No comments about Donna Kooler's Second Edition Stocking Collection (Leisure Arts #4819).

5 comments about Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns.

1. I was very disappointed in this book. I have many others than offer more information. Yes, this book isn't expensive, but after reading the reviews I had hoped for more and this book fell short. If I had seen it, I wouldn't have bought it. Wish it wasn't such a pain to return it, but it would cost so much it would not be worth while. The print type is old and the photos are mostly hand drown. Like the one review stated, not very inspiring.



2. I scored my copy in my favorite junk shop here in town. At the time I was a beginning knitter, pretty mind-boggled by the information in this book. I used a few of the lace patterns to design dishcloths and put it back on the shelf.
   
   Now that I am designing my own patterns and have gotten to be a much better knitter, I've picked this book back up again, amazed at the wealth inside.
   
   Modern knitters not exposed to Mary Thomas might not be so pleased with the hand drawings, though they make perfect sense to me now. Also of interest are all the historical references and pictures and once accustomed the quaint, old-fashioned language there is an immense amount of technical information to be had for the designer.



3. This book is very clear and contains a lot of good knitting information. The drawn illustrations and charts are not always very easy to read and obviously somewhat antiquated, but there is a lot of knowledge in the book.



4. While not as glitzy as newer stitch guides, this is a great book to add to your knitting library. While I enjoyed Mary Thomas's Knitting Book more, this is also filled with great information. I feel like she actually explains how the stitches work, and why they are knit the way they are. Definitely more technical knowledge here than in the average stitch pattern book. For the price, it's definitely worth picking up.



5. I knitted a lot in the early 1970s and must have bought this book soon after the 1972 Dover release which was a reprint of the original. I took up knitting again recently and I love seeing how dog-eared the book is from years ago and I still refer to it frequently. I loaned it to a friend a few years back and she promptly bought herself a copy. This is a classic and makes me feel connected to knitting as an art that transcends time and place.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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



4. 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. Purchased for my 10 yrear old Grandaughter, she loves hand sewing and this is a great book of projects and how-tos for her.

5 comments about Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts: Fuzzy Felted Friends.

1. Take a sneak peak inside this book. The projects are sweet and varied. I love the variety, which you can build off and the photos, which are friendly and inviting. Some criticisms are fair, the author could provide more information; beginners might stumble here and there. A felter with a wee bit of experience should easily overcome the book's few shortcomings. (Use the 'Look Inside' feature for an overall impression of the book. Keep clicking on 'Surprise Me.') Maybe I'm just a softie, but I feel the author put genuine effort into this book. I adore it; it's like holding a friendship in your hands.



2. The next two books are courtesy of the Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts book series by Chronicle Books. The series includes four books: Amigurumi, Fuzzy Felted Friends, Lacy Crochet and Woolly Embroidery. Since I don't crochet I only have the embroidery and felting books.
   
   The books were originally published in Japanese and have been translated into English. We've all run into badly translated foreign movies, instructions, and websites. These are nothing like that. They have been remarkably well done. The only thing that gives away their foreign nature is the naivete of the text.
   
   Woolly Embroidery begins with 33 pages of color photos of the motifs and projects. This is followed by a guide to wool embroidery, useful tools and materials and thread color charts. There are also clear illustrations for 30 different decorative stitches. I find that particularly useful. The patterns are adorable, some even having a touch of that 1970's crewelwork look that's so popular.
   
   Fuzzy Felted Friends is laid out in the same manner, with about half the book being full color photos of the projects. Several pages of step-by-step photos of the different techniques follow. The instructions for the projects are next and, fortunately, have both metric and standard measurements. It includes projects for wet and dry felting, for both felted animals and pouches/bags, for useful items and purely decorative cuteness.
   
   I would say these books are suited to the crafter who has had some experience.However, they do have projects that are do-able by the beginner with a little bit of patience. I do wish there was a little bit more substance to each of them but $15 for an 80 page softcover book is still fairly reasonable.



3. Although it may seem like a very small book, coming in at only 80 pages, "Fuzzy Felted Friends" is packed tightly with patterns for felted projects - 25 in total, and as the series title suggests, these items are CUTE! Projects included in this book include pincushions, tea cosies, bags, purses, mobile phone charms, card cases and toys, all of which take the form of some sort of cute animal. As I have said in some of my other reviews of craft books, although I really enjoy making cute soft toys, I just don't have the space for them in my house anymore (not that that stops me from making them), so the fact that most of the items in this book have some purpose, other than sitting there and gathering dust, makes it very appealing to me. I can make these items without feeling guilty.
   
   The projects in this book are a mixture of needle felted and water felted items made from raw wool (no felted knitting or crochet patterns are included). The book is divided into three sections, the first section gives colour photographs of each of the projects, the second gives brief instructions on the general techniques required to make these projects (only about 10 pages in total), accompanied by black and white photographs, while the third section gives more detailed instructions for making the individual items (with black and white line illustrations). The pictures in this book are gorgeous, and for me, this book was worth buying just to admire them. However, the instructions are somewhat lacking. As a felting beginner, I would have liked more guidance on making these projects. Nevertheless, I would think that more experienced felters would enjoy this book immensely.



