5 comments about Complete Idiots Guide To Knitting & Crocheting.

1. I purchased this book for my step daughter along with supplies. She loves it. The diagrams can help her if I am not there to show her the stitch and explain. I would recommend it to anyone that is starting to knit or crochet.
   
   The comics are very cute too. Of course I elaborated on them for my Hannah:)



2. I have been knitting and crotcheting for a lot of years now, I bought the book because I waan't working and I wanted to teach myself the correct way to do things. I have only had the book for a few weeks now but I've already learned how to do the contential knitting, it's been a very handy book, now I keep it by my chair where I do my knitting at all times.



3. This book would not be wasted on a knitting newbie. It has, for me, served as a very excellent reference when it comes to interpreting various pattern and technique instructions from other knitting books and publications. So, recommended!



4. I AM A FIRST TIME PURCHASER AT AMAZON, I BOUGHT THIS ITEM USED HOWEVER I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BUT AFTER MY ORDER ARRIVED I WAS AMAZED TO FIND IT WAS IN MINT CONDITION AND THE ARIVAL DATE WAS SOONER THAT I HAD INITIALY EXPECTED THANKS TO AMAZON FOR SUCH WONDERFUL SERVICE



5. Easy enough for beginners and also for experienced knitters. Would recommend it to anyone who's interested in knitting or crocheting.

5 comments about Heirloom Ribbonwork.

1. Helen Gibb is the best at reintroducing the Victorian Art of Ribboncraft and offering practical projects for today.
   
   I've actually made some roses using Helen's instructions. This is a very good introductory book into making ribbon flowers.



2. I came across this book at a local craft shop and quickly became enthralled by the beautiful projects. I have never done ribbonwork before nor even thought about doing it. But once I saw this book I very much wanted to learn!
   
   This book covers how to get started and has many different levels of projects. I am going to start small with one simple flower and learn as I go along. Directions seem simple and easy to follow.
   
   The photographs in the book are so beautiful, I like to sit back and just flip through them enjoying the era of days gone by. Also, the author (Helen Gibb) has a wonderful source guide in the back which includes her own website.



3. Helen Gibb has once again prepared a book that not only teaches the art of ribbonwork, but is an eye appealing treasure, blending directions for creating ribbonwork pieces of today with those of the past. Beautiful examples of past treasures have been painstakingly arranged and photographed. The book is enjoyable to peruse just to marvel at the beautiful antique pieces she displays. Her love of the antique handwork is evident and her work is tasteful and eye appealing. Helen's first ribbonwork book was beautiful and her new book is another example of her high quality and standard.



4. I have been pouring over this book ever since I received my autographed copy. This book is a must for anyone interested in silk ribbon embroidery or silk ribbon embellishment. Not only are the instructions clear and concise, but the book is dripping with photos of vintage and modern works alike. The variety of projects is sure to meet everyone's needs, with the photos providing endless ideas for using the techniques. Helen has created a masterpiece in this book.



5. This book is really one of the best I have read about ribbon work. I do have Helen's other book on Ribbon Flowers also.Just could not wait for her Ribbonwork. I looked it over cover to cover and want to make everything in the book.She has a wide variety of heirlooms to make and they are fantastic. I love the Victorian era and this book is truly inspirational.Helen's teaching certainly makes it easy to make heirlooms as a gift or for yourself. They are absolutely magnificent!

3 comments about Art Nouveau Floral Iron-on Transfer Patterns.

1. This book is full of beautiful art nouveau designs that could be used for many varied applications. I bought this book to help me design my latest tattoo and it has been extremely helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs detailed art nouveau floral patterns.



2. I love the designs, and recommend tracing with a knitting needle with dressmaker's carbon if you want to use the designs more than once.



3. These designs are a delight to paint and embroider! Each transfer is clear and easy to use, (almost like a stained glass pattern) and there are designs for several different types of projects, from small designs to intricate borders. Each time I look at the book, I'm inspired to start decorating.

