5 comments about Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way To Perfection.

1. When i received this book i see much more detais, and contents that i have expected. Details about the forge to the finishing of a sword. I'm a new blacksmith in pratice but i recomend this book to anyone who want to progress in the art of bladesmith !



2. A great book for the beginner, but not to be taken as a metallurgical point of reference. Antiquated theories such as 'edge-packing' and other misconceptions are taught in this text. This is not a problem, assuming the reader does enough research - either before or after reading this book. It offers great explanations of techniques, complete with well-explained drawings, diagrams and pictures, as well as plenty of good information on intelligent shop layout, tool selection, etc.
   
   Certainly worth owning, just BEWARE the dated information!



3. This book is about how to make knives by different materials, for example 1050 steel. It's a quite good book, especially for beginners with reasonable price. Highly recommended to all!



4. So far I have found this book to be very straightforward, easy to understand, and quite helpful. Not only do I find it informative, but I enjoy reading it too.



5. As a beginner this was the book I was looking for, the title says it all "The Complete Bladesmith". Very comprehensive and informative.

5 comments about Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth.

1. First off, let me point out that I have high standards when it comes to pagan books. I expect for my faith to be presented to the general public as something that should be taken seriously, not poked fun at. I realize that these may be high expectations, but nonetheless... The first chapter was funny to me because although I could understand where Dorothy was coming from in her explanation of the history of how Yule came to be I could almost hear the right-wing Christians raging on their pews. It was the way she explained it that seemed a bit of a stretch. On the other hand, I liked the way she presented the symbols of the season and where they originated. There were some good prayers. Also helpful to me were the recipes for the Yule Log Rolls and how to make a real Yule Log. Other than that I decided against purchasing this book. I'm hoping to find a concise book on Yule that digs deeper into the history and gives me a clearer picture of how people practiced Yule. (A NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are expecting to sell more pagan themed books of this kind, you need to start including full-color photos. If I am going to pay money for a book like this I want to see photos that go along with the recipes-what would a typical Yule table from 2006 look like for example?- and photos that go along with the craft projects. You cannot expect people to try the craft projects without knowing what they will look like.) This book is helpful for beginner pagans or nonpagans who just want a look at some fun history facts.



2. This book offers more information about Santa Claus than it does the gods/godesses associated with the Winter Soltice. The craft projects are cheesey and the recipes terrible. Save your money and do a little research yourself and if you want recipes or craft projects pick up one of those special Christmas magazines for ideas you can adapt for a pagan holiday theme.



3. Each Llewellen book has a cool introduction about the history of the holiday. I recommend all the sabbat books in this series - - they have a lot more information than in any individual sabbat book.



4. As Winter approaches every year, so too does the magic of Yuletide days. Children are filled with anticipation and wonder. All over the world people are celebrating and embracing their beliefs. More often than not, these celebrations involve candlelight in some way, and family gatherings.
   
   What else do the traditions of the world have in common? Where do these traditions come from? Dorothy Morrison explains it all so clearly and with great warmth and respect for diversity, in "Yule - A Celebration..." Here, you will find answers to questions heard in households every December: "Why does Santa use reindeer to pull his sleigh?" or "Where do candy canes come from?" Do you know the origins of the Yule Log? Do you know why the Chanukah Menorah and the Kwanza Kinara hold eight candles?
   
   The Winter Solstice - Yule - has been celebrated for four thousand years! It is a time of renewal and rejoicing, and it is a time to celebrate light overcoming the darkness. There are many historical lessons to be learned here and Ms. Morrison has created a well researched, thorough guide to the significance of the "holidays". Included, is a most wonderful calendar for the month of December in which every day is a festival or celebration around the world, and how you can incorporate these traditions in your life.
   
   Enjoyable are the chapters on trivia, omens and superstitions. Inspiring are the chapters on preparing for the season, gifting, feasting and festing, with recipes and craft ideas. Most inviting are the chapters on creating personal traditions. The world is truly a wonderful mixture of beliefs and customs and no matter where of who you are, this guide to Yule is a treasured gift of celebrations. [...]



5. I really like this book. It will be very useful this Yule. Great craft ideas, blessings and stories. Wonderful for the whole family.

5 comments about No Second Place Winner.

