5 comments about Clothes and the Man: The Principles of Fine Men's Dress.

1. I've now read several highly recommended books on men's style. This book is the best out of all of them. In my opinion 'Clothes and the Man' is a little better than Flusser's more well-known 'Dressing the Man' (seen stacked in Ralph Lauren stores). 'Clothes and the Man' delves deeper into the subject laying out specific guidelines to build season-specific wardrobes. Unfortunately the book is out of print now...fairly easy to find on the net though!



2. I have Dressing the man which is almost as good. Clothes and the man was the first book I bought on mens clothing just as I was starting out on my own 14 years ago and I am glad I did..
   Flusser taught me everything I know about clothes and then some. This book is well wiritten with practical advice on how a man should dress.



3. This is a quick, one-day read, but a lifetime keeper for reference.
   
   Mr. Flusser covers all the essentials in detail: suit coats; suit trousers; sport coats; blazers; dress shirts; neckties; handkerchiefs; hose (socks); shoes; hats; and jewelery.
   
   He covers sportswear such as cable-knit pullover sweaters and cardigans very briefly.
   
   Mr. Flusser asserts the lines, look, and feel of all fine mens wear can be traced to the timespan of the 1930s - 1950s. This was the Golden Age of Hollywood when men dressed well (Cary Grant; Fred Astaire; Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; Adolph Menjou; and England's Edward, Prince of Wales). Mr. Flusser's point is that if you want a suit that will not be out of date in five or ten years, ensure it is grounded in 1930s - 1950s style, with emphasis on the 1930s.
   
   The only thing I disagreed with in the entire book was his reverence for the four-in-hand necktie knot in all settings. This knot is asymmetrical and does not belong in the boardroom or office. It is a knot that is to be worn casually to a club or in some other social setting. The Windsor or Half Windsor should be worn to the office.
   
   This is somewhat a digression, but there is more to fine dressing than just the fabric against your body, or the leather upon your feet. Care must be taken to groom the hair inside your nose, so that it does not protrude outward. The hair on and in the ear must be cut. Nothing looks worse than looking at a man in fine clothes and seeing he has a thick patch of hair growing out of each ear cavity. Andy Rooney eyebrows are also verboten. Hair, beards, moustaches, eyebrows, ears, nose, teeth...all of these must be groomed/maintained properly to accentuate the look of fine clothes. Without these grooming basics in place, no suit is going to make you look good. Mr. Flusser elected not to cover grooming as essential to the "total package," yet he devoted many areas of the book to items that were not strictly related to clothing. I feel it was a mistake to neglect grooming.
   
   Clothes and the Man is now 21 years old. It is as relevant now as when it was written. This book is a timeless masterpiece, fully deserving five stars.



4. If you could buy only one book to have as a reference on men's clothes, this would be it!! If you are choosing between this book and A.F.'s "updated" later version, get this one. The updated one has less information and also a questionable section on modern casual wear. The book's illustrations are excellently clear, and it is a great learning and reference tool.



5. WHEN A MAN GETS TO A POINT WHERE THEY DON'T WANT TO LOOK TRENDY ANYMORE,AND START TO FOCUS ON QUALITY AND STYLE, THIS IS THE REFERENCE BOOK TO READ AND OWN,TEACHES YOU HOW TO TIE A BOWTIE AND SEVERAL TIE KNOTS,ALSO COVERS WHAT SHIRT COLLAR FITS YOUR FACE,THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE BOOK FOR FINE DRESSING......

5 comments about Black & Decker Easy Wood Furniture Projects: 32 Step-by-Step Projects for the Home (Black & Decker).

1. I bought this book for my boyfriend and it is well worth the money. There are many many projects - very practical ones like a night stand, table, bench, etc. But there are also projects like a wine cart and an island. ...



2. It is a well written book with good instructions but I really did not see any of the project that I would want to build. I think a bit more imagination as well as some ways to dress up the projects would have made the book a bit more useful.



3. I bought this book as a gift for my father and was very impressed by the patterns it had. There was a lot of practical things and that is what I had wanted. The price was great too!



4. That was the main allure for me. I went shopping and bought some nice hand tools to get started in woodworking. I figured that if I wound up not liking it, I would still have useful hand (power) tools for around-the-house type stuff. Well, I got hooked. You'll make some mistakes, and quickly see the value of a table saw, but you will see what you're capable of and hunger for more. Most of the projects are glued and screwed together, with plugs to conceal the screw holes, so "serious" woodworkers don't consider this a serious book. But it is nice because you get gratification fairly quickly. Even though these projects are built of high grade plywood and S4S lumber, they're still sturdier and higher quality than the cheap particle board crap that is sold at Wal*Mart. Give it a try. You'll like it. It will reel you into our world. ;)



5. I bought this book a while ago and have made several of the items in it including a couple of the cedar chests and the table. Overall this is a great book for beginners. The projects only require a circular saw a sander a jig saw and basic tools. This is a good introduction into woodworking. The stuff isn't fancy but it is homemade and that is a satisfying feeling to know that you made your own furniture.

