5 comments about Mimi Dietrich's Baltimore Basics: Album Quilts from Start to Finish.

1. This an excellant book on needle turn for anyone beginning this craft or someone already versed in this method, I am looking forward to starting a progectfrom the book very soon. Barbara



2. What a delight for the appliqué enthusiast! Mimi, a Baltimore native and lifelong resident, is an authority on this amazing quilt form that has hooked so many of us on appliqué.
   
   Mimi begins by presenting food for thought in planning your quilt, considering options, making decisions, and getting organized. This is not your quick-and-easy type o' deal. These are more like thoughtful, measured, long-range projects that you should enjoy all along the way.
   
   Next comes a great idea -- printed layout mockups! You can photocopy the block thumbnails, cut them apart, and try them out in several pre-printed arrangements to see what you like best. Very cool.
   
   Then there's a whole beautiful section giving fabric yardage and cutting instructions for a wide variety of sizes and settings. Mimi really helps you design your own quilt.
   
   After giving information on fabrics and supplies, Mimi takes you step-by-step through several methods of preparation for hand appliqué. She encourages you to try them all to see which is your favorite. Then comes detailed information on hand stitching, plus sections on the stems, circles, baskets, and bows that we see so commonly in Baltimore Album. Since Mimi also knows dimensional appliqué, she throws in folded rosebuds and ruched flowers.
   
   Then, of course, there are the 12 beautiful block patterns reminiscent of old, each one accompanied by a color photo of the stitched design.
   
   The book ends with how to sew your blocks together, how to make appliquéd borders, and quilting and finishing your big or little masterpiece. A comprehensive guide for those wishing to learn just what the title says... Baltimore Basics!
   
   Kay Mackenzie
   Author, Easy Applique Blocks: 50 Designs in 5 Sizes (That Patchwork Place)



3. My book came as promised in the time that it was promised. I could not be happier. Brand new.



4. i bought this for my mother she loved it said it had great things in it. it arrived on time just like it said and was in great conditions



5. This is the book to have! You will love it if you want to really learn Baltimore Album. DG

3 comments about Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning but Simple Designs.

1. I'll admit, I haven't sat down to sew any of these projects just yet (the book was just delivered the other day), but after looking through the book, I was impressed with not only the design of the projects themselves (beautiful!), but also the layout and design of the book.... I'm looking forward to working my way through all the delightful projects. :) Well done!



2. This is a beautiful book and has lots of very cute projects that would appeal to young children just learning how to sew. The mouse pictured on the front cover is by far the most complicated project in the book. I'd give it five stars as a children's sewing book, but no more than three stars as an adult book.



3. If you're a quilter and have a room full of fabric, a sewing machine, and are looking for some lighter, quick projects during the hot summer months, I highly recommend STICHED TOYS. Chock full of toy patterns for the under-8 years old set, these easy stash-busting designs require little more than fabric, simple sewing, and, occasionally, embroidery thread. Simple but sweet is the name of this game, with blocks for toddlers, an embellished fabric snake, a rabbit pajama case, and a giant quilted snail cushion for all ages. There's a total of 20 delightful toys, with easy to follow instructions, colorful illustrations, templates, and guidelines for simple embroidery, appliqué and patchwork.
   
   Some projects may be easy enough for your older child to help make for the younger children, such as the "Rag Doll" or "Cool Cat". An excellent way to introduce them to sewing and even, in some cases, hand sewing skills.
   
   Once the basic sewing is done, these are nice "in front of the TV" or "sit on the deck" hand projects, to embellish as much or as little as your creativity calls for. STITCHED TOYS might just be what you're looking for to fill some long summer hours with a bit of fancy handwork practice! And if your handwork isn't perfect? Believe me when I tell you that the lucky recipient of these toys won't care one bit!
   
   Review from: http://QuiltingonaBudget.blogspot.com

5 comments about Creative Cloth Doll Couture: New Approaches to Making Beautiful Clothing and Accessories.

1. I think this is a great book , very informative and great pictures. I like it very much good addition to my library



2. i was hoping that this book would help me with costuming my dolls by creating clothes that were draped on the doll body..a wonderful book for making structured doll clothes and a must have doll makers book! i gave it 4 stars because i still have no clue on how to "drape a fantasy" costume



3. I love all of Patti's books, but this one is probably my favorite. They're not just instructional, they're fun to read or just admire. As another reviewer mentioned below, you learn a lot about doll and clothing construction. I've never actually used one of the patterns, but use them as inspiration to make my own. That's the best part of Patti's books. They inspire creativity and individuality in your doll-making. Highly recommend this book if you love dolls!



4. Although Patti Culea's books on doll making tend to be reptitious in some respects, it's nice to know that you don't have to buy all of them - or if you do, you don't have to pull all of them off your shelf at once in order to make your own art doll. All are excellent, including this one. Have fun!



5. I love all her books, very well illustrated and Amazon is fast at getting my orders to me. Thank you. Great information on clothing for doll making!

No comments about How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns: From store-bought patterns to drafting your own: a complete guide to fashion sewing with confidence.

5 comments about Easy Tatting (Dover Needlework Series).

