5 comments about Beautifully Embellished Landscapes: 125 Tips & Techniques to Create Stunning Quilts.

1. I am enjoying this book and I want publishers to know that I purchased it because I was able to preview it.
   Thanks, L. Shell



2. Easy to read and full of excellent information for the Landscape Quilting Artist



3. This is my favourite book on this subject - heaps of ideas, tips and assistance to inspire me on a landscape quilt. Everything is well set out and clearly explained. Lots of examples to try out too.



4. I bought this for a friend who has never quilted, but had an idea of a landscape quilt in her head. After reading it, I realized that this is just the right book to start-jump a "newbie" from the starting point to where ever her imagintation will take her. Also, after reading it I am buying another copy for myself. I quilt and do some art quilts also, and this book gave me many wonderful ideas. . Highly recommended [[ASIN:1571203605 Beautifully Embellished Landscapes: 125 Tips & Techniques to Create Stunning Quilts



5. Highly recommended book that is great for anyone wanting details on how to take their landscape quilts to a new level. Joyce has shown what and how she is inspired and how this is translated into a beautiful quilt. Great book for teachers and students.

5 comments about A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting.

1. I was excited to get this book as I do a lot of different knitting.
   The instructions for the mobius scarf are good, however some of the patterns could be used without the mobius technique.
   Overall I'm glad I purchased the book.



2. Both the First Treasury of Magical Knitting and this Second Book are truly a joy to work from. The author has pictures of exactly what your stitches should look like so you can teach yourself if you don't have a mentor. She show a variety of beautiful examples (with patterns) of scarves, purses, holders for knitting needles and even beds for pussycats that you can make.
   
   I couldn't stop making circular (moebius strip) scarves when I first got the books and now I'm looking for yarns to make a batch in lightweight summer materials. The technique is so clearly explained that anyone with the basics of knitting can do one of these scarves.
   
   These books also make great gifts for anyone you know who knits.
   
   I'm hoping the author (Cat Bordhi) will put out a Third Treasury with even more delightful ideas for the knitters of the world.



3. I have previously knit socks/sleeves with one long circular needle and wanted to investigate Cat Bordhi's two needle method so ordered four of her books. I have a very extensive knitting book library but this is undoubtedly the sorriest. This one is so bad that I am sending it back. "A Second Treasury of 'Magical' Knitting". The only magic is that Cat is taking our money. This is nothing but a book full of bags, stupid hats, and cat beds. Now, do not get me wrong, I have a cat I dearly love. But $26.95 for one questionable pattern for a cat bed? This one is definitely going back.



4. Some of the patterns were a bit out there, but I LOVE the concept. The main concept was wonderful and her moebus stitch made everything so SIMPLE!!! From a long time knitter, this was refreshing!



5. I already had Cat's sock book which lead me to purchase this book. I have had NOTHING but fun with it. Very ingenious way of making things with one edge and only one side. This really shows the playful side of knitting.

5 comments about Extreme Pumpkins: Diabolical Do-It-Yourself Designs to Amuse Your Friends and Scare Your Neighbors.

1. I love this guy,I've been watching his website for years. Search under
   Extreme Pumpkins.Not for the mainsteam friendly smiling pumpkin carver.
   The book has great pictures and instructions. You get to use POWER TOOLS!
   I recommend it as a great book for yourself and to give to any friends you have with a strange sense of humor! Warning your neighbors may think you've gotten a little too far out there!!!



2. This book is entertaining, hilarious, and is guaranteed to equally disturb your neighbors and make you a legend among the neighborhood kids come Halloween. Easy instructions to make one of the many bizzare pumpkins illustrated or to "take creative wing" and scare the bejeebers out of the neighbors! Put the fun back into Halloween-this book will show you how!!!



