5 comments about Sewing Clothes Kids Love: Sewing Patterns and Instructions for Boys' and Girls' Outfits.

1. Looking for something new and different? This book is filled with beautiful illustrations with fun innovative ideas. Step by step projects can be easily made by both the beginning seamstress and the experienced. You decide how much embellishment you want on the project. Use of color and prints are used in delightful ways that inspire your own creativity.



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RGNCAJ5YST09C A couple of things to note about my video review:
   
   1. I did a video review to give others a better look inside the book.
   2. Please read some of the other reviews. There are much better seamstresses than me who left very detailed comments.
   3. I did not realize that this book came with 10 patterns, until I received it. This is a tremendous value $$.
   
   Really, a great book, just short on boys inspiration. Overall this makes a great reference book. ENJOY!



3. I do a great deal of sewing for my daughter. I would place my skill level at "intermediate" - zippers still scare the heck out of me, but I can read and follow a pattern with confidence. This book is very well-written and extremely inspirational. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys custom clothing creation and wants to stretch their skill level. Oh, one more thing - I totally love the design of the book. It isn't bound traditionally but has a spiral binder so it actually lies flat on your work table.



4. Be aware of the exaggerated style lines of these patterns. I expected when I purchased this book that I wouldn't like the embellishment and fabrics used in the garments but others have said that looking past that, the underlying patterns are great. Well I've now tried two, the "Dortje" pants and the "Insa" skirt, and even in simple fabrics I'm finding the styles odd. I've been sewing for my daughter for several years now and I've had such nice results that I half believed it reflected my skill. But after these two flops, I realize I've just been using good patterns. For the pants, I took the width of each leg panel in by 1/2" to better suit a slim girl, but even with that they are very wide and the bottom flare very pronounced. The waist placement is good but the waistband is a mile wide. I also really hate the pentagonal shape of the back pockets. All these proportions might look nicer on a taller girl but in the middle range 110/116, not at all flattering or current. The instructions suggested cutting elastic the width of the waist plus 1" but I ended up needing to cut at least 2" off of that--what's the point of an elastic waist if it doesn't touch the body? (The instructions also told me to leave a 1/2" wide opening for inserting the 1" wide elastic, obviously a mistake but repeated in the diagram and translated to metric, so not a simple typo.) The pants were very quick and easy to assemble and I asked my daughter if I should try them again but she requested "normal" pants instead (I guess not love at first sight). On to the "Insa." I was excited about the pattern as the overskirt has a pretty petal shaped bottom contour and the elastic sheering looked clever. With the exception of the same directions for the long waist elastic, the instructions and fit are fine. But in the finished skirt the over skirt is so puffy and odd--definitely a little much for a day at school even in simple fabrics. This might be cute as a silly skirt on a toddler but on an older girl the flare distracts from the girl more than it flatters. I'm beginning to think the over embellishment is necessary to mask the clunky shapes of the patterns and in fairness I did end up liking some of the fabric combos shown.
   
   As far as the text of the book, it really seems the author had little to say. There are random tips thrown in, but as much bad advice as good--use strips of fusible web to secure patch pockets before topstitching (why?? a couple pins have always worked for me). Resist the urge to use antique thread (sensible, but is this a common mishap?). I don't think there is nearly enough information to help someone new to sewing (although there are certainly other resources for that). I wish there was a more complete size chart included (only height/chest/waist/hips are given for the standard sizes). They explain how to measure a child in additional areas but don't tell you the corresponding dimensions the patterns were drafted for. Measuring pattern pieces will help but then you have to wrestle with design ease, if you suspect your child has narrow shoulders it would be helpful to know how she compares to the pattern maker's ideal. The philosophical bits are awkward, "Sew with the Flow" is as forced as a midnight term paper. And when it comes to technique, there is little analysis of the heavily styled garments photographed beyond "One trim is seldom enough... anywhere you add a ruffle there is room to put a line of rickrack..." Why not include at least some practical reasons for trim. I've found trim over a seam distracts the eye so that carefully matched prints aren't expected which is particularly helpful between bodice and skirts. Even if you have a pile it on approach to embellishment, there is room to discuss balance and design. I believe the examples photographed were carefully conceived but there is no insight given as to how. There is also no account of which patterns were used where and there are photos of patterns not included in the book. Sadly, there is nothing in here I'll try for my son and the discussion of boy sewing is uninspired which is too bad because it really is possible to home sew for boys, too.
   
