5 comments about Beginner's Guide to Drawn Thread Embroidery.

1. Excellent book for anybody who's learning drawn thread and for everybody who already knows. Very informative with great illustrations and explanations.



2. I thought the book was very helpful. I am new to Drawn Thread and I thought the diagrams were excellent. I am very glad I bought the book.



3. You couldn't want more in a book than this little number by Patricia Bage for clarity of method and technique, simple illustrations and nice projects to finish. You will get a true sampling of stitches including 10 techniques in drawn thread alone, 12 in embroidery, how to bead and 4 really pretty samplers to incorporate and learn the techniques through and through. I love that she shows each of the 4 samplers in 2 different color schemes. This allows you to see the potential of personal design that so inspire as to sit right down and begin to stitch. She has included a comprehensive list of fabrics, threads and supplies with photographs of everything that are very close-up and detailed and leave nothing to guess at. You can try your hand at one type of stitching or become truly an expert by finishing one or more of the samplers. What a great find!



4. This book is so much more than it seems. It's a treasure, the images are so neat and beautiful, widely displayed across the page. The tutorials are excellent! Step by step instructions with pictures and graphs...
   It has information on materials, important considerations before stitching, tutorials on the techniques, plus four beautiful projects shown in different color schemes and finishes... Best needlework book I own.



5. Wonderful book detailing easy step by step instructions for learning drawn thread emboidery. Great pictures and diagrams. Would recommend this book to anyone wanting to recreate this form of needle art.

5 comments about Complete Guide to Needlework.

1. I purchased my original book in the 80's and have thoroughly enjoyed learning new needlework. My granddaughters became interested in learning crochet and knitting so I brought out my book for them to look at, they were so excited about the prospects so I wanted them each to have their own resource book. My first search took me to Amazon.com and there they were! and at an almost unbelievable price! I ordered 3 of the books, they were in almost new condition. I am very pleased with my purchase.



2. WONDERFUL reference guide!!
   
   I LOVE sitting there listening to an audio book on my mp3 player and going to town knitting or whatever, VERY relaxing and productive!
   
   I recommend it to anyone who embroiders, cross stitches, Knits, crochets, does smocking, anything you would have to do with any sort of hand needle work. I recommend it to anyone! seasoned needle workers to beginners. I didn't even know about white work and others, and its fun trying new types of embroidery.



3. I have had a copy of Complete Guide to Needlework for many years, wanted another to give to gr/children...the copy from Amazon is in new condition and delighted with how fast it was to me, also the bargain price.



4. I've had a copy of this book since I was kid. It touches on lots of needlework subjects, and is a great reference book. It's a great book for beginners!!



5. I'm sooooooo glad I can still get this book because I lost my original. I purchased the book about 20 years ago and I've never found anything else comparable to this book. I've used it to help teach my girls when they were younger--they'd be able to see what their stitches would look like because the sample pics are close-up and clear shots. Anyone interested in learning the various types of needlework will find this a very good investment, indeed!

5 comments about Felt, Fabric, and Fiber Jewelry: 20 Beautiful Projects to Bead, Stitch, Knot, and Braid.

1. The review title says it all. I loved this book and am very excited to make the projects. There is a fabulous fabric charm bracelet which I am working on now. There is also some great crochet projects which inspired me to go out and buy some crochet supplies to try them.



