5 comments about Fabrics: A Guide for Interior Designers and Architects.

1. book was in excellent condition, just as the seller specified! no torns, no highlights, no wear! arrived promptly!



2. A very nice book, quite in depth.
   Covers natural and man made fibers, types of weaves, production and fabric finishes. Many color plate examples to illustrate the information.
   This book was shipped quickly by Amason at half the price I paid at the campus bookstore! Needless to say, I returned the book purchased at the campus bookstore.



3. Well-organized and informative general reference on textiles for home or commercial use. Also has a great references section. Pictures are helpful, but I'd also recommend having a "hands-on" source in order to get a better understanding of all of the terminology and descriptions.



4. This is not an easy reference guide, but a textbook that gives lots of information that is not needed for daily design use. It is also filled with lots of pictures which would be nice if they were really helpful, but they seem to take up a lot of space and act as fluff.



5. Thank you very much the book arrived before I expected and in very good conditions!!!

5 comments about The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System That Works for Every Shapeand Size.

1. For years I have read fashion books that mention body shapes, but never provided an insight as to how I could figure out what body shape I had. On top of that the books would provide advice along the lines of... wear surplice tops. But having not attended design school, I couldn't pick a surplice top out from a sweetheart top.
   
   But this book finally changes all that. The book provides detailed instructions on where to measure and exactly how to determine your body type. I very much enjoyed the recurring theme of `no matter what your body style is, you can dress sexy.' After you determine your body type, Bayou lays out a chart of height/weight so that you can find your exact body style within that height/weight category... average medium hourglass, short inverted triangle, etc. Then on the following pages Bayou proceeds to break down each body style and what looks good on your body type.
   
   Regretfully, because Bayou devotes so many pages to covering so many different body types (I think its something like 48 different body styles that he covers), he is only able to devote four pages to each body style. HOWEVER, he crams a ton of information into those four pages. What to wear, what not to wear, accessories, skirts, tops, pants, jackets. He covers them all. And he provides reasoning as to why you shouldn't wear this or that. He even goes so far as to describe the shoes and accessories that look good with your body type.
   
   But the best part about the book is at the end. The glossary. It's not just a glossary. Next to each term is a sketch. So when he says surplice top, I can look at the glossary and there is a sketch of a surplice top. Gathered skirt, a-line, princess seams... there are a ton of different terms. And its not just clothes, in the glossary he covers shoes, accessories, pants, dresses, tops... it goes on and on.
   
   Its wonderful to finally find a designer who wants to dress my body... not cram my body into his latest creation. Now if Bayou could just do a book on makeup!



2. being that you need to measure.. I recommend and got a few girlfriends together, had some wine and then we measured and learned.. we have completely different bodies but fit the same ID in this book, which lucky for us just expanded out closets, LOL...



3. I know many viewers have marked this title down for having only a few pages relating to their body type. I did get this title from the library (which I had to wait to get because the library system doesn't have a lot of copies and it's a popular title). I thought this book was very valuable, especially since I'm a petite,full figured woman. There are so few books that address the many body types of full figure women. After reading this book I found out why some of my clothes made me look thinner and others made me look dumpy.
   Still, I think this is a fashion book that will hold up to time. The book can be passed around among friends, sisters, moms and daughters; then it will get it's mileage. I may still buy it or ask for it for a gift. As I'm losing weight, I'll most likely need to refer to it again (since some things clothing advice changes for weight rather than body shape).



4. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!!! I loved it! The Science of Sexy gives women the basics of body typing and style. There may not be a lot of pages for each body type but there is TONS of information in those pages along with little tricks on highlighting your best features and minimizing your worst.
   His biggest point is to learn to love your body, whatever shape it is. If YOU can't love your body, how can anyone else? I wish more women knew these simple techniques. He's got the right attitude in helping women find the most flattering styles for their particular body, NOT what the fashion magazines tout as 'style' that only looks attractive a size 2, 5' 10" woman!!!



5. This book is definitely a must-have for every woman.
   
   From here, you will be able to correctly define your body shape and size:
   
   1) measure your shoulder, bust, waist, hip (it teaches you to do so correctly) to calculate your proportions and define your SHAPE. You will find out whether you are a Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle or Hourglass;
   2) use the relationship between your height and weight to define whether you are slender, average, plus or double plus;
   3) then your height alone to define if you are petite, tall or something in between.
   