   When it comes to the projects section, at least the writing has purpose. The instructions seem pretty good if a little wordy--more is often less with sewing instructions. And along the way new techniques are introduced in natural succession. I can accept that cutting layouts are unnecessary if you are using multiple fabrics but a simple labeled diagram of the flat pattern pieces should really be provided. This makes finding and tracing the pieces simpler and makes the instructions readable without pulling out the tissue paper. Also the cutting lists should take every opportunity to remind the reader to cut right- and left-hand versions of asymmetric pieces like pant legs, not just say cut two. This may sound petty but it's an easy to make mistake especially especially when cutting from multiple fabrics and so frustrating. On the other hand I didn't find tracing from the tissue to be as bad as others have said even with the faint dashed lines and I've already pulled the tissues out multiple times and they are holding up fine.
   
   I still have hope that one of the two dress patterns will be a winner but I'll definitely be setting this book aside for a while before I consider attempting one. For now I'm regretting my time spent with this book but I give it two starts because there are so few contemporary books devoted to childrenswear.



5. I had such high hopes for this book and unfortunately, there is not one thing that I would be able to make, based upon the confusing directions, descriptions, etc. The skirt on the cover looked like something I would have enjoyed making, but I would not know where to start. You probably have to be a very experienced seamstress to make it, along with all of the other patterns in the book. Such a disappointment and waste of money

5 comments about Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z.

1. This is an absolutely wonderful book. Martha Steward presents us with "Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects From A to Z," a book jammed pack full of great ideas and projects. You'll be making a shopping list and heading out to the craft and fabric stores before the day in done.
   
   Martha Stewart shows just how easy it is to create a variety of beautiful gathers, flourishes; often seen on clothing, draperies, pillows, etc. Learn how to make beautiful curtains with designs you painted or printed on the fabric yourself.
   
   After decades of not sewing I recently bought a sewing machine. I've been inspired to only do more sewing but how to do it better and am filled with idea on how to make even a store bought dress pattern more of my own. I'm working on a lovely cloth covered bulletin board with ribbons to hold envelopes and photos in place and a few large pockets to hang by my desk to help reduce the clutter around my computer as well as brighten the space.
   
   Many projects that may have intimidated me in the past actually seem like a piece of cake now that I've seen the step by step instructions. I want to try Batik and other techniques to create a Batik like effect on fabrics used to create clothing, draperies, bedspreads, table clothes, wall hangings, you name it.
   
   This is a must have book for anyone who loves to create a living space and wardrobe that is truly theirs.



2. There are many things about this book to enjoy but the crafter must note that it is an encyclopedia. If you are looking for in-depth treatment on a specific topic, you might do better elsewhere. If you are looking for a refresher, a place to find a quick how-to on french seams or which batting is best for your quilt, just as with any encyclopedia, you will find plenty of varied albeit cursory information.
   
   The text covers sewing, applique, embroidery, quilting and patchwork, dyeing and printing. There is a section discussion tools and materials, a source section and an included CD for project templates (CD not included in my copy to review). The projects themselves range from Animals and Aprons to Upholstery and Wall Decor. You'll find projects for utilizing the skills covered in the how-to sections. For example, I found the projects and information on bed linens and pillows to be quite comprehensive, but I could have used more in the hankies, quilts and clothing sections. Again, it's all about encyclopedic and less about in-depth.
   
   I found the tools and extra techniques section to be especially helpful and certainly worthy of review. The projects themselves were fine, if not exactly revolutionary. I'm sure I've seen some of these before in the magazine or online at the Martha Stewart website. I think they are best utilized to reinforce new skills.
   
   Overall, I think it makes a handy reference guide, something you will keep in your craft room and refer to when you need guidance on specific problems or when you can't remember a certain technique. Because it is cursory in many places, personally I think it is better for someone with more know-how than a complete novice. That said, it would be useful for someone brand-new to sewing as a springboard to learn terms and to sample what's out there in the world of sewing, but I doubt it would be their last stop. If I were buying this for a gift, I would probably give it to someone who knows the basics but might need a bit of bolstering on technique.



