2 comments about Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts: 23 Original Quilt Designs.

1. I even bought this in hardcover. That's hardcore. There are "projects" but I think of this as a book of design ideas. I felt like an amateur artist instead of a ruler junkie when I read this
   
   Design, colors, a use of both cool and hot palettes, the construction has gentle warnings "this is not a quilt for a beginner" Unless he/she is using robotic sewing arms. Always a pleasure , always full of ideas . This is so far from the sharpest points, most evenly stuffed binding end of things it reminds me why I love to make quilts. Is it to get "better points"? How about playing with shapes and colors and making something that is occasionally beautiful and always a learning experience.
   
   Inspiring.



2. Just finished reading this from beautiful cover to beautiful cover. I own all of Kaffe's quilting books and therefore I recognize the retooling of previous entries. Much of what is art is reinventing the wheel. Kaffe is a master of taking the excellent and retooling it to a new level of spectacular. What I liked most about this book is he breaks the process down to entry level allowing you to see through his keen eyes; inviting you into his mindset to experience how he processes to create and recreate. Nothing is complicated here as it is so visual and texted with such clarity. He wants YOU to be successful. Personally I strive to learn anything that will inspire me to think for myself. Though he gives the recipes for his 23
   gorgeous results in this book, he is showing you....asking you to be creative and start with the fundamentals. Most of the designs are so basic and quite simple. Once again he illustrates the importance of great color and pattern and the interaction of these two key elements within the framework of rock solid design. There is something for everyone here. I was particularly enchanted by the retelling of the Haze Kilim..... taken from a rug design; translated into knitted design; now repositioned in one of the most breathtaking quilts ever. It is an explosion of color and texturing and I cannot wait to make one! He asks you to get out there and be original and take a dare. Having used so many of his designs with and without his fabrics they never fail to have such adaptability; are so clear and concise; never disappoint. If you desire to get to the roots of design and wonder where to begin this book is for you. If your aim is to have a refreshed view of previous ground this book is for you. If your prime interest is holding the blueprint for some of his lovelies this book is for you. This is a through-the-looking glass opportunity into the mind's eye of a master. Try not to miss this one!

5 comments about The Dangerous Book for Boys.

1. As a dad of two boys (of the "technology age"), I'm thrilled to have this book in hand. The book itself is in great condition and we just can't wait to learn some of the gems found inside.



2. You expect an author to defend his own work, but I've never seen it done better than Conn Iggulden does in Amazon's own official editorial review and interview posted right on this product page:
   
   "I think we've become aware that the whole 'health and safety' overprotective culture isn't doing our sons any favors. Boys need to learn about risk. They need to fall off things occasionally, or--and this is the important bit--they'll take worse risks on their own. If we do away with challenging playgrounds and cancel school trips for fear of being sued, we don't end up with safer boys--we end up with them walking on train tracks. In the long run, it's not safe at all to keep our boys in the house with a PlayStation. It's not good for their health or their safety."
   
   That's it in a nutshell. As some reviewers have had the (there's no other word for it) stupidity to complain about, there's NOTHING in this book that's REALLY dangerous unless you go about it stupidly or carelessly. For example you cannot put someone's eye out with an air rifle unless you, stupidly or carelessly, point it at them (or yourself) first.
   
   Other reviewers have suggested buying other books instead. Fine and dandy, many of their suggestions have merit, but why do they have to be "instead"? For example a boy who is really into building things and would not be intimidated by very detailed instructions and diagrams might prefer something like The Boy Mechanic: 200 Classic Things to Build, but boys who are being allowed to use Daddy's tools for the first time might prefer to start with the simpler projects in here.
   
   Joining the Boy Scouts and buying the current edition of the Boy Scout Handbook is another great suggestion, but why does it have to be "instead"? A Boy Scout could get a lot of good things out of this book, and joining the Boy Scouts is going to be a much larger investment in money (and time) than buying this book.
   
