5 comments about The Foxfire Book: Hog Dressing, Log Cabin Building, Mountain Crafts and Foods, Planting by the Signs, Snake Lore, Hunting Tales, Faith Healing, Moonshining.

1. This is a book invaluable information and stories from America past. Part folklore part instruction, this book is one of many in the series that enlightens us about the basics of subsistence we might all do well to know.
   All the Foxfire books should be used as texts in a school setting.



2. Nostalgia in its purest form....knowing how my Grandma and Grandpa handled life. Foxfire books are great.



3. I am from the Appalachian mountains. I am collecting these books to hand down to my kids. This is definately the perfect way to preserve your roots. I HIGHLY reccomend the whole series. Don't let the old ways die!



4. Eliot Wigginton made his students immortal when he sent them into the southern mountains to interview and record the skills and crafts of the region.
   This is the first one of a fantastic series that serves as a standard reference for mountain culture. If you are a writer that has any intention of either historical--frontier descriptions or including characters from the region this entire series should be on your shelf or in the local library. Reading them will give flavor to your work.
   As a reader you can check to see if the hog killing scene from COLD MOUNTAIN is authentic. This is just one example, there are thousands of others.
   Writing as a Small BusinessUnder the Liberty OakSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County NovelThe Bluegrass Dream: A Wilderness Adventure of Early SettlersGuns Across the Rio: A Texas Ranger in Old Mexico



5. I first read the Foxfire books about 25-30 years ago, picked this one up again and found that I enjoyed it even more as an adult. Reading about the skills that were a daily part of life, things that are lost in today's hectic modern day lifestyle in the city. It may not have seemed simpler to the folks that lived it, but sure seems like a simpler life to me.

5 comments about Sewing for Dummies.

1. this was a christmas present for my mother-in-law-to-be, she just quit smoking and she wanted to occupy her time with something. so, she wanted to start sewing. that's all she wanted for christmas and i thought that this book would help her out in any situation she would have that she doesn't already know. thanks and this seller is recommended in my "book"!!!!



2. This is an easy to read book on sewing. Great for beginners and also for the more experienced that needs a review. Very easy to understand. It is a 'must buy' for the first time sewing person.



3. I'm new to sewing and I purchased several books to help me get started, including this one. It's easy to read and it gave me a good idea of how to do some things, but I would not have been able to sew just by reading this book. It's a perfect companion to other learning aids and I have returned to it several times. It's worth the cost as long as you have other teaching aids at your disposal.



4. Some parts get a little confusing, with a few step by steps that don't add up. But, the techniques described in this book will make anyone a better sewer. And, there are great simple project ideas throughout the book for beginners that allow you to practice as you read through the book. I highly enjoy this book.



5. It seems that most comprehensive or beginners sewing books aren't for true absolute beginners. At least that's my experience in learning to sew from books and buying a bunch. This book though is better than most and for that I'd recommend it. I learnt to sew a seam properly with this book. I found the projects enlosed awful though and I'm not tempted to make any of them, not the greetings card with buttons sewn on, nor the waistcoat made of napkins for example. But, the basic information enclosed is useful although all you need to know isn't here. If I knew what I know now before I bought the books I did, I'd still buy this one, unlike a couple of others I have.

3 comments about Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth: Stamp, Screen, and Stencil with Everyday Objects.

1. If you're interested in creating your own painted and printed cloth then you'll find this book an invaluable resource. Divided into 8 major categories ranging from stamping, stenciling and screen-printing to discharge, soy wax batik and rubbings. The author Rayna Gillman gives you just the right amount of easy to follow instructions along with clear photographs to lead you through creating your own beautiful pieces of hand printed cloth. This book is a wonderful resource of techniques for both the novice and experienced and belongs on every surface design enthusiast's bookshelf.



2. This is a terrific resource for any fiber artist and is well written and beautifully illustrated. Gillman covers printing, stamping, stenciling, screening printing with paints and thickened dyes, and the hard-to-find instructions for the deconstructed screen-printing and gelatin monoprint techniques that are so popular now. One of the most valuable chapters is the final one, Going Back In, where she guides you to redeeming boring fabric, brightening dark fabrics, or relating pieces with similar colors. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more painting and dyeing techniques, and to teachers: There are great projects for all ages.



3. This book is a wonderful resource for the many different ways that the textile artist can use to alter the surface of fabric. With great wit and wisdom, Rayna removes the fear of using such things as thickened dye, discharge paste and soy wax and imparts confidence that "you too can make your own fabric!"

5 comments about Couture Sewing Techniques.

1. Gives an interesting history in couture sewing, but most of all, shares tips and techniques that will make your average sewn-at-home garment look tailor made. Why re-invent the wheel? Learn from the experts!!!



