5 comments about Needle-Felting Magic: Easy Machine Techniques and Projects (That Patchwork Place).

1. Clear instructions, great photos - can't wait to get started on the projects in this book!



2. The book is very instructiv with several projects. It's a very good book to start with if you want to learn machine needle-felting. A lot of beautiful pictures, too.



3. A friend and I worked through the pages and discussed the various techniques listed. We attempted to make the purse and are ready to make the lining and sew them together. Backs and fronts are completed and were lots of fun. We used various fabrics from cottons, sheers, nylon backed, synthetics and various fibers which were natural to synthetic. It was a test to see what would work and what wouldn't. Since we were working together, we discussed the good and bad results with various trims and embellishments.
   
   We're ready to add felting embellishments to further projects and recommend the book for those who don't know where to begin.



4. After seeing Margo's website & having her first book I was expecting a lot more from this book. This one is far more basic then the first book.
   
   Most of the techniques would be better accomplished with a sewing machine rather than a needle felt machine. Many of the items are going to break the expensive needles on one of these machines.
   
   These techniques are all covered in other better books and far more comprehensively, don't waste your money.



5. This book really gets the creative juices flowing. Even if I don't make any projects that are just like what are in the book, it gives me the desire to stretch my imagination! Her projects are a delight for the eye, and the colors she chooses are so luscious. Yes, the creations are for those people who "think outside the box" and who want to do something out of the ordinary. Just wish that there were many more pages to enjoy!
   I hope that there will be another book to follow this one from the author.

5 comments about Knitting Art: 150 Innovative Works from 18 Contemporary Artists.

1. The photography is beautiful, and the artist's bios are inspiring. No art school needed, just the willingness to explore traditional techniques in new and inspiring ways. I love this book and all the images that it conjures in my head. It gives me permission to experiment. No telling what will happen.



2. interesting how limitless knitting can be. this is a book about artists. not to mistake as a knitter's guide.



3. This book is like an art album. You can spend by it hours, even if you will never use it in practice.



4. If anyone has doubted that knitting has come into its own as an art form, than this
   book will dispel those doubts. It is filled with photos of incredible knitted art created
   by knitting by an eclectic group of artists. The book is very beautiful and ranks with
   the most beautiful knitting books I own. I plan to make a list very soon of the most
   beautiful knitting books!
   
   In this book, we are introduced to Kathryn Alexander, a knitting artist of designer
   clothing in color schemes that are likely to remind one of parrots in the Amazon
   Rain Forests. Jeung-Hwa Park creates knitted abstract designs that remind me
   of underwater life or the micro-lives on trees. Her forms are like undulating waves
   and coral. Debbie New creates grand knitting installation pieces. " A musician and
   a scientist as well as a knitter, Debbie recently challenged herself to combine music
   and knitting by incorporating concepts of time and movement into interactive knit-
   ted sculptures." (p. 49) She has even knit a portrait of her grandmother that is
   reminiscent of Chuck Close's work. Her work is so eclectic that I haven't really
   touched the surface of her creations. Reina Mia Brill creates art dolls that are
   whimsical and fantasy-like. The are "fey knitted creatures...and each has a story
   to tell. Their exotic names suggest ideas or visions steeped in mythology." (p. 89)
   Her creations are made with copper wire, resin, paint, silver wire and brass, along
   with various yarns and fabrics. Anna Maltz makes "nude suits" that are bound to
   make you smile, maybe even guffaw. She is also an installation artist and gender
   bender.
   
   I have only touched the surface of this book. Any knitter interested in moving
   their craft towards art will love this book. Any knitter who can appreciate the
   beauty of knitting will love this book. Personally, I think everybody will love this
   book. But then again, I'm a knitter and I love everything to do with knitting!



5. This book brings knitting to an entirely different level. We think of knitting as being primarily for garments but it doesn't have to be. This expands knitting to the level of art.

5 comments about Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: Charity Guide for Knitters (Leisure Arts #4803).

1. This is a great guide for knitters who want to give something to society...the patterns are very workable and the book covers a number of different charitable organizations with a wide variety of items you can create.