3. If you're a newcomer to sewing and fabric arts, you'll love Martha Stewart's take on the craft. With easy-to-follow instructions and inspiring patterns, she shows you the ins and outs of everything you need to know to get started on simple sewing, quilting, embroidery, and more. The CD with patterns is a nice addition. I'll be referring to this book over and over again!



4. What can you say? The woman is encyclopedic all by herself, so you can bet that anything she publishes related to any topic close to her heart will be, too. Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts is comprehensive, beautifully laid out and easy to understand for users of all experience levels. I only wish this book could free up more time in my schedule to DO more of the projects!



5. This is a well-designed, nicely-organized book that is certainly not Encyclopedic. For beginners, this will be a valuable resource, but if you already have a lot of sewing and fabric resources, I'd go shopping for something either more comprehensive or more specialized.

4 comments about Card Making with Cricut.

1. I was so excited to get this book since I just bought my Cricut. The ideas are wonderfully done and they included the names of the catridges that were used for each project as well as where or what supplies were used. As a first of this kind of book for Cricut, it's a nice book to have especially for a beginner like me. I do hope future books will include more cards and specialty paper crafts since Cricut is limitless when it comes to projects. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will more than likely buy the next one.



2. This is a wonderful source for deciding how to use your Cricut machine. I really like the magazine.



3. Maybe I was wrong in expecting something more and different. I own MANY cricut cartrages and was hoping to gain useful ideas as to how to best use them. The MAGAZINE is overpriced and just does not come off as useful for many of us that were looking forward to THIS FIRST, which is not really a book............ Sincerely written......



4. This book is awesome. I do not have all of the cartridges that are used in this book but the creations in this book make me want to get those cartridges. Some of the cartridges used in this book are Walk in my Garden, Wild Card, wedding, storybook,Plantin Schookbook,Graphically speaking, Indie Art, Home Accents,Doodlecharms,zooballoo.
   I hope this helps you to decide to purchase this book. I am very happy with my choice.

5 comments about ARRL Ham Radio License Manual: All You Need to Become an Amateur Radio Operator (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual) (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual).

1. Bought this copy for the wife, but I also used this same edition for the Tech exam a few years back. Both of us made scores of 100 using only this book and a few web sites for exam taking practice. It certainly includes everything you need in information to pass the Tech exam, and more. The Amazon price is the best I could find, considering that it was bought at the same time as the current General manual to get free shipping on both. Using only these ARRL exam books I made a score of 100 on my Tech, General, and Extra exams in 2006; hard to beat that result.
   
   The way I used them was to read the text, go immediatly to the associated questions in each section and try to answer the questions, and look up the place in the text where the information needed to answer the question was presented and highlight it with a marker. That allowed me to read back through the text material for review and take specific notice of the most relevant points (for test taking purposes) of the material. This made taking the actual exams a cinch. Others say they prefer the Gorden West series' question-oriented teaching style, and maybe it works well for them, but it is hard to argue with the results we have achieved with these ARRL materials, and some bit of the publishing profits will help fund the ARRL, which is a Good Thing.
   
   All the manuals in this series include the printed questions in the current test pool, which is probably a cheaper way to get them on paper to study than printing them on your inkjet or laser printer.
   
   Recommended.



2. We received the books on time for the course we were taking and they were just as described - Thank you for the prompt shipment.



3. This book in combination with the ARRL's Tech Q&A book is by far the best diy books on Technician class license study. If I do not pass the exam it will not be the fault of these books.



4. Book arrived rapidly, was in shrink wrap & in excellent condition!!
   Thank you for your quick processing & shipping
   Suzie



5. If you want to recieve a broad exposure to entry level topics in ham radio, this book is for you. If you just want to pass the license exam, buy the Q&A book. If you're buying a book for your girlfriend to get her license, get the Q & A book.
   
   This book is well written, informative and a great intro to ham radio for the person who has the time to read about it. I love the ARRL license manuals. I used them from Tech to Extra.

5 comments about The Dangerous Book for Boys.

