5 comments about Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition.

1. Ms. Sudo makes Exceptional gifts and notions, and this book is a Delight to read! Her thoughts on Seasons and Gifts are educational and inspiring, especially to one, such as myself, who has not been steeped in Japanese culture. As an Art book, I would have given it five (5) stars.
   
   Having said that, I've made several of the projects (five to date) and found substantial errors in pattern measurements, inadequate or missing directions, and misleading diagrams. It's such a shame that Ms. Sudo's inspired artwork was giving shoddy treatment! I do agree with "A Reader"'s opinion that the directions must not have been proofread. I muttered more than once "The Editor should be Flogged!"



2. I love looking at this book. The paper used, photos and layout are all very attractive.
   I've only started working on one project but the instructions are clear and the illustrations helpful.



3. I like Kumiko Sudo's criations and this book is not an exemption.
   Great gift idias and easy to follow instractions.



4. Kumiko is a master of her craft and her book shows some of her cutest work. While the patterns are fairly simple. she leaves out important hints that make recreating her projects difficult if you aren't paying attention. Pay close attention to the weight and type of fabric that she uses but does not mention in her directions. If you use a heavier fabric than what she used, you may need to adjust the pattern to make it work. I wouldn't recommend this for a complete beginning sewer. Otherwise this is a great book full of fun projects.



5. I was surprised at the variety of different objects in this book. They all have the common link of being, small, delicate and handsewn, but the projects range from sewing boxes to purses to little things to catch a child's eye. Every item in the book is well photographed and the directions are clear and illustrated. My only complaint with the book is that the binding is not well suited to copying the templates needed to cut out fabric. You would need to either copy each piece by hand onto tissue paper or smush your book down onto a photocopier to get a usable pattern. Apart from that though, this book is a perfect resource for beautiful little handmade gifts.

5 comments about 150 Knitted Trims: Designs for Beautiful Decorative Edgings, from Beaded Braids to Cables, Bobbles, and Fringes.

1. Found this book to be way more helpful than the Nicky Epstein series "Knitting... The Edge" series. Loads of ideas. I don't really care that there are no charts, I find it easy to work with out them and would definitely recommend this book for anyone who feels the same. Plus the designs are way cooler. Not a big fringe and bobble gal.



2. Any book with Lesley Stanfield's name on it rates a look from me. This English author, designer and editor
   always comes up with something special, as she does in this book.
   
   The variety of knitted trims is mind boggling: There's a great variety of borders, bands, and braids, many
   trimmed with beads or sequins. Frills, flouces, and lacy edgings expand the mix. But wait -- there's more!
   You'll love the loops and fringes, the insertions, and a whole section on unusual and charming knitted
   flowers, leaves, and other fun things like a heart, a colorful butterfly, and a wonderful tassel with a knitted skirt. There's even a tiny Christmas stocking.
   
   The photos are close up and clear, and you can see every stitch. Instructions are well layed out and are so short and easy to follow that I don't see the lack of symbol charts as a negative.
   
   The trims are all both unusual and usable. This is a great book to give a knitting friend -- so buy two and
   keep one for yourself.
   
   But don't lend out your copy -- chances are you'll never get it back!



3. The variety of edgings to try from this book will entertain you for hours. I have so many little sticky notes going all the way around the pages of this book---marking oodles of pages of edgings for me to try---that it sort of resembles a porcupine! One thing I do to make double use of my experiments is to use tiny knitting needles and crochet thread to test these edgings, and when I'm done-----I have a bookmark to give as a gift! I just keep making it to the length I like a bookmark to be and I can also see if I like the look of that edging for a future project!



4. This book is a treasure. I am constantly lookng for ways to make garments, especially scarves, take on a bit of punch uaing edgings and trims. This is just the book for it. Pictures of trims were beautfully photographed, detailed, and clear. Directions repeated a smaller photograph of the trim, listed the difficulty of the trim (ie, beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and the directions are very clear.
   
   This book is a must have for every knitter whether beginner or advanced - you'll get a host of ideas from it and your garments will never again be boring.



5. I was sure this book was a winner because I have the Stanfield book of stitches which I use often and the reviews here were so positive. I'm not disappointed. Lack of charts doesn't bother me as the patterns are generally just a small number of rows. All the patterns are illustrated first in color together and then arranged with the instructions. Included here is the skill level. 5 projects are pictured at the end for ideas and there is a good index. Recommended.

5 comments about Shabby Chic.

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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about Gem Identification Made Easy, Third Edition: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling.

1. The book was good for a primer on gem tools and iidentification but lacked the detail I was seeking. It is an very good book for the beginner for it covers a lot of subjects about gem and the various tools used to identify them. I was seeking more exact detail and this book did not have it.



2. Love it so much. A lot of information. This book will teach you how to setup a lab and making identificaiton of the gemstone without attending the gemology school - with very very reasonable price.



3. "Gem Identification Made Easy" opens up the world of gem identification to the jeweler, hobbyist and the curious. I didn't come away with the impression that gem identification is easy, but that some kinds of identification are easy, inexpensive and FUN! Antoinette Matlins makes it clear that the bar to entry into gemology is low. Practice, diligence, and three small instruments that cost less than $200 will enable you to identify 80% of colored gemstones and their look-alikes as well as diamonds and most of their imitations. Since there are at least 3 different gemstones on the market in every color and no shortage of synthetics and enhancement treatments, the skills within the pages of "Gem Identification Made Easy" are invaluable to anyone shopping for gemstones. If gems fascinate you, this book will help you discover if you would like to pursue gemology as a career or serious hobby.
   
   The bulk of "Gem Identification Made Easy" are descriptions of the instruments involved in gem identification, detailed instructions on how to use each, and what they can show you, including many charts which will help you identify stones. The 3 essential instruments that everyone will need are: loupe, Chelsea filter, and dichroscope. The loupe magnifies the stones, revealing inclusions, blemishes, and fillers. The Chelsea filter differentiates between some gems and synthetics. The dichroscope distinguishes single-refracting stones from double-refracting and allows identification of stones by the colors they exhibit. In addition, Ms. Matlins provides instructions for additional tools that one would need to set up a lab: UV lamp, refractometer, microscope. Less essential: spectroscope, polariscope, and immersion cell. For diamonds: SSEF diamond-type spotter and electronic diamond tester. These could cost nearly $3000, but shopping on eBay will bring the price tag down.
   
   The author also dedicates a chapter to "Antique and Estate Jewelry", in which she discusses imitation and alteration techniques frequently found in antique and period jewelry. She advises on how to detect them and includes tables of synthetics and imitations, when they appeared on the market, and characteristics that will help identify them. This is followed by many useful Appendices: a list of gems and look-alikes by color, gem hardness, specific gravities, refractive index tables, tables of dispersion and birefringence, glossary of terms, list of organizations offering gemology workshops or training, equipment suppliers. These are in addition to the many tables and lists in the instrument chapters. Color photos are limited to a center insert, where there are photos of gemstone inclusions and a few other identifying features. "Gem Identification Made Easy" is an easy to understand, practical entry to the fascinating world of gemstones.



4. This was just the book I was looking for. I just recently started to get into collecting colored gemstones and this book was full of great information on what tools I would need and how to use them. That was so important to me.



5. This was a good book, explained many aspects well. Sometimes a little hard to follow. Written for the experienced buyer.

5 comments about Mastering the Art of McTavishing.

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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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