4. I was excited to purchase this book, since I recently invested in the supplies necessary for needle felting. The cover of the book suggested that the projects inside would appeal to me. The book was ultimately disappointing, because other than the dogs on the cover and a few other projects most of the content requires wet felting rather than needle felting. Although some of the projects such as the bird coin purse look great, I don't have the materials necessary for wet felting.
   
   This book would not be good for beginners because the instructions are vague, and consist mostly of patterns and dimensions. Little guidance is given on how to construct and attach basic shapes.
   
   If you enjoy both needle and wet felting this would be a good choice for you. If you are only interested in needle felting then do not buy this book - choose one that is devoted solely to needle felting.



5. I was drawn in to buying this book based off of the cover photo which was exactly the type of work I wanted to learn to make. The description states, "step-by-step directions, and helpful how-to illustrations make it easy". However the instructions for most of these creations only had four steps and a few illustrations. The illustrations would tell you what size diameter you should make the body and head, but gives you no idea about what quantity of wool to start with or what specific techniques to use. The photos are adorable to look at, but as a "how to book" falls extremely short.

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

1. 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.



2. I am a new knitter (I've completed one scarf and am in the middle of a second), and was looking for patterns that would be challenging but do-able. This book features 25 scarves, each of them unique, using different fibers and techniques (lace, cables, ribs, etc.) The instructions are clearly written and include information on where to purchase the exact fibers used for the models.
   There are at least two beautiful photos of each project, along with a little introduction about the inspiration for the design. A couple of the scarves are suitable for men, so I'm looking forward to knitting one for my husband- probably the Twisted Rope. I think the hardest part of this will be deciding which scarves to keep for myself and which to give away as gifts!



3. Sheryl Thies has put together a lovely collection of scarves (with design options!) that would appeal to many tastes. What I like about this book is that the scarves have a variety of shapes and styles. It's not all long rectangles. The borders of the scarves are nicely worked out. I'm thinking most of the designs could have yarn substitutions very easily. It's not like your gauge is a super-huge deal with a scarf. (Close is probably close enough.)
   
   I had some painted mohair blend yarn in my stash and tried it on the 'Sea Foam' scarf but the colors puddled oddly. (I plan to make that scarf design later with a solid color.) Then I tried the `Cockleshell Lace' pattern and the changing colors look pretty cool. I hadn't knitted lace before so I was a little intimidated. It took me a couple of minutes to figure out how to do a double decrease but now I'm happily knitting along with the aid of a few strategically placed stitch markers.
   
   In any given knitting book there are usually only a handful of designs that I like but this one has several I admire. I would like to knit the 'Fishbone Lace' cowl next. It has a nice casual look to it. I'm thinking that the 'Snails' scarf would make a really cute belt. A goodly number of the designs would work equally well for men or women. The 'Nautical Twisted Rope' pattern looks quite manly. I foresee many happy hours knitting from these patterns.



4. I usually prefer to buy knitting patterns individually as most books and magazines rarely contain more than 1 or 2 projects that interest me. This book is an exception. The projects are interesting and attractive without being too difficult. I really liked "Ocean Currents" and "Scallop Shells". The yarns most frequently used are in the DK/worsted catagory and the majority take 400-500 yds, naturally the wraps are more. I don't have a LYS but have found it very easy to find suitable yarns at the usual chain craft stores. Most could be easily adapted to what you have on hand.
   
   The pics are bright and clearly show the sts and the finished product. The directions are clearly written and the repeats are so easy that even those that prefer charts won't really miss them.



5. I came across this FABULOUS book at the library, and had to get a copy for my collection as well a one for a gift. This is a beautiful softcover book with 25 great patterns (scarves and shawls). Something for everyone, and even easy enough for someone new to knitting like me. The colorful illustrations and variety are spectacular and the patterns easy to understand. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

3 comments about Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo.

1. This book is a very good example of the various methods of working with kumihimo, the Japanese form of braiding. The procedures are well explained with excellent photos to accompany the explanations.



2. Excellent book. Good, basic instructions, easy to follow. The best part is the spiral bound and small size. Makes it easier to deal with while using a marudi.



3. Unless you absolutely NEED a spiral bound copy of the book, don't bother. It's an almost exact copy (some images are moved about for space on the pages and the numbers don't EXACTLY correspond ie-pg. 30 is not the same in both books) of the "Beginner's guide to Braiding, The Craft of Kumihimo" Beginner's Guide to Braiding: The craft of Kumihimo published in 1997 in Britain and later in the US.
   
   The reviews listed below the book now, were NOT there when this book became available for preorder (I placed my preorder in January 2009). Had they been, I could have surmised that this book was a reprint of a 1997 edition based on the ages of the reviews.. I really dislike the fact that the book has been retitled, giving no indication of its previous title, nor any reference to the other ISBN.
   
   When I placed my preorder on this book, Ms. Carey had NO information about this incarnation of this edition, no mention that this was a reprinted/rebound copy of an earlier book, on her website. I -love- her books, they're outstanding, but how many copies of one book do I REALLY require on my shelf or on my workbench? In addition, Amazon did not have any further information indicating it was a reprint either.
   
