5 comments about Welding Basics.

1. I bought this book for Christmas for my boyfriend. However the book didnt arrive in time but when he got it my boyfriend read it in one day and wants to try and weld together some of the stuff it shown. This is a very good book.



2. I thought this book was worth reading. Yes, I've read the other reviews that said it was too simplified and for idiots but for someone who has never welded, or like me has not welded since high school, it covers the basics. It gives a good comparison of different technologies (Oxy, SMAW, MIG, TIG and plasma) the pros/cons of each. No, this book will not teach you how to weld like a pro but it is a good starting point if you want to learn about the various technologies or trying to decide what type of welder you want or need to get started. The Welder's Handbook (Finch) is also a good beginner's guide.



3. The book provides a basic footing in welding. I simply used the book to develop a working vocabulary before I began learning how to weld.



4. I found this book to have strong basic/beginner information as advertised. Some foggy areas are clearer to me now. The section on welding projects could have been left out and additional instructional materials provided.



5. The book is good for starters. It is a bit vague on the basics but informative. A good starter book.

No comments about Bathroom Ideas that Work (Ideas That Work).

5 comments about Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Road.

1. A truly stunning quilting book. In Quilt Road, Kaffe has achieved even more exciting designs. His use of colour and blending of fabulous fabric is amazing. His work is a breath of fresh air into the quilting world. Nothing boring here! It has the potential to appeal to all ages including the modern younger person. Beautiful photographs illustrate these wonderful designs. Also recommend his Museum Quilts (inspired by the V and A museum) book.



2. I love the overly-patterned new quilts in this book by Kaffe Fassett and Liza Prior Lucy. I can't wait to get started on them!



3. I loved this book. The quilts are so colorful, and very easy patterns. Nothing terribly complicated, and yet with magnificent colors that give you many new ideas to do in the future. In general I like Fassett's books because they are fearless in the use of colors.



4. 
   I was very happy with this book. A prompt delivery and it arrived in good condition. This is a truly beautiful book full of lots of colour and inspiration.



5. I am truly enjoying this book. I have already begun one of the projects from the book, adapting it to make it mine. The book inspires me in that I don't generally work with so many printed fabrics so it is a good challenge and a wonderful experience. The patterns are well written and easy to follow. Enjoy!

5 comments about DomiKNITrix: Whip Your Knitting Into Shape.

1. I have been knitting for many years, and every so often someone asks me for a book that can get the beginner going in the right direction. I am not a pattern person, but i do like good visual instructions. This book has that in spades. The first half of this book gives you clear and precise instructions (the long tail cast on has never been better shown) in basic techniques, and does so with a wit that is often missing in knitting books. pair this with any title from Elizabeth Zimmerman, and you are good to go.



2. i checked this book out of the library, and did not want to bring it back! well...i did the right thing, and returned it, so i had to order one on amazon!
   anyways...this book is not only filled with cute/kinky things to knit, but it is the most clearly written instruction book that i have ever read!
   it is HARD to write down how to do a specific knitting stitch, especially the more complicated ones, but this book not only has clear photo illustrations, but easy to follow directions as well!
   i have been knitting since kindergarten, and i am so happy that knitting has finally started to emerge outside the box!
   if i can master knitting the Little Red Riding Hoodie, then i will never have to buy an overpriced hoodie again! :)
   other very cute/kinky projects include "spank me" pillows and a knitted winter hat with devil horns :)



3. I purchased this book with some hesitation, as there was only one pattern I was interested that wasn't similar to something I already had. I found the instructions poorly written and confusing, and had to re-knit the Mohawk multiple times due to the poor instructions. While the corrections to the published errors helped (check it before you begin any project, as there are entire lines omitted from some patterns, reversed instructions ie purl instead of knit and so on.)The directions were still unclear. Half the patterns the book have significant errors, and one pattern is (deliberatly) omitted entirely. And even the web page you can find this missing pattern at has errors!!! Now I wish pretty in punk had been instock instead of this piece of garbage. You always expect any pattern book to have a few errors, but the amount in this book is unacceptable.



4. Finally a book that has no errors, and where patterns are written clearly and consise. Awesome. I hope Jennifer Stafford writes another book!
   Buy this book!



5. I would never have touched this if I hadn't been able to thumb through it in a bookstore first, but I did--and hey! It's FUN. It's also a GOOD BOOK. The whole Goth theme of the layout and the haunted, shadowy models is clever, even if it's not to your taste. The author is clearly very talented; her grasp of design is stunning, way over my head.
   
