2 comments about Beginner's Guide to Needle Felting.

1. The book provides an insight into needle felting and the "how to's" are very clear and easy to follow.



2. This book is a must have book, "Beginner's Guide to Needle Felting" By: Susanna Wallis, was sent to me by Joan of Search Press and now I will be sending it out to one of you! There are so many fun projects (some are shown on the cover) in the use of needle felting. Although it states these projects are for beginners, I learned several new techniques with their easy to follow pictorial instructions. It is an excellent introduction to needle felting, in particularly if you are interested in dimensional technique to make objects. The materials you require are very minimal. You will need felting needles, Roving wool and foam. This book has great step-by-step instructions on needle felting. It explains all the materials that are required and takes you through all of the basic techniques.
   
   Learn to use raw wool to make felt balls, carding your wool to blend colors and using pipe cleaners to form an armature to shape to work. The illustrations in this book are stunning and the projects are fun and useful. Make and give unique gifts that show your creativity.

5 comments about Sensational Knitted Socks.

1. A very helpful book, particularly if you are a beginner like myself. My friends say it is very helpful to them also and they are not beginners! It is quite handy to carry around and use for reference. It would be even handier if these types of books were bound differently. Several of us took ours to a copy shop and had a ring binding put on. That way you can lay it flat while knitting and not lose your place. When I asked my more experienced knitty friends which book would be the most helpful for a beginner sock knitter, ALL of them recommended this book first.



2. Marvelous motivation! But I'd have to live two life times to try knitting all the patterns! Thanks, anyway!



3. I'm a new knitter, who has only been knitting for about four months, and also new to socks. I was given this book as a gift, and absolutely love it. Using the two circular needle method, I had no trouble at all creating the class sock, and am looking forward to trying other patterns in the book as well.
   
   Ms Schurch does a very good job of illustrating the basics of sock knitting, as well as challenging knitters to stretch their abilities a little at a time. Her patterns, all of which have instructions for three different methods (four DPNs, five DPNs or two circs) graduate from simple to complex, giving readers something challenging for all knitting levels. Her opening segments, which describe sock yarns, give all the basics of sock knitting, help one translate patterns, and include a great and simple sample sock to try, give even beginning knitters a place to start and a good feel for all of the patterns in the book.
   
   I did get turned around a little bit when first trying the sock on two circular needles, but re-examining the instructions quickly set me straight.
   
   I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone learning to knit socks, as well as experienced sock knitters who want to expand their horizons or try new methods.



4. This is a very nice book! Charlene Schurch outdid herself with this book :) This book along with her other book More Sensational Knitted Socks are the only 2 sock books you will ever need. The directions and patterns are top notch. This book is a must have for every sock knitter :)



5. I searched many titles and I am sorry that I ended up purchasing this one. I had to abandon my project as the explanations were just hopeless. If you know how to knit socks already, this book has a lot of beautiful patterns. But if you don't, unless you are way smarter than I am, you won't be able to learn from this. She just assumes that you understand things that a beginner just has no way to know.
   
   I unraveled the project I started based on this book, and I found a wonderful website with a free beginner pattern and detailed photographs that worked perfectly for me. So I wasted my $$ on this book.
   
   I am an intermediate knitter who just completed her first pair of socks, and while they turned out beautifully, that was no thanks to this book.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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. I have dealt with Laurie before on Etsy and when I stumbled upon this book I just had to have it! It is a really great book all the things you get to make are fabulous! And the price is really reasonable! She comes up with the cutest ideas and her directions on how to make a creature are really simple, easy, and always turns out really cute! I am going to get some more for presents for my friends over the holidays, I will definitely buy more! Keep up the good work!

No comments about Art Cloth: A Guide to Surface Design for Fabric.

5 comments about Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys, and Arans: Fishermen's Sweaters from the British Isles.

1. The patterns themselves in this book are quite useless for me as they are knitted on extremely small needles- but the stitches and the ideas behind the patterns are more than useful. I love just thumbing through the book and looking at the pictures!
   
   In addition to the pictures and stitches, the author does a great job of writing about the history of the patterns as well as her own travels to collect them.
   
   I love this book and would recommend it for anyone who would like to learn more stitches and get additional designing ideas.



2. This is a remake from a book written years ago. It has history of the sweater designs which is very interesting. The women didn't have set patterns written down, but are designs that have been carried down from generation to generation for a particular region. I would consider this book one for more intermediate knitters or those interested in history.



