2 comments about Sew Baby Doll Clothes: Instructions and Full-size Patterns for 30+ Projects for 12" to 22" Dolls.

1. Joan Hinds has now done for 15" baby dolls what she did for 18" dolls. This book has many possibilities for baby doll wardrobes. Patterns are full sized and sewing directions are clear. I'm enjoying using this book.



2. Like all of her books for 18" dolls, this book contains many great patterns along with easy to understand, well written directions. Great pictures let you see the finished as reference in addition to the directions.

5 comments about Hollywood Portraits.

1. This is a fascinating book which has been organized very intelligently. The quick-sketch diagrams displaying the lighting used to create each image not only make it easy to try for a similar look, but also teach the reader how to look at lighting clues in an image in order to reverse-engineer the lighting conditions. While a great many other skills are involved in producing the photos in this book (like how to retouch using a graphite pencil), this is an excellent primer for those already familiar with the basics of studio lighting.



2. This is a great start for developing a foundation of this kind of lighting.The diagrams are easy to follow and it explains what are some of the pitfalls of certain kind of lightings.This is one of the reference book that I can say worth of what I paid for.



3. This book is perhaps not the end-all/be-all of Hollywood portraiture, but it is a delight to look at and inspirational for photographers. The steps and insight on how these images were created is both interesting and fun to read. A great book for a great price.



4. This book, by Roger Hicks, was good in its way. Having recently been required to try to reproduce the style of Hurrell/Bull, I did find it useful. The photographs were well reproduced and the descriptive material, particularly as regards history, was good. I did find it a bit confusing with "camera right" and "subject right" being thrown in willy-nilly. You would think that this would be self explanatory. However, combined with the illustrative drawings which looked at the set from different angles I would often get mixed up as to which light went where.
   
   I am just a little thick, perhaps.



5. This is an excelent book for the budding portrait photographer, dealing with the various lighting solutions used to produce stuning portraits; I certainly found it to be very informative when undertaking my HND portrait assignment.

5 comments about Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915.

1. This is a good basic costume pattern book. Easy to use and patterns are easily redrafted and understood. Good historical references. I recently used it for Ancient Greek costumes (easy), as well as Medieval (good ideas). I know that I will be reaching for this book over and over again whenever I need to costume a historical play.



2. A book for someone who is wanting to begin exploring theatrical costume design or production.



3. I found this book around 25 years ago. At that time it didn't have any explinations, only the designs and some general info in the front. I do pre 1660 re-enactment and still use and teach from my well worn copy. I put it in a notebook and lend out sheets to explain how pieces go together. It isn't totally accurate, but it is a starting place for new costumers. It is easier to explain changes to make it accurate from there.



4. I am a costume designer and have had this book for many years. I
   recently purchased a copy for one of my student workers who has
   gone on to pursue a degree in costume design. It is a great book
   for fashion history overview. It is full of basic period patterns
   that are simple to draft and then use your own details.
   It accessible to beginners but a wonderful resource for professionals
   as well.



5. I bought this hot off the press 22 years ago, and wouldn't be without it. This dog-eared book has been borrowed many times! I copy pages, draft patterns. Now, I'm going to get a copy for my son's drama teacher. It is a wonderful, basic reference, with enough patterns to get started. Really valuable for getting an idea of historical silhouette. I can't wait to see what changes have been made from my edition!

4 comments about The Dynamics of Fashion.

1. It was little late, but this was so~~~cheap, so I was safisfied with that.



2. This book is an excellent tool for all fashion students, or those just interested in learning more about the #1 money making industry in the U.S. Information on topics ranging from textiles to merchandising to cosmetics to retailing, and so much more. Very detailed, lots of pictures, helpful internet resources, glossary, and also the authors list of her 100 top apparel designers starting at Adolfo, ending at Yohji Yamamoto. This book was very helpful to me when I took the class Introduction to Fashion Merchandising.



3. I am fortunate enough to have met Ms. Elaine Stone herself and find her style to be that of great elegance, sophistication, grace, and poshness. She is by far the most fashionable person I have yet to meet. Reading The Dynamics of Fashion as my textbook for my FM114 class I found it very informant and recommend it to everyone, even those who are not a student of fashion.



