Bookstealer Books

Google
Other Categories
Crafts and Hobbies
  General Crafts and Hobbies
  Applique
  Baskets
  Beadwork
  Book Making and Binding
  Candlemaking
  Crafts for Children
  Crocheting
  Cross-Stitch
  Decorating
  Dollhouses
  Dough
  Dried Flowers
  Dye
  Embroidery
  Fashion
  Flower Arranging
  Framing
  Fun with Paper and Wood Stones and Knives
  Glass and Glassware
  Jewelry
  Knitting
  Lace and Tatting
  Lapidary
  Leathercrafts
  Metal Work
  Miniatures
  Mobiles
  Models
  Model Trains
  Needlepoint
  Needlework
  Origami
  Painting
  Papercrafts
  Patchwork
  Potpourri
  Pottery and Ceramics
  Printmaking
  Puppets and Puppetry
  Quilts and Quilting
  Radio Operation
  Reference
  Ribbons
  Rubber Stamping
  Rugs
  Scrapbooking
  Seasonal
  Sewing
  Soap Making
  Spinning
  Stenciling
  Stuffed Animals
  Textile Arts
  Toymaking
  Weaving
  Wood Toys
  Woodworking
  Wreathmaking

Search Now:

Crafts and Hobbies - Needlework books

Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z Written by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. By Potter Craft. The regular list price is $35.00. Sells new for $23.10.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z.

  1. This is an absolutely wonderful book. Martha Steward presents us with "Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects From A to Z," a book jammed pack full of great ideas and projects. You'll be making a shopping list and heading out to the craft and fabric stores before the day in done.

    Martha Stewart shows just how easy it is to create a variety of beautiful gathers, flourishes; often seen on clothing, draperies, pillows, etc. Learn how to make beautiful curtains with designs you painted or printed on the fabric yourself.

    After decades of not sewing I recently bought a sewing machine. I've been inspired to only do more sewing but how to do it better and am filled with idea on how to make even a store bought dress pattern more of my own. I'm working on a lovely cloth covered bulletin board with ribbons to hold envelopes and photos in place and a few large pockets to hang by my desk to help reduce the clutter around my computer as well as brighten the space.

    Many projects that may have intimidated me in the past actually seem like a piece of cake now that I've seen the step by step instructions. I want to try Batik and other techniques to create a Batik like effect on fabrics used to create clothing, draperies, bedspreads, table clothes, wall hangings, you name it.

    This is a must have book for anyone who loves to create a living space and wardrobe that is truly theirs.


  2. "The aim of all of us at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is to inspire and to teach."

    That aim has been fully realized in this ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SEWING AND FABRIC CRAFTS. The teaching focuses mostly on basics for beginning crafters -- step-by-step instructions, easy techniques, even some no-sew projects (e.g. coasters, storage boxes) and some that begin with commercially available products (e.g. totes, bibs, bed/bath/table linens). But for experienced crafters -- the book is pure inspiration.

    Beautifully illustrated throughout, it opens with primers on sewing, embroidery, appliqué, quilting, dye and stenciling. MSL's trademark visual glossaries of fabrics (almost tactile!), threads, notions and supplies are throughout, and an index and listing of sources are included at the end. But the bulk of the book is its 250 pages of fabric projects, some of which are crafting standards, many of which include fresh options. (**Note: perhaps half of the projects require the crafter to print a pattern/template from PDFs on a CD (included); therefore, access to a computer with a CD drive, a printer, and the free, downloadable Adobe Acrobat software are required.)

    I don't recall an over-the-top, un-doable project in the lot; the only sections that even approach are upholstery and window shades, yet the instructions there also seem manageable. Every project is illustrated in finished form; many also feature illustrations alongside the step-by-step instructions. I challenge anyone -- beginner, experienced, even an "armchair" crafter -- to look through this book without taking on a project :)


  3. Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts is, as the subtitle says, basic techniques. 88 pages are devoted to technique--with lots of photographs. The rest of the book is projects.

    I think there is room for a lot more techniques. For instance, there is a handful of pages on quilting--even learning the basics of quilting lends itself to far more information.