1. GREAT BOOK. THIS ONE WAS FOR A FRIEND. I BOUGHT MINE A LONG TIME AGO. I ACTUALLY KNEW BILL JORDAN AND WAS PROUD TO CALL HIM A FRIEND. I ENCOURAGE ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO BUY A COPY.



2. Jordan was an icon to gun owners and shooters. Also a character in his own right. Has good advice for any pistol owner.



3. Bill Jordan was a man I wish I'd met. This is a rather slim volume, as he frankly admitted, but there's some meat on the bones of this book to chew on! It's a quick and easily read book, and that might be it's real fault. You can all too easily pass right over some very valuable advice that's only obtainable by experience. Read it again and again. This is about gunfighting on the job--guns, holsters, and usage. I liked this book and recommend as a practical primer on the subject, derived from one man's real life experience. Hopefully it's information that you never need to apply.



4. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Jordan many years ago when I photographed him for an interview. I remember a soft-spoken, tall man with some of the largest hands I've ever had the opprotunity to shake. I admired him for his skill with a firearm, his reputation as a lawman and his kindness as a fine human being. I have an autographed copy of this book. I recently read it again--for the first time in many years.
   
   He was ahead of his time as a proponent of training law enforcement officers for potential life/death confrontations. As a document that helped to lay the foundation for the training methods used today, this is important.
   
   It is, unfortunately, a very dated document due to the multitude of changes that have come about in weaponry over the past few decades. No longer is the double-action .357 Magnum revolver the firearm of choice for lawmen. If there was a contest between the revolver and the autoloading pistol, the autoloader won by miles. Very few (if any) law enforcement agencies use revolvers today.
   
   Skip the first half of this book. The hardware section is no longer relevant. Jump to the last half of the book, in which the other aspects of preparation for life/death confrontations is presented. This is the important stuff that is just as relevant today as it was in 1960.



5. In order to fully appreciate the outstanding amount of knowledge contained within the pages of this book, one must first and foremost realize that this book was first printed in 1965. Well over 40 years ago when times, people, and the types of handguns used were primarily of the revolver variety and not the more common automatic pistol variety that is so prevalent today. Does that indicate that this book is outdated?
   
   Well, the answer to that question is both yes and no. No, this book is not outdated; however, some of the information contained within is outdated and therefore needs to be updated in order to be validated in today's society. Would it be terribly difficult to find and update the outdated information in this book? Of course not! There is an unbelievable amount of information out there that could be used to update this wonderful book.
   
   Even though there are certain things that the author talks about in this book that are obviously outdated, I highly recommend that you read them anyhow and fully digest the information that the author is giving you. It may be a bit outdated, but it is still valuable information nonetheless.
   
   Although this book was primarily written for those individuals in law enforcement I, along with a lot of others, firmly believe that this book is of great benefit to anyone who carries a handgun for self-defense, whether it is a police officer, soldier, or the average law-abiding citizen.
   
   This book covers a wide array of subjects from the type of holster and belt to use, to the various types of handguns (available at the time), bullet loads to use, speed draws, combat shooting, etc.
   
   Literally, the information provided in this book could very well be a contributing factor to saving your life one day. A couple of bucks for the book and a few hours worth of reading is a small price to pay. However, please be advised that you also need to practice what you are being taught in order for it to become second nature and instinctive in order to be effective.
   
   I also highly recommend that you purchase and read these two books if you are involved in any type of occupation where you could possibly end up in a violent confrontation, and especially if there is the possibility that you could end up killing someone. These are some very important books and should be required reading for all law enforcement and military personnel.
   
   On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society
   
   On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

5 comments about Dream Toys: A Collection of Knit and Crochet Fantastical Toys.

1. As far as knitting is concerned, the book is super cute, and I'm sure the patterns are nice. The problem is, the book itself AND the amazon description state the every toy can be EITHER crocheted OR knitted. This is false advertising. This book is almost entirely for knitters. The only things that can be crocheted are a little bandanna and a small part of the horse saddle. I just want people to be aware of this. If you are looking for a crochet pattern, do not purchase this book. IT IS A BOOK FOR KNITTERS!



