5 comments about Figures in Fabric.

1. Figures in Fabric is inspirational! The creations of Lisa Litchtenfels are truely exceptional works of art which are beautifully presented in this book, a definite "onshow" publication that will never go on a bookishelf or in a closet. A book to drool over again and again for inspiration and creativity, though I doubt anyone can measure up to her realism and vision. A must for any dollmaker to have in their library.



2. How does she do it??? It is hard to believe the dolls won't get up from the page and talk to you. They are alive. Kudos to Lisa. This book does not disappoint.



3. Beautiful! It's hard to believe these are all fabric, truly. Very inspirational! I doubt I'd ever be able to make one of my own but it's wonderful to have on my coffee table and druel over from time to time. Wonderful book!



4. Anyone who sees Ms. Lisa's sculptures will be amazed, but people who sew will be astonished. Her stitches are microscopic and her attention to detail is unmatched. Add to this her vivid imagination and you have the most riveting figures I have ever seen. All artists should see this book. All fiber and thread lovers should see it. Everyone should see it!



5. I've been admiring photos of Lisa Lichtenfels' work for a good few years. Now and then a photo will turn up in this or that doll magazine, of a human or demihuman figure so realistic, so luminous, so detailed, it is hard to believe that it's a "cloth doll" over an "armature."
   
   Ms. Lichtenfels' art falls into the category of "if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it." So for most of us, the occasional glimpse of a photo would be all we could afford. When Reverie came out with this book, I knew I would one day have to get a copy -- and it does not disappoint.
   
   The photos are many and beautiful. The showcased characters are shown in several views, with engaging background text by Lisa. The preface, by the late John Darcy Noble, is both enjoyable to read and, as it should be, illustrative of the artist.
   
   This is probably a good time to point out that most of the figures are nudes. They are appropriate nudes, and they come in an astonishing diversity, and Ms. Lichtenfels' power to create beautiful and interesting nude figures is probably a large part of her appeal. But if you do not like nudes in general, be forewarned.
   
   If you have not seen Lisa Lichtenfels' work before, and you are reading online with a few minutes to spare, Google her name and see what you think.
   
   The latter parts of the book include "The Progress of a Work," a detailed segment showing exactly what's under the skin of these fascinating figures. She truly constructs a realistic skeleton and sketches out her plans for the body with surgical precision.
   
   I found the last main section, "Evolution in Fabric," to be a bit spooky. Many of her earlier figures had that combination of whimsy and surreality that can unsettle the sensitive soul. Nothing nasty, you understand -- just art on the border of faerie, perhaps, reality on the edge of dream. The many characters and their settings and stories are certainly a significant part of the story, though, and I am so glad that this section is here.
   
   Finally, the book closes with an Afterword by publisher Krystyna Poray Goddu.
   
   This book is a keeper.

2 comments about Nuno Nouveau: Fashionable Felt for Accessories & Home Décor.

1. The title was promising, the content very disappointing. It shows some basics only. Nuno felt has been around for awhile now and I was hoping for some originality.



2. Good publication on the Nuno-type of Felting being done so much in New Zealand. If you're a felter and want to branch out to Nuno, this book will give you good information and spring board your creative ideas.

2 comments about Clever Quilts Encore.

1. Want to make some quilts that look intricate and difficult, but are not nearly as hard to do as they look? This is a great book to get! The patterns are beautiful, but the difficulty level isn't nearly as high as I would have thought it would be.



2. Review for "Clever Quilts Encore" by Susan Teegarden Dissmore,
   ISBN: 1564775100 or 978-1564775108 (same book, two numbering systems -- ah yes, I believe it's called "progress")
   
   So, I goofed... had all these fabric panels and in a moment of genius (NOT!) decided to get rid of them. After all, what on earth do I do with them besides look at, fold, unfold, et al, ad naseum? So I did.
   
   A few months later (like last week) Amazon recommends Clever Quilts Encore and I read the review... didn't really turn me one way or the other. Finally (told you I was a genius!) noted there was that Search Inside blurb/gizmo and gave it a look-see for myself.
   