1. 
   I have used this book as gifts to my sons to share with their boys. They have had great fun with the book. Doing activies they had forgotten about that they shared with their father and grandfather.



2. An excellent concept in books for young boys and fun for us older "boys" as well. Bought it as a gift for my grandson and it has provided us both with many happy times together!



3. bought this book for my son on those rainy days. He seems to really enjoy it.



4. You expect an author to defend his own work, but I've never seen it done better than Conn Iggulden does in Amazon's own official editorial review and interview posted right on this product page:
   
   "I think we've become aware that the whole 'health and safety' overprotective culture isn't doing our sons any favors. Boys need to learn about risk. They need to fall off things occasionally, or--and this is the important bit--they'll take worse risks on their own. If we do away with challenging playgrounds and cancel school trips for fear of being sued, we don't end up with safer boys--we end up with them walking on train tracks. In the long run, it's not safe at all to keep our boys in the house with a PlayStation. It's not good for their health or their safety."
   
   That's it in a nutshell. As some reviewers have had the (there's no other word for it) stupidity to complain about, there's NOTHING in this book that's REALLY dangerous unless you go about it stupidly or carelessly. For example you cannot put someone's eye out with an air rifle unless you, stupidly or carelessly, point it at them (or yourself) first.
   
   Other reviewers have suggested buying other books instead. Fine and dandy, many of their suggestions have merit, but why do they have to be "instead"? For example a boy who is really into building things and would not be intimidated by very detailed instructions and diagrams might prefer something like The Boy Mechanic: 200 Classic Things to Build, but boys who are being allowed to use Daddy's tools for the first time might prefer to start with the simpler projects in here.
   
   Joining the Boy Scouts and buying the current edition of the Boy Scout Handbook is another great suggestion, but why does it have to be "instead"? A Boy Scout could get a lot of good things out of this book, and joining the Boy Scouts is going to be a much larger investment in money (and time) than buying this book.
   
   Some reviewers have complained about the fact that it is intended for boys. Not to be politically incorrect, but let's face reality here: most boys but only some girls are going to be interested in this sort of book, and those girls who ARE going to be interested in this sort of book will absolutely LOVE the fact that it is intended for the boys they will be outdoing at the activities described herein.
   
   Some reviewers have complained about it being too "British".
   
   Please.
   
   I only wish it were possible to purchase the British editions easily and at a reasonable price (or at least SEE what was taken out); I'm rather curious.
   
   Finally, some reviewers have complained about what was left out, and most of the things they complain about being left out arguably should have been included. However, if all of the things that shouldn't have been left out HAD been included, this would have been a hundred volume set.
   
   Those interested in furthers books in this series or in the companion series for girls are directed here: The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Things to Do, The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Things to Know, The Dangerous Book for Boys Yearbook, The Dangerous Book of Heroes, The Daring Book for Girls, The Pocket Daring Book for Girls: Things to Do, The Pocket Daring Book for Girls: Wisdom & Wonder, and The Double-Daring Book for Girls.



5. As a dad of two boys (of the "technology age"), I'm thrilled to have this book in hand. The book itself is in great condition and we just can't wait to learn some of the gems found inside.

5 comments about One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric!.

1. I found this at the book store the other day and was impressed with all the great projects. I bought it and went home and immediately started to work on the hanging organizer, dress, and Folklore bag. I'm an experienced sewer and not a fan of patterns, but I was able to follow the folklore bag pattern and made the cutest purse!
   (Warning: the folklore bag is VERY involved and took me all night to make.)
   
   I figured out the hanging organizer without reading directions. I couldn't figure out the dress and ended up scrapping it and making a bag with the fabric. Some of the instructions were lacking. Other reviewers stated there are patterns included that they would never use, but with 101 projects to choose from at such a great price, it is worth it to buy the book for the patterns that you will use. I don't have kids but we all know people who have kids/baby showers and it is ALWAYS somebody's birthday. I love all the great ideas, fabrics, and cute patterns. I just wish the instructions were a bit more clear.