    The advance copy has photos in black and white (saving the publishers a fortune) but it makes the book difficult to review, as b&w in this application is basically worthless.

    Overall, not overly impressed.


  4. Let me start by saying I am reviewing a black and white copy without the CD. This is important because I have the Martha Stewar's Encyclopedia of Crafts and color is very important. Just like the magazine,the presentation is a large part of why you want the book. You really can't get the full impact without color. Without the color and CD what am I reviewing? What I can see from the black and white version. So what do you get?

    What you will get is a beautiful bound copy of sewing information that is readily available on her website and in many cases in her magazines. But here is the selling point, you get all in one place, in an easy to browse and use format. Everything is here - from the directions, tools to use to additional techniques and suppliers. So the second positive is you can recycle all those magazines you have laying around gathering dust because there is one project in each magazine you know you will get to one day. You can also stop searching the web for that project you remember from some show you saw long ago on cat play toys. It's all here in the book. To me, that alone might be the best reason to buy it.

    Let me warn you this is more a crafter's book than a sewing book. It is not for the serious sewer who want to turn out Chanel inspired garments and probably a little boring for the experienced sewer. So why should you buy it? It depends on what you are looking for. I found the Encyclopedia of Crafts a great way to plan projects with my granddaughters who loved looking the book at all the different projects. I'm planning to use the sewing book the same way. Seeing two little heads going throught a book and planning projects to do with Grandma, priceless.


  5. I thought to myself "Hey it's Martha Stewart" and since I love sewing and fabric crafts I wanted to grab this book

    Unfortunately this would have helped more when I was a youngster.

    Most of the things in the book liked

    baby bibs

    pot holders

    curtains

    pin cushions

    handkerchiefs and quilts i can make without a pattern

    It does say "basic techniques for sewing, applique", etc, and this is just what it is


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac Written by Elizabeth Zimmermann. By Dover Publications. The regular list price is $7.95. Sells new for $4.01. There are some available for $3.23.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac.

  1. I've had this book on my wish list for quite awhile and was very surprised to receive it as a gift from a friend along with some handspun yarn. All I have to do is decide what to make first! All of the projects look interesting and EZ's "pithy unventions" will make them fun!! Highly recommend this and any of her other books! Now I'm off to play with yarn - thanks for reading...


  2. Elizabeth Zimmerman's newsletters and this almanac read like a knitter's blog with the difference that most blogs don't contain as much useful technical information.

    Getting to know Elizabeth through her writings places her "patterns" in context - her background information is intended to enable you to create your own patterns and to knit your way. She encourages you to depart from her methods and by explaining the whys and wherefores of knitted fabrics, makes this possible.

    For those who have read Elizabeth Zimmerman and disliked her chattiness and her approach to patterns in the past, you will not likely enjoy this book either. For the majority of knitters, though, this book is a treasure.


  3. Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac

    Like all of the EZ books, this one delivers good technique, humor and basic patterns which can be adapted to one's own needs.

    Elizabeth Zimmermann did not simply place patterns in a book, but she taught knitters how to create (and have fun doing it) on their own. Knitter's Almanac is no exception to her classic style. I've used the shawl/baby blanket techniques, alone, to create several unique designs for myself and for gifts.

    The layout of the book suggests the types of knitting projects that might be chosen as appropriate for each month of the year. For instance, mittens are listed in the Spring so that one isn't rushed to have them ready for the winter. Other projects are chosen as being ideal to take with you while traveling, as being lightweight enough to enjoy knitting them during hot summer, etc.

    The leggings technique works for baby to adult (ski leggings anyone?). So do the mittens, hats... it's simply a very versatile book that can give a novice knitter confidence and an experienced knitter creative inspiration.


  4. Who did the noro mittens in the picture they are beautiful! I was wondering what you did about the thumb, how did you do the gussets?


  5. This little book of a pattern for each month is the best money any knitter can invest in a knitting book. Good gift item for a new knitter or a secret sister in your knitting club, that is if your knitting pal does not already own it! (check her Ravelry page!)