   Rats. Rats. Rats!!! I should have kept all those pretty panels I had...
   Sure, the ideas are basic, but I needed to see them for myself.
   
   What I liked: At the start of the book the author tells *and* shows me what she's talking about... There are panels, and her illustrations show the border ones, rows, etc. There is no confusion on my part as to what sort she's talking about later in the book. I liked that.
   
   References to use of (what page to see results) are provided. Nice touch.
   Her basic how-to's are sufficient.
   
   What I didn't like: There is a decided lack of white space, and I'd have liked a blank page or two. Okay, what I do for my Keeper's (and this one definitely has that status) is, well, you know the quilting magazine advertisements they send around to entice us to subscribe to this new magazine or that one? And Keepsake Quilting catalogs too?
   
   Well, I'll cut out the pictures of quilts or patterns that interest me (either color, or fabric choices -- whatever) and glue them into the quilting books at appropriate places. Thus my Keepers become idea repositories and can be perused to get the creativity flowing. I wouldn't do that for a book I intended to sell, but for those I keep? They are mine, mine, mine and I'll do as I please. Obviously I'm not saving for posterity, nor creating a "valuable" addition to the library, but quilters some day (maybe even the Kidlet) will see what interested me way back when.....
   
   So, end random meandering, and back to "Clever Quilts Encore" -- specifically the pattern titled Versailles.
   Versailles (using the border prints) -- well, I saw a Baltimore Album quilt that could be adapted using the panels as borders, and as a featured single block in the center. So, scissors in hand, I cut out and glued the picture in with the Versailles section. Later, I can definitely see myself using a border print, pillow center, and a bit of imagination to make something *similar*
   
   In reflecting, I believe it might be that some of the negative reviews I've heard might be taking the how-to's literally -- looking to duplicate what the book offers. Rather differently (okay, I'm a hand quilter in an age of electronic, computerized machines that scare the stuffing out of me, but alas, not the fat, er fluff!) -- this book in my mind/for me/ will be a guide to options and leaves alive my creativity.
   
   Thank you. I'm impressed, and hope you'll take a peek (using Amazon's "Search Inside" feature) take a look for yourself. It's beautifully laid out, the book is well constructed -- I'm a bit rough what with folding flat and such. still, for me this one was well worth the price (granted, I bought used) and my regrets are:
   
   #1) That I sold my panels I had because after all, what do I actually do with them?!?
   #2) That I didn't know about/buy this book prior to that moment of brilliance when I sold said panels
   #3) That I simply didn't realize the potential in those fabric/pillow panels.
   
   What I loved:
   #1) The ideas provided I can adapt for my style (casual/scrappy) of stitching
   #2) That the precision, each fabric matches choices shown work too. Truth to tell, I rather like them, and that's not quite a first, but it's definitely not the norm
   #3) The illustrations are good, and imagination sparkled along with the fabric choices. I can do this -- and you can too.
   
   So, buy the book. It's worth the money.
   
   Bonus: Once you own the book, you know you'll need more of those panels. It'll be fun, and we get to SHOP!
   S-pend
   H-ours
   O-ut
   P-erusing fabric choices.
   
   Sure, quilters have a rough life... (grin)
   Enjoy!

2 comments about Poems of Color.

1. The Bohus Workshop in Sweden was started about 50 years ago and brought together creative designers and hand knitters to make some of the most stunning knitted creations ever. The wool was carefully chosen, the designs modern and timeless, with that ineffable Scandanavian flair. Sadly the Bohus workshop has long been closed. All that remains are some treasured vintage sweaters and...this book to document their history. And not only does this book document the history of Bohus Workshop, it also has patterns so you can make some of the famous designs yourself.

   This isn't knitting for the timid; many of the designs boldly go where color knitting isn't supposed to go; there are patterns with 3, 4 even more colors per row. The colors are subtle and varied, knitted in an angora/wool mix to create the "shimmering" effect the Bohus designs were famous for. But if you embark on such a knitting adventure you will surely make a masterpiece you will wear or give with great pride.