4 comments about Knit and Crochet for Small Dolls.

1. When trying to decide whether or not to purchase this book, I was not able to find out whether it uses American terminology. Now that I own this book, I can let you know that it does use American terminology. All measurements are given in inches as well as metric units. This is an attractive, nicely designed book with patterns for dolls ranging from six and a half inches (16.5 cm) to nine inches (23 cm) in height. I would always prefer a book which stays open in front of me while I am working out of it, but a paperweight on each page will solve that little problem. There are lots of colour photos in this book, and even the dolls modeling the clothes are named and described. Clearly, a lot of love went into this book.
   I have two concerns. The lesser one is that my copy of this book, ordered through Amazon.ca, arrived with scratches all over the front and back covers. That's too bad. It may make you think twice before mail ordering this book as a gift for someone else, although probably not every copy is scratched.
   I have made one of the crocheted dresses from this book, so far. It turned out nicely, and as depicted in the photo, but not without my having to correct numerous mistakes in the pattern. There is a slight possiblity that this was my error, and that I misunderstood the pattern. However, I don't think so. Just in case the other patterns in this book turn out to have similar issues, I would suggest that only intermediate or advanced crocheters use this book. They will hopefully be able to recognize errors and make the appropriate adjustments. It is my hope that each pattern in this book will be tested, in the future, and a revised version of the book published.



2. This is a lovely book which draws you right in, creating a desire to make almost every item in it. Can't wait to get started.



3. This book has excellent, clear directions for making doll clothes using crochet or knit stitches. The items I made fit perfectly and look adorable. Great bang for the buck.



4. This book is well written. It has a complete wardrobe for small dolls. Easy enough for a begining knitter like me to complete a dress.Your dolls will be well dressed from undies to Hats.

1 comments about 101 Tea Towels (Quilting).

1. There are so many adorable embroidery designs for tea towels in this book. They are extremely well drawn and large enough to transfer without necessarily having to enlarge them first. All the designs include stitched out examples so you can see exactly what they will look like and offer a color guide for thread selection. The only reason for the 4 star instead of a 5 star is that many of the designs lack personality - for example, the salt and pepper shaker designs don't have faces like a true vintage design would.

No comments about CROCHETED SHOULDERETTE BOLERO SHRUG SWEATER ... A Vintage 1953 Crochet Pattern ... Kindle eBook download ....

5 comments about Braids: 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru & Beyond.

1. Has instructions for the Muradai and the card. Some say it isn't the best beginner's book but I found it more helpful than another book I've seen. The actual instructions for each braid is more condensed in this one but I think it makes it a better long term reference.
   
   I wish it had instructions for finishing a braid with something other than a tassel. I have the 1995 edition. Maybe the new one has more . . . ?
   
   REALLY like this book.



2. Excellent book, high quality paper and illustrations. Instructions are very, very easy to follow. It really motivates to make every single project. I am really pleased with my purchase.



3. Not only does Rodrick show you over 50 distinct braids ranging from 4-strand all the way up to a 31-strand braid, he gives you step-by-step instructions for both the maru dai (Japanese braiding stool, which you probably don't have lying around the house) AND the handheld card (which you can easily make from stuff you have lying around the house, and he tells you how to do that too...one quibble, I'd make the card out of about a quarter- to a half-inch of craft foam...holds the strings better than plain cardboard IMO). The instructions are very clear and consistant throughout the book.



4. This is an excellent comprehensive resource for braiding, but I'm sure I wasn't the only beginner who found this book overwhelming at first. I would recommend books by Jacqui Carey (maru dai) and Kathy James (kumiloom disc) for more detailed step-by-step information for beginners. This author also presents illustrations in steps, but he often combines two movements in one step that would require 4 hands, so the illustrations can be confusing, and there is no illustration to show you where the bobbins are after the first movement in his two-move steps. The steps are one step at a time in the Carey and James books. With some experience, Braids: 250 Patterns became accessible. Also, these braids are not presented in order of difficulty, as some have indicated, so don't skip the back of the book where some of the easier beauties lie!



