2 comments about Making Stuff for Kids.

1. Want to have fun with your children and lack imagination and creativity? This is exactly the book you need. It's fun and -mostly- easy to do, and has lots of pictures and drawings explaining it in detail. Have fun!



2. The beauty of this craft book lies not just in its recipe for "Sparkle and shine playdough", or its "Pebble Pals", or the " Cute as a button necklace", but it is much deeper. It brilliance of it is where it calls out to parents and children alike: pick me up!!! Be creative!! Get messy! Don't stress! Making Stuff For Kids will bring parents and kids or kids and other kids together in order to create-and with their own hands make something to enjoy.
   
   Making Stuff For Kids, is a complete child's craft book, divided into helpful (age appropriate) sections: teeny talents, cunning crafters, super sills, and tough cookies. This way you will know if your child, or even if you are in way over your creative head. The beginning includes a section of how to's: how to knit, how to do appliqué, papier mache, pompoms and sewing- just in case you, as a parent need to learn or refresh your skillz right along side your child.
   
   The book is composed of craft ideas by contributors, I believe causing Making Stuff For Kids to break away from the traditional nerdy-kid-craft-mold(and parents wondering: what do I do with THIS mold) to a more interesting and involved crafting, where kids are really creating stuff that they are interested in! The creativity level is pretty alarming so beware!!!
   
   So far we have only had a chance to do several of the crafts- as my children are a little young, and things can get crazy while crafting (they are ages 2 and 4 and there are already some really fun projects for them in this book!!) We have done (and loved) the Pebble Pals (p.51), the Peg People (p. 52), The Scratch it and see (p. 53) and the potatoes for T! (p. 64). Next on our list (it has actually been the craft my 4 yr. old has been begging for since he looked through the book) Creepy Crawly Wormery (p. 47)!! Our young family will definitely grow into this book, so if you have older kids- there is a lot of things they could do, even some crafts designed for them to do without you! This is one of those books, that we will keep coming back to on those days of- "mom, I'm bored", or "there's nothing to do, mom!". I know it will be one we constantly have handy as our boys get older, I dread the stains it will suffer, but as any well loved book I am already aware of this unstoppable, impending doom- love stains.
   
   I love it, and obviously recommend it %100!!
   
   CRAFT ON!!!

2 comments about Stitch Sampler.

1. Nice reference book for stitches. I was looking primarily for needlepoint stitches; this book includes stitches for embroidery and crewel, but does have a fairly good selection for needlepoint. The colored pictures are wonderful to show the entire stitch and the explanations are included. Very nice book.



2. This is not a new book, but is one which is new to me. I have to admit I ignored it because
   I figured it was embroidery on cloth, not on a counted ground. But there is lots here which
   is worthwhile.
   
   First off, there is a needlepoint section, which has about 75 stitches divided into groups.
   
   Then there are dozens of other stitches, grouped by function (border, filling and
   openwork). Every stitch is photographed in color, showing not only the completed stitch,
   but one or more photos showing construction.
   
   From a needlepointer's point of view. even the non-needlepoint stitches are useful. They
   are all stitched on evenweave fabric. To adapt them to needlepoint, just count threads.
   
   At the beginning of the stitch dictionary there is a gallery which pictures every stitch, lists
   it name and tell the page where it can be found. This makes looking for a stitch so easy.
   
   I keep thinking of great ways to use these new stitches.

2 comments about Ribbon Treasures from Celia's Garden.

1. I am a sucker for ribbon flowers and try to add them to my applique work whenever possible. I found this book beautiful and the instructions were easy to follow. If you are a fan of Baltimore Album-style quilts, this is a book you'll want to add to your collection. It is a wonderful companion book to Elly Sienkiewicz's "Romancing Ribbons" book, which is out of print.



2. Learn how to create three-dimensional blossoms working with ribbons with Ribbon Treasures from Celia's Garden, a guide to decorative flowers which can be created to enhance quilts, hats, home decor and more. Step-by-step full-color directions make it easy to follow specifics on creating flowers from ribbons, with enticing and inspirational finished results presented. Any quilting or needlework library needs this.

5 comments about Embellish Chic.

1. Excellent reference book with specific details about techniques. Some of the examples are lovely, some a bit strange, but the point is to learn the techniques, and then apply the lessons to your own original ideas. I had no idea that one could put thin silk cord in the bobbin of a sewing machine -- just one of many things I learned. I checked many embellishment books out of the library. This was the best, and one of the few I'm actually purchasing. It's a keeper.



2. This is an excellent book for explaining many many techniques of the common and not so common variety. The descriptions and instructions are exceptionally well written. The pictures take you completely through each step leaving little room for error. The only word of warning I would give would be to those wanting wacky techniques that go out of fashion before anyone realizes they're in: this book isn't for you! It gives many wonderful ideas that will clearly inspire those that want to create something that will be stylish and wearable for longer than one fashion season. It's an excellent book for anyone's sewing library and I highly recommend it.



3. 
   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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

1 comments about Wheat Weaving & Straw Art: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Learning the Craft (Heritage Crafts Today).

1. This spiral-bound book is exquisite and is perfect for the novice as well as experienced-weavers of wheat straw. The photos and instructions are clear, detailed and lovely to just look at. The author also includes a list of suppliers and resources such that there is no reason not to get started on weaving wheat asap and making ornaments not only for your Christmas tree but for other holidays, as well.
   
