5 comments about Hooked Hats: 20 Easy Crochet Projects.

1. Product was in condition and the turn around time was great. Would definitely purchase from this seller again.



2. I found the patterns for the projects in this book easy to follow which I really appreciate because I am new to crochet. I would recommend this book to my friends.



3. This book is loaded with bright and colorful pictures on every page and yield very nice detailed instructions with pictures of stitches so most anyone can understand and complete the projects effortlessly.
   
   I would have given this book an A, but couldn't because some of the hats were down right ridiculous and a few of the hat projects looked similar to other ones in the book. However, there are not only hats for women but also small children and men.
   
   So, I guess for a beginner - this is a good place to start.



4. I bought this book because my granddaughter wanted a hat she saw on line which was cute, but too expensive for me. I have never crocheted hats before and the instructions were easy to follow. I made 6 hats in a week, and I plan to make more. Enjoy the book.



5. A friend and I went to New York City and she saw a basket-weave patterned hat which she loved. (There is a similar stitch pattern in the Throws book.) I told her I could make one similar for much less. I made her the Summer Breeze Brimmed Hat, and then made an identical one for her daughter and an alpaca version for my daughter. I have three more hats "on order," and would also like to make one for me. It was a very easy hat to make and had a different look depending on what type of yarn was chosen. The author is very thoughtful about including stitch explanations and other crochet definitions, and the photos are great. Beginners should find all of her books easy and very helpful.

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

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



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



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

3 comments about Cross Stitch Art Nouveau.

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



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



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

5 comments about Indygo Junction's Needle Felting: 22 Stylish Projects for Home & Fashion.

1. I bought this book specifically for the instruction to Tangled Scarf. Now that I have it, I like every single project in the book. I don't think I own a single other craft book that I can say that about. The Plaid Mittens (not very useful in Florida, unfortunately) look like so much fun to make and wear. Maybe I'll make a set and line them for oven mitts. The Fern Pillow is simple, understated and gorgeous.
   
   Right now is the perfect time to try needle felting, with supplies being generally available in craft and sewing stores. This is the book you want to go along with your new supplies.



2. I really enjoyed this book and I still refer to it to help me with my needle felting projects. The pictures are wonderful and very easy to follow; clear and precise instructions. I highly recommend.



3. I will enjoy this book for a long time. It gives me the help I need as a beginner, and has more challenging projects as well.



4. I really enjoyed this book. It was well illustrated with color photos and the instructions were very clear. As a novice to this technique it has helped me get started and I will refer back to this book often as I explore this medium. There are lots of really creative and fun ideas that can be adapted to any number of projects. The button project is such fun and will make a wonderful addition to any ready to wear or handmade garment. Needlefelting was the "hot" thing at the Houston Quilt Festival this year and I am glad that I have a head start on learning this fun technique.



5. I waited months for this book...should have just looked at it at Borders and walked. The pictures are nice, ideas are somewhat "crafty" creative, but it totally lacked the true art of needle felting in my opinion. She used purchase felt in alot of the applications. She has a gallery of nice pics in the back of the book, but I was not inspired. Most of the technique info she used in the book is available on the internet. The author was lucky to have a few contributing artist help her with this book, because her projects were basically elementary. Maybe my expectations were high, but just look at the cover, and it does tell you where this is going. (Live and learn) More yarn and purchased wool felt than start from scratch roving techniques, but someone else might be into that. If you looking for a good needlefelting book using roving and being creative from scratch, look elsewhere.

5 comments about A Perfect World in Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork.

1. I received my book quickly and in great condition. I'm always pleased with service from Amazon.



2. I love all of her books however this is a favorite. Beautiful work and wonderfully illustrated to easily create for yourself.



3. Just a wonderful challenging project. I finished the RES project and this one is a must companion piece.



4. This is a GREAT book whether you are a beginner or a more advanced stitcher.With all due respect, I must disagree with Cynthia McCorkle's review. The book is quite different from the earlier one. Here are a few techniques not included in the earlier book: the flowers are different, the moth's wings, the organza petals of the Poppy, the silk petals of the Protea and the Waterlily, the barbola work on the Strelitzia flower, a new way to make the Roses and the loose petals of the Cosmos flower( on the cover of the book). I learned a lot of new techniques in this book. I have not only used some of the ideas to embellish my many needlepoint projects, but also enhanced my handmade greeting cards and my scrapbooks. I really like the clarity of the instructions, too!



