5 comments about Felting Fashion: Creative and Inspirational Techniques for Feltmakers.

1. This is one of the rare craft books I own where every project inspires me. Thanks to the popularity of wet felting and nuno felting, there are now scores of books on both topics, and I own several of them. This one stands out. The focus goes beyond making simple items to creating felted fashion. It contains clear instructions about basic and advanced techniques, but the real focus of the book is on adding creative touches to both the fabric and the cut of the finished items. It's a great book for both new and experienced felters and won't move to the back of your bookshelf.



2. This book whilst one of the best on the market, was limited mostly to style and design. I was looking for more indepth detailed instuction.



3. I purchased this book to expand my knowledge toward wearable fiber garments. This book is very informative and beautiful photos, I plan to make my first one of akind wearble fiber fashion this month. I shown this to two of my friends who also plan to purchase Felting Fashions.



4. I cannot understand how a craft book missed step-by-step pictures. As an intermediate felter, I find very dissapointing buying a book which pretends to be a guide for larger projects and you won't find even an only picture on the process! Nothing! Only written explanations and quite shoddy drawings.
   The pictures of the coats, hats, etc are nice( really nice work) and inspirational... if you discover yourself how to do them.



5. An excelent book for those who want to learn about the process of producing beautiful jackets made out of felt.
   It contains different templates which are easily understood by the reader.
   "Felting Fashion" is a highly recommended book which people interested in the subject should have by their side.

5 comments about Seed Bead Stitching: Creative Variations on Traditional Techniques.

1. It seems the author not only like to bead but enjoy it as well.
   She made it so you can clearly see the original techniques and er ideas and twists.
   Both beginners and advances will find this book interesting and for a great price.
   The images are clear and let you see how to play with color and how the stitches go together. Get this and the sequel!!!



2. This book offers clear directions, patterns, and ideas. A valuable addition to any beading library.



3. Easy to figure out the stitches, and great pictures. I knew some of the stitches in the book but the ones I haven't tried yet were simple to do from the instructions and pictures real or drawn. I truly enjoyed this book, I also have the second book, and enjoy that as much as this one.



4. I really love this Book for kickstarting my beading creativity again, the book has a great introduction and is user friendly to both novice and experienced beaders. The book features all the basic beadweaving stitches like Peyote, brick, right angle, spiral, etc. with instruction that are clear and diagrams that are user friendly. Each stitch also has a section for advanced beaders. Beth Stone is even nice enough to add warnings on what is not in her book, she does not discuss quantity of beads to use in each project although she does specify the type of seed bead to use, there is no clear direction on color so you can mix and be as creative as you want to be, and she does not specify the length. This three warnings may frustrate the novice beader a bit, but it's all done to get your creativity going. I just love that about this book, it's focus is to get you to learn the stitches and then use them as you would like, it may be scary for those who like a specific pattern with all the information written out, but trust me the freedom to experiment and bead outside the bead box is so much more fun.



5. I was excited to see a book that would help me visualize someone else's experimentation with basic stitches. However, after it arrived I realized most of the pieces shown were done with "bead soup", a mixture of different types, shapes, sizes, and colors of seed beads. While a few examples made this way would have been interesting I found myself overwhelmed by the vast array of different beads per piece and unable to easily follow the thread path, making the projects look very similar after a while. So many different beads in one piece makes it busy and visually tiring as there's nowhere to rest your eyes and no pattern to move your vision naturally through the piece, just a jumble of colors, shapes and sizes. I didn't send it back, but then again if I'd been able to page through it beforehand I wouldn't have bought it in the first place.
   
   Patricia, beading and designing for 6 yrs.

5 comments about The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything Knitters Need to Knit Socks Beautifully.

1. I am relieved to know the instructions of the book can be difficult to decipher even for some English native speakers as well after reading a review; for me it was full of attractive techniques that I could never materialise. I did not understand this book very well and I thought it must be only because of my poor comprehension in English, even though I understood Wendy's and Charlene's sock books with no problem. A reader points out about poor translation but I wonder if the translation is to be blamed for all this... as there seems to be lack of explanations that is more to do with the original texts, including the numbering and re-numbering of the needles. Patterns in the latter half also are like little personal notes for the authors. I should have noticed quite a few five star comments are written by those who actually have not started the project referring to this book.
   It is a bit too advanced to work things out for my level of English and knitting knowledge, but could be good enough for those who knows techniques already and only need a hint.



