Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Marie-Noelle Horvath. By Watson-Guptill.
The regular list price is $12.95.
Sells new for $7.16.
There are some available for $7.12.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques.
- Great book easy to follow instructions both written and picture.
Will certainly look for more lkie this one.
Rgds
Lesley
- This book has beautiful pictures and gives 3 basic animal-forms, so you can use them to make as much animals as you want. Although the technique is more difficult than it looks on the photo's, I find this book a very good source of information and a musshave in my collection!
- I'm new to the craft of needle felting, and I found this book to be very helpful. The instructions are very helpful, and the projects are wonderful and well photographed. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in felting toys.
- I love this book. I have not tried to make one of the projects yet, but I still love the book anyway.
- ...but there isn't much in the way of serious instruction. She gives the basics and they are basically the same for each animal. There is not a single photo of someone actually felting in this book - just photo's of the finished project, and of the supplies needed for each project. I had to go online to see someone needle felting just to get the, "Oh!" that I was missing from this book - my first on felting. There are no notes or anecdotes on why you should use different needles, tips or tricks to using different types of wool, etc. I really love the photo's and inspiration though, so I gave the book 4 stars - but if I were not as crafty as I am I probably would have been disappointed with the lack of useful information.
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Cassie Barden. By That Patchwork Place.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $16.47.
There are some available for $15.99.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about The New Handmade: Simple Sewing for Contemporary Style (That Patchwork Place).
- I haven't done any of the projects yet, but I'm not super excited about them in general. The bag on the front cover is probably the thing that I would be most likely to make. There is also a composition book cover which is neat. There are too many "pouches" in general. I mean, when you understand how to make one rectangular pouch with a zipper, do you need any more guidance on other types of pouches? Pretty good...not great...i can't comment on her instructions, as i've yet to make one of the projects.
- This book has a lot of cute ideas. The fabrics used are beautiful and instructions easy to follow.
- I've picked up a number of the new wave of sewing books in the last year, and this is BY FAR the best one. The author is not only a charming writer, but also a meticulous seamstress and gifted teacher: her instructions and diagrams are crystal clear and have helped me construct beautiful projects that are polished and professional-looking. Favorite projects include the Dinner Party Grocery Bag (stylish, roomy, and sturdy, hands-down the favorite re-usable grocery bag in my collection) and the Pocket Place Mats, which are fantastic if you have small children in the house who are learning to set a table. I had fun with this one, scaling it down a bit and making one in some fun kids' prints; few things are more special to a kid at meal time than her own little pocket place mat with its little cloth napkin. I also really appreciated the detailed sewing advice in the back of the book. Barden knows her stuff, and has a number of tips and tricks that you will not find in other sewing books, and others that you won't find as clearly described elsewhere. Overall a wonderful resource full of stellar projects.
- As an intermediate sewer, and for-profit bag maker, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for cute, functional projects to sew. Cassie Barden takes you through it as though she's giving you a personal lesson-- the tone is supportive and patient, without being boring for more advanced sewers. This would be a great book for people who are just getting into machine sewing, as she covers all the basics from design, construction, materials, and tools. Each of the successive patterns builds on skills and techniques from the earlier ones, so a beginner might want to work through the book from start to finish. But, again, as a more experienced crafter, I appreciated and learned some tips and tricks here that I am now using, and it's made my crafting easier and more professional looking. She's got excellent photos and illustrations, very clear directions, and helpful reference pages at the beginning and end. It's an ideal gift option, and good to have on your own shelf of sewing books.
- I was impressed with the wide array of projects on this book, and there are many I plan on making (laptop case, messenger bag, and craft apron in particular). The directions seem clear and well illustrated, and all of the project examples are made up in gorgeous and fun fabrics, which I found to be a wonderful source of inspiration. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for beginning-to-intermediate sewing projects with a youthful twist.
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Kelli Perkins. By Interweave Press.
The regular list price is $22.95.
Sells new for $12.91.
There are some available for $13.89.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about Stitch Alchemy: Combining Fabric & Paper for Mixed Media Art.
- The night this book arrived, I wound up at the hospital with my daughter in anaphylactic shock. There is not a better place for one to get intimately acquainted with a book than the local ER. In the long hours after knowing she would be ok and actually going home, this book provided us with something to do - an excellent way to divert our attention, giving us something fun to focus on. Oh - and it definitely provided me with a link to sanity.
