5 comments about Beadwork Creates Necklaces: 30 Designs.

1. Nice little book...a compilation of different beaders work. Price was right, didn't see it in person, but glad I got it.



2. I think that is the title. It takes the best designs from this necklace book, as well as the three Beadwork Creates books: Bracelets, Rings, and Earrings.
   
   Of the four books culled for Beadwork Creates Jewelry, this necklaces book is my favorite. There are more than a few necklaces in this book though, that you wonder how in the world they were picked. Some are almost laughably simple, and one or two are just painfully out of style.
   
   My biggest complaint with the book is that you don't get to see a picture of all of the necklace on some of the more complicated projects. Even with several pictures of each necklace, there are some whose parts you just have to imagine, as they are not shown. Likewise, some directions are vague, as though the designer only grudgingly allowed their work in the book, but wanted to make sure their design could not be copied, or even successfully sort-of reproduced. When they are that secretive, please just leave their work out of a project book



3. Another in the series put together by Jean Campbell with some excellent new designs, and reworked old ones. Everyones taste is different, with most of the patterns suitable for day or night.



4. I purchased this book because I had the others in the series and wanted to add to it. Being an avid beader these books are great for ideas and learning how to do new techniques. I am anxiously looking forward to creating some of the projects in the book. I recommend this for anyone who has an interest in more than simple beading.



5. I was hoping for something great from Beadwork (the magazine) and this was not it. Lots of pictures and examples all with instructions should have made up for my disappointment, however, it didn't. The examples of beadwork necklaces are mediorce at best and can be found in nearly every book available on the market today. Beadwork Magazine has had amazing bead artists in their mag and I was hoping those were to be the pieces with instructions offered. The size and cut of the book is not usable either. I understand that publishers like to experiement with different sizes and shapes to capture buyers attention, but as a practical use, it has none. The pages do not lay flat in spite of this being touted in their advertisment. The long, skinny length of this does not allow for ease in following directions either. I have watched the bead industry soar these past 5-7 years and this book does not reflect this creative direction. Perhaps I am a bit jaded as I have been beading for so long and have seen what is out there, still, an offering from Beadwork Magazine should have had more splash and usable pizazz. This may be a strong springboard into beading for the beginning beader.

2 comments about A-Z of Crewel Embroidery (A-Z Needlework).

1. The first part of the book contains all the stitch techniques in very well detailed photos (one type of stich has been broken down to an average of 8-15 photos!) there are explanation in words as well, under each pic.
   There are about 20 pages devoted to the history of crewel embroidery and the suitable supplies such as needle type and size, thread, hoops and frames, fabrics, transferring the designs, and so on.
   
   The second part of the book contains the actual picture of the designs (what it will look like emboidered on fabric) and the full size patterns (black line drawings you'll be trancing around and transferring onto your fabric) - no projects however.
   The designs are exquisite! Some of them are elongated and you can just copy the same pattern under eachother to get a border on let's say the edge of a curtain. Other patterns are rounded so they would look lovely on the center of a pillow. The color scheme is mainly autumn; lots of browns, burned orange, deep yellows, deep blues, reds and greens. However, there are few unusual ones (unusual for crewel), like more vibrant summery colors and almost pastels. All of them are lovely though!
   
   This is high quality Country Bumpkin publication from Australia. I am familiar with most of their books and they are one of the best ones to learn from! Because of their well explained and illustrated techniques, they are always suitable for beginners.



2. The A-Z needlework guides are beautiful publications from Country Bumpkin, publishers of Inspiration. These guides are always published on high quality glossy paper and accompanied by beautiful photography.
   
   This is the eighth book in the series.
   
   The guide contains some history about crewel embroidery, enough general information to enable a novice to choose yarns, fabrics and needles as well as to prepare fabric. The photographs provide a very clear guide to the stitches as well as some beautiful designs to stitch.
   
