5 comments about Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop.

1. My first EZ was the Optionnated Knitter which is a very good book. This one is the best! More than patterns, you find "the way to"... As for the 1st one, I wish it would be translated in french (and other european langages) so we could all discover the wonderful universe of EZ.



2. I would recommend Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop book to everyone with an interest in knitting. My reason for buying this book was to learn how to make EZ's Baby Surprise Jacket. The BSJ is knitted in a unique way. She also has several other knitting patterns that are unique. I learned new and easier ways to knit.



3. A great book for a beginner. She calms your fears and helps you complete a project all by page 31. If you take the time you will be a great knitter. She teaches you to take risk and learn new techniques as you go along. I have made the hat several times and still read the book because I enjoy her writing. This book gives you classic patterns you can use again and again. She also gives you free reign to be creative and create your own pattern by giving a basic understanding of patterning for the yoke sweater. This book has it all technique and style.



4. I haven't read the book in chronological order, I've just skimmed around for tidbits I needed. I'm not really adventurous when it comes to knitting, I go by the written pattern and that is the main reason I bought the book in the first place - to hopefully add some of my special flare.
   
   The inside of the book is pretty boring (black and white) but anything that EZ has to say is both easy to read and humorous along the way.
   
   All n' all, I like the book and I'm glad to have it in my collection of knitting books.



5. EZ is worth reading but her instructions are seriously lacking. The "lessons" are rambling and unfocused. She jumps from one topic to another in a way that probably makes sense in the video series but doesn't translate well on paper.
   
   She mentions several types of sweater but none of them have very good instructions. I'm not the kind of knitter that needs stitch by stitch instructions but I find her vague directions disconcerting. If there are no pictures to show me what she's doing, then I need more information about the pattern. I suppose these patterns are a good jumping off point for making your own sweaters, but only if you have other, better, references at hand.
   
   I was also disappointed by the baby surprise jacket instructions. I thought the adult version was also in the book but it's only got a small mention. Now if I want to make it I either have to figure it out on my own or pay yet more money for another pattern. And I've heard the pattern from Schoolhouse Press for the ASJ is just as vague as the BSJ pattern.
   
   There are a few black and white photos of finished works and a bunch of hand drawn pictures. Would it kill Schoolhouse Press to update the font and photos a little?
   
   EZ is famous in the knitting world. So this book, like all of her books, is worth reading but not worth buying. Check your local library.

5 comments about The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition.

1. I am new to the sewing world, so this book has been very helpful to me in learning terminology and how to use all of the various tools of the trade. I like the step by step instruction, but I do wish some of the photography in the book could be updated a bit. Some of it looks very out of fashion, but the basic information is still current.



2. I bought this book after taking it out of the library for my daughter. She is just learning to use a sewing machine. It is full of information and colorful details. If you are a visual learner this is the book for you.



3. This book is beautifully illustrated and detailed. The topics are indexed very well. I am happy I found it and intend to purchase several copies as gifts for my four daughters.



4. I'm a novice in the world of sewing. This book has been pulled from the shelf many times when I've been trying to figure out new things: buttons and buttonholes, different hand-stitches, zipper installation and more.
   
   If you're looking for a reference book with great information (and LOTS of it), this is a good one. I am glad I chose this one.



5. This is a very good book for some one who is just learning this skill. Also lots of more advance techniques.
   
   Only problem is it could have better illustrations.

5 comments about The Painted Quilt: Paint and Print Techniques for Color on Quilts.

1. Have only recently rec'd this book and am fascinated by it! Inspirational! It's one of those that when I waken at 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep I slip it off the library shelf, curl up in my favorite chair, and just enjoy. Maybe in a slower, calmer time in my life I'll actually *try* some of these ideas.



2. I have painted on canvas for many years and have been interested in combining this interest with quilting. I have dabbled a bit but now that I have "Painted Quilt", I know and have tried many more techiniques for combining painting and quilting. I am delighted that these ladies wrote this book - it is like they wrote it just for me!



3. This book provides technical expertise in a very well written format and the inspiration to enter into a new phase of the quilting world. I can not say enough good things about this book. The book is easy to tote around and pick up, finding something new every time. With the examples, everything I have tried has come out fantastic. I have even amazed myself. The only downside is that my other projects are not being finished.



4. Informative and well illustrated ideas for using other mediums on fabric surfaces. Good reference for the fabric artist or aspiring fabric artist. Includes photographs documenting various processes. Once read, I really felt as though I could successfully accomplish the ideas presented. Inspiring.