2. Excellent Service. Fast Shipping. Book Arrived in Great Condition.Just the patterns I wanted.Thank You :)



3. This resource guide from beloved author Debbie Macomber is a colorful, challenging and heartwarming resource for knitters-or wannabe's! It gives info on chairities, patterns and useful information to help those with a heart to help others. Debbie's heart is shown here too and this is a delightful book to own, utilize--and share. Five starts!



4. It's an excellelnt charity knitting book. I inherited 20 totes of yarn when my mother-in-law died and needed information for it's use. Debbie Macomber's book lists organizations, their addresses and the type of knitted items needed, as well as some information about each organization. Instructions in the book are easy to follow and I will be able to knit truly useful items to donate.



5. This is a nice book, but I guess I was hoping for a little more information. Much of it was stuff I was already aware of - and I'd hoped to find out about more sources for charity knitting projects. Still , I'm glad I purchased it!

1 comments about Needle Felting - to the Point: Needle Felting Techniques.

1. I recently got this book and it's worth every penny.
   
   What I particularly like about it compared to other needle felting books is that it isn't geared toward specific "projects" which don't really interest me. This is a problem I've had with project-oriented books in general - I have to figure out on my own how to transform one project into something I really want to make.
   
   Harlan is very thorough in her explanations of techniques, materials, etc., and after reading this book I feel well prepared to make creations of my own design. Her own creations are amazing and inspiring, she shows how you can make virtually anything out of a ball of wool and a needle. I can't wait to get started!

3 comments about 101 Granny Squares.

1. I am new at crochet and really enjoy it. As is the best book for new learners.



2. This book has great quality pictures of the squares. Several of the squares patterns I already have from other sources. My only complaint is, like so many others, think that by adding a row to a square, makes it a new pattern.



3. 
   
   I have loads of crochet stitch books including a few just on granny squares. Darla Sims is important in the crochet field so I ordered this sight unseen. The squares were all done in worsted wt yarn with size H hook. Finished size, gauge on the first two rows, pattern notes, special stitches and instructions written out are given for each square. A good color photo heads up each square. The sizes vary and some are in only one color while others have two or three. One problem with this book is the sentence on the front cover which says "mix and match these fabulous granny squares to create your own beautiful designs." If you do that, you need to find the same size squares unless you don't care and plan to just sew them together any old way. More serious is the poorly written instructions. Of the first 6 squares, only 4 worked out. I completed the first but it was written very badly. The fifth just couldn't be done. I found one very similar to it in the Jean Leinhauser "101 crochet squares" and successfully made it. I then returned to this book and again failed. I can only recommend this to very skilled crocheters who are looking for more grannies and who enjoy a good puzzle.

4 comments about Punchneedle The Complete Guide.

1. A great book to explain what needlepunch is, the basic techniques, and the supplies needed. Also has a brief history of neeldepunch and its cultural origins. It has beautiful examples of what you can do. A few patterns are included, but not that many. A great book, especially because there are so few punchneedle books available.



2. Truth is I haven't really used this yet,about 2 years behind in projects I want to complete, so just briefly looked it over--looks good at first glance



3. I first discovered needlepunch about 20 years ago. I ordered (directly from Marinda) her first small needlepunch book, and learned a lot from it. This book covers everything you need to know, and then some. It's excellent for a beginnner, in that she really spends time (and has pictures) of how to match the fabric and needle size. That is important. She also shows how to sculpt the finished work to get dimension and texture. There is something here for everyone. I am very impressed. I have purchased a few needlepunch books over the years, and this is the best I've ever seen. The directions are very clear, and the many many pictures are so helpful. Can't say enough.
   THANKS!



4. Any needlecraft collection strong in embroidery guides will welcome PUNCHNEEDLE: THE COMPLETE GUIDE, providing an overview of materials, tools, and techniques including working with novelty threads and creating special effects. Nine embroidery projects on a range of surfaces included a photo album cover, napkins and Christmas ornaments in this highly recommended guide.