My daughter, who just turned 10, is a mixed media artist in training - but you can just call her the Princess. She loves all things mixed media, which I'm sure has nothing to do with her extreme immersion in the subject area since birth. Just because I eat, breathe, and dream art, does not mean she was destined to do the same. The great thing about Stitch Alchemy? It appeals to a wide audience - she and I both truly enjoyed it.
There are several books on the market with [many] similar techniques, but what sets this book apart is the creatively unique way Kelli lays things out. Although I own many books on fabric, fiber, painting, polymer clay, art journaling, mixed media, etc - I feel there are several new and fun projects in this book to tackle. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book - there are many wonderful close-ups full of extreme color and Kelli's great attention to detail. Next to each picture are thorough instructions, giving you the feeling that Kelli is standing next to you, anxiously leading you by the hand. You can't help but feel her creative excitement as she pulls you from one fun project to the next. For example, the whimsical Love Dolls on page 91 are begging to be made with your own style and flair.
Stitch Alchemy is bursting with ideas - this is truly a "point-and-try" book. You can close your eyes, flip to a page, and try a technique. Do that several times and there is no doubt you'll end up with a distinct project. A basic discussion of materials begins this gem, and includes pictures of the supplies so juicy, you can't believe the pages aren't sticky. Instructions and advice follow, before the main program takes the stage: an arsenal of techniques, creative ideas, in-depth instructions, and amazing inspiration fill up the remaining pages. If you don't like one technique, choose one of the other 14,739,284 other choices. (Ok, so 14,739,284 is a random figure plucked from my head...the actual number is probably closer to 21,928,411. Sorry for the discrepancy.)
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It isn't something you need to read from beginning to end - as long as you have a grasp on the materials, flip through the book and pick out what appeals most at the moment. This is the perfect book to throw in your bag and look at while you're waiting for appointments, to read as the kids go to soccer practice, or gawk at while spending an eternity at the ER. (I'm guessing.) This book will make you relish waiting - and you will actually want to drive the carpool to dance class - so you can spend time investigating all the fun encompassed in the 135 pages. Once you've thoroughly gone through everything and the binding is bent and broken, follow reviewer Katie B's advice and get it spiral bound. You'll be far too busy contemplating all the inspiration and ideas, to hold this book open while you sew, paint, draw, glue, and bead with the reckless abandon of an artistic mad woman.
This is a great book. It's so full...so bursting with ideas, you might just need to put a lock on it to keep it from continually popping open, knocking everything off the table around it.
- This book is very different from the other mixed media, art journaling, and fiber art books I own. Kelli's technique for making paper-fabric is easy and basic, but what I really liked was all the inspiration provided in her mini-workshops for each supply mentioned and the fact that it is all in one book. This book inspired me to try things I hadn't considered before - like using walnut ink on my fiber art pieces. It truly is a potpourri of ideas and a jumping off point for trying new techniques.
- magazine articles only hinted at the technique of "combining fabric and paper for mixed-media art". never giving me enough information to figure out how-to, let alone understand why you would even want to. but still i was hugely curious. curious enough to seek and find this book. i was not disappointed. i've been happily and industriously making paper-cloth this week in my studio after reading this book cover to cover. the first half of the book covers all the whys and hows in great depth and full color photos. techniques for embellishing paper-cloth sheets have carry over into many other applications and have already sparked new and exciting creative results for me. so what the heck to do with paper-cloth?! in the second half of the book, the author provides a dozen ways to "transform paper-cloth into wonderful works of art" including supply lists, directions and full color photos of the finished products (fabulous eye-candy!) a practical and delightful resource from start to finish.
- Anexcellent book for mixed mesia arts. I have given it as gifts and it is always poplular
- swift delivery--book was better than I expected--well organized and illustrated with clear instructions--a gem not to be overlooked
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Jenny Hart. By Chronicle Books.
The regular list price is $19.95.
Sells new for $9.50.
There are some available for $9.15.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To.
- I really love this book. Between this book, the author's (Jenny Hart) other books & her website ([...]) I have so many ideas. The book has a lot of good patterns from alphabets, scrolls, borders and themes (baby, cocktails, food, cars, kitchen, flames, flowers, dogs, cats, music, birds). The instructions in the book are easy to understand. The author gives lots of tips, which will answer most of the questions that you come across while working on projects. I am very happy with my purchase. I plan on collecting her other books as well.
- Bought this for my daughter who has taken an interest in stitching. The patterns are also very nice and not too difficult for a beginner.
