5 comments about Uniquely Felt.

1. This is an excellent resource for any felter. Chris shares her knowledge from many years of experimentation and experience with us. It's well written and easy to understand with a slew of inspiring ideas to try.



2. I'm new to working with felt and this book is an excellent introduction to the material and various techniques. There are enough choices of projects to keep me busy for a long time, too. I like having lots of choices when I'm learning to work in a new material, and that's definitely the case here. The projects are described well and the materials list is excellent. Also, the list of resources is a plus - no long hunts for anything too obscure or expensive.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book for anyone new to working with felt, and even for those who have some experience there are some inspiring variations and techniques they would enjoy.
   
   Very well illustrated, too - I do like having good pictures when I'm learning something new!



3. First of all, this book touches upon felting techniques (as in, mentioning them in a paragraph or two) but doesn't tell you how to do them. For example, it talks a lot about what soap to use when felting. Soap? What? Why am I using soap? The book doesn't say. If you know how to felt already, then that's one thing. But if you don't know how to felt, then you're pretty much screwed.
   
   Also...I feel the need to mention the projects. Most of them are hats, and weird hats at that. There is a template for a scarf, which is fine, and a book cover (which, in the photo, doesn't really look like it fits) and 1-3 other "normal" items. The rest are REALLY weird hats, tunics, vests and cloaks. I don't even know WHAT to say about those, other than that they are definetely beyond the description of "unique".
   
   I was really disappointed with this book. I have no idea what to do with it, as shipping would cost more than the price it cost to buy a used copy. Maybe I'm just missing something here, but to me this book is nothing more than a discussion of different types of felt and felting artists. Oh, and really weird hats!



4. Uniquely Felt is the best felting book I have in my library! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is starting out in felting or those who may be more advanced. Great projects with step by step instructions.



5. This book is an excellent reference book with every aspect of felting being addressed.Filled with so much information. Really enjoyed the featured artists.

5 comments about More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated.

1. More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated
   
   This is a must have book for anyone who sews. If you are starting out, it will save you a lot of frustration, money and fabric/supplies. If you are more advanced or a serious seamstress, it will help you to know the answers to all the questions that come up when handling multiple types of textiles. Each page on a fabric gives you all the information you need to know about that fabric, including what needle to use, what pressure foot to sew with, whether to wash or dryclean, line, how to hem, etc.
   
   If I had this book when I was starting out over 30 years ago, I could have saved a lot of money. This is a great gift for someone who loves to sew.



2. I received this book quicker than I expected and was extremely happy with the condition of this used book. It was almost like new. The seller certainly ensured that I received exactly what I wanted as quickly as possible. Just excellent customer service to this international buyer.
   I will keep on trying to source those difficult to find books from this seller.
   With grateful thanks



3. I really like this book. It covers many fabrics, including many I've been hesitant to use or nervous about when I did. I recently bought a new electronic sewing machine and this has been a real help. The recommendations about the right foot to use and when were a boon in selecting which accessories to buy. I also really like the sections in the back. There are illustrations on different seams, closures, and hems, plus information on stain removal, linings, and sources. Great!



4. This contains everything you would ever want to find out before purchasing fabric. It tells you what the fabric should be used for, if it should be washed and how before sewing, the thread, needle and stitch size that would work best. It will save you both time and money in the end.



5. This is a great reference book. I wish my university would use it for their textile 101 class.

5 comments about Machine Quilting Made Easy.

1. I bought this book for a class in machine quilting and it's one of the most useful references in my sewing room. A very good hands-on guide to machine quilting!



2. Great book for novice machine quilter. I really like the exercises implemented to improve skills. Recommended for those who just need a fews basic tips for starting out and do not want to spend a lot of time studying the art of machine quilting.



3. This book has step by step instructions along with practice lessons. I took a quilting course and this will be a great book to refer back to.



4. I think the book is very good. It gives you detailed instructions on how to do a quilt. I have not tried quilting yet, but it seems like it would not be to hard to do.



5. I needed help with quilting designs; this workbook helps newbies like me and will be a great reference later. I have followed every practice and have my small practice quilts to look back to as I choose designs for particular quilt tops. It's also helped me get to know my new machine. Excellent all around.

5 comments about Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects.

1. This is a great book for beginners. I can't wait to get started on some projects.



2. Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects
   
   Gran libro con estupendos diseños. Contiene patrones a tamaño real.