    Some of these patterns have been adapted into other patterns by other designers for their techniques. The Pi Shawl (July) is an innovative way for designing a circular or half circular shawl based on the mathematical pi. It is one of those "Ah ha" moments when you read the instructions. And then you realize that knitting a round circular shawl does not have to be that difficult.

    Another favorite is the February Baby Sweater. As a baby sweater, it is a cute quick knit. This has been adapted for an adult pattern, and is a favorite on the knitting website Ravelry.

    For a long time, I discounted the EZ philosophy, but once I started reading her down to earth writing and instructions, I realized that this is what knitting was about. It is a practical art. Knitting should not be made so hard as to cause anyone heartburn. EZ was all about taking a lot of the mystery and complications out of knitting with her frankness and honesty.


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece: Custom-Color Your Favorite Fibers with Dip-Dyeing, Hand-Painting, Tie-Dyeing, and Other Creative Techniques Written by Gail Callahan. By Storey Publishing, LLC. The regular list price is $18.95. Sells new for $10.50. There are some available for $12.96.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece: Custom-Color Your Favorite Fibers with Dip-Dyeing, Hand-Painting, Tie-Dyeing, and Other Creative Techniques.

  1. All kinds of fun and creative ways to break into dyeing are presented in this amazingly comprehensive and easy to read book. I love the logical layout of the book as it has chapters on equipment (readily available in most homes), fibers, types of dye, colors, huge section of techniques (my favorite section) and some lovely patterns for small items on which to practice. I would say the focus is on dyeing animal fibers and yarn, especially wool although others are discussed as well. Numerous full color pictures throughout reinforce the directions and text. The book has a nice enclosed spiral binding so it lays flat and the text, headings, highlights are printed in such a readable font with nice contrast to the background--so eye friendly! Most importantly, the author encourages fearless creativity and very practical, hands-on methods with readily available supplies. A novice would feel comfortable getting started, but I also think there is much to be explored by a more experienced person. I can't wait to dive in!


  2. I have been dyeing yarn and fiber for a few years and have many books about dyeing. I just received this book and was VERY surprised! It have become my favorite dyeing book. The book has excellent step-by-step directions for many methods of dyeing. The photography is great. There is a small section on color theory that is excellent. The spiral binding allows the book to be open flat allowing you to refer to the directions as you are dyeing. I have never reviewed a book before, but had to make a review for this one. If you can only buy one book about dyeing, buy this book!


  3. I have been curious about dyeing yarn in the past. Since I picked up this book, I am now dying to try it! The colors and pictures are absolutely beautiful and make me want to start right NOW. It's one of those books that you loose time looking and rereading through it...it draws you in and you just want to keep turning the pages. And when people are visiting and they see the book, THEY have to look through it too! I did not anticipate it also being a great coffee table book. I couldn't be happier.


  4. Gail's book is a treasure and is written for the timid adventurer. It inspired me to try my own hand at something that has seemed so technical and picky. She writes in a very matter of fact way, taking into account all of our fears and talks more about the wonders of the process than about achieving some specific end. She makes the journey into color and all the joy that can bring into something magical and fun.


  5. I bought this book out of curiousity and absolutely loved it. The ideas were easy and fun to do and I continue to enjoy it very much. I was so impressed with the material that I bought a copy for a friend of mine who's an artist as well as a knitting teacher. I am certain it will make a wonderful addition to her knitting library. Thanks Ms. Callahan for this wonderful work!


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners Written by Aimee Ray. By Lark Books. The regular list price is $14.95. Sells new for $8.61. There are some available for $6.95.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners.

  1. I first requested this book from my library to see if I liked it, and I immediately ordered it! I love the projects. Even though there is not a "pattern" for every project, you can enlarge a photo in the book on a copier and using a transfer pencil and tracing paper. The stitching instructions are nicely done as well, including actual photos of the stitches, instead of illustrations. Enjoy!


