5 comments about 200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave.

1. If you want to make some marvellous braids, this book is made for you !
   
   The book is divided into 2 parts : technique and patterns.
   
   Technique : you will find 87 pages of explanation for "twisting", "knotting", "interlooping", "weaving", "braiding" and "ply-split darning" techniques, and explanation for beginning and stopping your braid, and use beads.
   All techniques are well illustrated to help us understanding explanation !
   
   In the second part, you will find 200 patterns, classified by technique.
   
   To sum up : a book full of technique and patterns !



2. Let me preface my review by stating that I am a professional artist. I am always looking to expand my creative vocabulary and decided to explore the art of braiding.
   
   This is a beautifully designed, well written guide to braiding for the novice. The step by step photos and clear instructions had me knocking out braids left and right. It's a real page turner. So imagine my dismay when I turned page 107 to discover that I had finished Section One and the new technique tutorials were over. I counted approximately 25 braiding techniques plus finishing instructions.
   
   Section Two - "The Braid and Trim Collection" is just that; a gallery of examples of each of the previously taught techniques. Each of these images includes a list or diagram of the materials used so that you can replicate the braid. I was expecting another 125 NEW braiding techniques instead of more than 125 pages of variations on a theme. Hence the disappointment.
   
   I was not looking for a pattern book. As inspiring as the braids in Section Two are, I feel that a much smaller sampling of what can be achieved by varying materials would have sufficed.



3. The book is packed with beautiful color illustrations showing step-by-step how to perform a particular feat. The only thing that has a down-fall with this product is the binding. The pages take a little effort to turn correctly.



4. I bought this book originally when I was looking for kumihimo books. Although it really isn't a kumihino book, I have found it to be a great resource. It's filled with examples of braids that can be created using a variety of techniques - weaving, macrame (knotting), twisting, and looping to name a few - and the photos are terrific.
   
   In addition to a fairly extensive section that provides an overview of the techniques covered and includes a lot of step-by-step photos, there are pages and pages of glorious color photos of a large number of cords created using the various techniques discussed. Another plus - a section on including beads in the cord and a section on finishing techniques.
   
   I highly recommend this book - it has endless uses are a reference.



5. Fantastic clear instructions for all of the basic ways to do the braids, twists, knots, loops and weaves. Then you can create the 200 examples, in total, that the author shows you. The information includes how the techniques look using different materials. The book is a very good reference for making all sorts of cords for interior decorating, jewelry, sewing and all forms of handiwork. All instructions and work are shown in color. Also the book is spiral bound in order to stay flat for easy use.

No comments about The Best of Card Creations (Leisure Arts #5278).

5 comments about Amigurumi Knits: Patterns for 20 Cute Mini Knits.

1. Like the majority of the reviewers, I love this book as well. I would like to add that I DO NOT have years & years of knitting experience either. I've only really been knitting for the past 2 & 1/2 years & I bought this book a little over a year ago. I have since made just about every creature in here at least once (I have made zero of the vegetables though). I personally, have had very little difficulty with any of the patterns I've made from this book, and yes there are a few minor mistakes in a couple of the patterns, but I never had any trouble spotting them & fixing it. The author does an excellent job explaining all the stitches & techniques in the beginning of the book. I had never worked in short rows before, but after reading her very clear instructions I was able to knit them up like an old pro. I've given many of these critters as gifts to folks ranging from infants to 40+ year olds & everyone loves them. Excellent, excellent book. I just wish the author would either print a second book or open her Etsy store back up so folks would have access to more of her awesome critters.



2. I love this book! I've made the peas, hermit crab, octopus, and jellyfish. I have been knitting for about seven years and found the patterns to be challenging and informative. Singh uses a lot of full color photographs to aid her patterns and they all turn out looking so life-like and endearing. I find it interesting how much she knows about the creatures and veggies and she uses biological terms in her knitting patterns which is fun and informative. I would caution a very beginning knitter against this if they want to do the more complicated patterns, but after a little practice with intermediate projects, this book is very easy to understand and execute and the difficulty of her patterns leads to the creatures being more life like. Highly recommended!



3. I've made 3 toys from the patterns (anglerfish, jellyfish, eggplant) so perhaps my judgment is skewed, but after reviewing all patterns: I think that even simpler patterns probably require a little bit more experience knitting/reading patterns. What's really helpful is being able to "read" your stitches, too- there are so many rows that it's easy to lose your place.
   
