5 comments about Knit with Beads: Stunning Shawls and Wraps: Easy Techniques, 15 Beautiful Designs.

1. Beautiful pictures. Great instructions. I love this book. Cannot wait to get started. These make great Christmas gifts! Thanks



2. this book has some lovely gift ideas and several items I would wear myself. I was looking for more specific instruction on how to incorporate the beads into the knitting; although there was some explanation I could have used more details on all the specific techniques. Overall I'm glad I bought it. Can't wait to try some of these patterns out!



3. I ordered this book about a week ago, and I love it. I think the shawls, wraps, etc are lovely. My daughters would love several of the patterns to wear. There are a couple of modern designs like a beaded shrug and a top that is just a wrap around the bust line perfect to fit over a tight fitting tee. Then there are some more formal designs that would be great for Sunday such as a lace shawl with beaded edge and a little pearl edged capelet. Then there are some older "mother in law" type designs like a pull over cabled and beaded poncho, and a large shawl wrap, and a double breasted capelet. Anyway, I have several projects I want to try out of this book and I now know how to bead and knit thanks to this book.



4. Scarlet Taylor's KNIT WITH BEADS: STUNNING SHAWLS & WRAPS is for knitters who want to embellish a knitted product with something different. The author's a knitwear designer who was inspired to adorn her own knitting from the offerings of a local bead shop: her creative shawls and wraps offer up something quite different from the usual knitter's guide, making KNIT WITH BEADS a fine addition to any knitting library.



5. This book is great for learning the various ways of adding beads to a knitted item. Each technique is explained and its applications discussed briefly.
   
   The projects are so so, mostly poncho type circular things that look like sausage casings, but you can really learn beaded knitting here and make some lovely things.
   
   If you want fashionable projects, this is not the book. If you want a technique book for your own ideas, get this book.

4 comments about Fabulous Fabric Flowers.

1. This book is loaded with pictures and instructions for making fabric flowers. Very pleased with it.



2. I can make this review before buying it because of this:
   
   I saw the 'search inside', see the techniques are like those in my japanese fabric flower books. the pattern is similar. like the leaf, the shape of that little flower...really-really similar to those in japanese craft books...and that little flower is very unique that it's japanese style of little flower...i know it...it's shown in more than 1 books...the way she attached the leaf...shape of leaf...really-really similar...
   
   4 stars is for the ENGLISH textbook...finally...the colors chosen (in search inside) are lovely, very-very western style, so homy, so sweet...i like it though...but i think for color, i prefer those in japanese books, very-very refreshing...
   
   i think the search inside has give quite info for amazoners who are interested in this book. Really, i'm very-very familiar with the techniques. with those two pages, i know they are simple techniques like i did with japanese books...i made fabric flowers sometimes from fabric leftover...so, i just knew it...and with shown flowers inside and on table of contents, you will get beautiful flowers...i don't think you'll regret it...
   also, you can make it with your children. it's a good way to introduce sewing and crafting to your children...
   
   can't give 5 stars (even i haven't really seen it) because the idea is not that new for me...i don't know which one comes first, but i quite believe in japanese craft. They always have different syle and bring something new to crafter...Besides those small flowers...ah, that's very-very japanese style...but for YOU who never knew about this before, YOU CAN give it 5 STARS!...I will, too, if this book is the first i know.
   
   anyway, i'm still wondering whether there are patterns available in this book. hopefully, buyers can add this information. Patterns are important because at first making, sometimes, we can't make the right scale...
   
   i also want to buy it for my reference (it's English! mine are japanese)but not now, not my priority...
   after i got those sewing and knitting books...Fabulous Fabric Flowers...here i come!!!!!



3. This is a beautiful book. The color pictures are very good and the patterns in the back of the book are good also. I've made several different kinds of flowers and they come out really nice. I haven't tried all of them yet but I look forward to trying them all. Very good buy for the money.



4. There are so many wonderful ideas and for someone with a learning dissability, the directions seem clear cut and easy to follow, so I can't wait to get started!