   A source for the kind of yarn that closely matches the Bohus mix is provided in the book, plus patterns for the famous fairisle-like yoke pattern models. Also included are jackets with matching designs to the yoke pullovers, mittens, and hats. You can certainly adapt the design to your own creations. Not all the designs require many colors per row; some are two color only throughout and some rely more on texture than color.

   This book is worth reading for textile history, for history of women in clothing design, and for knitting history. And it's also a valuable knitting reference for people who like to knit their own designs as well as reproduce them from patterns. All in all, this book has a lot and is one of my great favorites.




2. The photos in this book are glorious, and the story of the Bohus collective is inspiring. The book provides reconstructed patterns for Bohus-style garments at the back, and it is as far as I know one of the only places to find such patterns. These reconstructions are not technically authentic Bohus garments -- their gauge is a bit bigger and they use different yarn. So if you are a stickler for authenticity, buy a Bohus sweater kit online. If you are interested in learning more about the history of this kind of knitting and you want to knit a gorgeous Bohus-inspired garment, this book is for you.

5 comments about Beginner's Guide to Silk Painting.

1. This is a great book for beginers. Lots of great photos and explanations. Very happy with this purchase!



2. This book is beautifully presented. Unfortunately, the information inside is scant. I learned more surfing the web than I did from this book.



3. An excellent addition to your silk painting reference books. Colorful pictures. Simple directions and traceable patterns. Simple steam fixing directions too.



4. I WAS SO INSPIRED BY THIS BOOK, I JUST COULDNOT WAIT TO GET STARTED. NOW I'M HOOKED!!!



5. The Beginner's Guide to Silk Painting is a joy! Easy to read with lots of demonstration illustrations. For the beginner, the book offers a number of easily understandable techniques and projects that give you a sense of accomplishment. A great purchase!

2 comments about Contemporary Quilts: Design, Surface and Stitch.

1. Exceptional value for your money, this book is a beautiful and exciting read for artists of any media.



2. This book is fantastic!!! I can't count the number of times I've gone through it cover to cover. The quilt designs are gorgeous and the design exercises fun as well as educational. My medium is oil and acrylic paint. There are thousands of idea's for paintings as well as quilts. This book will inspire the creativity in you! I can't recommend Contemporary Quilts enough.

3 comments about Arts & Crafts Needlepoint: 25 Needlepoint Projects.

1. Boy, was I angry when I got this book. It's "sold" as a new book but in fact, it's a softcover version of an older book. AND, they changed the title!! This book merits NO star but the system doesn't allow you to select 0.



2. This book is a new edition of "Victorian Needlepoint". It has new pictures, and more importantly, new computer-generated charts. If you have seen the old one, the charts were hand drawn and indecipherable in places. This edition provides clear charts so you don't have to guess which color is used, or where the stitches fall. And the designs are beautiful and timeless. I have the old edition and just got this one...a must have for needlepoint fans!



3. I'm a big fan of Arts & Crafts architecture. I've made pilgrimages to the Gamble House in Pasadena and the William Morris museum in London. I've collected books on arts and crafts textiles, bungalow homes and more. So, given that I also like needlework (though my main theme is quilting), how could I resist a needlepoint book in the same genre? Well, for several years I _could_, because I am a rank beginner.
   
   On the other hand, I found a copy of Beth Russell's Arts & Crafts Needlepoint book on sale, and figured that I could use it as "inspiration" even if I wasn't up to actually doing one of her pieces (needlework without preprinted designs can scare me). I already knew that her work is beautifully designed; during that trip to London, I purchased a 6" version of her Morris "strawberry thief" needlepoint kit. (And it didn't turn out half bad! All mistakes are my own ineptitude, not hers, I assure you.)
   
   To my great surprise, this book is a better introduction than I expected. I haven't actually done any of the projects, so perhaps I'm speaking with misplaced self-confidence, but her how-to photos make it clear how to do a tent stitch and the instructions on "mounting for framing" have me halfway through getting that older project onto the wall. I'm not promising that I'll zoom through any of these projects, but Russell makes me *want* to.
   