   Having said that, what's here is a lot of fun and very quick to knit up. It's nice to see not only a knitting alternative to the zillions of crochet amigurumi books out there, but one that's also a little more interesting. How many other books would have a praying mantis pattern!?



4. I am continually amazed and impressed with the way Hansi Singh sculpts with yarn. Her creations are so lifelike, and while they are certainly challenging, they're not as impossible as they look. You will learn so much about knitting challenging yourself with Hansi's patterns, and these make wonderful gifts. I love that someone out there is also obsessed with knitting sea creatures. I hope she keeps it up!



5. I was so excited when I found this book- the creatures look so cute! I couldn't wait to get it in the mail. The patterns look fairly easy but I haven't looked at them too closely because every pattern you have to knit in the round. It would've been nice to know before I bought it that all these things are made by knitting in the round. Something which I as of yet cannot do. I probably would've waited to buy it until I learned how to knit in the round but I'm still excited to give it a go after I've had some practice. A really big plus is the same size needles are used for every project so you don't have to buy a million different sized needles.

4 comments about Scandinavian Needlecraft: 35 Step-by-step Projects to Create the Scandinavian Home.

1. Interesting projects for Scandinavian inspired stitching. I will probably actually make a few of these.



2. I LOVE this book.
   I LOVE the pictures.
   I LOVE the projects.
   I made the first embroidered bag.
   Modestly challenging but really good directions.
   I had to double my felt because I couldn't find felt thick enough but it worked out well because the second layer covers the back of the embroidery.
   LOVED the finished project.
   I can't wait to work on more!



3. I cannot wait to buy this book. It is beautiful and all the stitches appear to be uncomplicated. Basic embroidery stitches put together in coordinating colors create items that give a look much more complex than they are. I am actually purchasing this for my 9yr old because I think the patterns are something even a child can do, while adults will enjoy the history and the intricacy of the patterns.
   
   The items are fun and pretty--pillows, a bag, even a Dala horse that could be used as an ornament. Most of the items are small to medium size (ie: no wall hangings, etc) as seen in most craft books these days.
   
   If you are a fan of Jan Brett's Christmas books you will like this book even more.



4. I am new at working with felt and recycling felt into new items! I saw this book and new that it would have the inspiration and instructions for me to create an infinite array of items! And it has met every expectation and then some! I love it!

5 comments about Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn.

1. I placed my order, and it came right away, and was in good condition and was just what I ordered.



2. This book has a lot of valuable information. It is by no means the be-all, end-all of spinning books.
   
   Some things are glossed over, like how to pre-draft fiber, and its importance. I would suggest using this book in conjunction with another book or have someone show you the basics if you are absolutely clueless about spinning.



3. It is what it says everything one needs to know, from this one can go on to more things with yarn. Well worth the price. This came highly recommend from spinners to get started. Recommend that one read the complete book before you start to spin. Author knows how to get the information across.



4. I am a beginning spinner...been spinning a bit every day for over a month now. I checked out every book that I could find and "Start Spinning" is the best by far: comfortable writing style, clear directions for everything, loads of clear photo illustrations, instruction on all the stages of preparation, spinning on a drop spindle or wheel, and finishing techniques. Enjoyable and comprehensive and a huge help. I have the good fortune to have some excellent instructors and still found this book invaluable.



5. This is a superior book for the experienced spinner who never had hands-on lessons, or any other instruction. I've been spinning for 24 years and finally understand how and why to draft a certain way, how to control the type and size yarn I want to make, and improved methods of plying. There is a science to all of this, and it's nice to have this excellent reference for getting the job done. I've always wanted to make the yarn for the garment, rather than finding a garment for the yarn I made. Now I believe I can! This book also had less wasted space on drop spindles and types of fibers. Good detailed explanation on the differences in woolen and worsted methods as well as combinations of methods. Very good information on the why and how of plying. Excellent photographs showing close-up detail of drawing methods, manipulating fibers with hands, and .... everything. Lots of excellent photos. As direct result of the two books I purchased at the same time, I bought a McMorran yarn balance to better determine my yardage. This will be my go-to book when spinning, with the other as a back-up.

5 comments about The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide: Troubleshooting for Any Overlock Brand or Model (Creative Machine Arts Series).

