3 comments about Encyclopedia of Designs for Quilting.

1. I have been a quiltmaker for 6 years now, but have yet to become a good quilter until I read this book. In just one evening, I was able to draft a border pattern using the box from Stovetop Stuffing and draw it on my current quilt project, a double 9-patch. I actually teach quilting but never got very intricate with my quilting stitches. I can now do feathers and cables with ease. I will refer to this book forever and will never need another for designing quilting patterns and getting ideas for future quilts. This book is entirely focused on the quilting stitches where most quilting books give you that info. as an afterthought. Thanks Phyllis D. Miller! I will now have some real heirlooms for my children.



2. New quilters to seasoned hand quilters will benefit from this book. The how-to part of the book is thorough and plentiful. Keep in mind that it was published in 1996, and the tools and methods described are traditional, similar to those used by our ancestors in quilting.
   This encyclopedia of quilting designs completes what B. Brackman started with her encyclopedias on pieced and appliqué patterns. I will definitely bring this book with me to future documentation activities. This book will help train my eye to see the various patterns on a quilt and identify them in my memory so that I will see all the patterns on a quilt. A more in-depth look will be my gain.



3. This is an excellent "how-to" on just about everything pertaining to quilting designs. Instructions are illustrated and written not just on how to draft the design/s - but how to mark your quilt with the design - suggestions on where they might fit appropriately on your particular quilt top. She gives you a listing of the tools you will need to do each particular design, helpful hints, and much more. The variety of designs ranges from the common to the more unusual. The manual also includes a numerical listing of the quilt designs using a numbering system similar to the one used by Barbara BBrackman in her "Encyclopedia of Applique." If you only plan on purchasing one book of quilting designs you can't go wrong with this one!

3 comments about Sewing With Leather and Suede: A Home Sewer's Guide (Home Sewers Guide).

1. I love books that inspire me and make me want to create! Lark Books and Sandy Scrivano did just that! Beautiful photography, detailed and practical information, an informational glossary and a generous resource list (it's one thing to create, it's another to find the stuff!). You definitely won't think 60's when reading this book... this is LEATHER WITH ATTITUDE!



2. In writing this book, the author took advantage of the fact that there aren't many leather sewing how-to books available.

   But despite the lack of good books on this subject, this book is just ok, not great. It's not a must-have book. I am a pretty big fan of Lark Books' craft books (the publisher of this book) but this Leather book is pretty slim. Some of the author's garment examples are bizarre and one-of-a-kind, which I didn't find inspiring.

   If you already have any experience at all sewing leather, you don't need this book. However, if you have never sewn leather and want a few basic pointers, basic pointers are within the scope of this book.




3. I ordered this book after my DBIL brought me back some lambskins from Ecuador. Having never worked with leather I had no clue where to start. Sandy's last article in Threads was so inspiring but I was disappointed in the book. The book will be helpful to me as far as the basics go, but samples shown in Threads magazine and online were much better - at least for my taste.

2 comments about Lap Quilting Lives!.

1. Georgia Bonesteel's book, Lap Quilting Lives!, has several innovative ideas for lap quilted designs. Her instructions are clear and well-written. (While I have chosen a quilt from this book to make, I haven't started the project yet.)

   The design choices are varied, from traditional patterns to modern-looking designs.

   I would have enjoyed seeing sketches of alternative colorways for several of these quilts.

   I'd recommend this book as thought-provoking and inspirational. Encourages "out of the box" thinking for quilters.




2. This book has some excellent patterns. Patterns that are a little different, but still viable for a quilter of moderate ability. What I like best about the book is the section on lap quilting. Ms Bonesteel's method of putting the quilt together in strips and then quilting it section by section works out very well for machine quilting, because you are dealing with manageable segments, rather than trying to wrestle with a large quilt at the machine. They can be very unwieldy. While you have more hand work, the results are very neat and professional looking.

2 comments about Contemporary Wicker Basketry: Projects, Techniques, Inspirational Designs.

1. I thought that Flo wrote the "bible" on round reed baskets with her first book and she has out-done herself with this 2nd one. If you are experienced at making baskets with round reed and you want a challenge, get this book. If you need a good reference to start with simpler baskets, get her first one. This book has some stunning baskets. She gives excellent illustrations and directions anyone can follow. As a teacher of basketry I would not be without it for reference and a source for many beautiful baskets for my students to make.



