5 comments about Crazy Lace:an artistic approach to Creative Lace Knitting.

1. Great ideas outside the normal "follow the pattern" lace knitting books. Ideas on making up your own designs as you knit - which is really what I love to do.Your garment can evolve as you work and the book guides you through colour selection, incorporating your own ideas with traditional lace knitting and explains the differences between various styles.
   It encourages creativity, which I enjoyed and helps those who want to do mainly freeform knitting by encouraging those who want to do their own thing but providing enough instruction to make this possible.
   I love this book and can't wait to try the ideas and blend the beautiful colours into my own lace creations.
   Try it even if you're a beginner - the project is yours and you can make it as difficult or easy as you like.
   
   Lesley, Yenda, NSW, Australia.



2. Crazy Lace is a wonderful book for anyone who loves to knit lace and has a desire to design. It gives lots of lace motifs, and suggesstions for making several different shapes and sizes of shawls and scarves. This book is like a giant swingset for knitters.



3. This is not your grandmother's lace book. There are no recipes here to follow. Instead you are guided by Artist Myra Wood along an inspiring ride toward improvisational knitting in lace fashion. The basic mechanics are covered and you are the designer deciding to modify existing traditional lace patterns or create new patterning. All areas of lace knitting are covered - increasing, decreasing, directional stitches, creating patterning and lace fabric and charting your own patterns, symmetry vs. random and various shapes as well as top down, inside out, ruching, edging, etc. Not just the how - but why or in this case why not. If you have never knit lace before you can pick up this book and begin to create. Filled with beautiful pictures of hand dyed yarn lace creations. If you are a veteran knitter and are looking to add more of your own design ideas into lace work this is for you. This book view laces in a new lens and would appeal to freeformers, free-ranger knitters and generally anyone who is open to a different approach of creating lace looks.



4. This is the lace book I have been waiting for. I think it is thoughtful, useful, logical, well thought out, and inspirational as well! Sections of all the topics that a newish ( two lace shawls) lace knitter needs. Myra offers the right combination of instructions, with a mix of structured suggestions, plus a touch of "go for it" that can be such a challenge for many of us knitters used to depending on patterns. I say, "Bravo, Myra!"



5. If you are the compulsive or obsessive "must do it perfectly and in order with detailed directions" type of knitter... you will be frustrated with this book. If you already knit lace and LOVE your charted books and patterns, you might want to pass on this one... it probably won't meet your standards. If you are looking for predesigned lace patterns and expect to be told stitch by stitch how to recreate something the author has designed... you'll be disappointed because that is not the purpose of this book.
   
   HOWEVER... if you have wanted to learn to knit lace and found yourself completely overwhelmed and paralyzed by the charts in books and patterns, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd rather have FUN knitting lace than sweating over every stitch... and frogging more than you knit, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you are a rebel at heart and really don't like being told what to do and how to do it, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd like to understand how lace WORKS... why it does what it does when it does it, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd like to sit down with nothing other than your needles and yarn and knit lace "without a net," I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd like to learn "Lace Logic" so you can chart and graph your OWN lace patterns, you yourself personally, I strongly encourage you to consider this book.
   
   Most other lace books teach you to read lace by sight... literally. You have to learn what all the symbols mean to even begin to knit lace with most of them. You have to memorize the "words" by rote memory without really understanding why that group of "letters" make those "sounds."
   
   "Crazy Lace" teaches you to read lace by "phonics." You learn what "sounds" each letter (stitch) makes and what "sounds" (textures) they create when you combine them in specific ways, (combination of stitches in a given sequence). Better than that, "Crazy Lace" teaches you to "read" your knitting, and this translates into every aspect of your knitting skills. You learn to visually recognize why something looks the way it does... and how to make it look differently if that wasn't what you wanted it to do.
   
   This book is a WORKbook. This book is a foundational COURSE in knitting lace. Do not let its size fool you. It is not designed to "pick out a pattern," get a prescribed set of tools and materials, and follow a pattern. There is not a lot of text, but every sentence is precious and full of purpose. Let them marinate and savor them. Begin reading it, slowly and deliberately, on page one... with some fingering weight yarn and size 6 (4 mm) or 7 (4.5 mm) needles of your choice close at hand to test out things as you go along... and really DIGEST this information. Make the Sampler Scarf. Try your hand with some freeform Crazy Lace. Cast on some stitches and play with the various shapes in the latter part of the book. Play with the edge embellishments. Study the few charts included to get you started with charted lace knitting.
   
