2 comments about Easy-to-Sew Playful Toys: 25 Soft Toys with Interactive Fun.

1. This book promises to help you make a bunch of interactive toys. Most of the toys are essentially stuffed animals. Many have pockets to hold other items, a few with magnets or velcro to attach to the child, other toys, etc. The games feature standards like ring toss, bean bag toss, matching, tic-tac-toe. There are a handful of puppets and dolls- again very standard- pop-up, topsy-turvy, etc.
   
   Based on the photos of the book, I expected original concepts for soft toy making. The author has a wonderful sense of color, whimsy, and pattern. I had high expectations. I was disappointed to find the usual types of cloth toys and games from my own childhood rather than new and innovative games and uses of materials. If I take the time to make these toys, I just don't see them really inspiring my children's play time.



2. I am dissappointed by the projects in this book. In many cases, the instructions indicate that parts should be glued together when sewing them together would be simple enough and would increase the longevity of the finished work (important considering the end user). The pictures are nice and make the projects look good, but time and again I have picked up this book thinking I will make something for my kids and put it down in frustration realizing that there isn't a project in the book that I want to do.

3 comments about Everything for Baby: Projects to Make Yourself.

1. As you can tell from my title, I love this book. As a first time, mother-to-be, I wanted to create little treasures for my newborn daughter. Most craftbooks out there were too general but this book was specified in projects to give to babies. The book is wonderfully divided into sections for projects of all occasions: Bathtime, meals, keepsakes. I also love the overall layout and photos. It's such a beautiful book. Even if I don't get around to making alot of projects in the book, it's simply a beautiful book to browse throught. The author also list the difficultly and the time needed for each project. That helps alot in my deciding if I'm going to tackle a project. An added bonus is the patterns that's include in the back of the book. They are so helpful and handle.



2. As you can tell from the title of my review, I'm very satisfied with my copy. It's a beautiful book with wonderful layouts and photos. As a first time mother-to-be and I wanted to make some projects for my expectant daugther. This book offers me 33 wonderful and darling projects. Granted I'm not going to do half of them, I still enjoyed skimming through the pages and looking at the designs. I love how the author has divided the projects into easy to view sections. ie: Mealtime, Bathtime, clothing, etc. I also love how the author listed the degree of difficulty and the time needed for each project. Now I can just tackle the project that I feel I'm capable of. Another added bonus are the patterns that come with the book inserted in the back pocket of the book. Overall, this book is a must-have. :)



3. This book has great, tasteful projects for special things for your (or someone else's baby). I made several of the sewn items: the angel's nest, the shamrock outfit and the bear bag. The items all turned out beautifully. I found two problems with the book. The patterns are printed on both sides of the paper. So if you want to use the patterns on both sides, you have to trace the one you want onto tissue to avoid damaging the patterns on the other side.

   Secondly, the translation from the French is so poor that the sewing instructions are almost useless. On all the pattern sheets, it says that the seam allowance is included. In the book, it says that you have to cut an additional seam allowance. You actually have to make an item to find out that the seam allowance is NOT included. When you are using expensive Italian linen to make an outfit, this is not the kind of information you want to get after cutting out the pattern. Anyway, if you are an experienced seamstress, you will be able to figure out the patterns and put them together without much help from the book, but if you are not, I recommend you stick to the non-sewn items.

No comments about Bag Bazaar: 25 Stylish Bags to Sew in an Afternoon.

2 comments about Sew Fun, So Colorful Quilts: From Me and My Sister Designs (That Patchwork Place).

1. Nine fun quilts make up SEW FUN SO COLORFUL QUILTS. Written by two sisters (as the name implies), they do such designs as cats and flowers, along with Flying Geese, Square in a Square and simple blocks and strip. When they put them all together, they get wonderfully fun quilts that aren't hard to make.
   
   The quilt sizes range from 52" square to 74" x 93" to 84" square and various sizes in between. The instructions contain a materials list, cutting instructions, how to make the blocks and assembling and finishing directions. There are lots of graphics to make it easy to follow along in the pattern. (Aren't we quilters visual people? So graphics are GOOD!).
   
   The section on General Instructions covers things like machine piecing, basic embroidery, measuring and bias binding. There are even a couple of paragraphs about the sisters. All in all, this would be a great book to inspire a young quilter to begin or spice up the life of a long time quilter. Either way, it is a good book with easy but interesting patterns. A couple of these will find their way into our guild's charity work for Love and Hugs (seriously ill children 0 - 18 years).



