1 comments about The Backyard Foundry (Workshop Practice Series, No. 25).

1. The cover of the book is a little misleading since it was written for hobbyists in miniature railroading. It goes beyond that.

   The book was written originally for hobbyists in Great Britain, by some of the comments on availability of supplies and names of sources for supplies. The universality of the content makes this issue mute when you get into the depth of each chapter.

   Examples given for making cores and for moulding with "Green" sand are bountifull. As an Engineer with formal classes in casting I was impressed with the information provided. Some of the information was great review for those classes taken so long ago. Addiitional technical information on how and why things are done bolstered my confidence this process can be done by the individual hobbyist.

   In my case I am turning a hobby into a retirement business, so the value of this small book will have long lasting value. I expect to be wearing this book out by frequent referencing.

3 comments about Napkins with a Twist: Fabulous Folds with Flair for Every Occasion.

1. I have always loved to create different napkin folds for my table when entertaining, and my guests always comment on them. David Stark creates some beautiful and fun folds. I got so many ideas for napkins and also for table settings. This book is beautiful to look at, and it also has some famous folds from the White House and other celebrated places. If you love to entertain, this is for you. The instructions are very easy to follow and the folding is fast.



2. This book is very easy to follow and will be helpful in the future.



3. I keep this book on the shelf with my linen napkins. The phots are beautiful and I find the directions to be easy to follow.

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

1. wonder insiteful instruction and help for persons new to using these materials. Interfacing and stabilizing is covered pretty well.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

1 comments about Yankee Magazine's Vinegar, Duct Tape, Milk Jugs & More.

1. This book is divided into about fourteen sections and deals with many different parts of the home. Like the book LIVING WELL ON A SHOESTRING, it puts strong emphasis on saving money. But this book puts more emphasis on recycling common objects around the house and using them in a plethora of ways.

   His office suggestions are worth the price of the whole book! He suggests using a current glossy calendar for a mouse pad for the computer, using extra envelopes that come with greeting cards as storage for computer disks in file folders -- and show you how to specially cut them for the purpose. He suggests using a dish rack for temporary sorting of file folders. And get this -- for car enthusiasts, he suggests using a clean distributor cap as a pen and pencil holder and conversation piece!

   This book is a smorgasbord of great ideas for every part of the home. If you put these ideas to use, you'll get back the price of the bok many times!

2 comments about Illustrated Guide to Carving Tree Bark: Releasing Woodspirits and Whimsical Dwellings in Found Wood.

1. This is one of the best "how to" carving books I've come across in quite a long time. The projects are wonderful ( those cute, crooked little houses in cottonwood bark) and the authors have gone out of their way to make the directions clear and the photographs fit the explanations--or vice versa. There are even instructions for repairing blow outs, a not uncommon problem with bark carving cross grain. Woodcarver/Reviewer



2. Rick Jensen is the master of carving cottonwood bark as you will see when you buy this book. Another great Fox Chapel publication.

4 comments about The Baffled Parent's Guide to Stopping Bad Behavior.

1. This is a clear, well written guide to dealing with behaviors every parent faces. It offers sound advice on how to deal with behaviors from whining to bullying and when to seek professional help. Advice is presented well with main points highlighted and clear examples of how to apply the advice. It was extremely well laid out and easy to read. I particularly enjoyed the information on causes of behaviors as well as dealing with them. By the end of the book, parents have a clear idea of how to figure out what is causing a behavior and have some suggestions on how to change or eliminate the behavior.



2. This book is a great resource for parents on how to discipline their children. I thought it was easy to read and I could easily access the topics that I really need to focus on with my children. Kate Kelly understands the current struggles that parents go through and offers tips on how to effectively discipline children.



3. I'm not raising my own children, but sometimes I think I'm raising my grandchildren. I'm not surprised that this book won the 2003 National Parenting Publications Gold Award. It's a common sense, how-to approach to dealing with bad behavior. It's packed full of advice that works when you need to rethink your response to difficult situations. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a more effective way to hanle day-to-day parenting (or gandparenting)dilemas.



4. The resources and skills in the The Baffled Parent's Guide to Stopping Bad Behavior are just the kind of help stressed-out parents need to support their children through difficult transitions. I strongly recommend this book. The solutions-based focus gets parents the help they need quickly.

1 comments about Painting Borders for Your Home with Donna Dewberry.

1. The book is very detailed and with practice it should be very easy to learn to paint with onestroke. I have not yet had the opportunity to practice my painting, but it looks like anyone should be able to master it.

2 comments about The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper (Interior Design).