1. This book goes over what can go wrong when you serge--and it has lots of advice on making it go right. As an example, I was relearning my serger after a long hiatus. I had forgotten a lot of how to use the machine. At one point, I started to hear a loud "clack" when I stitched. The book let me know that a burred or dull needle will make a rhythmic clicking or clacking sound as it pulls up from the fabric. I changed the needle and the old needle did indeed have a burr on the end--I could feel it when I ran my finger down the point. If you are trying to get your rolled hems perfect or prevent loopy edges or any other number of issues that sergers can have, this is your guide.



2. This book is the best I hae found for trouble shooting the serge. I teach sewing, this has been a great help to show my students.



3. I got my new Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 a while ago, and was totally new to using sergers. I had one Norwegian book about using a serger, but real soon found that it was way too limited (most of it was description of projects), so I went on Amazon, thinking that my best bet would be to find some English language books. I am the type that really like to understand how an item works and functions, and I want to get the most out of it. I also want my sewing projects to have a perfect, professional looking finish.
   
   I soon found out that there are quite a few books that has real good reviews, but finally decided that my choice would be Serger Secrets: High-Fashion Techniques for Creating Great-Looking Clothes. But, initially I did feel quite intimidated, thinking that it would be quite a challenge to learn how to use and understand this machine which is so different and much more complicated than an ordinary sewing machine. One of my greatest fears was that I wouldn't be able to handle challenges that arise, e.g. when things don't go as they should. After looking around, I found out that this book would be my best bet. The book covers a lot of brands of sergers, but the book was published already in 1996, so it is quite a lot older than my serger. But I soon found that it really didn't matter. I think it is wonderful how one chapter of the book covers "insider insights", brand specific serger information, for most of the serger brands (Babylock, Bernina/Bernette/Funlock, Brother/Homelock, Elna/Elnalock, Juki, Necchi/Allyn Int'l, Janome/New Home/MyLock, Pfaff/Hobbylock, Singer/Quantumlock/Ultralock, Husqvarna Viking/Huskylock and White/Speedylock/Superlock - it is quite an extensive list). The rest of the book describes problems which are general and valid no matter which serger you have. Most things are general, one serger is much like another for most things, I think. Sure new features come each year, but their general parts are mostly the same and works the same, so problem solving will be the same for the most part and even if you own a newer model of some serger (e.g. like me), you'll soon find that you find solutions to most things in the book. The features that are more new and modern is mostly covered in the instructions manual. E.g. my serger is computerized, it will tell me which tension to use etc., but despite this, the tension itself, the loopers and needles work just as on an older or more simple serger. Every time I have had a little problem, I have just gone straight to this book and found the problem in question. When you look up a challenge you're facing, the book lists several possible things which may cause it, and I have found that normally the first one on the list will make the problem disappear, like magic! I just love this book, saves me a lot of frustrations and trial and error to figure out problems! This book and Serger Secrets really has given me the confidence needed to throw myself into making things I haven't done before using techniques new to me. I am having lots of fun with all the options my fantastic high end serger has!
   
   Actually I think that all sergers should come with a copy of this book, as all these small things that may cause you problems, may turn people off from learning to master these wonderful machines that makes your project look like made by professionals. It is easy to give up when you face challenges if you consider yourself a not too tech savvy person, but having this book sure makes a huge difference! For that reason, I can't recommend this book enough! I think it is a must-have!
   
   There is one thing I have to make clear though - This book is not the book you turn to in order to learn how to use the serger and techniques used to get the results you want though, which is why I really think it is perfect to be paired up with Serger Secrets! If you want to look more at Serger Secrets before deciding if you want to buy it, you can find it on Google Books (quite a bit of it can be read there, so you can get a real preview of how useful it is, but you still need to buy it to really enjoy it). This book however, is my troubleshooting reference, when I have a problem, this is the one to turn to! I don't even bother to try to find the problem in my instructions manual, as this book is way better, easier to use and lists many things it sure isn't easy to imagine yourself, e.g. how adding something as simple as a thread net may be 100% necessary to get the stitches to form on some fabrics/threads, while you in some other cases need to remove the nets if you have them on... Many such small things which makes a huge difference in your every day use of your serger!
   
   The book has "Look inside!", so take a look at the contents at the front of the book as well as the index at the back of the book - it has both, so it is easy to get an overview of what the book covers as well as look up a specific problem when it arise, using the alphabetical index. This book is very reasonable, the Amazon price is around $11 at the time and it is also available new/used from affiliate sellers from approx $7. You sure get a lot for your money!
   
