5 comments about Stitch-It Kit.

1. If you are a beginner "stitcher" or want to learn embroidery, here's what you do...go to a craft store buy some DMC floss (25 cents a piece or less), a pack of embroidery needles ($1.39 or less), a transfer pen (I recommend Sulky brand $2.39 a piece) and something to trace that you want to embroider. Save your money on this kit....the designs are "cute" but you can find similar on the web or various websites...I like needlecrafter.com....hundreds of FREE patterns you can print, trace and embroider on your own. Don't forget the tons of blogs devoted to stitching and the kind women you give you FREE patterns or ones to buy for a lot less than this kit.
   
   The only reason it got 2 stars was that Jenny Hart's little instruction book is written well and helped me master the split stitch and the french knot. However you don't need this kit to learn to embroider (go to the library and there are instruction guides...I was lucky to find The Stitch Sampler at mine and more helpful are those blogs I visit daily) and if you already embroider I think you will be very disappointed at the quality of the materials enclosed.



2. LOVES IT!!!! BEST GIVE EVER!! I HAD A COMPLETED PROJECT IN 2 HOURS... GREAT CRAFT BOOK!!! WISH I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT YEARS AGO!!! ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES AND PROJECTS.



3. I have never emboridered in my life. This book showed in a short sweet step by step work up of how to get started. It touched on the diffrent threads.
   
   I also loved the patterns included!



4. I LOVE the stich it kit... I got one for myself back when they first came out.
   This one is a gift for my neice. She opeend it the other day & we started right away, she loved the kit. The book has great stich diagrhams & the patterns are fun & up to date.



5. This is a great kit for beginners. I sewed my first patterns easily and plan to do more.

No comments about Simply Soldered.

5 comments about Perfumes, Splashes & Colognes: Discovering and Crafting Your Personal Fragrances.

1. Some Amazon reviewers seem to miss completely the point of the books they are rating. One example: among the reviews of a book on yoga for (very) fat people, some commentators criticize the author for changing some of the classical positions. If one can work out the correct positions, why is he(she) meddling into, and messing up, the references for less fortunate people?
   
   This book is another case. It clearly states that it is for beginers (and, by the way, never claims to be solely about 'natural' perfumes). A couple of reviewers criticize it for containing a classification of popular commercial perfumes into the categories of scents that is used in the text.
   
   Is it really that difficult to figure out why such a table is useful for someone that is seeing a perfumes classification scheme for the first time? For those that still don't get it: it's because you exemplify each category with a scent that the reader either very probably knows (since he's reading a book on perfumes, chances are he knows the most common commercial ones) or can easily go to a nearby drugstore and try it.
   
   Not only that, but we can all presume that one of the pleasures of learning the basics of perfume-making is when, for the first time, you make a "perfect copy" of commercially successfull product.
   
   This is the sort of explanation that naturaly comes to anyone that approaches a book with a clear, good-natured mind. People who are unable to put themselves into the targeted audience's shoes would do better avoiding the confusion they create with their self-centered opinions.



2. Good exposition of history of perfume, basic types, and so on. Good instructions on how to start making your own.



3. This book arrived on time and was exactly as described. It's been fun playing around with making my own fragrances and not having to pay top dollar to smell good (smile). Will purchase from this company again!



4. I pretty much knew nothing about perfumes before I read this book. I know quite a bit about aromatherapy, but not perfumes. For me, this book was easy to read/follow and I liked the history that it included. The recipes in the book were pretty basic and were fun and easy to try out. A "must read" for anyone wanting to start learning about perfumes.



5. If you are just starting out this is a great book. It breaks down a lot of info and gives you some great recipes to try on your own.

5 comments about Making Glass Beads.

1. This book explains in details on how to make beads and just the basics of setting up your own torch, etc.



2. This book is good and has lots of info and useful tips. My only problem is that the images of the projects are quite small. I like to see big, clear images so I can follow them easily. But other than that, a really good book which I am glad I purchased.



