5 comments about Coloring With Thread: A No-Drawing Approach To Free-Motion Embroidery.

1. We just cannot get enough time to try everything in this book It is absolutely inspiring. It is exciting just reading it and makes one long to get to the sewing machine. Why do we have to do housework, cooking and cleaning when there are such exciting things to create. Thanks to Ann Fahl for the work she has put into this book.I will always treasure it as I learn the art of Thread Painting.



2. This book presents good technical information on handling thread, etc. for free-motion techniques. I find the examples quite uninspiring artistically, though.



3. As a freehand embroiderer for more than a couple of decades, I purchased this book a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I must admit that I buy books like this as much to enjoy reading as to learn from. Unlike a prior reviewer, I won't criticize Ms. Fahl for having a different artistic vision that I might have--and my work is quite different from hers. So what? This book is presented as a jumping-off point for the buyer's creativity. This book is a great companion to Ms. Fahl's DVD presentation on working with thread; I have reviewed it separately. For a beginner, this can be a very good first resource.



4. I have tried several of the techniques and the author has made learning free motion very understandable and attainable. It is my favorite new quilting book!



5. This is one of the more interesting free motion embroidery
   Books. I think that any one who can sew can do these projects. They are well illustrated and directions are clearly given. No guess work.

5 comments about Award-Winning Applique Birds.

1. I was pleased with the clear instructions, well-drawn diagrams and appealing patterns in Applique Birds. I can't wait to try my hand at applique.



2. This book is wonderful. It gives you very clear instructions and the illustrations are very helpful. It also gives you ideas for future ideas.



3. Bird Patterns are lovely, very detailed and realistic looking. I would recommend to a friend.



4. I purchased this book for a quilting friend who is also a birdwatcher. She loved the book and was looking forward to using the new techniques on a quilt she is working on.



5. This book is my favorite applique book. I love birds and these are the best I've seen to cut and applique. The patterns are on pages to trace not to tear out. The directions and placement of pieces could not be plainer. It is so good. I recommend it highly for anybody that loves birds or just loves to applique.

No comments about Free-Style Handmade Bags & Skirts.

5 comments about Sew with Confidence: A Beginner's Guide to Basic Sewing.

1. I grew up watching my mom sew, but I never learned how myself. This book, in Nancy's wonderful teaching style brought me past watching to doing. I'm not making clothes yet, but I've ventured into many home projects and am becoming more confident all the time. I use this book often as a reference- a great place to go to recount all the steps for a successful project. Nancy covers all the basics that gives the foundation for learning to sew & have fun doing it & doing it well.



2. This book is very easy to understand and is great for you if you are just beginning to sew. You get all the information you need to start sewing! I found this book easy to read, very informative and overall I loved it!



3. This is a good book. I wish it had a little more information in it, but it covers the basics of beginning sewing very well.



4. This book has a number of flaws that make it less than a joy to use. The instructions are competent enough, but given the number of books available and the basic nature of the sewing, this should be expected. Even so, I would have given more detail to the diagrams to show what exactly the written instructions are talking about. The small section on how to take your own measurements was helpful in its simplicity. But I didn't like much else about the book: the projects were generally unappealing, especially the jeans curtain that is very much a niche interest, if you see what I mean. If only a handful of projects can be presented in an introductory sewing book, why can't they be the most useful and attractive ones for a general audience? I find the book visually offputting, too, with all sorts of rather unpleasant color tones on the pages, and frumpy fabric choices. The author knows sewing, but her book completely lacks esthetic appeal. If this were a manual on fixing your printer, I wouldn't care. But learning to sew requires you to spend time in the company of the book. Sewing is a creative endeavor involving color, texture, and design. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but in any case, it counts. This is not a book to stoke one's interest. Finally, entire chapter-heading pages are taken up with useless photos above ludicrously inappropriate motivational blurbs. This is not a heal-yourself self-help book and heaven knows why such over-the-top statements were considered necessary. Frankly embarrassing. On the other hand, the "motivational memo" insets were mainly not motivating at all, just technical bits of advice. That's fine, but "quick memo" would have been better. The book is less than it should be while trying hard to be something it shouldn't.



5. I have been sewing for about one year now. I started out with simple shaft covers for my horse drawn cart, then after my mother gave me the machine I sewed it on, I bought this book. I started out with pajama bottoms, as Nancy suggested and have moved on to dresses, curtains, skirts and pajamas. Guess I'm hooked.
   Nancy's book has been a life saver. Even though I have bought patterns for beginners, the directions were not always clear. I just looked up the technique in Nancy's book and then it was simple.
   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

2 comments about The Encyclopedia of Early American & Antique Sewing Machines: Identification and Values (Encyclopedia of Early American Sewing Machines).

1. I was looking forward to buying and reading this book because I purchased the first two editions and thoroughly enjoyed them. Even my wife, who does not totally share my interest in sewing machines, enjoyed this book. I really liked the more detailed photographs of these early sewing machines and the abundance of color photographs were right on. Everything about this carefully researched book is first class and a great deal for the money. I would have enjoyed seeing more photographs of early trade literature, but I am not complaining. So, to Mr. Bays I say, "CONGRADULATIONS for writing another informative, collectable book about antique sewing machines." James W. Slaten



2. This is an awesome book for those with interest in early sewing machines. The photographs are first rate and the history is comprehensive and fascinating. The rating system puts all of the machines in perspective. I find myself referring to this book frequently.