   The real surprise for me was the technique section: I was bowled over by the instruction segments and the clever way they were incorporated into the projects as sequential "lessons." My one whine would be that there weren't enough sequential pictures of the gnarliest techniques--damned Kitchener grafting!--and there is an occasional leap forward that leaves the reader in the dust. This is the curse of any technical writer, who already knows what she means and forgets that we are puddling along in her wake, bewildered. It was infrequent, however, and as jaded and crabby as I am, I learned things.
   
   I'd have to agree with some of the previous reviews concerning the usual percentage of thuds--ye gods, another knitted necklace! Do they haunt me? And the star pillow, and yes, the mohawk hat, and the totally uninspired droopy handbag. However, to tell the truth, I loved the little "Bite Me" Valentine hearts--they carried the day. The Red Riding Hoodie is the jewel of the book, worth the price of admission on its own--a beautiful design. The Lone Wolf sweater is very handsome, with or without wolf--interesting cuffs, for example, which is nice. The zipper vest and the City Coat are also very attractive although the City Coat would rival a Burberry in cost for those of us who are not yarn-subsidized. Another thing that makes this book likeable is that most of these things are not limited to the nubile, elfin or wraithlike, either by size or by design. A few, yes. But the creativity backed with solid design is a very pleasant combination. In my opinion, this woman is actually what another loopy designer only thinks she is. I've actually leafed through it a few times just to enjoy the whole presentation, and I'm stacking up Bite Me pillows for Valentine's Day. Put it this way: if she writes another book, I'll probably buy it sight unseen.

5 comments about Crazy Quilting - The Complete Guide.

1. This book is the BEST that I have found on crazy quilting! I have quite a collection of books on this subject and if I could keep only one, this would be it! Beautiful, well illustrated, great explanations. It has all the answers. And to make it even better, it is ring-bound so that it lies flat which makes it so easy to use. This book gets an A+ (from a strict grader)!



2. A lot of information is packed in this compact, spiral-bound book. Its smaller size makes it ideal to pack in a tote. Marsha knows her medium well. Lots of eye-candy, good instructions, lots of useful instruction.
   
   I am a dedicated crazy-quilter, too. Of all the books available on the craft, I would highly recommend this new book. Hers, plus Carole Samples' "Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches" are the two must-have books for any serious reference.



3. Excellent book with clear instructions and drawings. I like that the book can lay flat so that one can follow the instructions easily. The size is also great as one can travel with it easily. A great buy, I highly recommend it.



4. I recieved my book promptly and in more than excellent condition. It was securely wrapped and sealed. What more could you ask for? Thank-you so very much for your top notch customer service.



5. THIS BOOK HAS GONE IMMEDIATELY INTO MY TRAVEL-TIME CRAFT BAG!
   IT'S A TERRIFIC RESOURCE AND THE SIZE AND BINDING MAKE IT IDEAL FOR USE ON TRIPS.
   
   THE AUTHOR IS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPLAINS THINGS SO WELL THAT I'VE COME TO ADMIRE HER WORK AND USE HER BOOKS FOR REFERENCES WHEN I CRAZY-QUILT, WHICH I LOVE TO DO AT HOME BY MACHINE OR ON THE ROAD BY HAND. THIS IS IDEAL FOR PEOPLE AT EITHER BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

5 comments about The Ultimate Guide to Longarm Machine Quilting: How to Use Any Longarm Machine: Techniques, Patterns and Pantographs: Starting a Business: Hiring a Longarm Machine Quilter.

1. Excellent instructional book, well written. This was my first instructional book and it was invaluable. I recommend it highly for long arm quilting on any machine.



2. When starting out in the business, I read this book cover to cover. It's full of incredibly valuable information and instructions. There are even several of Linda's pantograph designs that you can copy for your own use.



3. Linda Taylor's book, The Ultimate Quilt to Longarm Machine Quilting, became my teacher after purchasing my new longarm quilter at the 2007 Houston International Quilt Festival. Quilting friends highly recommend the book and the book became my teacher and companion for the past six weeks. The book clearly defines terms and how the machines work. Quick References decipher quilt jargon, how to load a longarm, what tools you need most, defines quilt jargon, pantographs, tips on how to start a business as a longarm quilter and how to avoid longarm body problems when quilting too long without exercise. I am a long time sewer and a three-year quilter. I am a retired teacher that learns most by reading and then by watching. This book is well written, has good photography to support the techniques and a great book for the new longarm quilter as well as a experienced quilter. My book is already dog-eared and showing the wear. IT IS A GOOD BOOK!