4. I am fortunate enough to have met Ms. Elaine Stone herself and find her style to be that of great elegance, sophistication, grace, and poshness. She is by far the most fashionable person I have yet to meet. Reading The Dynamics of Fashion as my textbook for my FM114 class I found it very informant and recommend it to everyone, even those who are not a student of fashion.

1 comments about Shoes, Shoes, Shoes (Mulberry Books).

1. I just got a copy of this book, and I was totally impressed by it. The pictures in the book are amazing, of the highest quality, and they are taken with an excellent eye. The book contains snapshots from shoes around the world, showing the people that wear them and what they do when they wear them. Many cultures and peoples are represented here, and it made me want to go out and see these places! Definitely a must have book for every child. (and every adult with a child's sense of wonder)

5 comments about Fairie-ality: The Fashion Collection from the House of Ellwand: The Deluxe Edition (Fairie-ality).

1. Beautiful photos and inspirations for creating "fairy" clothes. My daughter loves the book and has given it to two friends (10 year old girls) for presents.



2. You will be stunned by this book. Such beautiful art and creativity will provide you with hours of some very satisfying eye-candy! This is one of my favorites. I bought a few copies when it first came out for Christmas gifts! Everyone loved this book!



3. "Fairie-ality"..........it's so easy to be at a loss for words on this book, page after page of a beautiful collection! It is so beautifully done and illustrated that if you don't think "Fairies" have a wardrobe of their very own.... this will change your mind :). This book is a must have for all fairy collectors, little girls that dream of magic and also for those that just need a jump start for their own imaginations to take over. LOVE THE BOOK!!



4. I would list this book a 10 if I could, It is truly an inspiration to the creative juices. Excellant in every department.
   I would purchage this again and again if needed!



5. Very pleased with the book. It was a gift. In as new condition, as described. Fast shipping. Best price I found anywhere. Thanks so much!

5 comments about Rolando Gomez's Glamour Photography: Professional Techniques and Images.

1. Rolando produces in classic style. He delivers as I have come to expect him to! He is very easy to understand and very informational. I recommend his books and seminars as they have help me produce some fantastic images!
   
   His books and workshops have been very educational and inspiring! I can't wait for the DVD which is supposed to come out soon. Way to go Rolando!



2. I got this book and was kind of shocked to see so much exposed skin on this book. None mentioned anywhere on the review page so here it is. It is a good book but just too much skin all over the place!



3. Bought this book a few months ago and had a hard time putting it down. Its easy to understand with some great tips. I have taken a lot from the book and hope that anyone getting into glamour photography would consider purchasing this book for ideas and inspiration.



4. I'm a fan of Rolando Gomez' website www.glamour1.com (formerly garage glamour) and of the articles on it written by him. However I was disappointed when I purchased this book together with his previous 'Garage Glamour' book at the same time from Amazon, sight unseen. I would recommend against purchasing both books as he has repeated alot of the same information in both which I found very disappointing as I was hoping he could have come up with new material. For this reason I definitely wouldn't purchase any future books from this author as he would probably rehash the same stuff again. The photos in these books weren't particularly great or inspiring either.
   
   Also if you are a fan of his website you will probably have seen a lot of this information before. Having said all that, there is some useful information and I particularly liked the info on white balance and gels. There's nothing too in depth, but would be a good read for a beginner in glamour photography. Because I've enjoyed his free articles I didn't mind having spent money on his book - but if I had my time again I just wouldn't have bought both!



5. Both books make for excellent reference. Outstanding photos and written in an easy to follow style, like your talking to the author directly. If your lookoing for a step by step, set your light this distance, expose at this stop, spend some more time shooting.
   
   Camera settings are provided for 99% of photos.
   These are not "quick reference books", more of a reading experience intended to get you in the proper mind set and get those creative impulses going. A++
   
   When's the next SA workshop for poor guys? LOL

5 comments about Trinny and Susannah Take on America: What Your Clothes Say About You.