   After initially buying the two books mentioned, I chose to add a third book which I just love too, a book specifically about sewing with knits and techniques used to get professional results: (ADD PRODUCT LINK TO SINGER SEWING WITH KNITS HERE) It is amazing how this wonderful book is available from $0.91! I bought my copy listed as used at $0.99 from an Amazon affiliate seller, but when it arrived, it was brand new. I soon found that this too, just like Serger Secrets, is filled with large amounts of wonderful, high quality pictures that makes it very easy to learn the different techniques described. These three books form a wonderful trio for me - they are all so helpful and that at a very reasonable price! I have added my reviews on all three, since they're all older books, which may make some buyers skeptic, and I really want to add my view on this, I find that it has been no problem for me, I feel no need to get newer and more up-to-date books as the ones I got, cover everything I need!



4. My wife needed a general book to trouble shoot her serger. Since this book is not brand specific, it is good for any Serger. My wife was able to trouble shoot her serger and make the necessary adjustments to get it working just like new. It covers most problems you might encounter and tells how to fix it. It is also good for general maintenance of your machine.



5. I just bought a new serger and need help in using it. This book has a multitude of color photos that helps with correct and incorrect stitch tension and other problem solving informatin as well as detailed information of which threads need adjusting as well as oiling information on several select machines. A great companion to the owners manual of my new machine.

5 comments about 1,000 Artisan Textiles: Contemporary Fiber Art, Quilts, and Wearables.

1. This book is really good for inspiration. The book is primarily pictures with a short (very short) description of materials used in the back. I wish that part was more flushed out but still a great book!!



2. This book does not have 1000 different artisan textiles as teh title states. It has 1000 PHOTOS of artisan textiles, but nearly 1/5 of the photos are detail shots of a larger piece, shown in its entirety. I'm not knocking the book at all - it's beautiful! But the title is misleading. The work and the photos represented will offer inspiration and reference to any textile lover for years to come.



3. This book gives you beautiful photos of wearable arts and fiber pieces.
   If you are looking for inspirations I would recommend this book.



4. An inspiring compilation of current work by women.
   An eye-opener into the contemporary art scene.



5. I stumbled upon this book recently and am thinking I am going to need a bigger purse so I can lug it around with me. Although I am most interested in a particular textile group, I am finding myself attracted to works in every category represented.
   
   It's terrific that they've included websites for each of the artists in the index so you can view more of their work on line too.

5 comments about Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo.

1. This book is very well made. Step-by-step pictures and well-designed diagrams complement the clearly articulated instructions, and the format lends itself to quickly moving beyond the material in the book and towards personal experimentation. I also really like the spiral-bound format, built to lay flat on any page and allowing you to practice this craft with the book open at your side.



2. I have 2 other books on Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey and have been working with beads in kumihimo for several years. I especially like this book because it is a great size for taking with you, yet it has a lot of information. It's is a great book for both beginners and advanced "kumihimoers." I also recommend getting Jacqui's first book on Kumihimo.



3. This book is a very good example of the various methods of working with kumihimo, the Japanese form of braiding. The procedures are well explained with excellent photos to accompany the explanations.



4. Excellent book. Good, basic instructions, easy to follow. The best part is the spiral bound and small size. Makes it easier to deal with while using a marudi.



5. Unless you absolutely NEED a spiral bound copy of the book, don't bother. It's an almost exact copy (some images are moved about for space on the pages and the numbers don't EXACTLY correspond ie-pg. 30 is not the same in both books) of the "Beginner's guide to Braiding, The Craft of Kumihimo" Beginner's Guide to Braiding: The craft of Kumihimo published in 1997 in Britain and later in the US.
   
   The reviews listed below the book now, were NOT there when this book became available for preorder (I placed my preorder in January 2009). Had they been, I could have surmised that this book was a reprint of a 1997 edition based on the ages of the reviews.. I really dislike the fact that the book has been retitled, giving no indication of its previous title, nor any reference to the other ISBN.
   
   When I placed my preorder on this book, Ms. Carey had NO information about this incarnation of this edition, no mention that this was a reprinted/rebound copy of an earlier book, on her website. I -love- her books, they're outstanding, but how many copies of one book do I REALLY require on my shelf or on my workbench? In addition, Amazon did not have any further information indicating it was a reprint either.
   
