5 comments about Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the Eighteenth Century (Metropolitan Museum of Art).

1. This is a fabulous insight into 18th Century French society. As a costume designer, I found the inclusion of paintings from that period, intermixed with the museum settings to be of particular interest. The close-up photographs of details were also wonderful. The text was fascinating and very enjoyable reading. It's very often tempting to take things out of context according to one's own interests. This publication opens up an intricately woven world where fashion and furniture play an equally important role in the mores of a society.



2. When I'm looking for visual resourced books to help inspire my costuming I would have to say this one is one of my favorites on the shelf for 18th Century clothing.
   I like to have books that have heaps of historical content to help construct my costumes but I also value the 'picture books' to help the creative/visual aspect of desgining costumes! This is one of those :)



3. Great text and pictures. I only wish there were more details of the fashion.



4. An overblown production that does not deliver. A waste of photography and an even bigger waste of money.



5. I make porcelain dolls and found this book invaluable for costuming the dolls in authentic dresses.The settings for the costumes is also very inspiring
   
   Angonita Blue Ribbon Dolls

5 comments about Historic Costumes and How to Make Them.

1. This is an ok book. It gives you ideas and the patterns are very basic. There are better books by dover on this subject.



2. This book is a great resource for designers. The text gives lots of clues to creating a garment and the patterns are wonderful for draping.



3. There is more to Historic Costumes than Medevil times, but that is all this book covers. I was not happy with it and returned it. Improve the description so that it specifies the time period covered, and it would be a great book.



4. This book gives a extremely brief overview of many styles of clothing throughout the last 1200 years. If you are after detailed instructions on how to make medieval clothing, then this book is not for you. However, if you are an accomplished tailor and can work from line drawings, you have the right book.
   I did not find this book particularly helpful with how to make the clothing, but it did show me what styles were around.
   Be aware that this book gives no measurements nor types of materials used, nor does it assist the serious re-enactor.
   This book is aimed, in my opinion, at someone who is planning to attend a fancy dress party and who intends to wear the outfit they make once only.



5. I was pleased with the number of patterns and detailed instructions in this book. The patterns need to be enlarged or drawn to scale in order to use them. It would be very useful for anyone who makes costumes or who is interested in fashion.

5 comments about Plus Size Crochet: Fashions That Fit & Flatter.

1. I've had this book now for a few months and love it. Margaret Hubert's book has concise easy to read directions, great contemporary patterns and FINALLY someone dares to design outside the realm of worsted weight yarn.
   
   As an advanced yarn addict I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this IS the best plus size crochet book on the market.



2. This is a wonderful book. It is nicely illustrated, and has nice patterns. The instructions are a little hard to follow at times,that is why I gave it one less star. I also wish it gave clear instructions on how to alter the pattern sections for using two different sizes at the same time for different sections of the pattern.
   We plus size women need many more books like this. I have two friends who already plan to buy it.
   Hat's off to the Author!



3. Finally a book for us larger sized crocheters. The wonderful thing is that Margaret gives us the tools to create the sweater you have been dreaming of. We have needed a book like this for a long time. It is perfect for any crocheter that has been thinking of making a sweater



4. Margaret Hubert's newest book delivers! Well written, easy-to-follow instructions make this an especially wonderful book for real women who crochet! I love the colors and yarns for each project and always look forward to a new Hubert book. Definitely worth buying if you want crochet that fits!



5. Loved this book. It has a wide variety of basic patterns, from a metallic tunic to lacey tops to a coat. The shawl is beautiful, and the purse pattern gives us a purse that is "in proportion". Also very uselful is the first section that explains how to adjust patterns, make changes in the sizing for bust and arms and raise a neckline. Many books that offer "plus sizes" are just sized up patterns created for smaller figures that don't fit well (like tiny tight tank tops). The sleeveless shell (also has matching cardigan) in this book has wide shoulders that will cover bra straps. And the only sizes in the book are from 1x-4x. It is the first crochet book actually created for plus sizes and I hope they keep them coming. The patterns in this one are basic shapes and classic styles that would look completely different by just changing the yarn, colors etc. so you can make several of each pattern.

2 comments about Art Deco Textiles: The French Designers.