2. This Basket book has baskets to make for all skill levels.
   Some are more intrakit. some are very plain, but very pretty
   for every day use. This book has very good picture for instruction of the various weaves. I take a class in basket making and one of the other students had the book and I knew I
   needed this book to make baskets. It also has colored pictures which I like.

5 comments about African Accents: Fabrics and Crafts to Decorate Your Home.

1. African Accents by Lisa Shepard is more than just another book with homey decorator projects for the Do-It-Yourselfer. As Shepard makes clear in her introduction, her passion for genuine African fabrics is based on admiration for their strong colors and designs coupled an educated appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into their creation.

   Since she recognizes that collection of these beautiful fabrics may well be beyond the reach of the average pocketbook, she sets out to teach us how to duplicate the look with affordable materials and then provides detailed instructions for sophisticated decorating projects that are reasonably easy to accomplish.

   Make your own stamps with potatoes, compressed sponges or rubber stamps to get the look of Adinkra cloth. Shepard provides over 20 different Adinkra symbols to copy together with their African names and meanings.

   Choose from over a dozen images to create unique Korhogo designs (and I dare you to resist trying the panels and floor cloth projects in the book). Try mudcloth, Kuba cloth or Kasaii velvet.

   The instructions are clear and the power of the designs would enhance just about any room in your home or office.

   They would also be fairly easy for a school group or Scout troop to teach children about the strength and beauty of the cultures they represent. I can easily imagine a group of kids having a good time creating Adinkra stamps at a children's birthday party.

   Shepard expresses the hope that working on the projects will increase the readers appreciation for the real thing. A quick glance through this lovely book will convince you.




2. Ms. Shepard's knowledge and appreciation for African textiles and crafts is shown with style throughout this book. The craft instructions are clear and easy to follow (even for a novice craftsperson like myself!) The photographs are terrific also, they act as real motivators to try some of these great decorating ideas. How refreshing to see a crafts and decorating book with culturally diverse appeal!



3. I enjoyed lisa's book but I'm not much of a craftsperson. I love african style, and came away with some good ideas. Some of these projects require more than I am willing to give. I'm into simplistic projects that look like there was alot of effort. The projects range from easy to not so easy. The are some good internet sources but some of them are no longer avalible. I have not attempted any of the crafts in the book but I'm looking foreward to Lisa's next release (coming out in October). I think her next release may be what I'm looking for.



4. Shephard created a book satiated with texture, woven in embroidery of dyes and rituals. In African Accents, the author shares with us her stories through textiles. She recreates African accents for readers who have formerly collected pieces of cultural tradition and for the newly converted. Scanning through the craft section of any bookstore, one could notice a scarcity of African crafts, house style, and decorating books. With this book, Shephard undertakes a worthy task. The author's time spent in Senegal piqued her already flourishing interest in African design. Shephard prefaces each chapter with anecdotes, the significance of fiber technique, and facts about the fabrics used for the easy to follow hand-made crafts she shares later in the book. The author separates the fabric regionally and explains the social and rich cultural aspects tied into the various designs and processes.
   The first part of the book is devoted to recreating the essence of each separate style of fabric, (that is, if you choose to). Some fabric recreations are simple and others are intricate including embroidery and weaving. Shephard cautions that replicating the fabric does not replace the real thing, but could rather deepen one's appreciation for the years of apprenticeship. In reproducing the designs on the fabrics, the book includes actual sized symbols with their meaning. Some of the Ashanti designs on the fabrics, the author indicates, are the equivalent of the European family crest.
   In part two of the book the chapters are devoted to each room of your home and the art of gift giving. Secrets and tricks are provided to lend your pillows, clocks and picture frames the professional touch. There is certainly no limitation of "how to" procedures. I tried a few myself and although the suggestion of the staple gun for the kente stool fell short of my expectation (probably the gun itself) I pulled out the old hammer and nail and my stool looked unfailingly as Shephard had promised. Some of the crafts, if you were not handy with a sewing machine would be better left to the local tailor. Yet, there was a time when a sewing machine was a staple in most family's homes. The art of sewing and the practicality of its uses have been forgotten. But if sewing seems impossible for you, Shephard happily offers other easy alternatives.
   This is a consummate reason for a recommendation of this slim book to be on the shelves of all art leagues. The book makes it apparent that Spanish and French artists popular in the 19th and 20th centuries have gained much of their appeal with the use of African art infused with their own. Shephard's passion for the continent exudes throughout the book, aquatinting the reader with crafts and fabric otherwise inaccessible. It is a craft-book du nouveau, a comprehensive history lesson, and a full color tabletop book. It is a significant forefront of a happily growing movement. Through this thoughtful undertaking the beauty of the textiles, that have been admired and used for years, could now have intimate meanings and representations. Choosing that kente, Kuba or mudcloth after reading Shephard's book will add new substance to its use.

