5 comments about The Art of Embroidered Flowers.

1. I have bought this book recently. I have already read it several times. The pictures give so much inspiration, they are stunning ! The "quilts! are quite easy to accomplish. It is'nt really a quilt book. But a book with fabric pictures embellished with a mix of embroidered flowers and small pieces of fabric. I can highly recommend this book. If you like to do work with fabric and like a little easy embroidery and futhermore find it exciting to dye the background fabric in an easy way this is the book for you. So much new inspiration. I started my first picture after inspiration from this book two days after I received the book. This is playing with fabric in a new creative way.
   Monica-Spain



2. I have had so much fun with using this book! I hand dye and paint fabric and have found great ways to use them in making these kinds of quilts. I have been making some small quilts mixing hand embroidered French knots with machine embroidered flowers, and I have also hand painted flowers using fabric paints.
   
   The author's instructions are easy to follow, and she has shared so many good ideas.



3. The delicate beauty of the tiny flowers using handpainted fabric, dyed silk floss/thread, various threadwork and tiny cut-out fabric pieces are vividly brought to life through the quality images throughout the book. All procedures are discussed and supplemented by images to guide you to make flowers very similar to what is shown and thus providing the techniques necessary for each artist to vary the techniques in order to make your own variation of tiny embroidered flowers. The applications for this type of work is enormous and some ideas, such as handmade cards, are provided in this book. One cannot go wrong with having this book on your creative work space or reference library. I am very pleased with this book and hope to apply the ideas to my own work.



4. VERY INTERESTING USE OF MACHINE EMBROIDERY, HAND CUTTING, HAND SEWING & PAINTING. CREATES GREAT DEPTH & TEXTURE..IMPRESSIVE & FUN TO OWN.



5. I love this book! It is so inspiring. Gilda uses supplies that most crafters/quilters have in their sewing rooms to make spectacular landscapes. Don't be afraid to try out her techniques. They are easy to follow and you'll be amazed at what you can create with some simple embroidery stitches.

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.

No comments about Journey of Hope: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama.

1 comments about Beginner's Guide to Silk Shading.

1. The book arrived within a very few days, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I found the instructions to be clear and informative, the designs beautiful, and the step by step photographs very helpful. After having completed the embroidery of one of the beginning designs, I am looking forward to trying the others.

3 comments about Stitched Raw Edge Applique.

1. I am a former quilt shop owner. If you want to learn the newest and easiest skillful "machine applique techniques" this is a great book. All photos, techniques, instructions are very easy to read and follow. No stone is left unturned in this book as she walks you thru the process. I was fortunate enough to attend one of Pat's classes previous to getting her book. I discovered she writes like she teaches always offering easy step by step methodologies for all level students.



2. This is a really nice applique book. The patterns are great with easy to follow directions. The colors used and designs are pretty and I will be referring to this book many times.



3. Have done raw edge applique for many years, but this book is just filled with great tips, ideas, and wonderfully creative projects. It is absolutely greeat

5 comments about 101 Ideas for Embroidery on Paper.

1. While this book showed some techniques with products not available in this country, it showed ways the designs could be used in different settings and combinations. It was a good stitch dictionary reference book.



2. I enjoy doing paper embroidery, have looked at this book but have not tried any of the patterns yet.



3. This is a great book for learning to Embroidery on papper. It gives good instruction and many examples of designs to embroidery. There are ideas for many different accasions.



4. This is one of my passions. I have a collection of books from Erika Fortgens. These stitches make beautiful geeting cards for friends and family.



5. The product was fine, but there are two things annoying me : 1) some patterns do not have all the instructions printed and some knots are not explained. I guess this is not a book for a beginner like me. This is probably the information a would have wanted to know before purchasing the book, but nevertheless , I appreciate it very much.

5 comments about The Big Book of Cross-Stitch Designs: Over 900 Simple-to-Sew Decorative Motifs.