- This is great for beginners like me and gives lots of helpful tips for your success!!
- I was wondering after reading reviews of others on here whether I had made the right choice in purchasing this book since I found a lot of mixed reviews. I had never embroidered before and was looking for easy to follow directions and patterns to get started that were not the usual craft store finds. I got every penny worth buying this book! My first thought opening the box was that the book is very well constructed with a sprial bound spine. Also the pockets inside the book are great for storing the patterns after you cut them since each pattern can give you up to 9 uses. The directions are fun to read with her humor twisted in and very easy to follow, which you don't always find in a book. I found the patterns ironed on with great ease. I had my first project finished in one evening and had a great time. Some of the patterns in the book are from the web site and others are different and simpler to follow which is great for a beginner like me. I will have many hours of fun learning how to fine tune my new found hobby compliments of Jenny Hart! Hope you all find this helpful and inspiring to start your new hobby with Subliome Stitching!
- This book taught me how to embroider, and got me addicted to not only embroidery but to Jenny Hart's designs on her website. The first 48 pages of this book is a How-To section with some really beautiful photos of sitched up projects that are really inspirational. The rest of this book are the iron on patterns. The patterns themselves are really nice, now that I have become acquainted with Jenny Hart's designs on her website, I can see why her fans were disappointed with this book because whereas you can find edgy patterns on her website, this book does not feature any of the edginess. To me however, that did not detract from my enjoying the patterns in this book. You will find transfers for: flowers, roses, leaves, vines, butterflies, swans, other birds, borders, dogs, cats, babies, storks, baby items (bottles, booties, strollers, rattles, etc), moons, planets, UFO's, rockets, planes, cars, trucks, flames, dancers, maracas, drums, drinks, fruits, desserts, flatware, breakfast, tea pots, teacups, teabags, paper shades, eyes, lips, words (baby, sweet, wish, love, hello, darling), stars, curliques, musical notes, guitars, saxophones, banners, 2 alphabets (upper and lower case).
The transfers are black ink and are reusable. The book is spiral bound with pockets in the front and back. All in all I really love this book! I learned how to embroider from this book, and have really enjoyed the wide variety of traditional, yet still fun, patterns. It has turned me on to Jenny Hart's patterns, and I have ordered many of her edgier patterns from her site.
Cons of this book: I wish there were more photographed examples of projects. I also wish there were more intructions for more stitches--there are about 15 stitches , but I wish she would have included instructions for the herringbone sitch, fern stitch, etc..... Lastly, as others have said the claim that this book contains "hundreds" of patterns may be a bit misleading for some--while there are hundreds of images, this count includes many repeats in varying sizes or facing a different direction. There are about 100 unique images plus the alphabets.
I will say that I also have the stitch-it-kit, and if you are trying to decide between this book and the kit, definitely get this book.
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Larisa Bland and Nancy Zieman. By Krause Publications.
The regular list price is $32.99.
Sells new for $18.55.
There are some available for $15.00.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about Piece in the Hoop: 20 Quilt Projects + 40 Machine Embroidery Designs.
- This book is great. The directions are easy to follow and the projects are small and fun to do.
- This is an advertisement without the specifics that machine embroiders need. What are the most popular formats; SEW JEF ART ? What is the size of the stitch field required for the designs; 4X4, 6X8, 5X7, 8X8 or other? I have used these techniques with great success from other sources but I would not purchase this without knowing these answers in advance. I have wasted money in the past on designs that were too big for my machine and all the books with design CDs are not returnable.
- This is what quilting/embroidery books should all be about! Great projects, designs and instructions included. This book is a must have for those with
embroidery machines!
- I began to use these designs the minute I got the book! It is very easy to follow, and the designs are superb!
- I did not know that this book would be almost all quilting project, but it is very good, and great photos
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Ann Budd. By Interweave Press.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $13.49.
There are some available for $13.49.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave).
- This is an excellent book for any knitting level. For those who wish to be innovative, it leaves the door open to endless possibilities. I would recommend this book as a "must have" for your knitting library.The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave)
- I've had this book for a few years, through I haven't done all the projects in it, mostly used it for hats. The adult's hats have always worked out well for me, but now with a baby in the family to knit for, after several hats for her, double checking my measurements and making sure I had the right stitch gauge, they still came out way to big. This christmas I knit two hats meant to fit 18 months-4 years old and both hats fit me with plenty of room.
