2 comments about 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expressions of Function & Style (500 Series).

1. WONDERFUL selection of diverse styles of plates and chargers. A wonderful reference. Reproduction terrific and interesting representation of varied techniques. A MUST for all functional and sculptural potter/ceramicists.



2. I am slowly purchasing every book in this series. I am a working artist and use photos to stimulate creativity for myself and my students. All of these books have been wonderful.

5 comments about Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes.

1. I love EZ's writing style. Even though this book was a bit too beginner-like for me, I enjoyed reading her tips, and it made it easier for me to advise some of my sisters who wanted to learn to knit.
   
   I think the best advise I read was that "washing hides a multitude of sins." Before reading this, I was quite obsessive about my knitting gauge. I'd measure my knitting after every row (and sometimes every few stitches), just to make sure my gauge was right where it should be. EZ, of course with wit and humor, chided people like myself who spent more time worrying about having the perfect gauge than they actually spent knitting. She pointed out that if the gauge is off a bit, washing it will usually even things out quite a bit. Thus the advise, "washing hides a multitude of sins."
   
   Now I spend more time enjoying my knitting, which has actually allowed me to be more creative with my knitting. After reading EZ's words, I'm no longer afraid to change a pattern if it's not exactly what I want, and (at times) I've even "unvented" my own patterns. If you want to see the type of creativity EZ can inspire, you can get my free patterns at http://www.geocities.com/mama_bear_007/.
   
   I think the most important thing about this book.... EZ showed me how to actually have fun with my knitting. In my opinion, she was the Diva of all the Knitting World.



2. Everyone should have this book in their library. What more can I say? :)



3. This is not a linear learn-to-knit book, & Zimmerman's approach takes a bit of getting used to, but it provides useful information to both the novice & the experienced knitter. It was helpful to me, & I've been knitting for 40 years. I plan to use it to teach a friend to knit.



4. This is a great book- for a beginner. I unfortunately bought it well after I'd been knitting for a while, and found it very simple and not what I needed. I have, however, used it to teach others, and have found it a great reference book for the beginner. It is very much a literature book, though, with a few patterns at the end of the book, one of which I've personally used and found quite wonderful and precise.



5. What a great little book. The patterns are written in prose rather than the standard format so that they are very clear and easy to understand for the beginner. Although photographs of the finished pieces are not included it's quick and easy to find the projects made by other knitters with a simple internet search.

5 comments about Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew.

1. The book is great it even comes with patterns. The book is easy to understand and has lots of detail. I would definatly recommend it.



2. I just bought this book because I wanted to delve into sewing a little more. I knew how to sew but I didn't know much about sewing techniques or terms or sewing notions and how to use them. This book was very easy to understand and explains everything I need to know about sewing and using notions and patterns. It's now my sewing bible! If I get stuck on something I grab my sew fast sew easy book.



3. I bought this book for my daughter and she has taken to sewing extremely fast. She's so proud of what she makes. Her enthusiasm for sewing now is almost too much for me to keep up with. This book was was easy for her to understand and the illustrations were very clear. She's been playing around with reconstructing her clothes so I'm thinking of getting her the Rip It book as well. I'm happy to see her involved in a positive hobby that she truly enjoys and gets satisfaction from.



4. I have the Rip It! book and love it. I just got this book for my niece for christmas. She wants to learn how to sew and I know this is the best book out there for her. It's very easy to understand and comes with patterns for her to learn with. I'm also getting her a sewing machine from www.sewfastseweasy.com
   I love giving! She is going to be so thrilled!



5. I purchased this book based on its recommendations, and I'm not sorry I did. It's been 25+ years since I touched a sewing machine, and this book definitely helped take the fright away. Perfect for new seamstresses of all ages.

No comments about Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions.

5 comments about How to Make Sewing Patterns.

1. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THIS ITEM. IT IS ALL I HAD EXPECTED AND MORE!



2. After a good research this title came up and since my expectations are quite high I wasn't sure if I made the right choice to buy this book.
   Now I am wrapped! With my knowledge about altering and/or creating sewing patterns not quite reaching the level I was after, this book will be a great help for me.
   The illustrations and text are very easy for me to understand and the price is a bonus.
   I made the right decision to buy this title.