2. I just had the opportunity to spend 3 fun-filled days with the sisters at a workshop...they're just as much fun as their colorful quilts. The book is my very favorite, very well written with whimsical explanations of each quilt. Super instructions and illustrations that will have you wanting to make one of each!!! You won't be disappointed with this one!

No comments about Learn to Sew.

2 comments about Zen And the Art of Needlecraft Exploring the Links Between Needlecraft, Spirituality, And Creativity.

1. Midwest comfortably meets Far East. Like the author's earlier "Zen and the Art of Quilting," this book is an educational, touching, and inspiring read. Each chapter has creative tips and gives quilters, knitters, stitchers, etc. several things to think about throughout the creative process. The stories of the author's friends and family will remind you of your own friends and family and your personal connection to the history of needlecraft and even modern ecology. Bottom line: The book inspired me to return to quilting after a long break.



2. 
   Sandra Detrixhe, herself a lifetime sewer, has blended together a mixture of stories to form one cohesive book, Zen and the Art of Needlecraft. Though Zen is mentioned, and its tenants used to provide a thread for a collection of tales about herself, her family, and her friends. This book isn't completely about needlework, but more how that needlework affects those it touches, the creators and recipients.
   
   This book is crammed with useful information. At the beginning of each of the ten chapters, Detrixhe provides a useful tip of two. These are the sorts of tips essential for the novice, and gentle reminders for the experienced practitioner, such as how to get organized and how to position your threads in your needlework tapestry to make it appear more tidy. Two projects- a tote bag and a zen wall hanging are explained with clear, complete directions, so those new to sewing can try their hands at a couple "can't mess up" projects. Before you turn away because you think you're too experienced for this book, though, allow me to say that the stories about herself, family, and friends are my favorite part. They're funny, touching, and inspiring. As she relates how she plans to preserve a 100 year old christening dress, or how to restore a precious doll, or planning for a future quilt, you might get some new ideas for a few new projects of your own.
   
   Zen and the Art of Needlecraft is a perfect gift for the person in your life who is just beginning to work with a needle, and it is the quintessential vacation book for those thread crafters who have a bit of practice. It's small, portable, and extremely well written.
   
   Highest recommendations.

No comments about Junk-Jeans Recycled.

4 comments about Window Basics: Easy & No Sew Treatments.

1. Ably edited by Linda Hallam, Window Basics: Easy & No-Sew Treatments is an amazing, impressive, inspiring guide filled with full-color photographs on how simple and easy window treatments ranging from drapery panels, shades, curtains, and valances, to a wide range of other options any of which, alone or in combination, can truly enhance the beauty and ambience of one's own home. Filled cover to cover with gorgeous ideas, step-by-step instructions, and clearly displayed examples of different ways to dress up one's windows, Window Basics: Easy & No-Sew Treatments is the perfect book for anyone looking to spruce up their home on a reasonably modest budget of money and time.



2. This book is great for beginners. It contains simple, fashionable window treatments with "easy to follow" instructions and photos. I would highly recommend it to those with limited sewing skills or time.



3. This is a basic window treatment book that shows you how to create easy and no sew treatments. I have always liked the Better Homes and Gardens book for the beautiful photography and the clear instructions. This book is no different.
   
   The chapters separate treatments by rooms and then tells you what page to find the directions. This makes it much easier to look through the book to find what you like. When you turn to the instructions, it includes a small picture of the treatment, skill level required, supplies and time it might take.
   
   This is a great book for those with limited time and/or sewing skills.



4. Plenty of window ideas to use in this excellent book. From tab-tops hanging on individual hooks rather than rods to Roman shades, there is something for everyone.
   
   One of the nicest looks was a rooster motif fabric in black made up into Roman shades for a traditional kitchen. The kitchen, if you looked at the pictures, was really quite plain, but the black fabric and large orange rooster design added all the excitement you'd need.
   
   The book is done in sections by room, but you could use the bedroom or even bath ideas for other rooms. My favorite ideas were the dual fabric pooled drapes; two colors silk were banded and pooled on a long window. The bands break up the long fabric line and match the wainscoting running across the room. Very formal yet simple for a dining room. There were some funky ideas; metal work from the antique or salvage shop used as a curtain rod, a birch log as a curtain topper. Vines used to decorate sheers in a baby's nursery. Interesting; not what I'd want to live with, but visually fascinating and perhaps inspiring.

No comments about Seminole Patchwork (Lothian Australian Craft Series).

1 comments about Singer Home Decorating Projects Step-By-Step.

1. This book introduces many sewing projects but offers very few details on completing them. It's presented as if for beginners. However, an experienced seamstress would be better suited for understanding (though under whelmed by) the contents.