1 comments about The Houses of Greenwich Village.

1. I was raised in, and lived most of my adult life in, New York's Greenwich Village. I purchased this book thinking that I might see some of the many homes I knew, both famous and infamous, as well as the streets of that neighborhood. -- Well, if that's what you hope for, too, then move on.... This book looks like ANY recent copy of Architectural Digest, showing ANY rich & well-to-do home in ANY city or town. Nothing about this picture book looks like Greenwich Village. It's strickly a high-end type of generic furniture catalog. A real waste of cash.

2 comments about Dressing Smart for Men: 101 Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make...and How to Avoid Them (Career Savvy).

1. I have read several other books on clothing and this is one of the best. Unequivocally a keeper. I always wondered why some clothes looked outstanding on me and others made me look like I just got hit by a truck. I have the answer now and will be sure to fill my closet with clothes that flatter my skincolor and tone. Also good advice on classic clothes. Read it a few times and practice! Good Luck



2. I initially gave this book the above 2 stars when I was still thinking I would finish reading it. I believed that there might be something good to be found here if I pressed on. Was I wrong. Needs a much lower rating that 1 star but can't give it or change it. The subtitle reads "101 mistakes you can't afford to make..." If it were about writing, the author breaks all 101 and then looks for some more to trample on.
   
   The chief premise of Ms. Nicholson, is that your coloration plays the important roll in what will look good on you. OK. Sounds valid enough. However, when the author gives example of skin tone by "name dropping" famous people (10-15 per type) as having such and such a color type, we have just crossed the line to ludicrous. These may in fact be people the author has worked with, "name dropping", trying to impress or prove qualifications, perhaps not. However the examples given, presumably as an instructional guide, are a mish-mosh of famous people of different races all lumped into the same class of color characteristic or "clarity" as the author puts it. Aside from the fact that it is hard to imagine 3 people of origins african, european, and mediteranian having the same color type, the way it is presented is absurd.
   Color type defined in the Author's own words:
   
   You are "contrast color type" if your hair color is brown to black. (so far so good) "your skin tone ranges from clear ivory, clear camel, and clear olive to dark brown. "
   The author then goes on and gives examples of people of this type. "Robert De Niro, Colin Powell, Ben Affleck, and Elvis."
   Isn't that helpfull? Wait, it gets better.
   
   You are a "Light- Bright color type" if "your natural hair color is golden blond to black, (but not red)." Examples of these include "Tiger Woods, Tom Brokaw, Pete Sampras, and Ricky Martin"
   
   You are a "Gentle color type" if you resemble "Peter Jennings, Kobe Bryant, Matt Damon or Robin Williams." "Your natural hair color is blond to black and includes some redheads."
   
   You are a "Muted color type" if you can compare yourself with "Micheal Jordan, JFK, or Elton John." "Natural hair color ranges from blonde to black and includes some red heads."
   
   Wasn't that helpful? If not, the author suggests you hold up colors to your face in a mirror and the ones that look good are your colors and will define your type. That is the extent the author takes to explain and demonstrate her primary premise of the book. If you find this helpful and can now determine your own color type by this alone, (you will get no more) then by all means, get the book. However for the rest of you, it only gets worse.
   
   The book is disorganized, and often times non-sensical. For some apparent reason, she feels that simply stating a point is not enough; it must be made stronger by increasing or decreasing the font size or adding or subtracting bold to increase her meaning. Great. Once, maybe twice. However, on one page alone I count different 5 instances. The text is full of the "technique". Comes off as annoying and amaturish.
   
   Even with bad books, I tend to finish them, giving the author the benefit of the doubt and trying to see their point. I gave up 1/3 way through here with no regrets. Pure drivel, badly formated. Dis-organized and dis-jointed with little or no foundation or substantiation.
   
   The author tries to pass herself off as an expert and says she gets paid to help famous and powerful people get the right look. They seems to have money to waste.
   
   Since Amazon does not show it, her back cover photo can be described as this:
   Head shot with companion in background. Presumably a candid photo. (in limo?) Dyed black hair with pasty "gothic" syle makeup. Face overly illuminated by the camera flash, partially (and perhaps mercifully) obscured by black fur of some sort. (my personal view would be to keep from being identified for the crime of authoring this book in a police lineup.) Photo is in fact, so vaugue that it is hard to determine what you are initially looking at. Much like the text. If that is the look she selects for herself for her book cover, can her advice for you be any better? Save your money. There are far better offerings out there.