2 comments about The Encyclopedia of Monograms: Over 11,000 Motifs for Designers, Artists, and Crafters.

1. The only reason I don't give this book 5 stars is that because I am not a graphic designer I don't know how much practicul use it is; however, that observation aside, as a collector I love, love this book. For monogram/initial nuts it is page after page of eye candy. My artistic talents are limited to rubber stamping since it doesn't involve drawing and I can use markers or pencils to enhance my "creations." Who knows? I may even tackle the task of actually trying to recreate my monogram with pen and ink.



2. Fantastic collection of monograms & ciphers. You can't ask for a greater number collected here (11,000). The issue is, they look photocopied rather than scanned at high resolution.

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 Pretty Little Pincushions (Pretty Little Series).

1. PLP has some great ideas for pincushions in it, with decent instructions. It would be more helpful the patterns were actual size.



2. Because the Look Inside feature is not available for this book it is not possible to judge the designs before purchase, so here is another opinion to consider. The title, Pretty Little Pincushions, and the cover photograph do not represent the contents well. Though the book itself is well done in that it provides adequate instructions to complete the projects, several of the designs are impractical and a couple of them are even grotesque rather than pretty as the title implies, and there are others that are so simple that instructions seem unnecessary. The product description is fairly accurate, but the actual projects left me unconvinced that a "talented designer" was necessary to create them. Too many of the designs yield a tacky or even weird pincushion not approaching the quaint or whimsical that the cover art suggests, some are just repurposed junk, and not very many are pretty little pincushions that I would enjoy making or be pleased to present as a gift.



3. I purchased this book last year for a Christmas Present for myself. I love it. Its really full of fun projects and its detailed enough to make you want to start a project right away. The projects in here make great gifts.



4. I received this book as a gift, and I can't wait to send it back. The only pincushions I like were the bottlecaps,which you can see online. The other pincushion were not very professional or artz.



5. After searching everywhere near where I live in Australia and finding nothing I ordered this book on Amazon.
   I kept my fingers crossed that it was going to be good and when it arrived i was absolutely impressed.
   Now I have to go to the Op-shops and get some old jumpers to felt. I can't wait to have time off work to get stuck into this book.

5 comments about A-Z of Embroidery Stitches.

1. I was pleased with the information in this book its exactly what I was looking for



2. I rated this a 3 because I was expecting more of a complete A-Z stitch guide, which this was not. HOWEVER, this had an amazing array of floral motifs and stitches, included a lot of ribbon embroidery techniques, along with some of the basic foundational stitches. It also included very helpful "Hint" sections along the way, giving additional info on things like working with certain threads or fabrics, etc., and it had a really great section on choosing needles.
   
   The photos and instructions for each stitch were great. It should be no trouble to follow and perfect these stitches with a little practice.
   
   If you are looking for a few foundational stitches, and to learn some really unique techniques for florals (including using ribbon embroidery), this is the book for you.
   
   If you are looking for more of a handbook, or reference book on the foundational stitches, their variations, etc. I found the The Embroidery Stitch Bible (Betty Barnden) to be a better reference. I'll leave a full review on that book's page.



3. One in a series of stitchery books. Just love it. It is so detailed, I don't know of a much better book to learn from



4. I bought this book a few years ago and it is THE definitive how-to book of embroidery stitches, for the beginner and more experienced stitcher alike. The photos are clear and show each step of the stitch so that you really get it -- and because of that, I have purchased all of the other A-Z series books to expand my needlework interests and skills. The price is well worth it -- a superb publication from which I have taught many students here and overseas.



5. If you embroider, want to learn, or just appreciate the beauty of this handcraft...You NEED this book! It leaves no stitch undone and even the novice will find it easy to understand and follow. This all color book features close ups of every detail one needs to know to become an expert in this fine art.

5 comments about Make Your Own Clothes: 20 Custom Fit Patterns to Sew.

1. My title says it all. Great for the directions but I wouldn't wear any of the clothes in this book. I was really disappointed. Maybe she could rewrite it using her sewing knowledge but let someone more in touch with fashion pick what she makes.