3. I bought this book without ever having touched a torch in my life and with this book and "The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking" by Kimberley Adams I've been able to make cute little beads right from the start.
   I recommend buying two different books to learn lampwork beadmaking because I found that the two I bought used slightly different techniques to form beads. I was able to achieve more success with one technique over then other in many cases.



4. Excellent book for beginning "beaders" like me! Step by step instructions and great photos.....you won't be dissapointed



5. I'm interested in learning how to make beads and several lamp workers suggested this book to me before taking the plunge (before buying all of the supplies). I think after reading and re-reading this book I'll be confident enough to give it a try! The book shows how to make simple starter beads and progresses to the more involved, difficult beads. I feel it's a great starter book and may even give the pros some tips to improve their technique. I'd recommend it to anyone who's thinking about giving glass bead making a try!
   
   Photos are beautiful; simple beads are photographed for a newbie's sake, and more challenging beads are shown on every page to show what can eventually be done with practice. Plus the "hot tips" are wonderful!

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Home Carpentry : Carpentry Skills & Projects for Homeowners (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library).

1. This book doesn't include any text about stairs. I guess most complete homes don't need stairs. I find this book more of a coffee table book than a book I can count on for howto information.



2. Had to give 1 star to off set the other reviews. My problem with most of these carpentry books is their lack of conviction to a topic. I have been a carpenter for way longer than 4 years (the accepted journeyman level). In truth it takes a lifetime to keep up with new practices and master traditional techniques. If you need to read 93 PAGES OF 277 on what a particular tool is or how to set up a saw then you really are not ready for complete carpentry. You need to develop your understanding of the tools.
   
   Taunton Press is my recommendation for high quality information. Most of their publications assume you know how to use your tools. I would like to see quality books on specific skills. The complete all in one would have to be text book size and come in volumes. One good example is Lewis Vogt Carpentry 3rd edition. Used in construction management courses.
   
   This book is just fluff. A weekend warrior might find some good info to improve his garage or better use his tools.



3. I bought this book for a garage project of mine and the decent reviews it had. I must say the reviews are well deserved. This book offers plenty of photos and well explained "how-to" guide lines. Detailed explanation with photos of all the tools you'll need for your project. I can now do my projects with confidence considering I am a novice at carpentry. Excellent choice for the novist.



4. received book in a timely manner and in excellent condition



5. The Complete Guide to Home Carpentry : Carpentry Skills & Projects for Homeowners (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library) Item appears to be very thorough; great illustrations!

5 comments about Knit Christmas Stockings!: 19 Patterns for Stockings and Ornaments.

1. I loved this book much like it's counter parts, Knit Mittens and Knit Hats. I have made 6 stockings so far and intend to knit more. The patterns are explicit enough for the novice knitter. However there are patterns for the experienced knitter as well. I enjoy the shape of these books (they take me back to my childhood). I highly recommend this book. The "elves" have done well with this one. Merry Christmas!



2. I have had a blast knitting Christmas stockings for the whole family with this book. The great thing is, with one book, you have almost unlimited patterns available (much cheaper than buying a kit or a pattern for each stocking!), and yet everyone can choose a pattern that expresses his or her individuality. My husband chose the simple "Rustic Lodge" stocking, while I wanted the more challenging "Lace Brocade." And with the mix-and-match stocking, you really could have endless possibilities. The instructions were clear, although even when you use the exact yarn and needles described, check your gauge (you can't be off when you're knitting on a circular needle!).

   One bonus about this book: almost every pattern has a slightly different way to turn a heel (and none of them are done with seams -- they're all knit in the round like real socks). If you have ambitions about being a sock knitter, this is an excellent place to start, since you can practice the techniques without the sock ever having to be comfortable enough to wear!




3. Great book for all levels. The directions are clear and easy to follow with great pictures and graphics. The book also looks adorable hanging around on the coffee table



4. I'm not nuts about the selection of patterns, but the patterns that are there are well-written and definitely meant to hold the less-experienced knitter's (moi) hand. Patterns in the knitting and crocheting world are usually written with just the stitches, leaving the knitter to guess what the outcome should look like. Not this little book, though their method succeeds to varying degrees. That said, pictures, in addition to the written hand-holding, for each stage of creation sure would be nice. Still, it's a good, basic book for getting started with making stockings. I don't regret the purchase.



