5 comments about Elegant Knotted Jewelry: Techniques and Projects Using Maedeup.

1. This is not macrame! This is wonderful traditional Korean knots that make up into beautiful jewelery. Looks like quite a challenge, and Becky even says so. But she assures you that once you start you will get the hang of it and be smitten with the wonderful projects you can make.



2. Global handicrafts hold a particular fascination for me. My husband and I had a Fair Trade Craft gallery for five years and tried our best to spread the powerful message of fair trade and the power of appreciation for the art and craft of other cultures. I have always loved to see the dialog that begins when a person from one culture is introduced to a craft from another and they begin to infuse it with their own unique vision. Becky Meverden moved to South Korea with her husband in 2007 and discovered the ancient art of knotting known as maedup (pronounced mae-doop.) She found a willing instructor and some partners in craft and together they studied this meticulous art form of intricate knots. Becky returned to the United States with a newly cultivated craft passion and beautiful photographs and stories to share.
   
   Her new book Elegant Knotted Jewelry is a joy to behold. The reader feels as though they are transported to another country and immersed into an exotic art form. Becky has created an array of stunning projects that incorporate the knots she shares in detailed step by step pictures in the front of the book. She infuses this ancient craft with her own modern twists adding interesting materials and accents. I loved the seed beads she wove into the Beaded Garakji bracelet, what a novel touch! Using CRYSTALLIZED-Swarovski Elements columns gives the Faceted Crystal Columns necklace an upscale appeal. Her use of color is exceptional and the designs are all modern and appealing. The book is filled with wonderful color pictures that guide you through learning the knots and recreating Becky's beautiful designs.
   
   If you're looking to expand your jewelry making or craft repertoire in new directions, this book will be a perfect addition to your library. Touch the 'art and soul' of South Korea through Becky's lovely photographs and stories and through her exploration of the ancient art of maedup. The language of craft is universal and these ancient art forms are rapidly disappearing. Kudos to Becky for her hours of patient practice and her willingness to share what she's learned with the rest of us. What a wonderful gift indeed.
   
   Margot Potter
   Author
   The Impatient Beader Series, Bead and Wire Jewelry Exposed and Beyond the Bead



3. This book is good for beginner knotters (explained well) but do not expect to learn anything more than the basic knots. Lots of projects (jewelery) and some good recommendations on the tools and findings that work well with Korean cording projects. Gives you some good ideas but the projects are a little repetitive and use the same knots throughout. Friendly and amical content.



4. This book not only presents clear and simplified instructions to create intricate Korean knot work, or maedeup, into stunning jewelry, but it also allows a glimpse into the artist's journey of learning the process and life in South Korea. Everything is beautifully presented with colorful pictures that incorporate several different lampwork artists' glass along with other unique and some traditional findings as well; while some of the other designs simply showcase the exquisite knot work. I would highly recommend this book for the new skill you can learn, but just as much for the gorgeous photography!



5. Even if I had no intention of trying Maedeup, I would still love this book! The photos are great and Becky Meverden's background stories are entertaining. There is a great selection of creative jewelry designs, and easy to follow directions. A great addition to any jewelry designer's (or anyone's)library!

5 comments about Hats On! 31 Warm and Winsome Caps for Knitters.

1. I own this book and have made three hats from it so far. The patterns are easy to follow for an intermediate knitter. Ms. Schurch does not provide a lot of technical explanations regarding two-color technique. If you are not familiar with this type of knitting you will need to rely on other sources for tips and explanations. I am a moderately experienced knitter and really like this book. The patterns are wonderful, varied, and interesting. I really enjoy looking at, wearing, and knitting multi-colored items and this book is perfect for that. So far I have not found any mistakes and the patterns can be knit relatively quickly and inexpensively. Usually one ball of good quality yarn per hat. I anticipate knitting many more hats from the book as they make great gifts and this book's patterns are a pleasure to make.



