2 comments about How the West was Worn: A Complete History of Western Wear.

1. A wonderful wallow for a clothing collector! A source of inspiration for an obsessed person who is likely to make his or her own clothing! Marvellous images, beautifully printed, I love this book.



2. This book has great images. I used it for clothing design inspiration and loved it. Lots of "full on" western clothes loaded with embroidery, sequins, etc. I did not read a word of the text, merely used it for the photos.

No comments about Quilt National: Contemporary Designs in Fabric.

3 comments about Just Can't Cut It: Quilts from Fabulous Fabrics.

1. The title says it all! So often in a fabric store, I run across gorgeous fabric that I absolutely love but can't for the life of me figure out how I would use it in a quilt. Sometimes it's a large-scale print that wouldn't look right cut into itty-bitty pieces for a traditional pieced quilt. Sometimes it's a '30s repro novelty print where, again, the scenes would get destroyed if cut. More recently, it's been the lovely toiles that have come into vogue.

   Pamela Mostek's "Just Can't Cut it!" provides terrific inspirations for quilts to make from those fabrics. Designs range from a simple scalloped whole-cloth quilt to a quilt with more intricately pieced diamond sashing that frames the "can't cut it" fabric. Since most of the design comes from the featured fabric, many of these quilts would be quite simple to piece.

   The 12 designs include "Japanese Jewels," a crazy quilt made of Japanese prints, "I Love Liberty," which takes advantage of a strong horizontal design of a Liberty of London fabric, "Josie's Quilt," which shows off a '30s repro Red Riding Hood fabric that I've long admired, and several quilts using a lattice design to frame the featured fabric.

   Those more addicted to hand quilting than to piecing will appreciate the simply to make quilts that will enable them to spend less time with the construction and get right to the quilting. I should note that Ms. Mostek doesn't provide any ideas of quilting the finished pieces. Fortunately, the photographs are clear enough that the quilting designs are apparent in most.

   In addition to providing the piecing designs, Ms. Mostek gives suggestions for selecting companion fabrics that won't compete with the "can't cut it" fabric. Although she doesn't go into as much detail about companion fabric selection as some quilting books do, she does a good job focusing the short fabric-selection section to this style of quilt, where one fabric will (or at least should) dominate the design, and the rest are there to act as condiments, so to speak.

   "Just Can't Cut it!" also contains a brief section on the mechanics of putting a quilt together, including applique and binding. The book, however, doesn't pretend to be a comprehensive "how-to-quilt" guide, and instead contains a good Resources section for those with questions on color, piecing, etc.

   My one extremely minor criticism is that, for the most part, Ms. Mostek doesn't show any variations on her designs. Since the featured fabric serves as such a strong design element, visualizing the quilt made with anything else can be a challenge in some cases. Fortunately, the one quilt design where this is most true--"I Love Liberty"--does depict the quilt made with a different fabric.

   The second I ran across this book at my local quilt shop, I knew I had to have it. One of these days, I will run across another one of those "Love It, But What Would I Do With It?" fabrics and will turn it into a "Just Can't Cut It" quilt.




2. Just Can't Cut It!: Quilts From Fabulous Fabrics is a simple guide by quilting expert Pamela Mostek to the art and craft of assembling quilts from fabrics that are simply too gorgeous to be cut into small shapes! Twelve quilt patterns, tips for using large-scale prints, step-by-step instructions, and more, make Just Can't Cut It! an easy-to-follow addition recommended for any and all personal needlecrafting reference collections.



3. I was drawn to this book title because I have been collecting some wonderful fabrics that have large designs and I have seen some beautiful quilts displayed in my local quilt shop that made use of these large patterned fabrics. By buying this book, I get several patterns at a cost far less than buying the individual patterns from the quilt shop. I am especially interested in using Asian fabrics and there are 2 quilts pictured in the book that make use of these fabrics. I can't wait to get started on some masterpieces of my own

5 comments about Folk Art Friends: Hooked Rugs and Coordinating Quilts (That Patchwork Place).

1. Folk Art Friends is both an inspirational and a practical how-to-book, combining two art forms...hand-hooking rugs and quilting to produce your own folk art. I am a rug hooker of just 2 years; I have never quilted, but have wanted to hand quilt a piece. This book is urging me to "go girl". Beautiful color photos, clear directions, patterns galore, resources for materials...everything a quilter and/or rug hooker would need in one book...and you can produce coordinating works! These two authors, sisters, are experts who are willing to share their ideas and techniques with others...in the true spirit of their arts. This book is a true "keeper".



