3 comments about Contemporary Crochet: 37 European Designs.

1. LOVED THIS BOOK. UP TO DATE PATTERNS FOR CROCHET.
   NOT GRANDMA'S OR EVEN MOM'S PATTERNS. WISH THERE
   WERE MORE BOOKS LIKE IT.
   
   MY ONLY PROBLEM WAS WHAT I FELT TO BE CONFUSION
   IN THE DIRECTIONS FOR A COUPLE OF THE ITEMS.
   YOU CAN MAKE IT OUT AFTER READING IT SEVERAL TIMES
   BUT I FELT THEY COULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN CLEARER OR
   HAD ADDITIONAL DIAGRAMS.



2. I received this book from a coworker as a gift. I was really excited to see the designs as some of them are great and very much contemporary fashion. The useful information page in the back is great as well with conversions to US size crochet hooks, and yarn weight. I have now made 3 of the patterns. The hat with brim, jaunty tam and sun hat. I was really excited for the patterns, but I was disappointed in the actual pattern writing. I have found mistakes in each pattern and have found the writing quite cryptic and difficult to understand. The sun hat did not turn into a hat as it was not decreased to the right shape, and instead created a ruffle like circle, the jaunty tam did not end up with a large enough top to be a tam, and the hat with brim had a brim that was impossible to follow and did not roll up as advertised, and required super bulky yarn rather than bulky weight. So, this is a great book to stimulate designs of your own, but the actual patterns are disappointing and incorrect.



3. I've searched through numerous crochet books and this one is amazing. From the project gallery in the front of the book to quickly guide you to a particular project, to the details on finished measurements, materials, gauge, stitch pattern, finishing and yes, SCHEMATICS - it's all there! I wish all crochet books included schematics and details such as this one. The designs are straightforward and have given me numerous ideas about creating my own designs. I have picked out several favorites that I can't wait to start. The designs are contemporary and definitely not the "old type" of crochet. If you're going to purchase just one crochet book for apparel, this would be my suggestion.

5 comments about Quilts from Grandmother's Garden: A Fresh Look at English Paper Piecing.

1. I have heard Great things from Janettes Book and I am making some of these items. The intstructions are Beautifully written.



2. very informative and provides a new look to english paper piecing.
   projects in book are beautiful.



3. This is a great book for learhing english paper piecing. They have many fun projects to try before tackleing a bigger quilt. My favorite book on the subject.



4. This book has got some really beautiful patterns. The only thing is it doesn't tell you the sequence of the hexagons to be sewn.



5. This is actually a great book. I think they should have been more up front about the fact that it's primarily for miniature quilts but all you have to do is use larger hexagons and simply follow the same designs which I found to be unique. Am working on a traditional Grandmother's Quilt currently but when completed will start on the one pictured on the cover only using 1 1/2" or maybe even 2" templates instead. The book is well layed out, quite explicit re technique and an all out fresh approach to using hexagons. It's GREAT piece work while watching TV.
   
   Yvonne.......New Carlisle, Ohio

5 comments about Long and Short Stitch Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers (Milner Craft Series).

1. Having never done hand embroidery before I was delighted to find that this book was aimed at both beginner and more experienced user. The lessons progressed in an easy way as each skill was learned. Loads of information, help, illustrations to take you every step of the way. I am now addicted to this lovely art.



2. Love the book, easy instructions and love all the projects in the book. Excellent book.



3. This is a wonderful book. full of beautiful flowers. The instructions are great and make me, a beginner know that I can do this! LOL You will not be disappointed.



4. I can't wait to do some of the projects in here. This book is truly beautiful and even if you do not avail yourself of the exercises, it is still excellent and worth owning!! Long and Short Stitch Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers (Milner Craft Series)



5. I have already started making one of the projects. Directions for shading could be better.

5 comments about English Crewel Designs: 16th to 18th Centuries (International Design Library).

1. May be considered a "duh" statement considering the title but having minimal experience with crewel work I didn't quite know what to expect. The lines in the patterns are very bold which will be helpful with tracing but makes the small details of the patterns appear chunky. I do like the floral designs as they represent what I had envisioned and I will use some of these - but I would have liked some suggestion of what stitches would work on a few of the designs. Perhaps this speaks more of me being a novice with regard to crewel work - If the reader is looking for any type of instruction or suggestion of stitches - you will not find that sort of thing here. This is exactly what the title says it is - DESIGNS only. I'm still satisfied with my purchase though.



