5 comments about 50 Baby Bootees to Knit.

1. I was surprised to see the rating for this book. I bought this book several years ago and it is my go to resource for booties. It has a great variety of patterns with difficulty levels for everyone. This is one of my favorite knitting books!



2. This book has many wonderful different baby booties to knit. However, the pattern instructions are VERY difficult to follow for all but advanced knitters. The knitting and construction are not difficult, just trying to figure out what you're supposed to be knitting. The pattern instructions are not clear and concise--even with the pattern information in the back of the book. There is a lot you have to figure out by trial and error. More clarification would make knitting these booties enjoyable instead of frustrating. I had to rewrite the pattern, not by making changes but by inserting details that should have been included.



3. I have mixed reviews about this book. The first pattern I've tried, I've found an error in. I don't like having to take a pen to my books and figure out what I should be putting in certain places. That- to me- is not a finished product. The pattern was for the slip-on shoe (this is a very simple, very basic pattern). After casting on 10 stitches, you should have 27 stitches, not the 23 it says you will have. It's easy to spot right away that this is a mistake because of the amount you should have before and after you do this step. Though an easy fix, this should have been caught before the printing of the book.
   Other reviewers have been saying that there are other errors in patterns that are not so easy to fix. I haven't gone any further into this book, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was true. I have another book (maybe even a total of 2 other books, I can't remember) by this author and the other books also have errors that you can't seem to track any professional fixes for. Her patterns are pleasing to the eye, but frustrating when they don't come out right because of pattern mistakes!
   I would also agree with the opinions that there aren't 50 different bootees in this book. Knitting something with a different motif (a heart instead of a star, etc.) on the front doesn't make it a different shoe. Nor does adding 1 row to the top of a design in a different color, or attaching tassels to the front of the toe. Some of the pictures of these finished projects are somewhat blurry, too. That can be unhelpful at points when the directions become vague.
   There are some positives to this book, however. Despite the error, the slip-on shoe pattern worked up very fast and was very easy to make. The pattern was also forgiving for those of us who could be better at seaming. The one downside to this particular pattern (like someone else mentioned in a review for several patterns) is that it doesn't have a whole lot to keep it on a fussy child's foot.
   This could be a problem. Despite that, I like that there are really easy patterns like that for beginners, but also more complicated patterns and things like fair-isle techniques for more advanced knitters. A book with different skill levels can grow with a knitter as they pick up the new skills.
   Most of the patterns are appealing, and a color change or a different button if you prefer can also improve the results from this book. With personal tweaks to projects, it makes the book just as useful to be able to use the patterns your own way. I, myself, don't care for some of the bootees (such as the jester ones with the bells, bobble shoes, or entrelac bootees) but that's just a matter of taste. Someone else may love them and disagree with me.
   As cute as some of these shoes are, one additional thing that I don't like is that just about all of the patterns are only offered in one size. You can only make something in 6-9 months, or only 0-3 months, you get the idea. I guess it's great if you just like the pattern and don't care so much about a specific size. But...wouldn't it be nice to have options, especially if you do need a particular size? No luck there.
   Overall, many great patterns and others that can be easily improved upon. Also, errors that may not be so simple to fix and limited sizes. If you're getting the book cheap and are willing to put up with some mistakes, this can be worth having in your closet for its potential.



4. and that's a really significant "but...". Some of the patterns work up very well. Others, well, not so much. And there is no way to find any sort of errata or corrections to mistakes in the patterns. When I looked online for such, I kept finding blogs which said "There doesn't really seem to be any way to find corrections to the mistakes -- and I'm really PO'd about it!"
   I actually contacted the publisher, figuring that they might want to know that a book they put out was getting such horrible reviews from readers. They directed me to the author's website -- in England -- which seemed to be mostly selling childrens' clothing. I filled out the comment box, asking if corrections were available anywhere for the patterns that seemed to have mistakes (or were badly written).
   That was something like six months ago. I'm still waiting.
   If you're a really experienced (read: advanced) knitter, and can figure out how to revamp the bad directions, it might be worth picking up. Otherwise, I would recommend getting out from the library, not buying it. Even the non-badly written patterns can have problems -- I did the "Bee Shoes" and had a lot of problems picking up the stitches for the edging around the ankle, because the count wasn't coming out well before the shoes were sewn up. I completely gave up on the "Polka Dot Socks" because -- cute as they were -- the pattern made no intuitive sense whatsoever and the stitch count on rounds was just wrong.