1. This book is filled with a variety of patterns and designs. The patterns range from simple and sweet to complex and detailed. The designs range from country to modern. With so many designs, it should be easy to find the exact pattern you're looking for. I'm very happy that I purchased this book.



2. I was hesitant to get this book because of the negative review, so I went to the bookstore to check it out in person, and I loved it so much I purchased it right then and there! I am fairly to new to cross stitch, and I have not found this book to be hard to follow at all. I have this book as well as the other book that the other reviewer mentioned, the Better Homes and Gardens Book, and I have to say that there really is no comparison. To compare the 2 books is not really comparing apples to apples---the Better HOmes and Gardens book is mini motifs, and it is an excellent book, but so is this book, and it is not filled with mini motifs but larger designs that could go on pillows, etc. This book has truely beautiful patterns with everything from flowers to alphabets and everything in between. Each project has a full color photograph with a project idea, as well as suggestions for other project ideas. A lot of cross stitch books can be quite kitschy, but I have not found this book to be kitschy at all---many of the patterns are very elegant and modern. Sure there are some cutesy patterns, but those are the patterns that are meant to be cutesy --- like baby and children stuff. I love the variety, the photos, the clear diagrams, everything about this book. Another wonderful feature of this book is that for every project there is a list with DMC and Anchor floss#'s, and also a table that tells you what size your project will be stitched on different size fabrics. That is so awesome! LOVE THIS BOOK!



3. This book is worth getting only if you are an intermediate/advanced stitcher who is interested in the pattern library in the back of the book. There are some nice patterns in there, especially floral, but nothing you can't find some other place. HOWEVER: they don't give you stitch count for any of the designs, only 'design size' on different fabric counts (like 25!@!), so you'd first have to convert it or count it yourself if using any regular sized fabric. I recommend getting it from a library, or just skipping it altogether.
   
   A *much* better reference book/pattern library is "2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book" (Better Homes & Gardens Crafts) by Better Homes and Gardens (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
   
   My biggest problem with this book is the first half - all the text. Obviously written in the UK, this book pretends to be instructive and comprehensive but leaves a ton of stuff out! Seems to be a tie-in with the materials of only a certain chosen few manufacturers, everything else is apparently not 'worth mentioning'. If this was a David & Charles publication I'd understand, but this is Readers Digest people! Not worth spending your money on if you are looking for a real survey of what is out there today, especially in the U.S. - which is all also available world-wide through online shops.
   
   The sections lacking the most?
   --Threads: limited types listed - no mention of the variety of silks, overdyeds and other specialty fibers (bamboo, etc.) out there.
   --Fabrics: limited types listed - no mention of the various evenweaves (everything is either aida or linen - no lugana, jobelin, etc. Tells readers that aida is only available in 2 counts (it comes in five.) Absolutely no mention of the overdyed fabricss available from established firms like Silkweavers, PictureThisPlus, etc.
   --Needles: doesn't tell you all the sizes or types (petites, gold-plated, etc.) available
   --Frames: doesn't mention Qsnaps or a bunch of the different kinds/sizes of scroll frames
   --Tools: No mention of tools like magnetic needleminders, Star DeTailor, tacky bob, seam ripper, thread snips, tweezers, needle puller, FrayCheck, etc. All the little things that can make stitching even easier.
   
   Besides the lack of information about products not being sold by their 'sponsors' (listed in the back of the book), I didn't like some of the instructions either.
   
   My biggest beef was with the fact that they instruct you to measure and select fabric only 2 inches larger in each direction than the design. That is terrible! Leaves you with only 1 INCH on any side of the design. Generally accepted is a MINIMUM of 2 inches on each side (so 4 inches larger), while most stitchers go with a 3 inch per side increase (6 inches larger than the design.) I would hate to be a beginning stitcher following these directions! You have no room to put the design in the frame to work it (even in-hand would have a problem), and absolutely no room for error and very little for framing allowance.
   
   Argh!
   As you can see, I pretty much detest this book.
   Definitely don't reward the publisher by buying it, there are much better ones out there - for both beginners and pattern libraries!
   