   I'd recommend this guide to new stitchers (who will surely enjoy the clear instructions including a very clear 'order of work') and experienced stitchers who appreciate seeing (and undertaking)the beautiful work designed by others.
   
   Jennifer Cameron-Smith

5 comments about KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave.

1. I'm a pretty dedicated knitter, and I've been knitting obsessively lately, so I was pretty excited by this book. I expected to find profiles of young knitters and designers and their creative products. This is basically what I found, but the knitters' work was not to my taste.
   
   The back of the book features and enormous knitted tree. If knitted trees are to your taste, you'll probably enjoy this book. If Starmore Arans or classic lace is more your thing, you'll probably hate it as I did. The knitted tree is surrounded by knitted "walls" with clothes sewn *into* the wall. (As in, you become part of the wall if wearing the clothes.) This was not my cup of tea.
   
   The book features 28 designers. It had a short summary of each designer's work, and then featured a pattern from each designer. I had no interest in knitting the vast majority of the featured pattern, and no serious interest in knitting the rest. The biographies were somewhat interesting but felt repetitive after I'd read a couple. Most of the knitters' projects were not at all to my taste, so in general, I didn't enjoy the photographs of their designs.
   
   Consider getting this one from the library before you buy if you're not sure.



2. Being a beginner knitter, I saw this book on YouTube. It really looked like something I would be interested in. I ordered the book, and I was very dissapointed with my choice.



3. This is an incredible book, a book that demonstrates how knitting has moved from craft to art. It is not a book to garner patterns from but a book to inspire, to look through over and over again and relish the beauty and creativity that is possible with the art of knitting. There are some patterns included but that is not the primary purpose of this book.
   
   The book includes a compilation of individual artists with descriptions and photos of their particular interests and designs. I saw a show of knitting artists in New York City about three years ago at the Museum of Arts and Crafts on 59th St. and some of the artists in that show are in this book. One is Althea Merback and I remember being mesmerized by her work when I saw the show. She makes the tiniest of tiny objects, primarily mittens, gloves, boots, and sweaters. They are beautiful and fascinating. Imagine, she knits with needles using silk sewing thread!
   
   You might be familiar with Joelle Hoverson if you have ever seen the beautiful ad for Purl Soho yarns. The ad intrigued me so much that I had to place a few orders to their store. They carry beautiful yarns and also fabrics. A replication of the ad and a description of how she came to open the store is included in this book.
   
   Erika Knight's beautiful drawings with yarn and fabric samples is an example of crafter as artist. Art can be utilitarian, not just something just to look at, listen to or read. It can be worn, put on a table, or cover furniture.
   
   Catherine Lowe seemed to me like the penultimate knitter's knitter. In her description it states that "A typical knitting pattern written by Catherine Lowe is about 35 pages long; it can be as many as seventy." Her patterns are designed so that there is no sewing. She "has developed ways to knit and shape in one gesture, wherein separate pieces are joined on the needles". She has been gracious enough to provide a pattern for a Japanese inspired Hippari Jacket that is only five pages long.
   
   Bridget Marin once worked at the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles, she learned techniques for combining science and art. Some of her knitting creations show this connection. If you have never visited this museum in Los Angeles, do. It is an amazing place! I love Bridget's knitted dollhouse with people and landscape, sculpted people and gloves with painted red fingernails.
   
   Cat Mazza is a designer of knitting software, in particular KnitPro. She is also the force behind the creation of a blanket that is to be presented to the Nike CEO requesting the company incorporate fair labor practices. This blanket incorporates knitting squares from people around the world. As she says, "I like to combine aesthetics with activism".
   
   Mandy McIntosh's work and the still picture from her film Donkey Skin, "examines the symbolism in traditional Aran knitting". As many other artists in this book she has had a varied background in design and knitting. She is now a filmmaker that incorporates themes about knitting in her film.
   
