4 comments about Punchneedle The Complete Guide.

1. A great book to explain what needlepunch is, the basic techniques, and the supplies needed. Also has a brief history of neeldepunch and its cultural origins. It has beautiful examples of what you can do. A few patterns are included, but not that many. A great book, especially because there are so few punchneedle books available.



2. Truth is I haven't really used this yet,about 2 years behind in projects I want to complete, so just briefly looked it over--looks good at first glance



3. I first discovered needlepunch about 20 years ago. I ordered (directly from Marinda) her first small needlepunch book, and learned a lot from it. This book covers everything you need to know, and then some. It's excellent for a beginnner, in that she really spends time (and has pictures) of how to match the fabric and needle size. That is important. She also shows how to sculpt the finished work to get dimension and texture. There is something here for everyone. I am very impressed. I have purchased a few needlepunch books over the years, and this is the best I've ever seen. The directions are very clear, and the many many pictures are so helpful. Can't say enough.
   THANKS!



4. Any needlecraft collection strong in embroidery guides will welcome PUNCHNEEDLE: THE COMPLETE GUIDE, providing an overview of materials, tools, and techniques including working with novelty threads and creating special effects. Nine embroidery projects on a range of surfaces included a photo album cover, napkins and Christmas ornaments in this highly recommended guide.

1 comments about Denim: From Cowboys to Catwalks: A Visual History of the World's Most Legendary Fabric.

1. Anyone with an interest in denim will find this wonderful book to be a very easy and enlightening read. The pictures are all bright, clear, and of high quality. There are several great images of musicians and celebrities wearing denim (Elvis, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis) as well as close-up shots of vintage jeans (The first known pair of Levis!). Not only are the pictures great, but the book is written in a manner which is easy to digest. The subject ranges from the history of denim to current trends. It also contains a glossary of terms for quick lookup so if you need to be reminded what selvage or sanfordized is, it's there for you.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in fashion and denim, or simply anyone who wears a pair jeans.

5 comments about Donna Kooler's Ultimate Stocking Collection(Leisure Arts #4082).

1. This cross stitch book is very nice and has easy to understand color instructions. My only disappointment is that since I could not see inside at all the available patterns to make, this book did not have what I personally was looking for. There are mostly snowy winter scenes; not quite appropriate for a child's Christmas stocking in sunny CA where the winter is only about 50 degrees, and snow an extreme rarity! This in no way should deter you from a purchase, as the designs are very beautiful, and the print is large enough to use during your project. Some very nice teen or adult patterns in here also.



2. I love the variety that this book has to offer both with respect to designs, skill levels, and time required.
   
   To know what you're fully getting, you can see images of all 15 designs on the 123stitch website.
   
   I stitched the Folk Art Santa Stocking and the Sledding Animals Stockings in full. I also turned part of the Gardening Santa design into an ornament and will be doing the same for the Fishing Santa.
   
   I am very excited to see what is in the second edition due out soon.



3. The Stocking Collection of Donna Kooler's is a fantastic book, recommending to everyone who likes cross stitching.



4. This book is great. Many good ideas for making Cross Stitch Christmas Stockings. Excellent pictures and directions. Could use more books like this one. Thank You.



5. One of my hobbies is cross-stitching Christmas stockings. This book of Donna Kooler's offers superb patterns. Victoria from MA

5 comments about The Art of Annemieke Mein: Wildlife Artist in Textiles.

1. Mein's work takes my breath away. It introduced me to a medium for natural-science "illustration" different from any I'd ever experienced.



2. I purchased this book on the recommendation of another quilter. It was not a disappointment! Very few textile artists/quilters will ever come anywhere near Ms. Mein's artistry. It is a bar set VERY high.......but what eye candy! She is extremely careful to be accurate and true to nature in her presentations.



3. I was completely over the moon when I looked at the pictures in this book. Never knew how beautiful freemotion embroidery can be. I often see quilts that are a bit "common", but I like the special effects that Annemieke (my namesake) can make with thread, adorable book!



4. This is one of the most incredible books that I have seen. The artwork is phenomenal. This is book not only qualifies as an instructional guide but as a coffee table book. It is a feast for the eyes.



5. The artwork is gorgeous, the layout and design stunning. One of the most beautiful art books I own.

5 comments about Quick to Stitch Cross Stitch Cards: 120 Desgns to Stitch in an Evening, a Day or a Weekend.

1. There are a few cute projects in this book. They are very easy to make and is a great way to add that special touch to a gift last minute. However, many of them don't seem to fit well as cards.



2. Not enough decorative designs, rather simple and simple looking.
   Would like more quality and mature not boxey designs. Considered returning it but too much trouble to ship it back.
   S. Day



3. Most of the patterns in here are quick to stitch but they are pretty small. It's got alot of different designs for all occasions and they are nice mostly.
   
