5 comments about Elegant Stitches: An Illustrated Stitch Guide and Source Book of Inspiration.

1. Bought the book as a gift. Recipient was very pleased with the book. It clearly describes the stitches and how to make them. Full of pictures that enable you to visualize the final result and the process of creating those stitches.



2. The instructions were easy to follow and well illustrated. I am a novice at embriodery and this book was very helpful. It gave me ideas on how to proceed in my crazy quilt.



3. Whether you are a new or experienced stitcher this book gives easy to follow instructions for a wide variety of stitches along with ideas to combine different stitches. I have referred to it many, many times on my current project: a crazy quilt. Money well spent!



4. This is a must have for every stitcher's library. An excellent stitch guide with wonderful diagrams.



5. This book is a must for any crazy quilter. I love the size and the fact that it can lie flat open when using. The drawings are large, clear and easy to follow. Even has directions for left handed. The color photos are wonderful "eye candy". This book sparked so many new ideas for me. It is a MUST HAVE.

5 comments about Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!! : The Complete Guide to Quiltmaking.

1. This was the quilting book I used for my first quilt. With this book, and the guidance of a good teacher, my addiction to quilting truly began. I have now been quilting for MANY years and still appreciate this book. I would definitely recommend this book to those of you wanting a great starting book.



2. I purchased 2 copies of this book for a quilting class my friend and I are taking. As a beginning quilter I need an instructor to show me what all the instuctions in the projects mean.
   
   This is a paperback book that would not lay flat. I went to Office Depot and had them remove the bound spine and put a spiral binding on the book so it would lay flat. I also had them put a clear front and back cover to protect the cover. This cost me a total of $2.79 per book. BARGAIN! I plan to do this with any instructional books I purchase in the future.



3. This is the best book for quilting. It covers everything, in easy to read instructions. Great gift for a beginner or the long time quilter! I highly recommend!



4. the only how to quilt book you will ever need - wonderful tips on cutting and piecing. I use mine over and over.



5. This was one of the first books I purchased when I became a quilter. This book is a great place for beginners to start their libary. It also is a book I often refer back to and I own several of the authors' publications. There are patterns for everyone and with a change of color of the fabrics you can create many beautiful quilts. This book has many block patterns, you may use two togather to create a heirloom. Many of the patterns are based on the same sized blocks. It's well written with awesome directions and many diagrams.

3 comments about Mariner's Compass Stars: 24 Stellar Paper-Pieced Blocks & 9 Easy Quilt Projects.

1. with carol doak--i will never be able to make all the quilts her books inspire.
   
   this newest offering is wonderful. her stars appear complex, but are easy to make with paper piecing. there are 24 blocks (too few! too few!), each named after a country, and nine quilt designs ranging from 25" square to 63" square.
   
   the book includes thorough instructions for paper piecing, so even the quilter who hasn't tried this technique will have no trouble. there are excellent photos of the process. the author includes a short explanation of her design process, which will help the quilters who want to create their own designs.
   
   there is also a section on designing settings which could apply to any type quilting. the instructions for the finished quilts include detailed instuctions, diagrams, and cutting charts, and a feature i haven't seen before--circles with the pertinent fabric next to the yardage requirements. now, no more guessing which is the 'light green' and which 'the medium green' the pattern calls for. there is also what seems to be the compulsory very short, useless section on making a quilt, covering (more or less) in three pages topics entire books have been written about.
   
   the blocks are shown straight and on point, very useful. the finished quilts have charts showing alternate color ways, also very useful.
   
   an added feature is the wonderful machine quilting by Kathryn Blais, that shows very clearly in the photos. lots of inspiration for the 'quilt as desired' part of the process.
   
   a cd of 'the foundation factory' is included. i have made only one quilt using print outs from the 'foundation factory' included in a previous book, and there was a serious discrepancy in length between two sections that were to fit together. i had not had this problem when i photocopied the patterns for yet another project, using the same photocopier. i haven't printed out any other patterns, so i can't say if this is an peculiar occurance or a basic problem.
   
   the cd aside, this is definitely another winner from doak.



2. This book makes a mariner compass as easy as you will ever have it. With simple easy to follow instructions and, it's all paper piecing, you will be able to make the most out of this beautiful book. Please enjoy it as much as I do.