2 comments about Denim by Design.

1. This book is not worth it. There are a few good ideas but the products are ugly. The book is going back. Sorry



2. If you like to work with denim ,this book has many projects to be completed fairly simply.also,good photos throughout gives an idea of what the finished item will look like.combine with your own ideas and you can expand on the designs.

4 comments about How to Sew Leather, Suede, Fur.

1. I found this book to be quite helpful. It was the only book I could find on sewing fur at the time. I would recommend this book for getting started. It lists many of the different types of furs, leather, suede. Giving a solid background even if you just want to know more but don't want to sew. Somewhat outdated. But, hey the techniques work. My only wish would be for more patterns and more pictures & details with the step by step directions.



2. Needs updating concerning newer materials, tools and techniques. It is a bit too loving hands at home. If updated this could make a serious textbook for design students.



3. This book is not very good.
   I certainly can not recommend it!



4. I was anxious to recieve the book becasuse I was going to start a project with a recycled mink coat I had purchased. When it did arrive, I was immediately put off by the lack of detailed pictures and steps provided to execute the listed projects. I found the instructions for the projects somewhat vague and realized that a lot of revision was needed in order for anyone to be able to follow what was going on. I must say that if one does not intend to actually begin a project or make a fur garment, the book itself is an interesting read and a great reference. Another review had said that if updated the book would be a great text for students, and I would have to agree.

5 comments about Cloth Dolls.

1. This is a book of patterns and tips. The dolls are all virtually the same, chubby baby-faced toddlers. There is a male and female version. The infant is the same as the toddler but can not stand. The adult (pictured on the cover) is just slightly thiner and longer then the children. If you are looking for variety, these dolls are pretty much the same (they all look related to the one on the cover) and they are all conservatively or classicly styled. I recommend the book for those interested in the learning the basics of makeing a "baby doll". If you want any other style of cloth doll (such as artisan) you will be disappointed in the constraints of the styling and you will be forced to find inspiration for your imagination elsewhere. Probably more like 3 stars.



2. I was not aware (or did not read fully) this is about baby dolls not art dolls which I consider to mostly be adult-ish.



3. ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BOOK WITH PATTERNS,INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THE SWEETEST
   AND CUTE DOLLS.A MUST FOR THE DOLL CREATOR.



4. This book is definitely NOT for beginners! Not only do you need some prior knowledge of doll making it appears you also need to be an expert seamstress to decipher the vague and confusing sewing and assembly instructions. The instructions are further complicated for Americans because the author is British and the text is written in the Kings English - some of the references to the fabrics needed are terms I've never heard of. The most frustrating thing about this book is that the Supply Lists do not include the amount of fabric needed to make a particular doll, you'll need to figure that out on your own (all of my other doll making books list the exact quantities needed for every component of the doll). Also, the patterns in this book are not as well executed as those I've found in other doll making books. For me this book is poorly organized, difficult to follow and a major disappointment, I cannot recommend it at all. If you already know how to make dolls you may find this book useful, it contains patterns for making ten cute but rather old-fashioned dolls.



5. I just finished making the cover doll, Poppy, and she turned out
   so cute! The techniques in this book will help you develop
   your doll-making skills. I've grown so tired of negative reviews
   by people who don't know the subject.

5 comments about Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915.

1. I am a costume designer and have had this book for many years. I
   recently purchased a copy for one of my student workers who has
   gone on to pursue a degree in costume design. It is a great book
   for fashion history overview. It is full of basic period patterns
   that are simple to draft and then use your own details.
   It accessible to beginners but a wonderful resource for professionals
   as well.



2. I found this book around 25 years ago. At that time it didn't have any explinations, only the designs and some general info in the front. I do pre 1660 re-enactment and still use and teach from my well worn copy. I put it in a notebook and lend out sheets to explain how pieces go together. It isn't totally accurate, but it is a starting place for new costumers. It is easier to explain changes to make it accurate from there.



3. A book for someone who is wanting to begin exploring theatrical costume design or production.



4. This is a good basic costume pattern book. Easy to use and patterns are easily redrafted and understood. Good historical references. I recently used it for Ancient Greek costumes (easy), as well as Medieval (good ideas). I know that I will be reaching for this book over and over again whenever I need to costume a historical play.



5. I first found this book at the library, and eventually, I did get a copy for myself. It is valuable for the extensive time period it covers, and has moderately well drafted patterns. As someone else mentioned, they have to be corrected every once in a while (though maybe not the extent they claimed.)
   
   I do have one nitpick about this, though. As the title suggest, this is for theater. It's for getting the *spirit* of the costume. Yes, their provided silhouettes are correct. However, their patterns aren't, necessarily. They are simplified a lot, to *look* the same way, but if you're searching for historical accuracy, then it's best to double check.
   
   Don't get me wrong, it's a great, useful book, but it's not always the one I want to turn to for period work.

1 comments about Sew Fabulous Fabric.

1. My review title pretty much says it all- "so-so". The pictures are cute, and the projects are cute, although I feel like I've seen them all before in other books. There are totes, purses, aprons, corsage pins, holiday decorations, etc. Overall, I'm not sure I will actually make any of these projects, but I don't think I will return this book either. If you are like me, and sort of collect craft/sewing books, it would be worth having on the shelf. Also, since some of the projects are quite simple, my 9 year old daughter, a beginning seamstress, will probably enjoy it.