5 comments about Japanese Temari: A Colorful Spin on an Ancient Craft.

1. I was recently introduced to this craft and wanted to find a helpful guide. This book delivers. The designs are beautiful and the instructions are easy to follow. It's the best Temari book I've seen!



2. This book has excellent instruction and easy to do beginning patterns. Well written easy to understand.



3. This book is well organized, with clear instructions and works with all ages. I look forward to working my way through all of the suggested examples and my grandchildren are outpacing me in their enthusiasm to try them all too.



4. I've purchased Temari books by other authors on making Temari Balls and this is the best one yet. I highly recomment it!



5. As an absolute beginner I made my first ever Temari ball in just under three hours with Barbara's very clear and easy to follow instructions. I can hardly wait until I have some spare time to start the next ball; the balls described in the book are going from easy to more difficult, with "skill builders" coming with every new design. A book definitely worth having!!

5 comments about More Sensational Knitted Socks.

1. What a terrific book design idea! Have a great assortment of stitch patterns collected and sorted for easy matching to projects. Makes planning projects lots of fun and much more creative.



2. I learned to knit a basic sock using two other books out of the myriad of those now available. My socks turned out well, except that the standard size is just too wide for my narrow feet. That's where this book comes in. As mentioned by other reviewers, in addition to providing for different yarn weights/gauges, the patterns provide instruction based on the number of stitches cast on for a particular size (i.e. circumference) of foot. While, there are other nice aspects to the book (such as the different pattern stitches provided, and the inclusion of both top down and toe up), the ability to easily determine the number of stitches to work for any particular size foot, was for me, the best reason to purchase this book. I'm hoping that at some point I'll become more experienced with sock knitting and be able to apply that information to any other "standard size" pattern in the other sock books I own.
   
   Because I prefer lots of diagrams and images for learning the basic techniques, unlike some other reviewers, I don't think I could have actually learned how to make my first sock using this book. I'm glad I waited to purchase it until after I had made my first sock.
   
   I did note that the author's previous Sensational Socks book had excessive (in my mind, unacceptable) errata, so I'm just hoping that that's not the case with this one. I guess time will tell.



3. Make no mistake, this is a great book and I bought it for my bookshelf. However, knitter beware. I thought that sock construction information, such as short row heels, toe up socks and the like, would be covered as well as sock stitch patterns. Wrong.
   
   For example, the method for explaining short row heels is not clear and uses about 30 stitch markers. I even went and bought jump rings to be able to follow the instructions until I realized the method was crazy. Toe-up sock instruction is labyrinthine at best and unintelligible at worst. You have to skip from heel part to heel part to follow her directions. I have knit many toe up socks but I absolutely got lost with her methods. I ended up going on-line to find tutorials and then when Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One came out, that became my go to resource for sock-related stitches and construction.
   
   Also note that SKS books use very little negative ease when suggesting the number of stitches for foot sizes. This is stated clearly by Ms. Schurch, but not all readers may find that passage.
   
   Having said that, I use this book frequently to find great stitches and top-down heel options. It takes a while to get used to, but the information is solid.



4. I absolutely love this book. Along with a toe-up sock knitting book such as Toe-Up! Patterns and Worksheets to Whip Your Sock Knitting Into Shape, you can create a wide variety of personalized socks. Using the technique worksheets in Toe-Up! & a stitch pattern from this book, you can knit an endless variety of socks in a wide variety of techniques & stitch patterns. Or, if you are a beginner to intermediate, you can take your favorite techniques and incorporate them with any stitch pattern. This book & its companion stitch dictionary Sensational Knitted Socks were some of the first sock knitting books I bought & a few years later I still use them on a regular basis.
   
   My favorite use for them is finding patterns that work well with variegated & self-striping yarn. I love the chevron & ripple patterns in both of these stitch dictionaries. I have made socks many of those patterns from both of these stitch dictionaries.
   
   I am also looking forward to trying the stranded & tessellated patterns with many colors. I am trying to learn intarsia & fair isle. i just bought Alice Starmore's recently republished book Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting. Once I get more confident knitting fair isle with worsted weight yarn, I will try it with sock yarn.
   
   To help me knit socks with more advanced techniques, I found Toe-Up Socks for Every Body: Adventurous Lace, Cables, and Colorwork from Wendy Knits. I will also knit some of these patterns before I attempt some of the stitch patterns from this book. I just pre-ordered Toe-Up Socks for Every Body & I am sure it will give me more instruction & help on how to do lace & fair isle socks so I can tackle more of the challenging stitch patterns in More Sensational Socks.
   
