5 comments about Ruth B. McDowell's Piecing Workshop: Step-by-Step Visual Guide, Indispensable Reference for Quilters, Bonus Projects.

1. Unfortunately I missed out on a live workshop with Ruth and sent my best buddy in my place instead. She LOVED it!!! Even though I tried to practice her techniques in her other books, I never quite 'got it'. I guess I'm just more of a 'show me what you do' kind of person.
   This book changed all that and I made her sugar maple quilt quickly and easily and I'm thrilled with the outcome! Also, with her guidance on inset seams, I finished a difficult navajo quilt that had had me stumped because I couldn't get the seams set in just right. But with her latest book, it was like having this amazingly talented and wonderful lady right there with me! She is such inspiration, her quilts are outstanding and absolutely fabulous! Thanks Ruth, -can't wait for the next one!!!



2. Certainly a 5-star book. You can take your quilt piecing to a new level with Ruth's piecing techniques. The instructions and pictures are very detailed, concise & clear. Combined with her "Designing Workshop" book, you could produce gorgeous, detailed art quilts.



3. It was the perfect help to work with Freezer-Paper, the describtion and Visual Guide are very clearly.



4. This book is wonderful. It is very informative and easy to understand. Follow her instructions and anyone can create a beatiful quilt.



5. I love the author's quilts, and this book gives me a glimpse of how complex the amazing designs are to construct. This book is full of information--and a bit daunting to a beginning quilter. Still, it's a good resource and another glimpse into McDowell's unique process.

5 comments about Metal Clay In A Day.

1. The 27 clever projects in Garner's book will definitely inspire you to give metal clay a try. Even someone (like myself) who doesn't have a lot of experience working with this material won't feel intimidated to give these projects a try. The step-by-step photos are large and easy to follow along with the well-written instructions. Another plus, the projects in this book are beautifully designed and don't require a lot of special tools, etc. to complete. After reading the basics section, I feel comfortable with torch-firing some pieces and skipping the purchase of a kiln for now. Although the bracelet on the cover is wonderful, I would have to say my favorite project is the "totally tubular necklace", which I can't wait to try. If you're interested in metal clay but are a little unsure about how to get started, this is the book for you!
   
   Kim Cavender, author of "Polymer Clay For the Fun of It"



2. Whether you are a first time user of precious metal clay or
   familiar with the medium; you will enjoy this book. The projects are well
   illustrated and clearly presented. Tammy's insistence on finding what's around the house to use in her work will have you looking at your surroundings in a whole new way!
   The "Tips" were overall my favorite part of the book. Tammy shares tips and hints to make your work better. Everyone will learn something new.
   Projects, tips, a fun writing style all make this a great introduction to precious metal clay the no muss, no fuss way. Good Job!



3. Having already had the fortune to attend one of Tammy Garner's Metal Clay classes in person, I can say that reading her book "Metal Clay in a Day" is just like having her in the room with you, passing on helpful tips and techniques to create fantastic metal clay jewelry! The book takes away any intimidation a beginner might have about working with metal clay, because the projects are well laid out, don't take very long to do, and look great when they're done. I was particularly impressed with her tips on everything from where to buy practical yet inexpensive tools, to finding unusual textures for clay stamping all over your house (she made a beautiful pendant simply using the texture of a toothpaste cap!). This book will leave you eager to get your hands on some metal clay to try her projects out yourself.



4. Techniques are wonderfully written in a step by step visual instruction format. Easy to understand from beginning metal clay through detailed finished jewelry. Persons of all levels of skill will find this book helpful.



5. The artist covers aspects of metal clay from beginner to advanced, with tips that reveal secrets that often are left out by other authors or instructors. If your looking for a metal clay book that will allow you to create objects of art and explain the details, then this is the book for you. The artist is well known for her work in PMC and uses this book to explain in detail (visuals are also GREAT) the techniques used to create jewelry from an elementary level to an advanced level. I highly recommend this book for every artist interested in creating metal clay jewelry and art objects.

5 comments about Gooseberry Patch Christmas: Book 9 (Gooseberry Patch Christmas).