5. After checking this book out religiously from the library, I decided that I should probably buy it on Amazon.com. This book has the cutest bootees in it. They are classic and will never go out of style. I make them to give as gifts to my friends and family when they have babies. It is nice to have the instructions written out clearly and a good photograph to go along with it.

3 comments about Japanese Sashiko Inspirations.

1. Susan Briscoe's Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirationsis unfortunately is out of print and sells for very high prices on the Internet, but if you want to learn how to do sashiko in all its variations and intricate patterns, that is the book to get. If you cannot afford the prices on that version, you can also learn to do sashiko from her second book on the subject. In some ways I like the second book better than the first, because the author has unleashed her considerable creativity to show how to produce table runners, drink coasters, album covers, a sofa throw, pillows, a bed bolster, needle cases and pincushions, pillow covers, sachets, book covers, a screen, placemats, napkins, a drawstring bag and other items. Included are beautiful line drawings in Japanese themes (geometric designs, koi, turtles, pine boughs, paulownia crests, noshi, etc.) that can be enlarged for patterns. The inspiration gallery is ... inspiring. All of the basic information about tools, materials and basic instructions are part of this second work. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in either learning the basics of sashiko or expanding their repertoire for its possible uses.



2. Very nice book with very nice pictures and detailed instructions that help to be well successed on our own creations



3. This book explains how to take a traditional technique and turn it around for today's look. Well written with lots of project ideas. A great addition to any stitcher's library.

5 comments about Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning (Teach Yourself Visually Consumer).

1. Lots of information some not so clear. You must have some understanding of spinning before one reads this.



2. this book is one I consider the 'bible' of spinning. It breaks it down into easily understood directions and has pictures so that you won't be left without 'visual' help.
   
   excellent, excellent, excellent book.



3. I just wanted to chime and give my thumbs up for Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning. It has lots of useful information from fibers to yarn, this book takes you through everything you would want to know.



4. This book has been touted as a good hit the deck running book for spinners and potential spinners. That is true; however it is also very useful for people that have quite a bit of spinning under their belt.
   
   It really is the visual that make a difference. The only thing better are the now available DVD's. The descriptions at first may seem a little superficial or curt. However you cannot explain what it takes a book's worth of knowledge in one paragraph.
   
   One may look at page 15 and wonder want a bobbin driven wheel is but this is not a place to go into detail; it is just a preview of what will be explained later in the book.
   
   I can see where it would be easy to learn to spin one way and become an expert, yet still miss some of the finer points and even useful equipment. This is why you may want to read the book from cover to cover before investing time and money. I was glad to see that most of the pictures were of Ashford equipment as that is what I am most used to using.
   
   This is a must for your library. Also even when you know something is nice to have a different view on the subject. Be sure to supplement this book with articles from the author in "Spinoff" magazine.
   
   
   The Intentional Spinner: A Holistic Approach to Making Yarn



5. Have to say - I only WISH this book had been available when I began my own Spinning Odyssey some four years ago! The simple TEXT & particularly stunning PHOTOGRAPHY are both easy for the Novice Spinner to grasp & MASTER without getting bogged down & drowned in the mechanics of Spinning.
   
   THIS book should be kept within EVERY Spinner's grasp & considered a Beginner Spinner's Bible & terrific Spinner's mini-refresher course at ANY skill level! Simply put - a MUST NOT MISS addition to any Spinner's reference library!

4 comments about Mod Knots: Creating Jewelry and Accessories with Macrame.

1. I frequently buy craft books from Amazon. I have come to enjoy and rely on the "look inside" feature of books that I am interested in.
   I rarely buy anything by looking at just the front of a book. Being able to seeing inside really makes shopping on Amazon like going to the book store only better. I get to do it on my time!
   Please make you book available to viewing.
   Thanks



2. This is definitely not one of my mother's macramé books from the sixties, which were good but limited in their projects. I have been looking for a good "Macramé" book that offers simple straightforward instructions. However, I also wanted updated and trendy wearable projects. This book met those requirements and more. "Mod Knots" has twenty-five fun and useful projects. The projects vary from a beginner level belt project to the more advance wire knotting jewelry projects.
   
   The step-by-step photography is excellent, as well as the written instructions. I really loved that the author lists each knot and it's corresponding page number for each project. I can look at the knots and figure out if I have the time and attention span to tackle that project
   
   My favorite project is the "Turquoise Donut & Wire" bracelet on page 57. Knotting with wire was challenging but the finished project was well worth the effort. I have one small hint for working with wire that I learned doing this project. Work in warm temperatures, here in Sunny California that is usually every day. If you live or work in a cold climate, you may want to turn on the heater. Cold temperatures make the wire brittle and break easily.