   Some reviewers have complained about the fact that it is intended for boys. Not to be politically incorrect, but let's face reality here: most boys but only some girls are going to be interested in this sort of book, and those girls who ARE going to be interested in this sort of book will absolutely LOVE the fact that it is intended for the boys they will be outdoing at the activities described herein.
   
   Some reviewers have complained about it being too "British".
   
   Please.
   
   I only wish it were possible to purchase the British editions easily and at a reasonable price (or at least SEE what was taken out); I'm rather curious.
   
   Finally, some reviewers have complained about what was left out, and most of the things they complain about being left out arguably should have been included. However, if all of the things that shouldn't have been left out HAD been included, this would have been a hundred volume set.
   
   Those interested in furthers books in this series or in the companion series for girls are directed here: The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Things to Do, The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Things to Know, The Dangerous Book for Boys Yearbook, The Dangerous Book of Heroes, The Daring Book for Girls, The Pocket Daring Book for Girls: Things to Do, The Pocket Daring Book for Girls: Wisdom & Wonder, and The Double-Daring Book for Girls.



3. bought this book for my son on those rainy days. He seems to really enjoy it.



4. An excellent concept in books for young boys and fun for us older "boys" as well. Bought it as a gift for my grandson and it has provided us both with many happy times together!



5. 
   I have used this book as gifts to my sons to share with their boys. They have had great fun with the book. Doing activies they had forgotten about that they shared with their father and grandfather.

5 comments about One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric!.

1. I found this at the book store the other day and was impressed with all the great projects. I bought it and went home and immediately started to work on the hanging organizer, dress, and Folklore bag. I'm an experienced sewer and not a fan of patterns, but I was able to follow the bag pattern easily and made the cutest purse! I figured out the organizer without reading directions. Other reviewers stated there are patterns included that they would never use, but with 101 projects to choose from at such a great price, it is worth it to buy the book for the patterns that you will use! I don't have kids but we all know people who have kids/baby showers and it is ALWAYS somebody's birthday. I love all the great ideas, fabrics, and cute patterns.



2. This book is wonderful. It has something for everyone. With only one yard of fabric you can make any of the 101- one yard projects in this book. I have made and love: the Mailbag Pocket Duo, the Hanging Laundry Bag, the CD Pocket, the Latte Changing Pad, Toddler Art Smock and Toddler Pinafore Top..next up the origami organizer. The instructions are easy to follow and the offerings should appeal to everyone. Great thanks to the authors for coming up with the brilliant idea of a one yard book which encourages you to stash-build neat fabrics in the same way those one skein knitting books do!



3. I'm a beginner when it comes to sewing and just flipping through I'm already liking this book! The intro has definitions and basic runthrough of everything you need to know to sew the projects inside and if you haven't sewn before or are self taught like me, it's a great resource to go through to help you around the ropes. It has a lot of simple and easy projects, plenty of fun bags and kids items. There are some adult clothing pieces that seemed cute and some organization pieces that looked fun. Most of these items look to be fairly simple so a seasoned sewer might not find it very interesting, though there are a couple projects in there that seem a bit more difficult (only a few). A lot of these types of items can be found on blogs as well if you are a heavy blog reader. Even so the book is great for flipping through for ideas, the photos are clear, the book design colorful and inspiring, the fabrics ranging from pretty to modern to cutesy and fun. Comes with full size patterns and clear instrucstions, some with diagrams. I recommend this if you're a beginning/intermediate sewer and want more than a simply online tutorial for making some fun easy one yard projects.



4. I can't wait for the next one to come out. I'm hearing this summer. I have made quite a few of the projects and they look very nice. Would definitely recommend this to an intermediate sewer. A beginner may be a little confused on some of the projects but would still be able to find a few things to make in the book to improve their skills to try the harder ones.



5. Let me begin by saying that I am very new to sewing. This is my first patterns book, and I'm very glad I picked this to be my first one! It has all the basic patterns I would need to get started with sewing (clothes, handbags, aprons, home decor, baby) so now I don't have to go out and spend extra $$ on other books. When I first started looking for patterns, I was prepared to buy serveral patterns for these various projects (each pattern being $10 - $15), but this book covered all the bases! What a great value!
   