Wishing I had read other reviews that mention this before I knit them! I still recommend the book, but don't trust the sizing so much!
- as long as you know your guage you can knit anything! great ideas on variations too, great book!!
- This is one of the most useful knitting books I have bought, and I have found the patterns to come out very well with shaping and fit. On occasion I have had to tweak a few things to get the perfect fit, but that is what this book is all about...basic patterns that you can alter slightly, if necessary, and then know forevermore how to get it just right for you or your loved ones.
I love the blank palette feel here, so many ideas have come to mind, and it's been easy to incorporate design elements. Ann even leaves you room in the back for measurement and details notes and the like (which I am always writing down on a scrap sheet of paper and putting someplace "safe"...you know the rest...).
The spiral binding and elasticized bookmark show that this woman thinks of everything and expects this book to be put to work. My copy has seen some and is destined to see much more. What a godsend for busy, creative knitters! Thanks, Ann!
- This is the single most important book for any knitter to own. I am an advanced knitter and find I turn to this book again and again. My niece is a beginning knitter and her first few creations were successful because of this book. From baby to adult, from head to toe, this one book has you covered.
Unlike most pattern books, this book allows the knitter to choose any yarn he/she pleases. One does not have to knit at some predetermined tension in order to have success. You knit your swatch, you count how many of your stitches in your yarn there are in an inch and then you construct your item according to the easy to follow directions. When you are finished, you have a beautiful creation that is exactly the size you expected. There is nothing worse than spending weeks or months knitting a project only to discover that it doesn't fit anybody you know. With this book, you will never have to donate another project to a thrift store because it turned out to be the wrong size.
For the more experienced knitter, this book provides the framework we need to create exceptional projects with a variety of stitches and colors. The book does the mundane work for you when designing a project. It tells you how many stitches you need to cast on. It tell you how long to work before decreasing. It frees the knitter from the boring tasks of taking constant measurements and comparing that to one's gauge. With this book, those calculations are done for you and the number you need is clearly listed in an easy to read chart. The flexibility that this book offers is wonderful. For the first time in my life I have a pair of gloves that fit my hands.
Don't be afraid of what looks unlike any knitting pattern you've ever seen before. Once you study how the book works, you will discover that the patterns are easy to follow. I find a sticky note helps me keep my place on the charts. The glossary is wonderful, offering clear translations and instructions for the beginner. Even the advanced knitter will appreciate the glossary's clear instructions for those seldom used stitches that one tends to forget.
Perhaps the most important thing about this book is that the patterns are accurate. Too many knitting patterns contain errors. It is unforgivable to publish patterns that when followed precisely result in an product that requires fixing. That will never happen with this book. I have knit hats, gloves, sweaters, mittens and socks from this book. I follow the directions carefully and every single time my garments turn out exactly as I expect. Reliable, reproducible results is what a pattern is supposed to provide.
If you are a beginner, buy this book and your very first project with be beautiful. If you are advanced, buy this book and you can spend your time playing with color and texture options for your designs while somebody else does the calculations. If you are in between, this book will allow you to make the jump into designing your own projects.
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Gillian Harris. By St. Martin's Griffin.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $12.95.
There are some available for $11.53.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about Complete Feltmaking: Easy Techniques and 25 Great Projects.
- Fabulous book if you are interested in felting! Great ideas, step by step instructions, wonderful pictures. Very inspiring!
- I have not received this book - nor have I received a reply from the sender.
- I'm a novice at feltmaking and thought this book gave some very good instructions. I have not made anything yet, but it does not look more difficult than I had imagined. Well written.
- I bought this book based on the reviews, but found the book to be lacking when it came to technique. It is written too much like an overview with not enough details on technique. If I do actually begin to felt, I will need another book that is more explanatory.
- I own several felting books and this one is the best. The book offers step by step instructions and techniques for a beginner or advanced felter. Gillian gives us information on the history behind the wool process which I found very interesting and and never boring. I loved her simple instructions on the process of wet felting. Each page is so well photographed and the projects are so clear and colorful they jump right off the page and you become inspired immediately. A must have for anyone interesting in learning felting or in need of new inspiration.
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Antje Gillingham. By Martingale and Company.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $12.00.
There are some available for $14.50.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles.
- This is a nice little book with really excellent instructions for knitting two socks at a time using 2 circular needles. There are some valuable hints and tips on dealing with needles and wool and about half a dozen sock patterns using lace, ribbed and beaded stitches. But my initial disappointment with the book did not fade when after more careful perusal I found that the did not include instructions for knitting the 2 socks from the toe up.