5 comments about Sewing with Sergers: The Complete Handbook for Overlock Sewing (Serging . . . from Basics to Creative Possibilities series).

1. Everything you need to know about serging. This book covers everything from the basics to intermediate serging. It even tells you how to thread the machine and about tension settings.



2. The first 8 chapters of this book are in your owners manual. Chapter 1 (what is a serger), Chapter 2 (which one to buy), Chapter 3 (thread and threading), Chapter 4 (cutting your pattern) chapter 5-8(curved seams,securing ends, sewing order and, tension balance) all already in my manual. Chapters 9-20 get a little more interesting but seems a little dated. There are tips on how to make a leotard, stirrup pants and leg warmers. First copyright is from 1985 not its not improved much in the third edition. I would have enjoyed some better pictures too. If you have a decent manual this really isn't the book for you. For me it was too dated and too basic.



3. This book has been helpful in getting started with serging. I have never had a serger before and am just learning. By using the manual from my machine and this book, I am doing OK. Some things I have more difficulty than others and I get bogged down with the instructions in the book. It may just be me or they could be more clear.



4. Sewing machines are a fun way to express yourself and anyone can learn. After you have mastered the basics of sewing it's time to get a serger and really have fun. This book is a great little reminder of all of the things you can do with a serger and the fun you can have with a machine that finishes and even trims your seams.



5. I have purchased LOTS of different serger books, all of which teach you how to thread your machine and adjust for a balanced stitch, many of which suggest weird "crafty" applications for sergers -- but this is the first book I've found that tells you how to start incorporating your serger into a variety of basic garment construction: children's wear, underpants, jeans, sweaters -- you name it. The clothing styles in the illustrations are a bit dated, and I wish the book was larger and had color photos rather than line illustrations so as to be easier on the eyes, but the techniques apply just as easily to current fashions. The content of this book more than makes up for the lackluster visual appeal. How to adapt commercial pattern instructions, change sewing order, and techniques for the serger in garment construction, proper threads and needles for different types of fabrics are all covered well. This might not be the ONLY serger book you'll ever need, but it will be a handy reference for any new serger owner or for anyone who has been using their serger just to overcast seam allowances and who wants to learn more.

5 comments about Mixed-Media Nature Journals: New Techniques for Exploring Nature, Life, and Memories.

1. When I first began browing though this book, I thought to myself "Oh my goodness, how could I ever do anything this beautiful and complicated?" But LK does a wonderful job breaking down her unique images into step-by-step instructions. She includes specific tips for working with a new art material that will help you sail past the trial-by-error part of experimenting and art-making.
   
   I really enjoyed her idea of printing natural texture onto metal foil (pg 60) because it's really simple. A sheet of metal, some patina solution and a patch of grass. Viola! I tried it and is works like a charm. Using this technique, I created some interesting background pieces I can use as mats for my image transfer photos.
   
   LK walks that fine line between creating a visually-stunning book that's beautiful enough to inspire seasoned artsits while still featuring interesting techniques that are accessible to the fearless crafter.
   
   Mixed-Media Nature Journals is a gorgeous book, rich with texture and chocked full of creativity.



2. Ludwig is a new and thoroughly original voice on the art journaling scene! This book is a must for avid art journalers even if this romantic, bold, and somewhat chunky style is not yours. The techniques presented are simple and easily reproduced at home. I have tried many of them and there is great joy at discovery and experimentation, particularly the copper patina, of which Ludwig knows more than most. The book is packed with beautiful examples of the author's own work, which reflects a darkly romantic perception of nature and strong, soulful feeling relatedness. Her ingenious combinations of photos, monoprints, fabrics, artificial flowers, and natural materials are stunning and unique. These are new ideas in a genre where recent books have simply reiterated old techniques and ideas. This book is tremendously inspiring, spaciously and beautifully laid out, filled with moving and illuminative quotes from nature writers, and the technique instructions are lucidly and clearly presented. Having been her student in a hands on class, I was pleased to see that she is as good a teacher in print as in person, not always the case.



3. Marvelously well done with explicit technique instructions. I've taken classes with L.K. Ludwig, and she transcends her artistic talent in both the classroom as well as this book. A must-have for the mixed media artist.