5. Someone made a handknit stocking for me when I was a baby, then when I got married, my mom made a matching stocking for my husband. When each of our children was born, my mom also made stockings for them. Well, this past Christmas as my son was expecting his first child, he asked me to make a matching stocking for the new baby for this coming year. I am a complete novice at knitting (the only thing I had made was scarves!), so I purchased this book hoping it would help me get through learning how to "turn a heel", and all those other complicated instructions! I'm very happy to say that I was able to make a beautiful stocking using this book as a basic guide ... the instructions and photos were very detailed and helpful, even to a novice like me!! There are some patterns in the book which are more complicated, so I think the book could be for more experienced knitters as well.

5 comments about Findings & Finishings: A Beadwork How-To Book (Beadwork How-To series).

1. Although "Findings and Finishings" is described on its cover as "a beadwork how-to book", it is as much a catalogue of the different findings and finishings that are available, as it is an instructional manual. In this book, Sharon Bateman provides color photographs of just about every type of jewellery finding imaginable (including clasps, connectors, terminals, spacers, crimps, head pins, ear wires and pins), with instructions on their use, and photographs and instructions of a wide range of beading techniques. There are no specific projects described in this book, but there is enough information given for the reader to create their own projects.
   
   Although this book is only 118 pages, there is a lot of information given in that space, and I would imagine this information would appeal to jewellery makers of all skill levels. However, this book could have been improved if more illustrations were provided of the interim steps involved in attaching each of the findings etc. Bateman provides photographs of finished products but often provides no illustrations of how she got there. This caused me some problems when I was learning how to bead.



2. I thought this book would just be about findings but it has everything you need to know to polish and finish any bead work. A must have for any beader.



3. For all the people who want instructions on finishing jewelry, this is a wonderful resource book. It's well written and gorgeously printed in color.
   It's a nice overview of finishing techniques, including some absolutely inspirational clasps done in seed beads, she has wire tips and instructions for wire clasps, detailed hints and instructions for finishings.
   It's got nice ideas for beginners, and for wireworkers both beginning and experienced. Bails and earrings and multi strand clasps that are well thought out.
   It's also a great book for advanced beaders as well, there are some projects and ideas in it that are just really inspirational. I'm absolutely in love with some of the seed bead clasp ideas, they are elegant and gorgeously executed, and I know I'll be using them in the near future. There is a slide bar bracelet that's so clever it took my breath away. I can picture it so well with a rug pattern peyote stitched bracelet!
   I was very impressed. In some ways, learning how to end a piece of jewelry you've spent a lot of time on in a way that balances well and is as beautiful as the rest of the piece is very hard, this book makes it much easier to have the back of your necklace or bracelet look as amazing at the front does. A lot of the ideas are also a lot less expensive then buying fancy findings that only "almost" match your finished piece. With this in hand, you can design the perfect finish for your piece.
   It was released by Interweave Press, the company that does Beadwork magazine. This book easily meets all expectations. I've been using it as a reference since I got it.



4. This book is an absolute must for beginners or advanced jewelry designers. The great step-by-step pictures provide an excellent reference. Terms are clearly defined.



5. This book gives some information on tools and bead types, lists a good number of findings and how to make them and some examples of finishes with drawn-up instructions.
   I gave it only 3 stars because I bought other books for most of this information and expected a more detailed list of findings. The finishes and the picture gallery feature almost exclusively seed-bead projects.

5 comments about Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes.

1. I found the author's previous book Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau: The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders quite interesting, although some of the suggestions there were a little fussy and some just bulky and unnecessary. Those recommended in this book are also variable in their composition and effect--in fact some are quite ugly--but I did find the notion of taking a simple sweater and adding a different cuff style or collar/neckline interesting. I've done some experiments of my own with patterned front bands that I've enjoyed, using the designer Fassett's book Kaffe Fassett's Pattern Library: Over 190 Creative Knitwear Designs as a guide or knitted edging/lace directories like the The Knitters Bible among others but have tended to use them to treat streight edges. I look forward to trying some of Ms Epstein's suggestions on fitting and shaping necklines/collars. I certainly enjoyed the book enough to add her book Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments: 350 Appliques, Borders, Cords and More!,to my wish list.



