5 comments about Cowboy Boots.

1. I just finished reading this book and Jennifer June educates as well as entertains. Being new to the boot phenomena I am grateful for her ability to open my eyes to the art that is boot making; it's astounding what these artisans can do with leather. The photography is breathtaking as it captures the colors, stitching and tooling that goes into a pair of boots. I guess you can tell by now that I highly recommend this boot - allow your senses to open up to the art of boot making!



2. What struck me most about this book was the author's enthusiasm for her subject. It is hard not to get caught up in cowboy boot lore when Jennifer June so clearly loves what she is writing about. The liveliness of her text is a tribute to the original cowboys.
   
   I really appreciated the small, quirky details, such as the origin of different western icons.This book is great way for a novice to learn all about cowboy boots, as well as for boot lovers, who want some new ideas for designing their next pair of custom boots.The pictures are stellar as well, with lots of great close-ups



3. Though they may have had a utilitarian start, cowboy boots have almost always been a canvas on which to display the skill of the bootmaker and the personality of the owner. "Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole" by Jennifer June captures this spirit wonderfully, with rich photos and knowledgeable writing. Like many of the bootmakers and boot-wearers quoted in her text, June is a devotee of the boot and her passion for her subject comes through in these pages.
   
   As diverse as the people who wear them, the boots featured here are not easily classified. Some are classic designs while others are quite modern. Some are understated designs of exceptional craftsmanship, while others are over-the-top in colors and stitching ... but equally fine handiwork. Many of these boots (again, like the people who wear them?) have never been near ranch or range in their lives, but actual workin' cowboy boots worn by actual workin' cowboys show up as well. In all, it makes for entertaining browsing as well as informative reading.
   
   Perhaps best of all, though, June includes a section of "Resources" that allow the reader to investigate owning some quality boots of her own. Maybe we can't all afford the exotic leathers or extremes of design, but a solidly-constructed boot from a good designer is still within reach. I can attest to the satisfaction that comes from owning a good pair of cowboy boots, and it was a joy to discover many other people who share that feeling, and the artists who make it possible, in this spirited and entertaining book.



4. This book is pure enjoyment. It doesn't matter if you are new to cowboy boots or have worn them forever, the images and the thoughts this book provokes will delight you. Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole will captivate your attention. It made me remember wearing cowboy boots and playing in the neighborhood with my friends during a time that our parents weren't so concerned for our safety and well-being. We had play gun fights and used our bikes as horses. We were the modern day cowboys in our little town in Indiana. Cowboy boots are a part of the American culture and one of the many things that makes us unique in today's small world. Ms. June's book will take you back to those memories that you forgot but are warm and pleasant to recall...especially with all that is going on in our lives today. You will also be awed by the craftsmanship in boot-makers. Many people may not realize there are men and women that hold to the traditional ways of making a boot by hand. After reading this book, you will never forget a new artist is out there and their canvas is on someone's feet.



5. At last, a bootmakers take on the art and craft of Cowboy boots. Jennifer June's new book, Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole, shines a deserving light on many lesser known master bootmakers. Straight out and written from an insider's perspective, the book is crammed with excellent photography by Marty Snortum and Ms. Junes' informed opinion. Vintage boots. Custom boots and their makers. Factory boots. They're all here. Junes' passion for bootmaking and her love of Cowboy boots is obvious throughout. I'm not an easy critic... this book earned its' place on my book shelf. My hat's off to Jennifer June for helping keep the flame alive.

2 comments about 50s Fashion: Vintage Fashion and Beauty Ads (Icons Series).

1. I love period advertising, and I love fashion, so this seemed like the perfect book...until I got it. The book was subtitled "Vintage Fashion and Beauty Ads", so that's what I expected. What I got was 95 pages of men's clothing -- tons of ads for ties and underwear -- 9 pages of children's clothing, and 70 pages of women's "fashion and beauty". There were more pages devoted to men's hair products than women's, if I counted correctly. I didn't order this to look at Hopalong Cassidy cowboy boots...I ordered it to see FASHION AND BEAUTY ads. VERY disappointing!!