2. I LOVE this book! I bought it for my friend for her birthday and I almost kept it for myself! It came in like 3 weeks before her b-day and I never stopped looking at it! Most of the projects are really cute, but of course with 101 projects there were a few that I didn't like. But I was surprised that I really did like most of them. And a lot of them can be altered easily to fit your needs. Not every project has a pattern which is ok with me. Some of them (like the sewing machine cover or mail organizer) just have directions with dimensions which was not as complicated as it may sound. I only completed one project from the book, and my friend did two, and those three were all pretty easy. I don't think any of the projects in the book take up too much time. There are plenty of diagrams, but on the project i completed (which was the sewing machine cover) they used a diagram on a very simple step, but not on a more coplicated sounding step. So, if you have trouble following written directions keep that in mind. A lot of the stuff in this book you could probably think of or create on your own, but I still highly recommend it! It's fun to look through and get ideas from and would be especially helpful if you need a gift last minute, etc.
   Bottom Line: Get it!



3. This book is great for those just learning to sew, including fun projects that are quick to make. My only issue is that the instructions could be a little more descriptive, many of them lack step by step photos. I've run into problems with a couple of projects where I could not figure out the instructions and had to rip the seams and retry a few times. Other than that, definitely worth having for afternoon projects.



4. I am new to sewing and really love this book! I love this book because for the money you really can not beat getting 101 projects (or 106 projects if you get this book from Barnes and Noble) .... as with any craft book there are patterns I will not use (like the Spats!), but overwhelmingly there are a lot of great patterns in here that I cannot wait to make! Some that I am looking forward to making are: tabletop ironing board cover, cottage apron, oven mitt and hot pads, wineglass coasters, all-you-need sewing kit, sewing machine cover, collapsible shopping tote, strapless belted tunic, bias skirt, summer nightie, flouncy bag, folklore bag, scrunchie bag, festive flag banners, cuddly bear cushion, Elodie the Elephant, "Olivia the Owl" (barnes and noble copy), and the "Cat Crinkle Sack" (barnes and noble copy). I have made two project thus far (the "not ugly car trash bag", and the "peg bear"), and both were really easy to make and turned out awesome. The directions for this project were very easy for me to understand, and as I said I am very new to sewing. Some great features of this book are: nice color photographs, spiral bound so it lays flat, great how to and resources section, and also a diagram of how to lay your pattern pieces out on your fabric (which all sewing books should have in my opnion!). The patterns are divided up by function ... for example "Household Affairs", "Carry It All", "Playtime", etc. As I also hinted at earlier, if you get this book at Barnes and Noble (like I did!), you actually get 5 extra bonus patterns that are not included in other editions for a total of 106 patterns ... the extra patterns are for a stuffed owl, a baby doll carrier, a clothespin bag, a cat crinkle sack, and a bicycle duffle bag. I thought it was worth it to buy the book at Barnes and Noble for the extra patterns.
   
   There are some aspects that I wish were improved. In the "Outfit Your Small Wonder" section of the book, all of the patterns except for a newborn jacket are for girls. I have 3 boys, so it would have been nice to have at least one pattern for boys. But, my major gripe would be the super cheap way they have the paper patterns stored. As you can imagine, with there being 101 projects in the book there are A LOT of paper patterns. All of these brown paper patterns are crammed into this small envelope that is stuck to the inside of the book cover with a small bit of glue. You have to pull the envelope off in order to get to the patterns, and once you do that the envelope will not stick very well anymore. This could have been really improved by having some type of permanent pocket attached to the cover (like other sewing books do) to store the patterns. And once you pull out the patterns, because the envelope is so small, it is nearly impossible to get them all back in.
   
   But, my complaints are minor, this is a great book. I understand that there may be some errors in this book ... you can go to the publishers website ([...]), and there are corrections on the site for 3 or 4 patterns.
   
   A great book!



5. I'm a fairly experienced sewer, but haven't been sewing much the past few years until I got a pattern book last year and dived back in. Having a large stash of fabric in single yards this book appealed to me and I got it. I picked out several simple projects that didn't need extra materials and did them with ease. When I got my hands on a lot of coupons I got the extra materials needed for several projects and I've been going whole hog on the weekends and it's been great fun.
   