4. This book has some great tips and has very clear instructions and I found it to be very helpful. I recently purchased a longarm machine and this book has some great ideas that are very useful. Well worth the money.



5. This book is everything I had hoped for. I actually do short arm quilting, but this book was very helpful in the questions I had. I would recommend it to anyone who has a long arm or short arm quilting machine on a frame.

5 comments about Arans & Celtics: The Best of <I>Knitter's Magazine</I> (Best of Knitter's Magazine series).

1. After repeatedly checking this book out from my library I am glad that I bought my own copy! I was hesistant since I've been a Knitter's subscriber since 2000 and do have a few issues from before that from Ebay. But after some research I found that 17 of the 30 patterns I did not have in my magazines, and 12 of the best were from the two oldest magazines (K16 and K40) which form this book compilation.
   It is true, you will not find whatever body/armhole shaping that is currently in vogue in these designs. You WILL find cable designs varying in difficulty that are a joy to knit and large charts that pose no eye-strain with easy to understand cable symbols. In addition, for those interested in different construction techniques, there are a couple pullovers knitted in the round (one of which involves steeking), a sideways knit, and a top-down aran with saddle shoulders. There are helpful knitter's tips in the margins (such as grafting a garter stitch underarm seam) when needed. Also some gorgeous close-ups of the cable details! For those who wish to modify the boxy drop shoulder look of some of the sweaters, it looks like it would not be difficult to adjust these designs for a square inset or fitted armhole. All in all, I highly recommend this book if one does not have the original magazines.



2. My mother gave me this book as a gift and at first I thought it was going to be just a nice knitting book to add to my collection. The patterns appeared complicated and I did not really believe they would work out as well as presented in the pictures. However, I have recently completed two patterns from this lovely book and there is no need to adjust any of the instructions. If you follow the patterns as written, the results will be a beautiful sweater that will receive many complements! The results were far better than expected.Arans & Celtics: The Best of Knitter's Magazine (Best of Knitter's Magazine series)



3. What I love most about this book is that these are sweaters that are not your typical sweater (personally, I don't think it's worth knitting an average-looking sweater that you can purchase in the store for $20-$30), yet they are not trendy and dated looking by next year, either. Many of the books out there now that I've looked at contain more trendy styles that will be gone soon.
   
   I'm an experienced knitter (15 yrs.) who's fairly new to cables and looking for a challenge. This was it. It is definitely not for the newbie knitter. If you're experience and are looking to make a timeless sweater for yourself or as a gift, this is a great book.



4. I am very satisfied of this book. This book is beautiful and the service is exceptionnal.



5. Fantastic book. Just what I wanted at the time. Started to knit straight away with easy to read instructions. Well worth the money. Great Efficient service from Amazon books.

1 comments about The Nest Home Design Handbook: Simple ways to decorate, organize, and personalize your place.

1. I purchased this book because I wanted some unique ideas in an easy to read format and sure enough, this is what I was given!!! I love it!!! It is FULL of pictures which makes it easy for my husband to flip through and say like it/hate it....and that brings a huge grin to my face ;-) Oh, we relocate every three to four years (nope, not a military family) and we ALWAYS have new places and spaces. This gives great advice on using what you have and really adding speacial pieces.

5 comments about 501 Great Scrapbook Page Ideas.

1. I love this book. I have just about every scrapbook ideabook out there by Creating Keepsakes, Paper Crafts, & Memory Makers. This one is a major favorite of mine. It's broken into wonderfully unique sections new inspiration to "think out of the box" while designing my scrapbook layout. The layouts are great, and just the right complexity so some normal jane scrapbooker like me can do them and has the embellishments needed without fancy techniques.
   Also recommended: PET PAGES UNLEASHED by Memory Makers!!!!!



2. This is s cute book and has lots of good ideas for layouts. I wish it showed more specific ideas and how to do them. The layouts are really good, and great ideas, but I'd have liked more info on HOW to get the look.
   
   All in all, I'd say it's a good book and worth the buy. I'm a scrapbooker and a book lover, and this is a good addition to my library.



3. This book has it all!!!! There are plenty of ideas in this book and it has gotten me out of scrappers block many times. I love the alpha order by theme, it is very easy to look up a topic and get an idea. All of my scrapping friends have this book. It is worth checking out :)



4. This book has several different layouts to get the creative flow going. I would have liked more instructions for the layouts but you can't have it all. It was definately worth the money spent though. I especially like how the layouts are grouped by subject matter. If you are looking for a zoo layout, look under zoo. Its a practical book for practical people.