2. Ordered this cute cook for a girlfriend of mine who's a fashion freak. The book itself is unique and cool, but it arrived with a big cut down the middle of the front of the book! Couldn't even give it to her. I'll hang on to it, but sure hope no one else receives one in that condition.

2 comments about Weaving: Methods, Patterns, and Traditions of the Oldest Art (Wooden Books).

1. This would make a nice gift introducing someone to the facets of weaving and fiber.



2. This is a wonderful little book. The illustrations are beautiful and remind me of old mid-century medical drawings with meticulous detail and labels, or maybe the old line drawings in Boy Scout Handbooks that showed exactly how to tie knots. History, folklore and technical information is presented in encyclopedia style descriptions that are easy to read and brief enough to be curiously intriguing and informative but not so long you start to nod off at the monotone drone of textbook chatter. This is a unique, tiny reference book that is packed with more information than its price would suggest...a history book and pocket guide for the textile enthusiast all in one. Enchanting.

1 comments about Friendship Bracelets All Grown Up.

1. I regularly purchase jewelry-making books, always in hopes for something I haven't seen in previous purchases or magazines. This book was a pleasant surprise! Projects range from beginner to intermediate, and the multitude of examples make it easy to get your creative juices going to make something original. Great photos, great instructions - highly recommend!

5 comments about The Book of Kimono.

1. I'll try to stick with describing things that the other reviewers have not. From the start, let me say that I really like the book, despite some of the negative sounding things I am going to say. I just want people looking at the book to understand a little more of what is and what isn't in the book. For the most part, the instructions in the book are clear enough, though reading the instructions and actually following them is going to take some back and forth work and probably a great deal of practice until you really understand what the writer is talking about.
   
   First off, this book has a little bit of everything in it in regards to kimono history and usage. It does not have how to make a kimono, though it does have the basic preparation steps, like how to put on the protective lining collar for the under robe. There is especially a great deal of vocabulary and explanation - what are the parts of the kimono called, images of and descriptions of different styles and pieces. In fact, this is the only book I have ever seen (in English) to properly show all of the little things used in tying an obi. It shows not only traditional means of dressing in the kimono, but also the more modern "cheater" or "training" wear that is easier to use but in many ways more confusing looking than the traditional forms.
   
   Because of all that detailed information, there are several places that might be considered a little brief to a person trying to learn how to actually wear the kimono themselves. For instance, the book does show you how to tie an obi for men and women, and as a plus, how to properly tie hakama pants and the ties on the jackets. However, the book only shows you how to tie two female styles - a formal and a more informal one - when there are really several fairly common styles for women. On the upside, there is a third style added about how to make and wear a "cheater" obi (a real obi is anywhere from 10 to 14 feet long, the cheater obi has a pre-made bow that you hook in place). Since the book has a photo spread showing several different types of obi ties for women, it was somewhat disappointing for me to only find the two styles and the cheater obi. For someone who is looking to just start, this is a good reference, but don't expect to see instructions for the other obi styles.
   
   This book does show how to do common (but really, difficult) activities properly in a kimono (bowing, opening doors, getting in a car), the differences in wearing a kimono for married and unmarried women, and how to care for and store kimono. It describes the cleaning process, but points out that it is very complex and the kimono material is easy to damage, so most people do spot cleaning and rely on specialized cleaners. This book shows pictures of hair pieces, but does not have any information on how to do the hair styles (which isn't the topic of the book, anyway, but someone asked me about it once when I mentioned this book).
   
   All in all, this book will answer all of the basic, introductory, or background questions, but if you are really interested in figuring out the details, this book will still leave you with a few questions.



2. The Book of Kimono tells a detailed history, proper terms and instructions on how to wear Japan's most elegant and well-respected wardrobe. I did not realized that the kimono was originally made in China back in ancient times. This is a good book to read and a excellent resource for school and college.