1. I am an avid collector of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. I have all 9 volumes of the Christmas series and enjoy and still use everyone of them. This book is full of imaginative gift ideas. The recipes are easy to follow and yummy in your tummy!!! It would also make a great gift for anyone who enjoys baking and decorating with homemade craft ideas.



2. I flipped through it and really didn't see much that interested me. Needs more variety and some new ideas. Keeping it because I am trying to collect the whole set. It is a pretty book - nice pictures and cover.



3. I have been collecting (and using) this series of books since they came out. They are wonderful. They have great ideas and many really good recipes as well. I think they are as much fun to read as to use as they have many great pictures and easy to follow instructions. I can hardly wait for book 10!



4. I love all the Gooseberry Patch books and this one again is NOT a disapointment. Really great crafts and recipes, it is so homey (If that is a word) Great book!



5. This book has the best ideas for homemade gifts, crafts and recipes! It gave me so many ideas, I cannot decide what to do first. My family and friends are going to love their gifts from me this year.

5 comments about Underground Railroad Sampler.

1. The book is easy to follow for making the quilt and history information is written very well.



2. The book was everything I thought it would be - comprehensive quilt instructions for various underground railroad blocks.



3. I am a Quilter, and I found this book to be a real Eye opener for what went on during the slavery days. I never knew how Quilts were used as codes to direct the slaves to freedom. This book is a real history lesson, that I am so glad to learn about and be a part in helping with the teaching of the slavery days. I was asked by a teacher to make this quilt. She is going to hang it in her classroom for her 5th grade students to make paper blocks, to match the Quilt. The Quilt tells the story. It's AWESOME, and I really enjoyed making it. Thank you Amazon for having this Quilt Book.



4. I haven't had a chance to work out of the book yet, but I am excited about getting to it.



5. Very well written and illustrated with lots of information on how the underground railroad worked. Lots of hints for quilters.

5 comments about Hemp Masters: Ancient Hippie Secrets for Knotting Hip Hemp Jewelry.

1. I love this book so much! I've been hemping for a couple years, but nothing beyond the basic square and spiral knots with some beads (which is all that many books include). literally within minutes I had learned all kinds of new techniques and was well on my way through the book with lot of cool new jewelry. easy to understand directions, nice pictures, great for inspiration, and fun! best hemping book i've seen so far, and I have definitely owned a few. I would also reccommend the second book for even more advanced techniques and bigger projects!



2. A Great book for those wanting to learn how to tie hemp. It gives a visual instuction and a literal instruction on most of the knots so it's very hard to get confused. If you enjoy making jewlery, this is the book for you.



3. Had it, loved it, lost it and now buying it again. This is a great starter book because of its detailed and easy to read drawings & pictures and written instructions.
   
   The book itself is well made and duarble too so while you have one foot and two hands busy with tying you can use the other free foot to hold down pages and not worry about ripping the book apart. Hitch , half-hitch , Phishbone, tips on gluing (get rubber cement), how to measure length, add more cord if you run short...it's all here.
   
   My only advice is to get a sturdy cork board and some T-pins so you can pin your work to the cork board as you're weaving. I'm getting too old to hook the macrame cord around my toes.
   
   Cork boards are cheap at wal-mart and you can take a magic marker and a ruler and mark the board in one inch increments so you can eyeball length as you're working. The boards are only about an inch thick so the trick with the T-pins is to stick them in at a 45 Degree angle for a good solid ground(w/o punching thorugh the back of the board). And when you're not using it you can put it up on the wall and stick memos to it like the manufacturer intended. ;)



4. If you're beginning then this is a great book for you, and if you're experienced, its a great book for ideas. I love it.



5. There were tips that weren't in the other macrame books. Bunk hemp would be an example and how to get stubborn beads onto the lead (think rubber cement). Good descriptions. Ok pictures.

5 comments about Basic Box Making.