2. Crappy CD with bad interface. The talking help was impossible to understand, distorted, cut out a lot, which was too bad since the product is not intuitive. The pattern pieces in the layout were all on top of each other and I couldn't move them. I updated the software, reinstalled software and still it was a no go. Returned product.



3. This book has many patterns and helpful information. The instructions are well explained and it was very exciting to see that I could use the CD to make patterns that would custom fit the cloths that I wanted to make. The only thing that I did not like was that there was a "password" on the CD that you had to enter before you could use it. It took me a long time to find out what it wanted and finally after a few weeks I located the password inside the book. I have not made anything yet (due to lack of time) but I am hopeful that it will turn out.



4. This is probably one of the favorite books that I've bought in a long time. I'm new to sewing, but you'd never know that based on what I've made from this book. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.



5. I have went over the book itself and I even started to use the program. I am taking classes right now online about fashion. And hopefully I can get a job in this field.

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.

5 comments about Beaded Embellishment: Techniques & Designs for Embroidering on Cloth (Beadwork How-To series).

1. I loved this book. It gave me so many new ideas on how to bead on fabric, which is mainly what I was interested in. I like to liven up some of my projects with beads and this book showed me how. Well worth buying



2. These women know their stuff, and they know how to teach it to others. They give you plenty of detail in techniques, and offer a lot of inspiring examples of work.



3. I have totally enjoyed this book. I had already done some bead embroidery, but this book gave me a lot more to think about and the photos in the projects and gallery sections were very inspirational. While I'm working on a piece, I look at this book to think about new stitches that I haven't done or color combinations and more. I haven't made a lot of the projects, but I use the information from them to build my own pieces. I think this book is a MUST HAVE if you want to create bead embroidered work.



4. This book is one of the most exciting beading books I have read. Not only does it have beautiful projects with a variety of techniques, but the gallery of pieces made is out of this world. I would recommend it strongly for any serious or even beginning beader. Beading rocks!!!



5. I am just beginning with fabric arts and this book was just what I was looking for. I had never done beading on fabric before. This book gave a little history, talked about supplies and showed several basic steps. It had several nice projects to work on as well as several lovely pictures of other artists' work. It also goes into color theory and talk about design which I only skimmed over, but that's just me. Overall, very, very helpful for someone starting out in this area.

2 comments about Making Mathematics with Needlework: Ten Papers and Ten Projects.

1. Ok, I'm a bit of a math geek -- I have my masters in math. And I'm addicted to knitting books and yarn (as a quick perusal of my review history will demonstrate). So I ordered this book. Each chapter presents a new concept and a new project. The projects are not your typical fiber arts projects but they are all beautiful. They also should give even the most math-phobic individuals a new appreciation of the math.
   
   I have taught math online to adult college students and this would be perfect "supplemental reading" to show people that math doesn't have to be scary.



2. Knowledgeably compiled and deftly co-edited by Sarah-Marie Belcastro (Co-Director, Hamshire College Summer Studies in mathematics and Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Smith College) and Carolyn Yackel (Mathematics Instructor, Mercer University), "Making Mathematics With Needlework: Ten Papers And Ten Projects" is unique in that it combines mathematics papers with fiber arts project instructions. Each chapter showcases a particular project and that project features sections on mathematics and mathematics education along with detailed instructions for completing the needlecraft project. The featured projects include a Quilted Mobius Band (making a mobius quilt); Diphantine Equations (making a bi-directional hat); Sierpinski Variatins (making a Sierpinski shawl); a Two Knit Stiches Tours; Symmetry Patterns in Cross-Stitch; Algebraic Structure (making algebraic socks); Fortunatus's Purse; (K)Not Cables and Braids (making a pillow of Braid Equivalence); The Graph Theory of Blackwork Embroidery (embroidering a Holbeinian Graph); and making Hyperbolic Pants. Profusely illustrated, the text is fully accessible to non-specialist general readers with an interest in needlecraft, in the mathematics underlying needlecraft, as well as having a very special attraction for math students and fiber art enthusiasts alike.