   If you are serious about knitting socks, buy this book & the original book (Sensational Knitted Socks). Beware, sock knitting is addictive!



5. This is a very nice book! Charlene Schurch outdid herself with this book :) This book along with her other book Sensational Knitted Socks are the only 2 sock books you will ever need. The directions and patterns are top notch. This book is a must have for every sock knitter :)

5 comments about White Work: Techniques and 188 Designs (Dover Needlework Series).

1. This book, a great disappointment, is part of the Dover "reproduction" series (ca. 1978). It would be of interest to the needleworker who is interested in late Victorian designs, as they come from a collection published ca. 1900 ("The Chief Pattern Book of Embroidery Patterns for the Improvement of Artistic Embroidery on Linens and the Promotion of Good Handicrafts," Nuremberg, Germany: Johann Merkenthaler).
   
   As such, there is little instructional material for those who wish to learn these techniques (principally cutwork with satin stitch and "bridges" & line work with stem/backstitch). There are diagrams, perhaps from the first edition, but they have no numbers to indicate where component stitches begin and end, although with the basic nature of them, the needleworker with a little experience will be able to figure them out.
   
   Stitches include stem stitch, backstitch, straight stitch (i.e., satin stitch), lazy daisy, running, long & short (long & short satin), seed (short satin), padded satin (guess what?), buttonhole/overcast, feather, star (Smyrna cross with arms of different lengths), herringbone, couching, and a few others.
   
   Instruction pages include a brief history, how to transfer the patterns (air- and water-disappearing markers; tailor's chalk; embossing; pouncing - the historical technique - is not mentioned), and thread/fabric/hoops. Not a lot, folks, and certainly no step-by-step or how to incorporate the designs into modern work (such as table or bed linen). The "188 designs" are there but no "techniques".
   
   If you are looking for instruction in whitework/cutwork techniques, this book is useless.
   
   In place of this book, I recommend Thérèse deDillmont's "Encyclopedia of Needlework" (ca. 1884). It is now titled "The Complete DMC Encyclopedia of Needlework," Running Press, various years, incl. 1978). This historic book has many how-to and in-progress diagrams of the techniques, plus alphabets and other design elements. If you purchase Houck's book, consider it an adjunct to the deDillmont and containing patterns without instruction. (The deDillmont covers a multiplicity of different techniques, not just whitework.) mb



2. This books has good illustrations of the stitches used, and many good designs, though I was hoping to find more information about the history of the designs. I'm using them predominantly for Civil War reenacting, and wanted my embroidery to be authentic. The price was good -- as is true of most Dover publications, so I think this was well worth the price I paid, if not more so.
   
   This would be a good book for beginners, especially if one looks at it as an open-ended guide that allows for individual creativity and use of colored threads.



3. I love this book for the designs! If you are looking for White Work eye candy you will be disappointed it has no photographs of white work other than the front cover. This is a simple book and if you look at the price it reflects that as well. Still it is a wonderful book just for the designs alone, which can be used with any embroidery not just in white work. I enjoyed reading about the history and how stitches are used for white work. The only thing that really makes white work any different is that it is done in all white thread on white fabric and when you work in 1 color you need to use different stitches to create texture and make your embroidery interesting.
   The author suggests stitches for use with the patterns but they are only recommendations. I do wish there was a few examples to "see" what has been explained but that is not needed in order to use the patterns or to try creating your own white work.
   Overall for the price this book is worth it for the patterns and a little bit of white work history and ideas.



4. I am disappointed by this book. There are no real life pictures of what can be done with this technique - only the cover. It does provide the history, how to do the stitches and a lot of patterns that can be transferred as the "Techniques and 188 Designs" in the title promises. However there is no challenge or inspiration to apply this art.



5. I had never tried whitework before buying this book, but I am glad to own it. It contains a good introduction to the stitches involved in whitework. I found I couldn't put it away - I actually wound up embroidering quilt squares so that I could try as many of the stitches as possible. It helps to have a previous background in sewing and embroidery, but this is a good way to branch out.

5 comments about Elegant Ribbonwork: 24 Heirloom Projects for Special Occasions.

1. I received the book in a timely manner and it was in very good condition. I like to collect ribbon instruction books--especially ribbon embroidery books.



2. 
   I have all of Helen Gibb's books. They are beautiful to look at, as well as excellent tools for learning. Making beautiful ribbon flowers is a very satisfying hobby.



3. I always read the reviews before buying and almost didn't purchase this book because of the one bad review. I am so glad that I got this book. It is fabulous from beginning to end. The pictures and projects are virtually stunning. I already have Helen's book: Ribbonwork, the Complete Guide. It has a lot of illustrations while this book opens up your mind to vast possibilities. It is worth the purchase if not just to gaze in wonderment.