2. I already knit socks, but need a guide/reference book for those difficult moments in some patterns where you just don't know what they are talking about and have to look it up in a reference book where there are pictures and step by step instructions. This is one of those books. It has helped me several times already to decipher "translate" poorly written patterns. I would recommend it to both beginners and experts for different reasons.



3. This book has a lot of different styles of socks, discusses sock heels, how to customize the fit for your foot, and several patterns for various types of yarn and designs. I wish they gave more complete directions for the different sock designs in the second half of the book. The authors are experienced knitters who write clearly, and in the first half of the book they discuss typical problems a knitter may encounter while making socks. This is a good book for a knitter who wants to explore sock knitting beyond the basics.



4. I did appreciate the designs in this book. I love the sock on the cover and will be making it soon. Very well laid out and organized book.



5. I used to make sox but have gotten rusty and this book was so helpful bringing me back up to speed.

5 comments about Hemp Masters: Ancient Hippie Secrets for Knotting Hip Hemp Jewelry.

1. One day my son comes home from high school & asks me If I'd ever made a hemp bracelet & if I'd make one for him. Well, no I hadn't made hemp jewelry before. But with a little online instruction for the basic knots, I was able to make my first 4 bracelets. Only problem is that once I get started on a new craft there's just no stopping me! So, after reviewing all the instruction book options available online I chose this one because of it's combination of history and it's detailed instruction of many different knots and patterns. I've made several bracelets since & none have been any of the exact pieces that are in the book. It's not because I can't or won't do them, but simply because this book is instructive enough that I'm comfortable going out on my own, switching up the knots in a piece and creating my own patterns! I am on a mission though, to make the rear-view mirror car charm or the dream catcher in the back of the book, as they are advanced pieces that are intricate and beautiful. I'll just continue working my way through each of the knots that are needed for those pieces.



2. I love this book it has so many interesting tidbits of information that you just don't get in regular hemp books and the hippie lore is a fantastic bonus!!!



3. I was looking for new knots to work into my hemp jewelry. And I found them here! I've been making hemp jewelry about 2 years now, and I love this book!
   Especially the Phish Bone knot!!!



4. There were tips that weren't in the other macrame books. Bunk hemp would be an example and how to get stubborn beads onto the lead (think rubber cement). Good descriptions. Ok pictures.



5. If you're beginning then this is a great book for you, and if you're experienced, its a great book for ideas. I love it.

5 comments about Wool Pets: Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle.

1. A good starter book to get going on your new needle felting craze!
   
   I've made a few of the little animals from this book.



2. I just love all the projects in this book. The instructions w/photos help make the beginning felter (such as myself) more comfortable on getting started with these projects. I have another felting book, which I also like but this book with the photos gives me more of an idea on how much felt I should be using. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to start making thier own felted critters.



3. The pictures in this book are Great..the best yet ive found on needlefelting..I was quite surprised by how much detail they give for each project....I can jump in and just do any of the animals...they are very nice..with detial..I have 4 of these animal felting books and this one is the BEST.....B.W.



4. Last Christmas I met the author, bought the book and also bought a few of her kits for the holidays. Wow! What a fun and creative way to enjoy being housebound during the winter. It's really fun, easy and gratifying to make these little animals for ornaments or for gifts. Even my normally grumpy teenagers enjoyed making the projects. This is also a great thing to do with sick friends while you visit or old friends who can't needlepoint anymore. A wonderful present for young and old.



5. Beautiful, hardcover book. Excellent for beginners, especially (which I am!) Explains different types of needle felting tools and wools/fibers. This book covers just what it says - pets and small critters with a mermaid or two thrown in for good measure. No purse patterns, here :)! Many projects with very detailed color pictures for each step of each project. Starts with easier projects and builds up to small dolls at the end of the book. This book was an excellent confidence builder for a new needle felter, like me - it's given me confidence and skills to branch out and try my own designs.

5 comments about Shibori Designs & Techniques.

1. Where do I start with this book? there are so many ideas and options here that I can't deside what to try first. I will be dyeing many things before I run out of ideas gathered from this book. Love it.



2. Clear instructions, helpful step-by-step photos, inspirational images: this book is what I was looking for.



3. I own 5 Shibori books all of which have their niche. THIS book is a workbook as well as a source of wonderful examples of shibori. VERY practical.