   However, the book has flaws. It's geared towards the beginning sewer, but it does this sort of "cute" thing where instead of having length and width, dimension are "wide" and "tall." Tall always being parallel to the selvage. This might be alright except in those instances where the "tall" dimension is shorter than the width. This could confuse anyone, especially a beginner. And that might might be alright, but a beginner moving on to other patterns books and the like will have to adjust to the normal "width" and "length." I really can't approve of something that goes off the standard language of sewing patterns, uniformity and universality is a good thing. It means anyone can come to it and understand it because they know it from elsewhere.
   
   There's also the issue that some of these patterns were not properly vetted. There are errors and an inexperienced sewer will not know how to adjust things to make them work, especially since the photograph of the project in some instances will not match what you do even when following the instructions exactly. The most striking error is in the "Collapsible Shopping Tote." The fabric is folded in half, the pattern laid on the fold and cut out...twice, but the pattern piece is more than half the length of one yard, making it impossible to cut out two. (It's like being given a yard of string and being told to cut two two feet pieces out of it.) I know how to get around this, but someone with less experience might not.
   
   As others have noted the instructions themselves are not as thorough as they should be for a beginner. In other words you have a book ostensibly good for a beginner that really requires more experience to fill in the gaps in the instructions, and for an experienced sewer there are not a lot of patterns that are new and exciting. Reducing the number of patterns and doubling the length of instructions and illustrations would have yielded a better book.
   
   And a final caveat: they may all call for one yard of fabric, but there are precious few that do not call for many other materials from fusible interfacing, to elastic, snaps, ribbons, bias tape. etc. It truly would be a wonder if ALL you needed was one yard of fabric.
   
   Having said all that the book has been useful to me. There are many projects that I can follow or adapt to make useful things I probably wouldn't have thought to make without the inspiration.

5 comments about Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy.

1. I picked this book by chance after returning home on yet another day of seeing multi dead animals laying on the highway thinking among other things, I wonder if you can make a hat or something useful out of road kill. The book is not about that but the author did a fabulous job of entertaining me while informing me of the art of preserving animals for what ever reason and whether you agree it should be done or not I think you will find this a great read with quite a bit of historic value and I would defiantly be up to reading the next thing the author would like to write about.



2. When I first saw the cover of Melissa Milgrom's Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy, I thought (and hoped) it would be much like Mary Roach's book "Stiff." After reading the first few chapters I realized that this was not the case. For example The first chapter William Schwendeman, the last chief taxidermist of the American Museum of Natural History, who is part of a family taxidermy business in Milltown, New Jersey. Chapter two follows a taxidermy competition in Springfield, Illinois that reminded me of a combination between a dog show and car show in the participant's obsession with detail, that separates winning and losing mounts. Milgrom also spends time with Emily Mayer, a British artist that uses taxidermy as a tool for making modern art. She also follows Ken Walker, a Canadian taxidermist who attempts to create a mount of a long extinct Irish Elk. I think though that may favorite chapter is on Victorian Mr.Potter's Museum of Curiosities that before it's recent auction featured cats dressed and mounted in every day human activities that came to be known as the grotesque school: weddings, working at a gristmill, and so on. It's hard not to imagine how this phenomenon must have influenced countless childrens books.
   
   While "Still life" does contain many memorable people, which shouldn't be surprising since taxidermy is a relatively obscure art, Milgrom's writing is rarely laugh-out loud funny. Instead, still life is an ethnographic study of the culture surrounding still life. In addition to an overview that traces taxidermy as a way of preserving newly discovered wild life. It touches on some of the great taxidermists and the role it played in dioramas natural history museums and their eventual exodus as more interactive exhibits came about and it became somehow politically incorrect to have mounted animals in a museum.
   
   Finally at the end of the book, Milgrom tries her hand at mounting a squirrel and entering it in a judged Taxidermy contest. Still Life is an engrossing book and readers who come to it with an open mind will learn who and why taxidermy is practiced.



3. This book was pretty good but I really couldn't believe that there was NO PICTURES!!! On the up side, I don't really have anything else bad to say about this book. It was detailed and entertaining. The chapters were episodic but each chapter added to the overall theme of the book, giving different perspectives on taxidermy as a whole. As a 30 year old female clueless about taxidermy, I could really relate to this female author from Brooklyn who was equally as clueless and took us through her journey of learning about the taxidermy world. For a curious outsider this is a pretty decent introduction, but the lack of pictures was really disappointing.



