5 comments about Welcome Home: Kaffe Fassett.

1. This book features pictures of his home working areas, his sources of inspiration and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts exhibit which I went to many times; so I got the book as memento of the exhibit and the class on color application that Kaffe taught there a couple of years ago which I was fortunate to attend. Anything he does is terrific as far as I am concerned. The book has quilts and rug patterns which look wonderful. This book was fun for me, as I am always looking for suggestions on how to create a comfortable working area in my very small living space, and liberating ways to work with color. Kaffe will always be my favorite art teacher -- he continues to be great source of encouragement and inspiration.



2. Absolutely Beautiful. He is a master of color design and employs the essence of the earth with the soul. A keepsake that will be cherished forever.

   This book is wonderfully written and his work is inspirational. Knowing the fabric choices and patterns are available is great comfort. His work in his home can also be yours.




3. This book features photographs of Kaffe Fassett's
   home where he apparently does most of his work.
   Beware, this book is not for the exponent of
   monochromatic themes. Mr. Fassett lives with his
   art and the colors in his house explode from the
   pages of WELCOME HOME.

   The artist says that "the house is like a constantly
   changing set." In fact, his entire home appears to
   be a working studio. On page eleven there are
   pictures of the same room decorated in two distinct
   and different styles, where even the fireplace mantle
   has been changed.

   From the papered or hand painted walls, to the quilts,
   needlepoint rugs, chairs and pillows, the home abounds
   in colors, textures and patterns. It's a treat to
   just look at the photographs. If you feel so inclined,
   the instructions are given for making some of the
   quilts, rugs and pillows.

   It's interesting to view the home environment of a
   successful working artist and to see how different
   objects are collected and used as sources of future
   inspiration. I particularly enjoyed the pictures of
   Mr. Fassett's blue and white pottery collection which
   is also a favorite of mine. I also liked seeing his
   bookcase, which from the point of view of a book
   collector, looked well used and filled with cherished
   books.

   The section of the book called Museum Tour, shows
   various exhibits of Mr. Fassett's work as a textile
   artist. These photographs are from his show at the
   Minneapolis Institute of Fine Art.

   I highly recommend this beautiful book.




4. If you're in a design or artistic rut and need something to "jump start" your creative visions again, this book is well worth owning.

   Fassett challenges all the truisms of decor and many of the fundamental rules of art, and celebrates life and color with his fabulous visual concepts. Savoring each photo in this book... Well, it's like eating the best sherbet in the world, but for your creative spirit.

   If you want your environment to enrich you and welcome visitors with extraordinary and JUICY colors (and color combinations), it's worth finding a copy of this book. I recently acquired a copy (after being "on the fence" about it for too long... what WAS I thinking...?) and wish that I'd snagged a copy sooner.

   I honestly can't think of any kind of art or artist that wouldn't be very positively influenced by this book.




5. I've always admired Kaffe Fassett so when I saw that this book was available at my local library I just had to borrow it. The colours do not disappoint and his home does not either. It is a continuous creative work in progress but it also looks very comfortable and lived in. I am not a crafty person but thanks to this book I went out and bought a latch hook, some hessian and found the bag of scrap material buried deep in a cupboard and now have a new easy hobby for in front of the TV that cost me less than $10 to get started with. His projects are achievable even for beginners and there is something for everyone. The beauty of this book is that it gives ideas and also an insight into how this fascinating man lives. It is not a specialist book but rather a broad overview of Fassett's interests.

1 comments about Glorious American Quilts: The Quilt Collection of the Museum of American Folk Art.

1. This comprehensive guide to the quilts in the collection of the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City offers readers an excellent study of quiltmaking in American history. Color photos of 141 quilts, collected from across the country, represent traditional and contemporary styles. The accompanying text provides extensive information about the quilts and the people who made them.

2 comments about The Technique of North American Indian Beadwork.

