5 comments about The Art of Manipulating Fabric.

1. Texture, movement, sway, swag... and more. No prints or color to distract from form, just the fabric manipulated to stand strong, or pout, stipple or ripple in the stream, sharply pleat, or undulate with pleasure. Particularly canted toward those with imagination, this is a profound source book for textural ideas to which I return again and again; a magnificent work.



2. Very unique and creatively artistic quilt art. Will take time to learn, but is beautiful and gets your attention right now.



3. The Art of Manipulating Fabric is a wonderful book. There are excellent pictures or diagrams on every page. The instruction for creating the details covered in the book are excellent as well. Easy to follow. I would recommend this book to any seamstress who wants to improve their sewing by adding these special deatails that make a garment truely special.



4. This is a wonderful reference book for all those interested in sewing and embellishing fabric. It's pure pleasure just looking at the pictures! I have given the book 4 stars though because, although I understand that the use of unbleached white muslin for all samples is clearly useful, I would have liked to see the pictures in color anyway, and not just in black and white. A snow-white cotton fabric over a mahogany background or something similar would have been perfect. It would have given the book the final touch of elegance and luxury which all these fabric embellishments are about anyway. A better picture resolution would have been ideal too, but maybe it's just my bad eyesight! In any case, I wholeheartedly congratulate Colette Wolff and thank her for this fantastic addition to the sewing libraries of passionate fabric/sewing lovers like myself, and I will wait for a second edition with more fabric manipulating ideas! The sky is the limit!



5. First let me say that I am a simple quiltmaker. But I am a fantastic dreamer! This author has taken all of my dreams and made them come true. I cannot believe the things she does with the most common of fabrics. She sews designs and stuffs them with batting, then creates a wonderful picture with them. She pleats and ruches, too. Welting, cording, smocking, and tucking, are only a few of the lessons in her repertoire. The best way I know to describe her work is to say it's extremely varied in all areas of manipulation and is unlimited in its use. Clothing and quilts become things of great beauty when created using her methods. I recommend this book for all those who are the least bit interested in working with fabric. There are no brightly colored pictures, however. They are just not necessary here.

5 comments about The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn.

1. As President of Signature Needle Arts yarn makes our needle business possible. This book is fantastic--whether you have just started to knit or are the most experienced. All the information about fiber and yarn manufacturing you have ever heard (and a lot you probably don't know) is in one place. It explains so much about what a knitter experiences from one yarn type to another. Understanding of the basic raw material of all knitting projects will prove invaluable and save time, expense and the heart-break of choosing the wrong yarn. Knitter's Review is a great website, but this book should be on every knitter's shelf as a reference.



2. ....cover to cover. And eagerly, at that. On the first page the author reads my mind and answers my most pressing question. "Why the ^%*@ do my garments never turn out the way I expect"?!?
   It's all about the yarn.
   This book will take it's place as my number one knitting resource.



3. This is a great book...I find a lot of useful information and lots if interesting patterns. I'm just about to start the Calla Lily bag. This book a good addition to anyone's library.



4. She likes this book enough to buy it, which is unusual, so her opinion speaks for itself. Especially since she crochets, not knits.



5. This book is the equivalent to a college course on fibers and their characteristics. NOW I know why some of my projects were not what I had hoped they would be; I substituted yarns that were the same gauge, but that wasn't enough. The patterns in this book are examples of each type of yarn (not just the fiber, but the number of plies, etc.) and are very user-friendly. I've already completed a small project, and this time my yarn substitution worked extremely well. I've knitted for many years, but feel that I've graduated to a new level because of this book.

5 comments about Friendship Bracelets (Klutz).

1. I already knew how to make friendship bracelets, but if I didn't, this book would be a great way to learn. The instructions are very clear. It was wonderful for learning new patterns, too.



2. This is our 2nd Klutz book we have purchased. (we have the Cootie Catcher) AND WE LOVE THEM!
   My daughter, age 9 is a big fan, especially on the rainy days. It will remind you of those bracelets I think we all learned to make as a kid PLUS some really different versions of them. Not a whole lot of string comes with it, so if you are giving it as a gift (which we did- her best friend, age 10), Make sure you pick up some extra string. I was able to find them at pretty much any craft store for 25 cents a color. (Not bad- eh?)
   It comes with a handy clip and a measuring area on the book to make things a lot easier then when I was a kid! No more putting the string under a heavy book and working that way :o)
   WOrTh EvEry PennY!



3. KLUTZ is the place to start for creativity for the beginner. Easy with step-by-step instructions. Bracelets can be created in team colors, flowers, hearts and other designs. Fun to make with a great product to wear or share at end learning process. Book to be returned to over and over for new designs and colors.



4. I have always wanted to learn how to make these nice bracelets and now at the age of 27 I finally have! I'm also looking forward to teach the young girls I know and I'm sure they will enjoy making these wonderful friendship bracelets as much as I do!



5. This is a really nice book. It features a good variety of designs with clear instructions and diagrams. I also thought that the included floss was really nice; the colors are shiny and bright.

1 comments about Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques.