   I've been a fan of Debbie New for a long time. She is a creator of "garments, sculptures, vessels, even interpretations of scientific concepts..." Debbie invented "a speech reader for deaf babies. The device emitted a frequency range of colors in response to the frequency of sounds". She is currently working on ways to visualize sound and has invented an instrument to "interpret the touch of knitted fabric." "When knitters touch the fabric , their motions are interpreted into ethereal sound"
   
   I could go on and on about the other artists included in this book. They all have one thing in common. They push the limits of knitting. They create art that is beyond the standard pattern. They may combine knitting and science, knitting and music, knitting and film or they may use they unique creativity to demonstrate knitting in a way we may never have imagined.
   
   This beautiful book is amazing and inspiring. I recommend it for anyone who is a real lover of knitting.



4. WOW! This book takes knitting to an entirely different level. It is incredibly inspirational for the knitter who likes to think of their work as art. There are several projects in the book that can be followed or you can use it to inspire your own designs. Avant-garde.



5. I bought this book not from Amazon, but from Urban Outfitters. Although the projects listed were certainly interesting aesthetically -- some I would consider beautiful on an artistic level, which is why I didn't rate this with a single star -- the majority were utterly impractical on every level. The book really falls short on the 'how-to' aspect, leaving the reader puzzled as to how it all fits together. It positively reeks of hipster pretentiousness. This book is great if you're a rich 20-something-year-old artist living in New York City...fairly irrelevant for the rest of us. Definitely not for anyone beginning to knit.

4 comments about Not Your Mama's Stitching: The Cool and Creative Way to Stitch It To 'Em.

1. I liked the sassy style of the author. It made the information engaging and accessible. This was the A to Z of needle arts! She talked about everything from the history of stitching to what you do if you get red wine on your work. She gave terrific instructions as well. I would highly recommend this book to stitching virgins. However, it must be supplemented if you are also looking for hip cross stitch patterns, as there were only two. I recommend Subversive Cross Stitch as a supplement.



2. I bought this book for my DIL who would like to stitch but doesn't have a lot of free time. She also likes more contemporary decorating tips. The pictures are great, and the ideas are really clever.



3. Kate Shoup Welsh, Wiley, 2008, ISBN 978-0-470-09516-4. $14.99
   
   Don't you just love this title? It's lways bothered me that needlework, especially needlepoint, had such a stuffy reputatio. I kee[ thinking about Cosmo's wife in the movie Topper.
   
   So I am as happy as can be with the developments which are making stitching unstuffy.
   
   And this book really delivers on its promise, starting from the very beginning and delivering instruction and great projects in an engaging style.
   
   The book is divided into two sections. The first covers the basics including what to buy, a history of needlework, techniques, and stitches. It's outstanding at showing the different types of materials, how techniques differ, and what supplies to buy. Something I rarely see in any beginner's book are the charts which display coverage of different threads, different types of fabric & the techniques used on them, and what size needle to use. It's one of the most useful parts of the book, With this you won't end up with huge mismatches in materials.
   
   In the chapter on techniques you will learn more useful stuff like how to tape and mount fabric, ways to start your thread, and finishing techniques. The stitch chapter has enough different stitches to get you started.
   
   The second section of the book has 24 projects, including ones from well-known stitchers like Amy Holbrook of AMH Designs and Jenny Hart, author of Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To. Each project tells you up front the technique, the cost, and the skill level needed.
   
   The instructions are clear and really complete. Diagrams, line drawings, and charts are large and easy to read.
   
   Best of all each project has one variation. Sometimes this is an coordinating project, sometimes it's another project using the same technique, and sometimes it's a variation. But they all capitalize on the information presented with even more to spark your imgination.
   
   Do you know someone who wants to learn to stitch but thinks it's too hard? Are you looking for fun projects? Do you know someone who takes an unstuffy approach to needlework -- Get them this book, they'll love it and so will you!



4. I was looking for a book to learn some basic embroidery techniques, and for some simple, fun project ideas that were not too "old-fashioned" or flowery. But this book went too far in the other direction, and was too trendy and sassy for my liking.
   