   Once you know all of the above, then you will be invited into your particular dressing room (there're 48 of them in the book) and find out exactly what types of tops, skirts, pants, dreses, jackets, coats, shoes and accessories are most flattering on you, as well as what you shoud avoid. It also identifies a celebrity for each fitting room for your reference.
   
   There are only 4 pages devoted to each fitting room (body shape), but there is so much useful information and it is almost all you need to build your entire wardrobe! These 4 pages of information is invaluable!
   
   You can always use the information in the other fitting rooms to help the ones you care, like your best friends, your mother, your sisters, your daughers etc...
   
   The book aslo gives other advice on:
   1) the fundamental pieces in your wardrobe;
   2) answer a few questions in order to define your style of sexy;
   3) the Dress Sexy Ten Commandments: the rules that apply to every women, all shapes and sizes (here you will also find out about how to tell if a piece is well made and good quality).
   
   This is the best book on the subject! I definitely recommend it.
   
   Lucy Chen

5 comments about Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style.

1. I stumbled upon this book, not at all familiar with Natalie Chanin or her work. The gorgeous photography and the style of the projects convinced me to buy it. I'm glad I did because I've enjoyed it tremendously. From the history of cotton to the down home recipes to the clearly written patterns, this book is a treat for the reader. It is inspiring and inspired. The work is lovely and most important - doable for the average stitcher. No machine required, no special skills required, just the basic stitches and the willingness to craft something by hand. I'm so glad I found this so I can craft some gifts for my family that are lovely and infinitely practical.



2. I bought this book on a whim a few months back, admired the photos, and then stuck it on the shelf and sort of forgot I had it. I took it out again a couple of weeks ago and decided to try one of the simpler projects - a reverse appliqued book cover. I'm hooked! The instructions were clear, the results were beautiful, and the book itself is inspiring. Since that book cover, I've made myself 2 t-shirts, a beaded headband, and have started another t-shirt and a skirt. Nothing has been difficult to do, and the simpler projects can be finished in just a few hours. The finished items are really striking, and look like you must have spent a fortune in some little boutique.



3. A really well presented coffee table book. This book would be suitable for an absolute beginner sewer, however for a creative and experienced sewer you may find it uninspiring and repetitive. The projects are easy to follow , but I did not buy it with the intention of following instructions but rather hoping to see some new ideas and be inspired, so was rather disappointed.



4. This is a nice book though the directions and techniques are complicated and expensive to make if you go buy knit fabric. And for most of the adult stuff like the skirt, you do need to buy fabric as ther is no way you could find the number of t-shirts at Goodwill of the same color to make it look decent and not like you are a bag-lady. The "fold-over" elastic is very difficult to find and there is no indication that you have to dye it to match your fabric. So there is alot of reading in between the lines if you want to do this technique.



5. Project Alabama was a clothing collection created by Natalie Chanin, stitched and embellished by a group of artisans working cottage-industry style. Focusing on old-fashioned techniques and recycled fabrics, the stitchers produced pieces coveted by fashionistas and functionistas alike. The strikingly pretty Alabama Stitch Book is replete with fascinating, practical, and crazy beautiful projects with explicit directions. A book cover, tea towels, a beaded postcard, and an appliquéd t-shirt from the Project Alabama archives are among my favorites. Engaging and entertaining commentary, and the inclusion of sturdy, pullout, multi-sized, adjustable patterns for the several gorgeous skirts and corsets justify the price.

5 comments about Digitizing Made Easy: Create Custom Embroidery Designs Like a Pro.

1. Book arrived in excellent condition in record time. Well written, very informative and will be an asset to my sewing library!



2. This book exceeded my expectations for the price. It is packed with great instruction for any digitizing software and wonderful embroidery/digitizing history.



3. IF you struggle to understanding why embroidery designs resized in your software program did not sew out right--this basic book is for you. If you already know the terms PUSH & PULL and concept of compensation...then probably too basic. For me, embroidery is new hobby. I purchased the 4D software and only afterwards realized it assumed a knowledge base beyond what I had to make my investment worthwhile. This book is useful beginner resource and very easy to understand. Accompanying CD is designed to sell more of his product. He demos his instructional CD as well...so recommendation might be to look into that first if you prefer that as learning method.



4. This was a wonderful book. For someone who doesn't know where to begin, this worked for me.



5. This book is not about how to digitize as much as it is about expanding your information about what is possible with digitizing. Mr. Deer has a great deal of knowledge that he share with you. Only a few of the included designs are really good ones. His goal is to encourage you to bravely try digitizing on your own. I was introduced to a few new techniques which were explained well. Enjoy!