   Her idea of Arts & Crafts designs is primarily William Morris, along with William deMorgan and their contemporaries. These don't incorporate many American adopters of the movement (such as Greene & Greene, though there's one Tiffany window-inspired design), but that's okay, because her stuff is beautiful. If I *don't* use this as anything except an "ooooh, pretty!" coffee table book, that's fine.
   
   Among the designs are three variations on the strawberry thief, two Lodden versions, Acanthus, Bird & Lily, a trellis design from Morris' garden at Red House... well, lots of choices. If you're a William Morris fan you'll recognize them.
   
   The projects themselves range in size from fairly small -- several are 12-14" square -- to pretty darned large (a rug that's 75"x48"). They are well photographed, both in their final form (such as chair upholstery) and in the actual pattern (though I'm obviously less trustworthy on the details). The material list includes everything you need for the project (size 20 tapestry needle, 14-count single canvas, Appleton crewel wool: light blue green (641) 1 skein...) and the "order of stitching" points out a few things to watch for ("you will find there is room for seven rows...").
   
   It's a lovely book. Obviously it's more than suitable for any needlepoint fan, but anyone who is interested in the Arts & Crafts movement will enjoy this book, too.

4 comments about A Woman's World In Cross Stitch.

1. I do love this book, the charts are very clear as well as finishing your stitching proyects, full of good ideas that you could use for birthday gifts. Highly recomended for fans and stitchers alike.



2. This book is full of great surprises. My favorites are the Sea Goddess (mermaid) and the Woodland Goddess. It is hard to see from the cover that the book has such wonderful and detailed patterns. There is a really lovely Victorian Ladies floral sampler, too.
   
   I almost gave this a miss, based on the cover. I didn't want to buy a book of only small patterns. I saw an excerpt of the Sea Goddess in a British cross stitch magazine and decided that cost effectiveness would be to buy this book instead. Once I received it and saw the variety of the size and types of patterns, I was very glad to have bought it.



3. Joan Elliot is my favorite cross stitching artist. This book doesn't disappoint. I *love* her woodland fairie, and the cute sayings throughout the book. She has another CS book coming out soon and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.



4. I ADVICE everyone interested in embroidery to buy it ....it contains great designs, clear patterns and funny quotations !!!
   
   MAI

1 comments about Temari Treasures: Japanese Thread Balls and More.

1. This book brings the traditional Japanese art of Temari, decorative balls wrapped with thread, within the realm of any craftsperson. Styrofoam balls and materials available in any fabric shop are all you will need.

   While some practice and patience are required, the detailed step-by-step instructions, wonderful diagrams and consistent terminology will guide you to success. Using pins to mark the pattern and align the threads is the key.

   Twelve complete projects are taken from start to finish. These include a variety of geometric patterns and my favorites, the beautiful floral patterns. For variety there is a spinning top ornament plus tassels that can be added.

   There is a great color photo gallery showing off the fabulous color and detail that can be achieved with these projects. Making these Temari will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment, and heirloom ornaments to treasure.

5 comments about The Border Workbook: Easy Speed-Pieced & Foundation-Pieced Borders, 10th Anniversary Edition.

1. This is an excellent book for border construction. There are lots of color photographs and the directions are easy to follow. The techniques simplify border construction even for the faint of heart. I would highly recommend this book.



2. Janet Kime's THE BORDER WORKBOOK: EASY-SPEED PIECED AND FOUNDATION-PIECED BORDERS appears in its 10th anniversary edition to pack in nearly thirty border designs in different sizes, along with instructions for calculating sizes. From different designs to rotary cutting, this book's been substantially updated and is a 'must' for quilters who would put together eye-catching borders with a minimum of effort.



3. If you've ever noticed that the most interesting quilt patterns are the ones with beautiful borders, then this book is a must have. Lots of ideas. Good clear information and all the information you need to adapt borders to any size quilt.



4. This book is well written and has wonderful photographs to aid in learning the techniques. It's full of great ideas for different borders. It should definitely be a book in a quilter's library.



5. I have owned the original version for several years and have used it many times. It is a very helpful book and gives my quilts a beautiful finishing touch. The information with regard to size and length of borders, and how to make them fit your quilt is extremely helpful. Frankly, my book is getting dogeared which is an indication of how much it has been used.