2. When I received this book and first thumbed through all the projects, the words "up-cycling and recycling" kept popping into my mind. Sherri uses many items that we have stockpiled in our crafting areas that can be used to create some of her lovely jewelry. Pieces of fabric find new life in a beautiful pendent, broche or bracelets. I would almost say that Sherri is an ecologically friendly jewelry maker. She uses small pieces of wool roving and felt and creates stunning necklaces and bracelets that you will want to make and wear or give as a gift. "Felt, Fabric, and Fiber Jewelry" not only covers felted jewelry but includes beautifully photographed and illustrated projects made from leftover fabrics, yarns and metal threads. And a knotted necklace is precisely illustrated for you to follow and create your own version. If you like crochet you will find this book invaluable because she shows you step-by-step how to crochet chokers, flowers and beautiful bracelets. She uses treasured buttons and beads to embellish some of her creations. The felted necklace on the cover of this book is made from sheets of 100% wool felt and Sherrie shows us how to form the petals using water. The templates for the flowers are included in the book. There is the pattern for an embroidered ring that is delightful. Each stitch she used this is clearly laid out for you to follow to achieve the look you are going for. The yo-yo necklace is one I will want to try because it reminds me of a quilt my grandmother made. All in all Sherri has offered us 20 very doable projects that we will all want to try. There are several pages dedicated to the tools you will need to make these lovely projects.
   About: Sherri Haab is a bestselling craft author with over 23 published books to her credit, with several selling over a million copies each. Haab is a certified metal clay instructor, leading numerous craft and jewelry making workshops internationally. Sherri has been a pioneer in the American Metal Clay revolution since 1996 when it was first introduced in the US. She is known for tracking trends in the craft industry and then educating consumers about how to use new products and techniques. Her own product, "ITS", is one example of a new craft innovation. This product allows printed images to be applied to polymer, tile and metal clay. She now resides in Springville, Utah with her husband and three children. Here is Sherrie's Video on etching on metals. Sherrie also has a website and blog for you to visit and find you more about her.



3. This is the most original craft jewelry book I own. It stimulates the imagination to create jewelry out of almost anything. I would consider it an 'altered jewelry' book since it uses many different, easy to attain, items such as scraps of fabric, wire, felt and so much more to create unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry. The illustrations for making these items are very clear in both picture quality and written descriptions. I recommend it highly to anyone who is into this type of jewelry.



4. What a fun book with many diverse projects, ranging from crochet to felting to polymer clay to braiding. I've already made the crocheted bracelets, and will do the felted flower necklace shown on the cover next. I'm sure that I will enjoy making many of the projects in this book!



5. If you've been thinking about adding fibers and fabrics to your mixed media jewelry repertoire, this is an excellent book to get you going. Some of the projects in this book are elegant, some are funky and whimsical, but all of them are pure Sherri-creativity!

5 comments about Elements of Style: Knit & Crochet Jewelry with Wire, Fiber, Felt & Beads.

1. I found this book very stimulating for the creation of new jewelry and other items. The instructions were relatively easy to read and the finished projects are elegant. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to go a new direction (and make items that people really want) with their knitting and crocheting.



2. The book was intriguing and as I read it, I thought it doable, but after going
   through all the patterns, they seemed repetitious and not as easy as
   promised.



3. I was pleasantly surprised when I started looking through this book. It's filled with some of the most beautiful and original knitted and crochet jewelry I've ever seen. You don't need to be an expert at knitting, crochet or jewelry making to be successful with the projects in this book. Each one is easy to understand and follow with detailed supply lists and helpful "need to know" tips included with each project. You'll find an extensive list of resources in the back and something that I found very helpful that I've not seen before: a list of sources by project. This book definitely elevates the art of knit and crochet jewelry to a new level.



4. This is not your Grandma's knitting, crocheting or designing jewelry book. The instructions are clear with lots of illustrations. I never heard of silk stainless steel yarn, but am actively Googling to find out where I can purchase a skein. The projects are very modern and fresh...and you won't find this jewelry in the open air markets. A good choice!



5. bought book cuz i liked her patterns on knitty but the ones in the book were not as interesting to me, maybe i just need to try some projects. as a reference to materials its great

5 comments about A-Z of Smocking.

1. I found this book very helpful. The directions were plain and understandable and I will use this book for my first reference when needed. I did purchase the book through Amazon and it arrived in a short time in good condition.



2. This book is a wonderful place to begin smocking and to improve your techniques. I read through it once, made a dress, and find myself referring to it over and over with each smocking project. It is even more useful when paired with A to Z of sewing for smockers. A definite A+.



3. This is the only book I found that taught me the very basics of smocking. Most other books and magazines expect you to already be an expert (Creative Needle magazine is the exception, but their stuff stays very basic and doesn't venture into more advanced stuff).
   
   I absolutely recommend this book to a beginner smocker, and I think there is also lots of helpful information for a more advanced smocker. The pictures and instructions are very clear.



4. This is a visually lovely book . The photos are clear and the individual concepts they present are easily comprehended. I was a little disappointed in the lack of continuity in the presentation of stitches and techniques, however, which makes it an average "how-to" book.
   
