5 comments about 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns: Exciting Patterns to Knit & Crochet for Afghans, Blankets & Throws.

1. Really loved this book. I have been knitting and crocheting for about 30 years and I still love the old standards. Maybe that's why I liked this book so much. It has a great variety of patterns with a knitted design and a crocheted design on each facing page. Many of the comments that I read here included the fact that some of the 200 patterns are just different color variations, but seeing how color changes the look of the pattern stitch is quite helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who is an avid needleworker. Should be a "must have" reference book for any collection. It is beautifully laid out and illustrated with thumbnail pictures of each pattern included in the index.



2. I was very disappointed with this book, mainly because there are far fewer patterns than the title suggests. There are actually only 100 patterns for knitting (since I do not like to crochet, the 100 crochet patterns were irrelevant to me). In looking at many of the patterns, I realized that they were the same stitch patterns, but with different combinations of colors, which make them look different when they are not. I also have read other reviews that mention mistakes in the instructions, and although I have not found any of these yet, I find this inexcusable. I have been knitting for over 55 years, and I think the proliferation of knitting books (everyone wanting to climb onto the knitting bandwagon) has led to the production of some not-very useful books, this being one of them.



3. I have enjoyed using this book. It gives you plenty of different color combinations and has an excellent choice of patterns for those who crochet as well as those who knit. One page is for knitters and the opposite page is for crocheters, but feel free to use the color combos in either format. An A+ to any library.



4. Shame on the British and the U.S. publishers for releasing on the public such a book as "200 Ripple Stitch Patterns".
   I was required to give a minimum star rating, which I did but would have preferred NO STAR! I am returning the book to Amazon and have advised others on the online crochet group Crochet Partners that the book is full of mistakes.
   Multiples and instructions as well were wrong!
   I had trouble w/Pink Ripples item 16 on page 23 of the 200 book.
   If the U.S. editor in Wisconsin wants to contact me, she may.
   Mary Davis in Dallas



5. I love this book! It has so many beautiful patterns it is hard to pick the first one to try!

1 comments about The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting: Learn to Knit with More Than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns (Chicks with Sticks).

1. I only gave this book four stars strictly because of the lack of instructions. This book does great explaining the purl and knit stitches and basic methods. But beyond that you're not going to find much. It does include fabulous and beautiful projects that doesn't look like something your grandmother would wear (the whole reason I bought it). I would have liked more tips on troubleshooting and solving common knitting problems. But this book does do a good job explaining the basics. If you want to go beyond the basics and maybe venture into fair isle knitting, get another book.

5 comments about The Big Picture... Scrapbook Your Life and a Whole Lot More.

1. I've been scrapbooking for about a year and own four books on the subject. I use this one by Stacy Julian the most because it contains more variety and more ideas outlined in an unfussy style.
   
   Years ago all my photos were just thrown in a box and now, thanks to The Big Picture, they are organized so the whole family can enjoy them and the collection and storytelling just keeps growing. I also used to collect paper, so scrapbooking for me was a no brainer.
   
   They will make nice keepsakes and carry on the family geneology.



2. Stacy Julian has set me free from scrapbooking chronilogically
   and feeling behind. Scrapbooking can now be the hobby
   I always wanted it to be, filled with joy and not feeling
   guilty like I am "behind in my work"!
   I wish I had this book 5 years ago, I highly recommend
   this book whether you are new to this hobby or
   a seasoned expert. It will change how you view your
   photos and albums. Bravo Stacy!!



3. I love this book and know I will use it as a resource for many years to come. Her focus on the memory first, rather than the pictures is awesome. I've tended just to chronologically work on albums and wanted to get away from it for years, this album gives you lots of ways to start in a new direction. Her layouts are inspiring but mostly it is the heart that she shares. I highly recommend this book.