2. I love all the different hats and want to knit all of them. The great plus is no two hats have exactly the same shape, some patterns are from exotic places like Turkey or Siberia so different techniques are used which is a great way to learn.
   
   The book can be used as a reference and motifs from other sources can be adapted to the basic shapes. It's a great reference book with instructions for 4 different sizes throughout. Hats off!



3. This is one of my favorite knitting books of all time. I've knitted three of the hats in this book and they've all turned out beautifully. I've got a waiting list from friends who want one, too! Charlotte Schurch does a great job rounding up traditional hats from around the world, but her Nordic ones are my favorites. You can see my Hats On! creations on Ravelry at julieandcompany.



4. This one book includes patterns for many hat styles. My favorite, and I have many.



5. The patterns are classic, and in Norway we all have hats like this. So the book is very useful. I have observed that the Norwegian sweaters and patterns are coming into fashion again, so this book can get a new life. My fifth star would have been shining if the author had used thicker yarn, 23-26 st per 10 cm is more "normal" for this kind of garments. It makes them warmer and the pattern easier to knit.
   Tips: Some patterns show a section of a hat to repeat: Easily you can knit mittens using one section of a hat -- with my gauge!

5 comments about Baby Knits for Beginners.

1. This is a very good book. The patterns are simple but stylish and timeless. The instructions are clear. The photos are beautiful and helpful in choosing a pattern and the knitting work as well.



2. I am a beginning knitter and have now made several sweaters from this book. The patterns are easy and beautiful and I found the directions and accompanying illustrations easy to follow



3. I only became an avid knitting fan recently, and I've found the patterns in this book to be, for the most part, fairly easy to follow, resulting in some very nice results which family members ooh and aah over. However, I don't think the knitting basics as covered in this book would be good for complete beginners, or people who need some refreshing here and there and are looking for a reference. You should definitely have a knitmeister on hand to help you interpret the instructions, or another good reference book (I had an aunt and the Complete Idiot's Guide; together they both helped me make sense of some pattern and technique instructions).
   
   But still, I would recommend this book to knitting newbies! You can definitely make some very nice knits out of this book - you just might need a little aid interpreting the instructions!



4. I had checked this book out several times at my local library when I first got back into knitting but could not find it at the bookstores to purchase. I was so excited to see Amazon had it for sale. I love all of the simple yet elegant looks that Debbie Bliss put into this great book. My first project is going to be the jacket with the seed stitch bands on page 82. Her illustrations and instructions look easy enough to follow. This is a must to have on your shelve or to give as a gift.



5. The photos in this Debbie Bliss book are lovely and an inspiration to knit. I have a new granddaughter and borrowed the book from our local library. But, having knitted a cardigan for the little one, I bought the book for my daughter in law who has yet to take up knitting. We'll see. I also made her a needle roll out of cotton to hold a selection of needles which she should find handy, plus some wool for the pattern she selected. I will watch this space to see how quickly she takes up the challenge. I can make needle rolls for anyone who would like one! Quite cheap and very best British quality!

5 comments about Vintage Baby Knits: More Than 40 Heirloom Patterns from the 1920s to the 1950s.

1. I love this book. I'd consider myself an intermediate knitter. I find the instructions easy to follow and the selection of patterns charming. Nicely laid out book. I've completed the Stella Pixie hat, which was very fun to knit. I'm working through the Bobby Kimono now. I have about three more items from this book I plan on making. I can see the Stella Pixie hat becoming a staple baby gift! Love it!



2. I received a copy of Vintage Baby Knits for Christmas, and immediately started making the Betty Lou Lace Cardigan on page 48 as a gift. I can't believe the glowing reviews for this book, and can only think that most the reviewers haven't actually tried to knit anything from it yet.
   
   I was extremely disappointed that the pattern contained MAJOR errors in the very first row. There is no way this cardigan could have been knit from this pattern, as the increases to this symmetrical garment are shown as happening only at the beginning of the row.
   