5. I purchased this book for a present for a friend, who is a vastly more experienced embroiderer, than myself.But first, I had the delight of looking at the book myself,I was bowled over by the delightful mixter of animals and plants,and only wish I could be that skilled. When I gave it to my friend she was equally delighted so you have 2 satisfied custumers.Jillian

5 comments about Thread Painting: Simple Techniques to Add Texture and Dimension.

1. I just read the book. I have not tried it yet. It looks like a very exciting book.Jean



2. This is not a book for a beginner. I have been sewing for many years but am having trouble with this skill. The book makes it look so easy yet even with practicing I am no where near having something that looks decent. I will keep practicing because I like the look and hope I can get to a level that is passable.



3. I am always interested in Thread Painting and one day I will devote me to trying this faboulous art. This book is inspiring me to being NOW.



4. Although I love the cat instructions, I found nothing else in the book that was good for me. I didn't like that it has all clothing things to make and not nice scenic or more animals, or even some flowers.
   Very disappointing book for me.



5. Kudos to Leni for her book. I have bought a panel and started thread painting. It is great. I am finally an artist.

5 comments about The Art of Stitching on Metal.

1. I refer to this book time and time again. Not only do I adore the luscious pictures and the creative pieces, but I love the process. After receiving this book and reading it - which I did immediately upon receipt - I had to buy metal. Metal, metal, metal. I bought several different weights. Different colors. Different finishes. I just needed metal.
   
   It took a little time for me to get used to the idea of actually sewing on metal - and not freaking out every time I lowered the needle down. But'cha know what? It didn't damage my machine or any needles!
   
   I've got to say, I'm hooked. Ann Parr has found a loyal follower - and I don't see that changing. Her work is amazing, the photos are excellent, the instructions are clear. An absolute, definite MUST for anyone who likes metal. If Ann Parr and Margaret Beal were to ever make something together, you may as well hang it up. I'd be in absolute heaven!
   
   A+++++



2. Absolutely the best - very well written with wonderful examples that are quite doable for any art quilter. I've tried several examples pieces successfully and with all of the information provided by the author am assured of good results in adding metal to my art quilts by using my sewing machine. I already knew that I could hand sew metal - but just didn't realize how easy it would be to attach metal using an ordinary sewing machine.



3. If you want to find new and innovative ways to add metal to your work then you need this book. Ann Parr has taken the art of incorporating metal to fiber and mixed-media pieces to a new level. She covers everything from types of metals, fabrics and finishes and wires and threads to heating; using corrosive substances and adding texture to metal. You'll learn how to add color, foiling, embossing powder, glitter and webbing spray. Then work your way through the stitching section of this book and discover methods for adding straight and free-motion stitches while you create projects like broaches, boxes and bookmarks. Use decorative, automatic machine stitches to create additional surface effects on an embroidered cuff and use woven strips of metal to create a quirky metal doll. Other projects include greeting cards, woven panels and beads.
   
   Directions are clearly written, easy to follow and have full-color photo illustrations. It's impossible not to be inspired by the beautifully photographed, finished projects in this book. A must-have for any mixed-media, paper or fiber artist who wants to explore working with metal.



4. I am interested in learning to work with metal for my art quilts and this book is a great resource. I've read it twice, and refer to it as I begin each of my experiments. Ann Parr's writing is clear and easy to follow, and she covers everything from supplies to exciting inspiration pieces. An added plus is each finished piece she shows has discussion of the techniques she used, not just pretty pictures to admire. My only criticism is she doesn't have resources to obtain some of the special materials she uses, but since the book was printed in Britain, I guess it would have been difficult to list resources for the U.S. too.



5. It is the most beautiful, visually inspiring book and it has so many great idea's in it for cards, journals, quilts etc....it is so much more than the title would suggest and if you love metal, or sewing, or fabric or just want to try something new with your fibers this is the book for you :) I am so happy I got it - it is so worth the price! Thank you Ann for all these wonderful idea's!!!

5 comments about An Encyclopedia of Crazy Quilt Stitches and Motifs (4178).

1. Everyone needs this book, it goes along with any quilt book...the instructions are easy to work out..I love it.



2. i bought this book as a gift for a friend. i have one of my own and enjoy it so much i knew she would like it also.



3. This is a wonderful soft covered book full of different kinds of embroidery stitches for those who love to hand sew. I bought the book for my daughter who loves my book and is always borrowing it. However, the book was supposed to be new. It had slightly worn edges and a bit of a tear on the spine. So I was disappointed as it's a birthday gift.