4. This book is fascinating, curious, compassionate and entirely enchanting. I cannot remember the last work of nonfiction that made me want to travel to the places described in it, let alone four or five places, and one of them being the World Taxidermy Championship! Milgrom is a magnificent writer. Her prose is vivid, simple and beautiful. She does a wonderful job weaving together portraits, history, and reportage. It is a work infused not just with the Victorian sense of wonder at the Natural world, but of the present equally wonderous one we inhabit today. Somehow she transforms taxidermy from a craft that is both odd and creepy into something oddly touching. I loved this book.



5. This book is great; it gives the reader a compelling and sympathetic window into the subculture that is professional taxidermy.
   
   The main problem with it: don't try to read this while you eat. I usually read the books I review over lunch and dinner; this one, yeah, that didn't happen, or rather it happened once and then never again.
   
   Apart from that caveat though, I highly recommend this book. It isn't for everyone -- like I said, you'll need a strong stomach to get through it -- but I can't imagine a better outsider's look at the (oddly compelling) world of professional taxidermy.

No comments about The Aloha Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel.

2 comments about Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts: 23 Original Quilt Designs.

1. Just finished reading this from beautiful cover to beautiful cover. I own all of Kaffe's quilting books and therefore I recognize the retooling of previous entries. Much of what is art is reinventing the wheel. Kaffe is a master of taking the excellent and retooling it to a new level of spectacular. What I liked most about this book is he breaks the process down to entry level allowing you to see through his keen eyes; inviting you into his mindset to experience how he processes to create and recreate. Nothing is complicated here as it is so visual and texted with such clarity. He wants YOU to be successful. Personally I strive to learn anything that will inspire me to think for myself. Though he gives the recipes for his 23
   gorgeous results in this book, he is showing you....asking you to be creative and start with the fundamentals. Most of the designs are so basic and quite simple. Once again he illustrates the importance of great color and pattern and the interaction of these two key elements within the framework of rock solid design. There is something for everyone here. I was particularly enchanted by the retelling of the Haze Kilim..... taken from a rug design; translated into knitted design; now repositioned in one of the most breathtaking quilts ever. It is an explosion of color and texturing and I cannot wait to make one! He asks you to get out there and be original and take a dare. Having used so many of his designs with and without his fabrics they never fail to have such adaptability; are so clear and concise; never disappoint. If you desire to get to the roots of design and wonder where to begin this book is for you. If your aim is to have a refreshed view of previous ground this book is for you. If your prime interest is holding the blueprint for some of his lovelies this book is for you. This is a through-the-looking glass opportunity into the mind's eye of a master. Try not to miss this one!



2. I even bought this in hardcover. That's hardcore. There are "projects" but I think of this as a book of design ideas. I felt like an amateur artist instead of a ruler junkie when I read this
   
   Design, colors, a use of both cool and hot palettes, the construction has gentle warnings "this is not a quilt for a beginner" Unless he/she is using robotic sewing arms. Always a pleasure , always full of ideas . This is so far from the sharpest points, most evenly stuffed binding end of things it reminds me why I love to make quilts. Is it to get "better points"? How about playing with shapes and colors and making something that is occasionally beautiful and always a learning experience.
   
   Inspiring.

5 comments about Knitwear Design Workshop: The Comprehensive Guide to Handknits.

1. I was just able to get my hands on a copy of this wonderful book. I haven't been able to put it down since. Like its title suggests, this book is dedicated to helping designers think through, map out and see design projects come to life. It contains four patterns of sweaters all of which are awe-inspiring. I was shocked to read the other review that boo'ed the spiral binding, but I am beyond ecstatic about it. The hardcover wraps around the spiral binding so you can stand it up on your shelf. And the spiral binding allows the book to lay flat! Every single knitting, crafting, sewing, quilting book out there should be spiral bound, I say! Since it lays flat, you don't have to break the binding in hopes of taming the book open. I think that is essential when your hands are occupied with other things.
   