4. This little book holds many, many instructions and pictures to show you how to make a wide variety of ribbons. It covers miniature ribbons, full size ribbons and a large offering of uses. The photos inside the book are informative and beautiful. There are many photos of historical uses of ribbon.



5. This book is terrific. It gives you very clear instructions on how to make gorgeous flowers. I saw Ms. Gibb on Carol Duval's show and wanted to learn the technique and I am so glad that I ordered her books.

5 comments about The Book of Decorative Knots.

1. This book was a waste of money--for a knot newbie. The diagrams are horrible. Like another reviewer, I think I was only able to get one knot tied correctly, and I'm a bright person and usually don't have problems following instructions.
   
   Leave this book on the shelf. There are better options out there.



2. Book was a lot better than the expensive one I got before. Not as many knots, but all are very detailed.



3. This is a good book, although it doesn't have nice illustrations it has very good information.



4. I bought this because of the instructions for the Monkey Fist knot. I saw these little buttons on sale in Liberty's of London some years ago and they were so pretty that I've wanted to learn them ever since but didn't know what they were called.
   
   The book itself is a basic guide for decorative knots and it does require some time and patience to work out what some the diagrams represent and then what you're supposed to do as you tighten the knots. I spent a whole evening for example struggling with the eight turn bloodknot before realising that you twist it round itself as you pull it up until there is one twist for every turn in the knot. The diagrams were perfectly correct, the problem was the end user not knowing what would happen as the knot was tightened.
   
   That said, the drawings are reasonably clear although you should as with any craft study them with care, but I wouldn't have said this was a book for the complete beginner. There are no colour photographs or pictures of finished knotwork to serve as inspiration, and the diagrams are all black and white line drawings. The book however is a good size for carrying around so that you can practise the knots on the move. It's softback and serves as a good introduction though you will probably soon start looking for more detailed material.



5. This book is way to simplified - It doesn't have step-by-step pictures for knotting some difficult knots (3 pictures just won't do it for beginners like me).

5 comments about Designer Style Handbags: Techniques and Projects for Unique, Fun, and Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro.

1. Designer Style Handbags: Techniques and Projects for Unique, Fun, and Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro
   What a disappointment! I was hoping for a book that catered more to the experienced seamstress and more upscale designs. Found that this book contained projects for the younger set, although the instructions were easy and well illustrated this is definitely not a book for the accomplished sewer or anyone looking for a higher level of design.



2. I bought this book based on reviews which I now believe to have been misleading. This book is trash.



3. This book is incredibly basic with most of the bags being only slight variations on the same pattern.
   
   It would be fine for first time sewers, but if you already have some sewing skills you will not get anything in depth or complex from this book.



4. This is an arts & crafts idea book for teens and funky 20's. Aside from the standard inclusion for sewn tote bags, which are not worth the money to make anymore, the ideas are juvenile and lean towards the junky-shabby chic. If that's what you're looking for, this is the book for you to buy. You can make all kinds of vessels that are not functional. This is another major disappointment in purse-making books. Where is the purse book that combines great design with form and function?



5. I haven't made any of these yet but I have read over the book a few times to get a feel for the different sewing techniques and I am excited to pick out some fabrics and get moving on them. I like the variety of styles and choices and feel that there are more than one project in here for everyone. Some books have a great front cover and you get the book and realize that only one or two of the styles fit you. This book is not one of those.

5 comments about Crafting Christmas Gifts.

1. Love it! I love all of Tone Finnanger's books. I plan on making the snowmen and Christmas mice for gifts this coming Christmas. I just got the book a week ago, and I am going through my material stash to make some snowmen. I love all the different ways she uses the same patterns/themes - from applique to stuffed decorative dolls. Plus, the patterns are very basic, but the end project result is quite charming. I highly recommend this book for any sewer.



2. I love this book. The projects are cute and the instructions are easy to follow. Some of the projects are a little too cute to be given to everyone. However, this book is a great addition to my other Tilda books. There are hearts and angels of course which seem to be a constant through the Tilda books but it's worth it.



3. I have not purchased this book yet but, I have it on loan from my local library. I have fallen in love with the adorable little projects inside of cute dolls, angels, and snowpeople... OH and the mouse family too. The gingerbread people, hearts, totes, and more are simply great ideas for gifts during these economic times. Thanks to the Author for such simple and great instructions. I plan on purchasing my own copy from Amazon.



4. I love this book, everything in it is cute. These are the type of projects that I love. I bought every book I could find by this author, she is wonderful. I am more into the cottage look than the primitives so this book was perfect for me!