3. I love this book. I've made 2 of the tote bags multiple times and the yoga bag. Everything I make in this book comes out looking very cool. The instructions are well written and easy to follow. Most things don't have patterns and use measurements instead which keeps it simple. Lotta's designs are creative, functional and crafty.



4. My friend Chassity and I got this book to teach ourselves how to sew and absolutely love it! The projects are modern, simple, useful, and well designed. I haven't had any trouble deciphering instructions and I'm loving the finished items. My favorite project so far has been the All Day Tote, I'm on my third one! These projects make great gifts too!



5. I first saw this book at a fabric store I worked at in the area. I was immediately drawn to the originality of it, and the beautiful fabrics she used in the book. It wasn't until later that I saw it on here. It is a great bargain for what it is. It can sit flat on your sewing table or the floor as you work, and the instructions are concise as simple.
   
   This book would be a beautiful addition to any sewing room.

5 comments about It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls.

1. I bought this book after seeing a demo in a craft group. I am totally in love with the projects in this book. It is a very simple technique with awesome results. If you can put a machine on zigzag stitch then you can make these. Cord, wrap with cloth strips, sew. That easy. A little bit of shaping and holding at an angle can change a flat piece quickly into a bowl or bag. So fun.Takes no time at all to make small projects like coasters to small candy dishes on up to baskets and bags. Great way to use up scraps of fabric too.



2. In the 1.3 years that I've had this book, and worked on this craft, I've gotten enormous pleasure combining fabrics and colors and shaping bowls, hot pads, totes, hats and more, most of which I've given to very appreciative friends and relatives.
   
   Susan Breier makes the process easy to undertand and follow, and the bright color photos offer many jumping-off points for individual creativity! My only caveat is that it is imperative to have a heavy-duty sewing machine and thick, sharp needles to get through the layers of fabric and clothesline smoothly. I pretty much destroyed an old Singer Futura I used at the beginning - but liked the craft so much that I bought a refurbished Bernina with a stronger motor and more durable parts, and it handles these projects, over and over, like sewing through butter.
   
   I enjoy that the craft isn't very exacting, like quilting, since I'm not fond of meticulous cutting and sewing tasks. I get loads of compliments on my own pocketbooks and totes that I've created, and it's fun to explain to folks how they're made.



3. The book arrived very quickly and in excellent condition. I am very pleased with the service. Thank you



4. This book is awesome. Great gifts and so much fun to do.
   Made a basket and it is so pretty and useful. Totes and baskets make good sense around the house.
   Can't wait to make more different shaped baskets and even some trivets for the table. Who knew a hank of rope and some 1" fabric strips could be so pretty and useful. Well, I just found out. Try it you'll like it.



5. I bought this book and could not wait to get started! I made one bowl and showed it to my friends in our local ASG and they made bowls for an auction and they have not stopped dreaming up new color combinations and styles. The bowls make up so fast that I wish I had someone to wrap the fabric for me so I could just spend all my time stitching them together.

5 comments about Calder Jewelry.

1. Expertly photographed, beautifully styled catalog of A. Calder's jewelry. A great purchase, no regrets.



2. Anyone who appreciates well-made, original design in jewelry needs to have and read this book. What an inspiration! Although I was familiar with Calder's mobiles, for which he is most renowned, I was even more impressed with his jewelry designs. All one-of-a-kind. A definite must for the coffee table or even to read and enjoy. As a jewelry designer influenced by other cultures, this has been most helpful in inspiring me to follow my instincts and to design the items I've seen in my dreams. What a book!



3. Merely walking by this book makes my artisan heart tingle. The genius, the simplicity and golden aura of beauty makes this book a "must own." The photographs are gorgeous and the descriptions beautifully written. Get inspired.



4. This book is an inspiration to anyone who makes jewelry. The use of cold connections is terrific and can show you what can be done without the use of solder.



5. This book is a beautiful celebration of Calder's gorgeous and playful jewelry. The pictures are lovely and the jewelry itself is simply amazing. It's hard not to feel joyful flipping through these pages. Buy it and enjoy!

5 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!



3. Great book, but if you already own the first book of one-block wonders there's not a lot more information. If you were to buy just one then this is the one to get.



4. This has so much potential, it is hard to review. There is no limit to the possibilities that this book brings to mind. Highly recommended for the design potential alone.