1. I am new at needle felting, but this book explains each step very clearly. The book includes photos and drawings along with very clear descriptions. They even show and tell you what you need for each product. This is a great book for anyone interested in learning this craft.

2 comments about One-Block Wonders Encore!: New Shapes, Multiple Fabrics, Out-of-This-World Quilts.

1. One-Block Wonders Encore!: New Shapes, Multiple Fabrics, Out-of-This-World Quilts
   
   Excellent book, easy to read and understand instructions . . .and . . . it has the instructions for the "boxes" that were not in the first book. Exciting quilts can be made from this book.



2. This book is a lot of fun. My son and I are both making quilts from it and it is very easy to follow and understand and the array of blocks you can make is wonderful!

5 comments about Fabric Art Workshop: Exploring Techniques & Materials for Fabric Artists and Quilters.

1. This is a wonderful book if you are experienced in multiple methods of working with fabrics and fibers. It gives short, concise, information on techniques, and lets you 'run with it' on your own. I needed to research a method of working with fiber that I had used before, quite some time ago, and had forgotten the exact method for the process. This book quickly brought me up to speed, giving me an excellent reminder of how to start. I was then able to work through what I had done before to achieve my results. It also gave me the basics on a method I had thought about, but never knew how it was done (fabric beads). In a couple of short paragraphs I had the process down and was able to experiment at will.
   
   If you aren't an experienced fabric worker, or like to be given clear, step-by-step instructions on methods and examples of what you can actually do with different methods, may I suggest Art Quilt Workbook, by Waterston?
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Art-Quilt-Workbook-Techniques-Creativity/dp/157120377X/ref=pd_bbs_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213469647&sr=8-6
   
   It is very clearly written, gives good, clear instructions, and examples of projects you can try. It is an excellent choice for a beginner's book.
   
   Good luck, and have FUN!!!



2. This is a great textbook for budding art quilters. There's a new technique every 2 or 3 pages. I'm planning to work through it one technique at a time. It provides enough information to get you started with each technique and gives you some ideas for what to do with your creation. I definitiely recommend it for people intersted in exploring art quilting techniques.



3. If you like a clean house or a hot meal or clean clothes, don't, I repeat, DON'T buy this book. I received this book from Amazon, opened it up and started to read it. I was so innocent then. Then the book grabbed me and off I went on projects. I bought supplies, came home and started making samples. Vacuum? Dust? Oh, those can wait,--there is another project to try! The projects are fun, they are easy and the results are fabulous. If you want to try some fabric painting and dyeing in various forms, for example, this is your book, and that is just a small portion. Grab the book, be prepared to forget everything around you exists, and have fun!



4. I was very pleased with this book. It's creative techniques and clear instructions will be refered to often as I attempt art quilts.



5. This book has so many different techniques, it's delicious! I have most of the products to start in my own stash and purchased a few more. It's enough to keep me busy without boredom. 5 stars!!

5 comments about Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac.

1. I bought this for my mother for Christmas and she thinks it's great. A Zimmermann clasic. It's a good book for both knitters and non-knitters.



2. Excellent book for knitters who like to take a pattern and do there own thing! Very entertaining.



3. If you knit you are missing something if you haven't read EZ's books yet. They are all wonderful--you will learn about knitting and EZ's wonderful philosophy of life. You don't need to knit her patterns (and nonpatterns) but you will learn about knitting.



4. I love Zimmermann's technic and pattern. The only negative thing I could find is that the object isn't so top fashion. But the book is absolutely quality and something you need in your knitting collection.



5. EZ is a wonderful writer - entertaining and also very informative. If this book was republished with better photographs, it would easily be a five-star product.

5 comments about Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners.

1. I bought this book, thinking it was connected to Jenny Hart and Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To. Much to my amazement - actually, just now, more or less - they are not. But the styles are very, VERY similar. The main difference is that in this book, you will get mostly craft ideas and some designs. In Sublime Stitching you'll get mostly designs (iron-on). Both are geared towards beginners - and both have very lengthy introductions into the basic steps and stitches.
   
   While I'm now very startled that I did not in fact buy a Jenny Hart title, I am very pleased to have found a new embroidery sensei to follow in Aimee Ray.
   
   One last note: the model used in the book is attractive, but has the weirdest pseudo-smile that unnerves me. Be on your guard. The crafts are worth it, though.



2. I've purchased many craft books, only to return immediately because the cover/description were completely misleading, but this is not one. Clear pictures and descriptions, and I love that it provides instructions not only for the embroidery, but sewing the projects as well.



3. I have been greatly inspired by Aimee Ray's embroidery. Picking up this book was great because I was able to get a good idea of stitches and see some wonderful project ideas. I had never embroidered before I had seen her work, so I can vouch for this being a great source for a beginner. Some customers complain that some items lack patterns, and while this is true they are available on the author's etsy page. I saw those as an example of what works using stitches taught could turn out like. The nature of the works Aimee Ray is exhibiting in her book is just like the title, doodle-stitching. I don't see it as wanting the readers to necessarily copy each thing from the book, but inciting them to be creative.
   