1. I'm a textile and clothing designer and have a large collection of print reference books. Since I first purchased this book it has been the first book I pull out when I want inspiration. Because of that I have also given it as a gift to several other designers, and it has become one of their favorites too. The collection is inspired and diverse and the printing shows beautiful detail. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves great contemporary design, as well as those interested in vintage textile design.



2. Art Deco Textiles is an informed and informative survey of art deco fabrics which packs in color examples drawn from a diverse range of designers in the field, from Marrot and Benedictus to Chanel. Alain-Rene Hardy's research through museum holdings, manufacturer's archives and private collections alike produces an unparalleled reference 'Bible' of both hand made and machine-made textiles, creating an outstanding textile oriented history and survey of the entire field.

1 comments about Fabulous Felted Scarves: 20 Wearable Works of Art.

1. This book was recommended to me by an experienced textile artist and as such I just placed my order on this recommendation. I am thrilled with the book and it's illustrations and instructions. This will suit those who have some felting knowledge and also beginners who seek a high standard for this craft. There are many projects to wet your appetite all of which have step by step instructions and illustrations to show the way. Everything is set out beautifully showing what you need and the techniques necessary. This is a 'must have' purchase for all those who love this fibre art. It takes felting beyond the basics and opens up a Pandora's box of ideas.

5 comments about The Tattoo Encyclopedia : A Guide to Choosing Your Tattoo.

1. I had previusly bought and read Ink, from the same author (book that I highly recomend for people new to tattoing like me) and I was thrill to receive this book, though, I must admit, at lest it gives you some structure to determine a bit closely what you want, but the collection itself is not as big as I would have liked, and most of them you can see them on any tattoo shop.



2. I loaned this book to a friend, and she kept it when she moved. It is worth re-purchasing because it gives some meaning to some of the designs out there. While not all of the descriptions are useful, and the drawings included are not at all what I would want permanently on me, I have used the explanations as a springboard for some of my more meaningful pieces. It's worth checking out if you want to know about more obscure designs.



3. there is not much to this book a few pictures and mild reading rather informative yet not as much help as popup books would have been.



4. I picked up this book a while ago second hand on a college campus because of my interest in tattoos as well as symbology (apologies to Willam DaFoe). The book has given me some ideas for new ink as well as clarified some misconceptions about ancient Christian symbology.
   
   There were a few connections the author made that seemed to be stretching it, but I would absolutely recommend this book!



5. This book give you a good idea of what the symbols represent.

5 comments about In Style: Secrets of Style: The Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day.

1. This book was a great purchase. I was not disappointed with this book; it gives good examples, but doesn't suggest you be a clone of someone else. Good photos, do's and don't, and helpful information and advice --even on undergarments! Good book to keep as reference from time to time. They thought of everything in this one! Loved it.



2. I don't have strong feelings either way about this book. It's organized well and includes interesting information about fashion history, proper fit, and clothing care, but nothing that I've really used.
   
   Perhaps I'm the wrong audience. I'm a young professional in my late 20s working in a creative field, and I'm on a budget. Some of the tips in this book -- like, say, the statement that most women should own a pair of flesh-toned pumps -- really do not apply to me and my needs. The styles here, I believe, are meant to be timeless. The pieces it notes seem, for the most part, to be items to invest in. I'm just not at that point -- if you are, perhaps this book will meet your needs better than it did mine.
   
   In summary, while I enjoyed the book and have no complaints about it, I also did not find any practical suggestions that fit me and my life. I hope this review helps steer others toward or away from the book, depending on their needs.



3. I bought this book and the Lucky Guide to Shopping and found the tips given in the other book to be better. If you were deciding which one to buy, I would say that I didn't find this book as helpful in identifying basic or classic pieces and there are relatively few practical shopping tips that I could use in the future.



4. This is much better book than the second In Style book. There are detailed tips on how to look for the best fit and what shapes flatter which body style. I was hoping to see more pictures of actual clothes so that's the reason for four stars.



5. I THOUGHT THE BOOK IS EXECELLENT AND IT IS WORTH THE PRICE.

3 comments about Expressive Handmade Books.

1. THis is probably a good book for a novice or for general technical information. Artistically however, i found it lacking in depth as far as the expressive aspect is concerned.