3. What a great book! Everything is clear and presented in a way that makes you want to rush right out and get crafting. Even has a macrame with silver wire project! Thanks, Cathi, you are the best!



4. Cathi is a great contributor to our Crafty Vixens tribe on [...]. She is talented and clever and we congratulate her on her new book.
   
   Jo Ann Villalobos
   moderator, Crafty Vixens tribe(s)
   joann@medior.net

5 comments about Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting.

1. Oh boy! This book makes you wonder how much time people used to have on their hand in order to produce such beautiful knitting. Awe inspiring for a modern day knitter who will try (at least once) to produce one of these wonderful lace projects.



2. Beautiful old patterns. Fairly well explained.
   I wish there were a stitch count per row or pattern repeat.



3. Love the book: Second Book of Modern Lace knitting. I belong to a knitting lace group online and asked for a sugestion to start with and the response was, Book of Modern Lace by Marianne Kinzel. Imagine my delight when I found out there was two books by Marianne Kinzel. Of course I had to have both. ILTCRFT



4. Just like the first book, this second book by Kinzel is a classic in its class. No lace knitter should be without it!



5. This Dover re-publication of Kinsel's 2nd book is an exceptional value. the charts are all error-free and the photos are large and detailed. The symbols may be a bit unfamiliar, but it is well worth the time needed to learn the new ones, or to rechart the entire pattern. The last two patterns in this book, "Balmoral" and "Rose of England," are classics and so easy to knit up.

5 comments about Mary Thomas's Knitting Book.

1. This is a very interesting historical knitting book published in the 1930's, I believe. It would be of more interest to the serious student of knitting than to the general knitter. Modern readers will find the B&W photography not up to their accustomed standard. The drawn diagrams are excellently done, though.
   That said, for the interested reader, this is a truly fascinating book that is densely packed with information.
   You will be happiest if you can borrow it from a library before buying it to be sure it is your cup of tea.



2. A classic become a classic for a good reason.
   
   If you want to understand knitting, buy this book.



3. I purchased this book for a fellow knitter sight unseen. She was lucky to get it. I will be acquiring multiple copies of this book for my knitting friends. The instructions are clear and the writing style is charming. The illustrations are fun vintage images. A necessary book for every knitter.



4. The Mary Thomas knitting books (As far as I know there are two, one on knitting per se and the other on knitting patterns.)are the only knitting books one would ever need to learn knitting and enjoy knitting for a lifetime. Granted, there are many wonderful modern books with better pictures, great diagrams, fine patterns and neater print, but contained in these two paperback Dover reprints of very old books are instructions for beginning through advanced knitters, simple explanations to all the knitting problems I have ever encountered and instructions for any knitting pattern you'd ever want to knit. There are even little funny bits in the margins for folks who like a good pun. I am a life-long knitter and have frequent use for these books. These books make great gifts for a knitting friend who does not own them



5. This is such a fun book. I have read a little more than half of it now, and skimmed through the rest, and there is so much here. The history of knitting that she gives at the beginning as well as sprinkled throughout the text is very interesting. She shows ways to do things that I have never heard of, and explains some things so that I finally understand them! I don't know if this would be good for the complete beginner. But then, I think that knitting is easier learned from a person than a book. But, once you have a few basics down, this book will teach you a lot.
   
   The writing style makes you feel as if she is sitting there talking to you. And the words "hip", "funky", and "not your grandmother's...", are never used. That is a real plus to me, as I find that whole trend rather irritating. (But that's a whole 'nother topic.)
   
   Here are the chapter titles to give you an idea of what is in the book:
   History
   Knitting Implements, Ancient and Modern
   Knitting Yarns
   Gauge and Tension
   Knit Movements, Stitch and Fabric
   Selvedges. Casting on. Casting off. Edges
   Shape: Increasing and Decreasing
   Colour Knitting
   Frame or Rake knitting
   Looped Knitting
   Beaded and Bead knitting
   Embroidered Knitting
   Garments
   Details of Garments
   Shetland Shawls
   Gloves
   Socks and Stockings
   Knitting Hints
   
   I found it very interesting that there was a chapter about rake and loom knitting, as that has become so popular again. I do knit on knitting boards too, and the directions and illustrations were the same that you would see in a more "modern" book. There really is nothing new under the sun! The spiral sock pattern looks fun too. I want to give that a try soon.
   
   Overall, this book is full of interesting information, and while not as glitzy as the newer books, it would make a great addition to your knitting library.

5 comments about Interweave's Compendium of Finishing Techniques: Crochet, Embroidery, Knitting, Knotting, Weaving.