   As a very experienced knitter, I believe I know how to fix it, but even had the increases been placed correctly, the resulting quality of the pattern would have been very low. For a garment with 8 stitch markers, there should have been more of an attempt to explain where the increases should be relative to the stitch markers after completing the row.
   
   Needless to say, my confidence in the quality of this book is gone. I'm terribly disappointed by this disaster of a pattern. After checking the publisher's errata web page online, I'm even more disappointed. It doesn't show a correction for the pattern I tried, but for 3 others that I haven't even looked at yet!



3. I found this book very charming-- instructions are simple to follow. Photographs are true to finished projects. I have made three swaeters and the toddler dress so far, I will probably knit every pattern in the book (except the soakers-- other reviews have that one right). The patterns will be simple for a knitter with experience, I would not recommend this for your first foray into baby knitting. Overall great book!



4. I love this book. The designs are fresh yet classic. As a knitter with over 40 years of knitting experience, I found this book to be quite possibly my all-time favorite for babies. The patterns hold my interest - they have enough complexity that I don't get bored. They're challenging, but not to the point of causing me to break out in a knitting fever. It's a book I'll use again and again, which is more than I can say for most knitting books.



5. I bought this book after seeing all the samples on the author's book tour. The garments are even more adorable in person than in the book's lovely photographs. There are a lot of patterns in this book, with many different kinds of garments, making it a very good value for the money. Texture patterns, colorwork, cables, lace patterns, and garments with interesting construction make for a varied knitting experience. The use of lighter weight yarns makes great use of all the unique sock yarns out there. The author is very knowledgeable about vintage knitting and clothing styles, and provides interesting overviews of the styles and trends that influence her work. All in all, a very beautiful, useful, and satisfying book.

2 comments about Machine Embroidered Woodlands.

1. I've been doing freehand machine embroidery for 30 years, and no, I'm not in Alison Holt's class! It is incredibly sad that the artistry practiced for 100 years on conventional sewing machines has been eclipsed by passive/computer generated embroidery by specialized machines. The difference between true freehand and passive machine embroidery is the difference between painting on canvas freehand and painting by numbers. They are two completely different beasts.
   
   I already own, and highly recommend, Ms. Holt's DVD on freehand embroidery. It's miles ahead of what I've seen put out by others.
   
   Ms. Holt is, first and foremost, a gifted artist. She simply chose machine embroidery as her medium when in college in the 70's. Her basic technique involves taking a photograph and adapting it to work on fabric. There are many, many different avenues to achieving the desired product. Ms. Holt combines her freehand embroidery with background painting on silk, then a cover with thread. Other artists may use various fabrics only combined with thread. Still others only use thread. What can be gained with this book is a close look at her thread technique. Unlike passive/computer embroidery, freehand can and does involve possibly dozens of different colors, grouped by colors. For example, a simple field of grass could take a dozen different colors--greens, browns, yellows, and even whites or reds. My thread library is over 1000 different colors. Unlike some other embroiderers, who are very dogmatic about using a specific thread, Ms. Holt (like me) is open to using all types of thread to achieve different effects. For example, using only cotton embroidery thread can lead to a rather flat appearance; different threads and give variety.
   
   Though the illustrations are beautiful and worth having on their own, this book will be primarily of interest to those, like me, who have an interest in freehand embroidery. Or, those who are trapped in the constraints of the computer-generated machines who want to expand their artistry. The book itself is a high-quality paperback with lush coloring and thick, glossy pages. It will become a treasured part of my embroidery reference library.



2. Alison shows us how to re-create her wonderful woodland scenes using just straight stitch and zigzag. Every step is clearly illustrated, and every thread colour change is charted, teaching us how to make a whole variety of textures, different leaves, bark, drifts of flowers, paths and rocks. In addition to techniques, she also shows how to combine elements from different photos, or crop, to make an interesting subject have the maximum impact. Excellent in every way.

5 comments about First Book of Modern Lace Knitting.