1. I found the book to be good for ideas and technique. Great pictures. Very well organized from basic to more advanced. I especially liked the descriptions of useful jigs. Doug Stowe makes beautiful boxes. I have a basic skillset and this book was purchased to give me ideas on future projects. Taunton books are great to look at and filled with great ideas for all skill levels.



2. I just bought the book and did the cover project.Easy steps to follow.project came out great and I am begining the pencil box, however you must have a full woodworking shop,router,table saws,jointers etc.If your looking to make boxes with hand tools, this is not the book.



3. I bought this and the accompanying DVD. I recommend both as to use together. I have been wood working for over 30 years and this book is great for a beginner or season wood worker.
   
   It is easy to understand. There are some great ideas for jigs in the book that you can use for making boxes and also many other things.
   
   What you learn is how to use the power tools you have in a very creative way. The author takes you from the basic to the more complex in an easy to follow and do manner. It should give you the confidence and knowledge on how to create something special.
   
   I really like and enjoy this book. I think the DVD is great. I highly recommend



4. I bought this book and happy to give it 5 stars. This is a great tutorial in box making, which I do. The only higher recommendation that I can make is to buy the DVD which is awesome.



5. Well written, easy to understand basics, and plenty of photos and diagrams.
   Well worth the price to expand your horizons in box making.

3 comments about Nursery Style.

1. This is an amazing Nursery book, it does not matter if you are vintage, classic or modern in your taste. It's very instructive on how to create a one of kind nursery. Loved It! Beautiful rooms and ideas!



2. I found this book to be worth every penny. The inspiration in decor can be applied on any budget, which is the beauty of the authors' suggestions. I thumb through this book every night and seem to find something I hadn't noticed before each time I do. I love this publication!



3. I've flipped through many nursery books and this book is beyond compare. Buy this book if you're looking for modern beautiful and unique styles. The book does cover 'vintage' decor aswell but the authors have done it in a very current and modern way that most moms our time will love. It comes with design tips that help you cut your budget aswell. I feel that, if you're the type of parent that wants to decorate a nursery without it looking too childish or toys'r'us looking this books is for you. A fantastic find for me.

No comments about Teach Yourself VISUALLY Sock Knitting (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer).

5 comments about Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Box Making (Complete Illustrated Guide).

1. This book provides great information for box making whether you are a veteran woodworker or a novice. Illustrations and pictures are very useful for conveying information described in written format. Highly recommended!



2. This book is very informative , easy to read & understand.If you know nothing about turning, it might be a little much. I've played with my lathe about 3 months now & wanted to get serious about the hobby.This book hit the nail on the head!



3. Like all the Taunton's Guides, this one is well written with lots of color illustrations. It has sections on all the phases of box making (wood preparation, joinery, finishing, lids, joinery, linings, etc., and it covers multiple ways to accomplish each of these steps. More comprehensive discussion of joinery and finishing, if you want it, can be found in other books from Taunton's dedicated to those topics. This book does not have plans for specific projects, but rather explains the concepts so that you can invent your own box designs. Some of the methods are quite complex and can't be fully understood with a single reading, but the information is all there and if this kind of work appeals to you, this book can teach you to make nice boxes, simple or elaborate.



4. The book gave me several new ideas for design as well as new techniques for creating beautiful boxes. It was well illustrated but could have included some specific plans.



5. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers here. This is a nicely organized book covering a multitude of relevant subjects, but there's very little useful detail in here. I think Taunton made a mistake by trying to stuff too much into too little space. I'm a decent intermediate woodworker and thought this book would help me with some of the things I struggle with in making decorative boxes. But I already knew about 75% of what's in this book. Besides too little detail, the photos, although plentiful, are too small to be of value. Sorry Taunton, a nice effort, but this one misses the mark for me.

5 comments about Guide to Machine Quilting.

1. Book has good detail and is easy to understand. Directions are easy to follow and detailed.



2. the book had a lot of information on machine quilting,it is very good.



3. This is the best book I've seen on machine quilting - especially for a novice like me.



4. This is, by far, one of the best machine quilting books on the market. As good as Harriet Hargrave's seminal work!



5. I have both of her books. You can't get any better than her books.