2. I'm glad I purchased this book with its whimsical patterns. The toys are wonderful, and not too complicated to be fun to make. I'm an experienced knitter, but I don't enjoy extremely complicated things that give me a headache to make. I was pleased to find that while the knitting can be a bit involved; all the directions are written out line by line. The patterns are easy to follow, as well, as none involve complicated colorways. Mostly, they utilize simple stockinette stitch with increasing and decreasing to add shape and garter stitch to add texture. Some knitters may prefer charts, but the only one to be found is a color chart of the Jolly Roger. One thing I particularly liked is that Garland indicates at the beginning of each row as to whether it's an "increasing", "decreasing" or "shaping" row. (Very helpful). A few simple color choices, and a few felt trims (patterns are in the back for extras like the fairy wings, eyes, nose, cowboy outfit, saddle, etc) and you have a beautiful doll.
   
   The toys to create are the archetypical "toys of childhood" - unicorn, horse, mustang; princess, mermaid, fairy; cowboy, pirate, sea creatures, even a dolphin, castle and skip! They are delightful, and one thing I really enjoy is that their details are very pared down, allowing the child's fantasy and imagination to fill in the details.
   
   I would recommend some things to those who want to follow the patterns in this book. First, read through the entire pattern to get oriented. Second, photocopy the pattern and go from the copy. Each time you complete a line, highlight it, so you know you've done it and skip to the next line. I also suggest that when you make legs and arms for the dolls, you consider doing I-cording (also known as French knitting, or spool knitting) as an alternative. (I'd like to credit Esmeralda Jones for this I-cord tip, from her review of Garland's other doll book, Knitted Babes). Be sure to check your gauge as well.
   
   As a final note, despite the title of the book, these are primarily knitting patterns. The "crochet" in the title appears superfluous, and refers only to some embellishments throughout the book.
   
   Overall, I would highly recommend this delightful book. Great patterns, and easy to follow directions make for a good knitting book for children's toys.



3. I have owned this book for about a year now. I had to learn to knit to use it and am happy to have done so. To give you some reference, I am (now) a novice knitter and a pretty basic crocheter, with little sewing experience. I love to make toys, as best I can.
   
   First I will address an issue brought up by another reviewer: the title is rather deceptive, since the majority of items, primarily and most importantly the dolls, their clothes and the horse/unicorn, are knitted. So if you hope to also crochet toys do not buy this book.
   
   I rather like the unique look of these dolls, They look a bit odd, and different from an average doll, but that is the sort of thing I like - though I suppose if you like a traditional doll you would not like these. I am glad not to be making something that I could find anywhere else. However, this is an easy design to alter, say if you do not like the way facial features are rendered it is pretty easy to change. And once you learn to knit following the pattern, you can change up parts, making a different character beyond what is in the book (My son decided he loves Woody from toy story do I made all sewn clothes so the cowboy looks a tiny bit like Woody. I am working on a Knight version of the doll now).
   
   What I find very appealing about these dolls is that knitting in general is a bit more soft and "drapey" than crochet (when using the very basic stitches, which I do). The dolls lend themselves to a lot of dragging and flopping and snuggling. My daughter leapt on to her mermaid and hugs her and plays with her hair all the time. There are the boy dolls (Pirate, Cowboy) and girl dolls (Mermaid, Fairy, Princess) so you can make dolls for any taste, as well as a horse/Unicorn pattern which is not too hard (harder than the dolls though) and rather cute.



4. I love this book! The little dolls are so creative and can be made into anything! The only warning I would give is this: The dolls are knit on size 2 needles, so if you don't like to knit on small needles, this might prove a little tedious. I love the dolls, Im on my second one!!



5. As with Garland's first knitting book, "Knitted Babes", in "Dream Toys", Claire Garland presents several basic doll patterns and shows how with a few simple alterations, these can be turned into toys that fit into one of five "fantasy" themes: "Enchanted Land" (castles and princesses), "Fairy Dream", "Wild Trail" (cowboys), "Set to Sea" (pirates) and "Magical Waterworld" (mermaids). I actually prefer this book to "Knitted Babes" because this book is not just filled with dolls and their clothes, but also includes instructions for making a lot of play accessories. For example, the instructions are given for the cowboy's horse, the pirate's row boat and the mermaid's pet dolphin. I actually think a lot of the accessories are cuter than the dolls themselves. I can imagine that some kids would prefer the horse to the cowboy.
   
