4 comments about The Knot Guide For The Mother of the Bride.

1. Take it from someone who knew virtually nothing about weddings and what part a Mother has in them...this book saved the day for me!



2. My mom had so many questions about what she was supposed to do as the MOB, so I purchased this book for her. She LOVES it! I have not read it, but she is always referring to it. She says that it addresses all sorts of issues and had been extremely helpful. She has recommended it for one of her friends who is also a MOB.



3. I bought this book as a gift for my mother, who is as excited as I am about my upcoming wedding. I had hoped that I could use it to help us figure out our roles in planning the event. I read the book myself before giving it to her, however, and decided to sell it instead of give it. I found the advice on primping, shopping, and party-planning was impractical for me; more suited to a trendy socialite and Mom, than a practical girl who loves the soulful simple life.



4. This was wonderful to give to my mom! She loved it and so did I because it has some great advice.

5 comments about Life Artist.

1. I love Ali Edwards ideas and she inspires me in so many ways. This book is no exception!



2. I love her book. She gives you so many ideas to try and to start your own challenges. She encourages you to to it the way you want to. Great book!!!



3. Even if you read the whole book and don't get a single idea for your own scrapbooking, it's OK. And that's one of the first lessons in a book about cultivating an attitude which will free the life artist within you to create pages and albums and other projects which reflect your personality and vision. It's OK.
   
   Although Life Artist is divided into chapters with themes, the book is essentially a series of two-page spreads with reflections about the themes the author, Ali Edwards, feels are an important part of creating work that is unique and personal. Although it can be a fast read, it's worthy of a more reflective approach.



4. Ali's books are full of great ideas. I love this book and refer to it often.



5. Recently I purchased this book for myself and read it cover to cover! Some really great inspiration here! Information you can really use. I love Ali's style and how she see's things!

3 comments about Machine Quilting: The Basics & Beyond.

1. The latest in the Basics & Beyond series by Landauer Books once again shows why they have become staples in every quilter's library. Before you read the first word - and believe me, you will read every single one - you will appreciate the attention to detail incorporated into each book.
   
   It is a hardback with a hidden-spiral so the pages will lay flat next to your sewing machine. And, there are over 200 pictures and illustrations so you can visually view the process - every step of the way. Whether you would like to machine quilt a small project - or a queen size quilt - Lynn will walk you through the process, step by step. She has been quilting and teaching her techniques for years so she's incorporated her no-fail techniques into each and every page. Lynn Witzenburg is truly an expert!
   
   Let's face it, many of us love to applique and piece projects but when it comes to actually finishing them, we turn them over to the experts - and send them out to a machine quilter. But, what if YOU were the expert? That means you would no longer have to wait in line to complete your quilts. In our area, many of the machine quilters are booked six months in advance! And, the money that you would spend on quilting could be used to finance the materials for your next project.
   
   Think about it. You could buy everything Lynn recommends to get started - including her book - for the price of sending out one quilt! So, why not give it a try?
   
   The Tricks of the Trade
   
   Lynn includes tips and helpful hints on almost every page. And, frankly, I looked at the pictures and read the tips during my first sitting. But, she drew me in. In the middle of a blizzard, I got a cup of coffee, snuggled in a quilt, and sat down to savor every word.
   
   I have always been intimidated by machine quilting. I've even tried it a few times - but with less than stellar results. But Lynn went into such detail that she gave me solutions to the problems I encountered - and instructions and tips that stopped me from trying anything bigger than a placemat!
   
   And Then Move on to the "Beyond"
   
   After you have mastered the basics, Lynn explores more advanced techniques such as trapunto, bobbin-quilting, and free-form feathers. She even explains how to design original borders. So this book is a must have for all machine quilters - even those of you who are more experienced.
   
   Lynn has also included several projects with the machine quilting designs included. If you are a shop owner, why not consider teaching a series of classes using the same book. Start them off with the basics and move on to the more advanced techniques. Trapunto, bobbin-quilting and free-form feathers could all be demonstrated with white on white fabrics to make an assortment of pillows.
   