1. I can't believe they're still managing to milk the same darn cow. The cheek. What will they come up with next? Europe by geographical area or something like that? I don't see how anyone can take advice from two women who seem to live in 6 inch heels - I know I look much taller (sic!) and slimmer when I don a pair for a dinner where I know I'be ferried to and fro. Or from a woman who must have once been told that she should never wear a bra and should always wear tops made of fabric that makes it obvious..... Please.



2. Don't get me wrong I'm a huge fan of the authors. But this is just a fund raiser for them between jobs. It took about 15 minutes to look through, and I thought I must have missed something. So I really sat down to go through the book and it took me less than an hour. So dissapointed. At least in the TV series you got a look at several outfits that would suit the individual, but in this book you get a set-up bad shot and then "how wonderful" only one after shot. You get Trinny and Susannah hiding behind wigs and glasses. If this had been their first book, this would have also have been their last!!
   If you like examples and photos for every body type check out Bradley Bayou "The Science of Sexy", what a resource of what to wear for casual, career and formal. It shows you how to be all covered up, but looking good.



3. I found this book to be an absolutely lovely commentary on some American stereotypes, and to contain fabulous advice on how to improve our not only our looks but also our self-worth and well-being. There's a little bit of many of us in many of the characters presented here -- the busy mom who lets herself go; the "larger eccentric" who craves attention; the woman whose best years were in the '80s and so strives to relive them through her wardrobe... The authors begin by assuring the reader that these truly are exaggerated characters, so we can more easily see how a certain style may be, well, less than flattering. Then they show how easy it is to make small steps toward a more flattering and appropriate style -- and these small steps make a world of difference. For the woman who constantly wears baggy t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans and tennies, they suggest a fitted tee, tucked in, with a belt and nicely cut jeans. The 'before' and 'after' pictures are really inspiring. I especially liked the way they matched up colors and patterns, and accessorized their models (often themselves) so appropriately. After reading this book and poring over the pictures, I found myself ditching the ugly pantyhose in favor of fun fishnets, searching for a bright-colored bag to replace my year-round utilitarian black model, and seeking out a patterned jacket to replace my old standard (again, black.) In fact, every time I read a Trinny and Susannah book, I thin a few more old items out of my closet. (Boxy jackets, big shoulder pads, and anything prairie-looking have to go!) Their advice is down-to-earth and not judgemental. Many of us *do* need to be told that a shoe with a heel can be comfortable, that gym shoes don't go with jeans, that longer hair isn't better if it doesn't flatter your face....this is a book that deserves to be passed around the office, the school staffroom, the family...a real treat.



4. A great team but this book is a stale rearrangement of old pictures and quotes. Keep it fresh and it's wonderful. This was not wonderful



5. After reading WHAT YOU WEAR CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE, I became a fan of Trinny and Susannah and bought all of their books. They inspired me to clean out my closet and I've slowly begun buying clothes to enhance the me I am now, not the me I was in the past. (It turns out that I was one of those women who dressed like a "lamb," even though I'd crossed the threshhold into fully-grown "sheep.")
   
   When TRINNY AND SUSANNAH TAKE ON AMERICA: WHAT YOUR CLOTHES SAY ABOUT YOU came out, I thought that only one or two of the sections in the book would apply to me. Yet when I got it home and actually read each section carefully, I realized that so much of the advice in the book spoke directly to me. In short, the book gets into the nitty gritty of the psychology of appearance and why women make crucial mistakes, mistakes that signal to the world how they feel about themselves at any given time and what their fears are. Whatever your issue, whether it be dressing too youthfully, as I once did, losing touch with your femininity because of the pressures of motherhood, or simply giving up because your body isn't what you'd like it to be, Trinny and Susannah will give you inspiration to look at your physical appearance in a new way. There's always time for a fresh start--one that could prompt a whole new positive phase in your life. Trinny and Susannah provide straight talk, which is what we need to shake us out of our ruts.
   
