4 comments about Twenty Little Log Cabin Quilts: With Full-Size Templates (Dover Needlework Series).

1. This book by Gwen Marston like the others in the series "Twenty little quilts" that I have read so far has 18 quilts shown in color on the inside of the cover plus 2 on the backcover. The photos are small and you can see little detail, but you can easily grasp the concept of each quilt. Some of the colors are not to my taste, but that will just keep me from copying any of the quilts exactly.

   Patterns are provided with both template and rotary cutting instructions. A short annotation with each pattern gives a little additional info about how the quilt came about and I appreciate that. The templates are included in a take out section in the middle of the book on light cardboard. Gwen says she makes little quilts to be able to try a lot of different ideas and you can either follow suit or develop the patterns into larger quilts.

   I came across those books after reading Liberated Quiltmaking and find them a good additional source.




2. ... I love it. Each quilt has easy to follow directions and diagrams. Also, the templates are included in the center of the book on heavy cardstock paper. Every quilt is depicted in a full color picture. Plus, I made an Amish square in a square quilt in one Saturday afternoon. Just in case you are wondering, the templates ARE FULL SIZE fo you do not have to add a seam allowance to machine piece these.



3. I love this book! I made the block in a block pattern and it turned out beautifully. All directions are easy to follow especially for beginners and the patterns are on heavy cardstock in the middle of the book so there is no need to trace anything. Best of all, the seam allowances have been included so you just cut and sew! Hope you like it! Erin Pennington, Carmi, IL



4. A good introduction to making miniature quilts. I love log cabin, so this book helped me to make a tiny one.

5 comments about Landscape in Contemporary Quilts: Design and Technique.

1. Excellent, but could be edited to about half its length.



2. An excellent book to use as an inspirational resource and a how-to book. The pictures are beutiful; instructions concise. Glad to have it in my library.



3. I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I have fresh insights on what can be done with a landscape (or portion threof) and seeing how one can abstract a landscape. Fascinating!



4. This book is beautiful, with very down-to-earth excellent principles of design and fantastic photos. It is one of the best quilted art books I have purchased.



5. I am just now exploring landscape quilts and am thankful to have stumbled upon this book. It's informative, inspiring, and practical, with many different examples of art quilts using different methods - a great benefit for a beginner like me.

1 comments about Helen M Stevens Embroiderer's Countryside (Helen Stevens' Masterclass Embroidery).

1. Wow. I did not expect so much detail! This book is an excellent resource and study guide for those who are accomplished embroiderers seeking to add flora and fauna to thier work.
   
   Helen Stevens writes so clearly, adding personal opinions and suggestions as she goes, making it seem like a friend is sitting next to you, guiding you along the way. I love her writing style.

3 comments about Celtic Knots: Mastering the Traditional Patterns (Celtic Design).

1. In a day when computer programs can generate knotwork and clip-art sources for Celtic art abound, it is refreshing to see a new and serious effort being made to train the hand, eye and mind in the skill and understanding of this art form. The technique is interesting in an historical sense because it shows how human hands could accomplish 'the work of angels' and it is also of great value to the modern hand-craftsman who wishes to continue in this tradition. The method of knotwork construction that Meehan teaches is remarkable for a reason that the author only casually mentions. This is that the layout marks are absorbed into the finish piece. An artist working in permanent ink, as did the medieval scribes who illuminated such masterpieces as the Book of Kells, after they have mastered the technique, can draw complicated knots without erasing or leaving messy layout marks. The book begins with a series of three grids, illustrated by dots and lines. These are necessary to illustrate the system, but unfortunately may give the reader the impression that the system is overwrought. Perhaps the author says a bit more than is needed at first, because the system is pretty easy to use once you understand it. In fact, by thoroughly illustrating the simplest knots in relationship to the grids in the first lessons, Meehan is making it possible (if the student perseveres) to layout more complicated knots with an economy of effort and ink. I highly recommend the book, but with the caution that the first lessons require patience. Had he cut to the chase without quite so much preliminary analysis I would gladly give it 5 stars. Stephen Walker



2. Agree with the reviewer below; the construction methods can seem a bit complex. But this ain't clip art, and the meditation needed to grasp the framework is part of why we're doing this particular form of art in the first place, no?
   
   Even as a straightforward source of material to adapt to your own artwork (I work at a scale of roughly 1/4" to 1'), it's rich. I love the pages of permutations.
   
   I think this is my third favorite Meehan (fils?) book, after Knots and Spirals.



