5 comments about Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous.

1. Every single person who has checked my copy out has run and gotten their own and loved it! Esther is so much fun and a total expert, and the book is rigorously full of new tips and secrets that you can't find in magazine articles and other books. Definitely need to get you and your girlfriends a copy of this!



2. This book is full of great information and is great fun to read. The sassy attitude keeps it interesting and the pages turning. This is a great book for anyone who wants to live and eat well without torturing herself or himself. The book has a lot of very good information on nutrition from the right foods, to the right drinks to the right vitamins. Those who follow Ms. Blum's advice with feel better inside and out.



3. WHAT A WONDERFUL BOOK! NOT ONLY IS IT FULL OF FANTASTIC ADVICE, IT IS HYSTERICAL. I LEARNED SO MUCH AND HAD A LOT OF LAUGHS. GREAT BOOK!



4. Despite being paired with "Skinny Bitch" on the Amazon site, this book is much nicer in tone and much more helpful. It's fun and entertaining to read, in addition to offering advice that's hard to come by but very effective!



5. OK, maybe the part about keeping one's, er, nether-regions trim wasn't written with me in mind (at least directly), but: Esther Blum's common-sense approaches to diet & exercise are just as effective for us fellas as they are for the ladies. Equally important: They are a breath of fresh air in this self-starvation, spin-till-you-pass-out compulsive world. Esther has rescued "Happy" and returned it to its rightful place alongside "Healthy". The infectious mirth of her writing style makes this as enjoyable a read as it is informative. Brava, Esther!

5 comments about Foxfire 6 (Foxfire).

1. If you're interested in how people did things before Wal-mart, you might want to check out Foxfire 6, as well as the rest of the Foxfire series of books (1-10)... These focus on Appalachian living, and how Appalachian folks did things before moderization. These are the only books I know of that truly show you hands on ways to make instruments, locks, dig a well, make toys, and even cook a good meal--- simply. Another good thing is that even though they are very complete, they are actually pretty interesting to read. Most survival-type books are focused on all sorts of weird Armageddon/nuclear war stuff, but these are just records of how life used to be. All in all, a worthy purchase for anyone interested in actually learning something.



2. These books are very interesting and full of knoweledge from our past history. My relatives were from the deep south especialy around the Roam Mountain area;this is where my grandmother and grandfather were from. This information let me know what they went thru doing their life. The Garlands and The Hughes. Thanks again.Gettysburg,Pa.



3. The firefox series continues to amaze me with it's simplicity and beautiful documentation of the Mountain life style. The other lesson is that we all need to pass forward what we have learned and loved to the next generation and the next and the next ... Picking up the earlier FF books is well worthwhile, every one a jewel.



4. This work, Volume VI, 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 shoemaking to toys, to games and musical instruments, 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. The Foxfire Project is momentious and if you notice you are missing one or three in the set, having loaned them, it's wise to replace these missing gems of mountain pioneering and lossed skills. Mighty fine reading next to the bed.

5 comments about Trolls, Elves and Fairies Coloring Book (Dover Pictorial Archives).

1. I have given this coloring book to my girls two years in a row. This is an excellent alternative to Disney characters and other more commonly found coloring pages. The creatures in this book are beautiful and contain enough detail to challenge and inspire creativity in an older child, while the quality of the paper can stand the abuse of a toddler. Highly recommend.



2. I love this book it can be hard sometimes to find adult coloring books that are worth coloring but I love this one.



3. This is not only a great coloring book, but it also has a lot of information about the beliefs that that people used to have about fairies, elves, etc. It's fun and educational!



4. These illustrations do not conform to Dover's usual brilliant interpretation of great art into a coloring book format. I have been loving Dover coloring books since my first copy of "Ancient Greece" which I shared with my mom when I was two. I was looking for an alternative to Disney fairies for my four-year-old, but these illustrations have neither the charm of Margaret W. Tarrant nor the simplicity of Dover's usual interpretations. The illustrations have a Gothic quality and the faces leave too little to the imagination.



5. These are beautiful coloring books because they are so different then the ones that are out there. Beautiful intricate pictures that not only children will love but adults as well.

5 comments about Follow-The-Line Quilting Designs: Full-Size Patterns for Blocks and Borders (That Patchwork Place) (That Patchwork Place).