1. I refer to this all the time for finishing ideas to complete weaving and knitting projects, particularly when I've made a previously unnoticed mistake or two. This has been invaluable to me in those cases where a different finish salvages, and even improves, the finished project.



2. Thankfully I checked this out from the library rather than purchasing it. I found that it offered a whole lot of different crafts, with really quite basic information for each one. My main hobby is knitting, and I learned nothing here that I did not already know from my simplest books. It essentially gives one option for each task at hand in each craft.



3. excellent book, well presented would have like more crochet button ideas but this is an excellent product



4. I'm dyslexic and left handed -- and after several decades of false starts learning to knit -- I finally got it. What I couldn't figure out from all the wonderful knitting books available now is how to get the beginnings and endings (and the errors in the middle) to work as well as the actual knits, purls, yarnovers, and slips....
   
   I borrowed one book of finishing techniques, found another at a local bookstore, and found dozens of pages on the web that all attempted to explain how to accomplish these tasks which are evidently simple to most knitters.
   
   This book, "Interweave's Compendiu7m of Finishing Techniuest..." and another Interweave book called "Knit Fix" are the only books I've found that manage to explain in such a way that I can translate their instructions into successful knitting. Both books are compact, spiral bound, and full of un-misunderstandable directions and clear, plentiful illustrations.
   
   If I can understand the writing and illustrations in these books, imagine how useful they will be for the average kntter!
   
   This book suffers greatly by not featuring the word "knitting" in its title -- in dozens of searches on Amazon, it never came up and was never associated with other books in this family -- oddly, it is associated with weaving books only. Don't let this mislead you.



5. Well done you. It is a great thing to write a book, another to actually have it published, and a sheer triumph if it is a good read. Congratulations on achieving all three.

5 comments about Crazy Felt: Using Water-Soluble Stabiliser.

1. Je suis satisfaite avec le choix des livres que j ai commander et la rapidité du transport.
   Merci



2. There are really only a few patterns/examples. I can use the technique, but I'd never use these projects "as-is".



3. A great inspiring felting book. The projects are for those people who don't like off the rack fashion. You know it's a great book if after reading it you start to have ideas about what you want to do and get straight into it (like I am). It has projects for making belts, ponchos, bags and hats but the author shows you just how easy it is to do the felting that you can translate it into any project. I see no problem with the instructions in the book - she has both US & UK measurements and one brand of water soluble stabiliser is easily substituted for another. The only thing she is missing is what 30 and 40 degrees celcius is and that is easily found on the internet - but I'm from Australia so it is great to see a book that I don't have to translate inches etc. Great book, nice use of colour, trendy ideas.



4. I thought this was a fantastic book with very exciting ideas. The process is very easy. I realize that at first, it may seem difficult to find the products. But almost all of them are available in the US. You can find the yarn with a simple web search. Not absolutely everything is available (colors change over time) but the author provides enough information to find a replacement yarn. Also the stabilizer found in the book is equal to Pellon Wash n Gone. Available at many sites including www.joggles.com[...]. If you are looking for conservative purses, belts, shawls....don't buy this book. BUT if you are looking for hip and easy to create designs, check this out.



5. I was not sure what to expect when I opened the CRAZY FELT book. Many felting books are not very interesting to me. I tend to have a much more artistic approach to fiber arts, so I like things to be very unique and creative.
   
   CRAZY FELT is a book written in Great Britain. This is not a problem unless you are a person who lives in the US and likes to have everything mapped out for you- a list of what to buy and you buy it.
   
   As a fiber artist who spins, dyes, felts, and does other art methods with wool and other fibers, I am not intimidated when instructions call for a certain wool or specialty yarn. I like to make my own, so I do anyway.
   
   However, the water soluble Stabliser that is called for in CRAZY FELT is not easily available in the US. HOWEVER, another one is available called ARTFELT paper. As for the other things in the book, they are easily substituted for, but again, if too much planning and figuring bother you, then this book is not for you.
   
   The ideas on this book are wildly creative. If you like INTERTWINED by Lexi Boeger, you might enjoy this book too. It takes a VERY artsy approach to felting, creating extremely unique that you would pay LOTS of money for in a boutique.
   
   There are instructions for various shawls belts, tops, even denim skirt additions which make it look VERY chic. There are accessories like purses, hats and scarves too, but again, these are very unique and individualistic- not like something you will get off a factory line.
   
   A combination of felting wet and machine stitches are used- and I might add that if you have a felting machine that you can get even more mileage out of this book. Although it does not technically have felting machine instructions, they are easily incorporated into this book. For instance, instead of using adhesive to attach layers to the paper, you can use the felting machine to lightly tack things into place.
   