4. I bought this book because I'd heard how it took the "guilt" out of being behind in scrapbooking and because it makes you look at scrapbooking in a whole new way. It did neither for me. For me, scrapbooking has always been about preserving my memories. It also gives me a creative outlet. I thought her organizational system was interesting, but it would never work for me. I may not scrap in chronological order, but I'd like my layouts to at least flow in some sort of chronological order. I also thought her layouts in the book were horrible and completely uninspiring. For a few great scrapbook idea books, I would go with Jeanette Lynton's books, Cherish, Imagine, and Reflections.



5. We all have pictures sitting in boxes, Stacey lets us know we don't have to scrap every single picture, just take a look at simple things, special times with family and friends, and just have a good time playing with your albums. Don't stress out with your pictures, just enjoy. Since I've had my book, I've read it twice, everytime I re-read more ideas and inspiration comes to me. This book is definitely worth the read, and your time. ENJOY!!!!
   "the BIG picture" book sits on my nightstand, eery time I read it gives me more inspiration from Stacey. SHE'S MY INSPIRATION!!!

3 comments about 100 More of the World's Best Houses (100 World's Best Houses, Vol. 3) (Architecture).

1. This book is the third instalment of this book series. This book continues impress me with its unique and impressive designs around the world. This book shows that there's more to resedential design than cookie-cutter homes.



2. Very good, but for my, maybe to much big spaces. Good photos and ideas!



3. I am not an architect and I have no artistic talent. But architecture is my favorite art form. I buy a lot of architectural books. This is one of a series of three (hopefully more will come) that is excellent for its photography, its selection of things to photograph and the floor plans presented for most home, allowing the reader to conjure up a good picture of each of the masterpieces. The only downside is that when I lay the book aside, I suddenly realize that I am back in my own home. Well, it keeps the rain out.
   
   I have bought the first three and hope for more in this series.

5 comments about Loop-d-Loop Crochet: More than 25 Novel Designs for Crocheters (and Knitters Taking Up the Hook).

1. Loop D Loop is one of the most beautiful collection of crochet work that I have ever seen. Yes, I did say EVER. The choices of color are brilliant. The fashions are fresh and look like things you would find in New York or Paris. It's a 'must have' in your collection of crochet books.
   Loop-d-Loop Crochet: More than 25 Novel Designs for Crocheters (and Knitters Taking Up the Hook)



2. The ideas in this book are interesting but I don't think there is one that I would make. The wrap skirt is particularly ugly. I was very disappointed but I give 3 stars for imagination.



3. How does she do it? She is so original and innovative - which can sometimes translate into slightly difficult to wear, but not in her case - most of the stuff in both this and her knit book are things I would wear..... if only I had the time to make them all!
   
   I love the designs - I'`ve made the short sleeved lacy top and it is gorgeous, and now I'm working on the orange jacket which I can already see is going to be amazing. There are a few designs that are not me and wouldn't suit me - but unless I write my own book that will always happen. I love the cool and arty photography, and the use of models who are not cliche commercial types. And I love the introductions to the design groupings where Teva discusses influences and the design process.
   
   Buy this book - if you want to be stimulated and work interesting stylish designs you could wear to hang out at the coolest places in town.
   
   Don't buy this book - if you like the type of book that gives designs for frilly scarves, and shrugs made out of a rectangle of novelty yarn.



4. Well, I'm not going to really wear any of this. For the average woman, this book will remain an attractive item on the bookshelf or coffee table. It's a conversation piece, but there is not too much you can use beyond inspiration to bring more creative elements to other more "reasonable" projects.
   
   For its quirky creativity, however, Loop-d-Loop Crochet does deserve high marks. If you're in the market for the customary pattern book, I'd look elsewhere.



5. This is a beautiful book full of exciting high fashion designs for folks who would crochet more if there was more worth making. Warning this is a book for creatives if plain chunky sweaters made of common yarns are your thing you may find it too over the top.

3 comments about Egyptian Symbols--A Hieroglyphic Stamp Kit.