   For the most comprehensive online source of 'how to' for beginners, go to: http://home.comcast.net/~kathydyer/



4. Just beautiful. Im making projects already. Big and little, huge color charts color coded. Huge book, lots to do. I've been cross stitching for 25 years and I can tell you this is a winner.



5. I checked this out from the library to get some new ideas for gifts. The designs are gorgeous-- lots of color pictures of each design and how they can be used as gifts. Most of the designs are fairly simple (or quick) even for the beginner, but are also beautiful and well-illustrated.
   
   If you are a beginner, (I'm an intermediate stitcher)get this book! I learned some new stitches I didn't understand how to do. Now I'm going to buy it!

5 comments about Creative Crochet Lace: A Freeform Look at Classic Crochet.

1. I would recommend this book to the crocheter looking for some fresh and pretty designs. I want to emphasize the prettiness of the patterns. This is not your grandmother's pattern book as the designs are unique. I find too often crochet design books feature patterns that are stale or in some cases bordering on ugly and not something you'd want to actually wear. Some of these patterns may present a challenge, but the results will be worth the effort.



2. Very disappointing. I never would have bought this had I seen it first in a store. Not practical, messy looking designs. I'll never make a thing inspird by this book...and I love crochet lace.



3. I have been crocheting for many years and love to experiment with my work so when Myra Wood released this book, I was very curious about it. Myra's work in freeform crochet and her bead work are legendary so I had a feeling that her book would be very inspiring as well. I couldn't have been more right!
   
   Let me start by saying that this book is not a line by line pattern book, nor is is a stitch guide or any other traditional crochet format that you may be used to. It IS, however, a wonderful guide teaching the reader easy to follow techniques for creating totally freeform garments using your own creative ideas. She has outlined several styles of freeform crochet lace, given ways in which to shape and style the work, how to lay it out properly, techniques to join the smaller pieces you may have into a larger item, and things to consider about fit and drape as you work.
   
   This book is a beautifully laid out, easy read with gorgeous photography and lots of very good, sound advice for anyone wanting to get into the field of freeform crochet.
   
   Thank you Myra, for such a wonderful book!!!



4. I just got my copy of Creative Crochet Lace and I am in love. I have seen some lovely freeform crochet in the past and was intrigued by its beauty, but never wanted to try it myself because I thought its end use was limited, and how many wallhangings does one really need? This book not only shows a variety of freeform techniques, but also shows how to make items in freeform that are practical as well as beautiful. I'm hooked - pun intended!



5. A great resource for those of us who are bored with the same old patterns. Myra explains how to develop your own crochet lace and free yourself from the "doily" look. Just what I have been waiting for!

5 comments about Miniature Punchneedle Embroidery: Simple Techniques Beautiful Projects (That Patchwork Place).

1. This is a great book for beginners. It has clear instructions and nice color pictures. There are 11 projects, but they are very tiny! They would make great rugs for in a doll house.



2. MINIATURE PUNCHNEEDLE EMBROIDERY: SIMPLE TECHNIQUES, BEAUTIFUL PROJECTS provides eleven folk-art-inspired designs to illustrate the method of punchneedle embroidery. Easy techniques supplement very basic tips on equipment to get beginners started nearly instantly. Step-by-step photos in color and black and white supplement larger ones of finished results which inspire.



3. It doesn't matter whether you're new to the art of punchneedle embroidery or whether you've been doing it for a while now. No matter your level of experience, you'll find something in this book to delight you. Repasky's clear, readable style will guide newbies through every step of learning punchneedle, and her projects and finishing techniques will inspire even those who already have experience. There are resources galore, also. The photographs are very well done and give those who learn via a visual representation plenty of needed information. Every project comes with an extensive thread conversion guide, too, so whether you have an old stash of DMC floss or whether you have the latest hand-dyed floss or wool, you'll be able to execute these truly primitive, whimsical projects with no trouble at all. And they are so small, you can probably get through one of them in one or two sittings. If you want to learn punchneedle embroidery, this is a fabulous place to start.