2. For a very nominal price, this book is providing me with all the variations of English crewel work, with easy to follow pictures. I'd recommend it to anyone, beginner or advanced.



3. All the designs are black line drawings (good for tracing!) with some indication of stitches. If you go on the Internet you can find free books for downloading that have lots of similar pictures for free. It is nice though to have them in one book. I am not sorry I bought the book!
   Anna



4. This book has some beautiful things in it, I got the impression it also gave suggestions for what stitches to use but it doesn't. That aside, I'd buy it again in a heart beat.



5. This is a great book for anyone looking to re-create the flavor of late Elizabethan or early Jacobian crewel work. Many of the patterns could possibly be used for blackwork/whitework as well if you simplify them.
   
   Most of the patterns are fairly large and are well suited for wall-hangings, pillows or other larger projects.
   
   They are also useful for illumination work.

5 comments about Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Bowls: 5 Reversible Shapes to Use & Display (Fast, Fun & Easy).

1. I love fabrix. I like to sew. And I like to make things for people. This book provides an outlet to express myself in a way that I have never seen before. I have made numerous bowls from the instructions in this book and have received many compliments on the bowls. Everyone thinks this is a great idea and I like it because it is something new -- something few people in my social circle have tried. With very little fabric (2 fat quarters or some scraps fom quilting), you can make a wonderful gift for someone. The instructions are excellent with pictures to show every step. I just wish Timex (a fabric intrefacing/stabilizer) wasn't so expensive!



2. This book uses very clear instructions and has many illustrations to help. Making these bowls is very addictive!



3. Great instructions and pictures. Way too much fun to do!! I can highly recommend this book. We made custom bowls for Christmas and filled them with goodies, everyone loved them!
   Five Stars!



4. Before I bought this book, I did not realize that (a) you must know how to sew and (b) you must own a sewing machine before you can make a fabric bowl. I was extremely disappointed when I eagerly opened the book to find that sewing skills and a sewing machine are absolutely required - you cannot make a bowl without having both. I would never have purchased this book if the description had made it clear that sewing skills and a sewing machine are required. I did return this book.



5. This book is comprehensive. Lists everything you need and the instructions are great. If you are new to sewing like I am, take it slow and read the instructions carefully. Re-read if necessary. My bowls are improving with each new bowl I make.
   
   Those hard to buy for people will be easier with this gift idea.
   Have fun.

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 Weaving Without a Loom.

1. Interesting book, full of projects I'm likely to try. This one is a keeper and that comes from a weaver who has been at it for awhile



2. This book is a geat How-To-Book for beginners. Great projects that can be used; such as a shawl, hats, belts, several purses, decorative and household items. It provides really nice photographic and text instructions for paper samples, small size yarn practice samples in various weave styles and more. Very practical for the beginner and for teaching others.



3. It's a fun book. I bought it to find out whether I like weaving, without buying an expensive loom (I do.) I've only made 2 of the several projects, and they're definitely doable. What I have found is that the instructions are not quite as complete as one might wish; maybe she's relying on a person's common sense (!). Also, the weaving on a card is fun - but only after you make the card with the itty-bitty cuts - very tedious and sort of annoying. And one more thing: this is NOT weaving without a loom (except for the weaving sticks). It must be the marketing division who named the book without actually reading it. It's mostly weaving on several different homemade looms, one for each project.
   
   I don't care - it's still fun!



4. My mother was a remarkable artist and craftswoman, who taught herself how to spin and weave. I often wish I'd taken the time to sit with her and watch so that I might have learned, too, but as usual with adult children, I was too busy with my own life to do that. Since inheriting my mother's spinning wheel and table loom, however, I'm inspired to learn more. I decided to start with a survey of weaving techniques, and this book, Weaving without a Loom, by Veronica Burningham, seemed like a good place to start.
   
   I have to admit, it covers a little of everything and does so in a logical, practical style. Right from the beginning, the author has the reader working with paper weaving to familiarize with terms, procedures and end products. As many of you may recall from kindergarten and early grade school, paper weaving produced those placemats and baskets one made for Mother's Day and other similar holidays in "art" class. Beyond this, the reader also learns about "tabby" and "twill" weaving patterns and what happens with colors. In examining the book a little further, one also learns that the paper with the slots in it is a "warp," while the strips of paper (or ribbon) woven through it is a "weft." Technical terminology can't get much simpler.
   