1. Follow-the-line-quilting Designs Volume Two: Full-size Patterns for Blocks And Borders is a quick way to get started on your quilting. The full-sized pattern allows you to "try it out" by laying it on your quilt for fit, but it also can be "resized" (by eye or copier) to fit your space. I found her diagrams with numbers to be extremely helpful. Once I finger-traced a few times, I was all set. Clipping the template where I could see it allowed me to visually track. (I do free motion quilting and use her patterns as a starting point.) I especially liked her block and corner motifs which accompany each border. Finally, by meandering her border designs, you can create an "all-over" design. This is a great resource. My only "complaint" is that I wish the box were a bit larger, as once the templates are unfolded, they do not fit back into the box.



2. I love this book. Though it's not really a book. Each of the patterns are a separate leaflet that fit inside the paper box package. I snipped the cellophane at the top of the package to keep the box sturdier. I really like that I don't have to mess with the bulk of a book. Also, for those who quilt professionally each of the patterns can be used up to 10 different times for retail without violating copyright. I found the patterns refreshing and different. Mary also shows you using numbers the direction to go. I especially found it helpful on the fan pattern, It made it so much more fluid. I will be recommending it to my machine quilting students. Excellent buy!



3. Between the instructional booklet and all the patterns for quilting a quilt, you will have all the information you need to complete your quilt in FOLLOW-THE-LINE QUILTING DESIGNS. The booklet that comes with the patterns explains how the quilt designs are laid out and defines the markings found on each pattern.
   
   As any quilter knows, sizing patterns are not the easiest thing to do but Ms. Covey has provided areas where you can lengthen or shorten a pattern with ease. If that is not the option you want to take, you can use her suggested Quilter's Assistant Proportional Scale and then make photocopies to the size you want.
   
   Marking - which way to go. There are pens, pencils, tape, chalk or even a no-mark method. Read over the options and choose the one that works for the quilt you are doing. Don't forget the 3 B's of finishing ---- backing, batting and basting. The pages devoted to these will make this an easy job. And finally, will you quilt by hand, machine or long-arm? The suggestions given here will make this part of finishing the quilt easier too.
   
   The patterns come in a plasticized package. There are 19 designs from a farm to baby to geometric designs to name a few. You should be able to find one to fit the theme of your quilt. They come in corners, blocks and borders so every place you need a pattern, you will have one that is made for that area and since the designs are all in continuous-line motifs, you will not have to stop until you are finished! Happy Quilting.



4. I recently bought a long-arm so of course I "needed" more patterns. I bought her first and second book/box of patterns, and friends bought me this 3rd set. The border patterns work well as pantographs on the long-arm and there are matching "block" and "triangle" motifs for each design. Each one has a nice variety of patterns - curvey, geometric, for kids, floral, etc... This 3rd set is definetly more challenging than the previous sets.



5. Mary M. Covey's FOLLOW-THE-LINE QUILTING DESIGNS V. 3: FULL-SIZE PATTERNS FOR BLOCKS AND BORDERS is not so much a book as a box of patterns for tracing, transferring and stitching, presented in full size for easy use. Twenty new pattern groups including designs for blocks, borders and setting triangles and can be used on a regular home sewing machine or by hand alike - as well as on a long-arm quilting machine for professionals. An outstanding, flexible guide.

5 comments about Paula Pryke's Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design.

1. This book is amazing! Detailed, gorgeous photos and instructions to create the best floral arrangements of your life. New ideas on every page, lots of suggestions for supplies and techniques.



2. I would never contest the beauty of this book, but I found the lessons section to be lacking in terms of specificity. After all, this book is meant to be instructive. The instructions were often much too general for someone actually trying to learn floral design. Sometimes the generality is along the lines of 'put the twigs in the vase, put the roses in the vase,' while at other times it is more specific. In essence, the real process of placement is sometimes excluded.
   
   Also, many of the arrangements are of a similar style, round and mouned, and though this is a particular style, I would have appreciated fewer examples of this type of bouquet, which I consider to be less complicated to make. As a florist, I would recommend this book to other florists looking for interesting ideas for using alternative floral materials such as food. I would also recommend this book for beginners needing very basic informatioin, such how to use greeneries and basic floral tools.
   
   I would not, however, recommend this book for beginners or florists hoping to make commercial sorts of arrangements. After all, her book is the "art" of floral design, not the "economics" of floral design. Many commercial floral arrangements make more economical use of stem length and amount of flowers. This is not universal, but it is something to keep in mind when deciding who to buy this book for.



3. This book is being used as a text book for an advanced floral design class I am taking. Very useful for the advanced or beginning floral designer. Pictures are very detailed.