3. What is a geisha without her kimono?
   
   For those interested in the history of Kimono or thinking of wearing them, this book is a must have. A good bit of history as well as a guide on the wearing of the Kimono.
   
   Well written and very well illustrated.



4. I agree that this book is good for DETAILED info on kimono wearing, etc. But I also agree with the review that it lacks the wealth of flat-out photos of beautiful kimono one might want if seeking photo memories of a trip to Japan. Consider John Gallagher's Geisha instead if you want more color photos of kimono.



5. The DVD of Memoirs of a Geisha contains two fascinating chapters on the creation of kimono and Geisha Bootcamp, in which the actresses learned to wear kimono properly. But it left many unanswered questions: why do many geisha need the help of a professional dresser? Exactly how many layers does a geisha wear under her kimono? How many variations are there in how to finish tying an obi? This book answers all these questions and many more that, before reading it, I didn't know enough to ask. The author designed many helpful devices to allow a modern woman to don a kimono without assistance, including padding. He also wrote an entire chapter on the proper way to move, bow, open a door, sit on a western style chair and get into a car without wrinkling your kimono. The color photographs are splendid and the drawings as detailed as I could wish for. Having read this book in conjunction with Liz Dalby's Geisha, I found that the last chapter of her book about wearing kimono illuminated his.

2 comments about Fifty Years of Fashion: New Look to Now.

1. This book takes us from decade to decade from the 50's to now with an examination of social, cultural, economic, and historical factors both setting the backdrop to and influencing changing fashions. This is an intermediate book in fashion, if you compare it to picture-only books to the other end of the spectrum where text dominates (often no pictures), and we see a treatise on aesthetic theory, anthropological roots, feminist writings, and studies on human sexuality and psychology.
   
   This book is a very light introduction to the type of questions you see in more advanced texts, but will not alienate the dilettante fashionista or costumer. The pictures provide exemplary examples of the styles discussed, and the chapters summarize everything quickly enough to have a solid overview of our recent fashion history. Again, I am sure this book will gain lots of interest, whether for browsing or seriously perusing an interest in a compelling aspect of human history and society. Check Steele's other books as well--she writes with insight, but doesn't overdo it with the dry academic stuff; she also has excellent taste with her picture selection.



2. This book has both beautiful photographs and informative text. The only reason I took off one star is that I think more photographs from each designer should have been included. I especially would have liked to have seen a few more photos of clothes from American designers from the 1990s. Throughout the book, the author mostly displays clothes made by European designers. I would not have expected much attention to be focused upon American designers before 1980s or 1990s. Arguably, it was not until the 1990s that American fashion really started to influence Europe, instead of the other way around. Because this reversal of influence was such a change, I would have expected more attention to be paid to it visually. Therefore, the lack of representation in this era makes me think that American designers were somewhat shortchanged in this book. However, I agree that all the designers selected, both European and American, did heavily influence their own time periods.

   This book covers Post War 1940s through 1990s. In each era the author focused on a few key designers. The author chose Balenciaga, Balmain, and Dior to represent the 1940s and 1950s. The author primarily showcased Correges, Yves Saint Laurent, and Quant to represent the 1960s. Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were the focus of the 1970s era. More designers are represented in the 1980s. The book has one or two photos from Chanel, Lacroix, Blass, Herrera, Azzedine Alaia, Armani, Gaultier, Comme des Garcon, and Issey Miyake, among a few others. The 1990s are represented by a photo or two of designs from Versace, Anna Sui, Chanel, Tom Ford for Gucci, Galliano, Donna Karen, Westwood, Calvin Klein, and Prada.

   Just as it is the maxim for fashion in general, so is it for this book in particular...less is more. The photos in this book capture the essence of each era and the text details the stylistic atmosphere to which each designer contributed. I highly reccommend this book. Despite having access to it at the library, I plan on buying it.