3. I have knit sweaters for years but never tried a guernsey until now. This book has oodles of great patterns to place into your sweater but if you haven't a clue how to get started, it would be difficult without experienced help. There are a few patterns which take you from the beginning through to finish but the remainder assumes you are designing the sweater and inserting patterns of your own design. I loved the stories of gathering the special designs of the individual villages and following the men around to determine what design was used and how it was done! That takes guts! Great book for my library and knit bag!



4. My aunt had given me this book a long time ago and it was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. I bought it to replace it and now remember what a great book it is! This was the first time Aran sweater patterns were recorded in writing. I find this fascinating.



5. I knew of this book before purchasing and when it arrived I was not disappointed. Gladys Thompson does a wonderful job of guiding a competant knitter through the tricky parts of making Cornish fishermen's sweaters (Ganseys,Geurnseas and Jerseys). Her knitting instructions are mixed with interesting history of the craft and I think the book is quite delightful.

5 comments about Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share from the Creator of Posie Gets Cozy.

1. I just got this book after trying to decide between it and various other sewing/crafts books available. And I am so excited about my decision to purchase this one! I love so many of her ideas for keepsakes, I will be making the townhouse growth chart very soon. My daughter just started walking and now is the time to start recording her height. Being able to do that on something that will come with us no matter where we move is a great idea. I am sure that I will be trying out so many of the projects included. I absolutely love it. The directions are clear and the ideas are innovative. Thanks Alicia!



2. Anyone who hasn't discovered Alicia Paulson's work and life is missing a rare treat. Her blog (Posie Gets Cozy) keeps us creative and happy with her sewing, yarn crafts, and cooking. That she has a degree in creative writing and knows exactly what to photograph (and how to do it beautifully) enhances her work. Buy the book and introduce yourself to Alicia's world; you will see real creativity at work. You can then happily anticipate the publication of her new book next summer. I know I can't wait to see it.



3. What I love the most about this book, aside from the fantastic original projects, is knowing that the projects are really from the artist. The photographs are hers, the memories are hers and the talent is hers. This woman is incredibly talented, but you do not have to be a professional to learn from her instructions. It's a gorgeous book.



4. Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share from the Creator of Posie Gets Cozy
   
   One day I stumbled upon Alicia Paulson's blog. I found her ideas to be straight forward so I decided to purchase her Jane Market Bag pattern. The bag was not difficult to make and Alicia herself commented on the two bags I made. I decided with that kind of support I had to purchase her book. I was not disappointed. As with her patterns, the ideas in the book are wonderful and easy enough that a beginner can create all of the items. I highly recommend this book to get your own creative juices flowing.



5. I picked up this wonderful book after being a fan of the author's blog for several months. The first thing I made was the doll featured on the cover. In fact, I made four of them as gifts, three as ballerinas in sparkly tule tutus for my granddaughters for Valentine's Day. What a hit that was! I can't wait to move through the rest of this delightful book!

5 comments about The Intentional Spinner: A Holistic Approach to Making Yarn.

1. As a beginner spinner this book was highly suggested by my teacher. I am glad I got it. This will help me learn more about spinning on a wheel and the different fibers I can spin.



2. This is a fantastic book - i read it from cover to cover and savoured all the information about spinning and creating funky yarns. it is a very technically easy book to follow with correct corresponding pictures. a great book, a must for new and intermediate spinners! Thanks...



3. I've been spinning for over 30 years and seldom purchase "how to spin" books anymore. But this one has found an honored place in my bookcase. And I've been recommending it to all my spinning friends, many of whom have taken classes from the author. I don't recommend it to absolute beginners, but to anyone who has been spinning for while and wants to get beyond being a purely intuitive spinner (which is where I am coming from).



4. The information in the book is excellent. You have to understand that the author's opinions on certain terms and techniques will differ from others in the spinning world as there are many ways to look at the art of handspinning. The editing of the book fell short on some of the historical information given and is false. For example, check out the reference to Thomas Jefferson.



5. I love this book. When I got it I read it cover to cover. I did have to get some wool out and play with the techniques in the book. The directions are well writen and the photos are wonderful. Though I would not recomend this as a learn to spin book if you know the basics this book will help you take your skills one step futher. I have enjoyed all the info greatly.