   The dolls are all knitted, with some felt adornments, and their clothes and accessories are mainly knitted, although there are a few items that are either sewn or crocheted. The patterns are reasonably simple to follow (basic instructions on knitting techniques are given at the front of the book) and could be made by an advanced beginner, but not a child. Any child who is young enough to want these items, is too young to have the skills or stamina necessary to make them. Patterns for making any sewn items are given at the back of the book, but are not given at full size, some enlargement is necessary (one of my pet hates), but Garland provides the enlargement percentages for use with a photocopier, so this is made as simple as possible.

4 comments about Holly Jolly Christmas Quilting.

1. This is a great quilting book. The selection of patterns are awesome. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. It is well worth every penny it costs.



2. This is an awesome holiday quilt idea book. There are so many varied ideas that you could go wild with. Definitely worth the money spent.



3. Gave this book as a gift. Person that received it loved it. It was hard for me to part with also. Had some really cute things in it.



4. I'm always looking for gift ideas to make for Christmas. I found several great ideas when looking through this book. Now I just need to get sewing! This is definitely worth the money and a great addition to anyone's quilting library.

5 comments about Design Your Own Coat of Arms: An Introduction to Heraldry.

1. This book provides a very elementary introduction to Heraldry. The basic layout of a Coat of Arms is discussed, including a very brief history, along with the rules of placement and description for the major elements. The author also includes some discussion of the prevailing Heraldry of countries around the world, including medieval countries. The appendixes include elements for the user to trace or imitate when creating their own Coat of Arms. Lastly there is some contact information for organizations involved with Heraldry.
   
   The book lacks depth. It provides nothing resembling an exhaustive list of elements; only a few basic forms and styles are covered. Further there is nil discussion concerning the meaning of the elements presented. The most a reader can learn is that crowns and lions rampant are symbols of Royalty, and some of that we have to infer. The work feels directed to early middle school children and should probably be marked as Young Reader.



2. In this book there is more historical information, and descriptions. Great for older children that can draw well.



3. Great book for beginner Heralds!!!



4. Perfect resource guide for my unit on the Middle Ages. Very quick shipment and in perfect condition. Great job!



5. a very good book, as it explains heradlry terms, and makes it simple to create your own device.
   
   pity amazon so hard to deal with if not in america

5 comments about Handbuilt Ceramics: Pinching * Coiling * Extruding * Molding * Slip Casting * Slab Work( A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. Through setting up, producing simple pieces to attempting more complex projects 'Handbuilt Ceramics' is an excellent guide. There are many examples of simple and basic ceramics pieces for inspiration along with practical advice.Each of the projects has step by step photographs and clear written explanations. I have found it useful and interesting.



2. As an experienced ceramic artist, it's nice to be reminded, that we are never too old to learn
   In this book Kathy Triplett shares many of her skills, what I also enjoy is seeing the works of some other outstanding ceramic artist
   Honestly, after seeing this book, you will be off to the ceramic supply store, and stocking up on clay & glazes



3. I have only tried pottery once but my husband is experienced - we both think this book is admirably well thought out, concise, useful, but most of all beautiful. Nearly every image she uses for illustration is museum quality work and incredibly inspirational for anybody.
   
   This book is a treat for the eyes and is presented in an easy to follow progression. I dare anybody to not be delighted with this book.



4. This is a very complex book covering some unconventional ceramic techniques and styles of application for this medium. Lots of information in here that I haven't seen in other books. TONS of beautiful color photos showing various artists' works and a variety of installations, from ornimental to architectural. General basic information on clay formation, glazing formulas, slip-casting, mold relief, kiln operation and firing techniques is included as well. Several illustrative projects included for those who would like to try to replicate some of the design processes described.
   Anyone interested in clay as an art form would definitely enjoy this book!



5. I am a 8-year potter yet found this book very very interesting...it is well worth the investment.

No comments about Silk Unraveled: Experiments in Tearing, Fusing, Layering & Stitching.

4 comments about Doggie Knits: Sweaters & Accessories for Your Best Friend.

1. I thought this book was very well written and the patterns are stylish and simply wonderful. Not your typical simple sweater patterns for dogs. I don't have a dog but will be making sweaters for friends....many friends.
   