   I love the beautiful color photographs and the overall layout of the book is very organized. The spiral bound book sits nice and flat and is easy to navigate (very important when there are 101 projects!). The instructions are clear and somewhat simplified. This is great for me, personally, who is more of a 'figure it out yourself' person, so these instructions offer more than adequate information.
   
   As far as the patterns go, I already made the 'summer nightie' shirt - a babydoll style camisole. The sizing for the clothes goes up to 2x in some patterns, but mostly S-M-L. I am in the 2x range and still used the pattern, adding a few inches to each pattern piece. My shirt came out wonderful! The other patterns are things I'd actually like to make, and with the information given in the first few chapters, I feel confident that I will be able to modify them to make them more personalized (like a purse from pattern with added pleats or ruffles)
   
   Overall, I am VERY happy with my purchase, and I feel this is a great first book to have. I can see myself using these patterns over and over. Great value book.

5 comments about Sewing Clothes Kids Love: Sewing Patterns and Instructions for Boys' and Girls' Outfits.

1. I had such high hopes for this book and unfortunately, there is not one thing that I would be able to make, based upon the confusing directions, descriptions, etc. The skirt on the cover looked like something I would have enjoyed making, but I would not know where to start. You probably have to be a very experienced seamstress to make it, along with all of the other patterns in the book. Such a disappointment and waste of money



2. Be aware of the exaggerated style lines of these patterns. I expected when I purchased this book that I wouldn't like the embellishment and fabrics used in the garments but others have said that looking past that, the underlying patterns are great. Well I've now tried two, the "Dortje" pants and the "Insa" skirt, and even in simple fabrics I'm finding the styles odd. I've been sewing for my daughter for several years now and I've had such nice results that I half believed it reflected my skill. But after these two flops, I realize I've just been using good patterns. For the pants, I took the width of each leg panel in by 1/2" to better suit a slim girl, but even with that they are very wide and the bottom flare very pronounced. The waist placement is good but the waistband is a mile wide. I also really hate the pentagonal shape of the back pockets. All these proportions might look nicer on a taller girl but in the middle range 110/116, not at all flattering or current. The instructions suggested cutting elastic the width of the waist plus 1" but I ended up needing to cut at least 2" off of that--what's the point of an elastic waist if it doesn't touch the body? (The instructions also told me to leave a 1/2" wide opening for inserting the 1" wide elastic, obviously a mistake but repeated in the diagram and translated to metric, so not a simple typo.) The pants were very quick and easy to assemble and I asked my daughter if I should try them again but she requested "normal" pants instead (I guess not love at first sight). On to the "Insa." I was excited about the pattern as the overskirt has a pretty petal shaped bottom contour and the elastic sheering looked clever. With the exception of the same directions for the long waist elastic, the instructions and fit are fine. But in the finished skirt the over skirt is so puffy and odd--definitely a little much for a day at school even in simple fabrics. This might be cute as a silly skirt on a toddler but on an older girl the flare distracts from the girl more than it flatters. I'm beginning to think the over embellishment is necessary to mask the clunky shapes of the patterns and in fairness I did end up liking some of the fabric combos shown.
   
   As far as the text of the book, it really seems the author had little to say. There are random tips thrown in, but as much bad advice as good--use strips of fusible web to secure patch pockets before topstitching (why?? a couple pins have always worked for me). Resist the urge to use antique thread (sensible, but is this a common mishap?). I don't think there is nearly enough information to help someone new to sewing (although there are certainly other resources for that). I wish there was a more complete size chart included (only height/chest/waist/hips are given for the standard sizes). They explain how to measure a child in additional areas but don't tell you the corresponding dimensions the patterns were drafted for. Measuring pattern pieces will help but then you have to wrestle with design ease, if you suspect your child has narrow shoulders it would be helpful to know how she compares to the pattern maker's ideal. The philosophical bits are awkward, "Sew with the Flow" is as forced as a midnight term paper. And when it comes to technique, there is little analysis of the heavily styled garments photographed beyond "One trim is seldom enough... anywhere you add a ruffle there is room to put a line of rickrack..." Why not include at least some practical reasons for trim. I've found trim over a seam distracts the eye so that carefully matched prints aren't expected which is particularly helpful between bodice and skirts. Even if you have a pile it on approach to embellishment, there is room to discuss balance and design. I believe the examples photographed were carefully conceived but there is no insight given as to how. There is also no account of which patterns were used where and there are photos of patterns not included in the book. Sadly, there is nothing in here I'll try for my son and the discussion of boy sewing is uninspired which is too bad because it really is possible to home sew for boys, too.
   