2. I found this book to be of the utmost interest to people who sew. It offers valuable fashion history and methods used in couture sewing. It catlogs important dates that changed fashion and it offers random pictures of various sewing styles. My only disappointment was that the pictures are limited in number. I would like to have seen more visuals of the methods described and up close details of the ballgowns, in particular. This book makes you realize what an art form sewing can be.It gave me a sense of aestic beauty and appreciation for the talent that brings the fabric to life.



3. actually this book is a complete...
   the flaw is the illustration is not much...and the words are like written all in sub-chapter...it's not like a handbook...
   
   i think for sewing books, illustration is important...



4. Excellent book. Recommended by my couture sewing instructor at the London School of Fashion. It provides an excellent overview of couture sewing technique.



5. The introduction is interesting and basically explains why Shaffer is qualified to give you this information. The rest reads like a text book, which, for me, is much easier. When I reach a road block with sewing, I simply refer to the applicable section and determine what stitch, seam, technique would best solve the issue. There are decent diagrams/pictures to walk you through each step. It discusses each type of seam, tools and their purpose, threads, needles, etc. It's a sewing dictionary.
   
   Chapters include:
   PART I
   1. Inside the world of haute couture
   2. The art of hand sewing
   3. Shaping the garment: seams, darts, and pressing techniques
   4. Edge finishes: hems, facings, and bindings
   5. Closures
   PART II
   6. Skirts and pants
   7. Blouses and dresses
   8. Sleeves
   9. Pockes
   10. Jackets and coats
   11. Evening wear
   
   Draping was mentioned briefly, and in the little that was there, I was able to apply the information and successfully created/altered patterns.
   
   Hope that helps, and good luck on your future projects!

3 comments about The Fashion Designer Survival Guide, Revised and Expanded Edition: Start and Run Your Own Fashion Business.

1. I've read a few books on how to start and run your own fashion design business, and this is one of the best ones I've read so far. Not only is it shorter then a lot of the huge books, but it's too the point and Mary writes in a style that is very easy to understand. She gives great advise and there are good examples and pictures in the book to help you further understand how to do things the best way. I have the first edition that she wrote and that one is great also but this one has new sections and it's a more complete form of the business process.



2. This book is by far the best book I've read. Really helpful step by step guide. I've learned so much from this book. The author also gives insight on the up's and down's of what it is like in the Industry. I highly recommend this book to Fashion Designers. A real, MUST HAVE!!!.



3. For anyone that is looking to get into design (or even if you have just started your own line / business), this book is a *must have*. Ms. Gehlhar's breakdown (and overviews) of each category is spot on. I seriously and honestly believe that if this resource had been around when I started my own collection, I would have saved myself a lot of running around and $ in the process. I highly recommend this guide. Plus, it's simply a great read. The insight from other designers profiled is fantastic!

1 comments about Never Not Knitting! Page-A-Day Calendar 2009 (Original Page a Day Calendars).

1. Never Not Knitting! 2009 CalendarI know its not 2009 yet and YES this is a 2009 calendar but IT IS Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. I have flipped through it and read many of the entries. Very cool stuff and classic Pearl-McPhee. If you are looking for a great Christmas present for the knitter in your life, this is the thing to buy . . . even when 2009 is over, s/he will keep it!

5 comments about Complete Metalsmith, Professional Edition.

1. From the ring binder for ease of use in the shop to the simple straightforward lanquage and diagrams, this reference is a must have for all metalsmiths from student to professional.



2. I have been working with silver, brass, and copper wire and sheet metal for about 3 years now. I consider myself a beginner to the wide world of metalsmithing and often take on projects that are very complex to stretch myself. This book is not only confidence building but motivating for me to try new techniques or improve those I have already learned. I carry it with me on trips for reading on the plane or in the hotel or at the pool, reach for it at the end of the day as good bed time reading and when I am in the studio working on creating. Great illustrations, and explanations, though I am not scared of trying anything and failing and trying again. I also bring my book to my fabrication class and find it a great reference to aid my plans in designing a project with my instructor to plan the techniques I'd like to incorporate into a larger composition. I got this book as a birthday present, and it's the gift that keeps on giving well beyond the $30. it cost.



3. This book is fantastic, very well written and easy to understand. I love the big spiral binding that allows it to lay flat while I'm working on something and constantly referencing it. I'm primarily a glass artist with a strong desire to learn certain metal techniques to incorporate with my glass jewelry - without spending hundreds of hours and dollars on special classes. I can find exactly what I want to learn and more in Tim McCreight's magnificent book. I'll be using and enjoying this book for many years to come. Highly recommend!