5. First off, all the other reviewers are right on the mark when it comes to this book, yet I wanted to add a few words that might help others choose this book for their library. For one, the page on the subject "Inspired to Design" is just the beginning of the subject covered in detail through the rest of the book, but its place at the beginning is so true - test projects on paper before using fabric and thread. A must do and often ignored when the lovely fabrics, delicate threads, and other embellishments come before us on our creating table. Yet if we do use paper, ink, paint and collage FIRST, we may be able to decrease error in judgement or come up with a more inspiring product. Artists, like me, often just want to dive in, yet this book really provides the information and inspiration to do it right. Excellent words. Plus the subtle reminders of safety when using some products is also extremely important to me and the authors remind us all to keep this knowledge foremost in our minds. The images that go along with the instructions are often more beneficial than the words, often the other way around in other books, but this one does it right. THE PAINTED QUILT is a fascinating read from cover to cover and, YES, fiber/fabric artists will refer to this book over and over again, if not for guidance, for definite inspiration.

2 comments about The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales.

1. I Love Catherine Moore's stamp and art paper collection, I own them all and I am not even a doll person. She has a fresh look and an incredible imagination. The book met up with the cover. All the artists books in there are fantastic! Catherine and Terry Taylor(author) live up to there expertise they are known for.
   This book is a look at many artists and how everyone constructed a childrens fairy tale book. Their lay out, plans,color choice, etc. You get a great glimpse on how they all completed their books.
   As Terry says curl up for a nice bed time story, you get that as well as an an important art book that one must have for technique. I found as a quilter this was really good for me on balance, value and colors. You don't often see that in all the "art books" being made. These people are experts at their craft. They are all wonderful. The stories they chose and fantastic display of simple book making looking difficult.



2. This is a MUST HAVE in your art library! Many well known artists come together to show you there own kick of well known story books. I am a long time follower of Catherine Moore and Sandra Evertson and both have rose to the occasion as expected! This book shows you some simple book making techniques as well as ideas for your own books to make. LOTS of eye candy as well as how to's and ins and outs of book making. I made my first hand made book following the simple instructions and am truely pleased with the results! Next i am going to try my own style doll book! This is a good book to sit and relax and take your time and read and get inspired!!! WELL DONE! Buy this book then go make your own to cherish!

1 comments about Sew Pretty Christmas Homestyle.

1. Oh My God, don't delay another second, buy this book. It's totally gorgeous, I LOVE it. I only bought it last week and have already made several things and flicked through it a million times. The pictures are adorable, the patterns sooooo simple to use and lots of them. Definitley definitley worth the money. The other Tilda books are equally as fabulous! I have pics of the teddy bears on my blog [...] (not sure if you can add blogs to this??)

5 comments about The Unofficial LEGO Builder's Guide.

1. My kids are young enough that the basic building schemes illustrated here are interesting to them. Some are beyond them (ages 5,6,11). They were somewhat disappointed there weren't more "models" or building plans to follow. I like it, though, because it just shows the basics then makes them use their imaginations where anything is possible. So, it's useful, but not an item I'd rave about.



2. An Ok book, but I was hoping that the author would go into greater details.



3. Bedford's book offers everything and anything that one could consider useful to know about building with LEGO. I love the way he describes how to design things using grids and how to organize large collections of LEGO bricks. He's even designed a game in LEGO that others can play! I highly recommend this book to all ages of LEGO builders.



4. THE UNOFFICIAL LEGO BUILDER'S GUIDE is the best "Overview" of the LEGO building system available hands down. The book has been written for beginners as well as more advanced builders. It's a great reference guide with tips, techniques and definitions for users of all ages. Anyone can buy and build a LEGO "set", but this book will give you the tools needed to build your own creations. Once those "sets" are in a hundred pieces and you want to try your hand at your own creation, this is the guide you will reach for to help you do it right.
   
   The chapters are written is a simple easy to understand way and the flow of the material is easy to follow. There seems to be just enough information on each page that the reader does not feel like he/she is always getting lost when following the examples or descriptions. The illustrations are in black and white and are very clear and easy to see. Some might complain that the illustrations are not in color but I personally prefer the black and white. When building your own creation the lack of color is actually less of a distraction than it would be if you were building something blue and white and the illustration was red and yellow.
   