5 comments about Sewing with Knits: Classic, Stylish Garments from Swimsuits to Eveningwear.

1. This book is a wonderful resource to have. After years of struggling while sewing knit fabrics, this book has provided me with the solutions I needed. I read it cover to cover when I first bought it and now use it as a reference. The photos that demonstrate techniques are very helpful. The only thing I did not care for were all of the photos of the models in ballet costumes. I would have preferred to see everyday people wearing classic knit clothing. Most of us don't spend our days 'on pointe'!! I would recommend this book.



2. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn how to sew with knit fabrics. The author describes varies types of knit fabrics and appropriate type of seam finishes. There are recommendations for choosing the right sewing machine needles. I really like this book and found the illustrations helpful.



3. this is the definitive book on knits. i bought it because it was pretty much the only one, but now i know why. everything is covered from needles to the different types of knits and how they are formed, which helps to understand how they behave. i also didn't care for all of the ballet and oversized knits. everyday people with well fitting knit clothing would've been more inspirational. the only thing i wish there was more of was troubleshooting - i found the solution to my problem in a sidebar. wish there was a chart on that or something.
   i do recommend this book highly.



4. There really is a scarcity of good books regarding cut & sew knits. Most regular sewing books provide, at best, a page devoted to sewing with knits. Then there are the serger books. These are also problematic because they tend to focus on seams, not design. This book is different in that it specifically focuses on knits, gives you a good overview of the types of knits available for cut and sew and their various properties and then outlines the various finishing/ construction techniques. Some of the techniques are pretty homey. Personally, I don't want to create the look of ribbing by "pintucking" jersey, I would rather harness the functionality of rib (it stretches & looks nicer than this faux rib). I would like to see a book that is a tad more current and deals with the newer finishes/ tissue weight jerseys present in the commercial arena. I agree with a previous reviewer that the ballet dancer models are not the ideal choice. Overall it's a good, comprehensive beginning to sewing knits at home. It's really one of the best books out there but as the field is so bare, there's much room for improvement.



5. I have owned this book for a few years, thinking I would not be using it again for awhile, since I hadn't worked with knits for a long time.
   I have a very hard time fitting myself due to my size.
   
   Knits ARE SOOO much easier to fit, I found some excellent pattern sources on the net ( Christine Jonson patterns) and off I was ,,, ready to make some new skirts ,tops and even some very dressy outfits for the holidays.
   Knits are certainly NOT the double knits of my grandmothers day , I have slinky knits as well as silk and velvet knits to work with as well as some gorgeous wool knit from when I was in Italy.
   
   SOOOO, I began to re- read this book thinking , I would need to get myself up to speed on things I may have forgotten.
   I think this is the ONLY book that covers this subject and covers it SO well!
   Yes , You can make faux ribbing by using your pintuck attachment as well as faux shaping in front ( instead of tediously fitting with darts etc) for a more fitted, and definately a more couture appearance.
   
   I dont know HOW you can even begin to compare store bought * ribbing* to making something textural out of a lovely wool for a totally unique look!
   You cannot compare polyester to the lovely natural fabrics that are out there today! Its like comparing apples to oranges.
   
   This is NOT The " Stretch and Sew" book ( tho it had its place and still does with some beginners),, but rather a book on adding those fine tuned points to your project that make it look not homeade but UPSCALE instead!
   
   I don't want to deal with tons of fitting issues so I am choosing this method~ I can make a tailored jacket , my mother was a tailor but I don't have the time ,nor the desire to these days. I would rather spend my extra time knitting or doing some other crafting.
   
   What I am looking for is a upscale, yet individual look and this book delivers the necessary information on how to do this,,,, sadly this book is out of print~
   Too bad..., its the best there is ( or was) on the subject of its kind!
   
   This book even covered sweater knit fabrics, and how to design or re design your own to the extent that if you wanted to unravel a portion and even knit the front~ it was explained though other options were available ( I am a knitter also so that was very good for me to know!)
   This was ONE creative author who certainly knew her stuff!!!
   
   I will treasure my copy of this book,,, and use it a whole lot more these days,,, because beautiful and unique clothing that looks fabulous is coming with a an AWFULLY huge price tag these days,,,,,, and for the most part, its made poorly anyway.
   
   If you can get a copy of this book,,, and you are interested in this subject,,,,, get it(!!),this is a great book to own!

1 comments about Kiln Construction: A Brick by Brick Approach.