1. This book really surprised me because it went into the history of wallpaper in some depth in the introduction. I really enjoyed this because, although thorough, it wasn't too boring or dominant of the book as a whole. I felt that the designs shown in the book and wallpaper manufacturers were up to date (still appear in the latest magazines) and covered more mainstream as well as avant guarde styles. It was exactly what I expected which was fabulous!



2. One of my favorite books on wallpaper!! So much history interesting! So many pictures!!! And yes, I also think it feels very up-to-date!!!!!! BUY IT!!!

5 comments about Scroll Saw Portraits: How to Turn Photographs into Wooden Keepsakes.

1. I Loved the Book Scrollsaw Portraits! I just started scroll sawing & I can do the portraits. I think Gary is very talented & should make another book! A must for any scroll sawer!



2. The author compressed his vast knowledge and experience into simple tips and instructions. I was able to immediately make several excellent scrollsaw patterns. Plus, the patterns he provided add tremendously to the value...and his patterns are highest quality. One of the best craft books I've come across.



3. I gave this product as a gift to a relative who is very good with scroll saw tecniques. He was unaware of this book. It gave him a new perspective particularly in creating his own designs. Thanks.



4. If you want to turn your photographs into patterns you might look else where. There are no instructions telling you how to use software. You are told to get a software product that will let you work with pictures. In one photo you are shown a dog with one ear being dark. You are told to copy the ear from the other side onto the dark ear. You are not told how to do it---just do it.
   Ther are many patterns already made. If you are looking for premade patterns then you may enjoy this book.



5. I think this book could be outstnding but is very vague on the do it your self portion and programs that can accomplish the desired pictres! I think the author wrote tis book to sell his scroll saw patterns, and not to provide the information the title suggests.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organizing your Life, 4th Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide).

1. ive read over 10 guides in this vien. this one's an overall dry read. i know my review's harsh but its the truth.



2. With all the harsh reviews of this book, I had to put my two cents in. All my life, I had kept everything because I was so sentimental. Any little thing I was given, no matter if it was useful or not, was to be kept. I spent most of my teenage years perenally cleaning my room. It's not that I was a slob persay, but that I didn't have enough room to keep everything put away neatly. So it overflowed into my attic.. which was a mess as well.
   
   When I went to college, the clutter came with me. Finally, the summer of my freshman year, I saw this book (2nd edition I think), in a bookstore and picked it up. I can honestly say it was a Godsend. Georgene Lockwood gave simple advice for dealing with the clutter that had taken over my life. It took me all summer to put everything in order. I had to get over the "attachment" I had to each item. I followed Lockwood's common sense approach for cleaning out each room, and closet. I gave things to friends, charities, had yard sales. For the first time in my life, I started to keep a filing system following the principles put forth in this book. I learned what chores I should do, and how often to keep the house cleaner. Now I have my own home, and it may not be perfect, but the amount of clutter is very low, and pretty much everything has a system.
   
   The straight forward style of writing may be intimidating to those who aren't ready to make a life change. It's kinda like dieting, you have to be ready to change. If you're willing to make a change and strictly follow the steps in this book, you'll be all set.



3. Book looks like it is what I want. Received it in good time and excelle nt condition. Thanks so much. KA



4. This is an excellent book. It helps you put together a plan to get started. I just got rid of 30 bags of stuff I didn't need. Nice and refreshing. It has helped me with my shopping problem. I highly recommend this book.



5. Let me first say briefly that I don't care for the "Complete Idiot's ...." series name. It's one thing to be called a "Dummy" by another popular series, but a "complete idiot" is taking it a step too far, at least for me. So why did I pick up the book and read it? Well, frankly, most of the other titles available looked a bit too dry, and this was cheap.
   
   In spite of my prejudices against the book, the first four chapters really impressed me, particularly the foundational discussions that analyze what role "stuff" plays in our lives and why we become bound to "stuff." This section of the book cut pretty deeply. As a matter of fact, I should go back and reread it every year or so.
   
   The middle sections of the book dealing with actual organizational techniques, were in my opinion good but only average. I read a couple other organizational books at the same time as this book, as well as many web sites, and found that there is a lot of common wisdom about organization that is expressed in different words, but is more or less equal. However, if you really need this book, then it's likely that you need a plan to be laid out for you, even if it is only common sense. After all, not all recipes are amazingly creative, but we still need to follow a recipe!
   
   Toward the end, the book includes chapters on organizing your taxes, your finances, your pet supplies, your vactions, etc. This is where I more or less lost interest. It's also the primary reason this is a four star (maybe three and a half) rather than a five star review. I've no doubt that these chapters may help some readers. However, if you just want to organize your "stuff," then you may be left wishing for more advice on organizing general THINGS and less advice on organizing specific items such as vacations and taxes.