   The main thing the girls have helped me realize is that even though I've passed the big 4-0, I don't have to fade away into nothingness. I'm now realizing that I can move forward and be just as attractive and stylish as the more grown-up version of me. In fact, I'm realizing that in many ways, this is probably one of the best times in my life--the time when I have the confidence to dress like a sexy, competent woman. Trinny and Susannah are simply fantastic inspiration and I'm now taking them as my style mentors.
   
   In short, if you read this book carefully, you'll find your issues throughout the book and it will inspire you to look at yourself in a new way.
   
   Bravo, Trinny and Suz! Keep coming out with the wonderful books! We're counting on you!

2 comments about Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing.

1. This book is a great blend of history, factoids and advice, covering a wide spectrum of fashion from the go-go boot to the corset.
   I have never discovered anything like this before and would deffinately recommend it to anyone interested in fashion, whether it is a fashion student or someone trying to improve the contents of their own closet.



2. How much thought does one really put into what they wear each day? "Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing" is an examination of modern clothing styles and how they came about, claiming there's a story about how every piece of clothing came into existence. It also includes a look at how celebrities have seriously impacted modern fashion, and is enhanced with illustrations from Ariel Krietzman. "Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing " is a must read for any aspiring fashion designer, and highly recommended for community library fashion shelves.

4 comments about Sew On: All You Need to Know to Start Sewing and Serging Today!.

1. I'm excited to get the new book. I wear the skirt I made from the first book, ALL THE TIME. I have used the techniques I learned in the book in several different projects and it was the best sewing education I've received.
   
   I've been wanting to make a wrap dress but been too scared to try to figure it out on my own; this is just the kickstart I needed.
   
   Thanks for your great books! I swear by them.



2. Learning to sew at Sew Fast Sew Easy has changed my career path for the better. I just started my clothing line business a few months ago and wouldn't be able to design if I were lacking the knowledge of garment construction that I had learned at Sew Fast Sew Easy. I know the techniques that Elissa teaches are true to the Garment industry. I'm able to deal with factories and use the correct terminology when ordering and going over samples. I love to sew and just bought an overlock machine to finish off my samples for a more professional look. I bought this book the day it dropped at the shop. It is full of great info for my new overlock machine and techniques to use it. The patterns are an excelent plus! The pants are so easy! They're great for pretty much anything, chop the legs and you've got yourself some shorts! I'm so grateful to Sew Fast Sew Easy and their products and services.



3. A book well done! I take classes at Sew Fast Sew Easy and was able to get this book a week before amazon, cheaper too! This book is great for people looking to start serging and using overlock machines. If your interested in making your own Tshirts, this book has a great TShirt pattern that is unisex sized. It's a great beginner to intermediate book. It covers threading of sewing and serger/overlock machines, body measuring, sewing tips and terms and much more. I've sewn for a couple years now and the box cushion project is a good intermediate level pattern. Also, the book has a wrap dress pattern perfect for summer that will give diane von furstenberg a run for her money! Guys aren't left out! There is a drawstring/elastic waist band pant pattern. It's not specific to guys though, it's a unisex sized pant. This really is a "Sew Everything" Book! With 5 patterns included there is something for everyone at any level of sewing. Enjoy!



4. I was taking classes while Elissa was writing this new book and had the priviledge to test the patterns. They're amazing! Sewing patterns are harder to come by today and I've never seen just a plain TShirt pattern. That's just one of the patterns you get with this book. It shows you how to sew and serge with Jersey Knit fabric. My tshirts are better than American Apparel tees, hands down! I've been making them for my boyfriend too. This book also teaches how to sew with leather and fur, the fake stuff too. It has a pattern for an mp3 player case, which with a little creativity you can expand the pattern to make a clutch purse. The hardest pattern is the box cushion with cover. It is an awesome project but I don't recommend it for complete beginners. It takes a little more skill to complete but once finished is a true accomplishment to have your own DIY piece of furniture! This is a great all in one book for sewing and serging for beginners and intermediate sewers. The information about sergers and overlock machines is rare and extremely educational. Elisa's knowlwedge and experience really shows through in this book.