2. Filled with beautiful photos of Polly's home and her hooked rugs, along with her sister's wonderful coordinating quilts, this is a MUST HAVE book for all rug hooker's new and "old." Americana "eye-candy!" It is refreshingly uncomplicated and includes patterns to both quilt and hook. Every crafter needs this book on their bookshelf!



3. This is a WONDERFUL book. The pictures are gorgeous and the nstructions are accurate and concise. Makes you want to own every quilt and rug in the book!



4. This is a wonderfully composed book with clear instructions, beautiful pictures, and interesting background. Inspiration comes from not only the projects, but from the wonderful ways the rugs and quilts are displayed in Polly's home. This is not only a must have for any quilter and hooker, but is also a tempting book for those who would like to learn either art.

   Donna Schultz




5. I love this book! It is full of inspiration, information and lots of wonderful photos. Very clear, concise instructions are included, as well as lots of great patterns. I especially loved Polly's color palette in her folky rugs and seeing the rugs and coordinated quilts on display in her home. For those looking for Americana themed rugs and quilts, this is a great book, as it contains several projects based on red,white & blue designs.

No comments about Helen M Stevens Embroiderer's Countryside.

1 comments about Embroidery from Afghanistan (Fabric Folios).

1. Beautiful photos, excellent close-ups of some of the stitches. A good introduction to the garment and textile styles of Afghanistan. However, there is one error. In discussing the Tekke Turkmen woman's cloak (chyrpy), Ms. Paine states that a chyrpy of dark green fabric is intended for a young girl.
   
   The chyrpy is a married woman's garment, the color of which indicates the woman's age. A chyrpy of dark green, dark blue, or black cloth, is worn by young married women. A chyrpy of yellow cloth is worn by middleaged women, and one of white cloth is worn by women past menopause. See The Arts and Crafts of Turkestan by Johannes Kalter.

4 comments about Machine Quilting With Decorative Threads.

1. This book is a complete guide for quilters who want to try all kinds of special threads for embellishing their quilts. It is so simple that it can be used for beginners following the exercices. It is also good for teachers who encourage traditional quilters to try to make real Artquilts.



2. This book is set up with lessons on using various threads on little quilt "sandwiches" with galleries of work spaced between them for further example and inspiration. It is the perfect way for one unable or unwilling to attend classes to gain an introductory knowledge of this technique. The lessons are very straight-forward and to the point, making this book a pleasure to just plow through. It concentrates primarily on the thread, not the various feet or attachments, applique or other embellishment techniques. It is, as it states, all about quilting with decorative threads and is excellent. The authors briefly introduce the setting up of the machine, the equipment required (surprisingly little) and off the reader goes. With each lesson one gains more and more confidence in the technique and medium. They teach the use of various threads, films and braids, how to transfer designs, plying, couching and more. In the back there are charts of the various threads and how they should be used in the machine and a short listing of resources. Very practical, informative, fun book to have.



3. I checked the book out at the library and found it very informative. I've been toying with the idea of embellishing my quilts and wall hangings with decorative thread. I did not know where to start. So many questions! This book answered all my questions about materials and technique. I now feel confident to purchase the threads and experiment with them through her easy to follow exercises. My best friend wanted to know what I wanted for Christmas, I told her to give me this book! I can't wait to get started!



4. You will never imagine how many ideas you can apply with decorative threads on your project. The book is simple and into point. I can't wait to start my first experience with those wonderful threads!

2 comments about Love to Quilt: Petal by Petal : Appli-Bond Flowers (Love to Quilt).

1. This book has changed the way I look at flowers. I can now duplicate them easily using this technique, while at the same time maintaining the realistic look. It was great fun. Joan Shay is an artist.



2. A very unique and interesting method of applique'. This allows me to do more than just fabric on top of base fabric and is a lot more interesting. A marvelous book with new ideas.

4 comments about Embroideries & Patterns from 19th Century Vienna (Embroideries & Patterns from Nineteenth Century Vienna from the Nowotny Collection).

1. The book displays part of the unique collection world-wide of classical needlepoint designs of the Biedermeier period (early 19th century). The editor is a professional researcher and well-known for her "beautiful" publications. The exquisite colour charts in this book, representing flowers, landscapes, borders etc. were hand-painted by specialized artists, similar to early Victorian needlework designs. In addition to 37 black & white embroidery designs, also pictured in colour, most of the excellent illustrations could serve, if magnified, as colour patterns for embroiderers. The almost 200 colour pictures are delightful for anyone interested in needlework, either for just looking or for using the designs for petit point, gros point or cross-stitches. It is one of the "richest" books for classical designs I have seen, including American and English publications.