   I have only stitched a few out of this book though over the years I've had it though so I rate it 4 stars.
   
   Is nice to have and semi useful for me.



4. I like the simple designs and they are a great way to add a personal touch to any occasion.



5. wonderful designs, easy to do, fun, and quick. Pretty colors and nice themes. There are longer projects, not so long and quick. Wonderful book.

5 comments about Making Beautiful Hemp & Bead Jewelry (Jewelry Crafts).

1. These projects are really cool. More than likely though you won't have the exact type of beads but they still come out good when you improvise. The instructions are very dry and they don't show you how to add cords when they get short. Also noticed that you need more cord length than it states. But that could just be my way of knotting. I've made lots of phatty hip looking chokers that get praise from the cool cats. Lots of nice stuff for the begginer to the advanced knotter.



2. This book is filled with great projects and wonderful pictures. I don't recommend it if you have no knotting experience what so ever, like me. It goes over the basics very breifly and left me wondering if I was doing the knot correctly or not. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for some ideas and you already have the know how.



3. Color pictures...that's all this book has to offer. The knotting instructions are vague at very best, and the projects all look essentially the same--a mess. In a nutshell, this book is for hemp weavers who already know what they're doing and want to try out something a little different. To all hemp weavers, I recommend Max Lunger's "Hemp Master" books instead of the above waste of glossy paper and glue. Lunger's instructions are beautifully detailed, and his projects are infinitely more pleasing to the eye.



4. I got this book for my teenage daughter who learned basic macrame from a book. This book expands her techniques and gives her many more design options. It begins with a section showing different types of knots with diagrams on how to make them. The drawings are good, but because of all the threads intertwining, you have to be a person with patience to study the diagrams and follow them step by step.
   
   The next section has quite a number of jewelry designs using all the different types of knots and incorporating beads. The instructions are as good as they can be, with a large, clear photo, a list of materials, a list of the knots used, written instructions and a diagram that shows how the necklace (or bracelet, etc.) is laid out... that is, where all the knots and beads are along the strand.
   
   Even the beginner's "Simplicity Choker" is attractive, and more advanced designs are quite unusual, including scallopped edges, split strands, pendants, and beads placed in a flower shape. Very nice! I admit my daughter can sit for hours doing this, but she has had a lot of fun and pride in her work.



5. This book was really great. I am an advance Macramé artist and instructor and this book gave me several new design ideas. The description as to how to tie the knots was not bad either although "The Macramé Book," by Helene Bress is a little better in this respect. If jewellery is you thing this book is a must buy.

5 comments about The Ehrman Needlepoint Book.

1. The Ehrman Needlepoint Book is an excellent addition to my library of needlepoint projects to complete. It is very inspirational and includes ideas on displaying needlepoint projects as well. There are projects that will appeal to many different styles of decor. The book introduced me to the website as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who admires needlepoint.



2. This is another one of those "I got ahead of my abilities" books. That does not mean I will not take the time to work at one of the ideas though.



3. Photography, staging and charts are beautifully done. This is a book to treasure and it will inspire you if you love needlepoint.



4. "The Ehrman Needlepoiont Book" is a delight. It has the most beautiful and original designs by leading designers. I couldn't have ben more pleased and am anticipating using one of the projests for a gift for my daughter.



5. Ordered this book around December 20 2008 but have not yet received it. I will edit this review if the book arrives.

4 comments about Embellish Chic.

1. 
   The title of this book says it all: EMBELLISH CHIC Although there are a couple of denim ideas, this book is not geared toward the jeans and T-shirt crowd; there are already plenty of those books on the market. EMBELLISH CHIC caters rather to the person who loves boutique clothing. Following the ideas/instructions in this informative book will result in beautiful and beautifully-finished clothing; I especially appreciate the author's attention to perfect detail. The very best use of this book, however, is not to slavishly copy the ideas presented, but to use them as a springboard for your own creativity. That is true Art.



2. Just received my copy today and really love the basic beading instructions. Many books don't provide detail how-tos and easy-to-follow beading illustrations, so I appreciate this book. A solid reference for those interested in learning embellishment techniques.



3. The author is very detail oriented and explains each technique well. However, there are no unique or inspiring examples. They are extremely common and plain. This book is definitely not for the artsy and creative person looking for that one new and inspiring method to express and create. I want to pack it up and ship it right back.



4. This set of clothing embellishment guides from Taunton Press carefully and clearly explains how to use additions of beads, ribbons, and other trims to translate usual to unusual clothing. The tips on using applique, embroidery, and beading to enhance these garments blend step-by-step instructional photos with finished results and are inspirational and revealing.

5 comments about Intertwined: The Art of Handspun Yarn, Modern Patterns and Creative Spinning (Handspun Revolution).