3. This is a great book for paper-piecing. I am fairly new at paper piecing and have done only one of the patterns in this book. It uses 8 triangle pieces instead of 4 small squares to do the block, I have found this to be easier. All the pieces went together well. The book is nicely illustrated and the directions are easy to comprehend. If you like star patterns as I do this is a must have book.

4 comments about My Favorite Felt Sweets.

1. i have this book...the same exact pictures...cover and inside...
   this is a japanese book, so far i know...i didn't see any English name...
   is this legal to do this?
   i thought western was hard about copyright thing...that their designers don't want theirs to be copied but this book?...
   author by Joie Staff...really???...
   oh, boy...



2. Please ignore the other review (amazon, remove that already would you?) The book is a English translation and an amazing one at that.
   
   I've only just started attempting to make playfood for my daughter, of course one can only have so many felt fried eggs and pancakes so when I saw this book I had to buy it.
   
   The book itself is stunning, the photos will have you drooling and every turn of a page leaves my daughter yelling "mommy make me that one, oh and that one, can you make me that one too?"
   
   Every pattern has a very detailed photo, a written instruction and FULL SIZE PATTERNS (photocopier needed, they are part of the book). There are also hints on which type of felt to use, how to sew the stitches (all are handsewn), etc.
   
   For a beginning sewer all the detail is greatly appreciated. I've only attempted one little cake so far (awaiting a delivery of some wool blend felt, see below) and while I have a learning curve as I've never done hand sewing before it still came out pretty cute, the stawberry & whipped cream were especially easy and adorable.
   
   Regarding the felt, while you can use the craft store variety be warned that it doesn't sew very well, or last very well. For the amount of effort these little pieces of art will require you'll want to invest in a wool blend or solid wool felt, which can be quite pricey... and some of the cakes use a great deal of wool so be awake that while adorable the creations will also be time consuming pending your level of experience and a bit pricey to make. That said, even if I never make anything else in the book I'm happy with the purchase, it's a gorgeous book to just look at!



3. I enjoyed the book and tt has very creative crafts ideas that can definitely be used by everyone. The pictures of the felt sweets look delicious. I can't wait to try and make one!



4. Good things come to those who wait! If you are a crafter, I am sure you have seen the adorable Japanese craft books on crafting blogs and sites on the Internet. People like you and I question if we can create a project from instructions written in Japanese. Some have been able to use these wondrous books and complete the projects. I did an article about a kit out of Japan and I had many questions and interest in the kits. Sadly the sources of these kits dried up and were not available outside of Japan. The article is ¡°Felt Deserts¡± and the Japanese site is Patisserie Soleil.
   
   I am sorry to make this intro for a book review so wordy, but I want you to get as excited as I am over this book ¡°My Favorite Felt Sweets by Joie Staff¡± and translated into English by Yoko Ishiguro. This fabulous book cost less than one of the kits I mentioned above. Yoko has done a marvelous job translating this perfectly delightful book. The ideas and the sweets are perfection confections for you to create for gifts and yourself. The pictures are works of art and each project has a life size template and instruction sheet. You will not have any problem understanding these patterns. Each charming designs is a feast to the eye and although your mouth will water, please to not eat these little delectable¡¯s. There are 106 different projects. Sheets of colored felt and basic sewing skills (and sometimes a little glue for the final, decorative touches) are all that are required to whip up these luscious-looking and guilt-free I have a friend who owns a bakery that makes delightful deserts like the ones in this book and I think that these sweets would create a charming display for her shop. I have scanned some of the delights in this book the temp you and I hope you do rush over to Amazon or the book shop of your choosing and pick up this book and then let us know what you think and please leave a review here.
   
   If you are thinking of buying this book you may wish to get some supplies so when you get the book you can get started right away. There are two thicknesses of felt, for rolling and shaping you will want 1mm thick felt and for item such as cookies 2mm felt. These projects require very little fabric so you want to purchase some basic colors and the embroidery floss in the same color for stitching the pieces together, following are some resources. ¡°Save On Crafts¡± Carry Craft Felt Rectangles at discount prices. (9¨ö¡± x 12¡È) sizes. Here is a list of books that Yoko Ishiguro has translated. Art Girlz Felt
   
   http://felting.craftgossip.com/2008/08/19/my-favorite-felt-sweets-by-joie-staff-translated-by-yoko-ishiguro/

5 comments about Ricky Tims' Rhapsody Quilts.