5. Its always a lottery buying a craft book over the internet going by the small amount of input there is on it so I was blown away by this book. I am still gathering materials but can't wait to start. It has very clear instructions and looks like a winner. Will be a keeper.

5 comments about Collage Unleashed.

1. I love art books but prefer to check them out from the library instead of buying them - I'd rather spend my $$ on supplies. However, when I find a book I want to refer to over and over again, I buy it. This is one of those books! Traci takes you from simple, quick techniques to more in-depth, time-intensive projects. The best part? With a little time & patience, ANYONE can master anything presented in Collage Unleashed. Traci's fun & free spirit drips off every page as she encourages you to use color and fun in your art. With clear directions, lots of pictures and a wide variety of great ideas, this book is a definite MUST HAVE. Collage Unleashed is the polar opposite of "stuffy" - you will find new techniques and lots of inspiration. Just be prepared - the eye candy contained in this book will have you trying fun new things before you know it!



2. I got this book when it first came out because the reviews sounded so interesting and I had seen Traci's work featured in magazines. The thing I love most about this book is that it features lots of COLOR and originality as opposed to lots of vintage photos of people with dunce hats, clown hats, butterfly wings and angel wings nestled into muted walnut-ink-stained backgrounds. I refer to this book often for inspiration and I really appreciate that it incorporates sewing. I have a degree in graphic design but sewing has remained a love of mine for 45 years. The softness of fabric, along with the usefulness and permanence it offers, give it the edge over just paper.



3. This book on collage is a hit with all my high school art girls. It is the juice starter for even the most reluctant art students. I warn you all to get ready for big mess making and a lot of fun. Tracy also has some great tips for us seasoned artists that need a few news trick in our bag. There is a dvd also that makes a great companion to her book.



4. Tracy inspires you to get your hands inky and have a ball! I recently took an all-day class with Tracy in which we made the "Big Sac" featured in this book. The time just flew by, we all had a blast, and I get tons of compliments on my finished bag. I spent another day dyeing paper towels, which are so much fun to use in collage. These projects are perfect for someone who is just getting into collage and doesn't want to use "precious" materials - for the price of a roll of paper towels and a few dye re-inkers, you can make wonderful art and have a great time doing it!



5. This was the first collage book I purchased when I found I was really interested in this art form. She has some really creative, interesting ideas for lettering etc. REALLY neat mixed media ideas in here.

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

1. I wish I had been able to preview the inside of the book before purchashing. It does have many cute animals - for a beginner. I was hoping for some more advanced designs.



2. I'd been looking forward to getting this book ever since I saw the cover. There are several felted animal books out now and this one is good because it doesn't use wire or even cord armatures which makes it real handy for novices.



3. This is a very interesting little book. I got it because I'm always looking for crafting ideas that I can incorporate into some of my art projects. I mostly just scanned through looking at the pictures and then got caught up in reading how the little figures were made. And I believe I can make these little creatures. The instructions are not too complicated and seem pretty easy to follow. Many of my friends will probably have little fuzzy pets for Christmas and birthday presents in the coming year.



4. Create adorable miniature animals with this collection of easy needle-felting techniques and some basic tools, and the instructions of an author who tells how to use wool roving to make fun little animals. Sixteen featured animals from dogs and mice to birds and seals make for fun projects, with color photos showing finished results and pages pairing patterns with easy directions. Needlework collections will find it a fine introduction to the easier potentials of needle punch.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



5. This is a great book for making little felted creatures, very easy yo read, good examples & the photos are great! I highly recomend it!!

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

1. 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!!



2. This book is only for the absolute beginner. I could find nothing to inspire me.



3. What a great book! I disagree with the person who says it is for an absolute beginner. I am far from a beginner and was very impressed with the different techniques in this book. The instructions are clear, with an additional suggestion at the bottom every page. The supplies needed for the techniques are fairly easy to come by. I look forward to trying them!



4. Just like the title said...Fabric art workshop. (Exploring techniques & materials) For anyone not able to actually go and take seminars/workshops this is a great book to have. The materials and tools list for each is fantastic. No guessing. Instructions are easy to understand. No over your head stuff. Susan Stein did a wonderful job on this book. So much so, I'd still like to take a class from her in person!



5. There are so many techniques included in this book, and although promoted as a fabric art book for fabric artists and quilters, it could also be used for many mixed media arts including paper arts and journaling etc.. I loved getting so many techniques and ideas in one book.