   Yasmain Broady-Soya...




5. This was exactly what I was searching for...beautiful, inspiring photos of projects that you can easily do for yourself. If has great graphic designs you can copy and use for stenciling, stamping, etc. Loved the cardboard spear and the textiles.
   
   I must have bought 10 other books on exotic decor, ethnic decor and this is the only one that really thrilled me.

1 comments about Row upon Row: Sea Grass Baskets of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

1. Tells the story of how a culture survived and adapted to new surroundings. The story of its basketry is the central vehicle. Of interest to those who like basketweaving and those who like stories of different peoples cultures.

2 comments about Fundamentals of Men's Fashion Design: A Guide to Casual Clothes.

1. I flipped through a couple different editions of this book recently and I must get one for myself. I have books that focus on men's suits and tailoring, but this one addresses sportswear and casual wear, as well as some ethnic styles, like African and Middle Eastern. It focuses more on the design angle than construction, which is desparately needed since commercial pattern companies only carry about 5 different patterns in the men's wear category. At the moment there are more men's costume patterns, but when was the last time you saw Henry the VIII or the Music Man walking down the street?



2. As a novice sewer I bought this book desparate to get any info about men's casual clothes. There is just not enough info available for this. I assumed that my engineering education could help me work through most any book, but I was wrong.
   Unfortunately for me, this book seems to be targeted at those folks with a more advanced understanding of garment construction than I have. If you have experience constructing, altering, or at least understand basic design methods then this book will earn the high price. If your a novice, don't buy this unless you have knowlegable teacher or mentor to help you take full advantage of the technical design methods it demonstrates.
   
   Hope this helps you!

5 comments about The Ultimate Marbling Handbook: A Guide to Basic and Advanced Techniques for Marbling Paper and Fabric (Watson-Guptill Crafts).

1. I have done Suminagashi marbling for years and have been tempted to move into other types of marbling but have been unable to find good detailed information on material and techniques.

   Diane Maurer-Mathison is an old hand at marbling and she shares all her wisdom here. She starts with the easiest marbling techniques and moves into patterns that would challenge a master.

   Not only does she tell you where to buy the tools you need she includes detailed instructions on how to make your own tools and grind your own pigments.

   She even tells you how to marble fabric, your sneakers, wood, and anything else that will stand still.

   And the colored illustrations are breathtaking! I opened the book in front of a friend and her daughters. We oohhed and aahhed over it for a good twenty minutes. It is truely inspiring.

   Someone put a lot of time and effort into making this a clear and easy to use guide. I reccomend it highly.




2. Marbling of fabric and paper has intrigued artesans for centuries. The Ultimate Marbling Handbook explores the art of marbling, materials used, techniques and beautiful images of marbled color captured on paper, fabric and other materials. The colors are vivid, designs are unique and imanigative. Marble patterns fascinate, from the random stone or rock, to the colors combed into repeating patterns, no two the same.

   Advanced designs of many artists are shared and techniques are explained. Diane Maurer-Mathison is a gifted artist and has authored a beautiful book suitable for the beginning to experienced marble artist.




3. This book has very detailed how-to information and a smorgasbord of effects. It is a beginners and an advanced book all in one. A Good buy!