   One of the best features of the book is the Bricktopia, a categorized list of the most commonly used LEGO pieces. It includes an illustration of the piece, a description, size and part number. I personally find it helpful to browse thru this area to get "ideas" for building projects. I have noticed pieces I forgot about that has triggered a "thats the one I could use" thought to help with a project I am working on or have been thinking of building.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the foundations needed to build projects from simple to the more elaborate. LEGO builders of all ages will benefit from buying this book. Buy this book and leave it out on a coffee table and see how long it takes someone to pick it it up!



5. A true labor of love, this is the most comprehensive guide around! A must-have for LEGO devotees.

5 comments about Human Anatomy Coloring Book (Colouring Books).

1. Product was great.. shipped in time... Very informative book, would highly recommend it for people who wish to learn anatomy who are not officially in the medical field- perhaps even for those people going into the medical field- it does have a unique way of teaching "where all the parts are".



2. This is a fine workbook to help learn human anatomy. Just enough text to explain everything and then pictures to color to re-enforce the lesson. My middle schoolers both learned the basics with this book.



3. This children's easy learning technique applied to adults is a great way of learning the anatomy, even if you are in the middle of med school.
   And coloring is so much fun. A must for children and adults.



4. I was looking for more information on anatomy and thought this would be helpful. For the depth that I needed it was not, however I WOULD recommend this book for a high school anatomy course.



5. This is a great book for a more complex look at human anatomy. It covers the basic anatomy and goes to a deeper level on some systems.
   
   A good start in my anatomy revision but I will now be looking for something better still, if such a thing is available.
   
   Would certainly be of benefit to high school and new nursing students.

5 comments about Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros).

1. This is a good reference for framing details, which I turn to frequently as we work on the design for our new home. That said, there are numerous gaps and while some might be excused as esoteric, like framing a swept roof at the eaves (though it is pictured on the cover of the book), many others are not, such as flashing at masonry entry steps. I would like to see the book updated to include more "Building Science" lessons, OVE (Optimum Value Engineering)and perhaps SIPS. Still a good book, overall.



2. Have been using this reference for years as an Architect. Probably the best one out there that covers all the basics. Not overly complicated. Could use an advanced version for more complicated details, especially in roofing (half-hips, etc.) and foundations.
   Great reference for the nomencalture of all the parts.
   Do not expect to build from it as codes and structural sizing are required and vary too much, but good, basic detailing and understanding overall with plenty of illustrations.



3. I do a lot of non-professional new construction. For me, visualizing the right way do do something is the problem. Once the skin is on a building I have no idea what lies underneath -- I have no 'guide' to model my construction after. Also, building according to convention is useful -- for instance, it's good to know that you can expect to find a vertical stud in a wall every 16 or 24 inches, regardless of who built the building and when -- and this book clarifies what those conventions are.
   
   This is a great book. The graphic representations are exceptionally clear and detailed. Many alternatives are given, and in building you simply choose the alternative that gives you the most of what you want and follow the diagram.



4. This book has a lot of good framing scenarios interesting tidbits. Both a good reference and interesting to page through.



5. A great reference for the DIY homeowner. Lots of drawings to show you the right way to do things from foundations to framing.

5 comments about Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe.

1. It seems like there are lots of these new sewing project books with patterns and they all seem to suffer from a lack of information and key details.
   
   Sew U contains some helpful tips for setting things up, supplies etc. but then inexplicably the yardage for each project is in the fabric section, the seam allowances are buried in text in another chapter and are two different measurements. The idea is to be less complex than a regular pattern but those directions are pretty important. A beginner would have to memorize the book prior to starting. Also, better images/diagrams of each step would have saved me some frustration especially on any of the facing steps.
   
   That said, I made muslins of everything and completed a skirt which looks great. I'm just getting back into sewing after 10 years or so. Beginners should pick up a comprehensive sewing manual to refer to in addition to these project books.
   
   I do think the projects are cute and I'm looking forward to the knits book and this book definitely helps you realize the millions of possibilities for 3 simple patterns



2. I purchased this book along with Diana Rupp's S.E.W. Everything Workshop, and after reading them both through thoroughly, decided to start with the S.E.W. creations, and slowly move up the Sew U stuff. Wendy's book is excellent, very detailed and thorough, but perhaps the absolute beginner (i've only ever made a couple bags before) should try some easier projects first, get used to the sewing machine and techniques, and then make some of Wendy's projects. I am excited to use her patterns though, which look really cute, and she has great suggestions for altering them!