1. This book is the cream of the Quilt crop. I loved how Rickey shows how to easily design your own totally unique, Rhapsody quilt. If you love todays mottled batiks and hand dyed fabrics, you'll love this book as they definitely work together.
   [...].



2. These Quilts are indeed beautiful. But a beginner should beware. This is not a quick or easy quilt. Indeed a masterpiece. It is assumed that you have artist and color skills that are quite advanced. If you build as you go, as Ricky suggests a less experienced person might find himself mired in uncertainty. It is excellent for more experienced quilters looking for a challenge, or a very ambitious beginner. I found it facinating to see the steps involved and colors used. Ricky has amazing skills!



3. It's great to have inspirations and this book fills that need. It might also have valuable tips and info about quiltmaking!



4. A well constructed, concise, informative book by Ricky Tims. He demonstrated through words and photos exactly how to do things. He is also somewhat amusing in his writing which makes the book less tedious and much easier to follow. His enthusiasm through the book is contagious and makes the reader want to get to work making a quilt with his method before reaching the end of the book. A truly good buy.



5. A great teaching book for techniques that can be of help to the newer or more experienced quilter.

2 comments about Wonder Blocks: Stack, Cut, Sew, and Go (That Patchwork Place) (That Patchwork Place).

1. Easy quilt blocks and LOTS of patterns! These are comfort words to a quilter. Ms. Martin has created a book that is all about easy blocks and lots of patterns.
   
   This is a version of "stack and whack" with a bit of a twist. There are seven basic blocks using seven different squares. Simply stack your fabrics, cut the squares, take the stacks to the sewing machine and piece the block! It is so simple to do that there are only three pages of instructions. Of these three pages, one full page is graphics and a cutting chart. Ms. Martin recommends chain piecing which even makes creating the blocks simple.
   
   The patterns contain a materials and cutting list, along with making the blocks and assembling and finishing the top. There are enough graphics to make the instructions crystal clear. A couple of the patterns even use a panel as a center which makes the top go together even faster. Each project has a photo of the finished item.
   
   The last quilt is a wonderful idea on how to use up those orphan blocks! What ----no orphans in your house? Then just make up the blocks shown as the author has included the pattern for that block as well.
   
   A little book but a LOT of ideas for many quilts, wall hangings and table runners. Grab a stack of fabric and get cutting.



2. Terry Martin's WONDER BLOCKS: STACK, CUT, SEW, AND GO tells how to cut in minutes and complete sewing in just a few hours using fat quarters and scraps as quilting foundations. Seven simple blocks can be arranged in numerous ways for striking results, making for a fine beginner's guide. An excellent addition to any quilting library.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

3 comments about Machine Quilting with Alex Anderson: 7 Exercises, Projects & Full-Size Quilting Patterns.

1. I loved this book. It was simple to read and apply the directions. I am a machine quilter and much of what was offered I was already familiar with, but my familiarity was gained through much trial and error. I would have saved myself a lot of time to have this book at the start of my efforts in machine quilting. The photos are very clear, the projects are way simple and I learned some new tricks, such as the way to make a "light" table by stretching a piece of Plexiglass over two chairs with a light underneath. I especially like how Alex freely admitted that she was afraid of machine quilting but finally just did it. So many quilters I know are in her old shoes! Thank you, Alex!



2. This book is the clear concise machine quilting book I've been looking for. The chapters are laid out in an approachable manner and the information conveyed in clear text. You'll have all the tools you need to get started, trouble shoot and complete your project. And projects.. there's several delightful projects in the book ranging from the simple to the complex.. something for everyone.
   
   Hunger for more information, Alex graciously included information on other books and resources. We can count on Alex Anderson to continue to provide us with the information we need to get started and keep quilting. She's a real professional. I congratulate her on her continued success.



3. I have been wanting to learn more about machine quilting my own quilts. I borrowed a copy of this book and it was very interesting and gave me some great ideas. Of course I had to buy my own copy. I found it to be easy to understand and fun to read too. I can't wait to put the things I learned into practice

5 comments about The Practical Guide To Patternmaking For Fashion Designers: Menswear.

1. A serious text book type for aspiring designers. I bought this book simply to make clothes for myself as there is not much out there for men. 99.9% commercial patterns are for women and the 0.1% patterns for men are 80's redux with batwing sleeves and over sized shoulders. So far, I have used the book to make a block pattern for my own body. It's quite easy if you put your mind to it and reread the instructions. I must admit that this book is not suitable for amateurs. Having learned to sew from my mother since I was a preschooler must've helped me understand the term and techniques better as I did not go to fashion school. I am hoping to be the next Ennio Capasa (Costume National) someday, who knows?



