5 comments about American Bungalow Style.

1. This book provides preservationists and homeowners alike with valuable information on the architecture and associated style of bungalow homes from the turn of the century through WWII. This is not strictly a history text nor is it strictly a coffee table book. A reader can take pleasure simply from the sheer beauty of the photography -- yet each photograph illustrates important design elements that may be found in bungalow architecture, allowing for careful study. The text, concisely written, provides excellent information on bungalow architecture and furnishings, both from an artistic and social perspective. The book begins with a simple overview of bungalow architecture. It then features photography and detailed text on a number of outstanding bungalow homes in the United States, focusing primarily on those found in California, Chicago, and rarer cases the East Coast. It concludes with a very brief section on currently available Craftsman styled furnishings. As a reference book and style guide, this is an excellent resource that I highly recommended. If you are seeking detailed historic information on Gustave Stickley, the Arts and Crafts Movement, etc., the text is not exhaustive. It is very specific in its scope and presents its subjects quite well -- the American bungalow. If anything, this book is best used to inspire current bungalow owners of the possibilities contained in these remarkable homes



2. This has to be one of the best books on art and architecture ever produced. Through hundreds of gorgeous photographs and detailed description, the history and development of the American Arts and Crafts movement comes alive. The author remains sensitive to the fact that most bungalow owners of the early 20th century were not following any set "style," but maintained and decorated their homes according to their personal tastes and means. The result is a presentation which would inspire any current bungalow owners to cherish and preserve their homes as they would works of fine art. In addition, this book contains a handy catalogue appendix listing businesses that deal in reproduction Craftsman style furniture, wallpaper, tiles, fixtures, etc.



3. This book defines the Bungalow style, explains how it started and flourished, and tells about the men who built and sold them. Then it takes you into still-existing Bungalows across the USA, where the current owners have preserved the period style. Hundreds of beautiful, full-color photographs showcase these homes and give the reader a good feel for the American Bungalow style. At the end of the book there is a list of suppliers, sources of information, and further reading that I found useful also.



4. Wonderful photographs; light, informative reading. What's missing is a better representation of the different regional examples of the bungalow. And they're everywhere.

   Residing in the Chicago area, for example, we have a tremendous variety and number of bungalows. Even in Atlanta, a region more famous for its colonial architecture, I noticed that the Virginia Highlands area also had some marvelous examples of the bungalow style.

   A more appropriate title would be "The California Bungalow" given that nearly all of the examples are located there (and within that state, in Pasadena).

   In other words, worth getting but not the definitive book.




5. If your curious like me to what exactly is a Bungalow, what their history is, and would like to see lots of full colour examples, then I think you will find this book quite satisfying. Being that there where so many Bungalows built over such a wide geographic area, I doubt if anyone has covered every example of them in one book. So you may end up wanting to buy a few other books (which there are lots of good ones) to satisfy your curiosity. Non the less, this book does give you a good example of American and some Canadian Bungalow history, also it explores each room of the Bungalow and the rooms furnishings, all with quite a few excellent photo's.

5 comments about Designer Style Handbags: Techniques and Projects for Unique, Fun, and Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro.

1. I ordered this book because of it's 5-star rating. When it arrived, I found the purses to be more artsy/craftsy where I was expecting something upscale and designer-like. My fault, the cover photos should have given me a clue. Anyway, I was disappointed and ended up returning the book.



2. I order every one of Sherri Haab's books because she seems to be interested in everything I am interested in and all of her books are fun and fabulous. I would highly recommend this book if you are interested at all in making handbags of any sort.



3. If you learn visually like I do this book has very good instructions and pictures. I'm not a very confidant crafter or sewer. This book however helped me start sewing again and to actually like what I made. I sewed the Hoop Handle Bag pictured above and although not without flaws, I was thrilled how it came out.
   