5. There are alot of creativity in this book. I like most of them and would recommend if you are looking for ideas.

5 comments about Simple Screenprinting: Basic Techniques & Creative Projects.

1. I recently decided to take up screen printing and bought this book to help me learn the techniques. I've been very pleased with it so far. The instructions are simple to follow and explained well. There are also images illustrating most steps described in the text, useful for visual people. The author goes through the basics, such as choosing a suitable screen and paint and the equipment necessary, so it's easy to get started right away. The specific projects outlined in the book are fun and interesting, though perhaps best used as inspiration for your own designs. Best of all, the author describes several different ways to make prints, including some that don't involve any toxic chemicals.
   
   This book might not be appropriate for advanced screen printers as I'm sure the information contained in it is pretty simplistic. However, it's great for someone like me who knew nothing about screenprinting before I bought this book. I've created some really great images following the instructions of the authors, and I couldn't be happier with the results.



2. This book is well set out with plenty of colour photographs stepping the reader through the processes of screen printing. Written instructions and advice is thorough and simple to understand. Projects are ideal for a novice and provide ideas for imagination. The inclusion of the gallery of other works is inspiring.



3. [...]Have you ever tried the silkscreen printing process? An excellent, well thought out book that can get you started is Simple Screenprinting (Basic Techniques & Creative Projects) by Annie Stromquist, published by Lark books in 2004. (ISBN 1-57990-490-4). The eye of an artist is evidenced throughout this book, which is a visual joy, filled with clear, colorful photographs and appropriate use of "white space."
   
   Assuming the reader is a total novice to screen printing, Ms. Stromquist begins with a brief history of screen-printing, then describes the tools and inks that are used. Next, selection and preparation of the screen itself is clearly described. This is followed by an illustration showing attachment of the frame to special hinges and backboard. As the method is further developed, a paper stencil for defining the printed image is shown and the first project, a stenciled postcard, is begun. The more advanced printmaker will find later in the book that photo emulsion preparations allow a simple and accurate means to create a screen that offers the ability to print photographically derived images. The reader is shown how to register the print so that multiple screens may be used in order to print with different colors and to ensure the image is properly aligned. A very clearly descriptive section shows exactly how to use registration pins and tabs to maintain correct and accurate image registration. The reader quickly discovers that many parallels exist between overcoming screen-printing problems and intaglio or lithographic printing problems that use multiple color plates. This book goes beyond printing only on paper by exploring and explaining how screen-printing is done on fabric. One such project shows how to create place mats or even how to print aprons for a group (maybe even Maryland Printmakers print shop aprons!)
   
   Traditionally, this method had been called "silk screen" printing, but polyester material is now used in place of silk simply because polyester is more readily available and far less costly. Density of the weave of the fabric will dictate the screen's ability to register detail and the system of grading the screen fabric densities is also explained.
   
   Opaque or transparent inks used for screen-printing may be either water- or oil-based. Ms. Stromquist explains how to test the inks using colors with different levels of transparency and shows how the colors combine to create different color results when they are printed one color over another.
   
   There are twenty-six screen-printing projects included in the book. Each one uses a different method to produce the image. The projects begin with a simple single color stenciled post card. This teaches the basic skills and acquaints the user with the tools and technique. Each project requires using a new technique, and as the artist proceeds through the book, competency is developed as the level of sophistication in printmaking increases. Each new technique becomes the basis for learning the next level. T-shirts, Aprons for a Group, posters, a greeting card, and photo-booth portrait are all part of the succession of learning projects. By the time you have walked your way through the projects, you will be a well-qualified screen-print maker and well on your way to producing some interesting new art.
   
   Making difficult and complex concepts so very easy to understand are hallmarks of an experienced and skilled teacher / author. It is a joy to discover a book that is useful, friendly, and easy to understand, and this book is all of that.



4. I've been reading a lot about screenprinting and wanting to try it, but the part that always baffled me was how best, at home, to do photo emulsion stencils. This book explained it really well with photos and lists of easy to get equipment to do it at home. It took the intimidation out of it for me.
   The projects in it are great. I would have liked more cloth projects, but even with that, the ideas were good, and the explanations for how to do layered prints were really well written and easy to understand.



5. I own this book, it's a decent book but I wouldn't recommend it to someone that's looking for basic information. I do like this book and found things that were of help to me but I was looking for a step by step how to and this simply isn't it.