   Your students will be able to finish it in class - and will learn how to adjust the bobbin tension (without shuddering); use water soluble thread; and quilt larger projects.
   
   This book covers it all - and explains it in such simple terms that you will refer to it again and again. I shared it with all of my favorite machine quilters - and they gave it a five star "must read". But, don't stop here. Check out the other books in the series - Applique the Basics and Beyond: The Complete Guide to Successful Machine and Hand Techniques with Dozens of Designs to Mix and Match and Knit Book: The Basics & Beyond. You'll be glad you did.



2. The machine as a labor saving device is never so perfectly illustrated as the advent of the sewing machine and the making of a quilt. A hardcover, hidden-spiral bound, 'user friendly' instruction manual, "Machine Quilting: The Basics & Beyond" by quilting expert Lynn Witzenburg offers the novice machine stitch quilter with a complete, step-by-step, visually illustrated guide to successfully creating quilts with the assistance of a sewing machine. As fun as it is informative, "Machine Quilting: The Basics & Beyond" includes twelve do-it-yourself projects complete with full-size patterns, as well as favorite and original quilting designs that even the most novice of needlecrafters can employ to good effect. Such issues as choosing a stencil design, working with quilting paper, adapting motifs to fill spaces, making border designs fit, even the creation of 'feathers' in round, square, triangular, and free form. From the needed equipment and supplies, preparing to machine quilt, to free-motion stitching techniques, and so much more, "Machine Quilting: The Basics & Beyond" will prove to be an invaluable reference and a popular addition to personal and community library Needlecraft reference collections.



3. Lynn's knowledge about quilting and her ability to explain and share this knowledge to a wantabe quilter is superior. This book will become your quilting bible.

5 comments about How to Carve Wood: A Book of Projects and Techniques (Fine Woodworking Book).

1. A good general book on woodcarving. This book could be better if it didn't try to be all things for all people. There are better books for beginners out there for the money and more advanced carvers probably need to buy a book concentrating on their type of carving. I found it to be a little on the technical side and would have preferred a few more patterns for each type of carving.

   My favorite sections were on finishes, sharpening, and the tool section. There are numerous photographs of some beautiful examples of the various types of carving. The author does show some very useful carving techniques in most of the carving styles.

   Sections include tools, sharpening, woods and finishes, design, whittling, chip carving, relief carving, wildlife carving, lettering, archatectural carving, and a bibliography.




2. To an experienced woodcarver this book may seem unfocused and thinly spread, but for the beginner it does exactly what it should do. The book begins with a good grounding in the tools of the craft and how to care for and sharpen each type. After that it gives you a sampler of carving styles with at least one project for each. It's guaranteed there is at least one or two chapters the reader will not care for. Even this is useful since the reader avoids launching into the craft with a project they really have little enthusiasm for, and then lose interest in wood carving all together. This book should be required reading before the beginner spends a single dime on tools, equipment, or wood. If it's not 'the' best beginner's book, it's in the top five.



3. This is an excellent book that covers the fundamentals of carving plus adds great advice on what tools to purchase. Asked if I would buy this book again, my answer would be yes! I messed up on the rating of this book and I give it five (5) stars. Sorry!
   
   David Self, New Boston, Texas



4. As a beginner, I appreciated the breadth of topics covered in the book, particularly the various styles of carving. This was my introduction to chip carving, and I think he covered it quite well. Sharpening is also covered, but I'd already bought "The Complete Guide to Sharpening" by Leonard Lee (of Lee Valley & Veritas) and found that to be a most comprehensive source of information on that topic.



5. still not worth the money, go on line, alot better info on the web, its free and save the money for your tools. tim

5 comments about Sew Today's Fashions for 18-Inch Dolls: Full-Size Patterns for Clothing and Accessories.

1. I absolutely love this book. My daughter got her American Girl doll from Santa last Christmas, and she keeps asking for outfits for her. At $25 per outfit on average, it will get too expensive so soon. I found this book on a different website that offers a snapshot and description of each outfit, but of course the book is cheaper on Amazon.
   I have some experience in sewing, so the outfits are a breeze to make in just a few hours. They all turn out looking very professional, fit the doll quite well, and my daughter is very very excited. She is only 5, but by watching me make them she is getting interested in sewing herself. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an 18-inch doll and some familiarity with sewing.