   The first part of the book has basic instructions about tools and fabrics. Pages 29-83 has sewn bags, crochet, woven, photo transfer. Even a bag crocheted out of plastic bag strips. Good for teens. I use the instructions for the Oil Cloth Tote to make shopping totes any size and out of any fabric choice. Something I did do different from this books instructions: I do not trim the seams as much as instructed or trim off the triangle after sewing the bottom of the cloth purses. I think this ruins the integrity of the stitches. Leaving that little piece of fabric does not really add bulk. I use my totes for grocery shopping and they are holding up really well. (if you have trouble finding the plastic hoops for the Hoop Bag, search ebay under stores and you can find a wide variety of colors and sizes at good prices)
   
   Pages 86-125 are all no sew and embellished bags. Honestly I will probably never make any of these bags but there are instructions for a cigar box purse, vinyl purse, tin can purses, book binding purse and more.
   
   All in all having a little sewing experience will help and you may find you do alter some instructions a little, but this book is a great place to start making purses!



4. I originally checked this book out at my local library, but since there were several projects in it that I wanted to try (and I have), I truly felt it worth the money to buy it. I loved the way she took the basic tote and showed the different variations for me to try. The directions were understandable and easy to follow.
   
   Thanks!



5. I'm usually pretty skeptical about buying craft books that I can't flip through before purchasing. I was very impressed to be able to "look inside" and see such a great variety of projects that were viewable. I still had a few reservations, but there were so many positive reviews, I decided to take the chance and get it.
   
   This book really has a lot of great ideas in it. Many of the bags require a certain degree of sewing ability, but there were some nice ideas to embellish pre-made bags as well. There are also several other styles of non-sewn bags such as a decoupage cigar box purse.
   
   No, I wasn't particularly interested in many of the purses, but there are definately 4 or 5 that I am looking forward to making. The best part about this book, is that there are NO REAL PATTERNS NEEDED! Most of the sewn purses (with some exceptions) were made from simple, rectangular pieces - nothing to enlarge or trace! While some had sewn handles, others used pre-made wooden or plastic handles (many of which I have seen in my local craft stores). With a little creativity and ingenuity, the bags can be re-sized, embellished, and details like the style of handles or straps can be interchanged.
   
   Although the sewn patterns are nicely done (with full linings) they are a little challenging to understand, and a beginning sewer might find them a little daunting. If that's you, don't try them yet. The leading pattern companies such as Butterick, Vogue, and Simplicity have many handbag patterns almost exactly like those in the book. The step-by-step instructions (and patterns) included in those will be much easier to understand and will really give you a leg up for when you attempt one of the bags from the book.
   
   So, in a nutshell, great inspiration and nice variety. Not for the beginning sewer, but the many non-sewn bags make up for that. Some bags were very polished, others more casual, some a little too crafty (but a fun project to do with a teen or pre-teen). None were overly embellished - unless you want them to be - you could use them everyday and depending on the fabric, you could wear them with a sundress or a suit. Few really had that hokey, overly quilty/crafty feel. They all used supplies that I have seen in stores locally - so no extenseve internet hunting is necessary (unless you really want to make it special)and if you do, there's a great suppliers list. I really like this book and see myself flipping through it often for ideas.

3 comments about Steel, Concrete, and Composite Design of Tall Buildings.

1. It is a very practical book containg material which will be useful to those engaged in the design of tall buildings. The unique thing about this book is the fact Taranath has given details of many important tall buildings,which will guide us before choosing a framework for the new building. He also explains how a structural system can be chosen. It has numerous practical examples. The code clauses are clearly explained.The Design for Wind and Earthquake are given in a nice manner with reference to latest codes of practices.His explanations are very easy to understand. Lateral and gravity systems for steel,concrete and composite constructions are given with numerous drawings in seperate chapters. Analysis techniques are given in an easy to understand fashion with less mathematical complexity. Design methods are also given. Discussion on related items such as damping and cladding systems,Foundation design,seismic design of Diaphragm ,etc. are also included. The data on Structural quantities will be a boon to those who want to have a preliminary estimate of the building, they are going to design. In all, it is a book worth buying and will serve as a reference for a long time. With this book and a proper software, we can design any tall building with ease.