   When it comes to the projects section, at least the writing has purpose. The instructions seem pretty good if a little wordy--more is often less with sewing instructions. And along the way new techniques are introduced in natural succession. I can accept that cutting layouts are unnecessary if you are using multiple fabrics but a simple labeled diagram of the flat pattern pieces should really be provided. This makes finding and tracing the pieces simpler and makes the instructions readable without pulling out the tissue paper. Also the cutting lists should take every opportunity to remind the reader to cut right- and left-hand versions of asymmetric pieces like pant legs, not just say cut two. This may sound petty but it's an easy to make mistake especially especially when cutting from multiple fabrics and so frustrating. On the other hand I didn't find tracing from the tissue to be as bad as others have said even with the faint dashed lines and I've already pulled the tissues out multiple times and they are holding up fine.
   
   I still have hope that one of the two dress patterns will be a winner but I'll definitely be setting this book aside for a while before I consider attempting one. For now I'm regretting my time spent with this book but I give it two starts because there are so few contemporary books devoted to childrenswear.



3. I do a great deal of sewing for my daughter. I would place my skill level at "intermediate" - zippers still scare the heck out of me, but I can read and follow a pattern with confidence. This book is very well-written and extremely inspirational. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys custom clothing creation and wants to stretch their skill level. Oh, one more thing - I totally love the design of the book. It isn't bound traditionally but has a spiral binder so it actually lies flat on your work table.



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RGNCAJ5YST09C A couple of things to note about my video review:
   
   1. I did a video review to give others a better look inside the book.
   2. Please read some of the other reviews. There are much better seamstresses than me who left very detailed comments.
   3. I did not realize that this book came with 10 patterns, until I received it. This is a tremendous value $$.
   
   Really, a great book, just short on boys inspiration. Overall this makes a great reference book. ENJOY!



5. Looking for something new and different? This book is filled with beautiful illustrations with fun innovative ideas. Step by step projects can be easily made by both the beginning seamstress and the experienced. You decide how much embellishment you want on the project. Use of color and prints are used in delightful ways that inspire your own creativity.

4 comments about Card Making with Cricut.

1. This book is awesome. I do not have all of the cartridges that are used in this book but the creations in this book make me want to get those cartridges. Some of the cartridges used in this book are Walk in my Garden, Wild Card, wedding, storybook,Plantin Schookbook,Graphically speaking, Indie Art, Home Accents,Doodlecharms,zooballoo.
   I hope this helps you to decide to purchase this book. I am very happy with my choice.



2. Maybe I was wrong in expecting something more and different. I own MANY cricut cartrages and was hoping to gain useful ideas as to how to best use them. The MAGAZINE is overpriced and just does not come off as useful for many of us that were looking forward to THIS FIRST, which is not really a book............ Sincerely written......



3. This is a wonderful source for deciding how to use your Cricut machine. I really like the magazine.



4. I was so excited to get this book since I just bought my Cricut. The ideas are wonderfully done and they included the names of the catridges that were used for each project as well as where or what supplies were used. As a first of this kind of book for Cricut, it's a nice book to have especially for a beginner like me. I do hope future books will include more cards and specialty paper crafts since Cricut is limitless when it comes to projects. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will more than likely buy the next one.

5 comments about Knitwear Design Workshop: The Comprehensive Guide to Handknits.