5. I first became familiar with this terrific book several years ago when a friend of mine bought a maru-dai and started braiding. The braids presented in this book include designs from both Peru and Japan. All of them can be made using readily available equipment.
   
   Following a brief history of braids - first in Peru and surrounding areas and then in the Japanese culture, there's a detailed discussion, with lots of photos and diagrams, of how to set up the maru-dai and wind the bobbins or tama that carry the fibers. There are also details on constructing your own braiding stool and information for making cards that will let you do braiding. Also included - a section on finishing the ends of braids, embellishing the ends, and creating split loops.
   
   The book is packed with information - extensive sections on 4- and 8-strand braids followed by sections on 16-strand braids, flat braids, and on spiral and other braids. Mr. Owen's instructions are detailed and clearly written with color photos of each braid and how it should look.
   
   This is an incredibly valuable reference book that should be in everyone's kumihimo collection.

3 comments about Surprisingly Simple Quilts: From Australian Patchwork & Quilting Magazine (That Patchwork Place).

1. I found this on Amazon and bought it as a gift for an old friend who loves to make quilts for her family. She loves it!



2. I bought this book because I loved the quilt on the cover, but there are more inside, each one just as wonderful as the next. Creative use of fabrics, rather than complicated blocks is what makes the quilts "surprisingly simple." Stripes, bold prints, and bright fabrics appeal to me, and they are used well in the quilts in this book. There are some more subdued quilts also.
   Basics are included, so this would be a good book from which to make your first quilt.



3. Wow! Want to find some really unusual quilts? Something none of your friends are doing and something that will win the next county fair? This book of Australian quilts is just the ticket. Simple, different and a completely new look at how fabric can be pieced together into a gorgeous quilt.

5 comments about Vanna's Favorite Crochet Gifts.

1. I have always found Vanna's books to be a valuable resource of ideas.
   Her patterns are usually easy to intermediate so I can do them with easy.
   Fairly large print so that reading is easy.
   Note that most of her stitches for her patterns can be found elsewhere, but the way she puts the patterns together and the way she writes the patterns is the assest of her books.



2. This is a great book with a variety of patterns for crocheters of every skill level. The projects range from traditional crochet to a more modern/chic look. I've made two afghans, a wrap and a cute hat. I found the instructions easy to follow and like that they show two different photo views of each project. This is geared toward Lion Brand yarn products, but found it easy enough to figure out substitutions when I didn't use their yarn. Happy crocheting!



3. This book has lovely designs for afghans, shawls, jackets, slippers, sweaters, hats, and a pocketbook. The designs are varied, pretty and uncomplicated, and they don't rely on expensive or hard-to-get yarns. I highly recommend this book!



4. Vanna's Favorite Crochet Gifts is a lovely book of mostly afghans. The pictures are really beautifully done. Most of the instructions seem fairly easy to do. (To be honest, I certainly have not attempted them all!)
   
   It's such a pretty book that any crocheter who loves drooling over plans for new projects is sure to love it.



5. I just bought this book today and I have been reading it most of this evening. I can't wait to get started on the little girls dress. I also found a project in the book that required Lion Brand Woolspun Thick & Thin which is no longer available, so I have e-mail customer service at Lion Brand and asked them for a suggested substitute. There are some really beautiful projects that I can't wait to get started on.

5 comments about Contemporary Crochet: 37 European Designs.

1. I have many, (probably too many) crochet pattern books and magazines. I love this book; it has modern designs. I did not have a problem with the directions for any of the patterns so far. My only issue with the book is they don't specify the exact brand and name of the yarn used; this makes it very difficult (at least for me) to find the correct yarn to purchase. I purchased the incorrect yarn a few times.



2. I really enjoy the designs for the sweaters in this book but found the sizing to be on the small side. If you are in doubt, my suggestion is to go one size larger. Wonderful designs but somewhat unclear directions (that you can get through)and small sizing is why I only gave it 4 stars



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.