5 comments about Seed Bead Chains (Easy-Does-It).

1. I bought this book last Fall and made two different types of necklaces for Christmas gifts...everyone loved them! The patterns are easy to follow and fun to make. Worth the money!



2. This book helped me to learn spiral seed bead chains. Some of the directions were too basic for me and some of the directions weren't clear enough for me. The key word here is patience. If you have the patience to read and re-read and re-read again and again to figure things out, this might be an okay booklet for you. If not, you might want to seek out another book with clearer directions. Just my opinion. I am an intermediate beader so I am writing this to beginners who might buy this and be disappointed if they have to struggle to get a project complete. It's a good booklet for intermediate and advanced seedbead workers



3. Good little booklet from past articles/projects of the Bead & Button magazine. This is off loom needle woven beadwork. All are do-able projects and contain no surprises. Very reasonable price!



4. This is just a little volume, but if you're looking for some basic beaded chains, this is it. The chains can be worn as necklaces, or lengthened to be used as straps, etc.
   
   Many projects just assume you know how to make a beaded chain, so they don't bother including instructions for one. You're sure to find something in here that will be just perfect! It's definitely worth the price!



5. New to bead weaving, I needed a set of clear instructions and step by step photos to walk me through and this book delivers! Took a few tries (ok, more than a few, this is tough for me) but finally got it and it turned out great. Anxious to make another!

3 comments about Mariner's Compass Stars: 24 Stellar Paper-Pieced Blocks & 9 Easy Quilt Projects.

1. with carol doak--i will never be able to make all the quilts her books inspire.
   
   this newest offering is wonderful. her stars appear complex, but are easy to make with paper piecing. there are 24 blocks (too few! too few!), each named after a country, and nine quilt designs ranging from 25" square to 63" square.
   
   the book includes thorough instructions for paper piecing, so even the quilter who hasn't tried this technique will have no trouble. there are excellent photos of the process. the author includes a short explanation of her design process, which will help the quilters who want to create their own designs.
   
   there is also a section on designing settings which could apply to any type quilting. the instructions for the finished quilts include detailed instuctions, diagrams, and cutting charts, and a feature i haven't seen before--circles with the pertinent fabric next to the yardage requirements. now, no more guessing which is the 'light green' and which 'the medium green' the pattern calls for. there is also what seems to be the compulsory very short, useless section on making a quilt, covering (more or less) in three pages topics entire books have been written about.
   
   the blocks are shown straight and on point, very useful. the finished quilts have charts showing alternate color ways, also very useful.
   
   an added feature is the wonderful machine quilting by Kathryn Blais, that shows very clearly in the photos. lots of inspiration for the 'quilt as desired' part of the process.
   
   a cd of 'the foundation factory' is included. i have made only one quilt using print outs from the 'foundation factory' included in a previous book, and there was a serious discrepancy in length between two sections that were to fit together. i had not had this problem when i photocopied the patterns for yet another project, using the same photocopier. i haven't printed out any other patterns, so i can't say if this is an peculiar occurance or a basic problem.
   
   the cd aside, this is definitely another winner from doak.



2. This book makes a mariner compass as easy as you will ever have it. With simple easy to follow instructions and, it's all paper piecing, you will be able to make the most out of this beautiful book. Please enjoy it as much as I do.



3. This is a great book for paper-piecing. I am fairly new at paper piecing and have done only one of the patterns in this book. It uses 8 triangle pieces instead of 4 small squares to do the block, I have found this to be easier. All the pieces went together well. The book is nicely illustrated and the directions are easy to comprehend. If you like star patterns as I do this is a must have book.

5 comments about Make Your Own Working Paper Clock.

1. Make Your Own Working Paper Clock
   
   This book is a whole lot of fun. I haven't completed the clock yet, but have been working on perfecting the process through 3 books and ten years! I recommend that you buy at least two books, take your time, and enjoy the process. The clock will be running very soon - I'm convinced of this!



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2D3DRDFNN044C Here is how the finished product looks like. Cool, isn' it?



3. What a fantastic idea. a clock that works made out of paper. it takes time to build it but it is fun and rewarding as the clock comes together.
   my one suggestion is to photo copy the parts on card stock paper (i used 110# paper) and build that first, (easier to correct mistakes) then build up the clock in the book.



4. I find the paperclock very interesting. The contents look interesting and convincing that it will work if one can complete. I have not started yet, but should be able to finish by the end of this year. Hope it will work!!



5. I bought this book. and I noticed an error on piece 7. maybe it is an error, or I didn't read right. I am working on it now, and hope i will not make anymore errors. you must be very precise about how you place pieces, and you must be very careful on how you read the pieces. I mean it.

4 comments about Applique Quilt Revival: Updated Patterns from the 30's (That Patchwork Place).

1. Love this book! Glad to find some old patterns all in one book. I love the 30s materials and patterns. I plan on making all of them! I want more books like this.



2. If appliqué is something you love to do, Ms. Mahoney's book, APPLIQUÉ QUILT REVIVAL, is one you should have in your library. All the quilts are sewn in fabric reminiscent of the 1930's. But if the `30's fabric is not your thing, just update the pattern by using a fabric that will go with your home.
   