  2. I bought this book over the Christmas holidays because I have always liked the look of embroidery and I thought the designs were really cute. I am no crafter, I don't know how to sew ( though I have wielded a needle to mend things), or knit, or crochet and I had never embroidered. But I bought this book, some basic supplies (6 in hoop, embroidery needles, thread) and set to work on an old pillowcase and I taught myself all of the stitches presented in the beginning of the book in about 2 hours. The instructions were mostly quite clear and the illustrations helped, I had no problem picking it up. For my first project, I picked the stuffed felt owl, and I was able to finish it over the course of two days. I followed the directions and I had great results, and was happy that I could start and finish a small project. I was really pleased with the results, and now am feeling ambitious enough to tackle the lap quilt for a friend's baby. This is an excellent book for beginners and has really inspired me.


  3. I received this book for Christmas. It is ok at best. I was very sad, as I thought it would have transferable patterns to tear out, like the Sublime Stitching books. There weren't many projects, and they were just ok. I was really excited because of the pictures, and reviews.


  4. Bought this for my daughter for Christmas. I browsed through it and I'm sure she's going to love it. Definitely for beginners...


  5. I grew up on counted cross stitch. I loved the meditative little XXXXX patterns I made, but ARGH, what if I don't like DMC 307? Do I really have to follow the pattern? And what if the stupid pattern turns out to be WRONG?!

    But oh, embroidery. How do I love thee? Let me STOP counting the ways and just stitch for the joy of stitching! Aimee Ray introduced me to free-form stitching at its best. She gave me the tools and some fun ideas, but if I don't like a split stitch or just don't feel like chain stitching today, I don't have to! The Embroidery Police (*cough* or Mom) won't come knocking down my door!

    The book is full of close-up photographs of projects, so it's easy to see how she varied colors and stitches to achieve certain looks. My favorite page is 13 where she shows the same pattern (the bird on the bottom left of the front cover) done three ways to illustrate how different stitches can affect the final product.

    My only criticism is that there isn't a discussion on needle size... perhaps I'll discover that I only need one type of needle, but can I really do satin and denim with the same thing? I'm dubious. That said, it's not enough for me to dock this book even half a star. Some folks have complained that the book doesn't contain the instructions/patterns for some of the cute, complete doodle projects she's done. Yes, you can get them from her [...] store, but I think including them in the book would've defeated her purpose - make your own doodles and embroider those instead!


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls Written by Susan Breier. By That Patchwork Place. The regular list price is $19.95. Sells new for $13.55. There are some available for $13.95.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls.

  1. It's exactly what I needed to get started and I received it in good condition and in a short amount of time!!!


  2. I'd bought this book because of reviews I'd read on the sewing forums. It was more difficult than I thought to find the cotton clothesline than I expected, but once I found some, I haven't stopped. It's really addictive - wrapping scrap fabric around the clothesline, then sewing the coil to form baskets of differing shapes. The book is well-written, with lots of illustrations, to make it easy for sewers. Even beginning sewists can be successful - essentially you only need to be able zig-zag to construct your baskets. These baskets make really neat gifts as well - much better than "Amish Friendship Bread"!


  3. This is a beautiful book with lots of color pictures of many samples to give you many ideas. The diagrams are clear and the text is well written. Two of our local quilting groups are having fun making these. Now if Accuquilt GO would only make a cutting tool for the 3/4" strips, this would be a fairly fast technique.


  4. Caution!! this craft is very addictive, I've made more baskets,purses & bowls than even a crowd could use. There is no end to the color combo's and shapes you can make with this craft. The great part is when you start something you actually finish it!! I just love the art & will continue with it till the neighborhood asks me to move.


  5. Great product. I use it in teaching my fabric classes. Well written with easy to follow
    instructions.


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Amigurumi Knits: Patterns for 20 Cute Mini Knits Written by Hansi Singh. By Creative Publishing international. The regular list price is $19.99. Sells new for $11.50. There are some available for $13.37.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Amigurumi Knits: Patterns for 20 Cute Mini Knits.

  1. After checking it out from the library, I bought this for my very small knitting book collection. I may never knit a stuffed animal, but the techniques overview at the beginning is equally useful for knitting things like socks.