3. I love this book! Not only are the pumpkin carving ideas amazing, but the guy has great suggestions with a good sense of humor. My only regret was that I ordered it late in October and I didn't get the book in time to pursue some of the projects for Halloween night. But it sure made for a great table book and conversation piece at my little Halloween get together. Next year we'll be ready to take some of these on! The photos are wonderful and we all cracked up, deciding which pumkin extravaganza was our favorite. So if you're seriously into having some Halloween creativity and fun, get this little book.
   FUNNY!



4. This book is written with a sense of humor. It has lots of ideas, tips, recipes, and facts; it even has poetry. There are no patterns but plenty of ideas and pictures (to copy). This book is a delight!



5. this was a great book but i bought it new form amazon and there was writing on the sides and cover.

5 comments about Greenberg's Guides Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 2008 (Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide Lionel Trains).

1. Greenberg's Guides Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 2008 (Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide Lionel Trains)
   
   This is the ultimate guide for pricing Lionel trains.



2. When it comes to concise and easy to use price guides to Lionel Trains I have always found Greenberg's Guides to be invaluable. It breaks the catalogue numbers down into eras or distinct ranges of years of production and lists price ranges based on condition in a very orderly fashion. If you sell or buy on eBay this is a valuable tool. Greenberg's Lionel Trains Guides and publications are all first rate and come highly recommended.



3. The item was a gift and the receiver found it very useful for his train collection.



4. Very happy with the quick delivery, I paid for that! But disappointed in the binding of the guide. The first 57 pages were cut that you could not read the entire page. Prices were cut or model numbers.



5. An excellent publication. I've used this book over the years and always get the latest update for the information it contains.

5 comments about The Art of Polymer Clay: Designs and Techniques for Creating Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork (Updated Edition).

1. This book,in my opinion, is one of Donna's best. It has all the basics for beginners without the unnecessary "this is clay" boredom. After what I believe to be HONEST reviews of the top clays on the market today, she has READABLE instructions for many techniques. And if that is not enough, her projects are user /reader friendly. Her projects are nice, not like so many books with their "way out" ideas. If you are a beginner...This is the book to get you started. If you are intermediate, this is the book with new & fun lessons. If you are advanced, this is a good reference book and teaching manual. This is now my #1 reference book.
   Life is too short not to have fun!



2. I love anything Donna Kato does. She is so knowledgeable about Polymer Clay and how to use it. I am amazed at how great this book is as a reference and an inspiration. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves Polymer Clay.



3. This polymer clay book is an updated version of one Donna Kato did several years ago. This book is a wonderfully written and illustrated book about how to use polymer clay to make many things around your house. The steps are clearly explained with photos clearly showing each step. I wish all craft books were as well written and illustrated as this leading founder in the polymer clay industry is. 5 gold stars for Donna Kato!!!!



4. Without a doubt the meduim I use most and have the most fun with. This book has enabled me to get to a whole new level. Beautiful pictures, easy to follow directions and the finished products are nice enough to give as gifts. WELL worth the purchase.



5. The Art of Polymer Clay: Designs and Techniques for Creating Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork (Updated Edition)
   
   I have learned so much from this book an I don't want to put it down. There isn't one wasted word and the photos are outstanding. If you have any interest at all in polymer clay, Donna Kato, is, if you don't already know, one of the best!!! Donna, thank you for this book. I can now take myself to another level of polymer clay work.
   
   Madeline Faiella

5 comments about Spinning in the Old Way: How (and Why) To Make Your Own Yarn With A High-Whorl Handspindle.

1. Great Beginner's book. Patricia G-Roberts instructions and history of spinning is engaging and very easy to understand. There are line drawings to help you visualize the drop whorl spinning process. She also explains the differences between High an Low whorl spindles and is an excellent teacher. Very much worth the investment for a Beginner High Whorl hand spinner or a wanna be.