2. This is a great analysis and design book in tall buildings. You will find plenty of examples and discussions. Although the book does not get deep into some of the advanced topics, it is still a great source for structural engineers.



3. This book is the bible of structural engineering of tall buildings. Every designer should read it and every time you want to design a tower, you should use it. Thanks for hectic effort Prof. Taranth provided to help the structural engineers.

3 comments about Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew and Reuse to Make Things Last.

1. Landfills in the US are full to bursting, and the economy is heading into a recession. How can one person make a difference? Lori Baird and the editors of Yankee Magazine have the answers in Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew, and Reuse to Make Things Last.
   
   This comprehensive book addresses the items in every room in the house, plus outdoors. Want to make your appliances last longer? Tips and tricks help you keep them running in top shape for as long as possible. Has something reached the end of its useful life? Then re-purpose it. With a little creativity, you can find many more ways it can be used.
   
   Proper wood cleaning techniques and solutions are explained, designed to keep your furniture in great condition. And if your wood furniture has already suffered neglect, don't despair. It can be given new life with some nifty cosmetic touch-ups.
   
   There are times when an item is simply beyond repair, or has become too expensive to operate. "Fix-it or Forget-it" tips show you when it's time to simply let go. And fun quizzes test your domestic know-how.
   
   Don't Throw It Out has changed the way I look at my home. It's so easy to implement the suggestions, and it feels great to know I'm conserving energy and creating less waste. One person really can make a difference. Pick up a copy and you can, too. The planet will thank you.
   
   Reviewer: Alice Berger



2. Lori Baird and the editors of Yankee Magazine have compiled a helpful and informative guide for 'planet friendly' use of common household items. I remember reading a similar earlier publication by the company and appreciated this updated book. I did, however, find a few of the 'Domestic Challenge' sections, included at the end of each chapter, annoying and confusing. Having to consider a few fictitious ideas interspersed among many worthwhile ones doesn't work at all for me. Originally, I had almost decided not to read the book any further, having, by chance, come across one of these sections when I first opened the book. But Baird's inclusion of so many unique, interesting, and tried and true ideas kept me reading to the end, after I started at the beginning. The book is nicely formatted and contains a wealth of suggestions and directives, an appendix with many resources, and an easy-to-use index.



3. Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew and Reuse to Make Things Last, by Lori Baird, is terrific! I imagine anyone who is environmentally aware knows of the three R's--reduce, reuse, recycle--this book adds renew for a twist.
   
   The book covers virtually everything inside and outside the home. For example, the kitchen, chapter one, addresses everything from how to get the most efficient life out of your appliances to elongating the life of food. That's the practical side of the book.
   
   Then there are the creative aspects--the renewing. Have an old wood table that is beyond fixing the marred surface? No problem--make a tile top!
   
   Baird recommends purchasing only well made furniture, because good quality furniture will last forever, thus keeping it out of landfill. There are great tips on the signs to look for in quality furniture. For example,"5 signs a chair will wear well."
   
   In the lawn and garden accessories, "15 Ways to Reuse an Old Garden Hose" is a winner! who knew? (Next time, buy a quality hose, is the sage advice.)
   
   This book is just loaded with practical and creative tips, projects and advice. For those new to the environmentally-friendly lifestyle, this book could change your life. For those seasoned tree-huggers, Don't Throw it Out will still provide tons of new and useful information.
   
   A winner!
   
   By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

5 comments about Make Your Own Patterns: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making Over 60 Dressmaking Patterns.

1. This book starts out immediately with drafting a fitted bodice, which is remarkably easy and accurate. It goes on to illustrate how to draft basic bodices, skirts and pants, and how to modify them with design features. It is not in anyway a textbook on pattern drafting and does not go into any detail regarding pivoting darts, determining ease or fitting specific figures. It is more a starting point for designing independantly and could well be used in conjuction with an existing sloper or basic commercial pattern.