1. I asked the lace knitting group I belong to what would be a good book to start with learning lace knitting and many answered,FIRST BOOK OF MODERN LACE KNITTING by Marianne Kinzel.I looked it up on Amazone and found it right away and also found the, SECOND BOOK OF MODERM LACE KNITTING and had to purchase both. Very good books to have if you are just starting out with lace knitting. Iltcrft



2. This book is a "must-have" for anyone looking for lace that is a little more challenging. Many people will have to re-learn some of the knitting terms (pins vs. needles) but it is definitely worth the effort.



3. This book is full of beautiful patterns with the great detailing that make lace knitting so enjoyable. Some of the book is not written out line by line, the patterns are adaptable and flexible. If you are looking for a great resource book with patterns that will get your mind working, this is the book for you. If you're wanting straight patterns to follow then you might want to pass this one up for now. Definitely a great addition to any lace knitters library.



4. Interesting book - focus is on doilies, and tablecloth type stuff. A bit much for a beginner at lace.



5. This is a collection of exquisite knitted lace designs by Marianne Kinzel. The patterns are in very fine thread lace and mostly use knitting needle sizes around 2.00 mm or finer.
   
   The sizes of the pieces range from doilies to tablecloths and bedspreads and every lace knitter should have this book and Book 2 in her collection.

5 comments about Embellishing with Anything: Fiber Art Techniques for Quilts--ATCs, Postcards, Wallhangings & More.

1. I just received this book for Christmas (along with 4 others--I was in heaven!). I read through the beginning of the book and it is full of ideas. I can't wait to get started! I was planning on making a couple of fabric postcards in January, so I am motivated to begin. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to enhance their quilting.



2. Gladys Love's EMBELLISHING WITH ANYTHING: FIBER ART TECHNIQUES FOR QUILTS-ATCS, POSTCARDS, WALLHANGINGS & MORE offers some 17 projects to give a quick, inexpensive way to play with new fiber-art techniques and materials. Make luggage tags, dolls, journal pages and much more and embellish with 'found' objects from driftwood to feathers in a lovely guide packed with beading, fabric, and recycled materials options along with details on tools and supplies. Quilters and needleworkers as well as crafters will love this.



3. Thanks Gladys, your book is fabulous, the techniques and explanations are very well done, and the info in the book is wonderful.



4. Love this book it's full of all sorts of good ideas for the person just starting out in fiber art or those of you who have been doing it for along time. Diane K. CA



5. It is good to have several good ideas for embellishing in one place at last, especially those that aren't all 'pretty-pretty'. Some parts are probably aimed more at novices, but we can all learn something and it is well worth a look.

4 comments about Inchie Quilts.

1. Inchie Quilts provides complete instructions for ten quilt projects and tells how to create and display tiny Inchies. From embellishments with beads and embroidery to tools, fabric, and tips on adding Inchies to quilts using Velcro tape, this is packed with detail backed by project examples in full color, and is a pick for any quilting library.



2. 
   There are some clever ideas presented in this book. I've not made an inchie and I don't know that I will, but when reading the book it was easy to understand and visualize because the instructions are clear and concise. There are interesting projects suggested that can also be used as a jumping off point for the truly adventurous. For those crafters and quilters out there who are obsessed with using every inch of fabric, every snippet of ribbon, yarn or thread and other leftover supplies from other projects, this is for you. It's an inexpensive experiment that could lead to inchie extrodinaire.



3. Good book for those who don't make large quilts. Would have liked more specific details about embellishments for the "inchies". Will do a more thorough inspection of the book at a later date.



4. At first I thought buying an "inchie" book was kind of dumb since these things are so small. However, after receiving this book, I must admit that I am not disappointed in my purchase. The author gives some excellent ideas for making inchies and takes it one step farther. She incorporates the inchies in small quilt projects. She has several different quilt layouts (with instructions) with inchies on them. She includes instructions for embellishing your inchies. Good instructions and lots of colored pictures.

