5 comments about The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques.

1. Gave to my daughter for Christmas and she said it was just what she needed.



2. This is a great book for knitters who are trying to improve their skills. I bought it because my finishing skills need to be improved. However, the finishing techniques are not as detailed as I would have liked.
   But this book is much more than a finishing book. It is an excellent instruction book for at least intermediate knitters or perhaps someone who just wants to have their projects look a bit more professional.
   I have used it again and again. Different ways to increase and decrease are well explained.
   I can't give it five stars because the book doesn't really do what it says it does. But I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their knitting.



3. This is a very good book to have if you are like me new to knitting.This book will help you to put the finishing techniques to your knitted garments perfectly. You should get this book,I did.



4. I used this book constantly for the first few years I knit as I learned to seam and finish my garments. I still use it and it is one of the best and most loved books in my knitting library. Very handy and helpful.



5. Very helpful book, I can almost understand it. I am a visual learner and seeing it actually happening would be better, but this is good.

2 comments about Foxfire 4 (Foxfire).

1. Being a native of rural Appalachia, we owe so much to Mr. Wiggington for the preservation of our culture. No other, in my knowledge has done so much. The entire seires of Foxfire books is a tribute to the plain, industrious, pragmatic, proud mountain ways that I so fondly recall from my childhood. Whether you are doing research, or simply trying to remember how granddaddy did it, these books are an excellent source of knowledge.



2. This work, Volume IV, is like the others. A wonderful history of how it was. In this day and age of having most needs meet and something for everyone on the Wal-mart shelf, we tend to forget just what it was like in our not too distant past. These books, the Foxfire books, brings to light skills, attitudes and a way of life that is all but forgotten. This is a good thing. When a people lose their history, they lose part of their soul. As the title of this work states, from fiddle making to horse trading, this addresses many of the old forgotten skills and there is so much more. The editors have done a wonderful job. They have made a very honest effort to replicate the dialect of those places and times and I feel that this is a big part of the charm of these books. I am old enough to have known many of the kinds of folks featured in these books, being only one generation past them, and have a great appreciation for what and how they did all the little things we take so for granted now. I might also suggest that you actually try some of the things mentioned in these volumes. It will give you even more of an appreciation for what they did, and hey, who knows, the skill you develope just might come in handy one of these days! Recommend this and the other Foxfire books highly.

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.

4 comments about Crocheting on the Edge: Ribs & Bobbles*Ruffles*Flora*Fringes*Points & Scallops.

1. I bought this book today at Michael's (with a 40% off coupon of course!), and just had to write a review about it. I just love it......so far. I own at least 4-5 other crochet edging books, but this is certainly the most creative out of the bunch. I especially like the "flora" section where there are numerous edgings with flowers, leaves, etc...that you just do not see anywhere else. There are some typical, or as the author puts it "classic" edgings in here that you will find in other books, but for the most part the edgings are pretty original. This book also features 9 original patterns created for this book, although I cannot say that I will make any of them becuase they are not my personal style (two jackets, a vest, two capelets, a scarf, a "hatband/bracelet", a t-shirt with an edgining, and a "medallion medly" (which looks sort of like a freeform style small lapghan) it was an unexpected surprise to find them at the back of this book.
   
   I would like to mention that there is not a "how to" section in this book. While this is not a problem for me, for those of you out there new to crochet, or for Nicky's knitting fans, who just have to have all of her books, if you do not know how to crochet, make sure you pick up a book on how to crochet along with this book. Because unlike many crochet books which will at the very least contain some illustrations in a "refresher course" type section, to remind you of how to do crochet stitches, this book does not have that. She does however, provide a small explanation of special stitches at the beginning of patterns that use them (i.e. the popcorn stitch, etc.....). There is a photograph of a swatch as well as a chart for each pattern, which I really like. The symbols can be really helpful at times.
   
   I would also like to say that having just purchased this book today, I cannot comment on how the directions are written, or if there are any errors. A lot of customers who reviewed her crocheted flowers book (which I do not own), complained that her directions are not well written. I cannot comment on this, so take this review for what it is....someone who has looked through this book several times, but has not made any projects from it.
   
   My only "complaint" at this point is not the fault of the author, or even the publisher, but rather whomever printed this book. When I got home to go through this book I found that pages 49-59 are pretty messed up. They all have significant creasing, and ink spots, and places where the text is quite blurred. It looks as if there was a mess up during the printing process, so alas, I will be going back to Michael's to exchange this book for another (hopefully better) copy. Whatever company actually printed this book should have better quality control, especially for the $30 price tag of this book!
   