   The text is quite literally from A to Z, a short encyclopedia of smocking art with different subjects discussed alphabetically. I had hoped that specific patterns and designs for projects might be included; an introductory project followed by more complex works to carry the beginner figuratively from "A to Z." As it is, one has to hop from section to section to put together the information you need to do your own project. Some of the information, particularly about machine pleaters, is almost mid-way through the book. For a beginner, which I am, this is not quite as convenient as one could hope.
   
   I suspect however, that the book is much too simple for the advanced worker; most of the techniques and information will probably be known to them from other sources including instructors. Nor is the encyclopedic format really lived up to, because I suspect that the advanced smocker would not find the exotic bits and pieces of information they really would like to have in this short and simple a volume.
   
   The book is useful, especially for the types of stitches, but I think I'll need another to actually get started with a project.



5. Beautifully photographed dictionary of smocking stiches. Very complete and easy to follow if you are a beginner. No smocking patterns (plates) are included in this book. A must have for all smockers.

5 comments about The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving: New Jewelry Designs with Classic Stitches.

1. I originally borrowed this book from our Bead Society but loved it so much I just had to have it myself.It has an absolute wealth of information with brilliant instructions on just so many different techniques all in the one book. This is sure to become my "Beading Bible".



2. When I first began beading it was a book by Carol Wilcox Wells that inspired and taught me. This new book was no exception to the high standard she had set in her previous books. Clear, well-illustrated instructions and beautiful projects provide enough incentive for any beader at any experience level to embark on yet another learning adventure. Even for a left-handed beader such as myself!



3. If you are looking for designs and well written instructions for beaded beads, then this is the book for you!



4. This book was exactly what I was looking for. It is great for a intermediate beader (which is what I consider myself). It goes briefly through the basics of many stitches (chevron, spiral rope, crochet rope, herringbone, peyote, and more), and then proceeds to show variations on each one. For each stitch there are several step-by-step projects, beginning with the simple to the advanced. It also shows galleries of works by otehr beaders. Also, there is an entire section on beaded beads. All in all, this book is fantastic, and I would highly reccomend it to anyone who wants to move beyond the basics and advance their beadweaving.



5. One of the best beading books I have seen to date. Wonderful beaded beads featured which I have already made. Well presented with lots of detailed descriptions to follow. Extremely happy with purchase.

1 comments about Prayer Shawls II (Annie's Attic: Crochet).

1. I belong to a Prayer Shawl Ministry and order every how to book that comes out. I have the original from Annie's Attic, so was interested in this one. I haven't had the book long enough to start a project yet, but the shawls and robes look very interesting and I'm looking forward to finishing my present project so I can start one of these.
   
   My only reason for only giving this book four stars was the fact that there are so few patterns in the book. I think Annie's Attic would have done better including all the shawls of books one and two together to have a more substantial book.
   
   I would recommend this book if you are into crocheting shawls. The patterns are simple and attractive. Instructions are easy.

3 comments about Cross Stitch Art Nouveau.

1. If you are tired of the same old cross stitch books and patterns: THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU! The graphs are easy to read and the pictures are absolutely beautiful! The completed items would fit in with any type of decor - even contemporary... WOW! I personally recommend this book to everyone who loves cross stitching! I am happy that I purchased this book and plan to stitch many of it's beautiful designs.



2. This book was so nice I had to buy a second. The second one was for my sister. I'm going to stitch all the patterns. They're projects I would give to both sexes.



3. I'm a big cross stitch fan but rather picky about the books I buy. I purchased this book after seeing a few of the designs in Cross Stitcher magazine, and I am glad I did! This book is fantastic! There are many designers' Art Nouveau styles provided in beautiful large projects - Mucha, Mackintosh, Crane, Tiffany - and an unexpected surprise, a cross-stitch version of Klimt's 'The Kiss.' Any one of these projects is worth the cost of the book on its own, but not only are there a number of beautiful large designs, each designer is given a section for smaller pieces and decorations as well, inviting the reader to use them in whatever way they wish.
   
   So beautiful. I can't wait to start stitching these designs!

3 comments about Arts & Crafts Needlepoint: 25 Needlepoint Projects.