   Ms. Carey has done this with another book as well "200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop or Weave" (published in the US in 2007, Interweave Press 200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave) and "The Braider's Bible" (published in Britain in 2007, Search Press Ltd.The Braider's Bible).
   
   Not at all fun to realize that the book you purchased, believing it was a UK-Only edition, is actually a copy of what you already had on the shelf. And because it came from the UK, I cannot easily return it (I'd end up spending enough to purchase the book between the original shipping and return shipping).
   
   While I understand that Amazon may not know that these are the exact same books, I do expect the publisher and ESPECIALLY the author, to note that they are exact copies of each book, just rebound with a DIFFERENT TITLE, ISBN and different cover.
   
   The book is beautiful, and if you find that you need a spiral copy of "Beginner's guide to Braiding, The Craft of Kumihimo" 1997, great! At least go into this and spend your money on something knowing what it was originally packaged as. It gets a 1-star for lack of disclosure and reference to a prior edition.
   
   PLEASE NOTE: I rated the spiral bound edition of Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo, but because they've now linked BOTH titles, it shows up as a bad review of the Beginner's Guide to Braiding: The craft of Kumihimo, which was absolutely NOT my intent. My review ONLY concerns the spiral-bound, newly retitled and newly re-released copy of Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo.

5 comments about 101 Needlepoint Stitches and How to Use Them: Fully Illustrated with Photographs and Diagrams (Dover Needlework).

1. I ordered several used books from Amazon and was exceptionally pleased at their condition, the swift delivery and the product itself. Would recommend to anyone to order via Amazon



2. My book came in good shape, as described on Amazon. It did take a long time to get it - I imagine that is the vagaries of the US Mail.



3. Good book for beginners. Covers lots of stitches....wish it had more on finishing projects.



4. This book does an excellent job of explaining stitches. For the first time, I undersand how to do a basketweave stitch. That alone is worth the price of the book!! The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because the examples of the completed stitches are in black and white. This and the chucky yarn makes it difficult to see the finished stitch.



5. I bought this book for a reference, and it is great. The examples are clear, and include suggestions for best use. I like to suggestions about materials, canvas, and needles.

5 comments about Freestyle Machine Embroidery: Techniques and Inspiration for Fiber Art.

1. This is a wondrous book with many examples of finished pieces that are breathtaking. Yet the actual instructions of how to do this kind of embroidery are limited to just twenty pages of the book. The remaining pages are a gallery with no instructions, a useful colour section on overlaying threads and a few techniques and tips. I would rather have seen more instructions on how to make a face in machine embroidery, how to make a 'landscape'. I do think this book is worthwhile because it is inspiring and shows you what can be achieved, but I am not at all sure that it is the best instructional book on freestyle machine embroidery.



2. I have long admired Carol Shinn's work and was excited to find such a clear and informative book showing her work and methods. The book is all that was promised and more. The photographs are very good and clearly show how Ms Shinn accompishes her wonderful thread paintings. There are excellent examples of other artists' work in this medium and the instructions are concise and thorough. It was also helpful to find that Ms Shinn's methods do not require any high tech sewing machines or specialized equipment. She also gives very good instructions about correcting the problems that might arise while working on fabric. I appreciate good books that deliver what is promised and this one certainly does.



3. This is threadwork as an artform by itself, not as an additional facet of textile or mixed media art. Many of the pieces and techniques discussed in Carol's book would need thousands of yards of thread to make. She explains clearly how to stitch over a transferred image, and what effect direction of stitching will have. She also shows some great examples of colour blending. There is a gallery of mostly abstract work by other artists in thread. The subtitle tells you what the book is providing - both techniques and inspiration.



4. This is one of the best well executed books on machine embroidery. It leads you to explore your work in a very secure way.



5. This book is worth every penny. There are some gorgeous examples and easy looking instructions.

5 comments about The Magic of Crazy Quilting: A Complete Resource for Embellished Quilting.

1. This book is my first introduction to crazy quilting and it covers everything you need to know. Including fabrics, stitches, embellishments, patterns, squares, techniques, ... everything! With this book you could go right out and buy the materials and get started! Highly recommended!



2. The best part(s) of this book are the stitching techniques demonstrated right along with the sample quilt(s). You're able to see how the stitching will look as the quilt comes together. Beautifully done with excellent diagrams and photos. The historical information is also very good. A great book to have for your quilting repetoire.



3. Just received this book and it exceeds my expectations. Made my selection due to the reviews of this book and thanks to all for the comments because this is a great choice. I wanted a book that gives basic instruction on making crazy quilts plus some of the more frequently used stitches,and thats just what I got. Author gives 20 pages to show different stitches and their various possiblities on a project. Inspiring photos, and suggestions for applications of crazy quilt method. This has been a find for me, doubt anyone will be disappointed with this books and all it has to offer. enjoy.



4. I prefe the books by Judith Montano. This was well written and illustrated. It was for the beginner, ideas were limited.



5. In my opinion this is the BEST book out on making Crazy Quilts. I have four others but this is my favorite. You'll love it.

No comments about Samplers (Shire Collections).