2. This is the finest collection of charted historical embroidery patterns I have ever encountered. The illustration articles and patterns are of exceptional quality and extremely well reproduced - many of the original painted patterns appear in a size one can work from as easily as the selection of black and white patterns produced for the book. We can only hope that Raffaella Serena will produce more works of this calibre.



3. This book is the best source I have found for original designs. Anyone looking for extremely detailed and diverse designs would enjoy this book. Most of the designs could be used directly from the photos of the charts. This book is magnificent! Truly different than any other needlepoint book I have seen, well worth purchasing. There is enough material to last a lifetime of stiching!



4. I bought this book in order to make a truly unique seat cover for a vintage chair. The photos are great, the charts easy to follow and there is even a list of colors needed in both wool and DMC floss, depending on your preference. The results were fabulous. And this is only the second needlepoint project I've done in my life. I've bought a second book by Ms. Serena called Berlin Work and I'm looking forward to a third with Animal designs. If you're looking for some truly historical designs, this is the book for you. If you can find my website, there are pictures of my chair there. m. LAIUPPA

5 comments about Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting.

1. This one of my favorite knitting books, period. I have been knitting (self-taught) for about 20 years, and I seldom use a any kind of written pattern. I decide on yarn and wearer and just begin making the sweater. So here is were this book comes in: instructions on planning or designing a sweater (wouldnt even have to be one done in Fair Isle style); page after page of Fair Isle design elements arranged by SIZE; and beautiful photo of incredible Shetland yarn color combinations. There are printed project patterns, a nice selection too--I just do that sort of thing. And I also enjoyed the history of Fair Isle style and the possible origin of design elements. I keep returning to this book for the charted Fair Isle elements and color inspiration.



2. This book will lead you through the history of fair isle knitting, designing, pattern and color selection, knitting with two or more colors, steeks, and finishing. Fair isle is magnificent and quite unlike anything else I'd done before. The concept of intricate color patterns done seamlessly with Shetland wool was and is quite appealing. I was able, with this book to become proficient in this marvelous style of knitting, creating a masterpiece my first go-round (pun unintended!). It also includes outstanding patterns. I literally wore out my first copy, the pages finally came loose from the binding and I am now on copy #2. I own quite a few books on knitting but consider this my fair isle reference.



3. If you own ONE book on colorwork, this might just be the best choice. While Starmore deals with Fair Isle style knitting only, the techniques are useful for all kinds of knitting design.

   In addition to the history of Fair Isle knitting, Starmore explains the use of OXO patterns mixed with "peerie" or bands of small patterns that are mixed with the larger patterns and provide a pleasing rhythm to the design. The fact that only two colors are used per row is hard to believe when you look at how Starmore mixes subtle color changes to yield some amazing results. She also shows the inspiration for the colorways, from a handful of wet sea pebbles, to a moor landscape, to a flea market display of bric-a-brac. You can find colorways all around you once you get an eye for how Starmore looks at the world.

   The book has useful charts for OXO and peerie patterns and a section on how to construct classic pullovers, vests and cardigans. This is one of my most favorite knitting books.




4. This stellar book manages to answer every question I ever had about Fair Isles Knitting, as well as a whole host of questions I hadn't even realized I should have been asking. Profusely illustrated with breathtaking color photographs, this book fills me with the mad inspiration to create every single time I open it. The charted designs are abundant and varied, the technical information is incomparable, and Starmore does an excellent job of making this highly detailed and specialized form of knitting accessible to beginners and experienced knitters alike. If you want to expand your knowledge of stranded multicolor knitting, this book is a MUST HAVE.



5. This book is a must have, well worth the price. First it takes you through the history of Fair Isle and The Shetland Islands so beautifully you feel like you are there, or wish you were! The next chapter has a good selection of easy to follow charts. They go from basic through to complex, which you can mix and match for your own unique designs. Then she discusses colour schemes; each jumper has a photo of the scenery that inspired the colours, to bring you inspiration. Next are techniques. She has simple diagrams that are easy to understand, showing all the techniques you need to knit fairisle. Her instructions were so simple I have now decided to knit on 4 needles! I have also learnt continental style knitting, as this technique is a much easier way of Fairisle knitting. Other techniques include steeks (making cardigans by knitting in round); knitting up stitches, corrugated ribbing, stranded knitting and lots more. Then there are 14 of her divine patterns to knit. The last section is design she walks you through instructions of knitting your own cap, tammy and gansey. I wouldn't part with my copy for all the tea in china!