2. Nicky Epstein has done it again. This is an excellent reference book, and the photography is superb.



3. This book still has some new ideas and if you are a collector of her books you should get this one too. These ideas are definately for a more experienced knitter, not for a novice because the best in the book are the more difficult patterns. Really this book is just beautiful to look at but if one is being frugal wait until you have exhausted the ideas in volume one.



4. I can't believe Nicky Epstein keeps coming up with new stuff. Does she have an elf workshop inventing for her? Lots of good ideas here from the fancy to the basic. Some I will probably never use such as pompons on a collar or sequins and beads, but there are several cuffs and necklines that are very nice. You need to have the ability to manipulate patterns for this book to be really useful. Includes a few sweater patterns incorporating some of the ideas in the text. If you own her other books, this one will not disappoint.



5. I absolutely love this book as well as her other 2 books. I can't believe there are people out there that actually gave this book, a negative review(to each his own). Anyway, I love her cuffs and closures, they are so versatille, and so new and up to date. Her corners and borders are great for even so many types of blankets. Plus her roses and appliques are terrific. The necklines, just pick and choose, there is defintely something in this book for everyones tastes. I just Love It!!

3 comments about Color and Composition for the Creative Quilter: Improve Any Quilt with Easy-to-Follow Lessons.

1. If you hated homework you won't like this book, but if you are willing to follow the instructions and trust the authors to lead you to new skills, you will come away from the lessons in this book with a better understanding of drawing and coloring ways to add to your personal style of making art quilts. I will do this and look forward to the experience!



2. I took a basic color and design class at a community college about a decade ago. We worked through similiar exercises to those in this book, but with paper, not with fabric as in this book. If you have wanted to take a basic color and design class at a college but don't have the time or resources, this is an excellent book. The only thing I like better about the college class is that you have a real person demanding your homework!



3. Learn some new ways iof looking at color ar expand what you think you know. Lovely ideas and great things to put into use.

5 comments about Can't Fail Color Schemes (Can't Fail).

1. This book is an excellent resource for people who enjoy colors but are afraid to decorate their homes with color. Can't Fail Color Schemes is a great tool for amateur decorators, homeowners who don't want to make mistakes painting their homes and professional decorators who are looking for an update in their traditional color palets. This volume is easy to use, is chocked full of wonderful illustrative room settings and a "must-have" for anyone looking to transform their house into their home.



2. This book isn't what we expected. It was like a color chart you can pick up at the paint shop. It did not tell us what colors go well together, However there were pictures of rooms and they explained what were in the pictures. We were still confused about what to choose for our home. Eventually we looked at the nice pictures and ended up getting a paint chart at the paint shop and doing it the old way!



3. Clothes may not make the man, but color sure makes the room, doesn't it?
   If you respond intensely to color, as I do, but have no idea what turns you on or turns you off, this book is the handy guide you want (even the way it's bound, in a spiral, like every cookbook should be but isn't).
   Amy Wax's book is indispensable for anyone choosing colors in decorating or, especially, as we used it for, to guide you through a major renovation. After all, you spend thousands to redo a room, so why not spring for 13 bucks (now at Amazon) to guide you through the crucial decisions on color? After all, isn't that what everyone comments on?



4. I love this book it is a great help for color coordination both inside the house and outside. It it is worth every penny I payed for it. I would highly recommend it to anyone, both amateur and professional decorators. It really helped me out, I can't say enough good things about it but to say I think is a great book.



5. I Love this book. If you have trouble putting just the right colors together, this book will show you how subtle changes in shades within a color can make a difference, as well as how to put together whole color schemes. If you know what you like, but don't know how to "get there" this book will give you lots of ideas to experiment with before you even paint your first coat of color. It also made me think about combinations I wouldn't have put together on my own. I definitely recommend this book.