   Ms. Carey has done this with another book as well "200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop or Weave" (published in the US in 2007, Interweave Press 200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave) and "The Braider's Bible" (published in Britain in 2007, Search Press Ltd.The Braider's Bible).
   
   Not at all fun to realize that the book you purchased, believing it was a UK-Only edition, is actually a copy of what you already had on the shelf. And because it came from the UK, I cannot easily return it (I'd end up spending enough to purchase the book between the original shipping and return shipping).
   
   While I understand that Amazon may not know that these are the exact same books, I do expect the publisher and ESPECIALLY the author, to note that they are exact copies of each book, just rebound with a DIFFERENT TITLE, ISBN and different cover.
   
   The book is beautiful, and if you find that you need a spiral copy of "Beginner's guide to Braiding, The Craft of Kumihimo" 1997, great! At least go into this and spend your money on something knowing what it was originally packaged as. It gets a 1-star for lack of disclosure and reference to a prior edition.
   
   PLEASE NOTE: I rated the spiral bound edition of Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo, but because they've now linked BOTH titles, it shows up as a bad review of the Beginner's Guide to Braiding: The craft of Kumihimo, which was absolutely NOT my intent. My review ONLY concerns the spiral-bound, newly retitled and newly re-released copy of Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo.

5 comments about Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques.

1. This is a wonderful guide to creating little felted critters. Good photos and excellent descriptions. I like the time spent with laying out materials and even measuring how much wool to use. I also like the suggestion of how to make the legs by wrapping thread. I can tell I will be spending time with this book when the weather gets nasty.
   The only thing that would make it better: a spiral spine so that it can be opened and lay flat for reference while felting.



2. I previewed this book at a bookstore and found both the step-by-step photos and directions lacking in information. For example, it does not explain how you connect a head to a body or how you get the coat of the animal to look seamless or create features. I am glad I did not buy it.



3. This book is so cute and sweet. The directions are clear and easy to follow and the suggested projects are perfect for children to follow too!



4. Great book easy to follow instructions both written and picture.
   
   Will certainly look for more lkie this one.
   
   Rgds
   Lesley



5. 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!

5 comments about Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style.

1. Let me begin by saying that I am a self taught intermediate level sewer. The book was beautifully photographed and well written but I found most of the patterns a little bit too complicated and time consuming. I made the t-shirt corset on pg 155 first, using an old t-shirt of my husbands and hand sewing- it took about 6 hours from start to finish and it didn't turn out well enough to wear. I found the exposed seams looked a little sloppy and 'homemade' but not in a good way. Next I tried the reverse applique corset, it took 3 hours just to make the all over stencil and the finished product looked primitive, not couture. I don't think you could really use old t-shirts to make the skirts unless you are very small, I am a size 10 and couldn't find enough matching t's to complete the pattern. Maybe a more experienced sewer could make these patterns work but I found them all a bit too tedious.



2. I am a total novice (or was when I picked up this book a few weeks ago) and found it to be both inspirational and instructive. I read it on a Monday and finished my first project (the reverse applique bandana) by Thursday. If you like the "unfinished" aesthetic of the pieces, you're almost guaranteed to be happy with the results, as any minor imperfections will not detract from the overall look.
   
   It inspired me to get into hand-sewing even as I'm learning machine-sewing, and gave me courage to experiment a bit with making my own patterns.
   
   Enthusiastically recommended.



3. Wonderful book, great eye-candy and the patterns really work! I made the corset top from a t-shirt right away (you DO need x-large t-shirts for the fabric) It fit great, was really fun to make and came out well. I agree nice cotton knit fabric is hard to find, and it is tricky to hit the jackpot at Goodwill for multiple t-shirts, but I did score 4 x-l cotton t-shirts at a local outlet for $2.99 each, all the same color, so my next project is a skirt.



4. This book opened new doors of creativity and inspiration for me. I used to want to sew clothes but the typical patterns seemed so fussy and tight. Finding this book helped me see that the actual pattern for the clothing could be simple and your own creativity and design sensibility could be what makes the piece fly! I feel liberated by the style and techniques in this book - I hate to stop working on the project that I currently have underway.



5. This book inspired me with new ideas, especially about working with recycled T Shirts, which I have been doing. The methods she has created could be used in other ways, you could personalize them. There is one part of the instructions
   that I can't completely make sense of, maybe just me, the rest are good.