1. Wonderful Product. This product was more than I expected. The contents will be very useful in the educational setting in which I plan to use them. The stamps were big, up to 1",much better than some other kits I have found. We will be able to use the stamps with children of varies ages because of the size. The book is helpful and informative. Wonderful product.



2. This is the best hieroglyphic stamp kit I've ever purchased. I use the stamps with my art students from grades kindergarten through 5th as they study about Ancient Egypt. The stamps are easy to hold with little fingers and also stamps beautifully not only on papers, but also on clay. Thank you for a wonderful product.
   Sincerely,
   Rose Stock



3. My son's teacher sent home a page of Egyptian Hieroglyphic symbols and what English alphabet letters they represented and asked that he write his name using Egyptian Hieroglyphic symbols. He loved it and had me do it. MAMA is a Owl,Vulture,Owl,Vulture and being a Westerner who loves both these birds I was hooked on the beauty of Hieroglyphics and bought this stamp set. It was a good deal, with a interesting little booklet that gives the background on Egyptian Symbols and what their English counterparts might be, plus an ink pad in the lid of the box that holds the stamps. It is designed to be used instantly and for years to come.

5 comments about Masters: Glass Beads: Major Works by Leading Artists (The Masters).

1. FABulous! I love how this book offers PAGES of photos from each artist, with large, sharp photos, and captions that tell you the size of the bead and the type of glass that was used. Each artist's section offers several paragraphs about their work, and the back of the book has a biography section which offers more about these talented people. (Did I mention there are PAGES of photos for each artist?)
   
   I am a glass bead maker and have been out of my studio for the past six months. I am so excited and inspired by these artists (some have been my teachers) and their works that I am back in the studio today. Yippeee!
   
   The book is GORGEOUS! If you enjoy glass bead art I really don't see how you can be disappointed with this book.



2. Lots of pretty pictures of beads but there are no instructions in this book on how to make them. This is what I call a "looky" book and some of the beads are repeats from other books that have been published. I was disappointed in this book because with a larger selection of bead artists out there now days, I was expecting more new artists to be covered and not the usual artists that have already been covered in other books. The last name of the artists featured in this book are: Barley, East, Boylan, Uchida, Dugger, Fairbanks, Gaurino-Slemmons, Logan, Holland, Dalton, Haight, St. John Maher, Ohkama, Smircich, Ovington, Peters, Shiiba, Fowle-Meleney, Kogure, Crossman-Moore, Mullaney, Mossman, Frantzen-Orr, Masui, Milliron, Cooney, Schmidt, Walton, Roberts, Hayashi-Kogure, Stump, Jones, Holland, Frantz, Sawamoto, Zumkeller, Seydoux, Adams, Penso, Hatz, Yagi, Heilman, and Tabor.



3. This is an in depth look at some of the MASTERS of glass bead making. The bio's are not too lenghty just enough to get some idea of the person behind the bead. The eye candy of so many incredible beads is a feast. Very inspirational for the beginning to intermediate lampworker, and wonderful to look at if a collector or appreciator of art in any form.



4. As I am a jewelry designer and lampwork fanatic, I have almost all of the popular glass bead books in my library. Masters: Glass Beads: Major Works by Leading Artists (The Masters) is the best of the lot.
   The photos are wonderful and there are lots of them. They are large and crystal clear, showing incredible details of the beads. Each photo is accompanied by a caption, explaining the details of the glass used, bead size and the year the bead was made.
   Larry Scott did a fantastic job as the book's curator. He also wrote the introduction and a short biographical sketch about each artist. Not only does Mr. Scott make beautiful beads himself, he is a very accomplished writer. The text he writes is equal to the high quality of the beads shown in this work.
   Masters: Glass Beads is a book that could be enjoyed by glass bead artists and enthusiasts, as well as by anyone who appreciates exquisite art pieces.



5. This is not a "how-to" book, but a retrospective of some of the best beadmakers, with comments by the artists. Very inspirational!