   This book's primary purpose is to teach you to trust yourself to create your own lace; but you'll want to follow other's people's paths sometimes, so you are introduced to charting "language" along the way too.
   
   When you get to the end of the book you will know how to knit lace "without a net" with freeform abandon. You will know how to read a basic beginning charted lace pattern... if you choose to. You will understand the logic of lace such that you can design your own lace patterns and chart them for others to follow. You can do some of each, all in the same project.
   
   In other words, this book will set you free to create lacework in any way you please, and please no one but yourself. At the same time, it provides you with a solid foundation to branch out into more traditional lace knitting and patterns with confidence. You can be as free or as obsessive as you choose to be. You'll feel a whole lot less intimidated by those charts and graphs. You'll be able to look at a lace project and "read it"... and be able to figure out how you might recreate something similar, without a pattern, if you'd like to do that.
   
   Will you learn everything you need to know about lace knitting from this book? No. Will you have a firm, broad, foundation upon which to add new lace knitting skills. Oh yeah, baby! You will.
   
   If all you do is glance through this book and look at the drop-dead gorgeous photos, you may not be particularly impressed. You may even be initially disappointed. If that is your initial response, you've not given it a fair chance and you are short-changing yourself on a marvelous experience in knitting that will benefit all your future knitting projects.
   
   I hope you won't do that. Approached from the direction the book is designed to be used, it is worth far more than the price you will pay for it. Unless you USE the book and the information therein, you cannot possibly appreciate the gift Myra Wood has given the knitting world.
   
   NOTE: I didn't buy this book from Amazon. I got an autographed copy from the author. I took a class from her at the TKGA Conference May 2009 in Portland, OR. I paid a lot more for the class than the cost of this book. Her book wasn't released until Nov 2009. I cannot tell you much more valuable this book is, for me, because there simply was not time for her to cover ALL the material that is in the book in class. I can work through every thing she taught me in the class, at my own pace... and still have SO much left to learn from the book! Personally, this book is a HUGE bargain and I simply cannot recommend it to you highly enough if you are really motivated to learn to knit lace... or if you'd like to expand your lace knitting skills by learning to generate your own lace creations led only by the "logic of lace" and the flow of the fiber.

3 comments about The Big Book of Needle Felting (Leisure Arts #4414).

1. Amazon is great--always prompt and easy to work with. The book is just OK. There are a couple of projects that are worthwhile, but much of the book is visually disappointing.



2. I loved the variety of projects shown in this book. It has convinced me to take my first steps into felting fabric to sew a jacket for myself. I particularly liked the separate sections on jewelry and garments. It expanded my felting horizons beyond scarves and sculpture.



3. My last article was a book review on Needle Felting Artful Fashion by, Judy Jacobs and Kay Kaduce who also author this book. I received The Big Book of Needle Felting coauthored by, Judy Jacobs, Kay Kaduce and Jewelry Artist, Rona Horn giving us a diverse book covering over fifty stunning projects. This beautiful book is filled with wonderful pictures and information on needle felting. Meet Rona Horn!
   
   
   
   These three ladies have gotten together to bring us an abundance of new fun ideas and innovative designs. One of the themes in this book covers all the holidays and with fall almost upon us I will want to try the colorful and unique wreath and the adorable pumpkins. I think when you purchase this book you will want to try several of the ladies' projects. The lovely flower and jewelry can be given as a teacher's gift or to adorn a special gift package with artful wearable embellishments. The felted jewelry is fun and lovely and you will want to try several ideas in this area.
   
   
   
   You will also want to acquire many of the materials and supplies so beautifully pictured as you get into needle felting. Three wonderful ladies share their specialties with us in this book and I am sure you will find several projects you will want to try. The creations are so lovely and fun to wear and give. Thank you ladies for sharing you art with the entire world.
   http://felting.craftgossip.com/2008/08/14/the-big-book-of-needle-felting-2/

No comments about Sew!: Exclusive Cath Kidston Designs for Over 40 Simple Sewing Projects.

5 comments about SweaterBabe.com's Fabulous and Flirty Crochet: Gorgeous Sweater and Accessory Patterns from Los Angeles' Top Crochet Designer (Quarry Book).

1. This book has quite a few nice patterns & it has stitch diagrams to visually assist with assembling the project. Many of the patterns are more for summer weather, but there are a few cardigan/coats that would be good for autumn. I am happy I bought this pattern book.