   My favorite pattern is the hoodie and even has a pocket.



2. I just took a peek at this book yesterday evening at my LYS. The patterns in this book are uniquely clever. The photos of these pooches are adorable. I can't wait to make the hat and scarf set for my little pup. Too Cute!!



3. I just got this book and it's wonderful. There are some great new techniques and some really cute new designs. The hat with holes for the ears and an attached scarf to wrap around is so adorable. I can't wait to knit that one. There is also a new snuggle bed pattern that I'm sure my cat will love. If you like pet knits, this one is worth the money for sure.



4. This book is terrific. The patterns are clear and easy to follow, the book is bright and the dogs pictured are adorable! It has come out just in time for me to finish projects for the holiday gift season. Can't wait to see my friends and family putting these cute outfits on their dogs.

5 comments about Classic Tailoring Techniques: A Construction Guide for Men's Wear (F.I.T. Collection).

1. This book gives a lot of advice. The only thing that's keeping this book from being rated 5 star is it's picture. It's black and white!!!!



2. Excellent resource for those desiring to know how to create really beautiful jackets for men or women. Completely replaces pattern instructions purchased with the envelope.



3. This book is not for beginning sewers! It's not an easy book to get through. If you are really ready to make a suit jacket that will be comparable to $1,000 designer jackets, I'd recommend you also have on hand Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket. The pictures in that book are much clearer and easier to follow. And that book shows methods of tailoring with fusible interfacing.
   
   Also, the Zapp Method of Couture Sewing has a great chapter on sewing a tailored jacket. Still, I do believe that a really fine jacket needs to use sew-in hymo hair canvas just as Roberto Cabrera (the author) recommends. It makes a tremendous difference.
   
   If you must use fusibles, then Anna Zapp's method using Fusible Acro is best. I think, however, you will find it eventually separates after many dry cleanings.
   
   You'll most likely need the internet to find these interfacings because places like Jo-Anne's certainly don't carry them!



4. This book is for persons who are just starting out, not tailors. It is good to have reference books in your library but this book has the same construction directions that a vogue men's pattern has in it. If this book costed 5 or 10 dollars it would be worth it but not for this price. Thank you



5. Overview:
   This book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn about tailoring a men's suit jacket & pants. It provides detailed instructions on every step of the process, from selecting the threads, materials, and fabrics, to laying out patterns, to sewing in the canvas, etc. It also provides very useful instructions on modifying store bought jacket patterns to fit varying body types (e.g. sloped / broad shoulders, wide /thin body, erect posture, bow legs etc.).
   
   This book completely eliminates the need for the instructions which come with the pattern. And it also gives instructions on how to modify the pattern style (e.g. changing vents, lined or unlined jackets, changing pants pocket styles etc.). As the book states: "all you will use from a pattern envelope are the basic pattern pieces: the jacket front, side panel and back, the sleeve and the undercollar. You will be able to create the rest of the jacket on your own."
   
   A few drawbacks:
   The book contains both line drawings and photographs. The luckily, most of the illustrations are the line drawings which are simple and very useful. However, in the paperback version which I purchased brand-new from Amazon (perhaps the only version still in print) the photographs are extremely dark, and hard to see. They look and feel almost as though they were photocopied (poorly) from the original B&W pics in the hardcover book. This was, in my view, the biggest disappointment of this book.
   
   As well, though not necessarily a drawback, it should be noted that the book focuses only on the "Classic" tailoring techniques (i.e. custom / hand stitching method). Those seeking information on the quicker (though inferior) machine and fusible methods of jacket construction will find no help.
   
   Conclusion:
   This is perhaps the most in-depth book you will find on men's jacket construction still in print today. It is used (I believe) in college courses on tailoring and fashion, and it is not difficult to see why. The smallest details are covered, and innumerable options are provided for customizing a jacket to your exact style and taste. If it wasn't for the terrible picture quality I would probably have rated it a 5.
   
   As a side note,I found that it was useful to supplement the low resolution photographs in this book with the full colour photographs in Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket(though the latter focuses mainly on women's clothing, many of the techniques overlap). With the two of these books one will be well armed to construct a very nice men's suit.