2. I have several books on hand-spinning and this is THE best. My only complaint is lack of photos but that would jack up the price and isn't really necessary. The illustrations do a good job as is. I learned to spin on a high-whorl spindle by buying one and doing the spinny thing with my fingers - this book shows how you get WAY more spin by spinning it (in the old way!) up or down your thigh. At first this sounded hokey. I thought I had a good spin using my fingers. I was wrong. Now I'm a convert to thigh-spinning! (I know it sounds weird, but this author knows what she is talking about!)
   
   The book also talks about how you can use cheap and inexpensive things as spinning tools. I like the author's idea of keeping it simple and portable. I also like the section on plying - lacking in a lot of books. The author actually tried a bunch of ways and rated them for ease, and then tells how to do it in the easiest way. That's useful.
   
   I love the book and would recommend it to anyone. If you don't have a drop spindle yet, BUY THE BOOK FIRST, then shop for your spindle when you know something about the difference between a good, useful one and a bad one. I had to get rid of my first "beginner" spindle - it wobbled, had a bad hook, and no notch.



3. Gave a wonderful overview of hand spinning, making a strong case for the top whorl spindle. I had been trying to learn by myself, with a starter spindle a friend gave me, and found myself spinning better within hours of reading! I love the drawings, the connections to tradition, and her helpful sharing of various techniques.



4. I am new to spinning with a top whorl spindle, and got this on a whim. I found it fully digestible, with loads of well-written information. The illustrations are clear and useful, covering types of spindles, preparation of purchased fiber, woolen vs. worsted preparation and spinning, direction of spin, plying, cabling, and finishing. It also covers using a nostepinne as a tool for plying.
   
   Ms. Gibson-Roberts is clear, concise and logical about her preferences, but adds other alternatives so that the reader can choose her methods or alternatives, understanding why each might be useful or problematic. She is thrifty, encouraging a minimalistic approach. A list of suppliers is provided at the end, many of whom can be found on the web.
   
   This is an excellent introduction for the novice "spindler".



5. this is the best thing ive ever bought on the subject in book form and im thrilled that i bought it! i would recommend it to anyone wishing to learn to spin!

5 comments about Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women C1560-1620.

1. You must have this book!!!! The historical information in the front of this book is truly exhaustive. This tome is methodically done. Starting with the art from the period, Arnold traces the cut and design of garments throughout the period, giving extant primary source documentation. She then recreates the garment in patterns in the back half of the book. If you want to know precisely how Elizabethan garments were worn, or wish to look as though you have stepped directly from this period in history, this book will be peerless in your library.



2. A tremendous resource for costuming enthusiasts of this era. I read the one review that said the patterns may not come from the actual garments, but instead from second-hand artist's renditions (resulting is less authenticity). Based on the number of actual photographs in the book I don't necessarily think that is the rule, but rather the exception. I still see a great deal of value in the book as the garments are covered in more detail than any other book I have ever purchased. If you can't go see and copy the garments yourself, this is the next best thing.
   
   Buyers do need to be aware, however, that they will not find much on middle class garments (it isn't pointed out, anyway), and absolutely nothing on peasant garments. Also, head coverings were not as extensive as hoped, and again, what is covered is only upper class headware (which the middle classes sometimes wore similar styles, but this book doesn't make any attempt to elaborate). No biggins / coifs are discussed, though Elizabeth is reported to have worn coifs. Not a whole lot in the way of under garments are discussed, but the book does provide one of the best period prints I've ever seen depicting farthingales (they were bigger than the bum rolls today's reenactors use!). Does not give instructions or details for making stiffened farthingales or cages of any kind. One or two photos of silk stockings (too expensive for middle and lower classes, however the knit style shown may be applicable to lower classes). The book does not cover Sumptuary Laws which governed what colors / garments could or couldn't be worn by which classes.
   
   Excellent for showing stitch work and up close construction of actual garments, both in seams and decorative finishes. A couple up close samples of lace are provided, as are fasteners of various types. Covers both men's and women's garments.
   
