5 comments about Softies Only a Mother Could Love: Lovable Friends for You to Sew, Knit, or Crochet.

1. This book is whimsical. I can make these!! And I don't have a lot of sewing experience. I see stuffed creatures of the like at stores with high price tags for what they are. Instead, use this book with the patterns included and instructions and make them yourself. Give them to your special friends and loved ones. They will remember that you made them. ANd, you can also get creative and make alterations to the softies and make your own very unique one with just a little imagination and love.



2. I love the designs in this book, but I hate the fact that the templates are printed right inside the book. This means you'll have to copy and enlarge them. Enlarging can be a real challenge.



3. If you like funky-unusual stuffed animals, this is the book for you. I absolutely love its simplicity and the projects are delightful and easy to follow. I highly recommend it.



4. I just bought this book today on a complete whim. I wasn't even looking for something like this. It just stood out to me. It's wonderful, fun, cute, informative, easy to understand, and a great price. I think this book has sparked a new hobby interest for me.



5. This book is great and gorgeous. It's great to learn how to make your first softies (softies that I know well from the artist's blogs). It's gorgeous with beautiful pictures and a very inviting layout. The artists are so generous to share their patterns! I have tried already a couple and it was easy. And it also help me to open my mind and make my own designs!
   It's a book worth it to buy, have and enjoy!

5 comments about See and Sew: A Sewing Book for Children.

1. I've looked at this book extensively in bookstores and I'm not sure whether to buy it. It's well made and its instructions are very clear. My problem is its faux-retro theme which is kind of sexist and racist. If this a book for "children" why is a little girl featured, like every other old-school kids' sewing book? (The cover of the author's cooking book is similar -- a little girl cooking. In the corner is a much younger boy for whom she's cooking.) Same old same old. Perpetuating an exclusionary past that wasn't so great.
   
   And since it's faux-retro, of course all the subjects are white, since minorities didn't exist as far as mainstream 1940s and 1950s America was concerned.
   
   I'd have to think twice about giving this to a child. Certainly it wouldn't be the only sewing book or the first.



2. This is an excellent book for working with young children who are interested in sewing. All the basics of sewing are explained in simple terms and are well illustrated. I work with 8 year olds and they were delighted with the draw-string bag project. I will soon be doing the sock doll project with after I have them make the frog pin cushion. Children are eager to sew and do have the patience to learn to thread their own needles, make knots, and sew various types of stitches. They love the finished projects. This book will add a lot to my classes where I have taught embroidery and applique as well as simple sewing.



3. I ordered this book for a co-workers 5 year old daughter. Both Mother and Daughter are enjoying the book and making the projects together. The 5 year old is a bit young for some of the projects, but with Mom's help is doing a fine job.
   
   I'm thinking of ordering one for myself, as the drawings of various hand stitches are the best I've ever seen.



4. My daughter (and I) are new sewers so I purchased this book thinking I would provided some good info to get her (and me) stared w/ sewing. The book provides good instruction but the project ideas need some serious updating. I mean an egg cozy?? Overall ok book there are probable some better books w/ good instruction and cute up to date project ideas



5. My granddaughter wants to make doll clothes but doesn't live close enough for me to teach her. So, I purchased this book with its clear photographs, explanations, patterns, and directions. I added all the things she needs in a sewing basket with a variety of fabrics, buttons, and bows. It won't be the same experience as learning from her grandmother, but sometimes you need to find a good substitute teacher. This is a charming book and just what I was looking for. And, it might even help grandmothers teach a little better!

5 comments about Peyote Stitch: Beading Projects.

1. This book offers some basic stitch directions. Mostly however, this book is about creativity and design. This book includes patterns for most of the illustrations presented in the book.



2. Peyote stitch is easy and fun. This is a great book! Lots of fun projects.



3. Very happy to have this awesome book. I had created some beaded designs using techniques derived from the book and they sold fast !



4. I was disappointed with this book. I liked the beaded beads on the front cover and when I realized the patterns were not included in the book I threw it away. I already know how to do peyote and was interested in some good beaded bead patterns. This book shows technique but not the specific patterns.



5. This has been a very informative book. It's designs and patterns entertain both beginners and more advanced peyote stitchers. I highly recommend this book to all.
   Lovely pictures and a easy to understand directions. I do wish that some of the extra pictures had directions but once one understands the basics its a go and try it from there.
   Kimberley Neff

5 comments about Beading on Fabric: Encyclopedia of Bead Stitch Techniques.