   After this initial exposure to weaving on its most basic level, the author introduces a variety of techniques, requiring nothing more expensive than sticks, paper forms, embroidery hoops, dinner forks, and picture frames. At each stage, the reader gets closer to weaving on a formal loom and the principles of "sheds" "heddles" and beaters. The products that the beginner is able to complete are remarkable for their individuality and beauty. The tam made on a piece of cardstock, and the carrying bag made on similar material are truly lovely and should lend themselves to individual experiments, even at the beginner level. While little hands may need some help with making weaving equipment, most of the woven work should be very easy for them to manage and should produce pleasing results. Although at times the instructions are a little confusing, the color photos show clearly what the author is trying to teach, so that anyone can enjoy the craft. Learning some of the terminology and techniques at this basic level should help the more adventurous move to more complicated forms of weaving like inkle and table or floor loom work.
   
   I'd recommend this book to any school system, school or public library or children's room. The museum in the city where I live has a family room where children can work with some of the media that artists do. This would be a wonderful addition for such a room in any museum. It also minimizes the need for expensive equipment to teach the art. The author and publisher give express permission to reproduce designs for individual use and for charity purposes, so copyright is not an issue.



5. For those wanna-be weavers with limited funds, and uncertain skills, this book is definitely for you. "Weaving Without a Loom" clearly explains through written directions and close-up colored photographs, various techniques that really, truly do not require any special equipment other than yarn, scissors, dowels, and other easily acquired craft items. The author, Veronica Burningham, is a member of the Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. In addition to general tips about choosing

   colors,yarns,and designs, she has specific chapters that cover types of weaves;weaving on sticks; weaving on card; weaving on rings (such as embroidery hoops); weaving on hardboard (corrugated cardboard); and weaving on picture frames. On the downside, only about ten specific projects, suitable for adults or grade school children, are included in the book. However, if you can supply at least some of your own imagination and choices, this is an excellent way to kick-start a new hobby. In addition to personal use, the publishers allow items made from the instructions to be sold for charity without charge or special permission (great for church, scouting, or school fund-raising bazaars).

4 comments about Quilters Stitch Bible: The Essential Illustrated Reference to Over 200 Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Diagrams.

1. A good resource for all quilters, reminds me of what I can do when looking to change things up a bit.



2. This book has detailed photos of decorative stitches. I found this to be helpful never having hand sewn before. It was clear and easy to follow. If you can follow simple instructions you shouldn't have any problems creating beautiful stitches.



3. This is an excellent book with hundreds of stiches for the quilter and hand sewer. Finely illustrated the instruction are clear and easy to follow.



4. This book is very useful for decorative stitches on all your quilts. The pictures are helpful as well. Good reference book.

3 comments about Ready, Set, Knit Cables: Learn to Cable with 20 Designs and 10 Projects (Ready Set...).

1. I have FINALLY figured out how to do cable knits, and read a knitting chart with the help of this book. My first project (not in this book) is using cables to make a cute little sweater for my poodle. Great simple, easy to read instruction for the clueless beginner. There are some very cute projects as well, a pillow, a messenger bag, and adorable lap top case.



2. I have always admired cable work in finished items, but have been fearful of it because the instructions seemed to difficult and/or complicated.
   The author takes you into the process slowly, encouraging you to ease into each procedure one step at a time, viewing cable work as a series of simple steps. This serves to demystify the process and is a lot less intimidating for me. I'm not the smartest cookie in the batch when it comes to learning something new from written instructions. I learn better visually (I am left-handed to boot!) If I can understand and perform the art of cable work through use of this wonderful book, I betcha anyone can!



3. There is a few pages worth of this is how you read a cable chart and this is what you do with a cable needle. For me it was kind of like in retrospect I really could of figured that out on my own. And the patterns are so so. Nothing that inspired me. I probably won't keep it as I can reference the information in a lot of other books.

2 comments about Pretty Little Cozies (Pretty Little Series).

1. This is a great little book to get ideas for covers and cases for all types of things.



2. I love all the books in this series. There are some great ideas in here and the pictures are inspiring.