2. I ordered this book because I've made scores of clothes using Hinds' EXCELLENT book, "Contemporary Wardobe for 18-inch Dolls," which has very fine instructions. I like "Today's Fashions" except for one difficulty: THE PATTERN PIECES ARE NOT NUMBERED. Numbered pieces are much easier to find and keep organized.
   
   I also ordered Hinds' books, "International Wardrobe" and "Baby Doll Clothes," both with numbered pieces. The Spanish huipil (International)turned out nicely; however, one step was omitted in the instructions: finishing the back edges.
   
   Hinds does wonderful, imaginative work; I'm eager to try many more outfits in "International," "Baby Doll" and "Today's." I've made doll clothes for many years; your delightful books are encouraging me to keep at it. Thank you, Joan!



3. While the fashions are super (per my 9 year old daughter), the patterns do not seem easy to follow for someone with somewhat limited sewing experience.



4. This is a lovely book with great patterns for making doll clothes. I am still enjoying making clothing for my friends' girls' dolls.



5. This book was great for ideas and general instructions. However, I found the patterns to be way too large for the 18" dolls, and I found several errors in the construction directions. As a seasoned sewist, I knew how to work around this misdirection, but newer sewists may not.
   
   I can still recommend the book though just for the inspiration.

5 comments about Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas.

1. I made the hand warmers and the chunky scarf, both fairly easy but fun patterns. The pictures are nice and the other tidbits, like recipes and ideas, are quite enjoyable. Overall, one of the knitting books I would keep rather than borrow from a friend.



2. I LOVE this book! I bought it because of the flower washcloths. I have made three so far and they were easy to do and fun to knit! They turned out great. I have started the baby sweater. Yes, the needles are small, but, the sweater is a classic and really fun to knit. I agree that this book is not for beginners. But, if you are an intermediate to experienced knitter, you will be able to figure out the patterns and I think you will be quite pleased. I also agree with the other comments that state the title is such because it gives projects that are fun and relaxing to do during the weekend. I do not think the book claims that you would be able to complete ALL these projects in simply one weekend. Try to forget the title if you think it is misleading and simply take the book for the great projects, beautiful photography, and span of projects. I highly recommend it!



3. I almost added this book to my pile for the used bookstore, but gave it one more chance recently. Ms. Falick wrote one of my favorite books--"Kids Knitting," but this one just doesn't measure up. The plain mittens were easy to knit (I made a pair for my husband for Christmas)and they were a big hit. HOWEVER, during help night at my LYS, I attempted to aid a knitter using the two-color brioche technique explained in this book and it was torture! I finally found a video on YOUTUBE that helped her. The projects are varied, but I find the instructions fuzzy for many of them. I wouldn't recommend this book to a beginner, but it's nice if you need a quick gift such as a doll, hat, game/tote. The photos are good, the projects are nice, but the instructions leave something to be desired. This book is typical of most of the knitting books being cranked out by publishers recently. Designers need to learn how to write instructions, and publishers need to have EXPERIENCED KNITTERS proof the pattern instructions before publication!!



4. I LOVE this book. I have a large collection of knitting books and I find myself picking this one up over and over. Each time I find another pattern I find easy to make and beautiful when it is finished. I HIGHLY recommend this. Great for gift ideas. Get it!



5. I bought this book as a beginning knitter, seduced by the unique projects and lovely photography. I was also taken by the fun insets that talk about knitting in literature, knitting in movies, and knitting in the bath. I immediately adopted their idea of putting an assortment of yarn and needles into a basket so my guests could give knitting a try or add a few rows to a "community" scarf.
   
   The patterns are much too difficult for a beginner unless you've got extraordinary patience and an experienced mentor. There no "learn to knit" sections in this book. If you don't know how to increase, decrease, or knit on dpns, this is book not for you.
   