   But so far, just from looking at all the unique edgings in here, I am really quite impressed with this book, and cannot wait to add an edgining to something.....anything!



2. You can be sure that any book by Nicky Epstein is a good one, and this is one is good. Crocheters mostly use borders for trimming afghans, but many of the innovative ones here are perfect for embellishing clothing.
   
   The frontispiece photo is of a gorgeous small afghan that is a true crochet tour de force -- but it is made up of a large variety of spectacular motifs and medallions and has little to do with borders. Once again the publisher has followed its policy of "don't tell the customer what is in the book" because the cover doesn't let you know tht you get not only borders but instructions for some wonderful garments, Many people now buy books on line and don't have an opportunity to see a contents page or glance through to see what's inside.
   
   The book begins with one border which is photographed worked in many different types, textures and weights of yarn, which is a great graphic demonstration of how yarn choice changes the look of a pattern.
   
   I think one of the author's intents is to show knitters how to use crocheted borders on knitted projects, so the next section is four pages of kntted squares, each edged with a different crocheted border. This too is a great idea, except that the borders were mostly worked onto the knitting in such a way that they distort the
   shape of the knitted pieces. This might discourage some knitters from even trying to add a crocheted border.
   There is a way to avoid distortion, but no help in doing this is provided.
   
   Then the section on borders begins -- and not only are there written instructions, but complete symbol diagrams for each one. Thank you, thank you! The section starts with the most uninteresting borders,
   but don't get discouraged: they get better as you go along. THe designs range from frilly to fun to elaborate to simple-but-lovely.
   
   The garment patterns are near the end of the book. They are all crocheted, but the patterns are written in the typical knitting pattern style (tell them as little as possible) instead of the more expansive and detailed style crocheters are accustomed to. But with symbol diagrams also provided, most crocheters will
   manage.
   
   Unless the knitter or crocheter who uses this book is very experienced, they may run into trouble. Little help is given for how to work stitches such as reverse single crochet, a technique which gives many crocheters a lot of trouble. When this is called for in a pattern, there is just a cryptic note saying "see page TK". This page was referenced for technical help a couple of times,but I could find no page TK. Maybe it's just my bad eyesight!
   
   On page 195 is a section headed TECHNIQUES where I assumed to find crochet technique help, but all that was there was how to make lazy daisy and French knot embroidery stitches. At least one border is done in Tunisian crochet, so you better already know how to do it if you want to make that border.
   
   If you are not an experienced crocheter, better brush up on your skills before you add this beautiful book to
   your library. And don't give it to your favorite knitter for Christmas unless you know she crochets!



3. How to finish it off? Sometimes plain is good. Other times, your garment or throw or whatever needs a little decoration to look right, but where to find the right pattern for an edging?
   
   Your problem is solved in Nicky Epstein's latest "Edge" book. No more standing at a shelf of pattern books looking for something a bit different, because you'll have more than enough choices (over 200) in this beautiful book.
   
   Those of you familiar with the Epstein's knitting "edge" books will recognize the book's organization right off. Borders are categorized by type (ribs, ruffles, florals, fringes and points) and color coded for each type. Many of the edges or borders will be familiar to knitters because they are similar in finished appearance, but plenty are new and quite distinctive.
   
   I can hardly wait to finish the knitting project I've got going now and get started on some crochet projects. Let's see - we could use new placemats; I'd like a new jacket and a dressy sweater, any of which can be made into a one-of-a kind item by adding an unusual border.
   
   What a treat! What a lovely gift for the knitters and crochet fiends on your list. I'd say "get this one." A gorgeous book, packed full of creative ideas and patterns. You can't miss!
   
   Five stars!



4. I heard a lot about Nicky Epstein and her great knit books. So I really was happy to hear she had come out with a crochet book.
   First off, this book is _not_ for beginners. This is a book for experienced crocheters. That's not a big deal to me, but it may be for some people. You might want to look at this book for inspiration, if you're a beginner but you might get frustrated by the directions.
   Second thing is there's nothing that really "pops out" to me. Usually I'll look at a crochet book and think "ahh, that's the project I _must_ do next" while I'm trying to figure out what to juggle to move that particular project to the top of my list. While the edgings were pretty and interesting, there was nothing I was dying to make. Technically, they look great, but the patterns just left me cold.
   It is a good book to look at, well photographed, and I'm thinking that maybe it will come in handy for some other project. After all, it is about edgings and you would need the proper item to make sure the edgings worked well.
   So my advice is if you got the bucks and want to browse, this could be a good book for you. If you're a beginner, you will not want to start with this books - there's a tip section but it doesn't touch on any crochet tips. I'd suggest either The Complete Book of Crochet Border Designs: Hundreds of Classic & Original Patterns or 150 Crochet Trims: Designs for Beautiful Decorative Edgings, from Lacy Borders to Bobbles, Braids, and Fringes as a more satisfying look at crochet edgings.