2. This book is great for those who would rather prefer to make their own patterns and design their own outfits. The photos make following the directions easy and the explanations are perfectly understandable. What a great book!



3. Patterns are so easy to find nowadays for $1.99 (or at the very least, at half price), that only those with fitting difficulties would want to draft from scratch, and this book assumes that the user has the perfect, very young figure. I am quite experienced at both alterations and drafting from body measurements, and I can tell you that the thing which is most overlooked is that the greatest variation in the body is from the side view, while her waist and hip values assumes half of each measurement falls in the front and half falls in the back of the body, which is true for almost no one who is not on the cast of "Friends." If you have fitting problems sufficient to drive you to want to make your own patterns, this book will do nothing for you, whether you have a large or drooping bust, large derriere, low abdomen, flabby upper arms, etc. I personally prefer "Boddymapping" by Kathy Illian, "Fantastic Fit for Every Body" by Gale Grigg Hazen, or even "Every Sewer's Guide to the Perfect Fit" by Mary Morris & Sally McCann. A to-die-for pattern-making book (although it does not cover fitting) is "Make Your Own Patterns" by Adele Margolis. It is not flashy, but the wealth of information is breathtaking and inspiring. If you want to be avant-garde, then "Make Your Own Japanese Clothes" by John Marshall is a super little book.

   A real help is an actual mold of your body (neither difficult nor expensive to do, and a hysterically funny weekend project for two sewing friends), as described in "My Twin Dress Form" by Carol Stith. I don't know if it is still in print, but it is the absolute best way to produce a proper sewing mannequin. No matter what your figure characteristics, you can produce pretty good results if you have an accurate model to drape on.

   I have a number of books intended for the professional that are too expensive to recommend, but if you want to be *really* chic, the absolute best of the best is "Modern Pattern Design" by Harriet Pepin. This gem is a Funk & Wagnalls Company publication from 1942, and it is utterly delightful. Many of the techniques are within the range of anyone even slightly willing to try something new, and they are so old that they are new again. You don't even have to draft a pattern from scratch (although detailed directions are given if you wish to do so) to apply some of the details. If you love the clothes in old movies, this book has more than pictures; it has details on how to produce them.

   I would recommend any of the above books over this one.




4. I just got this book and read through it, and I have to say I am very pleased! I haven't made anything from it yet, but the instructions are very clear. The only things I disliked were the clothes they made for the model in the pictures are hideous, also I didn't see any drawings or instructions for working on the BACK of a bodice. The drawings are very good. I love that it comes with quarter-sized pattern peices in the back which you can size up and adjust to fit you if you decide not to make your own from the step by step guide to a basic bodice she gives you.



5. I have been drafting patterns for years and have read many patternmaking books, from the usual books found at public libraries to the expensive, comprehensive pattern-drafting textbooks. Many books offer the instruction needed to draft an effective, well-fitting pattern. However, many are very costly, dry, technically focused with little to offer for readability, photos, and enjoyablity. Make Your Own Patterns: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making Over 60 Patterns, is a wonderful blend of affordability, how-to drafting skill, clear, easy instruction, and a pleasing format and layout that makes for optimum user-friendly use, particularly for someone new to making their own patterns.
   
   Rene Bergh takes you through understanding and taking your measurements, then step-by-step through how these measurements create a two-dimensional pattern to fit a three-dimensional form. Hands-on patternmaking occurs as you create your own "sloper" or pattern shell custom fit to you! You then use these basic pattern pieces to create almost limitless designs and styles all to your own preference and liking. Bergh presents dozens of examples with clear step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate the design technique with your own basic pattern sloper you made. She includes full-color drawings or photos that illustrate the finished design, as well as the technical diagrams to accompany the step-by-step instruction, when needed. It all combines for a readable book with concepts that are clear and easy to duplicate.
   