  2. Really great patterns! Like any other knitting book, it takes a few minutes to sort of get used to the author's way of writing, and how she sets up her patterns, but it isn't anything that cannot be easily overcome. (I've found most books are like this). The instructions are fairly straightforward and easy to follow.

    I've been knitting for almost ten years and I know I learned a few things from Hansi. The creatures are fun and interesting to knit and definitely provided me the change I was looking for! Each character has a short blurb about it and patterns are ranked on difficulty. I haven't attempted the Jackelope yet, but I am excited to get started!


  3. If you have nothing else to knit this is the book for you. What in the world would I do with my own pea pod or eggplant? And where would I use a snail? There is too much other intricate knitting to waste time on veggies and insects.( This was a received as a gift, meant with love.)


  4. I would describe most of the designs in this book as 'challenging', but they're also interesting as examples of what can be done with needles and yarn. (Lots of needles, actually: I've knit the 'Sea Star' more than once, and found that the centers were easier using one needle for each arm.)

    I'm looking forward to trying the 'Anglerfish' and the 'Loch Ness Monster'.


  5. I am only a knitting beginner but this book in my opinion is a must for every knitter - young in spirit. it's funny, well written, it contains genius designs and I am very glad to have purchased it.
    I have only one small remark. In the beginning of the book, there are some terms used in the book which are explained, but for a beginner - some of them are not sufficient. However, today with the internet and all you-tubes small movies, it can be easily bridged.

    I do recommend warmly this book to all amigurumi addicts.
    Great Job done by Hansi!


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style Written by Natalie Chanin and Stacie Stukin. By STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book. The regular list price is $35.00. Sells new for $18.69. There are some available for $18.69.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style.

  1. This book opened new doors of creativity and inspiration for me. I used to want to sew clothes but the typical patterns seemed so fussy and tight. Finding this book helped me see that the actual pattern for the clothing could be simple and your own creativity and design sensibility could be what makes the piece fly! I feel liberated by the style and techniques in this book - I hate to stop working on the project that I currently have underway.


  2. This book inspired me with new ideas, especially about working with recycled T Shirts, which I have been doing. The methods she has created could be used in other ways, you could personalize them. There is one part of the instructions
    that I can't completely make sense of, maybe just me, the rest are good.


  3. I haven't had the time to make any of the projects in this book, but I can't wait! The corset patterns are amazing!


  4. I purchased this book as a gift for my sister who is a talented craftsperson. The book was beautiful and had many unusual sewing projects that she has said she will enjoy making. The instructions looked easy to follow and the photographs were beautiful.


  5. The Alabama Stitch book by Natalie Chanin is a breathtakingly beautiful book. With gorgeous photography of each project and step by step details as well as actual full size patterns this book was a steal. It contains examples of Southern hand sewing techniques and projects and patterns for all ages. I am in love with this book and keep it on my coffee table for inspiration and all to look at. I have started two projects already and use both the book and the Alabama Stitch book web site for inspiration.


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

It's a Wrap II: Sewing New Shapes, Exploring New Techniques Written by Susan Breier. By That Patchwork Place. The regular list price is $24.99. Sells new for $15.65. There are some available for $18.94.
Read more...

Purchase Information

No comments about It's a Wrap II: Sewing New Shapes, Exploring New Techniques.







Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Embroidered Effects: Projects and Patterns to Inspire Your Stitching (Sublime Stitching) Written by Jenny Hart. By Chronicle Books. The regular list price is $24.95. Sells new for $14.02. There are some available for $12.99.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Embroidered Effects: Projects and Patterns to Inspire Your Stitching (Sublime Stitching).

  1. I am an avid cross stitcher but really wanted to expand my embroidery techniques - this book is perfect. Basic embroidery techniques are explored, both stitches and how to transfer, types of fabric/needles/floss. And there are plenty of projects. I am looking forward to completing one of the samplers to improve my skills and create a project that I would love to display. I am giving it 4/5 stars only because the Doodles embroidery book is similar with patterns that I love even more, but I am glad to have both.