   Patterns are simple versions in miniature with no details for proper order of construction. As other reviewers have said, one would need plenty of sewing experience to take these patterns and create an actual garment. Bottom line: It is not an exhaustive work, but an excellent and important one within its scope.



3. love the book - you can use this book to re-create period fashions. It will also detail the construction and materials used in the period. the sources used are quite extensive.
   
   I do have a major problem ordering from an overseas country - very difficult.



4. Far and above the best reference for the cut and composition of Elizabethan clothing. I have been up close to a number of the clothes she references in this book and I can say with certainly that her accuracy and thoroughness is second to no other researcher. If there are any drawbacks to this book they are that there are no color photos of these clothes (but her color descriptions are very exacting) and the way the entire book is laid out can be confusing unless you are willing to spend time and thought into figuring out her methods and the vast scope she is trying to encompass with a limited amount of space.
   
   Overall, one of the crown jewels of my tailoring collection.



5. This book is very informative and has wonderful pictures of actual clothes. It was helpful to making my garb more historically accurate.

5 comments about Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art.

1. By far and away the most comprehensive book on origami design and theory that I have every seen. There are thousands of books containing origami models, but few, if any, actually take the time to explain how the models were created in the first place. If Robert Lang didn't already hold a Ph.D., this book could serve as a dissertation. In addition to the theory and concepts of origami model design, this book also contains excellent models that demonstrate the principles covered in each chapter. I have always enjoyed folding Robert Lang's models in the past. They are challenging and extremely rewarding. I am a very good techincal folder but I could never really create my own models. This book has started me on my own path towards creating my own origami models to fold. While this book certainly could be useful to beginning origami folders, it best serves intermediate to advanced enthusiasts.



2. Dr. Lang delves into the hows and whys of origami design exploring origami the way Alton Brown explores food and cooking.
   
   The instructions for creating beautifully made koi decorating the cover are not included in their entirety, notably excluding the sequence for creating the scales. Instead, Lang describes the principles and techniques for creating textures on paper, leaving the creation of the fish as an exercise for the reader.
   
   If you're looking for a recipe book for cool origami designs, then this is not the book for you. Rather, this book is for anyone curious about just how the heck someone makes a cuckoo clock out of one uncut sheet of paper.



3. This book is a MUST HAVE for the origami enthusiast - it begins with excellent coverage of the basics and each chapter builds on the last. When you finish this book, you'll be able to fold anything, except maybe time and space ;-)



4. This book is amazing, if a little daunting. It will take some time but I hope to be creating my own patterns some day. Happy folding!



5. This is a must have book for origami designer as well as folder.
   Robert J. Lang is obviously a great author.
   
   The delivery of Amazon is faster than I experted.
   The book was in good condition when I received it.

5 comments about Sandcastles Made Simple: Step-by-Step Instructions, Tips, and Tricks for Building Sensational Sand Creations.

1. This book is so fun I can't stop reading it. The descriptions of techniques are excellent, and the illustrative photos are even better. I'd say it's the next best thing to taking a live lesson in sand sculpture! It's really going to enrich my weekends this summer. I recommend this book to anyone who is going to be spending any amount of time on any beach in the near future.



2. Try "Beach Lover's Guide to the Perfect Sandwich" This book would go great with Sandcastles Made Simple. After all you'll be working up quite an appetite making all those sandcastles.



3. I finded this book very usefull to persons (like me) who really want to start in a seriously way the construction of sandcastles: ggod and usefull tips, instructions that take you step by step in to this hobby.



4. This is a great book if you are a budding sand castle enthusiast. It tells you what kind of sands are best, even for a backyard sand box. Detailed and well photographed so you really grasp what they are telling you. Even includes sand creations you can make with children.



5. This book is very interesting, we took it on our last vacation and will probably take it with us again. Playing in the sand is fun for everyone. We learned a lot, but a weeks vacation is not enough to learn everything, so we'll be using it for years to come :)

No comments about Hands in Clay with Expertise.