3. This book will get you going with detailed instructions to create your own designs or to make basic clothing.



4. I've only been through some of the book, but so far it addresses what I was looking for.



5. Okay, it isn't filled with beautiful color photos, but if you really want to learn to draft patterns from scratch for yourself or someone else, this is an excellent book, and MUCH less expensive than textbooks with similar information. The author has an e-group (referenced in the book) where you can get help from him and other from other students as you go through the process. The book takes you step-by-step from measuring yourself (this alone is worth the price of the book) or someone else through drafting the basic blocks, designing the darts with a sort of draping technique, transferring darts to the block, and fine-tuning the fit through the second fitting. Then it goes on to teach you how to manipulate the basic blocks to design any garment you can imagine.

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

1. I absolutely LOVE this book! The concept of taking something and remaking it is so practical. I like that there are patterns in the back of the book. The descriptions of "how to" are well written. Great pictures. I was so inspired that I went to the author's website and blog for further study! If you like handsewing and embroidery work (although machine sewing is an option, you will enjoy this book.



2. What a fabulous, fabulous book. Even though the reviews are all so good, I was not prepared to be blown away by this book. It is gorgeous. And even though I had looked at the cover, I still didn't expect something so cool. I hadn't ordered it originally because I had the vague impression it was mainly about quilting - a craft that looks pretty but has never appealed to me - it's probably a culture thing, you have to be American to like it. Like cupcakes, knitted or otherwise... Anyway. This is the ultimate book for the 21st century recycler /crafter. It puts all the other deconstruction - recycling - wannabe hipster books in the shade. The projects are adorable, I want to make them all. The instructions and special tips are clear and detailed, and although I've been sewing for years, I have already picked up a few tips. There are templates, patterns and even recipes. The photography and layout is beautiful - artistic AND clear, which is not always the case!



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

5 comments about The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn.

1. As President of Signature Needle Arts yarn makes our needle business possible. This book is fantastic--whether you have just started to knit or are the most experienced. All the information about fiber and yarn manufacturing you have ever heard (and a lot you probably don't know) is in one place. It explains so much about what a knitter experiences from one yarn type to another. Understanding of the basic raw material of all knitting projects will prove invaluable and save time, expense and the heart-break of choosing the wrong yarn. Knitter's Review is a great website, but this book should be on every knitter's shelf as a reference.



2. ....cover to cover. And eagerly, at that. On the first page the author reads my mind and answers my most pressing question. "Why the ^%*@ do my garments never turn out the way I expect"?!?
   It's all about the yarn.
   This book will take it's place as my number one knitting resource.



3. This is a great book...I find a lot of useful information and lots if interesting patterns. I'm just about to start the Calla Lily bag. This book a good addition to anyone's library.



4. She likes this book enough to buy it, which is unusual, so her opinion speaks for itself. Especially since she crochets, not knits.



5. This book is the equivalent to a college course on fibers and their characteristics. NOW I know why some of my projects were not what I had hoped they would be; I substituted yarns that were the same gauge, but that wasn't enough. The patterns in this book are examples of each type of yarn (not just the fiber, but the number of plies, etc.) and are very user-friendly. I've already completed a small project, and this time my yarn substitution worked extremely well. I've knitted for many years, but feel that I've graduated to a new level because of this book.

5 comments about Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making & Beading (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer).

1. I will use this book for many years to come as it covers the type of jewelry I make in a very comprehesive way.



2. This book was a gift to my granddaughter and she loves it. Clear images in the book makes it very attractive



3. I have found this to be the best book I've see for a novice like me. The pictures and the instructions are clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend it.



4. This book is great for beginners as well as intermediate levels of skill. I am happy to add it to my library...



5. I bought 3 books on jewelry making and this is the one I use the most. It describes all the pieces in jewelry making and how they are used. It has many good projects and pictures. I love this book.

5 comments about Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems.

1. I gave this book to my 11 year old daughter who has recently taken up the hobby of finding sea glass. We go to the beach every Sunday and carefully look for the tiny pieces of sea glass. Each time we find one it is like a small treasure that she takes home and stores in a pretty glass jar. We never knew the history or differing types of sea glass. This book is as informative as it is beautiful. She looks at the book over and over. The book is like an adventure to the sea - you see something different every time you look at it.



2. its a lovely book with good quality pictures, it makes a great coffee table book right next to my own collection of sea glass.



3. This is an absolutely beautiful book. For the coffee table or for the serious sea glass hunter. It is informative yet it is not just a book for adults..............it was a gift for my daughter's 11th birthday as she has showed a great interest in this "hobby". The book was delivered in no time!