- I am a long time knitter. I have never knitted socks because I do not like doubled pointed needles. I got this book and decided I was going to learn how to knit socks. The instructions were beyond my expectations. She is a great teacher. The written and picture instructions were equally easy to follow. I recommend this book for anyone, even a beginner.
- I'm a big fan of this concept; unfinished works dogs the tracks of most crafters--did you know that some auction sites actually have whole categories for the wistful "unfinished crafts" of the world? My mother was notorious for knitting argyle sock tops and abandoning them when the heel gusset loomed, so I have the gene. And this concept actually increases your chances of finishing and turning loose of the project by a whole sock!
The book is clear, the pictures are clear; your first cast-on may be a nightmare of frustration anyway. The cast-on is harder than anything else you will do. Once you get that straight and build a few rows of cuff, you will have the "aha" moment and from then on, it all makes sense. After that enraging hour or so of starting over and cursing, I've never had a problem again. I haven't yet tried the toe-up method, but I'm sure it's equally simple. You'll have that Sally Field moment of astonishment: "I'm doing this! I'm really doing this!"
The one problem I had wasn't really the author's fault: battling the squirmy, springy circular needles. If they had been made of silk cord instead of adversarial plastic, I'd have been done in half the time; they are honestly the reason I haven't become virtually a little sock factory this winter. I've since been hunting for less aggressive body in a circular needle and found that the more costly, the more supple the line, but none of them are much different. By accident I did make a discovery that really simplifies the learning curve on the cast-on process and your first pair of socks by this method: use two different-colored needles. At least the tips, and if possible, the line as well. At that point, all you have to do is chant to yourself, "Pink goes to pink..." It also helps you see the two separate circles more clearly I'm surprised that neither she nor any of the others recommend this assist.
The other thing that helped was supplementing the instructions with a couple of online videos. Cat Bordhi's demonstration was very good, although her playful mixed metaphors were maddening, and I found a few others by various charitable knitters demonstrating how the whole assembly should look. If you're on the right track, it's reassuring; if you're not, they can straighten you out.
As for the sock patterns: well...they're fine. They work, they're simple, even the lacy ones. I actually sent my demo pair (which I had counted on unraveling mercilessly) to my sister. I happen to think they're all a little too similar in style, and some of them are completely plain in order to show off expensive branded yarn, such as a self-striper. I don't really consider that fair play unless the book is actually published by a yarn company and says so big 'n' bold upfront; knitting is already on the way to becoming a "rich girl's game," and I hate to see it happening. In my opinion, every honest knitting pattern should contain clear alternatives for non-branded yarn.
Is the book worth the non-insubstantial cost? I don't know. Look at it in a bookstore or library before you decide. I'm not sorry I bought it, because I just didn't want to wait any longer to get started. I suspect the information is available plenty of other ways, but her teaching method was clean and clear and it taught me, and knowing the technique is well worth the time.
- This book is well done in the fact that it gives you photos of step by step instructions. I tried this method and decided that it wasn't for me. I didn't like having to deal with the two balls of yarn which can get tangled up easily and your always having to deal with that which can be irritating. I think it is a great concept if you can manage the two balls of yarn in an orderly manner. I may decide to try this method again down the road when I have plenty of time to devote to learning it. Right now (as a beginning knitter) I find the double pointed needles method easier.
- I like this book a lot. I am a beginner to knitting socks, but this book very completely explains the 2 circ technique. I got it months ago, and never did make a sock (or two) but i have since knit more hats than i can remember, using the technique. NO DPNS for me ;-) i love it. Once you get the technique in your head, it is easy and makes total sense, so stick with it, even if it seems fussy at first.
Nice patterns too. great choice for circ needle sock knitting.
BTW< as i said, i have not made a sock yet. so i can't say how good the instructions
are for heels, etc, but i will say this - they are very detailed in the sample sock. The instructions take you step by step through the whole sock, so i think they are very good.
Note that this is only for knitting socks on 2 circs from the top down, Not one long circ (magic loop) and there are no toe-up socks, that is her second book. (which also has top down socks, i have both books) I mention this becuase when i was looking for sock books, it was so hard to discern what sort of technique/tools the patterns used!!
whenever i get the time (i have 3 little kids) to knit socks, i will probably start with one at a time, then go to 2 at a time. Not that 2 at a time seems more difficult it is just that i really weant to make at least one sock for practice. Then i will go to 2 at a time right away. it is not difficult at all (this book really walks you through it well), i have like 4 sets of 2 cuffs on various needles, lol, just no time to finish them!