1. I really hate books like this. Their covers tease you with beautiful images of what is to come but when you buy the book, you find there is NO SUCH pattern contained within. It's VERY dishonest.



2. Shirley Paden's designs appear in publications such as Knitters Magazine and her work is characterized by shaped garments such as coats, jackets or sweaters that have a strong textural fabric created by cabled knitting and traveling stitch.
   
   Now Shirley shares her considerable knowledge of clothing design with knitters and this book is the result. The book is bound with spiral binding and covered in "perfect binding" (a sort of glazed paper over boards) so that it can lay flat as you study the diagrams. This is, therefore, a book for people serious about design. If you are looking merely for some patterns, yes, there are four of them in the back for coats and a pullover, but the major thrust of the book is about how to design sleeves, necklines, collars, and make the garment fit according to your vision. For that reason, this book is unique. If you want to make fitted knit garments (even if you machine knit), I think the info in this book is particularly valuable.
   
   Each part of the garment is covered: from lapels, to the silhouette, bands, sleeves, cuffs, hems, collars, shoulders. Blocking and how to attach bands (picking up) is also covered.
   
   The book shows you how to implement your vision after you choose a source of design for your idea, how to achieve various styles of neckline and sleeves (bell sleeves, long sleeves, etc, boat collars, off the shoulder necklines, cowls and turtlenecks) and more importantly, shows you how to measure your model to get the fit. She warns about gauge (and this is vital if you use textured knitted stitches like Paden's)--a few fractions of an inch off and your coat may not fit the way you intended. Her advice is very detailed, including swatching, row and stitch count, gauge and choosing the right pattern stitch.
   
   In summary, if you want to design garments such as coats, pullovers, skirts and have them fitted (rather than simply tubular) then Paden's book is an absolutely essential resource. This is a major knitting design book.



3. How long we knitters have waited for the magnificent textbook Shirley Paden has worked so long and hard to producE !!
   
   I am not, nor ever will be a knitwear designer, but with the help of this book, I can not only use commercial patterns more constructively, I can check them for accuracy and modify them easily. Ms. Paden gives you the techniques and the mathematical formulas needed to chart patterns so if you already have a commercial one, you can check it easily by charting it to confirm that there are no errors and/or you can adjust it to match your gauge and your personal body measurements.
   
   Granted it may not be the first book a beginning knitter might want to buy, nevertheless, many of the techniques should be taught early to all knitters so that they do not stumble blindly for years, and only later, learn what they could have mastered in the first place. And those who criticize this for not being aimed at beginning knitters could be asked, "Where are the books to assist more advanced knitters in improving their techniques ? Have there ever been any that come even remotely close to serving those of us who have been knitting for years ?"
   
   I ask Ms. Paden to please begin work on Volume 2 to address many of the topics that simply could not fit in her first volume and which, if included, might have made the book too heavy to lift ! And please do make the second volume spiral-bound so that it too can be laid flat and kept open without the binding eventually breaking as with traditionally bound books that one has to weigh down in order that they be read hands-free...many readers like to knit and read at the same time.
   
   In conclusion, congratulations and thank you very much, Shirley Paden !



4. I bought the book sight unseen having become familiar with her wonderful designs in my magazines. The material is mainly about sweaters with additional material on skirts and dresses. I didn't find vests or such simple items as capes, wraps, etc so I hope she might consider another book on those items. The book will be very helpful to me as it covers very thoroughly the subjects of saddle shoulders, raglans and circular yokes; but raglans seem to be knit in pieces although one of her sources is the Fee book on the subject. The book is a huge encyclopedia of information and the index will hopefully help me with the questions that keep cropping up as I knit. Put me down as someone who is also not happy with the spiral binding because I am worried I will end up ruining some of the pages. The book just seems to be a bit unwieldy with this binding as it is so large. She gives only 3 buttonholes and half a page on zippers. So comprehensive is a misnomer .Her writing style is very clear and understandable. Aside from the binding, I have no complaints with the type, paper or illustrations. Her bibliography does not include Meg or her mother but does have many other important books. A welcome addition to my knitting library.