   Sewing experience would be recommended for this book, as well as familiarity and comfort with various types of clothing patterns. You do not need to be an expert in the least, however, and even if you have only sewn with commercial patterns and never made a pattern or adjustment of your own, you could be well on your way to creating your own special style with this book. I am not plus-sized and fit a standard pattern size, however, I have used this book's techniques to create dozens of patterns for plus size friends and relatives of all types and curves. They have all turned out beautifully with an excellent fit. Infact, when drafting specifically for a plus size friend, this is my preferred book to reference, or when drafting for myself. This is also a fun reference book to flip through when you're looking for a new idea or inspiration to add a special touch to your sewing.
   
   Even if you have no interest in making a custom fit and drafted pattern, this book could be invaluable for how to make basic and varied design changes to a regular commercial pattern you found at a fabric store. You could browse the fabric store pattern catalogs knowing that you can pick and choose patterns that fit your basic liking and change the details for your own style and taste! Or you could say, "I'll just make my own!" Enjoy!

5 comments about The Violin Maker: Finding a Centuries-Old Tradition in a Brooklyn Workshop.

1. Sam Zygmontowicz is one of the great contemporary violinmakers, and John Marchese has more than done him justice in describing the process of his making a violin (for the Emerson String Quartet's first violinist, Gene Drucker). In the process, Marchese takes us not only into Zyg's studio, but also to Cremona, the birthplace of the violin in its modern form (in the 1560s) and the home of the three greatest families of violinmakers--Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri. In addition, Marchese reports on his meetings with Drucker, who commissioned the violin, and on Drucker's reaction to his new instrument--which complements the Strad on which he had been playing but cannot, in his opinion, fully replace it.



2. Very well written- get's the heart of what it takes to be one of the best at your craft. I especially like the fact Sam (like all artists and craftsmen) needs to be inspired to "create." It's nice to know those special people are not much different than you and I. We all have self-doubts, we all need to be reassured...yet well need to press forth and create.



3. This is a gift for our grandson who is an accomplished violinist and at one point in his life (11 yrs. old) attempted to construct a violin. We know that he will enjoy reading this book.



4. My son, now 17 has been playing his Great-Great Grandfather's violin for 8 years. Though I love how he plays, he feels he needs a replacement. I didn't know much about violins, so... my first step was to read about it. I picked up John Marchese's book for many reasons, one of which was to get a feel for what we should be looking for with the replacement. I was thrilled at how the book was written, the information it contained and the "easy read" of it. It gives great credit to Sam Zygmuntowicz along with all of those who work to create the magical boxes. I enjoyed it and it definitely had influence on how we will proceed with my son's next violin. Thank You.



5. It's very hard to write a book about someone else carving a violin and make it interesting reading for the general public, but John Marchese has done it. His book pulls the reader in by weaving three stories together in a compellingly artful way: the story of his own unfolding understanding of violins and violinists; a restrained description of the making of a violin; an exploration of a violinist and his desire for ideal tone. This is the tale of a master carver, Sam Zygmuntowicz, and a concert violinist, Eugene Drucker (of the Emerson String Quartet), in their collaborative efforts to create a perfect violin. Marchese's style of writing is fun to read, and propels the reader from chapter to chapter effortlessly and satisfyingly--he manages to balance the three stories evenly. (Is it my imagination, or is this unusually narrow book itself based on the proportions of a violin? Just one more thing to add to the physical enjoyment of reading the book!) Rather than focusing too much on technical details of violin making (he kindly refers interested readers to several books that cover this territory), he merely opens a window into the quirky world of a single violin maker's studio, describing the most interesting aspects of the work (the selection of wood, the `secrets' of varnishing) with verve and wit. Likewise, in describing the professional violinist's relationship with sound and with instruments, he has deftly painted a portrait of a single artist, but one whose search for the `right' instrument surely represents the experiences of other instrumentalists. This book is a perfect companion to Toby Faber's "Stradivari's Genius." Without much mental strain, readers will come away from this book with a pretty clear understanding of the complexities of making and playing what he calls at one point "the magical box."

5 comments about Bonnie's Household Organizer: The Essential Guide for Getting Control of Your Home.