   Although I did like some of the project ideas and designs, this book mostly spent more time trying to be cheeky and hip (with project titles like "Laptop Dance" for a laptop case design, or "Tie Me Up" for a man's tie project that no man I know would ever wear, or "Wash Your Damn Hands" on a hand towel) than just teaching skills and techniques. It was way too wordy, trying too hard to be fun and funky. The instructions were not very concise or easy to follow, and there were hardly any photos or diagrams to show techniques.
   
   I returned this book, and found a book in my library that is exactly what I was looking for, and will be ordering that instead: "Embroidery Basics" by Betty Barnden.

2 comments about Turning Strips & Squares Into Table Sets.

1. Had I seen the inside of this book before purchasing it, I would not have purchased it. I bought this book because I liked the picture on the front and I wanted some new ideas for placemats. Unfortunately, I did not find anything outstanding in this book. Most of the projects are so easy that a seasoned sewer could look at the pictures and make the item with no pattern. There are a few projects included (table runner and potholders) that are raw edge applique. They are very unappealing. I would never waste my time making them. They are simply various size circles cut out and appliqued on top of each with a raw edge. The circles in her project picture appear to be cut by hand as they look uneven and sloppy. I probably should have returned this book.



2. This is a very practical book to make home decor items. The pictures jump off the page and make you want to begin all the projects at once. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. End results are exactly as pictured. Wonderful book!!

3 comments about Fairies and Elves Iron-on Transfer Patterns (Iron-On Transfers).

1. These were more detailed and smaller than I anticipated, and likely too much so for some needlework. Still, the fairies, which tend toward the child-like, are nicely done.



2. New grand-daughter and my daughter want this childs quilt to be fairies. I search ALLLLLLL over for fairy pattern with out success and was sooo happy to find these on-line. They are beautiful.



3. I bought this book because I wanted to transfer the pictures on to fabric so I could do needle work with them. I found about 100 other uses as well. The Pictures were very clear and had bold lines that made it easy to see when tranfered. The faries themselves were very pretty, and even though there were about 50-75 different fairies, they all seemed to have their own personality. I found I was able to use them on fabric, wood, and even on my wall! I transfered some to my wall to make a mural and it worked great! You can use each picture more then once, but I found that the image started to fade, and it's best if only used once or twice. They would make very cute t-shirts if you wanted to transfer them, and then paint it. I can't think of anything you couldn't use them for, as it says in the book, transfers to anything that can absorb ink!

5 comments about Designs and Patterns for Embroiderers and Craftspeople.

1. This book has a lot of patterns that can be used as is, or easily edited to suit your own purposes. Easily translates for embroidery, but can be used for many other mediums as well.



2. This book is filled with 512 different patterns to trace and embroider to your hearts content. Designs with sizes in inches and suggested uses for the patterns. A fantastic collection!



3. Although I did not get the book to use for hand stitching designs, it would be great for the person who does embroidery by hand. The designs are classic and simple. Books like these are great for those of us that cannot draw great designs outselves. I got the book for inspiration for designs for machine embroidery. Some of the designs are quite large for machine embroidery but can be reduced easily enough for that purpose. It is a good book.



4. If you think this is what you're looking for, trust me, it is. Just superb - lots of great, clean, perfect designs - clear instructions.



5. I bought this book several days ago and was not disappointed. There is so much to choose from. I haven't been able to decide what to do first. The illustrations are basic line drawings. They are ready to go for tracing right out of the book or scanning into your computer to reduce wear and tear on the book. The front of the book displays a whole bunch of embroidery stitches and the directions on how to do them. The majority of the book illustrates hundreds of flowers in many different patterns and the rest consists of creatures, quilt squares and many beautiful intricate medallion patterns. The only thing that will hold you back is your own imagination. I recommend this book highly.

5 comments about Simply Felt: 20 Easy and Elegant Designs in Wool.