4. L.K Ludwig does an OUTSTANDING JOB at making the artist within us all feel at ease and ready to express our thoughts, our feelings about this wondrous world in a beautiful and personal way. I was SO VERY PLEASED and DELIGHTED with this book! Many THANKS for sharing your creative insights.



5. This is not a "project" book. There are how to's & instructions but not individual projects. Which is actually wonderful for those that like to know a techniqe and use it on what they want to create. (which I'm one of them) It is (to me) very inspiring. Her journals are beautiful. Filled with color & texture. If you love or even just enjoy nature you'll find yourself wanting to make one.
   Lots of meaningful text. With ideas to focus on the process of creating a Nature journal.
   Art Journals are an individual thing and this book helps with that.
   I find myself looking over & over the beautiful photos and finding new things each time. This is a wonderful addition to my collection of art books that I use to motivate me in down times.

5 comments about Bargello Quilts.

1. Marge Edie takes the mystery out of Bargello Quilts. I have admired Bargello Quilts for years, but have steered clear beacause of the complexity of the look of them. When a friend stated an interest, I pursued the art. I started out by going through my local library...then when I found Marge Edie's book, I KNEW it was the one for me! I ordered my own copy immediately!
   I have my strips all cut for the set of Bargello placemats and am anxious to get them together....then on to bigger!!! Directions are clear and precise...she walks you through every step...from choosing fabrics to the binding...with directions and pictures. GREAT BOOK!



2. I am excited to try one of these quilts. This book is an excellent addition to a quilter's library and the technique is so very different.



3. These are just beautiful. Not very hard. These are fun to look at and they are amazing patterns



4. I found this book full of interesting information and techniques. It is written very clearly which even a beginner can understand and execute.



5. Another purchase I am very happy with and can't wait to start a project - along with 100's of others I haven't finished yet.

2 comments about Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book).

1. This is a great book, that will help you learn how to tune up your woodworking machines. It is written with wit and some very dry (Wisconsin) humor. The entire book is very readable and informative on woodworking in general, and on tuning woodworking machines in particular.

   I read the whole book, and used the information on tuning the table saw in great depth. I was able to take an old Taiwanese table saw that had serviceable tolerances, and tune it to maximum performance. Initially, I concentrated on measuring the run-out of the arbor to decide whether the machine was worth keeping at all. It was. A year later, after moving, I went back to this reference and found a problem with the trunion alignment. In so doing, I also found and fixed a potentially dangerous problem with the blade raising mechanism. Once identified, it was easily fixed, but I wouldn't have had the courage to look without the confidence inspired by the author's careful treatment. He made the process seem simple, and encouraged patience and perseverance in approaching the tune-up task.

   All of this was very necessary in the case of my old saw.

   The best sections, in my opinion, are the table saw and band saw, but he covers a number of machines, including the router, shaper, and jointer.




2. ,precision and efficiency. If you have invested in woodworking machines, you want and need to get the most out of them. In Mastering Woodworking Machines, Mark Duginske shows you how to choose, set up, and tune your machine for safety, precision, and efficiency. His common-sense techniques will help you avoid frustrating mistakes and put you in complete control of your woodworking projects.

   Duginske's systematic approach picks up where owner's manuals leave off, and it applies to all brands and makes of machinery. You'll also learn how to prepare stock effectively and how to produce the joints and cabinet parts you need without any expensive add-on jigs. Whatever you want to make in your shop, you'll work more efficiently with Duginske at your elbow. (As quoted form the FWW site).

5 comments about Creative Wedding Florals You Can Make.

1. I am a florist and I am always looking for new and exciting ideas. I was looking forward to some "Creative Wedding Florals" and I got a book that is a throwback to the 70's. The Material is very outdated and shows nothing new. I was very disappointed. If you are looking for "Creative
   ", this is not the book for you.



2. I am VERY pleased with this book. Each arrangement shows a complete "recipe" for making it along with step by step instructions AND pictures. I will save hundreds of dollars on my wedding flowers thanks in part to this book.



3. This book provides good basic information and instructions on the how-tos of wedding floral arranging. Offers info on fresh flower and silk flower arrangements. Generally the instructions are quite good- however the author did not provide enough information on attaching the boutineers and corsages.



4. This is a very good book if you were shocked by the price estimates at the florist. The instructions in the book were very simple to follow. I would agree that the designs are very traditional but after you get the technique down you can change things up. With this book I was able to have over 400 roses at my wedding for under $400. There was no way I could afford even the corsages for each special person in my large family without this book, flowers from the grower, and doing the arrangements myself.