   Even though transfer methods are discussed, which is greatly beneficial, depending on one's resources it can be rather difficult. If there are no other resources (copier or a light box), I would recommend having carbon paper on hand. Tracing paper may also be very useful, but a transfer pen or pencil would also be necessary.



4. This is a great beginner embroidery book. The directions are easy to follow and each project had good pictures. The print is also large enough to read easily, which isn't true of many craft books. I'm very happy with my purchase.



5. I have been in search for a book like this for years, honestly. There are very little options for cute, casual embroidery out there and this one has several patterns that can be used on much more than the depicted use. One reviewer noted that there are several pages that have patterns not included in the book. I agree, this is disappointing but you can find a couple of these patterns on the author's etsy page ([...]) and she will send them to you as a PDF. The step by step instructions are so thorough that even an embroidered quilt doesn't seem daunting and I'm actually excited about putting it all together. That's a first. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because I was a little disappointed in the actual projects - I'd love to have seen more projects like placemats and tablecloths, baby onesies and bibs... things like that. Otherwise, this book is very exciting. Highly recommended for the thorough details that make the prospect easy, plus the complete guide to the stitches - excellent for a beginner!

5 comments about Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt.

1. This is a wonderful book it helps to take old worn out drab tee shirts and turn them in to new and exciting designs that are tailored to your body. There is nothing more attractive then clothing that fits. It also helps take the scraps and turn them in to accessories so that nothing is wasted. If you are and Eco lover this book will be right up your ally. It is perfect for all ages and do it together projects for bonding. It is not just for females there is lots of male ideas also.
   leahunter



2. ...I'm not small enough for these outfits! All the girls modeling the clothes in the books pages are tiny thin; I should have taken that as a clue. I love the ideas in this book and it's a lot of fun; unfortunately I don't think they work unless you're very thin (if I'm wrong please say so - I'm dying to make a Simpsons altered tee!).



3. After checking out MULTIPLE books before and after buying this one, I'm still totally satisfied that this is definitely the one to keep on hand. Some ideas are silly in that anyone who's ripped something apart and put it back together as something else wouldn't necessarily need the instructions (wristband or satchel) but most are both easy and super-cute (halter top featured on the cover; hoodie t-shirts). They mark the designs that are 'No-Sew' and those that require sewing are given an estimated time. Other books may have a few other ideas but, if you have this book, you can pretty much figure any others out on your own.



4. Pressed to find a great birthday gift for the girl who has everything? Or do you just want to give something unique and special? Why not give the gift that keeps on giving: a fun, edgy and easy-to-use craft book! Generation T is a gift for any lady!! It was given to me when I turned 18, and I have since given it to my friend on her 17th, my co-worker on her 25th and my T.A. on her 30th!! There are projects in this book that can appeal to everyone's tastes, and as a present it is a great conversation starter at a birthday dinner. I simply cannot tell you how great this book is, you must really have a peek at it for yourself!



5. Pros: simple, easy to read, good starter ideas
   Cons: styles not for everyone, designs generally for petite girls
   
   I had been eying this book for several months and finally broke down and bought it.
   To let you know, I am a beginner when it comes to sewing. I am essentially self taught, starting with some needle and thread stuff when I was in middle school and working up to a simple cheap sewing machine that I use now.
   I bought this book after flipping through it a few times, it seemed like it had a variety of different t-shirt ideas and that even if I didn't use them all at least they would provide some inspiration.
   I agree with some of the other reviews, the safety pin thing gets a bit old, but then again even if you don't like that the book does show you other techniques that could be used as well (sewing seams, using a lace and holes to thread two pieces together, buttons, etc).
   THIS BOOK WAS NOT MADE FOR OLDER GENERATIONS NOR FOR HIGH FASHION. It makes it clear on every project that these are designs for punk or hipster types. They are fun ways to transform your old useless clothes into something you might want to wear without too much effort.
   Yes, the clothes look better on the super-skinny New York girls that are pictured in the book, but I am a size 18-22 and I was able to pull off many of the designs with little to no adjustments.
   
   In conclusion this is a fun book, it is not a highly technical sewing manual, but an introduction to the possibilities of DIY and to the basics of sewing that would be great for anyone just getting started in sewing or who likes the "deconstructed" look.

5 comments about Jelly Roll Quilts.

1. This is a great book. Simple to follow and lots of good patterns and ideas.



2. Excellent source of patterns AND some very good sewing tips. I'm an experienced quilter, but found lots of new tricks and ideas.



3. This book has beautiful patterns and detailed instructions for each. It also includes alternate color schemes for each quilt. I'm currently making the cover quilt which is going together easily. I would recommend this book for quilters with at least basic knowledge and experience. Jelly Roll Quilts are GREAT for all skill levels.



4. This is one of the best quilt books I've purchased and I have about 25 of them. The book makes you want to buy a jelly roll and get started. Some quilts are more difficult than others, but for someone that's not experienced enough to take on a more complex quilt there lots of simple ones to choose from. The quilts are very attractive for how easy they are. In this book easy does not equal boring.



5. This is a very instructive book with heaps of good ideas with jelly rolls. I like to cut my own fabric and the book helps me to create plenty of wonderful patterns. It is easy to read, great photos and very enjoyable for quilters.