4. This is an excellent book on punchneedle embroidery. This type of embroidery is becoming quickly popular and this book will tell you everything that you need to get started and have fast success. The book is great for both beginners and the experienced puncher with a number of patterns, a lot of technique, and excellent color illustrations. The author, Linda Repasky, is very knowledgable on the subject and presents clear and easy to follow instructions in this book. The book covers every area of the art and includes directions on how to frame finished work and how to make pins from your creations.
   
   If you are looking for a book to get started - or you are an experienced puncher and looking for inspiration, this is the book for you!



5. i recently received this book and it has already been useful. i wasnt sure how to finish my punch needle pieces properly and with this book i now know. the photographs are wonderful and the directions are easy to follow. if you are interested in punch needle this is a must have book.

4 comments about Cross Stitch Fairies: Over 50 Enchanting Designs.

1. I am having another little girl and wanted to do a fairy theme for her room. I did not want to do Tinkerbell or Disney and that was all I was finding. I then found this book and it is perfect for what I need. There is a fairy alphabet, as well as fairy of the month for card projects. Overall, I am very pleased.



2. I really like the projects in this book, especially the cover design of the Fairy Princess by Lesley Teare. Other designs include birthday fairies for each month, designs for babies' rooms, a large fairy godmother design, seasonal fairies and silhouettes. Some of the designs use specialty threads such as Kreinik braids and blending filaments, Madeira threads, and Mill Hill Beads, so be prepared for the extra expense for these items. My only complaint about this book is that all the charts are in color. For people who are color blind like myself this can be extremely frustrating. In working with the Fairy Princess chart I had to get help in re-marking the chart with symbols that I could actually see when stitching. But other than that, the book is worth getting for all the designs you can use to make a variety of different projects.



3. This book contains work from a number of different designers with slightly different styles which provides a lot a variety in the fairies. All the designs are quite whimsical so may not appeal to everyone, however the book well suited my purpose for something quick and pretty for several small nieces. I used the lovely fairy alphabet for little name plaques.
   
   The layout of the book is very well-done with lots of ideas on using the designs, clear charts and instructions for floss and materials and an excellent techniques and finishing section. Those starting cross-stitch so they can make unique gifts for little girls will find this book very useful. I would not recommend it for advanced stitchers looking for detailed fantasy designs.



4. I bought this because the cover shows a slim female fairy with beautiful wings. That is the type of fairy that I like. Inside, that picture is there, but it is a large project. There are smaller projects but they do not have the beautiful detail. The cover project is certainly the best one in the book. Also, I don't care for little children or chubby fairies. There are children in here and they often look like gnomes. If you love children fairies, chubby fairies, and gnomes, this is the book for you.
   
   There is a section on birthday fairies which is a "fairy of the month" that is pretty. Those projects are fairly short - done in an evening or two.
   
   Another section has alphabet fairies which is also cute if you like that sort of thing. The fairies have beautiful wings, but no faces.
   
   There is a fairy godmother which resembles a stereotypical grandmother with colorful layers of clothing. It is a country style similar to Mary Englebreit.
   
   There are also seasonal fairies and silhouettes. I love seasonal projects, but I don't care for these.
   
   Now there are some wonderful things in this book to balance it for me. Each project has a list of supplies needed for the project shown. The introduction is very good with lots of information and there are helps in the back to show the different techniques. Other kinds of projects are shown as well. For example, the fairy godmother project has a border around it that makes a great bookmark. Gift tags, sachet bags, cards, tooth fairy pillow, memory album, bell pull, towel band, drawstring bag, decorated notebook, pencil holder, purse, napkin holder, paperweight, coaster, and others. The techniques for these are in the book and you could use any cross stitch pattern for any of these projects. I was hoping to find a beautiful fairy bookmark, but even though I didn't find it in this book, I still found a few other items that I will use.