3. I had a few books by George and Ian Bain but could never figure out what they were trying to get at. This book finally broke it down in a way I could understand. Now that I know the basic technique, I have expanded to all sorts of interesting knots. I can also go back to my Bain books and figure out where the break lines are so I can reproduce those knots without driving myself crazy.
   
   I agree with the other reviewers that at first the system seems a bit complicated, but the break-line and center-line drawing methods in this book have made it really easy for me to freehand knots on anything. I like not being a slave to clip art or stencils. I've gone to those pottery painting places and just plopped a gridwork of dots out and then penciled out my outline on uneven or unusual shapes. When I'm in meetings, I doodle knots on scratch paper.
   
   I gave the book four stars instead of five because I bailed out after 2/3 of the book, when it got to making corners, 3-cord and 5-cord plaits. After I understood the basic method, I figured out how to turn corners all by myself. The 3-cord and 5-cord plaits aren't as interesting to me because they can't be used in standalone knots. Also, Meehan tends to document every single variation on a knot even if it's not very pretty.
   
   I definitely recommend this as a way to train your brain. I am hoping to find a similar book that makes it easier to do triangular and circular knots.

4 comments about Floorcloth Magic: How to Paint Canvas Rugs for Decorative Home Use.

1. Clearly and concisely written, no confusion or contradictions like some other books on the same subject. Excellent section on contributing artists showing a wide diversity of styles.



2. The artist does a good job covering all the needed supplies and methods to create such beautiful floor cloths. There is a lot covered in these pages, although I could have skipped the color theory part given its really trial and error and personal design ultimately. There are lots of beautiful floor cloths to admire by this artist and others. Wish there were some substantial patterns to apply in addition to the very basic stripes included. This book helps motivate one to begin and do it right, and the rest is really up to one's imagination which the author gives a good springboard to leap from.



3. This is the second of 2 books I ordered because I wanted to paint and design a floor cloth.
   Easy instructions and some beautiful designs for anyone who does not want to design their own.



4. It was good to get more of the technical details about this type of artwork. Until now I only had the info I received from a one-day workshop and that wasn't as in depth as I really would have liked. I also appreciate the author's talent. There are some fine examples which provide inspiration.

3 comments about Fairies and Elves Iron-on Transfer Patterns (Iron-On Transfers).

1. I bought this book because I wanted to transfer the pictures on to fabric so I could do needle work with them. I found about 100 other uses as well. The Pictures were very clear and had bold lines that made it easy to see when tranfered. The faries themselves were very pretty, and even though there were about 50-75 different fairies, they all seemed to have their own personality. I found I was able to use them on fabric, wood, and even on my wall! I transfered some to my wall to make a mural and it worked great! You can use each picture more then once, but I found that the image started to fade, and it's best if only used once or twice. They would make very cute t-shirts if you wanted to transfer them, and then paint it. I can't think of anything you couldn't use them for, as it says in the book, transfers to anything that can absorb ink!



2. New grand-daughter and my daughter want this childs quilt to be fairies. I search ALLLLLLL over for fairy pattern with out success and was sooo happy to find these on-line. They are beautiful.



3. These were more detailed and smaller than I anticipated, and likely too much so for some needlework. Still, the fairies, which tend toward the child-like, are nicely done.

5 comments about Felt It! Stitch It! Fabulous!: Creative Wearables from Flea Market Finds.

1. For a couple of years, I've been making felted articles from thrift store sweaters, based on limited information available in the knitting mags. Finally, a book on this unlimited subject has been published, providing much needed guidance and creative inspiration. Felt It starts with the basics, where to find inexpensive feltable garments and then how to shrink them (the felting process). Actually cutting into one of these sweaters is daunting, but the section on cutting and piecing calms that apprehension. With easy to follow instructions and patterns for 39 projects, ranging from delicate flowers to Christmas stockings to sturdy backpacks, this book can keep the felter busy for months if not longer. A section on needlefelting (by hand and by sewing machine) is included. Felt It! Stitch It! is a Fabulous! resource.



2. Reading and enjoying the photos of finished projects has inspired me to make use of my wool sweaters that are outdated, moth damaged, and shrunk when mixed accidentally with normal laundry. I enjoy recycling old into new, useful items. With the holidays fast approaching, there are many great ideas for gifts.



3. Very clever ideas for using old wool garments that are felted in the washing machine. The projects are upscale style wise and not hokey or crafty. The photos are beautiful. I was inspired by what I read and saw here. I would certainly reccomend this book for anyone interested in this process.