2. I truly am not impressed with this book. I ordered and received it this week, needless to say, the best part about this book is its timely arrival. Many of the patterns are a bit unappealing. I would not wear them nor make for anyone I know and love. I do not recommend it at all. To its credit, I will say, there are possibly a total of 3 patterns which I found attractive and worthy of attempting to make. Sorry everyone but I call it like I see it. That's my opinion.



3. This is my favourite crochet book, for quite a few reasons. I actually think of myself as a knitter first, although I learned the basics of crochet way back when I was a little girl at the same time as I learned to knit. A few months ago I decided to order a bunch of books to get into it properly, as I have found over time that some effects are easier to obtain in crochet - like some are in knitting. I wouldn't bother doing rib in crochet, and I find a lot of lace work is easier to crochet. Also, I tend to buy yarn first and think about what I want to make later, unless I totally fall for a design and go the other way. In which case some yarns seem to work better with a hook than with two needles.
   
   Anyway. Of all the books I bought, this is the one that has remained in use. This designer has inspired me and give me the confidence to move beyond mesh scarves and crochet lace edgings. I love that she gives both symbols and fully written out pattterns. I have made intermediate stuff of hers - wow, still can't believe it! And pretty soon I will move on to advanced. Her designs are cute, stylish and cool. They're not shapeless, boring, or so out there that they're unwearable. (translation to knitting patterns/shapes - they fall inbetween the two extremes of the oldstyle long tightly ribbed at the bottom sweaters that hardly suit any female, and the extremely avantgarde stuff rowan sometimes do that seems to be all about look how clever I am).
   
   She also includes a pretty pattern for a shawl that is worked from the point up - which is great, as a) I hate hate hate working long base chains, and b) you can use it for stash busting as you just work till you finish your yarn. The only other shawl pattern I have which works this way is stitchdiva's celebrity pattern, which I also highly recommend.
   
   Last but not least, she includes a chart of symbols, yarn averages, gives materials required by yarn gauge and yardage, instead of just stating "10 balls of XYZ".... something I hate. Because I rarely just buy the yarn, I like to sub. So then you have to find out what yardage the yarn is, what type, blablabla.... Oh, and it's spiral bound. Nice.
   
   I look forward to more publications from her.



4. I consider myself an intermediate crocheter and this book has projects I can make. The instructions are very comprehensive and include charts as well as written instructions. level of difficulty is indicated also. The spiral binding is very useful too. I like especially the Moroccan slippers, cloche hat, stole, cardigan and shawl. I ordered this book sight unseen and was very pleasantly surprised with it.



5. I am top heavy and cannot wear bulky knits, whether crocheted or knitted in technique.
   
   I love these. They fit well and look good on. It's obvious the designer knows what she's doing in the fit and patterning area. I look like a woman and can show my curves---and I do not look like a yeti!
   
   As with any book of patterns, there were some I definitely would not make for myself, but that might work for someone else I know.
   
   I thought the color combos chosen were good and there were a wide variety of yarns used.
   
   Since these are not too intricate, most will be faster to make than if I made something comparable by knitting it.
   
   I loved the spiral binding; I can carry this with me and use closed or spread flat while working.
   
   The price is excellent for the quality and number/variety of patterns.

5 comments about Pursenality Plus: 20 New Felted Bags.

1. Purses are all cute...but didn't anyone edit this book?! Once you start knitting you realize that every
   pattern is filled with mistakes. The publisher's web site has numerous corrections but not all.
   What a pain in the rear!! I wish I could get my money back...



2. These patterns are not for the novice knitter nor are they particularly suitable for a knitter's first felting project. I have not made any of these purses but with forty years of knitting experience and after having read through several of the patterns, these purses require a fair amount of detail work and finishing. Also, it may be a problem finding the hardware (purse clips, grommets, etc.) in order to finish the purse. There are some interesting shapes and designs for those knitters who want a bit of a challenge.



3. As I turned the pages I did not like any of the bag patterns so decided I did not want to own the book.



4. Eva Wiechmann's PURSENALITY PLUS: 20 NEW FELTED BAGS shows how to knit and few felt bags. There are over ten styles encouraging a range of looks and materials plus patterns for add-ons such as a cell phone holder or eyeglasses case. Projects on big needles explore both traditional and novelty yarns and accompany large-size clear color photos of finished results with tips on pockets, embellishments and more.