5 comments about Lachapelle Land.

1. I highly recommend NetworkNewBooks. My purchase arrived in three business days and in mint condition...thanks a lot!



2. After having bought David Lachapelle's "Heaven to Hell" in the Taschen bookshop in Berlin last november, I was flabbergasted by its content. Coming home I immediately surf to Amazon.com to order the other two books of this trilogy: "Lachapelle Land" and "Hotel Lachapelle". To me his work is the utmost synergism of fantasy, photography and art! For me, without doubt the most impressive and striking artbooks I bought in 2006!!
   
   Wubbe Koning, Heiligerlee, The Netherlands



3. How about photographing what your mind sees? That's the journey Lachapelle takes us in every picture. Lachapelle, along with a couple of other great photographers, is what I would call an acquired taste and a bi-polar one it is. Either you love it or you hate it...
   
   Anyone interested in serious photography should have, at least as a reference, any of Lachapelle's books.
   
   As for this one, all I have to say is that I enjoyed the journey. And what a journey it was...



4. I bought this book after being a fan of Lachapelle for a few years- and i've already got Hotel LaChapelle.This book doesn't really compare that well to Hotel Lachapelle, but its a good book to have if u want to document his work pre 1996, and although it has some stunning photographs, i was more impressed by the (presumably bigger budget) photos in Hotel Lachapelle, so. in a nutshell; if you trying to decide between this and His second book, get the second one, but this isnt a bad book to have.



5. I purchased this book after viewing David Lachapelle's website, and while it is certainly a decent collection of photographs, the photos lack some of the style that Lachapelle's more recent work has. If you are a fan of the work found on his website, then I would suggest Hotel Lachapelle instead of this book.

No comments about Ready-to-Wear Apparel Analysis (3rd Edition).

5 comments about Designing Knitwear.

1. I had read that in order to effectively design knitwear, you need this book. That article was 100% correct. This is a fantastic reference for the knitwear designer because Deborah Newton has been in the field for decades, and has a solid grasp on how to design regular garments. This translates for very informed discussions on why you'd choose to construct the garment of choice and the designer touches you would add for polish. If you are a serious knitter who has always wanted to create your own designs, then this book is for you!!



2. If you are feeling a little 'tied in knots', or limited, after following everyone else's patterns, and want to branch out a bit, this is the book for you. It is an embarassment of riches in inspiration and options. Designing Knitwear will give you much information, and the boost you need, to get those creative juices flowing. It's got a lot of suggestions for looking in some unlikely places for knitting design inspiration. It also has patterns for some high fashion sweaters, suits, and jackets. As such, this book will never go out of style, as you simply select the elements you want, and plug them into your project design.
   
   The sections on garment construction, and the effect of patterned stitches are detailed, clearly written, and easy to understand.
   
   The basics are all there for planning the construction of a project. The patterns included also provide ample opportunity to take the suggested pattern, and modify it to make it truly your own. The information is solid, sensible, and you can find lots of ways to integrate the suggestions into adjustments, or a whole new design. New yarns seem to arrive in shops every season, and this book gives you clear directions for evaluating any yarn for any project.
   
   Deborah Newton also includes much explanation and detail regarding various types of construction, from smocks to sweaters, to dressmakers designs. Some of the patterns given might not appeal to everyone, but everyone can use the information to make a smashing design of their very own. There is lots of information on stitch selection, and the effects that can be obtained with varying stitches.
   
   The details given are really helpful, particularly for elements of garment design that you see in fashion magazines, but rarely in knitting books. This is one of the very best collections of information about a wide variety of design options, and done in detail I've never encountered before. I've knitted for decades, and if I'd only had this book when I was wanting to 'improve' on some sweater patterns, I'd have avoided hours of ripping and starting over.
   
   Ms. Newton has me thinking of projects for next winter's knitted presents. And, I may just find a use for those oddments of yarn that could be combined into a wild and wonderful jacket, incorporating stitch designs that I'd have never considered prior to reading this book.
   