2. After reading several books on bookbinding, this is one of my favorites that I find myself going back to again and again for both instruction and inspiration. On the craft of bookbinding, the instructions are clear and there are a number of interesting structures to explore. This book also moves into the realm of book artist, with the author explaining how she uses her experiences to develop content for her books.
   
   After making blank books for some time, it's exciting to be inspired to develop books where both form and content work together.
   
   Definitely worth having in your library.



3. a great book full of ideas and instruction. helpful ideas about text production - buy it

2 comments about Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion.

1. As a fashion journalist, I served as a reference as a creative director very much.
   Expect next edition.



2. The book is good. It have very good pictures. But I expected that it have more text and explain you more about the stylist career.

5 comments about The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography: Foolproof Recipes for Taking Perfect Portraits.

1. This book is awesome. Easy to follow, well set out and very professional. Great examples and photography, not the cheap, boring and outdated photography you find in a lot of the books out there. This book is filled with exiting ideas and in-depth explanations. Highly creative lighting tricks and loads more. I would highly recommend this book to any serious photographer.



2. This is a good starter book. It begins with basics of lighting and begins to introduce more and more complicated setups.
   
   It helped me understand the basics of lighting equipment and how to use them and this is particularly true for some of the initial lighting arrangements in both the womens and the mens sections.
   
   My biggest criticism of the book is that it great to learn the craft, but not the art. Do not expect that this is your last lighting book if you're going to be serious about fashion and beauty photography.
   
   My key takeaways were basic lighting arrangements for women and men, reliance on makeup artists, and basics of equipment. It's a good way to learn by copying---"If you want a shot like this, do this". The "cookbook" phrase in the title is a very correct claim. It will not teach you how to create a new recipe, but if you know what you need, it will tell you how to make it.
   
   There's a show-offy feel to some sections which I could do without.
   
   Someone who reads this book will be able to then move on to more sophisticated portraiture books like Grecco's Lighting and the Art of the Dramatic Portrait. I found it far easier to understand subtleties in Grecco's book after I had thoroughly read the cookbook a few times.



3. This is a very good book that accompishes it's specific topic, and does deliver simple "cookbook" recipes for portraits.
   
   I got my money's worth, as I can "read between the lines" on many of the photos and the diagrams, however there are other authors more articulate in describing what that do, and more helpful in terms of having more thorough diagrams. This is a relative critism, as a novice may wince at some lights being 2 EV more than another, and not be comfortable with the lack of precise f stops or ratios of main to fill lights.
   
   Yes, I could take off a point for there not being a "behind the scenes" photo of the actual set as some books have supplied. I also know that that such photos of actual studio sets could intimidate those with home studios from even trying to duplicate these images, lacking $10,000's of equipment that is at the beck and call of pro fashion photographers.
   
   While a few model's makeup is clearly on the garish and gaudy side (Halloweenish comes to mind), that's fine with me, as I'm just interested in learning the lighting, and not bothered by the funky models- some look as if they are outer space vampires, with others made up as if from the 1930's.
   
   One thing I've realized is the value of a good makeup artist. They really make a pleasant face into a stunning image suitable for a full page ad in Vogue, and know how to apply suitable makeup to handle the contrasty light that abounds in some magazines, making the model's face "pop out" at you, and justify the hefty advertising dollar$$ and similar model fees for the few lucky models who made it to the top. Same goes for hair stylists. It can often take 2-3 hours of work by these artists before a model is ready for the photographer.
   
   For photographers using more everyday models and friends and families, and interested in picking up a few good hints on recreating some Vogue/fashion images with "real people" subjects, this 144 page book is well worth the price. It is worth trying out the different techniques that are not in the usual bookstore publications, as you try your hand at "fashion" style images.



4. This book is full of great and professional photography. Many different lighting principles and schemes are explained in detail, and it shows that the authors know what they are talking about.



5. Pros: This book had excellent ideas for lighting, with several examples, and also several modifications to "popular" lighting techniques. For fashion and beauty lighting, I haven't found a better book.
   
   Cons: The makeup and styling in several of the examples is somewhat dated-looking...so I would only use it for lighting, not styling.