4. I was really interested i learning to do paper marbeling - had looked all around for kits to no avail so I went looking for books and came across this one. There are a number of different techniques in here: Sumonagashi, oil color, watercolor, marbeling fabric and other materials and then the last chapter is "a gallery of contemporary marbeling." For each of the technique chapters it tells you the materials you need with pictures of them in case the words/descriptions aer not enough and then that's followed by a section on "basic techniques" that are specific to that technique. The writing is clear and straight forward and there are lots of good pictures to help. Following the basic instructions there are advanced instructions. Again, with good pictures and ideas. The end of the book has fabric as well as the gallery -I'm still a beginner so I haven't played around with fabric and the things in the gallery are pretty advanced but they sure are inspirational. For now I'll have fun with paper. Great book though - it has something for the beginner as well as the more advanced artist!



5. An amazing book. I was familiar with the standard marbled papers you see in old (and new) books, but this book shows dozens of styles that I not only had never seen, but would not have even thought possible. Stunning works that are not at all typical "marbling." Gabriele Grunebaum's oil marbleing is really astonishing. The techniques are clearly demonstrated with photographs and diagrams. Buy this book!

3 comments about Invisible Applique.

1. Ami's techniques are incredible. Never again do I have stitches showing on the edges of my applique. Her methods allow you to create an applique seam that sinks into the work, instead. If you are a beginner, this is how you need to learn. And if you are an expert, this will help you improve. Detailed instruction and drawings are included and confusion is next to none. I lived in fear of this method of quiltmaking and could just kick myself for what I was missing! Reasonably priced as well. You can't beat it!



2. This book is great. I have tried applique before and thought I did a pretty good job but this book showed me how I could do better and it was so easy. I actually checked this book out at my local library. I learned so much from it I wanted it to keep. I tried to buy it from the library. They wouldn't sell it. I am glad I found it here because my local book stores do not carry this book. If you have ever appliqued or are interested in trying out applique but are afraid you can't do it, wait no longer. Order this book - YOU CAN DO IT TOO and you will be very pleased with the results!!



3. Very good book for beginners and even seasoned quilters. I never thought of doing applique the way she shows in the book. It's a little difficult at first but she explains it very well and with a little practice you wonder why you weren't doing it this way in the first place!!! Ami Simms has a great sense of humor which I enjoyed all through the book!! The humor alone was worth the price!!!

5 comments about You Can Weave!: Projects for Young Weavers.

1. This book is a great resource for the development of lessons for children in the 9 - 14 age range. I used this to prepare a lesson for a home school group. The children really enjoyed the process as well as the end product. This book is full of "do-able" projects with a topic which otherwise can overburden young people with tedium. I would, however, recommend that the teacher practice the projects with the materials to be used. For instance, poster board is too thin for the activities in which a cardboard loom is used.



2. This book contains instructions for creative and enjoyable weaving projects. Instructions are clearly written and are well illustrated. Supplies required are easily available.

   The title makes it sound as if it is a children's book (YOU can weave), and in some ways it is written as a child's book. But instructions are all addressed to a teacher of children. As a result, the book suffers slightly from a mixed identity.

   Mixed in with the illustrations of completed projects done by students are photos of weavings done by knowledgeable weavers using different types of looms than those used in the book. These weavings are much more impressive in appearance than the children's weavings (logically so), but it can lead to disappointment if the reader thinks this book will enable him/her to produce items like those shown.




3. This is a lovely book, filled to the last page with wonderful ideas. I was lucky enough to have inherited my mother's table loom and am just now beginning to do a little background research on weaving before tackling the rather daunting equipment my mother left me. I found this title among those I was browsing and decided that it would be a good place to start. There are several techniques which are mentioned also in Weaving Without a Loom, another book I would recommend for beginners, but Monahoghan and Joyner's book goes several steps farther. Burningham introduces paper weaving, but these authors show visual techniques, similar to Escher's style of tricking the eye, introduce modifying frames, interwoven photos, and basket making to their repertoire. They show stick weaving, but introduce the use of straws to make the process smoother and color changes to add interest to the bands.
   
   I was particularly impressed with the depth with which they showed techniques, particularly in tapestry work with colors added to create pictures. The Japanese braid work was also interesting as was some of their beading information. I particularly enjoyed the brief discussion of plaid and undertook the weaving of a small square which I used to make a passport bag for a friend going to London this summer.



4. This book covered many types of weaving and was very informative. Great resource for those just starting to weave.



5. This is an excellent book for beginners. All the instructions are clear and concise. Every step is made known so there are no surprises or wondering what to do next.