4. My wife and I collect sea glass daily on the Oregon coast. This book did give us a good explaination of what types and the possible origin of glass we've found. Lots of pictures to compare the various colors of sea glass which indicates rare to common. A good reference book for sea glass collectors.



5. Nice book with nice pictures. Haven't had time to actually sit and read thru it.

5 comments about 2-at-a-Time Socks: Revealed Inside. . . The Secret of Knitting Two at Once on One Circular Needle Works for any Sock Pattern!.

1. I found the directions in this book incomplete, and, while the color photos are really beautiful, they don't show the step-by-step as much as I needed it to. I had to do outside research to understand the technique she's showing us here. Once I figured that out, I had to figure out how to keep my various strands of yarn from becoming intertwined (which I don't see addressed in this book), especially when you flip the work.
   
   I learned a thing or two from this book, but, I think this book is best suited to experienced sock knitters who know a thing or two about the magic loop method. A beginner will probably not be able to 'read between the lines' in the directions without research from other sources. When I spend my hard-earned money on a book, I don't expect to have to do additional homework to understand what the author is trying to say.



2. I'm just learning to knit socks. Since I can't use the dp needles, the 2 circular needle method and teh 1 circular needle method are a blessing for me. The pictures are very good and helpful.



3. This is a pretty good book for intermediate knitters who want to get in with the magic loop crowd. Morgan-Oakes spends a good 17 pages explaining the magic loop technique. Her instructions aren't overly illuminating (it took me a few solid hours to understand precisely what she was saying each step of the way), but they aren't horrid either. A few more pictures would have helped, but I got by alright.
   
   The patterns, on the other hand, are disappointing. I found 4 out of the 17 patterns worth making. The rest are quite boring, dowdy, and "crafty" looking. I think Morgan-Oakes was trying to offer a variety of patterns (one for the fashionista, one for baby, one for the rugged hiker etc.), but in doing so, she loses any kind of continuity. If your tastes in socks are wide and all encompassing then you will enjoy the patterns in this book. If you are a discriminating knitter, like me, then you will be disappointed and, perhaps, even a little horrified at the "Ragg Hiker" socks, which are nothing if not a throwback to the 90's.
   
   Initially, I was attracted to the book by the socks on the cover (the color, the texture--it just works), but the pattern is actually for a child's foot. That was a bummer. But either way, with Morgan-Oake's book, I achieved what I set out to do--knit two socks on one circular needle. The technique is indispensible for anyone who is a periodic sock or sweater knitter. It gets rid of the second sock/sleeve syndrome nicely.
   
   Final verdict: get it at the library.



4. I have been wanting to get this book for a while (unfortunately paid more for it at a chain store) and it has lived up to my expectations. I have started a pair and the directions are very clear. The first trial pair are very step-by-step with clear pictures. Then at the beginning of every pattern in the book there are very clear lists of what stitches are used so you know ahead of time what you are getting into. I love the way she layed out each pattern subdividing each 'part' of the sock ie: "knitting the leg", "working the heel", "turning the heel", etc. It is a great book for beginners, but don't let that 'put off' experienced sock knitters as there are a lot of really nice patterns in this book for both types of knitters. There are basic 'Ragg-type', to colorwork, to fancy cables and lace. I started with "Berry Season". It's a short ankle sock with an easy 4 row stitch. I have made a pair of socks (one) on circs (one sock on one circ---couldn't bare to hold 4 DPN's--I'm a crocheter at heart) but this is my first attempt at two on one and while it is a tiny bit tricky at first, once you get past the first couple of rows it is easy (get rid of your starting tail as soon as you know you are going to make the pair as it gets in the way). There is a good glossary in the back with the assumption that you know how to basically knit. And there are good pattern stitch keys and a really nice sizing chart. The book is on a wire spine so it lies flat when open--a nice plus. Thanks Ms Morgan-Oakes for a really nice book.



5. I LOVE IT! This book first of all lays FLAT because it is spiral bound. I have knit socks with double point needles and tried 2 circular needle sock knitting but this is hands down the best way! I suggest you make sure to buy at least a 40" circular needle and the best one would be the bamboo ones because the tubing is VERY soft & bendable. This book is great, easy to follow, and has some really nice patterns. I would suggest that you be a fairly good knitter and if you have knitted socks it would be a very big plus!