1. The title says it - Easy Tatting. I noticed many of the patterns start the same way but seeing how several motifs go together to create something like a collar helps me understand what goes into putting a piece together. I've enjoyed this book.



2. I got this book to learn tatting and found it an exercise in frustration. the illustrations are few and, for the most part, unhelpful. the author doesn't go over how to wind a shuttle or explain why the shuttle is shaped the way it is. the part on chaining amounts to "hold the thread like this and do a chain". a friend of mine got a different tatting book with much clearer instructions and i nearly burned this one in frustration. if you want to learn to tat spend a little more money and get a better book.



3. This is an excellent book for learning (all over again) how to tat. My sister was quite good at tatting, and we (three) sisters will enjoy learning, practicing, and reviewing the tatting process. The book is very clear and will be helpful in our efforts.



4. What a wonderful starter book! It is not too complex and not too simple. The instructions are very, very simple to understand. I use these books for my students when teaching my class! What a find!!! They came fast and well packaged. They were brand new and beautiful. They even get into adding beads! Wonderful! I need more! =D



5. I don't know if this is a good book for beginner's, but I learned to tat from my grandmother a millinium ago, and this is a great refresher to allow me to pick it up.

No comments about Beginner-Friendly Quilts (Leisure Arts #4984).

5 comments about Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch (Unexpected Cross Stitch).

1. I just received this book today and have already ordered the floss and fabric for two of the designs. The designs are full of lots of great colors, swirls, and uplifting quotes and sayings. There is a section at the beginning of the book describing the materials used for cross stitch and instructions for the beginner. I've been stitching for years, but haven't used hand dyed flosses very much and was happy to see so many in the book so I can start using them now! There are also some really unique finishing ideas which I love because I'm always looking for something new to do with my finished pieces. The author introduces each design by telling us what song she was thinking of when creating it or certain memories that inspired it, which really makes the book fun to read too. I'm very glad I bought this book and I think you will be too.



2. One of the reasons I bought this book was due to the really interesting heart found on the cover as well as the rave reviews this book got. I really ended up loving it! I like the friendly approach that the author has towards stitching and turns it into a fun hobby. Finally a book that strays away from the "perfect" and over done florals. Some of the designs are rather comical and easy to make, but nonetheless still wonderful. All of these designs can easily be taken apart and analyzed so you can turn it into your own. One thing I really didn't like is the color schemes. Many of them I found to be too much and rather hippie-ish. Apart from that, that's nothing that can't be solved as I have a large box of DMC floss. This is great for the beginner, or the advanced who wants to take a break from huge projects we all know will never get finished. I have been stitching for a long time and I am happy that finally (the author) agrees that embroidery hoops are not always the best way to go as I have been stitching without one since the beginning. The charts are full color and easy to follow, and I just love books printed with tons of color. This easily qualifies. This book is pure fun and unique!



3. I recently got into cross stitch and I wanted to find a book that had patterns that I could use for my friends and not have them feel like their friend was an old woman (I'm in my early 20's) and stumbled across Stitch Graffiti. I ordered and when I got it I was really impressed with it. The book is organized well, written well and easy to understand and the patterns look like so much fun. I can't wait to get started on one of the projects, picking one is going to be hard though cause they are all wonderful.



4. Heather is inspiring for a stitcher of any age. Her designs are new and innovative, some small enough to be finished in one sitting. She sees cross stitch in places where no one else has and she opens her mind - and yours - to possibilities. Worth every penny! I have been stitching for over 20 years and just love this book,a new stitcher will, too.



5. I'll be honest, I ordered this by mistake. I had been looking at a few embroidery books and ditzily clicked on the wrong one.
   
   I'm rather glad I did. The book is put together well, with a nice overview of the basics of cross-stitch before heading into the patterns. Colors and placement are suggested... but the idea seems to be take Heather's initial plans and run with them. Some of the patterns are not in my own taste (frankly, I don't see myself making a cross-stitched flyswatter, but hey, that's just me.) but others will be motifs I'll be using for years (her wind design is already going onto a well loved denim jacket for this spring). In addition to well written directions and clear cut graphs, the book has a ton of unique placement suggestions and even some MP3 playlists to keep you in tune with your stitching.
   
   If you aren't looking for cutesy sampler patterns (there are a few... but she does avoid the old standbys and tries for some new ground) and want to go beyond wall art needlepoint, this is a pretty good place to start. Patches, buttons, and hidden suprises for your favorite old pair of jeans are all supplied.
   
   If you are looking for complicated color patterns however, I'd give it a miss. The author relies more on varigated threads and multi-hued backgrounds to add sparkle to her designs. A good way for begingers to get some extra bang for their buck when first stepping into the cross-stitch world.

5 comments about 50 Baby Bootees to Knit.