5 comments about Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish.

1. This book is not a list of grandma recipes, it explains wood finishes to enable you to create your recipes.



2. I checked the hardcover version out from the library and enjoyed the detailed instructions for specific finishing techniques, as well as the general information on the types of wood finished and illustrative photos. A received the paperback version as a Christmas present only to be thoroughly disappointed that the beautiful photos had all been converted to sepia tones. That eliminated all of the detail! Save yourself the disappointment and go straight to hardcover.



3. Excellent book on the fundamentals of finishing wood, including detailed description of the three major categories of finishes and their characteristics. You must do some interpretation to make it work for you, as Flexner does not give extensive details and options for each wood species. Instead, he explores the functional properties of finishes, dyes, stains, fillers, etc.



4. I couldn't resist the pun for the title, but it expresses my feelings about this book. I can actually say, for the first time, having read this book, that I understand the basics of finish materials themselves, how they work chemically, how they may be combined (alternatively, when they should not be), what processes each finish type is best suited to, the roles of solvents (thinners) and cleaners as well as the differences between them, sheen, dyes vs. pigment-based coloration, sealing and washcoats, finish leveling and rubout, and a score of other topics this book covers. I can tell you - precisely - the differences between evaporative, reactive, and coalescing finishes, how each builds a film, the strengths and shortcomings of each, the differences in repairability and protection, and more.
   
   This book removes the BS factor from the horribly muddled world of commercially-available finishes, explaining along the way WHY it's as muddled as it is - reducing to history, marketing, and the role of finish manufacturers as middlemen - the finish chemists being employed not by them, but by the ingredient manufacturers. The author demolishes a lot of myths along the way, literally by listing myths and the corresponding truth in sidebars throughout the book.
   
   There are specific topics and bits of advice that are priceless. Among them I would list the process for dyeing figured maple, pre-finish cleaning of oily woods, food-safe finishes, and a dozen or more ways to use shellac to solve problems.
   
   I don't agree with everything in the book. I think the author is too generous to the polish manufacturers, for example, particularly as regards silicone. While he discusses fisheye and silicone issues mostly as a refinishing issue, for example, I think it is actually destructive to existing finishes due to its propensity to migrate under finishes by way of cracks and other surface flaws. I also think he comes off as a bit harsh on oil finishes, though I don't know if that was intended.
   
   I found the book very readable. You will want to read it from beginning to end, as succeeding text builds on earlier concepts. The exception to that would be the final section, on refinishing and strippers.
   
   Understand this book and you will be able to select and apply finishes with complete confidence. Be aware, however, that despite the title, it is not a step-by-step finishing manual. The focus is on understanding the materials.



5. I'm not a pro woodworker, but a serious hobbyist who spends many weekends in his garage. I've applied finishes with cloths, brushes, spray cans, spray guns and foam brushes. I've done about 10 pieces of furniture before buying the book, and about 7-8 since I've read it.
   
   this book is one of the best I've ever read.
   first of all, it is very comprehensive, from finishes easily available at home centers to more unique ones only available at specialty retailers. it details all types of application.Bob Flexner often speaks out against popular myths about finishing, check out popularwoodworking.com, which recently published an article by him on the topic. one of the main problems in the woodworking community is that it's not always clear what is the role and effect of different chemicals and additives in finishes. in this book, he gets quite scientific -yet clear and readable- explaining what are finishes made of, how they work, how they cure, and what pros and cons they have. he bases the books on facts, tried techniques and comparative tests. very important, he speaks a lot about wash coats, or sealing coats, and such, and emphasizes what steps are important for a good finish, and what are overstated. for example, when and how much to sand before application and between coats, when to use fillers and sealers, and more.
   I find some of the information critical for various reasons: first of all, I find that finish manufacturers do not give you enough information on their product, and some of the info they do provide you is simply wrong!
   second, Bob Flexner takes out much of the guess work and trial and error, plus he has many pictures showing side by side different effects of different finishes, applications and so on.
   I like the section were he shows some projects and demonstrates the effects on different type of wood, I wish there was more of that.
   
   this book is entitled UNDERSTANDING wood finishes, and it does just that: giving you a well balanced understanding of all to do with wood finishes, so that you can do a better decision when it comes to finish your own project.
   
   what this book doesn't do? it doesn't twelve too much into painting, which in my opinion is a different skill, and it is not a shortcoming.