   If you usually save your December issues of the Martha Stewart Living mag., you will find that in the Dec. 2001 issue--I think that's the date--Martha demonstrates how to make wheat straw ornaments which are very attractive. Apparently such ornaments are an ancient tradition celebrating the harvest of grain. It's a folk art that is easily learned, and Amazon has priced this book much lower than other suppliers.
   
   I found the list of straw art terms to be very useful for me, a novice in this art. I had seen the term scandi on a supplier's Web site but no explanation of its meaning: According to this book, scandi is mass-produced, prepared plait, aka braid.
   
   There are a number of projects in this book, and if you look at the cover, enlarged on Amazon, you will see a photo of a lovely wreath on the left side of the cover; that is project 14 in the book and one that I am anxious to try. The author also includes instructions for making straw stars and mounting them on notecards and demonstrates how to prepare straw marquetry to place on notecards by using paper punches to punch out various designs on flattened straw. There are even instructions for making drop earrings using straw! This is a great book, and I recommend it highly.

1 comments about Quick Quilts for Home (Leisure Arts #4995).

1. This book has lots of dark, ugly colors--made me think of 70's when browns, golds, and dark green were in vogue for kitchen appliances. Did not care for it and would definitely not have bought it if I had seen the colors and backgrounds selected Select a review type
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   for these quilts.

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

5 comments about The Complete Encyclopedia Of Needlework.

1. 
   3.0 out of 5 stars Complete Encyclopedia Of Needlework: Anniversary Edition, June 21, 2009
   By Rachel M. Gregory "Fashionista315" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
   (REAL NAME)
   I bought this book because I was looking for a book that covers smocking and and other older hand stitching techniques. This was one of the few that I could look inside before buying which in retrospect was not too helpful but did make for a more comfortable buying experience at the time.
   
   This is a complete book of needle work but just like the other reviews have warned, the images are sometimes dark. Also, it's not a quick read/reference. It's an exact reissue of an earlier book and I think it would have been helpful to update the instruction style. It's a thick book and some of the stitching I will never use but the small section on smocking was helpful. So despite my negativity, if you are looking for a complete book of antique needlework, this may the one for you.



2. This is an awesome book & a great reference companion to Beeton's Needlework, altho the reproductions for the Kindle edition are slightly less than perfect...



3. The book in entirely in black and white. Many of the diagrams are so dark and of such poor contrast that no detail can be discerned. The book has a wealth of detail but the illustrations are very disappointing.



4. Save your money. None of the nearly 900 illustrations from the original book are in the Kindle edition. I tried the sample and assumed they must be at the back of the book--not.



5. Those of us who love needlework, whether as practitioners or admirers, will find this encyclopaedia very useful. Its 20 chapters include Plain Sewing, Mending, Knitting and Crochet as well as Gold Embroidery, Tatting, Filet Lace and Pillow Lace.
   
   Each skill or craft is clearly explained and supported by diagrams. These are timeless crafts, and the techniques explained in Therese de Dillmont's book (first published in 1884) are still in use today. The illustrations were originally steel engravings and while part of me would like to see colour photographs, a larger part is pleased to see reproductions of the originals.
   
   I own many books on different needlework techniques, and most of them are quite specific to a particular technique or style. This book starts with the basics (needles, scissors, threads etc) and then progresses through each of the techniques in a way which has me wanting to learn and practice each of them. Lace making and tatting in particular appeal: I have pieces made by my grandmother early last century and I'd like to imagine that she too had a copy of this book. If she did, it would have certainly been a hardcover.
   
   The paperback is fine for my purposes, but I would love to own a copy of one of the early hardcover editions as well.
   
   Jennifer Cameron-Smith

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.

3 comments about A Manual of Fingerweaving.

1. HAHA (yes I had to title it that), If you are interested in maybe trying weaving then this book would be a great starting place for you. Plus I am really amazed at what you can do with some string and your fingers, very informative and all directions are very clear and easy to follow.



2. Based on a very positive previous review, I anticipated a beginner-level manual with many basic patterns, detailed weaving instructions for each pattern, suggestions for variations, and more advanced information which would go beyond the excellent finger weaving book by Turner I already have. None of my expectations were met. Much of the photograph is amateurish, the patterns are few, and the instructions are vague and poorly illustrated. The inexpensive booklet by Turner does all of this in a much more appealing way. I would suggest that the next book to supplement or go beyond Turner's book is one by Gerald Findley and not this book. The only value to this book in my opinion is that it does have a very nice discussion of the craft and some historical pictures of Native Americans wearing finger woven regalia. This was not what I was primarily looking for. Finger Weaving: Indian Braiding Fingerweaving Basics



3. The long wait for new material on Indian fingerweaving has finally paid off. This manual not only picks up where Alta Turner's Indian Fingerweaving left off, but pretty much covers everything she wrote some 20 yrs ago (save for the peruvian braiding). This manual is great for the beginners as well as more advanced weaver who want to pick up a few tips and tricks to create beautiful warp face and oblique woven sashes. Color plates and bountiful instruction are presented in the lessons and as well for those who are interested in learning the selvedge edge methods. There are many color plates as well as illustrations to help with comprehension. In the back you will find a slew of old b&w pics of the old-time pow wow straight dancers in their regalia and sashes. It features a color plate of the earliest extant example of warp face weaving from the late 18th century, not to mention all the other awe inspiring beauties! It doesn't just stop at weaving it includes instructions on how to weave in the tiny white beads (as opposed to sewing them in), beading the fringes, and the twisting and braiding of the fringe itself.. This is the perfect book that both modern style and historical style weavers will not want to miss.