5 comments about Shabby Chic.

1. I've find the information in the book (text) very useful in creating a soothing, unfussy, shabby environment at home. However I was expecting it to be the otherway around; I thought there'll be beautiful photographs in the book and the text just going to state the obvious...
   I was expecting more photos of the 'typical shabby' look (white walls, furniture, crystals, pinks, pastel colors, etc.) Instead you'll find a little bit of this and a little bit of that of varous styles mixed with shabby chic(traditional, modern and just a few of that typical romantic style)...so I am a little disapointed about that but on the whole, this book is o.k.



2. This was the first book I bought when I closed on my country home. My style has always been contemporary and I wanted ideas for decorating a turn of the century farmhouse. This and Shabby Chic Home is to decorating what Betty Crocker is to cooking. You will never go hungry again!:)



3. This book protrayed the essence of the Shabby Chic home
   decoration. It has a good balance between the written word
   and photographs. I did enjoy the book and got a lot of
   ideas from it.



4. This is one of those books that is great to flip through in a bookstore or friend's house but never buy. And I am quite a fan of Shabby Chic and Rachel Ashwell. So if you don't even like her stuff, nothing in this book will sustain your interest. There is not much copy to read, her "tips" are very generic or just off-the-mark (she says it's ok to buy termite-ridden antiques because "a simple commercially available spray" gets rid of termites - somehow I don't see many women attempting this), and the book is mostly photos. While pretty, the photos are sourced from the same few celebrity homes she knows, so one feels a bit shortchanged.



5. This Book, I would say this dream world, is a must-have for any person who loves true design, home or garden decor, flea-markets finds and/or who has children (or even just one kid). The ideas are great and simple, the style is typically Shabby Chic, as its creator wrote this book, but in a little bolder and more flashy colors than in her other books, as many projects are outside and need to be seen under a very harsh sunlight.
   It is Rachel Ashwell's fifth book, so, we could imagine it is the same as her four preceding others, but no, she manages to surprise us in it : by remaining true to her palette, we can guess an evolution in her tastes and choices, which are always so chic, so elegant, so British, quite elegant enough for any French Castle, and I know what I am speaking of, as I am French and have been raised in a very chic Parisian family.
   As you understood, I am a big fan of Rachel Ashwell's design, I only regret she's not more well-known in Paris.
   So, if you like or are curious of Shabby Chic, this book is more that a must, the kind of book you will keep your whole life.
   By the way, the pictures are gorgeous, a usually, and the explanations honest and easy to understand, as usually too.
   I recommend strongly.
   Yael from Los Angeles

5 comments about Patterns of Fashion 1: 1660-1860 (Patterns of Fashion).

1. I was very excited to receive my copy of Patterns of Fashion, Vol I by Janet Arnold. As a Revolutionary War reenactor, my interest in 18th Century clothing is continually deepened by more and more detailed research, and this book is a treasure trove of information. The specific details, such as a discussion of how saque-back gown sleeves were set into the body of a gown, are invaluable insights into garment construction, and equally invaluable how-to aids. Although the book covers a wider range of period garments than just 18th Century clothing, it seems to concentrate on the 18th Century,(at least, that's my perception!) and it's easy to use the book in order to put the Revolutionary War period into perspective in the timeline of fashion. The addition of useful tools such as the metric conversion chart are bonuses.
   
   Even if each garment were not charted on a grid, making it possible to draft a pattern, just the discussion of the details of each garment would make the book a must for every seamstress' or shelf. If you can only afford a few books on historic clothing, this one is a must.



2. It was with great reverance that I approached my first look at the Patterns of Fashoion. I have heard so many great things that I was almost afraid I would be disappointed. Not so, this book has exceeded my wildest expectations. I own at least a score of books on Tudor/Elizabethan clothing or general costuming and can resolutely say that there is no equal to this book when it comes to detailed exactly how a garment was constructed. Each piece of extant clothing is given multiple pictures and the most detailed descriptions of any book I've seen. While this is not a guide that may interest the average costumer ...if you're serious about period costuming this is your resource.



3. My Wife is absolutely thrilled with the material in this book ....she has told me several times, in less that a month, that "I've learned something new !!! "
   
   It doesn't get any better than that
   
   thanx



4. I was a bit disappointed in this book. Especially as compared with the book that precedes this one in time period. The Elizabethan period book has all sorts of YUMMY details (photographs) of actual garments. Those details more accurately illustrate how a technique was carried out, and should look when finished. This book has exactly TWO photos! And both are of finished modern replicas. ALL the illustrations are line drawings. Exceptionally done line drawing. Very well executed. But nothing holds a candle to a photograph.
   The greatest covered fashion period in this book, is about 1750-1800. It is nearly bereft of 17th century examples. And there is only a handful of Victorian era (1830s-1860) examples. That was refreshing, as there are enough other books that cover Victorian decades.
   All that being said, it is still a VERY INFORMATIVE and well illustrated book. You could certainly learn a lot about construction techniques and cut.
   