1. I just loved this book. I would give it ten stars if I could. It was so full of down to earth and helpful advice and very entertaining to read. There were hints on clutter clearing and how to tackle a home that has got a bit out of control. Lists of daily jobs and what Bonnie calls minimum maintenance were a great help. If you find it hard to keep on top of the house and it seems forever in a cluttered mess (like mine) this is the book for you.



2. I bought this book at a homeschool conference about 15 years ago. It literally changed my life. I have fond memories of sitting down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and my "Bonnie" book. Bonnie became like a friend, offering great advice and encouragement. Her writing style is warm and uplifting. She made me want to succeed at organizing my home. I learned how to organize my kitchen cabinets, and ever since my mom has recommended ME to organize the kitchen when someone in the family moves! And I was the family "messy!" Her suggestion on implementing Minimum Maintenance made the difference for me in keeping my house clean and presentable. I highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles as I did with managing all the STUFF/CHORES in her home.



3. This book had some good ideas if it were 1970. It's very outdated. I'm sure it was a good book when it was still current, but in 2006, it's just a a waste of time and money.



4. This book was just okay. There was some good information but not very much that was new or not available from other sources. I love household and organization books, so I enjoyed it, but many readers might be looking for something more current.



5. While I liked McCullough's encouraging tone and some of her ideas, this book needs to be revised for modern times. Written 27 years ago, some examples like the to do item "type ditto" and how a friend saved worktime by getting an extra-long cord on her phone are so outdated that they provided a few unintended laughs. A better purchase might be the Messie books by Sandra Felton, or for household management, the Flylady book.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. I was looking forward to reading Mary Findley and Linda Formichelli's "Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning" in the hopes that it might provide some cleaning solutions that didn't require either serious scrubbing or harsh, toxic chemicals--things that don't go well with my tendonitis and allergies.
   
   That, of course, is a tall order, and one that I didn't really expect the book to fulfill. However, it succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. Mary Findley is a huge proponent of safe, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solutions using, when possible, everyday easy-to-find supplies. Of course, I figured there'd be a price for this. After all, why would people make and buy expensive, harsh, dangerous chemicals if things you could make out of vinegar, water, and a couple of other everyday ingredients could do as good a job?
   
   That's where the real shock came in. There's one all-purpose solution Mary recommends that involves water with a bit of vinegar and all-natural dish soap that knocks my socks off. Our stovetop was in pretty sad shape and I was sure it was going to take a ton of scrubbing to get it clean. I sprayed this stuff on, let it sit, then wiped it off with a terrycloth towel. And the gunk came right off with it.
   
   Other solutions have been equally effective. The product she recommends to clean pet messes out of carpets left me unable to tell where my cat had thrown up on our *white* carpet, and again, it's all-natural, safe, and doesn't involve scrubbing. My kitchen sink has never gleamed so well, and now that the water deposits have been cleaned out of our showerhead the water pressure is noticeably better and more even. I don't have to obsess over whether or not any tiny bits of cleanser might have sprayed or dripped somewhere that the cats could get to.
   
   My only issue with the products she recommends is that I had trouble finding a few of them. While many are everyday things such as baking soda, white vinegar, all-natural dish soap, and so on, some are more specialized--such as a 20% hydrogen peroxide solution. Unfortunately that one product is involved in her one recommendation for mildew, which (living in a humid region) I have a particular interest in.
   
   While many of the products she recommends can be purchased all at once from her own online store, she's good about recommending other sources and I never once felt as though I was being advertised to (and I can be fairly picky about such things). It does cost a bit at first (you are, after all, replacing nearly every cleaning supply in your house, most likely), but most of these materials are much cheaper to replace or last much longer than store-bought chemicals, making them cheaper in the long run.
   
   The scope of this book is formidable. Whether you need to clean blinds or curtains, siding or gutters, your bathtub, carpets, hardwood, wood furniture, kitchen counters, or whatever, you'll probably find it in here. There are a few corner-case exceptions (she covers nearly every type of house siding other than our old asbestos siding, for instance), but not many. She deals with scheduling cleaning tasks and emergency quick-cleaning techniques for when company suddenly decides to show up. Even she can't make the huge list of tasks that comes with house ownership seem anything but daunting, however.
   