5 comments about Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books.

1. This book contains NO interesting ideas, NO beautiful pictures, NO inspiration, and NO meaningful journal writing. However, it does contain techniques you probably learned in kindergarten. So unless you are under six, you do not need to buy this book. These authors presumably have created beautiful art at some point, considering their profession as art journal writers and instructors, yet they withhold any and all information on this topic throughout the book. I feel completely betrayed -- I gave them money and they gave me none of their knowledge. I wish I would have considered the advice of those who rated this book poorly prior to my purchase. Although this book was not expensive and I enjoy having a large reference library, I refuse to keep this book as part of my collection because I know I will never gain anything from these pages, now or in the future.



2. A wonderful book that provides tools for anyone who wants to start journaling. And even for those who are experienced there is a lot to read, see and laugh about. The essence of what Karen and Linda want to tell you is that only you can tell your story. No one else can do that for you. The sisters show you that you only need limited supplies to make a start and that you definitely do not need an education in art to do it. Anyone can do it! That is by far the biggest message the sisters give you. It is well written, with a great sense of humor. The layout of this book is beautiful. The examples and explanations of the various techniques are breathtaking. This book invites you to get started right away. It gives you enough inspiration to take notice of and to journal about the humor, the special occasions and the everyday. And to do this in a way that is especially worth while to you.



3. I read Journal Revolution first, and loved this just as much! This book is full of inspiration and ideas for art and life. It is not just a scrapping book or a journaling book. Its really about how you approach art and life. There are fun and unusual projects, cool techniques, and the best philosophies ever. LOVED IT!



4. The title of the book and the reviews here are really misleading. This book has nothing to do with art journalling. Art is art, scrapbooking is craft.
   
   I didn't believe the other negative reviews here because they all went on about how they were artists and they already knew the stuff here. But their reviews were much more accurate than the 5 star reviews.
   
   If you want to collage a little book together about your life, the things you love etc, then this, and every other book by this publisher is for you. There are hundreds of books out there and i'd say this one is a little thin on ideas to be worth choosing over other scrapbooking books.
   
   Basically this book talks about painting the background, using rubber stamps and rub-on letters, colouring in photocopies, and cutting up paint sample sheets from the hardware store, as though they were new ideas.
   
   There are cute ideas in here, and the book talks you through how to inspire yourself. But i honestly can't see any difference between this an all the other books out there trying to cash in on the scrapbook industry. of which i am not interested.
   
   If you want to make an art journal, something that an artist uses to develop their work and ideas, then you're going to be let down. You wont be given ideas for drawing materials, or how to combine materials to accentuate your own drawings, how to develop ideas further and present them thoughtfully.
   
   This book actually assumes you have no drawing or creative ability at all, suitable for some, but not for those wishing to create an art journal/sketchbook. I suspect the author/publisher put the word art in the title to purposely mislead people like me. I'm seriously tempted to return this book since the title is so misleading.



5. This isn't a bad book, but for me it didn't prove to be a very good one either. I will admit to getting some ideas from it, but found it pretty basic for the most part. I really didn't like any of the pages the authors did and wasn't really inspired by any of it. I have to agree with the other reviewers who said this is more like cut and paste scrapbooking and not art journaling. If you want a book about doing crafts, this is a good one. If you want a book about doing art, then save your money.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns.

1. This book is a keeper. I use mine for identifing quilts seen and
   possibly purchased at yard sales, estate auctions, and where ever I
   see them - mostly handed down through the family. This book has paid off several times the cost of the book. I also use it for recreating period quilts.



2. Book was received in top condition and unbelievably in timely manner even considering the holidays !



3. I have GOT to make some of these quilts! What a lovely book! I can't wait!!!



4. This book takes you step by step through making each quilt (and include all of the templates for each quilt). I have now made 6 quilts out of this book and they are fantastic!



5. I didn't find the cover appealing, but picked it up in a hobby store, opened it and immediately decided I had to have it. It has 101 patterns with beautiful photographs of every quilt. There were a number of applique quilts that I had not seen before. This is a treasured book in my quilting library.

5 comments about Ashley Book of Knots.

