1 comments about Crochet Private Collection.

1. This book has the cutest patterns for any room in the house. Lots of stuffed animals, beautiful afghans and baby clothes, both thread and yarn projects. This is a brand new book, published this year. It would make a good beginner's book as it has a great variety of projects, but a seasoned crocheter will find lots of fun projects.

2 comments about Baskets, Celtic Style.

1. The author/quilter uses the bias strip Celtic knot work to create elegant, woven basket patterns, and to embellish around the basket and borders. Designs are given for 5 quilted wall hangings, or you can create your own.



2. Clear diagrams of where to place the celtic designs were helpful in learning this technique. However, the author states in her "review of basics" to "refer to my first book...if you need more detailed instructions". I would suggest (if space was the issue) that in her next book she devotes fewer words in her "evolution" section and include all of the "basic and detailed instructions" in each book. The reader should not have to buy two books to get all the instructions unless one is promoted as in a "series" with the other.

No comments about Japanese Quilt Art.

No comments about Istanbul: The Hali Rug Guide.

No comments about Great Little Quilts: 45 Antique Crib and Doll-Size Quilts With Patterns and Directions.

2 comments about Cotton Knitting: Over 30 Exclusive Patterns from Top Designers.

1. I can't imagine why this book is out of print. I found it at my local library and instantly wanted it for my own collection. The designs are timeless as well as gorgeous. Even though it was written in 1987, the designs are classically up-to-date. And each design is shown with variations of color combinations. The book is filled with full color photos of every design and the instructions are clear and concise. There are over 30 designs from simple to complex and include vests, long sleeve, sleeveless and even a tank top! What a find!



2. I obtained this out-of-print book based on the one Amazon.com customer review. If you are one of those knitters who lives in a temperate climate, such that wool sweaters are too heavy for most days, I would definitely try to find an inexpensive copy of this book. The thing I liked the best about the book is that there are two or three VERY unusually constructed sweaters, including one that I loved, knit all in ONE piece, which included front, back and cap sleeves - all that's left to do after knitting is to sew up the side seams. What I found disappointing about the book was the lack of specifics about how cotton knitting differs from wool knitting. Wool is a favorite choice for knitters because, of course, wool yarn has that natural elastic quality, something that cotton yarn has less of, though, as a natural fiber, it still has some elasticity. There is also the question about testing swatches for shrinkage, color-fastness, blocking, washing and caring for cotton knits about which the book didn't go into much detail - also disappointing. Basically, the book is a gallery of sweater designs with patterns, line-by-line knitting directions, line drawings and color charts provided. The sweaters are photographed on professional models. I personally found the colors used and knit-in designs rather too bright and flashy, but that is easily changed to suit personal taste. The close-up photos of the patterned swatches are very good and will be a help to the knitter. Although the book doesn't say it, cotton knitting, though challenging, can be quite lovely in some designs. Some lace patterns knit up quite well in cotton, although I have found that cotton yarn does not hold up too well in very intricate twisted stitches - it tends to fray and look battered right away. I also wish the book had explained the differences between cotton yarns, mercerized vs. non-mercerized, for example. However, given the fact that there are few books available for cotton knitters, I think this book is well worth your time and attention.

No comments about Traditional Chikankari Embroidery Patterns of India (International Design Library).

No comments about The Women's Warpath: Iban Ritual Fabrics from Borneo.

1 comments about Stitches in time.

1. "Unique collection of modern knitwear based on historical themes."
   
   I've owned this book for several years. From when I first saw it in a bookstore, I had to have it.
   Beautiful knitted creations. "Captured" historical periods with design styles and/or with colors. It also includes variations of the sweaters/jackets plus accessories chosen to enhance the styles.
   The pictures of the actual knitted sweaters/jackets are clear and details are very clear. Then there are sketches showing the variations.
   Patterns are well-written with clear diagrams.
   If you are a knitter, you have to see Stitches in Time for yourself!

3 comments about Decorative Victorian Needlework.

1. Elizabeth Bradley has written a masterpiece for the needlepointer who loves beautifully muted colors and traditional English design. As usual, Ms. Bradley begins with an informative introduction giving the history of Victorian canvaswork and then proceeds to give the reader a real feast with her adaptions of historical motifs. Among the choice offerings are The Parrot, The Spring Basket of Flowers, Barley Twists and Cornflowers, Rose and Primula Border, and Patchwork Pieces. The projects are suitable for the intermediate to advanced needlepointer. This is probably one of the premier needlepoint books in print today and should not be missed!



2. I collect medieval tapestry needlepoint and am always happy to find a book such as this. Unfortunately the copy I found was at the public library so I didn't have time to do any of the projects before I had to return the book. The projects look absolutely beautiful and the history attached to each was very interesting.



3. Bradley's book is filled with beautiful tapestries, a history of needlepoint (or Berlinwork as it was orginally called) and wonderful graphs of the designs. With all of the different shades used in each project, this is definitely not for the novice. One annoyance about the book--she features photos of projects that aren't in the book! However, they are available in the kits she designs and in other books.