5 comments about Brooches: Timeless Adornment.

1. A concise, informative, well-researched book on brooches with wonderful photographs by David Behl. Ms. Gross has certainly authored a book which gives a broad historical overview of brooches. The book includes many fabulous, meaningful, and accurately categorized pieces as illustrations. Obviously, Ms. Gross spent much time in selecting the appropriate pieces to be illustrated and much research in preparing the corresponding information with the pieces. The book covers the history of brooches to the care of brooches, and is one of the best overviews of this very important jewelry form that has been published. Also, I might add, that the Rizzoli Publishing Company, as always, did a masterful job in publishing the book.



2. Page 56 begins in the middle of the sentence. It might be that this book was printed in China.
   Great photos for people interested in this type of jewelry. Some nice information.



3. For a Rizzoli book the photography of the brooches is terrible. The pieces chosen for the book are interesting and beautiful. When I opened the book, the binding broke. It is printed in China so I suppose that explains the overall poor quality. I returned this book.



4. What a fabulous book. Well written and great photography. A quality reference and also a breathtaking coffee table book. You will enjoy this!



5. This review was written and published for the Yahoo online group Jewel Collect.
   
   Title: Brooches: Timeless Adornment
   Author: Lori Ettinger Gross
   Type of Book: Hard Cover
   Retail Price: $45.00
   Pages: 192
   Rizzoli 2008
   
   Brief Description: Brooches: Timeless Adornment is a shiny new picture book that focus's on vintage, antique and contemporary brooches. Most of the pieces are fine jewelry but there are a few costume pieces. Many of the fine jewelry designs will be quite familiar to costume jewelry collectors since there has historically been so much overlap between the fine jewelry world and costume. For example there are fruit salad pieces, blinding deco clips, fabulous florals and charming figurals. There are examples from Van Cleef and Arpels, David Webb, Seaman Schepps, Suzanne Belperron, Schiaparelli, Alexis Bittar, and many unmarked treasures. There are some silly parts in this book but the nice layouts and high quality pieces make up for it in my opinion.
   
   Quantity of Illustrations: At least one piece per page and often times many more. According to the press materials there are 175 photos. All are in color.
   
   Comments: The photos are artistic. Brooches: Timeless Adornment is a book to ooh-and-aah over not a catalog of hundreds and hundreds of pins. The brooches are not all shot the same way some are on white backgrounds and others on clothing, fabric, wallpaper, etc.
   Score: 8
   
   Quality of Illustrations: All color photos. All are very clear, clean, professional and very detailed. Again this is an artistic coffee table type book from a very fine publishing house.
   Score: 8
   
   Quantity of Information: Nice breezy easy to read chapters on History, Craft, Collecting, Style Pin-ology and Care. You may ask yourself what is pin-ology? It seemed to be a chapter on the themes generally seen in pins, figural, floral, whimsical etc. I did learn things reading this book and you might too. For example, I know about the Victorian language of flowers and pieces with multicolored stones that spell out acronyms but did you know, there is also a secret language of Georgian Sevirgne or Ribbon Bow Brooches? Described as a flirtatious ornament, the placement of a bow brooch indicated if you had found true love, or were actively looking and all points in between.
   There is also a nice little section on Milicent Rogers a collector/designer/rich lady who lived in Taos, NM post WWII. As a sidebar, for those traveling in the southwest the Millicent Rogers museum is a great small local museum. She was a huge collector of Native American jewelry and her collection is prominently displayed in her namesake museum.
   Is the information thorough? Yes
   Score: 7
   
   Quality of Information: Good interesting details, nothing groundbreaking but an interesting read for jewelry fans.
   Comments: This book treats each piece as an individual little piece of art. Each photo is captioned with details about the maker, materials, date of production etc.
   Score: 7
   
   Values Listed (Prices) No
   
   User Friendly: Yes
   Is information easy to find? Table of contents no index.
   Most of the information is visual so yes it is easy to find
   Score:
   
   Average score: 7
   
   Is this book a must have? Yes for devoted jewelry fans. Again those who are only interested in costume jewelry there is very little included and I believe you will be disappointed.
   