   The subtitle: "A Comprehensive Guide to Handknits" - is no lie. Comprehensive it is. It is more like a beautiful textbook and it belongs in every aspiring hand-knitwear designer's library.



2. I bought the book sight unseen having become familiar with her wonderful designs in my magazines. The material is mainly about sweaters with additional material on skirts and dresses. I didn't find vests or such simple items as capes, wraps, etc so I hope she might consider another book on those items. The book will be very helpful to me as it covers very thoroughly the subjects of saddle shoulders, raglans and circular yokes; but raglans seem to be knit in pieces although one of her sources is the Fee book on the subject. The book is a huge encyclopedia of information and the index will hopefully help me with the questions that keep cropping up as I knit. Put me down as someone who is also not happy with the spiral binding because I am worried I will end up ruining some of the pages. The book just seems to be a bit unwieldy with this binding as it is so large. She gives only 3 buttonholes and half a page on zippers. So comprehensive is a misnomer .Her writing style is very clear and understandable. Aside from the binding, I have no complaints with the type, paper or illustrations. Her bibliography does not include Meg or her mother but does have many other important books. A welcome addition to my knitting library.



3. How long we knitters have waited for the magnificent textbook Shirley Paden has worked so long and hard to producE !!
   
   I am not, nor ever will be a knitwear designer, but with the help of this book, I can not only use commercial patterns more constructively, I can check them for accuracy and modify them easily. Ms. Paden gives you the techniques and the mathematical formulas needed to chart patterns so if you already have a commercial one, you can check it easily by charting it to confirm that there are no errors and/or you can adjust it to match your gauge and your personal body measurements.
   
   Granted it may not be the first book a beginning knitter might want to buy, nevertheless, many of the techniques should be taught early to all knitters so that they do not stumble blindly for years, and only later, learn what they could have mastered in the first place. And those who criticize this for not being aimed at beginning knitters could be asked, "Where are the books to assist more advanced knitters in improving their techniques ? Have there ever been any that come even remotely close to serving those of us who have been knitting for years ?"
   
   I ask Ms. Paden to please begin work on Volume 2 to address many of the topics that simply could not fit in her first volume and which, if included, might have made the book too heavy to lift ! And please do make the second volume spiral-bound so that it too can be laid flat and kept open without the binding eventually breaking as with traditionally bound books that one has to weigh down in order that they be read hands-free...many readers like to knit and read at the same time.
   
   In conclusion, congratulations and thank you very much, Shirley Paden !



4. Shirley Paden's designs appear in publications such as Knitters Magazine and her work is characterized by shaped garments such as coats, jackets or sweaters that have a strong textural fabric created by cabled knitting and traveling stitch.
   
   Now Shirley shares her considerable knowledge of clothing design with knitters and this book is the result. The book is bound with spiral binding and covered in "perfect binding" (a sort of glazed paper over boards) so that it can lay flat as you study the diagrams. This is, therefore, a book for people serious about design. If you are looking merely for some patterns, yes, there are four of them in the back for coats and a pullover, but the major thrust of the book is about how to design sleeves, necklines, collars, and make the garment fit according to your vision. For that reason, this book is unique. If you want to make fitted knit garments (even if you machine knit), I think the info in this book is particularly valuable.
   
   Each part of the garment is covered: from lapels, to the silhouette, bands, sleeves, cuffs, hems, collars, shoulders. Blocking and how to attach bands (picking up) is also covered.
   
   The book shows you how to implement your vision after you choose a source of design for your idea, how to achieve various styles of neckline and sleeves (bell sleeves, long sleeves, etc, boat collars, off the shoulder necklines, cowls and turtlenecks) and more importantly, shows you how to measure your model to get the fit. She warns about gauge (and this is vital if you use textured knitted stitches like Paden's)--a few fractions of an inch off and your coat may not fit the way you intended. Her advice is very detailed, including swatching, row and stitch count, gauge and choosing the right pattern stitch.
   
   In summary, if you want to design garments such as coats, pullovers, skirts and have them fitted (rather than simply tubular) then Paden's book is an absolutely essential resource. This is a major knitting design book.



5. I really hate books like this. Their covers tease you with beautiful images of what is to come but when you buy the book, you find there is NO SUCH pattern contained within. It's VERY dishonest.