5. I was really disappointed in her first book. The first book had very basic patterns that I felt I could have figured out without a pattern book. They also had that quirky homemade look. THis book is much more chic and interesting. The construction techniques, colors, shapes, and hardware on all the purses in this book are wonderful. I can't wait to get my needles out and try some of the designs in this book. I also can't decide which one to do first. The designs are not too quirky, yet not boring either, with a good range of shapes, and patterns. Also there are great ideas for using chains, buttons and other hardware on the purse.

4 comments about A Passion for Punchneedle (That Patchwork Place).

1. This book is very inspiring. All the projects are classy and very do-able. A great idea book that makes you want to do more!



2. This is a great book, with designs from many different people. The instructions and color lists are very good, and the projects all look fun to make--haven't had time to make them all yet!



3. Just got this book and have already completed one designed. Its easy to read and produce the many
   styles this book has to offer. I would recommend this book for beginners. Its a keeper!



4. This is the kind of craft that amazes people - they have no idea how easy it is to do because it looks so great. This is my second purchase of her books and if you join her yahoo group you find she comments regularly with even more tips. The tools used are reasonable in price and I don't think this craft is going to go away this time - no more 60's drawings - this embroidery goes fast and the themes are timeless. If you want inspiration check out what others are doing on the site.

5 comments about Publish Your Patterns! How to Write, Print, and Market Your Designs.

1. Before writing my first book, I read this book....for guidance. I loved this book. It openned up my eyes to the issues present in writing patterns, marketing, and business. I am so glad I read and learned the information presented here. If you are considering entering the market, this is a great guide.



2. I am very new at trying to publish a design. This book was recommended to me and I found out why. Well written and easy to understand directions from beginning to end. I was terrified to try and publish a quilt design until I read this book. Following step by step instructions made it easy and fun. It could be labeled "Publishing for Dumbies", the index is very specific and the book is detailed. Good luck and I know you will get as much use out of it as I did.



3. Short on style but packed with terrific, detailed how-to information. A lot of start-your-own-business books seem to have mostly vague information. Not this one. Included are names of specific software that is helpful, printers, etc. If you have any thoughts of publishing patterns, you need this book. It will quickly become a much used reference guide.



4. I love this book. Very seldom does a book live up to its billing once I get it, but this one definitely does. Excellent writing style also.



5. This book was much more then I expected. It walks you thru step by step from conception to completion and all the variations. Great book.

No comments about Ready, Set, Go! Baby Necessities to Sew (Leisure Arts #5073).

5 comments about A-Z of Smocking.

1. This book was out of stock and back ordered in most bookstores. Shipped and received quickly. Would definitely buy from this company again.



2. This book offered more than I needed to know about more aspects of smocking than I ever knew existed. The directions are easy to follow. I've used this book extensively.
   
   I only have two frustrations:
   1- The alphabetical organization splits up categories like basic stitches, and finding a stitch I want depends on remembering what this particular book happens to call it. I sometimes spend too much time wandering around looking.
   2- The garment designs are all referenced to back issues of an expensive Australian smocking magazine which are in many cases not even available on e-bay. This makes duplicating a clothing design very difficult, but I suppose it opens up a lot of room for creativity.



3. This book enables me to look at the patterns, practice the new template and stitches, and then do my project. Excellent for beginners as well as advanced.



4. I found this book very helpful. The directions were plain and understandable and I will use this book for my first reference when needed. I did purchase the book through Amazon and it arrived in a short time in good condition.



5. This book is a wonderful place to begin smocking and to improve your techniques. I read through it once, made a dress, and find myself referring to it over and over with each smocking project. It is even more useful when paired with A to Z of sewing for smockers. A definite A+.

2 comments about Make!: Over 40 Fantastic Projects with 16 Exclusive Designs.

1. I pre-ordered this book, certain that I would be thrilled with it since I LOVE all of Cath Kidston's merchandise, fabrics, everything! When this book arrived, I was dumbfounded that her name would be attached to it at all. The projects are tacky and look like something kids would make at summer camp. Not kitschy, just crappy. Of the whole book, there was one page that I found attractive. The rest was stuff I would NEVER make and can't imagine that there would be many people who would. It was probably the most disappointing book I've ever bought. I thought I could buy it without seeing it first and be confident that since it was Cath Kidston, I'd love it. No such luck.



2. I just leafed through this book at a shop - its ok for appliques but there are no sewing patterns and the applique techniques and designs are pretty basic. Though I beginner I can walk through my house and look at stuff that could be appliqued and made pretty but I don't need a book for that. Sorry but this is best a little $5 item not something more. I just don't get it.