1. Monte Smith has produced an excellent book for anyone wishing to begin authentic beadwork. He provides complete information regarding the materials and supplies needed. There is a lot of information about the technical aspects of this craft. The book has excellent illustrations on how to make the various stitches with beads on leather, which interested me the most. He has also included numerous photos of original artifacts that a person can use for design ideas. There is also a coded (by letters) reference under the photos which indicates the museums that have those items on display. The only improvement this basic book could have would be color photos which would be of help in selecting beads for a project.



2. I just got this book the other night, so I haven't had the chance to thoroughly read it yet. So far, I think the text part is better than the photography. I find it easy to read and it seems to touch on several topics. Unfortunately, not being well versed in Native American/Indian history, I don't know how accurate that information is, so I'm no help in analyzing that part of the book. He seems to me to do a good job describing techinques, and the illustrations are helpful to me. If you're looking for good photos though, I would not recommend this book.

4 comments about Heavenly Handmade Bags: Over 25 Designs to Stitch, Knit, Embroider, and Embellish.

1. A great book to fire the imagination. Lots of ideas and colorful illustrations. A very good guide for getting started.



2. too over the top crafty cutesy for my taste. If you like that kind of look - you'll enjoy it, otherwise - try something plainer



3. I recently saw a lady carrying the most amazing tote bag I've ever seen in my life. I have an eye for crafts, and I immediately suspected that this bag was a one-of-a-kind purchased in a boutique for crazy money, was made by the wearer who must be the most talented artist in the world, or she had hit it very lucky at the garage sale of a millionaire with fabulous taste and money to burn.
   
   Since I couldn't help but stop and ask her, I found out that none of my assumptions were actually true. The lady had purchased this very book, followed directions and added on some interesting twists and turns of her own, using some upholstery fabric suggesting museum-quality (to my eye) and lined it with satin.
   
   That lady's tote bag was utterly drop-dead amazing. I tracked down this book on Amazon and will soon begin the museum-quality tote bag of my own dreams.
   
   Heavenly Handmade Bags: Over 25 Designs to Stitch, Knit, Embroider & Embellish by Sue Hawkins is the key to become that woman with the purse that everyone admires!



4. This is the first how make a handbag book that I purchased. I based the buy on sight unseen and on the good reviews on Amazon. Well, the reviews at the lowerer end are much more accurate. I call this book boring and mostly useless. The designs are not contemporary and the bags all look homemade. Sorry, but for the price of this book, I suggest buying a better resource book that has some substance to it. Anyonw know such a handbag book? I am looking for the best one.

3 comments about Embellish Chic: Detailing Ready-to-Wear.

1. This set of clothing embellishment guides from Taunton Press carefully and clearly explains how to use additions of beads, ribbons, and other trims to translate usual to unusual clothing. The tips on using applique, embroidery, and beading to enhance these garments blend step-by-step instructional photos with finished results and are inspirational and revealing.



2. The author is very detail oriented and explains each technique well. However, there are no unique or inspiring examples. They are extremely common and plain. This book is definitely not for the artsy and creative person looking for that one new and inspiring method to express and create. I want to pack it up and ship it right back.



3. Just received my copy today and really love the basic beading instructions. Many books don't provide detail how-tos and easy-to-follow beading illustrations, so I appreciate this book. A solid reference for those interested in learning embellishment techniques.

5 comments about Costuming from the Hip.

1. i buy this book for my girlfriend...its not a book, its a stapled pile of paper at the price of a hardcover book



2. The first in a series of these types of books, which are aimed at the amateur sewer as well as the professional designer. Just because it is a belly dancing costuming manual should not limit those interested in sewing and making costumes in general. This is a comprehensive guide to allow you to create your own designs, and not slaveishly following someone elses pattern and creation, and is a must in anyones personal library who are interested in fashion/costuming and theatre. This book also touches on the tradional costumes of the Middle and Far East throughout the ages, as well as theatrical costuming tips and design for every body type. Plus it includes patterns and design ideas, as well as dozens of graphics to illustrate the author's information.