4. Beautiful book on fresh flower arranging. Lots of information and lovely photographs. There is good technical information regarding the basics of arranging flowers in general. Her designs are beautiful but personally, not something I would want to reproduce. They are too edgy. She is obviously very talented. If you are looking for a book on silk flower arranging, try Decorating With Silk & Dried Flowers by The Home Decorating Institute. Even if you are more interested in silk flower arranging, there is still a lot of good information about color, line, texture, etc. in this one.



5. This was supposed to be a NEW book. All the pages were stuck together on the bottom of the book and when I got them apart you can see a huge water stain. This was the first time I had ordered from Amazon and I will never do it again!!!!!

5 comments about Charles Faudree's French Country Signature.

1. Profusely illustrated with dreamy, close focus photographs, this book seems to sweep the reader right into each French Country room. This style of interior design is a little too fussy for my taste, but I enjoyed the authors' ability to take me on a tour of these homes as if I were on a mini-vacation.



2. I like this book, and keep it on my coffee table for others to enjoy. The only reason that I haven't given it 5 stars is because the kitchens section wasn't anything particularly inspiring.



3. If you have enjoyed Charles Faudree's beautiful rooms in Traditional Home Magazine over the years, as I have, you will love this book. It is absolutely loaded with wonderful rich-colored pictures/photos. It is divided into sections by the room (kitchen, bedroom, etc...) and each section begins with the author's commentary about these rooms and how he chose the design/pieces. Next follows the gorgeous pictures/photos with wonderfully descriptive captions that give the origin of the piece, fabric or wallpaper. This is one of those books you will pick up again and again...and you will most likely see something great you missed the time before. After pouring through this book, I immediately ordered Faudree's other book, "Country French Living". After just one time through this beautiful book, I came away with three or four ideas that I was able to immediately implement in my own home. One suggestion: when you sit down to enjoy this book, do so with paper and pen close by. The pictures are so detailed that I was able to read the titles of many of the wonderful books Faudree has displayed throughout his home. I recognized some I have collected but jotted down 6 or 7 titles that I had never seen or had seen but wasn't sure if I should buy. Also, if you love animals (dogs and cats) this book will definitely make you smile. Almost every page has a snoozing, pampered pet curled up for an afternoon nap. This book contains a wealth of information, but putting that aside...it is a feast for the eyes!



4. Certainly, this is about individual style. It is that character which pervades Mr. Faudree's work. We all take from our cache of knowledge, and Mr. Faudree has chosen from French, Spanish, and English styles.
   
   I don't see more clutter than in English Country or French opulence. I do think the rooms appear a bit too "clean" -- not lived it. I believe the photographer is the problem and not Mr. Faudree. That said, with my collection of over two hundred interior design books, from Billy Baldwin to Faudree, this deserves its place on the shelves along with the rest.



5. This is a yummy book with many wonderful ideas and rooms and I am absolutely stumped at the other (negative) reviews here. Hey, if you don't like traditional, don't buy the book. It's traditional! It's mega traditional with its beautiful symmetry and richness. Some of us still like that by the way and you need not have a French background, nor does it matter where you come from, to have good taste and love traditional. While his taste is a bit too fussy even for me, I still love looking through the book and always get new ideas. Get a life and go buy a contemporary design book if you don't liked traditional traditional.

5 comments about Florence's Glassware Pattern Identification Guide: Easy Identification for Glassware from the 1920s Through the 1960s.

1. The drawings and pictures were so helpful when I was trying to identify glassware. It's a keeper.



2. The book was very helpful, great photos, nicely laid out. Buyers should definately know, however, that it is a book of more rare pieces.



3. I was a bit disappointed in this book mainly because of the way in which it was set up. I am used to their other books such as: "Collectible Glassware from the 40s, 50, 60s". I didn't find it as easy to navigate. The pictures are great though.



4. For a collector, this book lacks many of the patterns, needed to know, in pricing a product. Some of the patterns pictured are not defined enough. A
   magnifying glass may be needed for a closer look. For beginners, it is a respected book, written by two experts.



5. Was a good book, but if you already have guide 1,2, or 3 it was mostly repeats with different picture views. If this is your first guide it is a great one!!

5 comments about My First Machine Sewing Book: Straight Stitching (My First Sewing Book Kit series).

1. My 9year old grand daughter will find this very helpful



2. the machine is working well I bought it to teach my niece how to use one.