4. Very detailed book. Explains how and why metals react to heat. What tools are needed, fluxes, wax molds, stone settings, all techniques - PMC, keum-boo, gem information. Great reference book. Trouble shooting. Excellent learning tool.



5. Subject matter covered with expertise.
   Will used material gained over and over.
   
   A great learning experience and valuable reference.

4 comments about One-Block Wonders Encore!: New Shapes, Multiple Fabrics, Out-of-This-World Quilts.

1. One-Block Wonders Encore!: New Shapes, Multiple Fabrics, Out-of-This-World Quilts
   
   Excellent book, easy to read and understand instructions . . .and . . . it has the instructions for the "boxes" that were not in the first book. Exciting quilts can be made from this book.



2. This book is a lot of fun. My son and I are both making quilts from it and it is very easy to follow and understand and the array of blocks you can make is wonderful!



3. Great book, but if you already own the first book of one-block wonders there's not a lot more information. If you were to buy just one then this is the one to get.



4. This has so much potential, it is hard to review. There is no limit to the possibilities that this book brings to mind. Highly recommended for the design potential alone.

5 comments about Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series).

1. I haven't even been knitting for more than half a year and have never followed a pattern. I got this book and am almost done knitting my second sock. I've never even knitted in the round before! If I can knit a sock, anybody can (using this book)!!!



2. This is the best, clearest, step-by-step how-to for sock knitting. It goes through each step in the process with nicely laid out pages and photographs, and also gives patterns according to each type of yarn weight. In the back there are lists of varieties of stitches you can substitute. I had never knit a sock before buying this book, and I have no problems knitting them now thanks to this book.



3. I've been a knitter for several years, but never brought myself to knit socks. I decided to get this book to teach myself how to knit socks, and I couldn't have been happier with it! The instructions are so clear, and I was able to knit my first pair in a matter of days with minimal mistakes. I also enjoy all the patterns that are included within the book, as they go from a basic sock pattern to more complex cabled and lace patterns for when you progress. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is intimidated to tackle knitting socks...you'll have your first pair of handmade socks before you know it!



4. Great book!! I borrowed it from my library and realized that I wanted to own it. Anyone who wants to knit socks should buy this book. It is the best one of its kind.



5. Knitting Socks is an excellent book with straight forward instructions that make sense. I'd tried several patterns before I found this book at the library and I loved it so much that I bought it! Happy knitting!

4 comments about Wire Style: 50 Unique Jewelry Designs.

1. I love wire working and preordered this book because I liked the cover piece style and figured the odds were good I'd find something with 50 projects. I found I'd only DO about 3 of the 50, hence the 1 star.
   
   This book has some basic chainmaille weaves in necklaces/bracelets, but they're very common and if you'd done any chainmaille jewelry research, you've probably already seen them and know them.
   
   There are a few projects I recognize as being previously published, so a waste if you subscribe to beading magazines.
   
   There are also a lot of the open hook and loose springy/coil designs. I find these completely impractical to wear for anyone that has hair or loves their winter sweaters.
   
   The intro section at the beginning is great, but nothing new. I'd recommend Bead on a Wire by Sharilyn Miller instead of this book. Same great training, lots more designs based on components that serve as inspiration since they're more easily changed/intermixed.
   
   I'll also point out that the picture of the completed project is shown, then it's all written out instructions. There are NO STEP-BY-STEP project photos to assist someone new to wireworking!
   
   To end on a positive note, the 3 I liked were the cover piece "'S' is for Silver", the 4th amazon pic which shows you "Coiled Again" with lampwork beads, and I'll upload a photo of "Industrial Magic" which is a nice way to display glass discs if you like them.



2. Wire Style is fabulous! Excellent introduction to tools, materials, and techniques. Anyone interested in wire work will love the wonderful range of projects included in this book. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The photos are beautiful and you can really see the detail. I have been a fan of Ms. Peck and her magazine, Step by Step Wire Jewelry since it began. I highly recommend this book!



3. This wire book has the most interesting and diverse jewelry designs I've seen in one collection. There's a smattering of everything and they're unique and playful. I can't decide which to make first. All the steps for making every project are photographed in detail in the beginning of the book. Very clear, very detailed photographs. The jewelry photography is beautiful - crisp, clear, easy to see details. There's also a good mix of skill levels - something for everyone. I love that the book design is clean and modern.
   I emailed the author before purchasing to ask whether the designs were new or had already been published and she told me only two designs were already in Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine.
   It's the best wire jewelry book I've seen.



4. This is a great book with lots of projects for every skill level. I would say it's a "MUST HAVE" if you're into wire jewelry. I've also taken a class with Ms. Peck, and not only is she a talented wire artist, but she's a great instructor. I would highly suggest taking a class with her in person if you can. [...]. If you're into making jewelry, you'll enjoy every minute.