  2. I just received this book last week and I love it. The instructions on stitches are worth purchasing the book alone. My mother has been embroidering forever and she loved the stitch instructions so much that she wants to steal my copy. I love her, but I guess I'll have to buy her one too because she's not getting mine. She was self taught, so she had some standard stitches, but she liked the variety & interesting combos that the book provides. Plus, there are some great ideas for projects and fun patterns. More than anything, the book provides some inspiration for not-so-traditional embroidery and some witty copy. This is definitely "not your grandma's embroidery."


  3. I started embroidering last year, and I learned from Jenny's stitch it kit. I made a tea towel for my boss, who loved it. A year later, I own the craft pad, the sublime stitching book, multiple patterns from her website, and I just received this book for Christmas.
    There are some recycled patterns, which I knew about before I asked for the book, so I wasn't disappointed. I wanted it more for ideas. Which for me, it delivered. Learning on my own, and only embriodering for a short time, I wanted to look at the projects, and get my own ideas.
    Thus far, I have done the embroidered cameo project, exactly as is, and I have done versions of the tattooed sleeve, the bluebird jeans, and the custom western shirt. All have turned out beautifully, and I've picked up some new stitches, and skills from the book.
    The pictures are nice, I wish they would have included close ups of some of them, but I didn't need them to finish the projects.
    I liked that the book just wasn't, oh take a shirt, and embrioder it. There's some ideas I wouldn't have thought about on my own, such as tracing an existing pattern on fabric, that's super simple, and yet, makes such a difference.
    If you like Jenny Hart, I think you'll enjoy this book. Just beware if you have most of her books, there's a lot of repeats. I myself, didn't care, the book was worth it to me for the ideas it gave me.


  4. I love this book! From the graphics, to the spiral binding, to the writing style, projects, and LOVE the tear out transferable patterns! Great book and good, clear instructions!


  5. First of all, I have to say that this book is much larger than it appears online -- it's a big, heavy, gorgeous Chronicle presentation that's about 8x10" and almost two inches thick. It's a well-made delicious feast!

    The graphics and photography are more delicious and rich than usual, even for a Chronicle book. I really have to applaud the art director. The photographs are full-bleeds and the design makes it easy to read and well-paced.

    This is important because there is SO much information in this whopper! I've done a couple of books myself, and mine are much shorter on text, so I am especially impressed with the amount of research and writing that clearly must have gone into this work. It's so apparent from start to finish that an incredible amount of thought went into it. I also really enjoyed the tone of this book compared to most craft books, because it's not overly done. It's obvious that the author took great care and a lot of time to craft each chapter carefully. The result is a very enjoyable read that conveys just the right amount of information without being overbearing or verbose.

    Some of the projects really took my breath away: the photo transfer portrait, the glow-in-the-dark chandelier magnets, the cameo shirt... these are obviously some gems that Jenny's been saving for just the right moment, and here it is! And of course the book is designed so well that it includes pages of ready-to-go transfers in the back for all the patterns and a spacious (and cute) pouch inside the front cover to store them after use (so you can use them again and again).

    I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed. I've followed Jenny's work since she started Sublime Stitching, and I feel like this book is the pinnacle of her career to date. I also felt, as I was reading it for the first time, that this is bound to be a classic because it's the most well-thought-out, well-put-together tome on embroidery I've ever seen.

    Seriously. Don't overlook this one -- it's so much more impressive in person, wait 'til you open your Amazon box and see how gorgeous it is. You won't be disappointed.


Read more...


Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Monday, March 15, 2010)

Stitch Alchemy: Combining Fabric & Paper for Mixed Media Art Written by Kelli Perkins. By Interweave Press. The regular list price is $22.95. Sells new for $12.91. There are some available for $13.89.
Read more...

Purchase Information

5 comments about Stitch Alchemy: Combining Fabric & Paper for Mixed Media Art.

  1. The night this book arrived, I wound up at the hospital with my daughter in anaphylactic shock. There is not a better place for one to get intimately acquainted with a book than the local ER. In the long hours after knowing she would be ok and actually going home, this book provided us with something to do - an excellent way to divert our attention, giving us something fun to focus on. Oh - and it definitely provided me with a link to sanity.