3. I bought "Sew U" several months ago. I leafed through it and found it interesting but a little overwhelming, as I have found most sewing books. I did like the author's attempt to demystify sewing, noting that not all the fancy tools are necessary at the beginning, and her suggestions for modifications that the readers can make to the patterns. It's a nice-looking book, in a format that lays flat when open, which is handy for a crafts book.
   
   Having said that, "Sew U" does not connect all the dots for the beginning sewer. A few months ago, I enrolled in a rigorous beginning sewing class at a famous school that specializes in fashion design. I have by far the least amount of experience in the class.
   
   Early on in the class another person saw me with the book and said she'd liked it, but it "left things out." I didn't know what she meant until last night when I was trying to do a class project, making a fitted shirt not unlike the one featured in "Sew U." I flipped to the pages in the book dealing with attaching the cuffs and collar, but the book treats in summary fashion a fairly complicated process.
   
   I had to ask a more experienced student, and if she hadn't been available, I'd have had to consult a truly comprehensive guide, such as the "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing," the Dorling Kindersley "Complete Book of Sewing," or David Page Coffin's "Shirtmaking."
   
   The style of some of the patterns isn't really to my taste, but I'm not complaining about that; you can tell from the illustrations that the style is laid back -- I figured I could alter them -- mainly, I was looking for a more concise reference book than the ones mentioned above. As noted, this book does have some deficiencies for a guide with its title.
   
   But if you have basic sewing construction skills, you will enjoy the book. I plan to look at the "Sew U" book on knits in the future, but again, I will assume that it is not a standalone text.



4. This is a very good book for standard sewers that know some of the basics of using a sewing machine. The instructions are very clear and comes with many varieties of patterns to use.



5. The book is great for beginners, since it shows step by step how to start sewing REAL clothes.
   
   BUT, I had a problem. The book is supposed to include the pattern of pants, skirt and shirt, I just got two copies of the shirt pattern. When I complained to the company and asked for the missing patterns I didn't get a good response from Built by Wendy staff.

5 comments about Art Quilt Workbook: Exercises & Techniques to Ignite Your Creativity.

1. I was given this book for Christmas. I have been a quilter for over a decade making both bed quilts and art quilts and sometimes feel like I have hit the creativity wall. This book is sure to give me a jump start when I am feeling stalled or just help expand my horizons. I have read through the exercises and believe that the ideas and the challenges are well thought out to make us think outside of the lines.



2. I have been an art quilter for almost 10 years. I've done large ones, complicated ones, teeny ones, played with thread, beads, fusibles. I still have plenty to learn.
   
   This book has plenty of ideas, yet is not overwhelming in the least. The majority of examples and the exercises are 9 x 12", a manageable size for anyone. The book opens with a brief description of design principles. Yes, I know, entire books have been written on this subject. Yet, for this book, it is enough. You are encouraged to have fun and play. The authors are like friends who are with you when you are quilting.
   
   Each chapter has references at the end, consisting of collage and fiber artists who employ the techniques mentioned, books to read, famous artists to study and inspirational exercises. I feel the authors did not write this book to show how talented they are or how superior they are. They want to share the fun of art quilting.
   
   Some quilting books I read intimidate me. This book does not. It inspires me to be creative. If I take a five-minute break in my studio, I find myself looking at this book almost every time.



3. This book is well titled. Jane & Elin encourage and support the quilter to experiment and create in new ways. Their detailed instructions are well illustrated and easy to follow and give something for everyone as there are landscapes, seascapes and garden scenes all available and easily accessible.



4. I bought this book on the strength of other reviews and I was a bit disappointed. If you are an artist, formally trained or self-taught, most of the concepts will be familiar to you: ideas like negative space, the use of color, and perspective are not really useful to most people who have been doing art for a while. I tried to go through the exercises that were suggested and quickly got bored and skipped ahead to see what I could use. What I did really like were the pictures of the artists' work. Just seeing what other people have done was inspiring to me. But you don't need to buy a book to have access to pictures of artists' works. All you need to do is a search on flickr to find pictures of inspiring art. I would give this book two and a half stars. It's not useless but I don't think I would have bought it if I had perused it in a bookstore.



5. This book will get your imagination going. When I sat down with this book I was at a standstill for new ideas, but the exercises started me thinking of so many new ideas I couldn't do them fast enough. I like the way each project is done the same size because when you get done with all of them you have a great set of little art quilts for your walls. I learned so many new techniques that I thought would be so hard, but were actually easy. This is a great book and I'm so happy I got it. I have been doing traditional quilting for a long time and I enjoy them but now I know art quilts are even more fun!