5. I was just able to get my hands on a copy of this wonderful book. I haven't been able to put it down since. Like its title suggests, this book is dedicated to helping designers think through, map out and see design projects come to life. It contains four patterns of sweaters all of which are awe-inspiring. I was shocked to read the other review that boo'ed the spiral binding, but I am beyond ecstatic about it. The hardcover wraps around the spiral binding so you can stand it up on your shelf. And the spiral binding allows the book to lay flat! Every single knitting, crafting, sewing, quilting book out there should be spiral bound, I say! Since it lays flat, you don't have to break the binding in hopes of taming the book open. I think that is essential when your hands are occupied with other things.
   
   The subtitle: "A Comprehensive Guide to Handknits" - is no lie. Comprehensive it is. It is more like a beautiful textbook and it belongs in every aspiring hand-knitwear designer's library.

5 comments about Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy.

1. When I first saw the cover of Melissa Milgrom's Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy, I thought (and hoped) it would be much like Mary Roach's book "Stiff." After reading the first few chapters I realized that this was not the case. For example The first chapter William Schwendeman, the last chief taxidermist of the American Museum of Natural History, who is part of a family taxidermy business in Milltown, New Jersey. Chapter two follows a taxidermy competition in Springfield, Illinois that reminded me of a combination between a dog show and car show in the participant's obsession with detail, that separates winning and losing mounts. Milgrom also spends time with Emily Mayer, a British artist that uses taxidermy as a tool for making modern art. She also follows Ken Walker, a Canadian taxidermist who attempts to create a mount of a long extinct Irish Elk. I think though that may favorite chapter is on Victorian Mr.Potter's Museum of Curiosities that before it's recent auction featured cats dressed and mounted in every day human activities that came to be known as the grotesque school: weddings, working at a gristmill, and so on. It's hard not to imagine how this phenomenon must have influenced countless childrens books.
   
   While "Still life" does contain many memorable people, which shouldn't be surprising since taxidermy is a relatively obscure art, Milgrom's writing is rarely laugh-out loud funny. Instead, still life is an ethnographic study of the culture surrounding still life. In addition to an overview that traces taxidermy as a way of preserving newly discovered wild life. It touches on some of the great taxidermists and the role it played in dioramas natural history museums and their eventual exodus as more interactive exhibits came about and it became somehow politically incorrect to have mounted animals in a museum.
   
   Finally at the end of the book, Milgrom tries her hand at mounting a squirrel and entering it in a judged Taxidermy contest. Still Life is an engrossing book and readers who come to it with an open mind will learn who and why taxidermy is practiced.



2. I picked this book by chance after returning home on yet another day of seeing multi dead animals laying on the highway thinking among other things, I wonder if you can make a hat or something useful out of road kill. The book is not about that but the author did a fabulous job of entertaining me while informing me of the art of preserving animals for what ever reason and whether you agree it should be done or not I think you will find this a great read with quite a bit of historic value and I would defiantly be up to reading the next thing the author would like to write about.



3. Melissa Milgrom takes a subject that you wouldn't normally think much about, taxidermy, and turns it into a fascinating and playful stroll through a passionate sub-culture. The writing is at turns fluid, witty, and opinionated.
   
   I picked up this book because the owner of our local bookstore recommended it to me despite my not having any particular interest in the topic. I was hooked from page 1 and read the whole book in two days (my wife hates it when I read a book that completely immerses me because I neglect all my other obligations such as child care).
   
   One of my favorite vignettes was the author's visit to Emily Mayer's studio in England. Emily Mayer is the taxidermist for British artist, Damien Hirst. Emily is both profane and profound but is a huge advocate for taxidermy and its place in art.
   
   The book really came together for me when the author decided to enter her own squirrel into the World Taxidermy Contest, amateur division. She takes you through the nitty-gritty detail of how to do a mount. That type of writing reminded me of Tracy Kidder's description of computer programming in Soul of A New Machine.
   
   Put this book on your reading list -- you won't be disappointed.