4. I did order and receive Felt It! Stitch It! Fabulous!: Creative Wearables from Flea Market Finds and it is filled with fun and innovative ideas that I wish I had thought of. When you use the flea market wools you will get an idea on how wools felt into such a tightly woven fabric that you can treat it like regular material and use regular sewing patterns when cutting out the pieces to be sewn together. Think of the endless possibilities for new sources of exquisite materials. In the above pictures you can see a few of the fun projects presented in this book. We should have everyone we know looking for used wools. What an outstanding book for all of us felters and seamstresses. I know what I will be doing in the near future with my old wools. Katheryn shows you how to dye the wools, felt and block the wools and has all the patterns and instructions for every project in this wonderful book. There are so many projects in this book that we can do with our children too.
   
   Katheryn Introduction in the book: My eureka moment came as I was standing heartbroken in the laundry room. It was a scene you can probably relate to: a favorite wool sweater, a busy day, a large wash load, and...out came something fit for a teddy bear. I "was miserable until it suddenly occurred to me that I was holding a lovely piece of felted fabric. Soft, warm material I could cut up and stitch into something new. Within days, I was back in the laundry room purposely shrinking dozens of thrift store wool sweaters and then turning their durable felted fabrics into zillions of great projects.What I'd stumbled upon was a fabulous way to recycle old knits into smart, stylish wearable's and accessories. With a few unloved wool sweaters, a washer and dryer, and some basic sewing skills, you, too, can start with ready-made knits and end up "with hats, wraps, purses, and more, all created with a loving, handcrafted touch. The trick is in the magic of felting. Because felted knits don't unravel, they can be cut into any shape and sewn easily by hand or machine. And felted knits are so warm and soft that they're wonderfully touchable and perfect for countless projects.Felted knits are very popular now, but the conventional way to make a felted item, such as a purse, is to knit a very large loose one and shrink it. This tends to be both time-consuming and (since wool yarn can be pricey) expensive. The approach I'll teach you is easy on the piggy bank, as it relies on back-of-the-closet or thrift store finds, and it's fast. If you're like me, you love the look of handcrafted knits and you take great pleasure in giving gifts you've created yourself rather than bought at the mall. But even if you have the knitting skills required, the magic ingredient that knitting requires, time, and can be elusive. Every project in this book has that "hand-knit-with-love" look but can be completed in one afternoon.Take a look at the Basics chapter first, and you'll learn how to do on purpose what you once did by accident (shrink sweaters). I'll show you how to cut the new fabric up into perfect fabric pieces, and we'll take a quick look at the very simple sewing skills you'll need to complete the projects in the book. All of the projects can be sewn by hand, though in many instances you can use a sewing machine for even more time-saving power. Then, I'll introduce you to ways to enhance your creations with needle felting and powdered drink-mix dyeing. I have lots of tips and tricks I've learned from years as a designer and fabric artist to share with you. And if you do knit, I'll show you how to combine knitting with fast felting to add an exciting new dimension to your work.The 39 projects in this book range from a simple flower to embellish a favorite hat to a shoulder pack I've carried on trails and in trendy restaurants. Because you'll be finding your own knits to shrink, cut, and stitch, your creations will automatically be unique. And in no time you'll be able to take what you've learned here and dream up your own fabulous felted treasures.Hurry, what are you waiting for? Go over to Amazon and pick up this beautiful hard covered book at a good price and while you are there get the Nordic Felted knits, next on my review list and this way you will get the free shipping with your twenty five dollar purchase.



5. This is the greatest book. I would highly recommend it to whomever wants an easy way to make felted items. Very easy to follow. Great ideas!!

5 comments about Quilt National 2007: The Best of Contemporary Quilts (Quilt National).

1. This book is subtitled "The Best of Contemporary Quilts" - and that's an understatement. Quilt National is *the* art quilt show in the world, and the jurors have again done an amazing job of whittling the 1151 slides from 545 artists, from 45 states and 19 countries other than the USA down to just 83 quilts. I would love to see the show hanging - but the book is the next best thing to being there.
   
   This book has been thoughtfully designed and produced - as were the other two Quilt National books I own (Art Quilts: A Celebration: 400 Stunning Contemporary Designs and Quilt National 2005: The Best in Contemporary Quilts (Quilt National).
   
   There's enough white space to let the quilts stand on their own, and the photography shows the beauty of the quilting stitches featured in some of these artworks. The book's design flows beautifully from each page to the next - each double page spread is sensitively composed.
   
   Each time I turned the page I said "this, THIS is my favourite quilt of the show" - only to be awestruck at the next page turn and a new favourite. Whether the artists chose a traditional bed quilt format, or ventured into the realm of 3-D textile sculpture; whether using very old surface design techniques such as dye or the latest in computer manipulated and printed imagery, every one of the 83 quilts in this book is stunning.
   
