, I was afraid that the pages inside were going to be tiny thumbnails, or a lot of stuff from a few people like many books on the market. Neither of these problems are true... the pages are big enough that I could read the journal text from just about every page. That's another part of my praise... most of the pages include real journaling, not just collage in a book labeled as "art journaling" as I have seen before, which is less my preference.
   
   The neat thing about being able to read the words on pages was to be connected with so many people that have so many of the same anxieties about being enough and doing enough... artists connected on so many planes in so many ways. I also really liked that, because of the many pages in the book, I began to recognize what types of pages caught my attention. I realized that I want to be able to work in the brighter colors that I was drawn to in the book.
   
   There was also really great contrast in pages that were simple to complex, and I realized I really liked a lot of the very sparse stenciled pages. And pages were submitted from international audiences too, not just people from the US. There are also several submissions from men. I was happy that the collection of pages reached different demographics, and I saw many new names alongside those artists I've long admired.
   
   I was reading one page in the book and saw references to local places (Saint Cupcake and Lincoln School) and realized it must be another Portlander. This made me wish that the names alongside the pages included city and state of the artists, as it gave me added energy to know about the local creative forces at play.
   
   I have several pages in the book, and my books were handled kindly and photographed well. My name was spelled right. All that was cool. Dawn also accepted a submission of one of my mother's art journal pages. My mother died last August and would have adored this book. It is really an honor to have her page next to mine, and I look forward to sharing the book with my family.
   
   I don't know Dawn and have only had contact with her in relationship to submitting my pages. But I am honestly impressed by how well done this book is, even outside my limited contribution. It is image heavy, and the pages are rich, honest,deep, serious and fun. There is much range in the styles, but the selection of contributed pages is quite excellent. I think this book will provide inspiration to a wide range of art journalers, and is not a repeat of any past books on the subject. It's a keeper.



3. What a beautiful book. I am so honored to have had my pages accepted and included. The pages were clear and wonderfully reproduced. It's an honor to have my art along side such amazing artists. The other journal pages are indeed inspiring and great eye candy. I like the simplicity of the book.
   
   Ronni Hall
   [...]



4. This is the greatest book. The entire book is photos of art journalists pages with corresponding numbers that lead to a Artist in the back of the book with thier emails or websites. The Forward ask the question Why Journal? and gives many different answerrs and views which I found interesting. There are also 2 pages of journal prompts for you to get started in Art Journaling, this was helpful to me since I'm a beginner. If that weren't enough, there are 2 pages of Resources in the back that list places to buy supplies, different magazines and artzines, books and online inspiration.
   
   This is not a book you will buy and look at just once if you are an art journaler. I've looked through this book many different times. So many of the pages just "speak" to me in so many different ways. You won't be sorry you purchased this book. It is unique and unlike any other book I've purchased so far and I have quite a few now.
   
   I think Dawn did a fabulous job with it and all the artist's who contributed their pages do wonderful work. I hope she publishes another book in the future. I'm a fan.



5. this book is defintely eye candy and inspiration but not a how to book. i would have loved to have a book that shows how some of these pages were done step by step but this book is still wonderful. it has given me many ideas already.

5 comments about 500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form (500 Series).

1. This is a book that will fill the spirit within! What an amazing assortment of photographs of such incredible books. I sat with it for hours and hours just exploring each 'book' (photo) as if having a ringside seat on the skill and creativity of each artist. What a treasure for reflection and for stimulating creative ideas for further bookarts exploration. This was well worth waiting for! It would be a great gift!



2. What a treasure house of incredible artists' books! I had to turn off the tv for this one, and spent two and a half hours lost in its pages, as my head was filled to overflowing with inspiration and amazement! It is difficult to describe the variety, beauty, imagination, and innovative genius reflected in this display of original handmade books. This is a book that will make you say "OOOOOH!" out loud! It's a wonderful reference book for book artists, book arts teachers, or for anyone who simply loves to look at and appreciate beautiful and amazing works of art. The books are beautifully presented, without commentary, in excellent color reproduction. My only regret was not to be able to turn the pages of the books shown and go deeper into them!



3. What a fantastic book! I received it early in the day and I kept picking it up wanting to devour it. However; I wanted to wait till I was relaxed and could do this in one sitting( I thought).
   That night in bed , relaxed I was up half the night and not halfway finished. This is a spectacular collection that one can come back to time to time for inspiration or the mere fact that you are feeling down.This is a coffee table book, a book to carry with you for inspiration, a great gift book for anyone that loves any type of art. It is a must buy!



4. WONDERFUL BOOK on contemporary Book Arts! Excellent for Book Artists, teachers, etc. as an introduction
   to what is happening today in books! Lots of Motivation to MAKE them too! Shows a great variety of materials
   and structures, use of text and image, different printing methods... Get it!



5. I bought this book as a gift for a friend who hand-makes beautiful books of her own, and now I'm back to buy another copy for myself. The quality of the photography and the book itself, plus the beauty of the unusual hand-made books pictured, make this a must-have for those who appreciate this artform. There are no instructions here ... just page after page of "eye-candy" and breath-taking inspiration. The other book of this type that I love is The Penland Book of Handmade Books: Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques (Master Classes in Bookmaking)

5 comments about The Dangerous Book for Boys.

1. My twin 12 year old boys came out to stay with me this summer. I just read them the Battle of the Alamo last night. I see why schools think kids have adhd and no focus. The schools have no focus! Giving background to the story I talked about Davie Crockett and Daniel Boone. When I was a kid these guys were mythical heros. My boys had not been familiar with either of these two. Schools complain that kids aren't interested in learning. Perhaps they have to teach something interesting. Kudos for this book.



2. I bought this for my 9 year old grandson and he has really enjoyed it so far and will for years to come. I told him that since I hate to hear the words "I'm bored" he now has no excuse to say them around me again. He can pull out this book and find plenty of amusement!



3. I originally bought this book for my son, he's 11. He loves it. Unfortunately my husband and 6 brothers won't give it back to him, yet. They've enjoyed the 'projects' as much as my son has.



4. This is a great father/son book. There are things in there that I was never taught to do, so both my son and I are learning. Great stuff to do together!



5. My nine year old twin girls love the book. Sure, they have no interest in hunting rabbits (they're vegetarians) or famous battles in history (at least not yet), but there's a lot in here for any kid who is not on too tight of a parental leash. Get this and the girls' book too. A lot of worthwhile bits in each.