1. Skimming through the book I thought the ideas and projects presented looked very interesting, and they are. The problem is that the author gives only the barest of details on the "how to" part.
   This is NOT a book for someone who has never felted before (fortunately for me, I am familiar with the processes). This book comes close to just being a showcase for
   the author's designs, which are lovely....but that's not all I was looking for.
   Rachel



2. I bought this book with the hope it offered knitting / felting projects. Instead it is a book about taking old sweaters and turning them into felted items. Many knitters, like myself, like to create felt projects from scratch. The felt projects were basic and most creative people would be able to create these without the help of a book.



3. This book is for very basic felting so if you are new to felting it is a good place to start. Not a lot of fancy ideas, but certainly works for the basics.



4. Wonderful creative book about felting. It has been a great addition to my felting library. It has some nice beginner projects that don't look 'beginner'!



5. If you like simple(but not too cold)contemporary look- you will love this book. Variety of the projects is amazing. Love it love it love it!

5 comments about Painting with a Needle: Learning the Art of Silk Embroidery with Young Yang Chung.

1. I love needlearts as a hobby and the beautiful book by Young Yang Chung is a must have! Enjoyed thoroughly~



2. This is a very beautiful book with information on the stitches of Chinese embroidery that will enable a serious embroiderer to begin to learn how to practice this craft. The book includes a description of the frame that is used by Asian embroiders and suggestions are given for using canvas stretcher bars to make your own. Instructions are given for stretching the fabric on the frame and for transferring patterns.
   
   Each of the stitches are described, illustrated with line drawings and one or more historic textile examples is shown. The covered stitches include satin stitch, satin stitch with padding, long and short stitch, seed stitch, outline stitch, mat stitch, well stitch, star cross stitch, couching stitch, water weed stitch, chain stitch, counted stitch,holding loop stitch, weave stitch, and bullion knot stitch.
   
   There are nineteen projects at the end of the book that are very tempting; the instructions are extensive.



3. I have purchased three of these books at 3 separate times. Two I gave to friends, and the last was for myself. One of these friends was with me in Suzhou, China, as we wandered through small, chilly shops where women clustered together to sew these beautiful paintings on large wood frames. Those we talked to had done this since childhood. My friend wanted to buy some silk thread to experiment with on her own, but we found the range of colors to be overwhelming. Of course, I gave her this book. She is still in China, and can bring this book into the shop, point to the project color charts, and get the thread she needs without speaking a word of Mandarin. (I purchased several "paintings," but I use this book to relive my favorite day in China, and learn more about this beautiful art form.)



4. I love this book, I have found it to be very informative and having shown another friend who loves needlework, she can't wait to get her own book.
   The pictures and details are lovely, it is well written and easy to understand,



5. I have the 1979 version of this book. This book inspired me to pick up a needle and for the last 25 years, strive to create my own needlework masterpieces.

5 comments about Greetings from Knit Café.

1. This was my first ever knitting book, super fun patterns, and I can actually follow them! :-) Enjoy!



2. Let's face it, no book ever has a list of patterns that everyone will knit. We pick the ones we like from a book and enjoy it not only for the patterns, but also the looks and the readability. It's also true I probably wouldn't use nice yarn from Japan to make a horse blanket but I do like the blanket.
   
   The photos are very well done in this book and the layout is excellent. It's a pleasure to re-read beyond studying the patterns. It also definitely fits the friendly, relaxed yet high class southern California life style (I grew up there).
   
   I enjoy the extra tidbits, like recipes and ideas. If I want to get only a list of patterns, I look online. If I want a book to enjoy for many reasons, something like Greetings from Knit Cafe fits the bill.