   Knitting allows you to control every aspect of garment construction, from texture, to size, to sleeve design, to collar...the options are endless. This is a book that will give any knitter inspiration and confidence to really be creative.
   
   I'd recommend this book for every knitter who is seeking perfect fit, perfect design, and ways to select new yarns for any project. The only limitation is your imagination. Designing Knitwear is encyclopedic in its scope and very well done indeed. The only problem you might have is figuring out which, of the endless options, will be right for your next project.



3. I wanted to learn how to design, and I tend to need plenty of visuals when I'm learning something, so this book is wonderful to have. Tons of pictures and the text is clear and informative of course.



4. First, the good: there is a lot of information here about different fibers, explanations of silhouettes, ease, and different styles that is very helpful. There are tips on sketching and charting your own designs, as well as structural details of different styles, e.g. set-in sleeves, saddle shoulders. Much of the information is opinionated, but the author usually explains her reasoning.

   The bad: I found many of her technical explanations incomplete and/or difficult to follow (and I've been knitting for about 10 years). I also found the many (many, many) self-gratulating personal references a bit tiresome. 'This is how I do this,' 'I like to do that,' 'Let me tell you all about a perfectly brilliant design idea I had one day while waiting for the bus,' etc. Somehow I got the impression the author has an air of superiority, as if to say her way is NATURALLY the best way, if not the only way. Maybe this irritated me more because I disliked most of her designs and thought them all but unwearable. If you're into 'haute couture' or 'wearable art,' you might enjoy them more; I prefer to design garments which are more subtle.... or, as she might say, 'bland and pedestrian.' (If that means saying "No" to big bulky coats knitted of fuzzy chartreuse mohair, complete with giant buttons, then color me bland and pedestrian.)

   Bottom line: For the technical and structural elements of design, this book is worth looking into, but I'm still looking for a better knitting design book.




5. I am only a beginning knitter but I've checked this book out of the library several times in the past couple of years. The photos are gorgeous; even the pictures of swatches are eye-candy. This is not a book of patterns, rather, it is a sort of 'how-to' book for design inspiration using various sources; old photographs, coutour fashion, sewing patterns, and of course beautiful yarns and fibers. Don't pass this up if you are not ready to design your own knits. It will inspire you to keep knitting and treat yourself to some gorgeous yarns even if it is only one skein to make swatches from. This book is as much about the process, or journey as it is about the finished product. I was tickled the first time I checked out the book and discovered the author was from Rhode Island. Since then, I've wondered if she still lives here and holds workshops.

5 comments about Tiffany Pearls.

1. A great reference book for those who love vintage jewelry and for those who make jewelry. I think this is the best pearl book and book on Tiffany jewelry there is.



2. We saw the Martha Stewart TV show when John Loring was a guest and immediately ordered his book.It is a wonderful addition to our library of precious gems. We highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in knowing more about pearls. [...]



3. Gorgeously illustrated, in-depth history of the spherical nacre form. It's a must read for anyone who has even entertained the idea of owning pearls, or for anyone who has inherited grandma's necklace.



4. Gorgeous photos! Enjoyed this beautiful survey,documentation of tiffany pearl jewelry designs very much.



5. THE most wonderful gift for that special woman in your life that loves pearls! Seduces you with breathtaking photos of collectable pieces & educates you about the history of pearls & how to care for them. Also stirs the imagination to create similar...
   I consult in an exclusive jewelry boutique, (The Jewelry Doctor/Vienna, VA) and am ordering my SECOND copy as one of our clients loved the book so much that I gave her my copy; mournfully, yet happily to see her love for it...
   You simply will not believe the high quality photos and the depth of the historical information provided by this author...a wonderful gift idea for the holidays! ~Shannon @ THE JEWELRY DOCTOR, Platinum & Diamond Boutique, 703.255.1330