4. Instructions are very easy to follow and well illustrated with full color photographs. The book covers a wide range of techniques and explains them all in detail.



5. Not a book of "patterns" for you to follow...but lots of detailed instructions for many types of shibori. Beautiful photography. This book is a great reference/resource.

5 comments about The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave).

1. I passed this book on to my daughter It was a bit complicated for me and way tooo involved to be fun or interesting I am sure that there are people who would find it a good source but it was not what I thought that I was ordering



2. This is an excellent book for any knitting level. For those who wish to be innovative, it leaves the door open to endless possibilities. I would recommend this book as a "must have" for your knitting library.The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave)



3. I've had this book for a few years, through I haven't done all the projects in it, mostly used it for hats. The adult's hats have always worked out well for me, but now with a baby in the family to knit for, after several hats for her, double checking my measurements and making sure I had the right stitch gauge, they still came out way to big. This christmas I knit two hats meant to fit 18 months-4 years old and both hats fit me with plenty of room.
   Wishing I had read other reviews that mention this before I knit them! I still recommend the book, but don't trust the sizing so much!



4. as long as you know your guage you can knit anything! great ideas on variations too, great book!!



5. This is one of the most useful knitting books I have bought, and I have found the patterns to come out very well with shaping and fit. On occasion I have had to tweak a few things to get the perfect fit, but that is what this book is all about...basic patterns that you can alter slightly, if necessary, and then know forevermore how to get it just right for you or your loved ones.
   I love the blank palette feel here, so many ideas have come to mind, and it's been easy to incorporate design elements. Ann even leaves you room in the back for measurement and details notes and the like (which I am always writing down on a scrap sheet of paper and putting someplace "safe"...you know the rest...).
   The spiral binding and elasticized bookmark show that this woman thinks of everything and expects this book to be put to work. My copy has seen some and is destined to see much more. What a godsend for busy, creative knitters! Thanks, Ann!

5 comments about The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch, Inspiration & Instruction.

1. The reader can truly "learn" to knit from this book. It is the clearist teaching with word and photo that I have ever read. I know how to knit and yet could value the perspective of the novice and treasure how much information was given, and given when needed, and so very clearly.
   
   The projects are just warm ups to let your creativity unleash and go crazy with color and design. All the basics are given to you to practice your knitting skills with confidence and how to get past a problem when it occurs. I love the book and will share it with many. Thank you, Nancy



2. I love this book, as I do all of Sally Melville's books. She is a wonderful teacher and reading the text is a great treat, even for me, who has been knitting for many, many years. I am actually making her favorite summer sweater from this book. The directions are accurate and easy to follow. You cannot go wrong with Sally!



3. The person Barb that I purchased this from has graciously permitted me to return this book as I found i already owned it and had forgotten. I appreciate this very much. Hope I can buy from her again some time. Thanks Anita Fetzer



4. Thank you! As promised, this book was in "like new" condition, delivered in a speedy fashion, and packaged well to keep my purchase safe.



5. I have many knitting books in my personal library and recently was told about a particular pattern in this book. As I usually do I went to my public library to see it for myself in print although I had handled the garment from the knitter. Well I found so many beautiful patterns and also basic information with amazing graphics that I had to have a copy of this book for myself. It is on my knitting bench handy for me all the time.

5 comments about Judith Baker Montano's Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool: 180+ Stitches & Combinations - Tips for Needles, Thread, Ribbon, Fabric - Left- & Right-Handed Illustrations.

1. This was a great book for information--small and easy to handle--instructions on the many stitches in great detail and easy to follow.
   
   HOWEVER----the book itself is spiral bound at the top. Flip the first page to the back(built -in stand) to read. Turn around to read the next page, and so on and so on....every page must be rotated to read--all 191 pages. This book was extremely annoying to "turn the pages". Too bad--it's a great book otherwise.



2. This is a nice compact book to have as quick reference for certain stitches you may need to complete a project. Easy to understand the diagrams and the pictures of the finished stitch are really beautiful.



3. This is a beautiful little spiral-bound book designed to stand up on its own built-in easel. It's a very odd format. As you casually browse the book, half the pages are upside down because they're designed to be right side up when used on the easel. To read through you have to continually turn the easel back and forth.
   
   While a stand-up book might be nifty, it's only 6"x5" and its small type and diminutive illustrations are difficult to read from any distance. The extra board and big metal binding make it a heavy addition to your sewing bag.
   