5 comments about Photo-Inspired Art Quilts: From Composition to Finished Piece.

1. This book is a treasure...it takes me through the whole process of producing a quilt from a photo....just wonderful



2. Photo-Inspired Art Quilts: From Composition to Finished Piece
   This is a great book for the beginner photo artist done in quilting. I find this book to cover many techniques for photo quilting that are not cover in other books. The techniques are clear with step-by-steps instructions. One can do the photo techniques using a computer photo editing program or the old way using cut and paste technique. I like how she explain the steps from starting with a great photo to creating shadow and depth for a more realistic photo art quilt, amazing.



3. Photo-Inspired Art Quilts: From Composition to Finished Piece
   I found the title of this book to be appropriate. For any one wishing to create great quilts from photos and going through the processes to achieve them.
   The layout is easy to read, the exercises that are in the back of the book are terrific for those wishing to try the techniques that are on offer, The photos detailing what and how you do them are clear and precise, good to see. I have not yet had time to view the DVD that accompanied the book but I am sure it will be informative.



4. This will appeal to beginners and experienced quilters alike. There are some good project instructions, some design principles and some good tips for using photo enhancement to improve the composition. Of course it cannot cover every aspect in depth, but, in the body of the book, every word and every illustration is worth looking at. Leni's interest in scenes containing people doing something ordinary, which she interprets with some stunning fabric choices, has broadened my view of what makes a good pictorial quilt.



5. I have been looking, searching and buying all sorts of books on the topic of creative "photos-to-art-quilts", this one hits the high "HIGH" mark on inspiration, clear and thorough directions. The author does a great job in walking the reader through the basics of good design, composition, photo selections and getting your ideas actually done! The included companion DVD is fantastic as it was so much better yet to actaully see and hear how the author achieved such fantastic results! The demonstrations of thread-painted accents and applique really cleared up some questions I had while reading the book. A lot of design and planning is done with the use of a computer which is explained in easy to understand details but the author has also offered simple and clear directions for what some might call "low-tech" alternatives. All the steps of making a "photo-inspired" art quilt are covered in very clear writing and step by step photos. I do both traditional quilts and art quilts, if I could give it 6 stars ****** I would!

5 comments about Embroidery Stitches: Over 400 Contemporary and Traditional Stitch Patterns.

1. Easy to follow stitches, well-illustrated and described. Perfect for crazy quilting beginners and intermediate level crazy quilters, as it gives some interesting ideas for using the various stitches in motifs.



2. An excellent book for the beginner or experienced stitcher. Well illustrated with clear directions.



3. Wow! This is one of the best books on embroidery stitch patterns I have ever seen. The photos and instructions were clear and well written. I must admit, I reached for fabric and thread almost immediately to try out some of the more unusual stitches. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning new and/or traditional embroidery stitches.



4. Before I purchased this book, I was hoping for some detailed instructions on embrodery stitches. The book has some detail, but not enough. The most basic stitches are detailed, but then when the patterns get more involved the visual step-by-step instructions disappear and there is only the written instructions with a picture of the stitch, and unless you are very familiar with embrodery jargon, you could get lost. I was wanting to duplicate the embrodery stitch on the front cover and the instructions just weren't explicit enough, so I had to stare at the picture to figure out how the pattern was accomplished. It would also be more helpful if the book had some sort of index. You have to go page by page to find the pattern you want. For instance, I just wanted to find out what a whipped back stitch was, and I had to go through the pages one at a time to find the diagram. I don't recommend this one for beginners unless you can figure out how to do something by looking at the pretty pictures.



5. Personally, I don't believe this is a very user-friendly book.
   
   Perhaps it's the size of the book/color choices used in the samples/how everything seems to be crammed in/how the second half of the book is done with ribbon/etc, etc, etc, but maybe that's just me.
   
   I would recommend trying to find this at a bookstore and previewing it before purchasing.