5 comments about Sensational Knitted Socks.

1. I was very pleased with this book, it was exactly what I wanted and I received it is a very short time, actually sooner than I had expected.



2. This book is great. There are lots of patterns for socks and good instructions and pictures.



3. Like other positive reviewers, I love that following this book, I can make a sock of any size using any weight yarn and that I can use a stitch from another source and interchange heels and toes from different sock patterns.
   
   I share none of the others' complaints. Though I'm a novice sock knitter, the directions are easy for me to follow, with one big exception. I describe my problem in the paragraphs that follow, hoping to elicit advice from other readers. Nevertheless, I want to emphasize that in spite of this difficulty, I am impressed by the clarity and versatility of this highly informative book.
   
   Shurch is unclear on where a heel flap begins on a toe-up sock. On page 59, she says knit "to desired length of foot minus heel measurement. See charts on pages 13-14." On page 13, an illustration indicates that the measurement goes up the back of the foot, a heel flap for a top-down sock. Schurch does not state whether this length is the same when the heel flap covers the bottom of the heel for a toe-up sock.
   
   I tried her advice on page 11, "the heel flap is worked from the middle of the arch," and my sock was too short. Then, I referred to page 41, and knit "until sock reach[ed] anklebone." My sock was too long. Subtracting the excess length, I succeeded on my third try.
   
   Using this book, I would not knit a toe-up sock for someone else, at least not until experience tells me whether the heel flap is the same length on the bottom of the foot as it is on the back of the foot.



4. Loved the choice of options for each pattern and design. Would recommend to my knitting friends.



5. Schurch's sock book is excellent. There are plenty of options for both men and women, and enough variations to keep you busy for years (literally).
   
   I had never knit socks before I picked up this book; I think now I can fairly state that I'm pretty much an old hand at it: just grab the double-pointed kneedles and get to work.
   
   The one problem is that her sizing pretty much assumes a loose-fitting sock: if a foot is, say, 9 inches in circumference then she gives sizing for a sock which is 9 inches around instead of 7 or 8. Fortunately I own a pair of suspenders, so I can wear too-big socks. I now knock the size down one or two steps from whatever her charts say, and so far that's worked well.

5 comments about Pyrography Workbook: A Complete Guide to the Art of Woodburning.

1. A wonderful book that teaches a beginner so many things! I cannot wait to start working with it!!!



2. I only did some pyrography when I was very young, and the patterns were already on the boards.
   
   I found the beginner patterns to be more advanced, in my opinion. (However, I haven't burned the copied one on my board, as yet. If I find time, it's ready to go!)
   
   I think I need something even more beginner oriented, as far as patterns go.
   
   Overall, there is a LOT of GREAT information in this book that's helped me decide on a burner, wood types to use, etc.
   
   I'm happy with the book.



3. Great book for beginners and experts with many ideas and tips Highly recommend it to others



4. A complete and detailed book, with a lot of necessary technical info and tutoring for beginners and advanced. Nice touch are the beautifull step by step examples you can make at the end of the book. If you plan to buy only one book on pyrography, this is it!



5. This book is excellent for someone starting in the art of pyrography. It covers all you need to know about techniques and the art and gives great examples of each . Deloy Robert Moore Artist

5 comments about Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style.

1. She has the most amazing style. If you appreciate great design, you need this book!



2. I purchased this book for my sister, who is a design student about to graduate in 05/08, because Kelly Wearstler is her favorite designer. My sister already had one of Ms Wearstler's books and loved it so much that when she asked for her newest book I thought it would be a great Christmas gift. However, I didn't realize that the book she already had was Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style. When I gave her the book and she said that it was the one she already had I was very let down, but she did not want to return it. She said the copy she had was so worn out from use that she could never put it on her coffee table and that she loved it so much that she was more than pleased to have a brand new copy. Both my sister and I love Ms Wearstler's bold colorful design style and I was disappointed that her more resent books did not get better customer reviews, which is why I did not order one of them. I have since ordered Domicilium Decoratus anyway, since I was able to get such a good deal thru [...], and I'm looking forward to giving it to my sister for valentines' day.