   Overall comments: I really liked this it was beautiful to look at and I think I will use it to track down the origins of costume pieces. And a shout out to Julie Levine from Joolbait Jewels who has a piece included.

5 comments about The Big Messy Art Book: But Easy to Clean Up.

1. THIS BOOK IS A FOR-SURE WINNER. IT ENABLES THE KIDS TO HAVE FUN AND GET DIRTY AT THE SAME TIME. I AM NO LONGER AFRAID FOR MY CHILDREN TO GET DIRTY! IT'S CLEAN UP IS EASY TOO. IT'S AN ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR FUN.



2. This book is my kids' favorite! Everything is either very LARGE and exciting, or SILLY and exciting, or ADVENTUROUS and exciting, or extremely INTERESTING and exciting. Don't buy this if you want your child to sit in a corner with crayons for the rest of her/his life and never look beyond the expected. This is for the kids that will challenge their imaginations and explore art from a new view, building who they will be as adults.



3. I am a special education teacher and I am always looking for new ideas to enhance my sensory awareness program. This book has some awesome ideas and I can't wait to start using them this year.



4. This book has been out in the hands of good teachers/parents/child care folks/kids for awhile now, but I've found that it is new to many kids who are just discovering it. One little guy I worked with recently as a visiting author to his school told me: "I didn't know a tennis ball could be so interesting, did you?" He was referring to painting with tennis balls. Our group tried several approches with painty tennis balls....rolling them around in a wading pool covered with paper, tossing them at a wall of paper outdoors, holding and pressing on paper, bouncing on paper on the floor, and a few other ideas that kids thought up that are NOT in the book, but should have been. Read on: The little guy who told me tennis balls are interesting had thought up a idea where he rolled the ball deliberately through paint and then along the border of large paper. Within the border, he made dot-prints with different colors of paint. When it was dry, he outlined each dot with a black marker. The result was a huge bubbly design painting. I was impressed with his process, and the resulting painting was delightful and all his own! I love when my books give kids a boost to be their own artists and live in their own creativity. What a great day spending time with kid-artists. Someday I'll collect all their unique ideas and write a new book called "Kids Are More Artistic Than I Am!" Keep having fun with kids, from your friend, MaryAnn Please visit my website for free art ideas: www.brightring.com.



5. The projects are wonderfully oversized and adventurous. I'd like to remove the word messy, because all art is a bit messy, and this one is really ADVENTUROUS more than messy. It's fantastic art fun! The kids I work with beg me for projects from this book, and are delighted when I join in the fun. Highly recommended. I believe the publisher's website has free projects from this book for your viewing as does the author's website.

5 comments about 300 Paper-pieced Quilt Blocks.

1. I like the foundation pieced blocks in this book. I like the fact that it has a cd with the book. I like the fact that you can resize the blocks for printing. I do not like the fact that Ms. Doak did not name the blocks in the book, or on the cd. Even so, it was a good purchase.



2. The title is misleading if you are looking for paper piecing for cards or layouts. However the patterns are great & can be adapted to cards quite easily.



3. This is a great book for any quilter who is learning or experienced in paper piecing. There are a lot of patterns to use. This is my second book that I have purchased by Carol Doak. Carol has great PP books!



4. I love this book! Great blocks with a great variety for everyones taste. The CD is fabulous... I did find the block sewing instructions a bit confusing. Over-all a really good investment for those who love paper pieceing.



5. I am fairly new at paper-piecing and wanted to get a few books with paper-piecing patterns in them. Carol Doak is an excellent author and instructor in the quilt world. The patterns in this book are easy to follow and the instruction are complete. There is a wide variety of different pattern design types enough that everyone should find something they can use. I am very pleased with this book.