   -- Metric conversion chart included.
   -- List of source references
   -- instructions on altering a modern dress form to work for period
   -- Pattern layouts are not modern with PRECISE measurements. They are
   period layouts that assume knowledge of drafting and fitting



5. Janet Arnold is the preemminent clothing historian of our day. As with all of her books she has provided a concise reference to the garments of the period in question, listing the fabrics, colors and cuts that are appropriate for the given garments. Also typical of Arnold books is the scale patterns for the given garments in the back of each text, so, with an understanding of pattern drafting one can easily reproduce the garments from the book as well as size the garment for a particular wearer. As with many of Ms. Arnold books she draws examples from extant examples taken from trunks and in some cases the casket. Another exceptional book by Janet Arnold for the clothing historian or the obsessive compulsive costumer.

5 comments about Origami Flowers: Popular Blossoms and Creative Bouquets.

1. Well, I shouldve done more research on this book, but I don't like it because it requires too many other things to be used other than oragami paper. And sometimes the images of the pictures didnt seem very accurate, so i got confused a lot.



2. It is refreshing to look at the reviews and find that others have had the same frustrations with this book as I have. Yes, I agree the color photographs are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. They sure suck you in and are a powerful tool to entice you into buying the book. The artist is wonderfully creative with her use of the pentagon, hexigon and out-of-the-mainstreem starting shapes which makes this book so unique.
   
   It is definitely NOT for the beginner. The first flower I tried was the pansy. I have been a paper sculptress for years. I love origami, tea bag folding and just about anything having to do with paper. I had to seek the help of my Mensa member father in order to get this one right! I was ready to hold a book burning party and roast marshmallows over this one!
   
   If you do not use a thin enough paper you will have problems with some of the folding. Some areas get folded so many times that the piece becomes almost too thick to fold and I was using plain old printer paper.
   
   If you love a challenge, go for it! I certainly do not regret buying this book and I still pick it up from time to time just to see if my mind is more open to the techniques it presents. Hats off to those who found the instructions "easy to follow." I certainly was not one of them. If you need a reason to slit your wrists I highly recommend this book (hehehehehe - just kidding). Good luck!



3. The featured flowers are beautiful, but be forwarned: the process involves much more beyond folding. Scissors, glue... that's a given in almost all the patterns. For some, that's not pure origami, more paper craft. In addition, there are a few missing steps in some of the instructions. In fact, for 2 of the flowers, there seems to be chunks of instructions missing. Other than that, the usual project takes about 30-40 minutes for an intermediate paper crafter.



4. Origami flowers is a FANTASTIC book, but it is not for the novice, or for one that does not want to spend some quality time constructing the flowers. The flowers do in fact look like the real ones, but they are complicated. One flower took me several hours to complete. I would say this is a book for the advanced-intermediate to advanced origami artist.
   
   Beautiful flowers though!



5. I agree with some of the other reviewers- this is a great book for someone experienced- the diagrams are very easy to follow, the folds come out looking great, and so on. I highly recommend it. However- if you're just starting out, I think a lot of the folds are a little tricky and might not come out right. Definitely not a book for an absolute beginner, but otherwise it's a fantastic book- I loved it.

5 comments about Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C.1860-1940 (Patterns of Fashion 2).

1. ...I just totally felt in love with this book as a student a couple of years ago and what a good surprise to find it back, now, on Amazon....Amazing references on the Victorian main silhouette, good selection of patterns and relevant information on the inside construction of the styles proposed. A lot of visual, sketch are clear and the ideas suggested are really interesting. I am a pattern maker myself so I never used the patterns as is from this book, but pick up a lot of information and integrate it in my projects... You probably need at least a bit of experiences as a seamstress or pattern making to fully appreciate and understand it. I personally recommend it. Have fun!



2. Very good book showing how the dresses were made. However I found that the clothing that were shown were for the higher class of people than what I was looking for. I was interested in the regular day to day clothing of the average woman, home or working.



3. This book is awesome. Although, as someone else said, a few of the items are not the best representation of their period, they are all quite gorgeous. I have made a few of them already, they are easy to draft and the ones I've made luckily were my size! It's a great reference, it's extremely detailed in construction (not a how to, but an explanation of the details of what they did.) Overall, a fantastic book at a great price! If you want something with more sizing for the bustle era, try Fashions of the Gilded Age.