2. I have been trying to find a decent book that deals solely with menswear pattern design and I found it with this book. Many others I have from before were very difficult to use as the instructions were very minimal if any at all at times. This manual has excellent illustrations & instructions to make someone who may have never taken a course a good understanding in how to manipulate a men's pattern or create one with an easier understanding.



3. In the very first chapters a lot of useful information is presented, and a the reader is given a good insight on the fashion industry and the role of patternmaking. Then you're given a list of tools you'll need to begin your own patternmaking and from there on out you should be set with this book as your guide. I've also purchased the women's book and it looks like it will be just as helpful, but one thing at a time...



4. Detailed, yet understandable text describes design of men's fashion from making sloper to final pattern-making. Describes use of pattern-making tools.
   
   Spiral binding has held up so far under hard use.



5. This is a great book for men's patternmaking. I've had a lot of trouble finding a book to produce men's slopers but this covers that as well pattern constructions for vests, pants, and jackets.

5 comments about Simply Felt: 20 Easy and Elegant Designs in Wool.

1. I looked and looked for a book that would let you felt right from the fleece. This book is pretty simple and lets you just work from fleece with minimal supplies to create felt. Some nice patterns in here too. The containers on the cover are a great pattern and the explanation to create them is one that i did not find on the internet. I specifically purchased this book after seeing some of the silk guaze/ wool felted scarves at a recent craft fair, and I was not disappointed at all! The explanation for how this is done is easy! With some simple household items ( ie. a bar of soap!) you can create some amazing gifts. For those of us who love felt but don't knit that great, and want the quickest and simplest way, this book will make you adept at felting!



2. I can't help but purchase books on felting. This is now my favorite. It's instructions are concise and to the point. The projects are colorful, and inviting. The photographs; beautiful eye candy. Anyone interested in creating with wool will find this book a joy.



3. I bought this book as part of a kit from a felting supplier. The photos are beautiful, and the projects great. The problem I do have with this book is that there is not enough info on the techniques of actually making the felt. I would like to have gotten more info on troubleshooting, such as what to do when it's thin in spots, laying out the wool, etc. Also, there are NO photos of how to actually lay out the roving or what it should look like before you start wetting it down. There are only hand drawn illustrations. I was hoping for a little more than that from a book that labels itself for beginners.
   
   Overall, though, it's a good book, and well done. I can't wait to try some of the vessels and the slippers.



4. This is a gorgeous book with amazing projects and I found it really inspiring, however, just a warning that i didn't think this was the best book for a beginner. I am not completely new to felting and bought this book in conjunction with one that had really clear instructions, which I cross-referenced with Simply Felt to get a better understanding of what I needed to do. The pics are amazing and definitely inspiring - just make sure you have a good basic knowledge if you are going to rely solely on this book to guide you. Happy felting!



5. Great book! I learned alot...it was a great resource for what I was trying to learn about.
   Highly reccommend it!

5 comments about Pieced Borders: The Complete Resource.

1. This book has it all and is for both the novice and advanced quilter! Beautiful color illustrations with clear and concise instructions! I would highly recommend this for yourself or gift! Every quilter should have this book in their library!



2. This book is an excellent example of how the intermediate level quilter can add additional zing to their quilts. Many beautiful borders have been given and offer a great deal of excitement for quilting borders.



3. This book is great! But it's not for beginners, or timid quiltmakers. Some of the designs are rather complicated and time consuming. But oh boy, what a difference a beautiful border makes to your quilt! You'll find patterns, diagrams, tables of measurements, and colorful before and after pictures of lovely quilts with and without the borders. The authors are two of our most talented and well known teachers, designers, authors and quiltmakers. If you are looking for that perfect border for your newly made quilt you'll find it here. But easier books for new quilters seeking to learn how to make the perfect border are out there.



4. I have looked through the book but since I don't have a quilt in the works to try a pattern on, I cannot comment on the instructions for doing the pattern. The patterns that are illustrated look very good and gives a good choice of ideas to use.



5. I checked out several other books from the library on pieced borders and I decided this one was probably the best. Diagrams and directions are good, and there are some awesome quilts in this book!