   As a beginner, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of the patterns. I started with the flower-shaped washcloth, but was unsuccessful at transferring the petals to dpns. After a couple years, I came back to the project and finished it easily.
   
   I've come back to this book again and again when I've become bored of knitting the same old projects (baby sweaters, scarves, afghans, and caps) and need fresh inspiration and fresh challenges.
   
   I knitted a handful of the egg cozy sweaters and hung them on a line with my kitchen curtains. I'm in the process of knitting the checkerboard purse because I love the idea of having a purse that turns into a game! And I want to knit some cushions to match my kitchen exactly.
   
   "Product knitters" who are focused on finishing a project will likely be frustrated with this book. However, "process knitters" who enjoy the process of knitting---strolling along, learning new techniques and investigating the possibilities of knitting--will love this book.
   
   Other reviewers have indicated that most of these projects could not be completed in a weekend--which is true. But I think that "weekend knitting" refers to knitting with a luxurious, leisurely "weekend" attitude.

5 comments about Journal Revolution: Rise Up & Create! Art Journals, Personal Manifestos and Other Artistic Insurrections.

1. "Barbie" did not write this book, it is not a commercial for 1,000's of products, and it is GREAT!! Different techniques for showing who you are and how you feel through your art. There's no book like this, no book that makes art of a dead-beat dad, a Nordstrom bag, and monks, all in one book. This book changed how I scrapbook, journal and see my self.



2. Great book, I have used it with my art therapy classes to inspire my clients to create art journals, have found it to be a great resource. Really enjoyed the graphics and ideas.



3. If you've ever wanted to push journal-keeping beyond the confines of words on paper, maybe an image clipped from a magazine, lists of complaints and what you had for breakfast--but you were just kind of stumped about how to start--this is the book for you. Filled with ideas and instructions for creating beyond-the-limitations pages, it not only gives you permission to play but also nudges you out the door. My favorite part was the glimpses into the lives of the sisters--now those are some women who know how to have a good time!



4. Journal Revolution should be on every creative person's book shelf. It's one of those books that you keep nearby and randomly flip open when you need a double shot of artistic espresso. It is a *great* follow up to their first book, Visual Chronicles.
   
   For me, the best parts about Journal Revolution are the good vibes and great writing. I get really, really jazzed by their concept of Rise Up and Create! Their words/art are empowering and supportive. They don't pretend to have a corner on the art journal market. Rather, the vibe you get from them is one of collaboration. It's like having your best girlfriends sitting next to you cheering you on with each rip and tear of paper. You gotta love that!
   
   The techniques are helpful and cheap because Linda's art supplies are mostly paint, paper and tape. Love their Fauxlaroids (faux polaroids) and faux photo booth strips ideas. What genuinely fun and personal projects to play with and create.
   
   Linda and Karen -- You Rock!



5. I really liked this book. It is a little light on technique but big on ideas. If you are looking for a book on technique keep looking but if you are looking for inspiration you have come to the right place. This is a journal of sorts written by the authors. I liked it.

5 comments about Oriental Carpets: A Complete Guide - The Classic Reference (Oriental Carpets).

1. This is a beautiful book, but the coverage is overwhelmingly for geometric oriental rugs, with a large section added for Chinese. I was looking for the more ornate styles (Heriz, Tabriz, Sultanabad, and so on) that are so very beautiful. These are grossly underrepresented in this book, if at all (e.g., most are not). I am sorry I purchased the book.



2. Easy to use and I think a must for anyone seriously wishing to acquire a sound knowlege of oriental rugs whatever his or her aims. Delighted with the clear and elegant text. Good image collection too.



3. Bought for myself as a tool to help teach myself about Persian rugs, this book is so wonderful I gave it as a housewarming present to a friend of mine, freshly divorced who is decorating his new house. Perfect! The authors, the Murray Eilands Jr. and III, a father and son team, are experts in their field. The father, a practicing psychiatrist in California, has been studying and collecting Oriental rugs for almost 40 years, and his son has a doctorate from Oxford in Near Eastern archeology (including textile development), so you would be learning from very special, knowledgeable accomplished folks who love their textiles and rugs. I recommend this book highly.