   This is an extremely handy little book. I've been so pleased with the results, and our house is cleaner than ever. I had high hopes (one might say unrealistic hopes) for what I might find inside, and it exceeded even those. The text is witty and humorous, clear and easy-to-understand. In short, I give this book an unreserved thumbs-up.



2. I thought the book was splendid and would recommend it to anyone from housecleaning professionals to stay-at-home moms. Mary's expert insight into the world of cleaning is incredible and throughly helpful in any and all cleaning situations. She deals with everything from pet problems to stains to dust and dirt and that just scratches the surface. If youre looking for environmentally helpful tips then this is also definitely the book for you. Mary has a great love for nature and it comes out in her advice. She leans much towards using environmetally friendly products which to me is a huge plus. One way or another find a way to get this book into your hands. It will make your cleaning much simpler and stress free!



3. Housecleaning professionals and stay-at-home moms alike will benefit from the great tips in this book. Even Mother Earth will thank you!



4. I am an idiot when it comes to cleaning, and this book it very unhelpful. It is actually written for people who know how to clean, the whole book is just giving cleaning tips to help people get better at cleaning.
   
   The title is very misleading, should be renamed to something like "useful cleaning tips by a cleaning expert".



5. I found this book to be very interesting. It has many great tips on cleaning and keeping your home neat and healthy. There are lots of recipes for having a green household. I would recommend it.

5 comments about Steel-Frame House Construction.

1. While it was not the book I expected, it does cover the topic of framing your house in steel very well. It even answers the question of "How do I hang a picture?" :-) This book is for the DIY with a small house or for professionals who want to switch to working with steel. From start to finish, it is framing in steel.



2. Simple but with all the stuff one needs to start building steel framed houses. Pity there isn't a version with metric measurements.



3. Book was very informative and easy to understand. In plain english, I recommand this book to any one who is interseted in Steel Frame Constrction.



4. I found the book of very little value. Most of steel structures these days gets calculated and drawn up by computer. The assembly of the computer generated panels are dead easy and far cheaper than doing it by hand. More time should have been spent discussing the various options regarding cladding, insulation, utilities etc.



5. Im a jouneryman commerical carpenter of 20 yrs.(metal stud framer),but never done residential framing, so i want to build a home using metal studs,but didnt understand roof systems.This is fact! steel studs Are cheaper ,dont warp ,rot ,deteriorate, fire proof,termite free,150 mph wind resistiance,recyable,and it helps in our quest to go green one house at a time,and this book is fabulous.Me and my wife intend to build our first house really soon with these principles illustrated in this wonderful book . also look up steel alliance .com for a metal stud instructional school near you. GO GREEN

4 comments about Outdoor Kitchens: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Design and Construction (Better Homes & Gardens).

1. The girls can look at the pretty pictures but this actually shows you how to do the job... (Or some of you girls can come over and help me with my project:)



2. This is a good book. I gave it three starts because it only gave s few designs for the construction I needed, but it was a good reference. I think its important to research projects with these books then launch your own project with the ideas you've learned.
   3 stars out of 5.



3. Okay, this is not a book of plans and layouts--there are several--but, that's not the primary purpose of a book like this. IDEAS that's what you got here.
   
   Transposing one of these designs wholesale into your backyard would be fine IF you have the space, the matching terrain and the $s and, if the design matches and fits the style, scale and complements the features of your house. The writers admonish the reader to sit down and seriuosly think about how they use their kitchen and how they plan to use their outdoor one--that bit of advice alone is well worth the price of the book.
   
   As to the do-it-yourself aspects of the book they are well thought out, well laid out and clearly illustrated--and they are repleat with warnings and "bail-outs"
   
   All around outstanding



4. I bought this for my husband who want to install an outdoor kitchen and this book gave good design ideas as well as installation tips.