3. I'm a beginning bellydancer but an experienced seamstress.My specialty is in proms/bridesmaid/formal wear.Love that this book is spiral bound for laying flat. Lots of good quick ideas, with variations & samples to enhance & create more ornate costumes. Some of the projects will be easier with some sewing experience(some of the instructions might be a little unclear at first reading) but most can be created with minimal sewing skills. It is a good starting point.I consider this book a definite plus in my sewing library for branching out into costuming.The ideas presented go beyond just bellydance and can be used in other areas of dance and/or costuming. I have several of Devine's books on my wish list.



4. a very good scource/reference book[let],more of it would have been good,as was bit thin on pages, but still an exellent ideas book with drawings & explanations easy to understand, i liked it.



5. This is a really good book for all dancers to read. Understanding costume basics is important even if you are not making your own. I keep this in the classroom for students to look through. I put each page in a page protector and inserted them all in a notebook. The girls love using it as a reference and I recommend they get their own copies and start building their bellydance libraries.

2 comments about Goldwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects (Milner Craft Series).

1. Meticulously detailed book. First chapter which is a history of goldwork embroidery mainly in England reads a bit like a thesis with details of important goldwork pieces the author viewed. She then goes into the history and construction of metal threads followed by materials, equipment and preparation techniques. Then a chapter specific to goldwork techniques. The main part of the book is the 15 projects going from easiest to most difficult. Many have lots of padding throughout the pieces. In her list of materials, she is very thorough giving also what is needed for preparation in addition to the various goldwork threads. This is followed by very detailed material on working each project plus each has actual size drawings (also for the padding) and color photos. Bibliography and suppliers list complete the book. In addition the author has kits for each project. Medallion is the cover photo and is the second project in the book.There are also two projects of figures. No or nue though. I find all my goldwork books useful, but if you're only buying one this would be an excellent choice even though the author has included some difficult pieces.



2. This book is wonderful. It is full of fascinating information, beautiful pictures and truly inspiring projectsIt's a needed addition to any needleworker's library.

3 comments about Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean.

1. Clothing and body ornamentation were among the first means by which humans expressed their social identity. For this reason alone, the study of clothing is of primary importance for understanding the past. Unfortunately, clothing is perishable and little is left of these once flourishing art forms. But what we do possess often reminds us of traditions that have survived into modern times, both in regard to their construction and design and this presents another means for evaluating the scanty remains. Because the last two centuries have seen such accelerated social change we often forget that people in the past held on to their traditions with the greatest tenacity. The arts practiced primarily by women such as weaving and basketry were among the most conservative. Only a few scholars have sought to trace these links to the past. Prof. E. W. Barber makes a substantial contribution to this neglected field of study with her Prehistoric Textiles.

   Prehistoric Textiles is really two books in one. The first is a systematic and scientific treatment of topics relevant to the history and practice of weaving. These include the types of fibers used in early textiles, the techniques and tools of spinning, the types of looms and their probable historical development, the dyes used with early textiles, and most importantly, the weaving techniques themselves. Had Prof. Barber stopped here the work would have been accomplishment enough since no other work of this kind exists to my knowledge. Further, none of the more specialized monographs that do exist takes pains to explain the subject in such detail to the lay reader. Prof. Barber has the advantage of being a weaver herself and she is able to identify with the struggles and joys of the artisans who made these ancient textiles and to suggest practical reasons why they did they what did.

   The second book is more ambitious: a history written from textiles rather than texts. By looking at the spread of weaving, the materials, techniques, and designs, she hopes to add to our knowledge of larger historical issues such as the origin and dispersion of the Indo-European peoples. A number of more focused studies in the second half of the book put this sensible idea into practice. The first concerns the diffusion of loom weights and spindle whorls in the Near East and Europe while a second analyzes the Bronze Age textile industry in the Aegean. There is a good deal more here of course and all done with the care and attention to detail one would expect from a weaver.