   There is even a project that uses peacock feathers to felt into it.
   
   I find this book deliciously creative and full of artistic energy. If you don't like run of the mill fiber art books, give this a try. If you live in the US, be prepared to translate Centigrade to Farenheit and substitute some products, but all in all, it is very doable and extremely inspirational if you are an artistic person who loves texture color, and creativity where people color outside the lines or make up their own.
   
   Although I probably should have given this book four stars because of the additional thinking and manipulation needed to change instructions for use in the US, I just couldn't. This book is so full of creative artistic energy that I could not give it less than five stars. I am greatly inspired by this book that it is a launch pad for many of my own artistic adventures in fiber arts.

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

1. I really wanted to like this book. But instead, I found it to be a sort of hodge-podge of information that can be found, in clearer forms, elsewhere.
   
   The tone is impersonal, and the information is presented in a very dry tone. But the real problem is all the meandering, confusing passages. I consider myself to be an intermediate spinner; I know how to spin a balanced yarn, I've been spinning for about 5 years, but I am always eager to learn more. The author seems to present each idea in a rambling manner, and I found myself having to read passages more than once, with this odd feeling that I'd missed something, as hardly any practical information is presented in the sections having to do with spinning. Especially in the passages describing "cabled yarns" the information is delivered in the most confusing way possible. She takes three columns of text to say: "Step one: Spin two singles to the right. Step two: ply the singles to the left, over-spinning them so that they're overspun. Repeat steps one and two so that you have two overspun 2-ply yarns. Then ply them again to the right to create a cabled yarn." At least I think that's what she was saying -- she manages to jump from singles to cables without supplying much actual direction. Also, I'm extrapolating that you should "overspin" when making the two-ply; she just says it should be unbalanced, which is confusing, as when singles are spun to the right, and then plied to the left, it usually creates a balanced yarn. But, by her vague mentions of overspinning, I'm assuming that the two-ply is unbalanced because it is overspun so much in the plying that it overcorrects for the balancing usually achieved by plying in the opposite direction your singles were spun in. If any of that made sense, which I doubt, considering I barely understood what I was reading.
   
   The sections about the origins of the different fibers were interesting, and that's why I gave it two stars, although I would have appreciated a bit more information in the way of different sheep breeds. Also, while the art/novelty yarn sections were a breath of fresh air after the cabling section, I've gleaned a lot more comprehensive instructions and examples from other sources.
   
   It strikes me as a case of someone having a wealth of knowledge without the means to communicate it very well, which is again, strange, as I know that she is one of the most celebrated spinning teachers out there. So, maybe it's me; who knows. :)
   
   I would recommend, for detailed (very detailed) knowledge of all things spinning-related: "The Alden Amos Big Book of Hand Spinning," and, for novelty/art yarns: the DVD "Sit and Spin" by Jacey Boggs.
   
   I haven't finished the book yet, so if something happens to change my impression, I'll edit the review.



2. This is the spinning book I'd been looking for: detailed descriptions, lots of information, and the author's pleasant, personal perspective on spinning. The book could probably use more pictures, particularly for the newest of spinners, but I learn best from words and find the writing style particularly effective in communicating techniques. I'm very happy to have this in my small, but growing, spinning library.



3. 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.



4. 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...



5. 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).

5 comments about Elegant Ribbonwork: 24 Heirloom Projects for Special Occasions.

1. I received the book in a timely manner and it was in very good condition. I like to collect ribbon instruction books--especially ribbon embroidery books.



2. 
   I have all of Helen Gibb's books. They are beautiful to look at, as well as excellent tools for learning. Making beautiful ribbon flowers is a very satisfying hobby.



3. I always read the reviews before buying and almost didn't purchase this book because of the one bad review. I am so glad that I got this book. It is fabulous from beginning to end. The pictures and projects are virtually stunning. I already have Helen's book: Ribbonwork, the Complete Guide. It has a lot of illustrations while this book opens up your mind to vast possibilities. It is worth the purchase if not just to gaze in wonderment.



4. This little book holds many, many instructions and pictures to show you how to make a wide variety of ribbons. It covers miniature ribbons, full size ribbons and a large offering of uses. The photos inside the book are informative and beautiful. There are many photos of historical uses of ribbon.



5. This book is terrific. It gives you very clear instructions on how to make gorgeous flowers. I saw Ms. Gibb on Carol Duval's show and wanted to learn the technique and I am so glad that I ordered her books.