5. If you are going to make your own wedding bouquets, corsages, etc,. this is a truly useful book. Most books hint at possible usefulness, but when you look at them, they really aren't. This has step by step instructions and they are clear. I think most other do it yourself wedding flower books are written by professional florists whose true purpose is to discourage people from making their own wedding flowers, not to help them. Another good book is: "Creating Beautiful Wedding Flowers: Gorgeous Ideas and 20 Step-by-step Projects for Your Big Day (Paperback) by Nancy Ursell and Antonia Swinson"

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 Follow-The-Line Quilting Designs: Full-Size Patterns for Blocks and Borders (That Patchwork Place) (That Patchwork Place).

1. Follow-the-line-quilting Designs Volume Two: Full-size Patterns for Blocks And Borders is a quick way to get started on your quilting. The full-sized pattern allows you to "try it out" by laying it on your quilt for fit, but it also can be "resized" (by eye or copier) to fit your space. I found her diagrams with numbers to be extremely helpful. Once I finger-traced a few times, I was all set. Clipping the template where I could see it allowed me to visually track. (I do free motion quilting and use her patterns as a starting point.) I especially liked her block and corner motifs which accompany each border. Finally, by meandering her border designs, you can create an "all-over" design. This is a great resource. My only "complaint" is that I wish the box were a bit larger, as once the templates are unfolded, they do not fit back into the box.



2. I love this book. Though it's not really a book. Each of the patterns are a separate leaflet that fit inside the paper box package. I snipped the cellophane at the top of the package to keep the box sturdier. I really like that I don't have to mess with the bulk of a book. Also, for those who quilt professionally each of the patterns can be used up to 10 different times for retail without violating copyright. I found the patterns refreshing and different. Mary also shows you using numbers the direction to go. I especially found it helpful on the fan pattern, It made it so much more fluid. I will be recommending it to my machine quilting students. Excellent buy!



3. Between the instructional booklet and all the patterns for quilting a quilt, you will have all the information you need to complete your quilt in FOLLOW-THE-LINE QUILTING DESIGNS. The booklet that comes with the patterns explains how the quilt designs are laid out and defines the markings found on each pattern.
   
   As any quilter knows, sizing patterns are not the easiest thing to do but Ms. Covey has provided areas where you can lengthen or shorten a pattern with ease. If that is not the option you want to take, you can use her suggested Quilter's Assistant Proportional Scale and then make photocopies to the size you want.
   
   Marking - which way to go. There are pens, pencils, tape, chalk or even a no-mark method. Read over the options and choose the one that works for the quilt you are doing. Don't forget the 3 B's of finishing ---- backing, batting and basting. The pages devoted to these will make this an easy job. And finally, will you quilt by hand, machine or long-arm? The suggestions given here will make this part of finishing the quilt easier too.
   
   The patterns come in a plasticized package. There are 19 designs from a farm to baby to geometric designs to name a few. You should be able to find one to fit the theme of your quilt. They come in corners, blocks and borders so every place you need a pattern, you will have one that is made for that area and since the designs are all in continuous-line motifs, you will not have to stop until you are finished! Happy Quilting.



4. I recently bought a long-arm so of course I "needed" more patterns. I bought her first and second book/box of patterns, and friends bought me this 3rd set. The border patterns work well as pantographs on the long-arm and there are matching "block" and "triangle" motifs for each design. Each one has a nice variety of patterns - curvey, geometric, for kids, floral, etc... This 3rd set is definetly more challenging than the previous sets.



5. Mary M. Covey's FOLLOW-THE-LINE QUILTING DESIGNS V. 3: FULL-SIZE PATTERNS FOR BLOCKS AND BORDERS is not so much a book as a box of patterns for tracing, transferring and stitching, presented in full size for easy use. Twenty new pattern groups including designs for blocks, borders and setting triangles and can be used on a regular home sewing machine or by hand alike - as well as on a long-arm quilting machine for professionals. An outstanding, flexible guide.

5 comments about Wildwood Wisdom.

1. THE BEST OUTDOOR/SURVIVAL BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. LOADED WITH INFORMATION, AND AT A GIVE AWAY PRICE OF ABOUT 10 BUCKS. ITS A NO BRAINER, BUY THIS BOOK.



2. All outdoorsmen should own a copy of this book. Highly entertaining and a wealth of knowledge.



3. I first read this book in my High School Library in 1955.
   The best outdoor survival book ever.
   Buy it at least a month before you go camping.
   Must read for campers.



4. A great book with much of interest to anyone interested in outdoor skills and woodsman ship in an age that has mostly vanished. The illustrations are great and some are humorous as well.



5. This book is crammed full of good survival and outdoor information. Its also full of awesome drawings. This is one of my favorite outdoor books and has been for many years, i find myself coming back to it again and again. Buy it, you wont regret it.