1. I'm a big fan of Arts & Crafts architecture. I've made pilgrimages to the Gamble House in Pasadena and the William Morris museum in London. I've collected books on arts and crafts textiles, bungalow homes and more. So, given that I also like needlework (though my main theme is quilting), how could I resist a needlepoint book in the same genre? Well, for several years I _could_, because I am a rank beginner.
   
   On the other hand, I found a copy of Beth Russell's Arts & Crafts Needlepoint book on sale, and figured that I could use it as "inspiration" even if I wasn't up to actually doing one of her pieces (needlework without preprinted designs can scare me). I already knew that her work is beautifully designed; during that trip to London, I purchased a 6" version of her Morris "strawberry thief" needlepoint kit. (And it didn't turn out half bad! All mistakes are my own ineptitude, not hers, I assure you.)
   
   To my great surprise, this book is a better introduction than I expected. I haven't actually done any of the projects, so perhaps I'm speaking with misplaced self-confidence, but her how-to photos make it clear how to do a tent stitch and the instructions on "mounting for framing" have me halfway through getting that older project onto the wall. I'm not promising that I'll zoom through any of these projects, but Russell makes me *want* to.
   
   Her idea of Arts & Crafts designs is primarily William Morris, along with William deMorgan and their contemporaries. These don't incorporate many American adopters of the movement (such as Greene & Greene, though there's one Tiffany window-inspired design), but that's okay, because her stuff is beautiful. If I *don't* use this as anything except an "ooooh, pretty!" coffee table book, that's fine.
   
   Among the designs are three variations on the strawberry thief, two Lodden versions, Acanthus, Bird & Lily, a trellis design from Morris' garden at Red House... well, lots of choices. If you're a William Morris fan you'll recognize them.
   
   The projects themselves range in size from fairly small -- several are 12-14" square -- to pretty darned large (a rug that's 75"x48"). They are well photographed, both in their final form (such as chair upholstery) and in the actual pattern (though I'm obviously less trustworthy on the details). The material list includes everything you need for the project (size 20 tapestry needle, 14-count single canvas, Appleton crewel wool: light blue green (641) 1 skein...) and the "order of stitching" points out a few things to watch for ("you will find there is room for seven rows...").
   
   It's a lovely book. Obviously it's more than suitable for any needlepoint fan, but anyone who is interested in the Arts & Crafts movement will enjoy this book, too.



2. This book is a new edition of "Victorian Needlepoint". It has new pictures, and more importantly, new computer-generated charts. If you have seen the old one, the charts were hand drawn and indecipherable in places. This edition provides clear charts so you don't have to guess which color is used, or where the stitches fall. And the designs are beautiful and timeless. I have the old edition and just got this one...a must have for needlepoint fans!



3. Boy, was I angry when I got this book. It's "sold" as a new book but in fact, it's a softcover version of an older book. AND, they changed the title!! This book merits NO star but the system doesn't allow you to select 0.

5 comments about Miniature Iron-on Transfer Patterns for Dollhouses, Dolls, and Small Projects.

1. I bought this thinking it would be pictures of blankets, rugs and various other things that you can iron on to cloth and then put directly into your house. Wrong!
   
   This is for needle workers. Cross stitch and/or embroidery. But after looking through the book, I will try my hand at this because the designs are just that neat. I think when I actually get one made it will be well worth the tiny price of the book.



2. This book is exactly what it says it is. It is full of iron on transfers for minature projects. So there is no surprise there.
   It is full of transfers and is worth the money. If you are good with the computer you could enlarge these patterns and use them for larger doll houses. I have transfer pencils from hobbytex I can use to make these larger patterns into iron-on transfers.
   If you are into making items for miniatures I recommend this book and if you do have a transfer pencil you can make even more than what is recommended by this book.



3. The transfer patterns included are surpisingly detailed. They say that you can use them several times. It appears they could be used for embroidery, crewel work or needle punch. The instructions are only for iron transfer to cloth but not for the embroidery. You could look at the front and back cover for ideas but the actual book doesn't give any hints. I had ordered a punch needle "how to" book so I can use that to complete the little rugs.



4. This is a wonderful, affordable book full of iron-on patterns for rugs, bedspreads, quilts, and other mini applications. If you use just ONE pattern, it is worth the price of this book!



5. I was really surprised with this book, it's loaded with all kinds of patterns to be used for making dollhouse items. I think this is a must have for any one making dollhouse items.