   Ms. Mahoney begins this book with a one-page introduction that talks about quilt patterns of the `30s and the colors of that era. This is followed by a 9-page section covering such quilting basics as cutting and squaring blocks, appliqué techniques and embroidery stitches. The final section before the patterns covers assembling and finishing the quilts.
   
   Now the fun begins. 14 patterns for quilts and a table runner are given. Of course, you can always use one block to make a pillow or three to make a wall hanging. Each pattern gives the finished quilt and block size followed by a paragraph about the quilt.
   
   The materials and cutting lists are clearly written. Appliqué and block assembly instructions include graphics to help show what the written instructions tell you. Assembly, finishing and quilting suggestions are the final items in the pattern. And, of course, don't forget the templates are included at full size.
   
   Birds, flowers, rabbits, kitties, baskets, butterflies, horses, cowboys and houses make up the large variety of items to appliqué. There is something for every taste in this wonderful book.



3. This is a fantastic find! A wonderful resource for applique patterns with many helpful tips along the way. As an intermediate quilter and beginner at applique, I'm finding projects galore here. It's presented in a clear, concise format with beautiful illustrations. The peony garden and tulip blocks are my absolute favorites followed closely by the fandango basket arrangement.
   
   This would be a great gift for any quilter...so treat yourself or someone you know to some applique inspiration.



4. I really enjoy this book. Well written and informative. Patterns are such that you can make as illustrated or edit the design by omission as desired.

5 comments about Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay: 30 Techniques & Projects That Imitate Stones, Metals, Wood & More.

1. I totally agree with Babette> this book was purchased mostly because of her revieuw and she has not said a word too many
   If I would have to pick only one book on working with PMC this would be it!



2. I just want to add my praise for this book. I have tried many of the recipes and they work very well. The recipes are written in a step-by-step format -- very easy to follow. This book is far superior to others I have looked at. Highly recommended.



3. I was hopeful that this book would have some interesting new techniques for faux work. It does have techniques but they're sometimes scanty on the instructions and the projects tend to take up more space than the techniques themselves.
   
   I find it odd that amber is mentioned early in the book and shown in the gallery but there's no instructions for making it.
   
   I'm a huge fan of Sue Heaser and I think I'll stick with her books going forward.



4. If you want to explore ways of colouring clay, mixing,streaking, blending for surface effect. This book is a great start for ceramists and clay artists as the contents illustrates some patterns they can easily be applied to clay material.



5. I can find some uses for this book, but overall it could have had more surface techniques and better resource references.

5 comments about Modular Knits: New Techniques for Today's Knitters.

1. For anyone who is tired of the regular knit and purl knitting please try this book. It takes these plain stitches-knit and purl and teaches you to do wonderful things with them. I found a pattern-started on it and was hooked on modular knitting by that night. It is so much fun!!!
   and it is amazing how the pattern comes out and how the whole thing comes together. This Book Is Great--I recommend it to anyone who wants to try something different and exciting to see the results as they come off your needles.



2. Gorgeous looking designs, but try to execute them. I am an experienced knitter and cannot follow the directions. Most frustrating was the 5-sided shoulder bag. I should have known to be careful when the five-sided bag was referred to as "octagonal." Then, the directions have you picking up stitches to built each triangle, but directions have you going in the the wrong direction to pick them up. Finally, the pattern results in a four-sided bag not a five-sided one. Yikes! Now I'm afraid to try any more. Materials are expensive and time is valuable. I am very disappointed!



3. i enjoy knotting & am really looking forward to trying some new patterns. i recently purchased some alpaca wool from some one local, & think that the stitches in the modular knitting would really stand out with this yarn.



4. Modular Knits is an interesting knitting book. The projects showcased are lovely and makes you want to grab your needles and yarn.
   
   I have a few "complaints." One is: the yarns recommended are expensive and not for your 'average' budgeted knitter; and the instructions could have been more clearly written.
   
   I had to join Ms Schreier's Yahoo Group to get help and did not discover until after joining that the internet group was created as a ploy to get knitters to purchase Ms Schreier's books and yarn (from what I understand she also designs the yarns used in the book's projects). For example; after joining you are offered a free pattern, but there are 'conditions' that must be satisfied before you will be allowed to recieve your copy.
   
   Another "free pattern" is offered, but it contains partial instructions and you must have a copy of the book to gain the complete pattern. If you post to the group asking for help; there is one wonderful kind soul who consistently answers questions for Iris, but most of the time Iris is "missing."
   
   I suggest Ms Schreier create a video showing the 'tricky' techniques involved in her unique brand of knitting and sell it as a companion to her books. It would save a lot of headache.
   
   Another 'minus' when joining the Yahoo group is having a list of questions given to everyone that must be answered in their first post. One feels like one has applied for employment instead of joining a 'Help' group. Ms Schreier also does not, and will not approve posting of any yarn shops if they do not sell Artyarns; something I find a bit restrictive, which leads me to believe she created the Group to further her own needs more than to sincerely help knitters who admire her technique and needing help along the way.