4. This is an excellent way to learn about rugs from top to bottom -- it eases you slowly into a comprehensive knowledge of rugs. I feel that this will help me greatly in my work - I just started doing customer service for a rug company. Great buy to anyone who wants to be educated thoroughly on the business of rugs.



5. This book is a good introduction to rug basics, with rich illustration and good coverage of the main carpet-producing regions in Asia and the Middle-East. However, the book leaves much to be desired as a genuine tool to help one actually collect rugs. It gives out basic information in a general lecture-like fashion (which is not necessarily a bad thing), but does not really make an effort at reaching out to the reader in terms of the actual experience of buying/handling/trading carpets (which is definitely a bad thing). One glaring weakness is the paucity of information on Central Asian rugs outside of Turkmenistan (arguably because the book was written at a time when Central Asia was not as easily accessible as it is now). There is also, it must be said, a somewhat superior tone to the writing that is not necessary and does take away from the pleasure of reading on the subject. Still, all things considered, this is a valuable book to own.

5 comments about The Everything Kids' Puzzle Book: Mazes, Word Games, Puzzles & More! Hours of Fun! (Everything Kids Series).

1. My 8 year old grandson loves this book that we got him for Christmas. He works on it all the time. Would like more Canadian stuff in it but not really a huge problem. Would buy this for the others when they are older.



2. What an awesome book! For kids who loves puzzles, mazes, and word games, this is the perfect gift. I'm giving this to my son, who is 11, for Christmas -- I know it's going to be a winner!



3. I've purchased this item for 11-13 year olds. It is an interesting, varied, not-your-run-of-the-mill activity book, with cute illustrations. A caveat is a large scatter of difficulty among activities, which created frustration when activities could not be figured out (it would've been better to mark activities with level of difficulty so children knew when they were approaching the most difficult ones), and some unusual and rather idiosyncratic answers that were difficult even for adults to come up with or explain. Overall, good fun.



4. nice layout, could have used better quality paper and more color print, but all in all a good series of books, great for older kids.



5. Nice activity book but would not recommend for younger children (ages 6-7) as many of the activities are too difficult for that age.

5 comments about Complete Printmaker.

1. This book is almost a catalog of every printmaking process around. It covers all the basics: intaglio, relief, screen prints, litho, and monoprint. It covers related technique, including embossed "dimensional" prints (aka "blind" prints), molded paper, and more. It devotes special attention to collographs, prints from textured or collage surface, and much too much more to describe.
   
   Best, the tools, materials, and how-to of every process are described in a fair bit of detail. Because so many processes are listed, each one gets just a short section, nowhere near what a printmaker would need in practice. Still, the descriptions serve at least two purposes. First, they may entice an artist into learning more about a process.
   
   Second, and more importantly for me, is that you don't have to be a printmaker to read this book and benefit from it. I'm a fan of fine prints, even though I don't make prints myself. I like to know what I'm looking at. I like to see a mark in a print and understand where it came from, how the artist's hand created it. By explaining each process, this book helps me understand the result of the process, and understand its effect on the finished product. Not everyone sees art that way, but it makes me feel somehow closer to the creator.
   
   I recommend this to anyone who loves fine prints. Perhaps it's helpful to the printmaker looking for new techniques to try. It is certainly useful for the viewer, in understanding how the artist makes a vision come alive on paper.
   
   //wiredweird



2. Delivery time was as promised. The book came securely packaged and the book itself was in pristine condition. I save $25 under the cost as charged in my college bookstore.



3. Very lengthy but i did learn from it



4. I am taking a class at the local community college. The professor of my printmaking class recommended this book highly and said it was the best on the market, so I purchased it and am totally happy and satisfied. It explains the different processes very well and the illustrations accompanying the text help visualize the different methods of printmaking. I am totally satisfied and will use it as a reference book throughout my printmaking activities.
   Susy Moesch



5. A very intense book on print making. A must have book for serious artists, who want to expand in their field. Lots and lots of contacts in back of book maiking it easy to find anyone you need for print making! A+