1. Having never built a kiln before this book is an invaluable source for how to construct a pottery kiln. The only reason I gave it four rather than five stars is that it is a British book and the metric system and refractories used are based on what is common in England and different to what is commonly available in America but the techniques and methods can be used for American products with success. I am very pleased with the content as there is no other book that is so clear in explaining step by step, brick by brick how to construct a kiln.

5 comments about Professional Painted Finishes: A Guide to the Art and Business of Decorative Painting (Whitney Library of Design).

1. I bought this book more than ten years ago, I have an almost complete collection of books on painted finished, especially of wood and marble. The "Professional Painted Finishes" is absolutely the best I have, it is oozing QUALITY throughout. It is not for beginners but is The reference to return to again and again. It is also lovely just to browse through.



2. I was looking forward to this book but was rather disappointed due to the extensive written instructions but the rather sketchy illustrative photos.



3. If you can't decide what to do to that plain ole drab wall look through this book!! Shows step by step exciting and new techniques that maybe one wouldn't' have thought of ((or have the nerve to do)). If you get get stuck in what to do, just flip through and it will get your " creative juices" flowing!!



4. This was one of the 1st books that inspired me in faux. It is a must have in any faux finish library.
   
   
   We used some of these clasic techniques and principles in the famous faux house captured in the hot new book "The House that Faux Built: Transform Your Home with Paint, Plasters and Creativity" The House That Faux Built



5. This may be a great book - probably is, but the search inside feature is entirely wasted, because the pages they show you do not show you what the finished product looks like! Instead they show the pages devoted to process. Now that's stupid. THAT should be the information they withhold, while showing the (supposedly) fabulous results.
   
   I won't buy this book unless I someday stumble upon it in a bookstore and can browse through it - and like the effects their methods produce.

No comments about Outdoor Kitchen Ideas that Work.

1 comments about The Modern Homestead Manual.

1. When I picked up The Modern Homestead Manual, and opened the front cover, I read the dedication - the forward - the introduction - chapter 1 ..........all the way to the reference section!

   Unlike many books that I pick up, this book held my attention from page one! There is nothing more frustrating than reading through a "how-to" manual, and never really getting to the good stuff! There are volumes of books that tell "what" you should do, it's so refreshing to read a book that actually gives you some "how-to" information.

   If you're desire is to be more self sufficient, this book is a great place to start! There are so many opinions as to the real meaning of homesteading. I love the simple meaning that Skip & Cat give:

   Homesteaders  =  Homesteaders are worthy stewards of the earth.

   The Modern Homestead Manual builds hope and confidence, dispels myths, and tells it like it is. Because Skip & Cat are actually living the homestead life, they are able to give us true insight on what it really takes to live beyond the power lines & sidewalks.

3 comments about Deck Designs: Plus Pergolas, Railings, Planters, Benches.

1. Deck Designs packs in a wealth of deck design ideas and patterns, featuring designer's unique approaches and their tips on how the deck feature was achieved. Color photos of patterns and decks supplement information on design considerations and details on construction techniques for the homeowner who wants to create his own custom deck.



2. I almost made the mistake of letting the contractors design my deck. They came up with a big boring rectangle. Thank goodness I bought this book first! It is packed with many wonderful ideas, including photos and tips to making a deck interesting and functional. It covers layout, railing design, and yard and use considerations. It is a very small investment for a big project, I suggest that anyone building a deck take a look at this book before proceeding.



3. If it hadn't been for this little gem of a book, I'd have ended up with exactly what I thought a deck was: a 10x30' rectangle on stilts outside my back door.

   Thanks to the inspiring designs outlined here, I was able to upgrade my $4K do-it-yourself deck with some snazzy details and useful layouts with little additional work and expense. Please do yourself the favor of flipping thru the pages of a book like this - if for nothing else than to see how it can be done by the best designers and builders.

   No, just like me you will never be able to afford the hand-sanded grade A redwood beauties that are featured on a couple of these spreads - materials alone would run into six figures. But you will be able to steal the design of the railing, or perhaps the notion of a split level or a nifty little nook for a bench or some other detail from the top end decks. There's enough closeups and sketches of the design to run with a concept that you find appealing, and the narrative will help you think thru the elements of your design that might open up new possibilities.

   After reading it from cover to cover a couple of times I shared the book and my comments on post-its with the contractor I had hired to help me complete my project, and it inspired him to come up with some ideas of his own, as well as better understand where I wanted to go with the project.

5 comments about 30 Toy Vehicles of Wood.