5. Modular Knits by Iris Schreier is a colorful, inspiring book on using geometric shapes to create knitted garments and accessories. I crochet rather than knit, and so the "how to's" of knitting were irrelevant to me, but the ideas for the units and how to put them together into attractive fashions got my creative juices flowing.

5 comments about The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers.

1. I found this book useful in that it was simple, straight forward guide to the most common flowers used in weddings. The first half is essentially a glossary of flowers. It provides basic information that made it easy to compare flowers: photo, meaning, colors available, when in season, and price range. The book also provides information on bouquet styles, color schemes, and flower arrangments, but I found the single flower photos most educational.
   
   This book enabled me to have an intelligent conversation with my florist and narrow down which flowers I wanted for my wedding. I even took it along with me to discuss specific flowers with my florist.
   
   I plan to lend it to all my friends for their wedding planning!



2. I bought the book used, but it looked brand new. I was pleased.



3. If you are looking for some floral tips and arrangement ideas, this book will help you with those ideas. However, if you are looking for an instructional book on how to make arrangements yourself, this book doesn't give enough information on this. (Yes, there is a small section in the book about making them yourself--but does not tell you how to make certain ones shown in the book). I would like a more informational--how-to-make boquet book. I might just have to write one myself!



4. I didn't find this book very exciting. I looked through it and there's really nothing in it that I can use. I was looking for ideas for my wedding bouquet and I really got NONE.



5. The first part of the book provides a list of favoured wedding flowers (with photos), and it gives a basic summary on their characteristics, seasonal availability and cost. The second part of the book contains a few DIY tips (not a lot) and a small gallery of centerpiece/bouquet designs, grouped by colors and themes.
   
   The information in this book can be helpful for brides-to-be who are unfamiliar with the names of flowers, or what certain flowers look like. I personally think that the design examples are quite simple and unintimidating (ie. not flashy or over the top), and thus this book will be useful for brides who are looking for inspirations along those lines.
   
   I recommend this book as a preliminary reference and it's a good start before meeting with your florist to discuss wedding flowers.

1 comments about Down Under: Beyond Projects: The CF Sculpture Series Book 5 (The Cf Sculpture Series).

1. Christi Friesen's newest book is a joy. Detailed instructions and photos make creating these projects simple. She makes me feel like a real artist. So many projects of different kinds are included in the book that it will keep me claying for a long time.

4 comments about Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles.

1. This is a great unique book for all textile related persons, it gives in details the perfect meaning of all the words used in todays textile field. I think this book is must for all textile related persons.



2. This book is great. I don't think I've ever gone to it and not found the word I was looking for. I wish it had a bit more pictures of some of the fabrics and such. But still, it is very good and there isn't one week that goes by that I don't reference it for one reason or another. I especially like that it offers origins of some textile words which is always interesting and helpful to know.



3. We work in the fashion industry, and this dictionary is very useful w/ lots of words. A great help anytime! Great price, too, @ Amazon!



4. I highly recommend this dictionary if you work in the fashion or textile industry. I refer to it very regularly and often use it as back-up when writing fabric descriptions in marketing material. The references are up to date and include many branded yarns, manufacturing techniques and fabric finishing terms.
   
   5 ***** Worth buying

5 comments about Wrap Style: Innovative to Traditional, 24 Inspirational Shawls, Ponchos, and Capelets to Knit and Crochet (Style series).

1. Fast shipping, as promised, great transaction and I look forward to buying from this seller again.



2. First of all, the editors need to understand the difference between a Vogue photo shoot and a do-it-yourself photo shoot. The pictures in this book are arty, just not particularly good if what the viewer wants to see is details of the garment. And could someone please buy those poor models a comb?
   
   Secondly, for millennia knit patterns have been written in a certain way that makes it easy for knitters to use. We all learn the lingo and then can use any knit pattern. That is, until we come up against the gobbledegook in this book. I have been knitting for 59 years, and while I was not stymied by the directions in this book, I was frustrated and angry. Knit patterns are not meant to be graphed. That's for cross stitch and needlepoint. Besides, the graphs were way too small. Perhaps the editors reduced their size to allow for more high-fashion shots of the models (you know, the ones with the problem hair I mentioned before).
   
   Finally, the design notebook at the end...can we say pretentious? Yes, I definitely think we can.
   
   Anyway, I didn't buy this book. It was a gift, obviously from a non-knitter. I hope she doesn't find out, but I'm selling it on eBay.



3. What a great pattern book this is! I have finished two of the wraps and am working on a third. The extra pictures are helpful in the process of the knitting and the variety of patterns are inspiring.



4. I originally purchased this book because of a specific pattern. I figured it would be worth it to buy the book (instead of trying to find a back issue of the magazine it was published in) because I figured that there would be plenty of good patterns and I wasn't disappointed.



5. What I like about this book is that there is a wide assortment of designs, including lace, cables, rib, and color and they use a variety of yarn weights. The instructions state what kind of yarn the pattern uses as well as the yarn that the designers actually used to knit the pictured piece--this is especially useful if you are not good at guessing what yarn-weight something is made out of. Charts are also included as well as schematics. One word of warning is although the title states knit and crochet pieces, most are knit. Overall, excellent book.