5. This is the first Christmas craft book that I ever got that did not specify it was a single subject project book. If you buy a "woodcarver's Christmas" you know what to expect. This book's "25 adorable projects" are all just variations on the same doll pattern. And its a particular type of pattern-small heads, long limbs, dots for eyes, no mouths. If I wanted to reproduce a specific style, like Mary Engelbreit (a favorite), I would look for that type of book. I'm very disappointed. Maybe it's my fault, maybe I should have known something about the author, but I am not familiar with this particular style, and it doesn't 'wow' me.

5 comments about The Art of Annemieke Mein: Wildlife Artist in Textiles.

1. Mein's work takes my breath away. It introduced me to a medium for natural-science "illustration" different from any I'd ever experienced.



2. I purchased this book on the recommendation of another quilter. It was not a disappointment! Very few textile artists/quilters will ever come anywhere near Ms. Mein's artistry. It is a bar set VERY high.......but what eye candy! She is extremely careful to be accurate and true to nature in her presentations.



3. I was completely over the moon when I looked at the pictures in this book. Never knew how beautiful freemotion embroidery can be. I often see quilts that are a bit "common", but I like the special effects that Annemieke (my namesake) can make with thread, adorable book!



4. This is one of the most incredible books that I have seen. The artwork is phenomenal. This is book not only qualifies as an instructional guide but as a coffee table book. It is a feast for the eyes.



5. The artwork is gorgeous, the layout and design stunning. One of the most beautiful art books I own.

5 comments about The Crochet Closet: 15 Designs to Enhance Your Wardrobe (Leisure Arts #4800).

1. love love love this book. i'm usually a knitter, but crochet is so fast that lately i've been turning to it more. but most of the garments in crochet are...well...ugly. this book has many wonderful patterns for flattering, fashionable, crocheted garments. finally!!



2. This book contains many easy to follow sweater and cardigan patterns, I attend crochet classes in a yarn shop and the teacher was very impressed with the patterns in the book. I have started my first project and am very happy with the progress I am making. Excellent for beginners and easy for advanced group. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in this art.
   Vatsala
   Philadelphia



3. Very nice selection of garments in this book. I enjoy seeing a new designer on the horizon. Her garments are not cutting edge trendy, but very fuctional and can be dressed up. I love to get a book with garments that I can refer to when I have a substitute yarn in my stash. I'm glad I got this book since I'm always on the lookout for good garment crochet books.



4. I love this booklet! I found at least 6 clothing items I will actually make! They are modern without being too trendy and I am just starting on the first one, actually the cover jacket. There is a basic diagram with each pattern, which for me allows me to lengthen the sweaters as I am taller than most. Also list info on the yarn with easy ability to vary the yarn used, ie don't have to buy only one type and can probably find some yarn in your stash to use for at least a couple of the projects. The only think that would make this booklet better would be adding stitch diagrams and personally I could do without the 2 vests, to me the style of them doesn't go with the other designs as much and really isn't my style. However, I am very pleased with the number of wearable crochet items in this, I think so far it has the most of any crochet book I have purchased. So I would highly recommend. I am hoping they will come out with more books like these, great job leisure arts!



5. I love crochet, but find myself always knitting--where are the designers who know how to use crochet to make more than granny squares and afghans? The Crochet Closet compiles a collection of wearable crochet in lovely stitch patterns. Finally someone has given us a useful crochet book with beautiful sweaters.

5 comments about Floral Stitches: An Illustrated Guide.

1. I have just started crazy patch quilt and this was a great book for learning how to create diffrent stitches to embelish the seams



2. Enjoyed "reading "this book. It has a monogram section that I used several times and was always pleased with the result.



3. I have many embroidery books and this is the best so far.
   
   It is the most detailed I have seen and it includes not only great
   visual step by step illustrations but information on how to design
   stitch layouts for a flower you may have in your own garden.
   
   Examples of both thread and ribbon uses are shown as well as
   information on fabric and color choices (color wheel included).
   It's a great book for those who have some experience in basic embroidery.



4. I have seen this book and can't wait to get my hands on one of my own. Just waiting for one at the right price. It is even better than Elegant Stitches and is in COLOUR. recommend



5. "Floral Stitches" is one of the most lovely books I own. It is actually a work of art, containing soothing, pleasing, delightful, and concise, informative, and inspirational content. The stitches are well- illustrated, and useful, and Montano provides exact information from an artist's eye on how to create work with depth. You will be delighted with it! Its small enough to go into my stitching tote, and I carry it everywhere I stitch. Eye-appealing! YOu can't go wrong!