1 comments about A Complete Guide to Silk Painting.

1. It was better than I expected "it's contents" and what can I say you are the best AMAZON no complaints at all great delivery

5 comments about Georgia Quilts: Piecing Together a History (Wormsloe Foundation Publication) (Wormsloe Foundation Publication).

1. I am still poring over this beautifully formatted and photographed book, and I've owned it for six weeks. It is a joy to behold and an important addition to current knowledge of textile and quilt history.
   
   It is notable for the new quilts it brings to light and for the sheer number of quilts from the various eras in Georgia's long history. Clearly the quilt search that produced it was far-reaching, ambitious.
   
   GEORGIA QUILTS also should interest quilt historians for the light it throws on quilts of the Deep South. Those seeking trends or commonality of patterns, textiles, quilting traditions, and other elements of the quilter's art now have another important resource.
   
   In short, it is a beautiful book, filled with well-rendered full-page photographs of quilts not previously seen in print, with vintage photographs to provide context. Buy it for the quilts you will see, if for no other reason. It cannot fail to please.
   
   The decision to organize the quilts by something more meaningful than chronology suggests the complexity of the body of quilts and offers options for deeper exploration of trends and issues. In this choice, the editors have the fine KANSAS QUILTS as precedent. A problem associated with such a decision, of course, is a possible lack of consistency in the quality of treatment and approach to the items studied.
   
   GEORGIA QUILTS shows some of the problematic effects of this approach. For instance, some writers speculate more freely than others. When addressing the appearance of a blue-green color popular sometime around or just after the Civil War, the writer states the color visible today is "probably" the result of a fabric fade from a two-step home dye process. Yet throughout the book, this identical color appears in post-Civil War quilts in combination with cheddar and oxblood. The consistency raises questions that need addressing, for this color offers clues for dating and placing historical quilts of unknown provenance. Hardly novel to Georgia, it is seen throughout the Mid- and Deep South in the same general hue. One wonders what a search of cotton mill inventories in the period might have revealed.
   
   Yet, while fewer unsupported generalizations would improve the book, to a large extent, the problem is characteristic of state quilt books because of the number of items that require consideration in a relatively short space. Perhaps all one might ask of such books is a representative sampling, accompanied by an effort at interpretation that will point the direction for future scholarship. In this, GEORGIA QUILTS succeeds.
   
   And if only for the sheer array of quilts, well photographed and well displayed, and the complementary photographs from the Vanishing Georgia collection of the Georgia Historical archives, it deserves a place in the library of everyone interested in American quilts, American history, Southern culture and arts, or the history of quiltmaking.
   
   Here you will find 'Possum quilts, a Circular Saw to beat all Circular Saw quilts, and enough lively examples of the quilter's art to suggest the character of Georgia's culture over time and to give abiding pleasure.
   
   The editors are to be commended on their inclusion of many quilts heretofore not seen in regional quilt books and on their organizational decision. The varied treatments, including solid chapters on feedsack quilts, African-American quilts, and "King Cotton" are informative and introduce either new perspectives or focus earlier ones more sharply. The two chapters on early quilts present fine new examples, brilliantly photographed, and a range sometimes not found.
   
   GEORGIA QUILTS is an excellent addition to the study of Southern culture and American quilt history in general. It is a must-own.
   
   I recommend following this book with Nancilu Burdick's LEGACY: THE QUILTS OF TALULA BOTTOMS. Bottoms was a Georgian who experienced the Battle of Atlanta and lived into a new century, quilting all the while. Though like many Scots-Irish Southerners after the Civil War, her family eventually moved to west--in her case, to Limestone County, Alabama--for better farming land, Bottoms remained a Georgian in her heart and outlook. Her story might well have been a chapter in GEORGIA QUILTS.



2. Fellow quilters understand; its the photos that make or break a book about quilts, and these photos are fabulous. The text is lively and informative and makes me wish to see another exhibit of historic quilts!



3. Great book and very reasonably priced
   
   Received within 5 days to Australia
   
   Well done



4. I'm interested in Vintage quilts, and State Quilt Study Groups publications are a great place to become acquainted with regional quilt patterns and aesthetics prior to 1900. Georgia Quilts is a bit disappointing compared to some other State Quilt books. Relatively few quilts prior to 1900, although some are superb; a Circular Saw that looks positively lethal, and a breathtakingly beautiful Lotus Blossom. Most State Quilt books are organized chronologically, this one is not, so there may be more pre-1900 quilts than I think. There's a lot of space devoted to non-quilting topics- including a chapter on King Cotton, which was interesting, and - not un-associated with quilts. Oh, two of Harriet Powers' fabulous quilts are pictured.



5. from the wonderful plays on words in the title, to the chapter notes at the end of the book, this book is filled with delights.
   
   as two other reviewers have noted, there are wonderful, amazing and rare quilts included in this book. besides the lethal (perfect adjective!) saw quilt, there are broderie perse, pieced, four block, crazy, and string pieced quilts (and a quilt machine pieced and quilted--in the 1860s!). a feature of this book that i particularly enjoyed was the number of late-20th century quilts included. i was left with the impression that georgia quilters had no problems with innovation and individuality. also interesting were the run-of-the-mill quilts, many near disintegration. these not only showed what was used on a day-to-day basis, but give context to the more elaborate quilts.
   
   the georgia history is interesting--i had no idea the state had had a thriving textile industry. there are many fascinating photos, and even diagrams of various styles of quilting frames. there is a very interesting section that compares statistically euro-american and afro-american quilts by subject matter.
   
   since two other reviewers have done such a good job of reviewing this book, i will end by saying that this is a must-have book for quilters.

2 comments about Professional Pattern Grading for Women's, Men's, and Children's Apparel.