3. This is one of those recent knitting books that seeks to be more than just patterns. I would say it succeeds in creating a pleasant and unique atmosphere by providing not only patterns but a lot of miscellaney having to do with Knit Cafe (recipes, their top 10 CDs, popular events, the author/owner's dream of what this store would be and has become, etc.). Of the 30 patterns, only a few piqued my interest: baby shirt, women's shaped polo, La-La trianular shaped scarf. I would definitely never make the skirt on the cover, the boxer shorts, the evening dress or the bikini, just not my thing and I'm suspecting true for most knitters. If one were a beginner and didn't already have similar generic patterns, there is a basic long-sleeve roll neck pullover, a zip front hoodie, and a relaxed looking cardigan with stylish touches (flared sleeves & body and rolled edge finishing). For Amazon's current bargain price, this book would be a nice addition to one's knitting library.



4. What I like about "Greeting from Knit Cafe" is that Suzan Mischer is creating a aura of comfort while you are not only reading but also knitting to this book. I have read a lot of reviews saying that this book is geared towards the "Californian" asthetic, and that it has mostly patterns for thin people, but I would have to disagree. A lot of the patterns you see in this book are geared towards the younger knitting crowd who want to knit more than bulky philosopher's cardigans.
   
   A list of the patterns include:
   Architect scarf
   beret
   boxer shorts
   hiking socks
   Chanel-ish cardigan jacket
   classic sweater for guys
   comfy socks
   computer keyboard cover
   felted saddle blacket
   baby blanket
   messenger bag
   huge shawl
   baby sweater
   pink dress
   kid's club skirt
   basic hat
   lacy skirt with bows
   lala scarf
   love blanket
   lush hoodiw
   peace pillow
   polo shirt
   pompom awning
   recycled scarf
   red carpet gown
   slouchy alpaca cardigan (my favorite)
   terry bathrobe
   weho bikini
   yarmulke
   yoga mat bag
   
   So as you can see there is a huge variety in patterns. I know the reviewer before me said that the skirt she wants to knit is on the front cover and I do agree it's not a great picture of the said skirt. However there is TWO pictures of that same skirt in the book, one is full frontal of the whole entire skirt on a model and the other is the close up of the lace panels. I measured myself and even though I am a good medium sized girl (and trust me I AM), I qualified for the small in this skirt pattern.
   
   Now you must know that this is a very contemporary knitting book, there are even a couple of baking recipes and other tid bits in here and I can understand how someone who is used to regular knitting books might not be used to a book like this. To some in the knitting world it could also be seen as a breath of fresh air.



5. This book is disappointing. It's beautiful with the bright colors and scrapbook style and the skirt on the front and the baby sweater handed down from someone's grandma is interesting. But that's it.
   The story is very Fairytale. To start your own yarn cafe just cash in your stock, call old friends who happen to be known designers, and oh, yeah--the address on MELROSE doesn't hurt either. Bibbedy Bobbedy Boo, you have a yarn cafe.
   This book was seemingly made by a california clique who have the cash and connections to make their own book.
   
   Added 3/09: I'm eating crow (kinda). I've had this book for about a month now. My daughter landed on it so I was unable to return it. Determined to get my $25 worth out of it, I made the baby sweater. Actually I made 2 of them. I love the pattern. I'm a big fan of Debbie Bliss and Erika Knight, and this is one of the coolest baby sweaters I've ever made. Kudos to grandma.
   
   The Architect Scarf is beautiful and masculine. Look closer at the chart in the background. Most of the men's patterns out there are either bulky or very feminine, aka: Metro Sexual. This scarf is perfect for the masculine man who appreciates art (or architecture).
   
   The recipes and over-all idea of the book are helpful if you are starting a knitting group. Inspiring, if the author doesn't mind you copying her ideas. If that was the purpose of the book it would have helped for the author to say so.
   
   I still have to say the rest of the patterns are not that great if you are buying this soley as a pattern book. If you are buying it for help starting a knitting group then you may want to try it.
   
   Whether you spend the money or just check it out from the library, look through the book slowly, let the over-all ideas sink in. And definitely try the baby pattern.
   
   Call me hypocrite, but I'd be an even bigger one if I didn't admit it publicly.