1. 30 Toy Vehicles of Wood is an EXCELLENT book. I have been making wooden toys for many years and I find this book a MUST for any toymakers library. The book is written for the novice woodworker, but even an expert craftsman can find some good techniques in this book. The drawing are clear and the instructions are easy to follow. The materials list for each toy is handy so just the right amount of wood can be bought. Ronald Tarjany has chosen a good cross section of toys for this book. With this book you will be making a wonderful wooden toy vehicle in no time. Buy this book. You will be well rewarded and enjoy hours of constructive entertainment during your leisure time.



2. I bought the book "30 Toy Vehicles of Wood" several months ago, and it is well worth owning. I have built five of the wooden toys from this book and they all turned out great. The illustrations and instructions are complete and easy to understand. I will be building more of them and plan to give them away as Christmas presents to my nieces and nephews. A GREAT book from cover to cover.



3. I bought this book for my father in-law a year ago. He is a retired carpenter and I thought he would enjoy building some of those cute wooden toy vehicles. I was right he has build several of the toys and he really enjoyed building them. I enjoy taking them with me to the school where I teach, so the children can enjoy them too. My father in-law thinks this book is the GREATEST.



4. The designs, plans and instructions in each of the sections of this book are great. I had no trouble at all in starting on several of the toys shown here. But beware to the craftsman who doesn't own a drill press! The author seems to assume that anyone building these toys will have a drill press, a belt sander, and other large floor-model power tools. Since I do everything with hand tools (plus a power sander), some of these designs became a lot trickier. I had to resurrect my old doweling tools to mount wheels, for example. Still a great book!



5. Several really nice things about building the types of wooden toys outlined in this book are that once you have the necessary tools to do the job it is a relatively inexpensive hobby, it can be done within a fairly small work space so no large woodworking shop is needed, and there is enough variety in the projects to keep you interested and enthusiastic for a long while.

   As for the required tools, the author suggests a work shop equipped with a bench drill press for accuracy, a band saw, a hand held orbiting sander, a circular saw, a scroll saw, a belt sander, and a router. Most of these projects can, however, be built without all the above. Tarjany does, however, suggest a minimum wood toy shop be equipped with a band saw, a bench drill press, and a bench disc sander.

   As the title suggests, the book contains 30 toy vehicles in a wide variety of shapes. Included are a toy sports car, a low wing plane, a helicopter, several types of work vehicles, and a small diesel freight train among other projects. For each project there are detailed instructions, line drawings, photographs, and a list of required materials. Helpful hints are provided along the way, but the budding toy maker will need to know the basics of measuring, cutting, glueing, finishing, etc.

   This is a well done book. If you believe you would like to get involved in the fascinating and rewarding hobby of making toy vehicles of wood, this is a good book to buy in addition to a basic primer in woodworking techniques.

2 comments about Inside Log Homes.

1. Inside Log Homes takes log homes to new levels. While log homes are the feature, artistic expression is the focus. Each home is carefully accessorized in order to maximize the beauty of the living space. This is Cindy Thiede's fifth book and she presents quite a few beautiful ideas like the cabin wrapped in soft green summertime trees with transparent walls and massive pine posts that reach from the floor to the ceiling. It is like living in comfort outdoors.
   
   I had never noticed how the colors of the furniture could match the wood for stunning results. Most of the homes have expansive windows that invite the outdoors inside. Other ideas include a chef-style kitchen and vaulted ceilings. The house on the lake glows with warmth as lights reflect in the water.
   
   The pictures in this particular book are the best I've ever seen because the variety and artistic elements and the variety of wood on display. There is everything from dark-stained rough-hewn fir floors to light almond-stained walls gracing the walls. There are even some pictures of famous lodges and ranch houses. Whether you are looking for rustic or refined, there are ideas for a wide variety of styles. The cook in me loved the wood-burning cook stove and the spa girl in me loved the deep tubs. Looking for deck ideas? A few pages are dedicated to decorating for the summer. I liked the idea of the permanent campfire setting in the backyard.
   
   You don't even have to own a log cabin to enjoy this book. Now I'm dreaming about red couches and Persian carpets. The kitchens and bookshelves were also an inspiration.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



2. This is a beautiful book with a lot of excellent glossy photography, but on the whole I wasn't happy with the execution. The authors chose log homes that are just not what log homes should be; simple, rustic, and cozy. These homes are large, expensive, and over-decorated. If you like baroque decors fine, but I think most people would agree with me that these rooms are too ornate. In addition, the photography while glossy, sharp and color saturated, is too harsh and contrasty. If you like the log theme and at the same time favor really ornate decors, this book will suit you, otherwise....