1. I have mixed reviews about this book. The first pattern I've tried, I've found an error in. I don't like having to take a pen to my books and figure out what I should be putting in certain places. That- to me- is not a finished product. The pattern was for the slip-on shoe (this is a very simple, very basic pattern). After casting on 10 stitches, you should have 27 stitches, not the 23 it says you will have. It's easy to spot right away that this is a mistake because of the amount you should have before and after you do this step. Though an easy fix, this should have been caught before the printing of the book.
   Other reviewers have been saying that there are other errors in patterns that are not so easy to fix. I haven't gone any further into this book, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was true. I have another book (maybe even a total of 2 other books, I can't remember) by this author and the other books also have errors that you can't seem to track any professional fixes for. Her patterns are pleasing to the eye, but frustrating when they don't come out right because of pattern mistakes!
   I would also agree with the opinions that there aren't 50 different bootees in this book. Knitting something with a different motif (a heart instead of a star, etc.) on the front doesn't make it a different shoe. Nor does adding 1 row to the top of a design in a different color, or attaching tassels to the front of the toe. Some of the pictures of these finished projects are somewhat blurry, too. That can be unhelpful at points when the directions become vague.
   There are some positives to this book, however. Despite the error, the slip-on shoe pattern worked up very fast and was very easy to make. The pattern was also forgiving for those of us who could be better at seaming. The one downside to this particular pattern (like someone else mentioned in a review for several patterns) is that it doesn't have a whole lot to keep it on a fussy child's foot.
   This could be a problem. Despite that, I like that there are really easy patterns like that for beginners, but also more complicated patterns and things like fair-isle techniques for more advanced knitters. A book with different skill levels can grow with a knitter as they pick up the new skills.
   Most of the patterns are appealing, and a color change or a different button if you prefer can also improve the results from this book. With personal tweaks to projects, it makes the book just as useful to be able to use the patterns your own way. I, myself, don't care for some of the bootees (such as the jester ones with the bells, bobble shoes, or entrelac bootees) but that's just a matter of taste. Someone else may love them and disagree with me.
   As cute as some of these shoes are, one additional thing that I don't like is that just about all of the patterns are only offered in one size. You can only make something in 6-9 months, or only 0-3 months, you get the idea. I guess it's great if you just like the pattern and don't care so much about a specific size. But...wouldn't it be nice to have options, especially if you do need a particular size? No luck there.
   Overall, many great patterns and others that can be easily improved upon. Also, errors that may not be so simple to fix and limited sizes. If you're getting the book cheap and are willing to put up with some mistakes, this can be worth having in your closet for its potential.



2. and that's a really significant "but...". Some of the patterns work up very well. Others, well, not so much. And there is no way to find any sort of errata or corrections to mistakes in the patterns. When I looked online for such, I kept finding blogs which said "There doesn't really seem to be any way to find corrections to the mistakes -- and I'm really PO'd about it!"
   I actually contacted the publisher, figuring that they might want to know that a book they put out was getting such horrible reviews from readers. They directed me to the author's website -- in England -- which seemed to be mostly selling childrens' clothing. I filled out the comment box, asking if corrections were available anywhere for the patterns that seemed to have mistakes (or were badly written).
   That was something like six months ago. I'm still waiting.
   If you're a really experienced (read: advanced) knitter, and can figure out how to revamp the bad directions, it might be worth picking up. Otherwise, I would recommend getting out from the library, not buying it. Even the non-badly written patterns can have problems -- I did the "Bee Shoes" and had a lot of problems picking up the stitches for the edging around the ankle, because the count wasn't coming out well before the shoes were sewn up. I completely gave up on the "Polka Dot Socks" because -- cute as they were -- the pattern made no intuitive sense whatsoever and the stitch count on rounds was just wrong.



3. After checking this book out religiously from the library, I decided that I should probably buy it on Amazon.com. This book has the cutest bootees in it. They are classic and will never go out of style. I make them to give as gifts to my friends and family when they have babies. It is nice to have the instructions written out clearly and a good photograph to go along with it.



4. I absolutely loved the patterns in this book. Then I made a pair of socks and found the pattern errors on shaping and turning the heel. After doing some research I learned that Zoe Mellor is infamous for having errors in her patterns and it is REALLY hard to find the corrections. There are a few other patterns in this book that just don't make any sense. Save yourself the fustration of re-writing the patterns and buy a different book.



5. I bought this book anticipating a flurry or wonderful new booty/shoe/sock designs. What I ended up with was about 4 designs and lot of ways to change them up with diffferent color work, straps, buttons, etc. Most of the booties/shoes are constructed in 2 pieces, which I don't really like. I haven't actually sat down to try and make any of these designs because none of them have "called" me like I expected them to. Right now it's just another book on the shelf.

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 Thread Painting: Simple Techniques to Add Texture and Dimension.

1. I just read the book. I have not tried it yet. It looks like a very exciting book.Jean



2. This is not a book for a beginner. I have been sewing for many years but am having trouble with this skill. The book makes it look so easy yet even with practicing I am no where near having something that looks decent. I will keep practicing because I like the look and hope I can get to a level that is passable.



3. I am always interested in Thread Painting and one day I will devote me to trying this faboulous art. This book is inspiring me to being NOW.



4. Although I love the cat instructions, I found nothing else in the book that was good for me. I didn't like that it has all clothing things to make and not nice scenic or more animals, or even some flowers.
   Very disappointing book for me.



5. Kudos to Leni for her book. I have bought a panel and started thread painting. It is great. I am finally an artist.