5 comments about Fashioning Technology: A DIY Intro to Smart Crafting (Craft: Projects).

1. If you took the Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing, mixed it with a Radio Shack parts catalog, and tossed in the early works of William Gibson, you might end up with something like Fashioning Technology by Syuzi Pakhchyan.
   
   Like the Reader's Digest Guide, Fashioning Technology starts out discussing materials, but instead of discussing weaves and knits, warp and weft, the author writes about electroluminescent wire, heat-shrink tubing, and light-emitting diodes. Leaving topics about sewing machines and sergers to other books, Fashioning Technology has tutorials on basic circuits in series and parallel. Were this a different book, the chapter titled "The Art of Soldering" might have been a chapter about embroidery.
   
   The tutorials and materials discussion make up the bulk of the book, but the final third details projects that use the materials and techniques the author described earlier. The projects, which range from clothing, to interior decorations, to toys, are interesting because they show what can be done. Rather than trying to copy the projects, I'm letting them serve as a seed of inspiration for future projects of my own.
   
   This book probably can probably be useful to different types of readers. Stitchers or crafters who are looking for something more than regular sewing might find new possibilities with this book. Likewise, hardware hackers who are looking for other options, might consider some of the info here.
   
   Part of me wants to see more books like this, because I think the book has some shortcomings. The LilyPad Arduino seems like it would have been a natural fit for this book, but it was nowhere to be found. On the other hand, if this book is a bit like dangling your feet in the water of electronics, then a discussion about Arduino would require scuba gear. It's a bit beyond the other topics in the book.



2. Very detailed instuctions, but not enough ilustrations. Fun project even though I wish for more projects and ideas.



3. I'm very happy I bought this book. I came to it as somebody who is interested in multi-media art and crafting, but with little experience of home made electronics. If you're as clueless as I was don't worry, the author starts at the beginning by providing pictures and descriptions of all the parts you will need, she gives a great introduction to electronics, and her directions are very clear. The projects in the book are varied and fun, but I was more interested in learning how they were made than actually making them. I was able to use what I learned from reading about her projects to make my own designs. At the end of the book there's a very useful list of suppliers of materials, without it I would have found it hard to track some of them down.



4. I picked this up at the library to check it out and was immediately impressed with it's accessible and easily understood explanation of how to read and use electronic components like resistors, capacitors, transistors and LEDs. Just about the best I've ever seen. I had to add this to my personal collection for that attribute alone. However, there's a lot of basic and easy to grasp instruction and information on materials and production techniques, too.
   
   There are plenty of projects in this book to get you started and if you're half-way creative and imaginative you should be able to springboard off them to come up with your own ideas.
   
   I wish more instructional manuals and books were written as clear and understandable as this one.
   
   Outstanding!



5. This book is a wealth of information for those looking to start delving into the world of 'soft circuits' and smart materials. It is for the beginner, and includes detailed information on circuits and parts, as well as explanations of the latest smart materials and their usages. In the last section of the book, there are easy-to-follow instructions on making a variety of projects that will inspire anyone on the possibilities for these materials.
   
   Happy crafting!

5 comments about Japanese Kimekomi: Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Fabric Handballs!.

1. This book is wonderful! With clear directions and patterns you can create a masterpiece in one evening on your first try. It's fun and easy. I am very pleased with my first project and will be doing many more. It's a great opportunity to use my left over fabric scraps to make something beautiful. Being an experienced crafter, I already had most of the supplies and tools on hand. But this book is good for a beginner, too. It is a non-sewing project for those who do not sew and the results are elegant decorations for your home at a low cost. These fabric balls will make good gifts for the holidays.



2. Japanese Kimekomi: Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Fabric Handballs!
   Service Excellent, like wise product. I am most satisfied. Thank you. The dear lady I bought it for is delighted and has already started on a product.



3. I'm a crafter and was so anxious to get this book. Unfortunately, I found the directions inadequate and confusing and I couldn't even get past the first steps to making these beautiful balls. Maybe I'll try later on but for now it's just another book in my crafting library.