1. If you need to learn knots, or just enjoy knot tying as a hobby, this book is essential for everyone.



2. I recently bought the Ashely book of knots because I thought it would tell me how to tie every knot on the planet. I found it a bit confusing because it did not use colors to illustrate the knot ties. It was hard to follow most of the knot patterns. Also it did not have climbing knots used by most rescue people. I found a great site that does animation and colors: http://www.animatedknots.com/doublefishermansrescue/index.php . Perhaps if the book came with a DVD it would be better. I know it is an old book...but come on...we have new technology now!



3. This is the reference that seems to be used by all other knot books and web sites.
   
   Although the book can be hard to understand when trying to tie knots, no colors, videos or animated gifs, it is quite useful when trying to identify a knot that I want to tie.
   
   I knew what I was getting as I had read the libraries copy before making the decision to purchase so I am not at all disappointed with my book.
   This is also an excellent book for reading if you enjoy tying knots.
   
   If you have more than a passing interest in knots then you will want to consider buying this book.



4. Hands down, if you're into knots, rope work, sailing, etc...this is definitely a book to add to your shelf. Over 600 pages, it's got pretty much references to every knot you could think of, as well as a good history on rope and knots, and a great index to quickly find what you need. I've even found most other books or online resources I look at reference the "Ashley Book of Knots" number (ABOK#) when they're describing what to do. All in all a good investment.



5. Top notch reference on knots.
   This book has no peer.
   Nothing else even comes close.

5 comments about Knitting New Mittens and Gloves: Warm and Adorn Your Hands in 28 Innovative Ways.

1. I bought the book because of Grumperina's comments and am glad I did. I have finished one pair of gloves for my Mum and will CO for the next pair this weekend. There is something interesting for everyone whatever your style is. The patterns are very creative but practical at the same time. But yes the print could be a bit larger for those darker nights to come .......



2. What a wonderful book! Each design is unique & gorgeous, while also being completely accessible & wearable. There is plenty of room for yarn subtitutions as well. The only problem with this book is deciding which project to start with, and sticking with it without casting on several more!



3. From wrist warmers to gauntlets to opera gloves, mittens & gloves - it's in here! Old-fashioned charm, as well as up-dated versions for the younger crowd of knitters! If you love knitting mittens & gloves, this would be the book to choose for your inspirations! There are many ideas to choose from, that you can tailor to suit your own tastes or needs.



4. There are several patterns in this book that I want to make. I made the short version of the cover mitts in the recommended yarn, and they came out very well. They are a cute and fun hand garment! I love the layered gloves, and that will be my next project from this book, but I have already gotten the yarn for the mittens with button on separate cuffs, and the ones made from Lopi. All in all, a great little book for quick projects that include traditional and contemporary.



5. This is really a very beautiful book. The pages are matte, and thick, the cover is gorgeous, the designs are wonderful and her descriptions of the items and the names she has given each pair of gloves are inspirational. I love to see a designers thought-processes and she explains in detail how she thought up each pair and the symbolic meanings behind the types of knitting she has done on them. Yes, the writing is in about a 9 pt font, but it is nothing that is unreadable. Directions are explained in detail for each pair of mittens and fingerless gloves and I am ecstatic that I bought this book. I sense a winter full of beautiful gloves coming my way....

5 comments about Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever.

1. This book is easy to follow with great ideas and good pictures. After recieving it I took a quick trip to the bead store and I am inspired!



2. I first checked this book out from the library. I liked it so much, I purchased it. There are several fresh new designs here. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys wire work.



3. I own many jewelry books of several types and this book is BY FAR leaps and bounds above the rest in all the important areas. It is gorgeous to look at and ALL of the projects are inspirational - meaning that they lead your mind to other applications of the techniques shown. It is an excellent teaching tool: it details particularly well the materials and tools you will need to be successful with this type of jewelry work, and the instructions for each technique and project are so well outlined and easy to follow. I truly am blown away by this book! (in case you can't tell!) Most books I've found to be somewhat disappointing, and not always as well-written as you might hope for. But to find all of that PLUS to love EVERY project... WELL! What an accomplishment!



4. The artist explains everything in detail and the pictures are extremely helpful. I would highly recommend this book.



5. Learn how to twist and bend wire to make pretty wire jewelry with INSPIRED WIRE, a jewelry maker's guide using techniques perfect for newcomers to wire jewelry. A minimum of equipment is needed to produce the most complex of designs and eye-catching blends of wire and beads, making this an outstanding pick for any library strong in crafts or jewelry-making books. Large full-page color photos and easy instructions contribute to a winner.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch