No comments about ADAGIO SHAWL - A Vintage Knitting Pattern For Your KINDLE! (E-Book Download) ebook knit knitted stole yarn craft.

5 comments about Jean Frost Jackets: Fabric, Fit, and Finish for Today's Knits.

1. This book has some great patterns. They are wonderfully designed, and if you follow the pattern you will have no problem sewing them together because the seam allowance is visible and built right into the patten.



2. This book is a fabulous one for the advanced beginner as well as experienced knitter. As a knitter with more than 40 years of experience, I find that time and expense for knitting sweaters should be spent on classics - what better than many of these Chanel-style jackets that will be fashionable for many years? Although other reviewers have commented on the rather small gauges, it's easy to convert them to a bulkier yarn (use Elizabeth Zimmerman's system to start with). Also, a lighter weight yarn is more wearable indoors as well as more flattering to most people.
   
   I'm currently knitting a hybrid Chanel jacket (from 2 of the sweaters) with bulky British Mohair boucle in a rice stitch, using a fingering weight alpaca-silk for the pocket and band edges. It should be great. I may even add a chain at the hem as Coco Chanel did. So it is possible to use this book as inspiration and go from there.
   
   The fit sketches with measurements are very helpful. More patterns should have this specificity, as well as the yarn weight, gauge and yardages which are readily available here. The sizing options are also broad.
   
   I haven't checked out the errors, and as a person who has translated patterns, I think most patterns have them. That is why one should read a pattern first and make sure one understands it. Anything unclear can be communicated with the author, and XRX is a reliable company.



3. As I begin finishing the first project I have made from this book, I have already selected my next project. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I want to make every design; however, the simple shapes of the pieces lend themselves to endless modifications. Ms. Frost's use of textured stitch patterns other than cables, ribbing and seed stitch makes this a great creativity "tickler." I like that the author is not promoting one line of yarns, but uses a variety of basic and widely available yarns for the model garments. This book is easily one of my favorite knitting book purchases.



4. I love this book. The jackets are updated classics, tailored and elegant without being cheap and cheesy looking. Super for the knitter wanting to create chic garments.



5. It's tough to find knitting patterns for sweaters with classic "jacket-like" lines. Vintage knitting patterns come close (e.g. the recent "Vintage Knits" book), but many vintage patterns were designed for much smaller sizes, say up to a size 34. The sweaters in the book are really beautiful, and the directions are for the most part clear, although not really meant for the beginning knitter. Most of the patterns are worked on small needles, so each sweater will take considerable time for the average busy person. There is a reference section at the back of the book which summarizes the various stitch patterns, which is helpful. However, there are numerous errors in the book that can result in disaster (I learned this the hard and painful way). XRX books is happy to send or email corrections (almost every sweater contains errors), and hopefully the changes will appear in subsequent editions to the book. I would recommend this book if you love the patterns, but would make sure that you call the company for corrections before starting a project.

No comments about Love Kills Slowly Cross-Stitch: 30 Cross-Stitch Patterns from Ed Hardy.

1 comments about The Complete Book of Knitting Stitches.

1. I was hoping for a halfway useful stitch dictionary for the Kindle. This is NOT it. No photos and no graphs and only very basic patterns. I give it zero stars. Do not waste your money, this book is an insult to all knitters

3 comments about Denim People.

1. I had some denim yarn and I really wanted to use it. This was exactly what I was looking for. I hope that I can make some of the other sweaters in the book as well as the one I am working on right now.



2. Hargreaves et al offer readers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the multi-stranded, hard-wearing lives of the elusive Denim People. Although some may quibble with the use of the somewhat out-of-date term for this people-group as the title of the work, this photographic survey of the People of Denim will delight and inform.



3. This book has great designs for young people, especially for guys. It can be hard to find designs that are modern without being bizarre. The sweaters in this book will appeal to young men and women. They offer a nice variety, with tanks, pullovers, cardigans, tunics, and jackets. All are sized from 32" to 40" for women and 34" to 44" for men.
   You will need to be able to read knitting patterns in order to use this book, and they do not include how-to-knit info. However, they do not assume much. They give specific row-by-row directions for ribbing and moss stitch. They give schematics and charts as well as row-by-row directions. They also include some interesting finishing details, including bleaching in particular patterns and embroidery, and the instructions for these details are very clear.
   The patterns themselves are not difficult. They are all designed for denim yarn, though, a yarn which shrinks in a particular way. An experienced knitter who is comfortable with math should be able to adjust the patterns for other yarns, but if that does not describe you, then you must be prepared to use denim yarns for these designs, or find that they will not fit.
   A final comment -- the book is, like all Rowan books, very attractive. Most of the models look sulky or preoccupied -- as though they were all waiting around for the ACT test to begin -- but the photography is lovely.

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 A-Z of Stumpwork (A-Z Needlework 09).

1. This book has excellent pictures and instructions so you can teach yourself stumpwork. It also has some interesting projects to test your skill. Well worth a look!!!



2. If you're looking for a great tutorial on Stumpwork Embroidery, this is the book for you. The written instructions are very clear, with great pictorials showing you exactly how a particular technique is done and supposed to look like. I am a beginner in the technique of stumpwork and found this book to be an invaluable help to me. I would highly recommend this book if you're interested in doing Stumpwork Embroidery.



3. Well... This book I expect with high hopes. I am sorry to say it was packed very poorly and came totally crunched up. PACKAGING WAS TERRIBLE!!
   Info was good so I kept it. SORRY HALF THE PAGES ARE WRINKLED!!



4. This is almost two books in one: the first half is a superb, thorough instructional manual of stumpwork embroidery techniques; the second half, a detailed collection of stumpwork projects from designers which have been featured in Inspirations magazine, arguably the most prestigious embroidery publication in the world. You really get the A to Z!
   
   Despite the carefully photographed, step-by-step technique section, I would rate A-Z of Stumpwork as a book for the intermediate stumper. True, it is published in a spiral-bound format, which in my opinion is invaluable for a working reference guide of any kind. But even experienced stitchers do forget stitches from time to time. And let us not overlook the elegant, gorgeous designs that are laid out for us to duplicate, designs from the likes of Anna Scott, Jan Kerton, Wendy Innes and Janet Luce. Their elaborate embroideries are given complete materials' lists and instructions, but not illustrated step by step.
   
   Everything in the A-Z series is so beautifully photographed, so carefully organized and detailed, and so charmingly illustrated with whimsical prints and retro-Victorian artwork, that of course I have to award A-Z of Stumpwork five stars. I recommend that a beginner get a copy of Kay Dennis' Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork to get started and this lovely A-Z reference to use and keep for a lifetime of usefulness and inspiration.
   -Andrea, aka Merribelle



5. In my humble opinion this is one of the best books on stumpwork on the market! But if you are familiar with the A-Z series of books this wont surprise you. Amazing detailed pictures of each step with crystal clear instructions and sumptous projects! The only drawback I found was its lack of any figures. It's flowers, berries, mushrooms and animals. If you are just starting out in stumpwork I would recommended this book with Kay Dennis' book "Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork". Plenty of wonderful projects to keep you busy for quite a while!

5 comments about Wendy Knits: Adventures with Two Needles and an Attitude.

1. As much as I like Wendy's blog (although it's become a bit boring lately), this book really fell short. Black and white photos of some rather blah patterns. Did I mention black and white bad photos? Had I peeked inside and saw that before I bought it, I would have put it back on the shelf.



2. Wendy is known as quite a talented and prolific knitter. This book, unfortunately, does not showcase her talents and there is absolutely nothing inspiring about it. Fortunately, I did not pay for the book and was happy to pass it on to a charity works bookstore.



3. This is a delightful book full of interesting information and patterns, as well as biographical information on the author. Wendy is a lovely lady who has a very entertaining blog. I would recommend this book to any knitter of any skill level.



4. anybody who has read her blog knows how way cool she is. now a book. and the patterns work. what else is there?
   
   oh, yes, and she has the cutest cat in the world to model the patterns (sits right on whatever Wendy is photographing, like any good cat should).
   
   I love love love this book. A keeper.



5. I was disappointed in this book. Although it was a cute book to read, it is nowhere as interesting as The Yarn Harlot's Books, and the patterns were nothing special at all, as far as I am concerned. The patterns showed very little imagination, and the sweaters were shapeless and baggy.
   You have your basic socks, your plain pullover, your shortsleeved sweater, a sweater with a little bit of cabling, and, oh, look, a cat bed with novelty yarn. There is a vest, a lace shawl, an easy "Norwegian" sweater.
   Nothing here you can't find online someplace for free.

5 comments about Cloth Dolls for Textile Artists.

1. Cloth Dolls for Textile Artists comes to us courtesy of Ray Slater - textile artist, costume maker, doll artist extraordinaire. The dolls and surface techniques presented in this book are nothing short of stunning.
   
   The author begins with a list of basic tools and equipment, general information, stuffing the doll, and the most general of info on machine embroidery. Since there are only a few pages devoted to this I would suggest that this book is definitely not for beginners.
   
   She gives patterns for everything from the stump doll to the jointed doll and several variations in between. She'll show you how to make a flat face, beautiful needle-sculpted one, or a completely 3- d head. The directions for the painting the face with colored pencils are excellent as well.
   
   But really it's in the embellishing and costuming that these dolls really take on their character. The author's talents as a costume maker are brought out to play. There are a multitude of techniques for fabric surface treatments including dyeing, painting, beading, embroider - hand and machine, couching, appliqué, stamping and more. You'll also learn how to make wrapped cords and braids, cutwork fabric from sheer polyester, fabric with water-soluble film. And then she shows you beautiful needle-felted hair and examples of headdresses from the techniques in the book.
   
   While this book is not for the timid, it *is* for those who want to make a statement with their dolls. The techniques can be accomplished with the step-by-step directions and patterns. The photos are highly detailed and inspiring. I believe this is a book that should be on every dollmaker's shelf.



2. If you're a fiber artist who wants to explore the medium of creating art dolls, then you'll love this book. The book begins with a pattern for an easy stump doll and then moves into wired forms and stuffed cloth dolls. Along the way you'll learn how to make hands, faces and three-dimensional heads. Also included are techniques for creating original layered fabrics using fusible web, machine wrapped cords and braids as well as creating cutwork fabric using a soldering iron and how to create fabrics with watersoluble film. Ray also covers using transfer paints and dyes to color fabric as well as several types of hand stitches used to add and create texture. As I read through this book I really appreciated the clear, close-up detail photographs that allowed for close, unobstructed looks at the texture and stitches on the fabrics and dolls. Textile artists of all levels will find a lot to be inspired by in the pages of this beautifully photographed and well illustrated book.



3. tHIS IS A VERY GOOD BOOK BUT SPENT TO MANY PAGES ON EMBELLISHING FABRIC, BUT NOT AS DIVERSE AS I WOULD HAVE LIKED. MAYBE I JUST DIDN'T GET HIS IDEA?
   wELL DONE THOUGH.



4. I love this book. Ray shows fantastic ways of creating your own fabrics to use not only on dolls, but in other fiber art. The instructions are well written and easy to understand. The illustrations and photo's go along with the text. Creative Cloth Explorations: Adventures in Fairy-Inspired Fiber Art



5. This wonderful book definitely gets your creative juices flowing! The photos are up close and the instructions detailed. It is amazing how many great ideas are packed into this book. It is so worth the money.

5 comments about 1000 Great Knitting Motifs.

1. This book contains a large number of pattern designs but I was disappointed with the small amount of motifs. I was glad I bought it used, it was in excellent condition.



2. I really like this book! It is just perfect for finding ideas for just the right detail, such as on socks, mittens, gloves, hats, bags, children's blocks, and such. Find the design you like, then you plop it into your project to suit yourself. Mix a number of the charts together for a sweater or pillow. There is even a small icon or two on the edge of each page to give you an idea of a good design application. So many charts, you would never run out of ideas!
   
   The charts are arranged two basic categories: Traditional knitting motifs, and Modern pictorial motifs. The Traditional motifs are arranged according geographical region of origin, such as Scandinavia, Lapland, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Mediterrean, Asia, South America, Native America, Homestead America, Aztec and Inca, Celts, Middle East and Arab, Africa, India and Tibet. The Modern pictorial motifs are: Alphabet; Zodiac; the world around us; animals, birds and insects; floral, and toys and the nursery.
   
   Then there is a generous section on techniques, and the entire book has a spiral binding, which makes it easy to copy a given page to take along for your knitting project.
   
   If you enjoy colourwork, then this book needs to sit on your library shelf, simple as that!



3. This book is just what it claims to be in its title, '1000 Great Knitting Motifs'. I love looking through it, have used it several times and refer to it often when I am looking for inspiration.
   
   The book is divided into sections:
   
   Section 1: 'Traditional Knitting Motifs' contains motifs from all around the world including Fair Isle, Lapland, Scandinavia, Western and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia and South America.
   
   Section 2: 'Traditional Pictorial Motifs' contains pictorial knitting charts representing Native America, Homestead America, Aztec and Inca, Celts, Middle East and Arab, Africa, India and Tibet.
   
   Section 3) 'Modern Pictorial Motifs' includes Alphabet, Zodiac, The World Around Us, Animals, Birds and Insects, Floral, Toys and the Nursery.
   
   The book ends with a section on techniques for color knitting.
   
   I recommend this book very highly. It will be a wonderful addition to any knitter's library.



4. Short on how-to or fully realized anything, but long on inspiration--and not just for knitters! I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner, but for an experienced crocheter like me it is a priceless source of ideas to expand, alter, and manipulate. (I have never once used a motif exactly as graphed in the book.)
   
   I love how the motifs is organized by geographic origin, so I can use patterns that are culturally relevant to the person for whom I'm making an item. This book also inspired me to start graphing my own designs.
   
   (And I've never had any problems with the binding... I like the binder/interior coil style, as it lays flatter than a traditional paperback binding.)



5. This is a great book with a big variety of motifs. The one problem with the book is that the binding falls apart easily. If you want a lot of motifs this is a good book to get.