4. Absolutely fascinating -- well, OK, some might call it morbidly fascinating -- look at the (who knew?) incredibly complex and diverse world of taxidermy. Author Melissa Milgrom turned a somewhat disconcerting safari trip years ago into a multiyear exploration that yielded this richly researched, passionately written book that delves with journalistic precision into the nooks and cranies of taxidermy, its practitioners, colorful personalities, societies, conventions, perils and triumphs. I can't help but compare it to the sensational "Stiff" from several years back. I ordered this book pretty much on a dare to myself -- what possibly could I really find intriguing about taxidermy??? -- and found myself trying to carve out quiet moments to slip back into the guilty pleasure that was reading this exceptionally engaging and unusual book.



5. In the interest of full disclosure, I got a copy of this book sight unseen, in order to review it for Amazon's Vine Program. Had I been at a bookstore and able to flip through it first, I can say with relative certainty that this review would be different -- as in, it wouldn't exist.
   
   From the description, I thought this would be stories about and an examination of the art of taxidermy, which is kind of fascinating and kind of creepy, all wrapped in one. And honestly, it *is*. The book begins with how the author got involved with a semi-local taxidermist and learned about the trade.
   
   From there, though, the author lost me. Not every book will be written in a style you connect with, I know, but I had a *really* hard time reading this one. It reads a little like journalistic writing, but I had real trouble connecting with the information in the way it was presented. At times, it was so dry that I'd put it down and walk away for several weeks, and finally, I put it down and didn't come back.
   
   I do want to make it clear that this is just a case of me, personally, not being able to get through it -- someone more interested in the subject matter or with a longer attention span might find it fascinating. There's a lot of information presented; I just couldn't get into enough to access it.

5 comments about Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making & Beading (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer).

1. This book contained all of the information I needed for basic jewelry making. It has been extremely useful to me, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a detailed and photographic overview of this subject!



2. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making & Beading (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer)
   
   This will be our go to source of information. The most comprhensive book we could find and we researched dozens.



3. I bought it as a gift for a friend and she is very pleased with it.



4. I love this beading/jewelry resource--the photos, the descriptions, the organization and explanations. The author covers a lot of information, and the instructions and photographs are clear and easy to understand for the most part. I didn't give this book five stars because I ended up needing to buy a more basic resource with even larger photographs and clearer explanations. For example, after reviewing this book, I still didn't know what tools I already had and what I needed or the differences between them. There are so many different types of pliers that I've needed to find more information. I also had additional questions about wire gauges and beads in general. I've also needed to look to other sources for inspiration as this book may tell you what to do but not offer examples of what you can do with what you know. In sum, though, I think this is an excellent how-to resource.



5. This is a great book from any jeweler from beginner to intermediate. The instructions and pictures are easy to follow, it even has projects in the back. I would totally recommend this book.

5 comments about The Knitting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask.

1. Everyone's comments about how great this book is, are so accurate. I am very glad I bought this book. It has been a fantastic resource for me, a moderately experienced knitter. Highly recommended.



2. I highly recommend this book. The illustrations are very clear. I've had no trouble at all finding what I need using the index. You can also browse through the appropriate chapter to find what you need, the chapters aren't that long. My mom, a veteran knitter, was very impressed and I've been able to tackle harder patterns because of this book. I rather like the way it's organized and the clear font and spacing make it easy for me to read; I don't lose my place. The small size and "perfect binding" make it easy to use.



3. I received this book and so far I'm happy with it. I had a question about a knitting term and picked up the book and was able to find my answer quickly. There is a lot of information in it and I plan to keep it handy for future reference. I have knitted for many years but have only made fairly easy projects. This book will help me read more difficult patterns and I've found it easy to understand.



4. This book really does have most if not all the answers to the questions you might have as you learn how to knit. It was hard to get used to finding things in the question and answer format - but now I'm used to it, and it's like any other book. No question is a dumb question, and the author takes the time to answer each one.



5. In my opinion this is the best book for any level of knitter. Over the years I have purchased many books and discovered this one last summer. Wow, what a super surprise. A must have for every knitter and at a reasonable price.