4. Janet Arnold is the premiere clothing historian of our day. The patterns in her books are based upon extant garments, out of storage and off the dead. Not only are details on the individual garments precise and extensive, but, patterns are provided for each garment within the book. With a little knowledge on drafting patterns can be sized to fit. Ms. Arnold provided information on the materials, colors and prints appropriate for each period and garment as well. Exceptional for the clothing historian or the obsessive compulsive stage costumer.



5. My wife produces numerous victorian era dresses, as part of her participation in American Civil War reenacting. She has found this book indispensible in helping her make dresses of the time. It is a great source of knowledge for how these outfits were constructed.

5 comments about Little Bead Boxes: 12 Miniature Containers Built with Beads.

1. While I have yet to make any of the boxes from this book, I have read it thoroughly and am anxious to begin a box. I have seen boxes others have made from the instructions in this book so I feel confident in recommending it to others. The instructions are clear, don't leave you with questions, and help you to produce a piece worthy of the effort it takes. Again, glad I added it to my personal beading library.



2. This book was great. I looked it over and was not sure I could follow the instructions but once I started I found it to be pretty easy. Her helpful tips were great as if she anticipated the problems I would have. Also the projects didnt take as long as I had thought they would. I am a medium level beader so have only limited knowledge when I started these projects.



3. Great little book. Directions are a little hard to understand, but with taking it slow and easy, the designs are easy to make.



4. Well, I just finished my first little bead box. It is so lovely. I enjoyed a bead project that was a non-wearable. The complete project does not take as long as I thought it would. I'm not sure you should tackle this if you are not comfortable with peyote patterns or if you have not beaded any project with a geometric shape. Definitely read the beginning of the book with the general instructions before you start beading otherwise you will never be able to follow the word pattern. If you choose to make any of these boxes - you will not be disappointed.



5. This book is excellent, very detailed. It gives patterns, bead counts, color choices, and the instructions are very good. I have the second book too and it's just as good.

5 comments about Mastering the Art of McTavishing.

1. Really enjoyed this book! Because it also comes with a DVD---you can see actual examples and how they are done --- making the technique easier to duplicate. I wish other authors of techniques would think about doing the same thing!



2. I found this book truly inspirational. Even though I only use a domestic machine, I can't wait to 'play' with this method. It has fuelled my ambition even further to one day own a long-arm quilting machine. Have yet to kick off the kids long enough to watch the dvd, but am looking forward to doing that shortly. The illustrations and explanations made it easy to imagine what can be produced, and the photographs of the quilts took my breath away.
   Marita from Australia



3. I am trying to expand my knowledge of free motion quilting and found this book to be exceptional. It gave me the "tools" I needed to jump in and go a new direction with free motion quilting. Mastering the Art of McTavishing



4. This is a wonderful book and Amazon did a great job getting it to me before I needed it for a class I was taking.



5. Wonderful book, informative, easy to follow, great ideas for practicing free motion quilting, looks fabulous when done following her directions

5 comments about Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques.

1. This is a great book, for the experienced doll maker, and the new beginner. The instrutions, with illustrations are clear and concise. Very easy to follow, very simple to use, and most of all fun. With a gallery of recognized colth doll makers, show casing what they have done with these patterns!
   
   A perfect starter book, this one should be on any soft cloth doll makers shelf.



2. Purchased this paperback and absolutely had to order ALL of the books of Ms. Medaris Culea. Wonderfully illustrated, easy to follow instructions with patterns provided, I'd say the beginner to expert dollmaker would find something of interest. Can't wait to hit the fabric store and find some fun remnants!



3. This is the second Culea book I've purchased, and I got this one primarily because I really like her first one. I'm new to doll making so I find the patterns and suggestions very helpful to get the creative juices flowing. This book also has a doll pattern as well as instructions for creative embellishments. One caveat: While this book is great for me as a beginning doll "artist", I don't think it's for a beginning sewer since the instructions tend to give you a broad outline of each process (not detailed steps.) On the plus side, the book has lots of illustrations to help you understand the instructions. It's also filled with photos of Culea's pattern interpreted by many "guest" artists. For me, this is definitely one of the more fun doll books in print right now.



4. Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques
   
   As a accompaniment to my Creative Cloth Doll Faces book, this book is a necessity to help me create beautiful dolls! I am excited and thrilled to have this book and learn about all the wonderful tips and tricks that can be used to create and embellish my dolls and make each doll unique - with her own personality!