   In addition to the linguistic, archeological, and historical matters discussed in the book, there are several underlying issues raised by Dr. Barber which have been the subject of earlier studies by the American scholar, Dr. Carl Schuster (1904-1969 whose work has not received the serious attention it deserves. Schuster was interested designs on textiles and he amassed an important collection during his worldwide travels, starting in the 1930s. His interest in symbolism led him to trace the history of certain design motifs as they moved from one medium to another. What Schuster discovered is summarized in Patterns That Connect (also available from Amazon.com). I mention the work because it forms a background for much of the material Dr. Barber presents. Many of the techniques used to construct woven clothing as well as the designs employed by weavers were borrowed from tailored fur garments. Schuster was able to reconstruct the techniques used to create these garments which were generally made from small furs. Several marginally located hunting peoples were still constructing such garments as late as the 19th and 20th century. Additionally, designs which originated on clothing were transferred to less perishable objects (cave walls, bones, pebbles, ivory, etc.) in Paleolithic times as marks of social identity. In Neolithic times, the same designs were transferred to pottery and widely diffused. What is familiar to us as geometric art, Schuster maintained, is really the residue of a system once used to depict genealogical relations via tattoos and clothing designs.

   Another area of interest touched upon only briefly by Dr. Barber in her discussion of the Greek Fates is the symbolism connected with weaving and spinning. Here the interested reader can turn profitably to the works of Rene Guenon, in particular his Fundamental Symbols and The Symbolism of the Cross. But perhaps the most important figure in this field is Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy, the great art historian, metaphysician, and folklorist, whose discussion of the sutratman or "thread-spirit" doctrine is central to the arts of the weaving and spinning. It was Coomaraswamy's contention that traditional art forms were symbolically meaningful as well as useful and that artistic creation was a form of worship.




2. this book is another attempt to help us accept the fact that the peoples living before 4000BC where not cave-dwelling morons as most archeologist think, mrs barbers incredibly well researched book takes us on a discovery that ends too soon and makes us hope she will follow up with a book on the rest of the world....



3. E.J.W. Barber pieces together the overlooked archaeological evidence relating to prehistoric textiles in a comprehensive and compelling way in her book, Prehistoric Textiles. Not only does this book provide an excellent education about textiles from this era, but one can also glean so much about human existence during this period when we understand the relationship that people of this time had with textiles.
   
   A fascinating and thoroughly entertaining read!

1 comments about New Ideas in Goldwork.

1. Miss Franklin is an expert in her field. She has expanded and perfected the art of goldwork, taking it to new levels of interest and beauty. Her techniques are not only understandable but also very appealing: you feel like sitting down and beginning a project almost immediately. That is if you can drag yourself away from the well-written text and the gorgeous close-up pictures! I had the honor and pleasure of taking a goldwork course from her in the Victoria and Albert Museum when I fortuitously was in London a couple years ago. She's patient and interesting to speak with and graciously signed my book. She has a website where she sells the rare and expensive threads you need to make these pieces authentic. It's worth it. See also her new book on Whitework. I have hundreds of needlework books and this is among my top 10 favorites. You gotta get it.

3 comments about Baskets from Nature's Bounty.

1. The author's love of nature makes pleasurable reading. Excellent guide to collection and preparation of natural materials. A very good addition to a basket maker's library. Quick and easy referenc



2. This is one of the best books I have ever used on making baskets using recorces available to us in nature. It gives a complete list of different plants that can be used, where they can be found, the time of year to gather them, and how to prepare and dye them. There is also step by step instructions on different projects like coiling, twining and plaiting that one can make with the materials just gathered. I highly reccomend this book to anyone interrested in basketry or natural fibers



3. If you want to make baskets from local materials (any locality). Jensen tells you what to look for, how to prepare it and how to make a basket with it. Several techniques, many materials. Everything except bamboo and cane.