    My daughter, who just turned 10, is a mixed media artist in training - but you can just call her the Princess. She loves all things mixed media, which I'm sure has nothing to do with her extreme immersion in the subject area since birth. Just because I eat, breathe, and dream art, does not mean she was destined to do the same. The great thing about Stitch Alchemy? It appeals to a wide audience - she and I both truly enjoyed it.

    There are several books on the market with [many] similar techniques, but what sets this book apart is the creatively unique way Kelli lays things out. Although I own many books on fabric, fiber, painting, polymer clay, art journaling, mixed media, etc - I feel there are several new and fun projects in this book to tackle. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book - there are many wonderful close-ups full of extreme color and Kelli's great attention to detail. Next to each picture are thorough instructions, giving you the feeling that Kelli is standing next to you, anxiously leading you by the hand. You can't help but feel her creative excitement as she pulls you from one fun project to the next. For example, the whimsical Love Dolls on page 91 are begging to be made with your own style and flair.

    Stitch Alchemy is bursting with ideas - this is truly a "point-and-try" book. You can close your eyes, flip to a page, and try a technique. Do that several times and there is no doubt you'll end up with a distinct project. A basic discussion of materials begins this gem, and includes pictures of the supplies so juicy, you can't believe the pages aren't sticky. Instructions and advice follow, before the main program takes the stage: an arsenal of techniques, creative ideas, in-depth instructions, and amazing inspiration fill up the remaining pages. If you don't like one technique, choose one of the other 14,739,284 other choices. (Ok, so 14,739,284 is a random figure plucked from my head...the actual number is probably closer to 21,928,411. Sorry for the discrepancy.)

    I can't recommend this book highly enough. It isn't something you need to read from beginning to end - as long as you have a grasp on the materials, flip through the book and pick out what appeals most at the moment. This is the perfect book to throw in your bag and look at while you're waiting for appointments, to read as the kids go to soccer practice, or gawk at while spending an eternity at the ER. (I'm guessing.) This book will make you relish waiting - and you will actually want to drive the carpool to dance class - so you can spend time investigating all the fun encompassed in the 135 pages. Once you've thoroughly gone through everything and the binding is bent and broken, follow reviewer Katie B's advice and get it spiral bound. You'll be far too busy contemplating all the inspiration and ideas, to hold this book open while you sew, paint, draw, glue, and bead with the reckless abandon of an artistic mad woman.

    This is a great book. It's so full...so bursting with ideas, you might just need to put a lock on it to keep it from continually popping open, knocking everything off the table around it.


  2. This book is very different from the other mixed media, art journaling, and fiber art books I own. Kelli's technique for making paper-fabric is easy and basic, but what I really liked was all the inspiration provided in her mini-workshops for each supply mentioned and the fact that it is all in one book. This book inspired me to try things I hadn't considered before - like using walnut ink on my fiber art pieces. It truly is a potpourri of ideas and a jumping off point for trying new techniques.


  3. magazine articles only hinted at the technique of "combining fabric and paper for mixed-media art". never giving me enough information to figure out how-to, let alone understand why you would even want to. but still i was hugely curious. curious enough to seek and find this book. i was not disappointed. i've been happily and industriously making paper-cloth this week in my studio after reading this book cover to cover. the first half of the book covers all the whys and hows in great depth and full color photos. techniques for embellishing paper-cloth sheets have carry over into many other applications and have already sparked new and exciting creative results for me. so what the heck to do with paper-cloth?! in the second half of the book, the author provides a dozen ways to "transform paper-cloth into wonderful works of art" including supply lists, directions and full color photos of the finished products (fabulous eye-candy!) a practical and delightful resource from start to finish.


  4. Anexcellent book for mixed mesia arts. I have given it as gifts and it is always poplular


  5. swift delivery--book was better than I expected--well organized and illustrated with clear instructions--a gem not to be overlooked


Read more...


Page 1 of 240
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20  21  22  23  24  25  33  65  129  

Copyright © 2008
*Amazon.com prices and availability subject to change.
Last updated: Mon Mar 15 17:32:48 PDT 2010