4. This book is great for beginner Crazy Quilters and embroiderers. Easy to follow diagrams and lots of ideas. Inspiring pictures. Good stitch refresher for everyone.



5. I bought this book first, and keep buying other ones that may be better. Don't! The Encyclopedia of Crazy Quilt Stitches is perfect, and I use it the most. It actually gives details rather than assuming you already have an idea of how to embroider. This book has all the basics, and is perfect for beginners or people like me, who forgot how. Once you get the hang of embroidery, you can create many variations just using one stitch. I wish it were spiral bound so the pages would stay open. If you are looking for a basic stitch guide, with complete easy to follow instructions--this one is for you.

4 comments about Beaded Felt Jewellery (Twenty to Make).

1. This book shows simple, beautiful beads made of felt, embroidery thread and small beads. I love it's conciseness. There are no wasteful chapters with useless information about the materials. Just pictures and simple instructions --no fluff.



2. If you love making your own beads with minimul supplies, this book is for you. I love that it's a compact size so I can slide into my purse for waiting room events. The pictures are gorgeous and the handmade beads are very clever and inexpensive to make. If you've ever done hand sewing you can make these great beads in very little time.



3. Got this book originally at the library. A good addition to the creative aspect of my "how-to" bookshelf. Especially good for jewelry makers looking to use other materials.It does not go into detail, so you need to think some of the projects through.



4. For such a relatively small book, it's certainly not small on great ideas! I just wish the publisher would add a list of materials suppliers. I own several books by this publisher. Not only are the published artists talented, but the ideas are really interesting. It's another good book for your library! It's one of those books that you look at and decide you can't wait to try out your own version of ideas!

5 comments about Follow-the-Line Quilting Designs, Vol. 2: Full-Size Patterns for Blocks and Borders.

1. A treasure of designs for designing your own quilt outlines.
   Takes the work out of planning your machine quilting design.



2. Mary M. Covey's FOLLOW-THE-LINE QUILTING DESIGNS V. 3: FULL-SIZE PATTERNS FOR BLOCKS AND BORDERS is not so much a book as a box of patterns for tracing, transferring and stitching, presented in full size for easy use. Twenty new pattern groups including designs for blocks, borders and setting triangles and can be used on a regular home sewing machine or by hand alike - as well as on a long-arm quilting machine for professionals. An outstanding, flexible guide.



3. I recently bought a long-arm so of course I "needed" more patterns. I bought her first and second book/box of patterns, and friends bought me this 3rd set. The border patterns work well as pantographs on the long-arm and there are matching "block" and "triangle" motifs for each design. Each one has a nice variety of patterns - curvey, geometric, for kids, floral, etc... This 3rd set is definetly more challenging than the previous sets.



4. Between the instructional booklet and all the patterns for quilting a quilt, you will have all the information you need to complete your quilt in FOLLOW-THE-LINE QUILTING DESIGNS. The booklet that comes with the patterns explains how the quilt designs are laid out and defines the markings found on each pattern.
   
   As any quilter knows, sizing patterns are not the easiest thing to do but Ms. Covey has provided areas where you can lengthen or shorten a pattern with ease. If that is not the option you want to take, you can use her suggested Quilter's Assistant Proportional Scale and then make photocopies to the size you want.
   
   Marking - which way to go. There are pens, pencils, tape, chalk or even a no-mark method. Read over the options and choose the one that works for the quilt you are doing. Don't forget the 3 B's of finishing ---- backing, batting and basting. The pages devoted to these will make this an easy job. And finally, will you quilt by hand, machine or long-arm? The suggestions given here will make this part of finishing the quilt easier too.
   
   The patterns come in a plasticized package. There are 19 designs from a farm to baby to geometric designs to name a few. You should be able to find one to fit the theme of your quilt. They come in corners, blocks and borders so every place you need a pattern, you will have one that is made for that area and since the designs are all in continuous-line motifs, you will not have to stop until you are finished! Happy Quilting.



5. I love this book. Though it's not really a book. Each of the patterns are a separate leaflet that fit inside the paper box package. I snipped the cellophane at the top of the package to keep the box sturdier. I really like that I don't have to mess with the bulk of a book. Also, for those who quilt professionally each of the patterns can be used up to 10 different times for retail without violating copyright. I found the patterns refreshing and different. Mary also shows you using numbers the direction to go. I especially found it helpful on the fan pattern, It made it so much more fluid. I will be recommending it to my machine quilting students. Excellent buy!