1. I can't believe nobody has reviewed this book because it is -hands down- the best book in the business. It's self-published so its release and publicity is limited but I can tell you this is the book that is most often USED in the apparel industry. Not the book most used in schools, but in real life (I've been a pattern maker for 25+ years). I guarantee all the pattern grading services keep it on hand! The way the grading charts and mapping is set up in the book most closely mirrors the way we work in the industry. The charts in competing books (Price/Zamkoff) are so complex but Handford's book nails it.
   
   Unlike many book authors, Handford was a pattern maker for years. He'd work in the industry for a spate of years, get disgusted, go back to school, get disgusted with school so he'd go back to pattern making, then in to teaching, then back to school, then back to manufacturing over and over. He did this over the lifetime of his career finally ending up with a Ph.D and 50 years of industrial experience! I mention his background because it means his book is keenly attentuated to the needs of everyone, students, pattern makers and educators. He did it all so he'd know what was most efficacious for all parties concerned. His book blends the needs of everyone simply and succinctly. You could buy another book rather than this one but I don't know why you would.



2. this book is best for people grading by hand, as it gives step by step instructions on how to move the pattern to grade up/down.
   it does NOT give standard grading charts of standard sizes. it gives only the BASIC BASIC grades between them, such as 2" for the waist.
   I was expecting something a lot more thorough and updated than this, especially since the apparel industry has changed so much. I wanted standard specs with grading, not common-sense instructions on shifting a pattern up and out, etc.

1 comments about Fitting & Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach.

1. Fitting & Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach...This guide provides hundreds of clear illustrations with concise descriptions of fitting issues and easy-to-follow directions to resolve them using several methods. The authors cover virtually every fitting aspect of the human body, including the special problems presented by those of us who may have physical problems that translate into badly fitting garments, from neck to ankle.

   Anyone frustrated with the results of their own apparel projects needs this guide on their sewing room bookshelf.

2 comments about Colourwash Quilts: A Personal Approach to Design & Technique.

1. Dierdre Amsden of the UK is the one who first introduced this technique, which USA authors have renamed either "Watercolor" or "Impressionist". DA's quilts are top quality, this is a lovely book



2. Colorwash is the author's own unique design technique. She shares all in this comprehensive look at painting with fabric. Includes color excercises and design charts.

1 comments about Traditional Chinese Designs Iron-on Transfer Patterns (Dover Needlework Series).

1. Marvellous Designs. Clear but detailed designs, with easy to follow stitching instructions, and beautiful color plates.

5 comments about The Art of the Band T-shirt.

1. Or I guess I had that one. It is great to be able to see so many shirts that I had or always wanted. I miss my RUN DMC shirt, and now can at least look at a photo of it. The photos are high quality, the selection is varied and impressive, and great stories about how some of the shirts/logos came about, that you don't usually get to hear.



2. This is a great mini coffee table book with heaps of great band t shirts for almost every genre of music. Would make a great gift.



3. If you are interested in band or rock tees- this is THE book. You can tell the authors are true music fans who really care about this subject. It is well presented with great photos on really nice paper. Almost every page is a photo- so it serves as a great catalogue of "the best of" band shirts. Interesting details on each shirt keep you turning the pages. They really did a lot of research. Good range of tees (not just rock). If you are interested in music, fashion, or art- you'll like this book.



4. My boyfriend plays in a rock band, so I got the book as a surprise for him. We love looking through it and reading up on the stories of the how, why, where, and what of each particular shirt. Call us Rock Geeks if you want, but I think this book is "Chicken Soup for the Rocker's Soul."



5. it was okay, i had hoped a bit more in depth to the periods but as a vauge overall view it was very nice- i was dissapointed my first queen concert shirt was not listed.I had purchased it as a gift for a customer but i don't think it is cool enough to give them , sigh

No comments about Embroidery from India and Pakistan (Fabric Folios).

5 comments about Snippet Sensations: Fast, Fusible Fabric Art for Quilted or Framed Projects.

1. I discovered this book after watching the author on a sewing tv program. I really like the impressionist art style and thought what a great way to combine two art forms. However, in the tv show, she showed how to make flowers. They are NOT included this book. I did make the wreath that she discusses in the book and in one afternoon, I had a beautiful wallhanging. The step by step directions are great. Don't be intimitated by the samples she gives, just go for it!!



2. As an artist, but not a seamstress, I found this book to be very complete as far as instruction in this method of creating fabric pictures. I found the method to be very simple to create interesting, original pictures from scraps of material Having no previous experience with fusible web, I had no problem following the directions and creating enjoyable pictures to give as gifts and to sell. I was not interested in the quilting directions included, but think snippet sensations. is a marvelous new hobby anyone should be able to do with ease



3. After receiving this book, I read it cover to cover twice! I couldn't wait to get started. This is so much fun. The author explains every step thoroughly. There are a lot of pictures to help guide one as well. Once you get started on the technique, you can't stop. I love 'painting' with fabric. This author perfected the technique. Definitely worth buying.



4. I have had a heck of a time starting to quilt, as I am afraid of color selection, that is- until I bought this book! This is the most fun I've had in years! The designs are beautiful, fun, and belive it or not, EASY! I am just a beginner! You can complete a project in about a day! This book is fantastic! The other snippet book is wonderful too! If you don't buy these books, you are a crazy quilt!



5. I'd been dying to make the flying eagle that's on the back cover, but I had some difficulty with the instructions, which untilmately lead to a dud project. They weren't specific about which pieces NOT to add 1/4" to, as well as the sample progression photos were not all taken of the same project. I ended up with a flying torpedo/pidgeon/hot dog because I added 1/4" to the white head & tail. The rest of it was fine. Sigh.

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.