5 comments about The Needlepoint Book: A Complete Update of the Classic Guide.

1. Every stitch ever invented and how to do each one in an all-encompassing volume. Perfect for finding new stitches to try on your own.



2. I purchased the first edition when I was learning to needlepoint. Now many years and moves later, I found the book was missing just when I wanted to start to needlepoint again. All I could remember was the green and yellow cover. No author name. No title. No publisher. What to do? Try Amazon.com. It was the first needlepoint book that came up. I remembered the author's name immediately when I saw it. What joy to find I can purchase an updated version of my lost treasure! This book is everything previous reviewers have stated. It contains a wealth of needlepoint knowledge and it should be the first book needlepoint novices purchase. They may not need to purchase any other.



3. This is a really comprehensive and well put together to help any embroiderer. However, I'm disappointed at the black-and-white photos of the stitches, which makes them harder for me to visualize. I would gladly have paid extra to have the photos of the stithces in color.



4. This was an excellent book on needlework when it first came out. Now it has been revised and updated and it is even better. She has included different and modern techniques as well as many excellent patterns of pictures to follow.



5. This book was advertised as a classic guide for all levels. I can only speak as a beginner, but the material I needed was covered well. Recommend this book without reservation.

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 Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching.

1. I like the writing style a lot. I love the recipes and Heather's descriptions of each project. I have to agree with other reviews about the errors but I still like the book and will check out Heather's website for errata consult before my next project. I did make the smocked dress. I had hand-smocked but never used the elastic thread in the bobbin method...brilliant results! I make the drawstring bags a lot and love the method of using the seam ripper to make the drawstring opening...it's fast and much easier than my previous method.
   Everyone's writing a sewing book these days...popular bloggers, fabric designers....sometimes they work sometimes they don't. I feel in this case Heather Ross' book almost worked! Do check it out though as I said I like it!



2. I love the author's premise in this book - that sewing be enjoyable, easy, and quick. I literally made a dress for my daughter the first day I got this book and it took about 2 hours! And that is 2 hours where I spent much of it with a 2 year old in my lap, chatting with my dad while making the straps and otherwise multitasking so if you have some truly dedicated sewing time - it would be even quicker!
   
   I love it, love it, love it!!
   
   The projects are adorable - and they don't all have that "crafty, homemade" look either which is common in some sewing books - its as if you could have gotten them at a store. Perfect for gifts and so inexpensive to make as well since most of the projects are cotton or cotton jersey based!



3. This book is so inspiring: a fun collection of a wide range of projects--some for home, some for baby, some for mom, some for out-and-about. However, the actual sewing can be a little demanding. I think some shortcuts have been taken in the construction of patterns and directions given. I'll keep plugging away, but if you are a complete sewing novice, you might want to try a different book first. For instance: I made the toddler's flower girl dress according to pattern specifications and it was way too small for the size/year indicated. Thankfully, I could ease it up slightly, but I definitely had to make some adjustments. It turned out adorably and will be easy to whip up next time now that I've made note of measurement adjustments. There is a helpful "errata" page on Heather Ross's blog (just do a search).



4. Sheeish, let's just start with the instructions for the projects being a total nightmare. Did no one technically edit this book? I love love love Heather and her fabrics but I think letting her do the illustrations was a big mistake. They are too overwhelming and the content of the instructions does not necessitate all those illustrations. I have experienced more problems with the execution with these projects than I have in a long long time. That being said, Brook did a great job with the design and I love to look at the book, just don't think I'll try any more of the projects.



5. Right now I'm attempting to sew the weekender bag, and what should be very simple is turning out to be annoying. I have been sewing 30 years, so I'm no beginner, and everything from the yardage to joining the binding on this bag is wrong! Very frustrating. ON her web site, she did an errata, but even the corrected amount for the weekend bag is WRONG! The book says 1/2 yard. I thought it was not enough, but proceeded to follow the instructions, then got home and laid it out. Not even close to being enough. I went on her site, wondering if she did a correction, which she did, but it is still wrong. I fanyone is making the weekend bag, you need closer to 1 1/2 yards and possibly two. Like others have said, it is a shame since the pictures are so charming.
   Forgot to say that on this weekend bag, there is an error in the application of the binding. She has you gather the edge of the top, and you really shouldn't or the bias binding will not fit. Yikes, what a mess.