5 comments about 500 Art Quilts: An Inspiring Collection of Contemporary Work (500 Series).

1. 500 Art Quilts is another delicious book published by one of my all time favorite art/craft publishing houses, Lark Books. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review this book because I knew that it was going to be a really important library addition.
   
   
   For those of you who may not be aware of Lark books - their publications are always beautifully produced. They use high quality paper that even feels nice in your hand. I am a book sniffer and feeler and Lark books are always a pleasure to hold and page through. Perhaps one of the most important things is that Lark's photography is second to none in my opinion. Every Lark book that I have ever owned has been a keeper. Amazingly, for all of the high quality that goes into every Lark book they pricing is remarkable reasonable. No, I am not affiliated with Lark - other than having the opportunity to review this book - just a very happy book hoarder.
   
   
   This 8 inch square (20.32 cm) 432 page book is filled with art - textile/quilt art - in all of it's myriad forms and fantastical colors. 346 quilt artists are represented in this book .The quilts were juried by the quilt world's own Karey Bresenhan, founder and President of Quilts,Inc. To note just a few of the artists that are included: Pamela Allen - Alice Beasley - Jane Burch Cochran - Judith Content - Chiaki Dosho - Noriko Endo - Caryl Bryer Fallert - Jamie Fingal - Linda Gass - Jenny Hearn - Judy Coates Perez - Yvonne Porcella - Susan Shie - Jen Swearington - Sarah Smith - Diana Bracey & Stacy Hurt. The best of the best are included in this book that spans works from 1989 to 2008. The book includes a wide variety of topics; portraits, landscapes, dream works, pictorial, abstracts, traditional with a twist and an even wider variety of techniques.
   
   
   This book is simply a must have book for any textile art enthusiast. It's a book that you will return to again and again for inspiration and enjoyment. There are quilts that with energize you , quilts that will calm you, quilts that will make you think and quilts that will make you say "WoW"! Get this book - you won;t be disappointed!



2. 500 Art Quilts showcases the breadth of the art quilt medium. A huge variety of styles and techniques are exhibited all in beautiful color. Quilts are created using commercial fabric, hand dyed and painted fabric and digitally designed and printed using modern technology. Then they are whole cloth, pieced, appliqued, painted, stitched upon by hand and machine. Besides being a treat to those of us who create in this medium, it wil raise public awareness of the art quilt. I am honored to have 3 quilts in this book including one, Lady of the Wood: Liberation, with a two page spread. Martha Sielman, executive director of Studio Art Quilt Associates wrote " there is something new and engaging to discover on every page page .... a must-have for every art lover, quilter, and fiber enthusiast." and I agree wholeheartedly.



3. This is a beautiful book that covers the breadth of incredibly diverse work being created within the art quilt world. It's a great resource for inspiration or simply to admire beautiful, creative fiber work.



4. I received my invitation to partake in this book and was very honored when it arrived and saw my quilt on page 165 in all its glory. How proud I am to share this book with the other artists that are part of it. A great reference book for inspiration and reflection. A book for all of us to grow with. Thank you to the publishers for this opportunity. Hope to see more editions of this book.
   Proudly I sign my name on this,
   Wendy Strumwasser



5. Whether or not you are an artist working in the medium of fiber and thread you will find it hard not to be swept away into the pages of this book. You'll find yourself having a wide range of emotional responses as you turn each page. Some images will make you smile, some will make you reflect on moments of your own life and some will make you stop and think not only about how the quilt was created but the "why" behind it. Shot on a pure white background the images are clear and and sharp with some close up views to highlight surface details.
   
   Karey Patterson Bresenhan, the juror of the selected works in this book says in her introduction "To me, each of the art quilts in this book comes with a hidden life - a life that is ours to interpret and enjoy. The pieces on these pages are imagination personified" As you flip through the pages of this book it's easy to understand that statement because it truly is like taking a peek inside the artists imagination as you look at each quilt. This book belongs on the coffee table of every quilter, fiber artist and art lover where it can be picked up and savored over and over again.