1. I bought this book primarily for the promised instructions on various spinning techniques, and the advice on how to design a yarn based on... well, pretty much anything you'd like to base the yarn on. And it delivered these to me handily. I've learned several new things from this book that I'm eager to try soon.
   
   It also delivered to me much eyecandy, quality photos of beautiful yarns. I'm definitely satisfied with this book.
   
   Which is not to say that I intend to do everything the book talks about. I love the idea of yarn as conceptual art, but I don't think I'll be adding shredded money(!), for instance, to my yarns any time soon. Or candy wrappers. But these were not the focus of the book and didn't diminish my enjoyment or learning experience.



2. This book blew me away. I enjoy spinning, knitting and weaving. In spinning I always worked to get a perfect yarn, perfect twist, perfectly even, etc. The yarns and techniques in this book are simply fun. I wouldn't want to make all the yarns shown in the book, and I wouldn't use all the techniques, but I will use this book to make some yarns of my own design which will be like no other yarn out there. Couture clothes are out on the edge which makes them couture. This book introduces the reader to a couture way to make yarn.



3. No, this book is not for everyone. It is not for new spinners who need to learn the basics. It is neither for more advanced spinners who need highly specific instructions. The knitting patterns? Eminently skippable.
   
   Sounds like a terrible review, so far. But, I simply love this book!
   
   This is what it is: a book of inspiration IF you enjoy fiber, playing with fiber, and have an open mind (and perhaps a sense of humor). There are yarns in this book that one would never actually use for anything except dust collecting devices! Yarns made of old cassette tapes, shredded paper - no, I wouldn't copy them and have absolutely no use for them - but the fact that someone else tried these ideas is simply fascinating to me. It inspires me to stretch my imagination.
   
   I've been a mostly traditional knitter and spinner for many years. Once, I would have scoffed at these types of "art yarn." They are mostly fairly useless for making usable finished objects. But, as a total fiber fanatic, I've come to see the absolute joy, creativity, and pure fun that goes into the making of art yarn.
   
   The beautiful photography and luscious layout of the book imparts all of these things. I've had this book since it came out and it's been on top of my book and magazine pile since. I can not get enough of it!
   
   So, if you're a fiber freak like me, I would imagine you'd feel similarly. If you are a pure traditionalist, and can't see the point of yarn for yarn's sake in the least, stay away. I will say that the instructions are somewhat vague, but I really don't think the strength of this book is as a teaching tool. It's strength is in the inspiration and the joyful way in which it encourages folks to stretch their concepts of what yarn can be. I've been moved to try things I would not have done before because of this book and that alone is worth the price of admission. If you are a fiber fanatic who's not traditionally minded, or are open to new possiblities, I recommend this book with unabashed enthusiasm!



4. I am a power spinner, dyer and knitter, crocheter but am humbled by the artistic ability of others and am dazzled by what people can create and the literature that has exploded among these art forms.
   
   I normally do not judge other people's work because much of it is personal and heartfelt. That said, when I took this book out of the library-- my first looks were YUK! I went through this book a few times, then decided to return this to my local library from whence it came- as quickly as possible.
   
   Did I miss something? The majority of reviewers find it true art. Do most people who know more that I find this to be a path-breaker in the art of spinning with various materials? Perhaps it simply is not for me. I found the designs to be very ADHD and more crafty than art. I don't find modern and edgy objectionable at all-- I just purchased some Habu yarn and will be experimenting with those very edgy fibers.
   
   I would love to listen to what others have to say and explain to me what I missed about this book.



5. If you love to spin and want to learn new techniques to create one-of-a-kind yarns. If you want a book for inspiration when you are trying to decide what to do with a yarn or fiber, then this book is for you. I love the photography and insight into what goes into spinning from a non-traditional angle. This gives it all and more.
   
   If you're looking for this as a pattern book, I would skip it. I consider this the art yarn dictionary rather than a pattern reference. It is a stunning book, that sometimes make you smile or cringe, but worth viewing a traditional craft from a new angle.
   
   Get it and enjoy! If not, I'll take your extra copy because I'm sure I'll wear mine out in no time at all!

2 comments about Simple Silk Ribbon Embroidery by Machine: Step-by-Step Techniques for Beautiful Embellishments.

1. I just got this book. I have not done any of the exercises in the book but can hardly wait to start! Very clear instructions. Lovely color pictures clearly show how to do each step. Written directions add clarity. She makes use of clock settings for exact placement of ribbon for each element in silk embroidery designs.



2. This beautiful instructional book has clear, concise directions for "machine" embroidery with silk ribbon!!!!!! Since I do not own, nor can I afford a NEW embroidery machine, imagine my delight to discover this book that I can use my 30-year old Kenmore zig zag machine!!!!!!!!
   
   The photographs are gorgeous! And there are many ideas for use of this technique.
   
   Thanks for may opinion.