5. I have collected all of Patti Culea's books on doll making, and had the recent pleasure of taking one of her classes. Patti makes doll making fun and exciting, as she teaches many different techniques. I felt like I was taking craft classes as well as a doll class. Her books are easily understood even by the beginner doll maker, but with enough variety that the seasoned crafter would not be bored. You can't go wrong with buying any of Patti's wonderful books. I am anxiously waiting for her newest book to be released in January 2009.

5 comments about The Guide to Hawaiian-Style Money Folds.

1. This book offered many unique designs that i have not seen before. It has 15 money folds and a section on envelopes and boxes. This book will tend to be hard for the beginner. I have done a few money folds and some of the pictures of the directions are hard to figure out whats going on. The pictures just need more detail. There is a lot of cool things in this book though, i really enjoy it!



2. This is a great book. Have learned several of these already and am eager to learn and teach even more. Great way to pass time while waiting any= where.



3. My teenager loves oragami so I thought he might like this book. He did. You need fresh NEW money though or the folds won't hold right. Lots of cute designs inside.



4. I really like all the designs that are included in the book. Out of the 15 different designs I managed to only figure out how to do 5 of the designs. Some of the instructions and illustrations were not very clear in my point of view. I really love all the flower designs, but I was only able to figure out two out of the three. Of course, it was the most beautiful design that I was not able to figure out. Although, I was more experienced with origami folding than my husband, I had to asked him to try to analyzed the instructions since he is a physicist and a mathematician. He managed to help me figure out two of five designs that I was able to create. This book needs a bit more clearer instructions and should use more color to help with the illustrations. Think very hard before buying this book because you might not get all your money's worth if you can only learn how to create very few designs from it.



5. This is by far the best $ fold book I own. The directions are great and the ideas are very different. Even the difficult folds are explained pretty well. The book also shows how to do some regular paper folds like boxes etc. Awesome book & a great place to start for beginers!!!

5 comments about To Have & To Hold: Magical Wedding Bouquets.

1. this book is as good as anything i have seen on this subject[and probably better than most]



2. Es una estupenda referencia sobre las ideas que buscan las personas cuando de solicitar ramos para boda se refieren... incluso algunas quinceañeras lo han tomando como referencia para escoger el ramo que llevarán a la iglesia.



3. I bought this book for my sister who is getting married soon. She loved the book! It has given her great ideas and pictures for her to express to her florist what she wants. Most of the bouquets are unique and the wrappings around the flowers are a wide variety and have great ideas. I would recommend the book.



4. I'm marrying in November and went to the library to look up books on wedding flowers; this one came out to be my favorite so far. Although some of the advice is a little too frou-frou for my tastes (if you want Spring flowers in December, then have at it!), the bouquets and flowers are gorgeous. I actually read the captions for the photos more than anything else.
   
   The book is quite inspiring with several flower types that you never thought to use, plus interesting wrapping of the stems.
   
   My biggest cheer is for the size and quality of the photos. You can search online all you like for beautiful bouquets, and most of the time you get pixelated crap with colors that don't match the flowers at all.



5. When looking for something fresh and new for my wedding flowers, I sifted through dozens of books that showed the same old arrangements and nothing new or creative. I own another of Stark and Adler's books, and was pleased to see they had written a wedding flower book. I was over the moon after ordering the book. The designs are simply beautiful! The flower choices are artistic, simple and help a bride to choose the right flowers for the growing season in which her wedding takes place. I carried this book to my florist and we recreated several of the arrangements for my bridal bouquets and table arrangements. Everyone was impressed with the floral arrangements and the vibrant color choices. This is the one book you need, if you are looking for a fresh, vibrant and artistic look for your wedding.

3 comments about The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman.

1. This book isn't really very substantial; it's essentially an alphabetic collection of the great couturier Christian Dior's comments on various elements of fashion and style. On these terms, however, and for the reader who isn't approaching the book expecting anything world-shaking, it's a very nice little item and a good snapshot of "New Look" fashion ideas. Lots of great B&W photos and drawings, too! (I think it really deserves 3 1/2 stars but Amazon's star system doesn't allow that kind of fine-tuning, more's the pity.)



2. This is a nice little book - not detailed or descriptive enough for someone really interested in fashion. I did enjoy the photographs. If you are looking for more indepth explanation of fashion terms and guidelines, I suggest A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions. It is organized alphabetically, just like Mr. Dior's book, but has more detailed written descriptions of the items.



3. I bought this book as a gift for a relative who is a fashion aficionado and it was perfect! She owns several other fashion dictionaries, but didn't have this one. If you appreciate the history of fashion, you will love this must have for your book collection.