1. I can't wait to make some of the projects in this book. I read it from cover to cover and now am in the process of gathering my supplies so I can get started.



2. I have not done alot of beading. This books instructions and illustrations are very clear. I am not planning on creating art pieces like the author, but would like to start working on my own belly dance costumes. This book had the basic beading on fabric and fringe variations. Just what I needed.



3. A GREAT SOURCE FOR BEADING ON FABRIC. ONCE ONE UNDERSTANDS THE BASICS, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT.



4. I thought this book was too basic, and didn't contain the stitch type information I was looking for. It almost seemed to pertain more to quilting stuff...



5. This is a wonderful book. Larkin Van Horn is such a talented beader. Her work is beautiful and skillful.

5 comments about Micro-Macrame: 30 Beaded Designs for Jewelry Using Crystals and Cords.

1. This book is inspirational for beginners and even experienced knotters, who may be tempted to borrow some ideas from Annika's creations.
   
   Since none of us was born with knotting skills, those of us who want to learn must have good teachers and good resources for learning. Annika does that effortlessly in this book.
   
   The photographs show every knot clearly so even beginners can follow the step-by-step instructions with confidence. There is a lot of technical advice on materials,design and construction (like what NOT to do when making a necklace).
   The tips, tools and equipment section is very helpful for beginners as well as for experienced knotters who can still learn a thing or two.
   
   The finished jewellery looks decadent. Too bad the photo on the front cover wasn't as impressive as some of the exquisite pieces toward the back of the book. That was an injustice.



2. I ordered this site unseen and was pleasantly surprised. I was anxious to start learning so I looked everywhere for the cords she recommended and couldn't find them in the local stores, so I placed and order online. In the mean time I bought some waxed linen to practice on and I really had trouble with the harder knot, the double half hitch. I couldn't seem to get it right. I was discouraged because I usually succeed at these type of things. When I finally recieved the tuff cord that she recommended, the trouble was over. I was able to make an intermediate bracelet right off the bat. Now I am in the middle of the necklace that features the double half hitch knot. You really should order online the tuff cord nylon cording when you order the book. The projects turned out beautiful. The instructions were very easy to understand and the jewelry that she designs is beautiful. The only drawback is it can be intensive on your back when you sit and knot for a while.



3. This is an excellent book for Micro-Macrame. It has many, beautiful designs from simple to complex. I found the instructions easy to understand and the diagrams were very good.
   
   The book does over-estimate the thread lengths, however. I suppose the logic is that too much thread is better than not enough. I completed the Paristan Necklace, which recommended 50" lengths of cord (which will be folded in half). When the small medallion was complete, I had 18" on each strand, i.e., an extra 3 feet.
   
   I found some advice on how to measure cord for a project: Take the length of a project (i.e., a 16" necklace) and multiply by 8.
   
   Also, the instructions are for thread thinner than C-Lon, allowing two threads to pass through a 4mm Swarovski crystal. C-Lon will allow only one thread pass, which means I had to make an adjustment to the design.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book. It's one of the best micro-macrame books I have seen.



4. I had seen micro-macrame projects on the Internet and had wanted to try this technique. I then purchased this book and am currently working on my first project. Although the projects are progressive, in that they start off fairly easy and increase in difficulty, I was able to go to the back of the book and start with one of the more involved projects with ease. This was possible due to the great photos and step by step process on how to tie specific knots to produce really up to date and colorful jewelry. The thing that I like the most about this book is that the projects are modern and the use of the author's color palett gives great ideas for much success. This book worked for me!!



5. This is the best bead micromacrame book I have seen so far. This is for two reasons: First, Annika uses lots of beads in her designs. Other books just throw in a few as accents. Second, the book has lavish color photos throughout, with every step shown visually so you don't have to guess what each step means. I have made two of the projects in the book and was very pleased with the results!

5 comments about Ocean Breezes: Knitted Scarves Inspired by the Sea.

1. if you want to do something different in a scarf, this book has it. Great book! Can't wait to start knitting one of the scarves



2. This is one of my favorite books for scarves. I turn to it all the time. It has all kinds of yarns and sizes ...best ever.



3. I bought this based on reviews here and was not disappointed. This is an excellent way to learn lace knitting without committing to a sweater. The pictures are gorgeous and really show how the pattern should look and the directions are quite clear. It's easy to substitute less expensive yarns for the luxury ones she suggests and, of course, with scarves, gauge is not as critical as it would be with a fitted garment. Very helpful, portable little book and I'm having great fun learning the patterns. Highly recommend.