   The artists statements accompanying the photos are concise and add insight to the maker's thought processes. There's no long winded waffle, just clear statements about the works. Very refreshing!
   
   Anyone who doubts that quilts should indeed stand beside "fine art" in galleries needs this book - it will surely change their perception.



2. Even after 14 other exhibits of "the best of contemporary quilts," the quilts gathered for Quilt National 2007 and showcased in the print version of the entries, also entitled Quilt National 2007, still represent innovative ideas and techniques. These works defy the adage that "there's nothing new under the sun," for they adhere to the definition of quilt, yet take that form to new levels.
   
   This, the first exhibit since the passing of Hilary Morrow Fletcher, who guided the project for 23 years, is truly a feast for the eye, albeit rendered as ink on paper.
   
   The textile treasures run the gamut from the realistic/pictorial to the wildly abstract and include sculptural pieces as well. The content taps into nature, the psyche, politics, urban life, and other subjects both deep and simple, but all rendered thoughtfully.
   
   If you can't view the actual show (on display through September 3, 2007, at the Dairy Barn and then traveling in part or entirely to St. Louis, MO; Houston, TX; Lancaster, PA (two exhibits); and Bloomingdale, IL, through 2009), then by all means visit it vicariously through the pages of this book.



3. I have all the Quilt National books. Although they are good reminders of the biannual show, the photography cannot capture the unique nature of the works. This year, I have also heard of a complaint from one of the entrants that one piece was not photographed in its entirety. Nonetheless, if you can't get there to see the show in person, the book is your next best alternative.



4. I purchased this for a quilt friend, having received one as a gift from a prior year's showing. If you're in to art quilts, this is a must have book



5. The pictures in this book are a delight to the eyes. And an inspiration
   to the quilter.

5 comments about Nancy Crow.

1. Amazing book. great information, stories. Lots of pictures of striking quilts show-casing the progress of this wonderful artist. Also shows pictures of Nancy Crow's studio and timber frame barn - must be an amazing place to create. This book is a wonderful value and very inspiring to any artist regardless of preferred media.



2. Nancy Crow is the ultimate quilter's quilter. Her advice, thoughts and pictures of her work and projects are more than any quilter could hope for. This book will enhance any quilter's library.
   It was one of the best b-day presents I've ever received.
   Diane



3. For anyone in art quilting or wanting to be, this book gives an in depth look into the thoughts and creations of Nancy Crow. The color in the book is excellent and there is an abundance of pictures. This is a "Must have" for anyone who loves color and fabric and original art.



4. Everyone else who has reviewed this book say is great. Maybe it is, but because I haven't received anything I guess the only thing that I could say is "don't buy anything here, you'll get nothing".



5. Fabulous. Love all the pictures and the artists description of her process in creating her work.

5 comments about Interweave's Compendium of Finishing Techniques: Crochet, Embroidery, Knitting, Knotting, Weaving.

1. A very thorough review of different ways to finish your projects through stitches, trimmings, decorative braids, etc. Clear concise instructions, and easy to follow illustrations. A wonderful book!!



2. I like the book very much, however, I feel the layout and the photography could have been tighter and more artful. There's a bit of a rushed-to-put-together feel about it, which is disappointing. Nevertheless, good value for a finishing reference book because it applies to all needlework disciplines.



3. Well done you. It is a great thing to write a book, another to actually have it published, and a sheer triumph if it is a good read. Congratulations on achieving all three.



4. I'm dyslexic and left handed -- and after several decades of false starts learning to knit -- I finally got it. What I couldn't figure out from all the wonderful knitting books available now is how to get the beginnings and endings (and the errors in the middle) to work as well as the actual knits, purls, yarnovers, and slips....
   
   I borrowed one book of finishing techniques, found another at a local bookstore, and found dozens of pages on the web that all attempted to explain how to accomplish these tasks which are evidently simple to most knitters.
   
   This book, "Interweave's Compendiu7m of Finishing Techniuest..." and another Interweave book called "Knit Fix" are the only books I've found that manage to explain in such a way that I can translate their instructions into successful knitting. Both books are compact, spiral bound, and full of un-misunderstandable directions and clear, plentiful illustrations.
   
   If I can understand the writing and illustrations in these books, imagine how useful they will be for the average kntter!
   
   This book suffers greatly by not featuring the word "knitting" in its title -- in dozens of searches on Amazon, it never came up and was never associated with other books in this family -- oddly, it is associated with weaving books only. Don't let this mislead you.



5. excellent book, well presented would have like more crochet button ideas but this is an excellent product