3. Our grandson has been facinated with my sewing machine so I bought this book. He made himself a loose pair of "pirate" pants his first try, after doing all the exercises in the book. I would highly recommend it.



4. I have two beginner sewer's. One that is 12 and the other is 9. The oldest completed the project in a few hours and enjoyed every minute. The 9 year old had quite a bit of difficulty and did not complete the project. We will keep practicing. I ran off paper copies for them to practice their sewing. So don't use the original templates. You will need lots of trial pages. Even my husband gave it a go. Ü
   
   I would recommend this to anyone with a child who wants to learn to sew.



5. I bought this book because I was first learning how to sew...not knowing that this book is for kids. I guess I didn't read the age group. Oh well... It's a good book for little kids but come on now.. not for adults.

5 comments about Sensual Knits: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs.

1. I buy a lot of knitting books---probably too many. Usually there's a pattern or two worth knitting, and that's enough.
   
   In this book, I'd say there's a pattern or two NOT worth knitting. Everything else is an absolute gem. I've had the book three months and I'm already knitting two sweaters from it, the striking Transparency and the classic Balloon-Sleeve Jacket (which appears on the cover).
   
   This book should be on the shelf of any sweater knitter, especially, and anyone who wants to knit sweaters. Many of the designs are simple, but not the kind of "big-needle-fast-knit-crap" found in all too many books these days. These are thoughtful designs with shaping and drape to flatter most figures. Most are classics; a few are fashion-forward. Most are mid-weight (worsted, DK, Aran), some are lighter for a less bulky fit.
   
   Do yourself a favor and at least flip through this book, or check it out on Ravelry. I think you'll find you can't wait to acquire a copy.



2. I got this book less than a month after it came out and at least three of the yarns used in the book were completely unavailable, one of which has been definitely discontinued. The point of the book was to use unique yarns that were soft and sensual feeling (hence the name of the book), so it is hard to try to find substitutes. It seems the editor should have checked to be sure these yarns would still be available when the book was published.
   
   Other than the yarn issue I think the patterns are beautiful, classic, and very fashion forward. It's a great book to browse and be inspired by and a few of the patterns appear to be appropriate for a beginner although many would be a challenge to even a more experienced knitter. If I can ever find yarn I plan to knit several of the items in this book.



3. I had high expectation but was disappoited. But I like the pattern for the cardigan on the bookcover.



4. This book is exactly what it advertises -- an interesting assortment of attractive and feminine knit patterns. It's well laid out and easy to read. The patterns appear to be well-written, though I have no yet knit very many of them. The pictures are very good and give a good idea of what the finished knit will look like from several angles in most cases.



5. The patterns in this book are absolutely beautiful. My favorite designer in the book is Sauniell N. Connally. I've had a chance to look her up and she's new with good ideas. But I have to give every designer kudos that contributed to make up this book. Everything is exactly as the title says - Sensual. I love it and give good direction to the patterns. Highly recommended by me!

5 comments about Quick & Clever Handmade Cards (Quick and Clever).

1. Very good ideas for the newcomer and a good reference for all



2. The problem I had with this book was finding the supplies in it. The book is from England and most of the supplies are from companies over there. I finally found them on the internet but couldn't afford the shipping. Had to substitute every single thing so I didin't get the look I wanted on most of the cards.



3. I am a beginner in cardmaking and found this book very useful. However the book is not aimed entirely at the beginners. Anyone can draw inspiration from it. The cards are very beautiful and relatively easy to make. There are lots of useful information about the tools, basic techniques, choosing the right color, even selling your cards, personal trademark, which I liked very much.



4. I purchased another of Julie Hickey's books first and sent an email to her through a card supplier/club in the UK. They forwarded my email to her and Julie graciously responded personally to me. I asked a question about the embellishments and artifacts not being available in the U.S. She told me that a large amount of the items are from U.S. manufacturers. I began a lengthy web search and discovered many companies that are not readily public. It paid off. I agree that it seems that those UK suppliers have some unique items. I found a company in Thailand but the shipping charges were more than the order that I wanted. I also consulted CardMaker and GiftMaker magazines because they include the names of suppliers for every project in the magazines. There is a wealth of supplies right here in the U.S. Julie's book is wonderful for the novice card maker and those who are more experienced.
   
   Trish
   San Diego



5. I buy lots of books in Amazon. I would prefer to have the opportunity of see the book first before deciding to buy it. This book it is interesting and gives some techniques and tools that might help you doing handmade cards. But the ideas are basic.