4. I'm very pleased with the condition of my Kemikome book. Also pleased with how quick it was sent to me



5. I have read the book thoroughly. The directions seem quite clear with good pictures. Any day now I am going to attempt to make one!

5 comments about Stars by Magic: New Super-Easy Technique! Diamond-Free(r) Stars from Squares & Rectangles! Perfect Points and No Y-Seams!.

1. Like a lot of reviewers...I love the star blocks, but unless it was an Ohio or Friendship star, was VERY intimidated by them.
   
   I LOVE the fact that she has measurements for 10 different size blocks for each of the stars. My favorite is Block 2. The book has very well lain out, easy to follow directions and diagrams. Be sure to align up the seams and you'll have perfect stars!
   
   Keep the leftover scraps to make a scrappy doll quilt, baby quilt, even a lap quilt!
   I've recommended this book to all of my quilter friends...it's well used by all of us!



2. STARS by MAGIC is the definitive work on piecing quilts without using set-in seams! It's the second copy I've ordered because I lost my first copy and couldn't do without it. Nancy Johnson Srebro does the math for you for different sizes of quilt squares. If you are a quilter,you need this book! I love it.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1571202412/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_img



3. I purchased this book several years ago and have finally taken the HOUR to sit at the sewing machine and sew. What a pleasant, successful experience!! Follow Ms. Johnson's directions, particularly the pressing directions. I tried a 12" practice square - and am very happy with the results. I also recommend Ms. Johnson's Rotary Magic book, particularly for the cutting advice and pinning approach. These two books are among the most valuable in my rather extensive book collection. Thank you for such dedicated work.



4. I am a lover of star blocks and this book is great for making stars without having to deal with points. The instructions are easy to follow and the author gives you all the information you need to complete the blocks easily and timely. I would say the only drawback to the information in this book is that due to the technics used you will end up using more fabric than if you did the blocks in the tradional way. But again the technics used are much easier than tradional ways.



5. As I was reading "Stars by Magic", I wondered just how many more star ideas could be presented in this book than was given in "Block Magic". As I continued through the book, I found out that there are literally dozens of ways to put these squares and rectangles together to make wonderful new patterns.
   
   But I am ahead of myself. In the very beginning of the book, Nancy provides two "No-Fail" tips sections; one on sewing on the diagonal and one on pressing. Learn what she says and it will give your blocks a more professional look. Then, there is the "how-to" on reading the charts which tells you how to figure out the sizes of the squares and rectangles you need to make the blocks.
   
   30 block ideas later - no make that 90 blocks later as each block shows three different color-ways - I was eager to get out my fabric and try a few. The blocks range in size from 4" to 18". Putting a few 18" blocks together and you have a quilt in a hurry. By now, you realize there are cut-offs from making the blocks. WAIT! Don't throw them out (and what quilter would anyway!?), put them together and you get "bonus blocks and borders". The final pages of this book provide ten quilt maps. Oh my, which one do I start with first? If I have such a difficult choice to make, think what my students will have!
   
   Since my students now realize that making star patterns are not that difficult, they are eager to try other ideas such as taking one-fourth of a block to make borders and by just turning that same quarter block, they get whole new look. But don't just use them for borders, use the quarters together to make a whole quilt! With this book, I will be teaching "Stars by Magic" for several more classes!

4 comments about Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel.

1. This book is extremely useful for the novice and experienced alike. I was extremely excited to see the illustrations for the back of the stitches. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in embroidery it's nice to have a reference book on hand that is so thoroughly detailed.



2. I have a few books with stitches that are all color photos, this one is all drawn pictures, easy to follow, but quite different. I especially like the "rhythm" sections and the personal comments. Perhaps not a beginner book, but it fits really nice into my growing embroidery book library!
   Anna



3. Not as great inside as it looks from the cover but an OK book for beginners just not learned anything new from it my self but nice to have.



4. This is a wonderful resource for a new stitcher or one with experience who wants to learn new stitches. The really neat part is that she illustrates the BACK of the stitch as well. This is, I believe, out of print, so grab one while you can.