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Claudia Clark Myers. By C&T Publishing.
The regular list price is $28.95.
Sells new for $17.75.
There are some available for $17.75.
Read more...
Purchase Information
5 comments about A Passion for Piecing: Breathtaking Quilts from Easy Paper-Pieced Units; 16 Projects + Award-Winning Quilts.
- I was in the midst of working on two quilts when Claudia's book arrived. One was totally in the design stage and the other was a "design-as-you-sew"-type quilt. I was trying to work out some design issues, and "Voila!' the answers were in this wonderful book.
Not only are the intricacies of paper-piecing well explained, with photographs, but the inspiration for combining patterns and creating something new comes flying off the pages.
This book will be a valuable resource for me for a long time to come.
- This book is a must-have for any quilter's library. It is full of wonderful projects that will appeal to the beginning as well as advanced quilter. With easy to understand instructions on paper piecing, advice on color and fabric selections, and so many beautiful quilts to feast your eyes upon, what more can a quilter ask for?! What a great Christmas gift for yourself or your favorite quilter!!
Marilyn - St. George, Utah
- I have been a fan of Claudia's work ever since purchasing another quilt book that contained her Moonshine quilt so I have been anxiously waiting for this book to be published. I have not been disappointed. It contains patterns for 16 quilts but in addition what I particularly like are her hints for selecting fabrics, even organizing your sewing area to make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Sounds mundane but I kept thinking, now why didn't I think of that. I've been a quilter for almost 40 years and many of her tips are ones that I've never seen before. And the quilts are stunning and certainly out of the ordinary. She encourages the quilter to try his/her own arrangement of the basic blocks, to experiment. Although I have not yet tried any of the quilts from this book I'm assuming that her attention to detail will be carried over into the instructions and patterns themselves. This book will be in your library forever and you won't end up regretting its purchase.
- This book by Claudia Clark Myers is the best quilt and design book to come down the pike in a very long time. I have far too many books in my quilt library, and had sworn to downsize. I realized that many of the new books on the market are repeats of what I already have. I have always admired Ms. Myers work, and was excited to see that she had written a book.
I was definitely NOT disappointed. This book is fresh, exciting, and packed with beautiful pictures and galleries, and the instructions and tips are superb. Claudia comes from a background of costume designing, and it shows in her work and instruction. Her method is paper piecing, enabling the quilter to obtain perfect results. Even though it has 16 projects, it isn't merely a pattern book. It encourages the quilter to explore her/his own style and design sensibility. It is loaded with ideas and inspiration. I can say that it truly is a cut above most of the new quilt books I am seeing on the market today.
Do you want to move your quilting up to a new level? Do you love traditional, but want to breathe new life into it? Do you want to move into art quilting? Do you want to find your own style and signature? If so, this book is for you. It is suitable for all levels of adventurous quilting. This talented quilter has mastered not only her craft/art/talent, but also mastered the ability to show and encourage us how to do it.
At a time when I decided to be very mindful of the money I spend on quilting books, I can say that this book gives me more than my money's worth.
Thanks, Claudia.
- What a beautiful book ! I am a paper-piecer, and this book just takes it to another level. The quilts range from fairly simple to challenging , but the instructions are easy to follow and with the foundations provided will make it fun to try a couple at least.
The colors and quilts are fun to just look at and covet. All in all, a great book for a quilter of any level - it will inspire for sure!
Read more...
Posted in Crafts and Hobbies (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)
Written by Beth Ferrier. By C&T Publishing.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $15.42.
There are some available for $15.42.
Read more...
Purchase Information
3 comments about More! Hand Applique by Machine: 9 Quilt Projects, Updated Techniques, Needle-Turn Results Without Handwork.
- Great follow-up to Beth Ferrier's first Hand Applique by Machine book. I took a class from her recently and she showed us some of these tricks. Especially love the cats and dogs.
- Wonderful techniques. Written and picture directions are clear and easy to follow. If your a beginner or an experienced applique quilter, then this book is for you.
- love the new use of the washaway product. makes applique` even better. improves beth's method, altho i didn't think it could be. beth is a super teacher in person or in print! great book.
audrey v. michigan USA
Read more...
|