3. Not only are her featured interiors stunning (as always) but the fab Ms. Wearstler goes the distance with great photography and writing to highlight it to its fullest. Honestly, a real gem and a must-have for any book collection on interiors.



4. The book is really great when it comes to interior decoration. Ms Wearstler definitely has a knack for colour, and I like the creative way she used fresh colours and chic furniture to create new looks.
   
   Beware though. Ms Wearstler seemed to like Asian religious icons in her decoration. I do not think that this gives due respect to our religion. As this is common amongst western interior decorators, this use of objects sacred to others as mere decorative items, Ms Wearstler could be forgiven for this.



5. Amazing and inspiring ideas that lead to a wonderful, eye-catching result! This book broadens the readers horizons and makes them see decoration through a new perspective.
   Has a unique way of combining products and making them look special. Creates atmosphere and style.
   Kelly has an amazing way of thinking that results to these ideas and we thank her 4 sharing it with us...

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

5 comments about Mastering Beadwork: A Comprehensive Guide to Off-loom Techniques.

1. I have been an avid beadwork artist since the age of 12. Im 33 now, and have leared LOTS of stitches, techniques, and variations--from all over the world.
   This book is fantastic! It has a lot of great project, most of them are somewhat advanced i suppose. Very clear pictures, and it is spiral bound, which makes it really easy to follow the steps if you need to.
   I highly reccommend this book it truly is a wealth of projects, and you can use it for inspiration too.
   10 stars!



2. This is not a book for beginners. For example, the first project uses basket-weave crimp end findings and a ball and socket closure and requires the beader to teach herself how to solder the jump rings closed. Yikes, that is a lot to ask. Most projects have incomplete directions, enough to get started, but not the step-by-step details needed for the entire project. Illustrations are not clearly marked with color or arrows to indicate the direction in which to progress. Difficult to follow.



3. Myself being a newbie to beading this a "must" book to have.
   
   Masting Beadwork by Carol Cyper (http://www.carolcypher.com/) is a well written, detailed, colorful hardcover, coiled seam beading book.
   The first few chapters walk you through as to what you need & what you need to know. Directions in the book are easy to follow along, colorful photographs, with detailed directions.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to beading or anyone who wants to experiment with some new patterns in beading.



4. If you've mastered peyote, brick stitch, square stitch and want to take your beading to new projects then this is the book for you. If you are just starting out this book will give you the confidence to try new things. It is concise, clear and a joy to use by beginners and those of us who have been beading for years.



5. There are a lot of great books out there about how to bead that cover many of the same techniques. What makes this one stand out is the whimsy in the projects. They are gorgeous, well explained, and in bright popping colors. It's a fun book.
   The introduction to the book explains how to use it to learn beadwork from the very beginning, and encourage you to play. To follow the instructions for the projects, but also to look at the end of each project at the "Try this" to do something new. It explains the tools and supplies very well, with color pictures. There is also a glossary in the introduction that tell you what a lot of popular bead terms mean. For an absolute beginner, it can be a bit overwhelming, but if you take it one step at a time, it's wonderful.
   For people who have some experience, there are the projects.
   Chapter 1 is peyote stitch. Absolutely essential for anyone who wants to master beadwork to learn. There are several bracelets with different types of clasps as first projects, starting simply with a purchased clasp, and working up to an amazing diagonally stitched peyote bracelet with a fringed beaded clasp. Just yummy.
   The section on bead crochet makes enough sense I'm willing to give it another try. I can crochet, I can bead, but making crocheted ropes has never worked out well for me.
   Like I said, the projects are full of whimsy, the colors make me smile, and the techniques are a solid foundation for learning to bead, and to follow any set of instructions. It's an absolutely inspiring book.

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

1. I checked this book out on a whim from our library and promptly fell in love with it even though I'm not much of a seamstress. I love the author's use of lots of different techniques in varying combinations. I've never seen anything quite like the design choices and techniques used in this book. My only complaint: the clothing pattern sizes are limited. Normally I find it insulting when a designer ignores anyone over a size 14 but this book was so full of inspiration that I let that slide in the hope that I can adapt for my slightly fuller figure. Even if I never make a single project in this book I know I'll spend many hours soaking up the colors and textures.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.