4. I now know why I prefer crochet over knitting. I LOVE the look of knitted scarves but I don't have the ability to decipher the instructions of a knitted pattern. I can read the abbreviations and glossary section or the definition of the stitch pattern in the pattern itself. The combination of stitches is just a bit much for my mind to get around. And working from a chart has never been something I have been able to do, even in a crochet pattern.
   
   The front and back covers have a "built-in" bookmark for making the pattern you are working. With 25 beautiful patterns, there will be one for every person for which you need to create a scarf. There are brightly colored photos of the item and even a close-up or two so you can see the details. The instructions are clearly written if you read "knit"! The beginning of the book even has a chart that provides information about yarn weights and the recommended needles to use with each type of yarn.
   
   As an accomplished knitter, this would be a wonderful book for you to create lovely scarves as presents.



5. I just finished making my first scarf from this book. I made the sea scallop pattern, and the directions were very easy to follow. I consider myself an intermediate knitter, and I had no trouble following along. Much easier to understand than other books I have encountered. And the results were beautiful! I look forward to making more scarves from this book.

No comments about The Complete Photo Guide to Textile Art: *All You Need to Know to Alter and Embellish Fabric *The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Fabric Artists ... Instructions for More Than 40 Techniques.

5 comments about Hook, Loop 'n' Lock: Create Fun and Easy Locker Hooked Projects.

1. I had never heard of locker hooking until a friend discovered it and showed it to me. I found this book to be very informative as to how to do this craft and now it is one of my favorite ways to spend an evening, or even an afternoon, for that matter. The book features some really great projects, some simple and some more involved. I really like it and am now an enthusiastic locker hocker! Thank you, Amazon.com.!



2. This book has easy to understand instructions with accompanying illustrations to help the beginner get started. Patterns range from easy to more difficult and span a wide range of projects (rugs, lamps, purses, coasters). I love it!



3. I am so glad to grab a copy of this book. The step by step instructions are easy to follow and understand. I have done a set of 4 coaster which I conducted a giveaway draw in my blog. I am doing a bigger project, a rug for myself.



4. I haven't used the book yet, but have spent alot of time looking through it. I tried a number of local craft stores and was unable to find it so was very happy to find it on Amazon and for a great price. The supplies may be a little hard to find. I finally figured out that except the hook being special the rest of the supplies are pretty common items. Your imagination is your only limit. Have fun and practice before trying to do anything complicated.



5. I was really pleased with this: wonderful, clear photos outlining every step of the process; great instructions; a good variety of colorful, fun projects.

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

1. Great book to have in your collection for beginners and people that want to refresh their skills. The book has clear understandable instructions; it explains how to do all the knots needed to complete the project. Great illustrations , must have.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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 comments about Make Your Own Clothes: 20 Custom Fit Patterns to Sew.

1. I have been sewing for over fifty years and the idea of using software and creating your own custom pattern got me all jazzed up. So I bought this book and software and have to say I was a little more than disappointed. I had someone else do my measurements so I knew they were accurate. But the pattern that printed off for the simple slacks was the size of clown pants. It was a waste of my time, effort and fabric. Also the book instructions on how to use the software is very poor and almost non existent. Much more effort should have been placed on describing the tasks needed to successfully size and print your pattern off, as well as save and modify it. I am sorry I could not recommend this product.



2. when i looked at the "look in side" preview i was sold but when i got it i was very disappointed alot tof the pictures are misleading like the 2nd picture the one with the realy cute short sleve top and kaki pants, you would think they would have the pattern for the shirt sence it was so prodminate in the picture but it's not the pattern is of the pants :( i gave this tree stars only because i do like some of the patterns but wish it incuded more patterns of all the clothes depicted in the pictures.



3. My title says it all. Great for the directions but I wouldn't wear any of the clothes in this book. I was really disappointed. Maybe she could rewrite it using her sewing knowledge but let someone more in touch with fashion pick what she makes.



4. Crappy CD with bad interface. The talking help was impossible to understand, distorted, cut out a lot, which was too bad since the product is not intuitive. The pattern pieces in the layout were all on top of each other and I couldn't move them. I updated the software, reinstalled software and still it was a no go. Returned product.



5. This book has many patterns and helpful information. The instructions are well explained and it was very exciting to see that I could use the CD to make patterns that would custom fit the cloths that I wanted to make. The only thing that I did not like was that there was a "password" on the CD that you had to enter before you could use it. It took me a long time to find out what it wanted and finally after a few weeks I located the password inside the book. I have not made anything yet (due to lack of time) but I am hopeful that it will turn out.