   The format is redeemed by Judith Montano's excellent stitchery. I've always been a fan and learned silk embroidery from her earlier books. I'd prefer this stitch dictionary in a conventional format.



4. Very durable, practical resource. An encyclopedia of illustrated stitches that will show beginners how to work the selected stitch. Illustrations very clear and easy to follow. Judith Baker Montano's Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool: 180+ Stitches & Combinations - Tips for Needles, Thread, Ribbon, Fabric - Left- & Right-Handed Illustrations



5. This is an excellent teaching and or reference book for all kinds of stitch work. The format is straight forward and easy to use, making it now my favorite. I am still learning same of the more complicated stitches. However as the author clearly states, all the stitches are simple, some just have more steps! I also appreciate how she encourages the use of all types of threads (ie. silk, linen, wool) and even thin ribbon to add verity and dimension to her work (and now mine). I can truly recommend this book as a keeper.

5 comments about Elegant Knotted Jewelry: Techniques and Projects Using Maedeup.

1. Lots of good information in this book. You learn everything from what supplies to use, how to tie basic knots to the more intricate knots. Specific projects are offered that can easily lead you to experiment on your own versions. The supplies used are easy to locate with a quick internet search. While you're searching, look for Becky Meverden's postings about her time in Korea where she learned this beautiful age old tradition. I'm so glad she was able to learn and share her knowledge with the rest of us. I'm unlikely to travel to Korea but through her and this book I feel like I've experienced a small glimpse into one of their beautiful artistic traditions.



2. This is not macrame! This is wonderful traditional Korean knots that make up into beautiful jewelery. Looks like quite a challenge, and Becky even says so. But she assures you that once you start you will get the hang of it and be smitten with the wonderful projects you can make.



3. Global handicrafts hold a particular fascination for me. My husband and I had a Fair Trade Craft gallery for five years and tried our best to spread the powerful message of fair trade and the power of appreciation for the art and craft of other cultures. I have always loved to see the dialog that begins when a person from one culture is introduced to a craft from another and they begin to infuse it with their own unique vision. Becky Meverden moved to South Korea with her husband in 2007 and discovered the ancient art of knotting known as maedup (pronounced mae-doop.) She found a willing instructor and some partners in craft and together they studied this meticulous art form of intricate knots. Becky returned to the United States with a newly cultivated craft passion and beautiful photographs and stories to share.
   
   Her new book Elegant Knotted Jewelry is a joy to behold. The reader feels as though they are transported to another country and immersed into an exotic art form. Becky has created an array of stunning projects that incorporate the knots she shares in detailed step by step pictures in the front of the book. She infuses this ancient craft with her own modern twists adding interesting materials and accents. I loved the seed beads she wove into the Beaded Garakji bracelet, what a novel touch! Using CRYSTALLIZED-Swarovski Elements columns gives the Faceted Crystal Columns necklace an upscale appeal. Her use of color is exceptional and the designs are all modern and appealing. The book is filled with wonderful color pictures that guide you through learning the knots and recreating Becky's beautiful designs.
   
   If you're looking to expand your jewelry making or craft repertoire in new directions, this book will be a perfect addition to your library. Touch the 'art and soul' of South Korea through Becky's lovely photographs and stories and through her exploration of the ancient art of maedup. The language of craft is universal and these ancient art forms are rapidly disappearing. Kudos to Becky for her hours of patient practice and her willingness to share what she's learned with the rest of us. What a wonderful gift indeed.
   
   Margot Potter
   Author
   The Impatient Beader Series, Bead and Wire Jewelry Exposed and Beyond the Bead



4. This book is good for beginner knotters (explained well) but do not expect to learn anything more than the basic knots. Lots of projects (jewelery) and some good recommendations on the tools and findings that work well with Korean cording projects. Gives you some good ideas but the projects are a little repetitive and use the same knots throughout. Friendly and amical content.



5. This book not only presents clear and simplified instructions to create intricate Korean knot work, or maedeup, into stunning jewelry, but it also allows a glimpse into the artist's journey of learning the process and life in South Korea. Everything is beautifully presented with colorful pictures that incorporate several different lampwork artists' glass along with other unique and some traditional findings as well; while some of the other designs simply showcase the exquisite knot work. I would highly recommend this book for the new skill you can learn, but just as much for the gorgeous photography!