5 comments about The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line.

1. The Handmade Marketplace is an excellent source of information for the independent entrepreneur. Chapin touches on all the necessary information for anyone interested in starting their own handmade/craft brand from home. I am currently working on a high-school senior independent-study program where I am crafting my own brand. The Handmade Marketplace could not be a more perfect book for my project. I have read through many similar books, but this is by far my favorite. Chapin somehow makes what could seem like an overwhelming task manageable. The book also provides advice and interviews from so many successful, talented people who have made strides in the online indie world. As an added bonus, the book is pleasing to look at. The illustrations are beautiful and inspiring in themselves.



2. I own many books on getting my wares to market but had yet to get my efforts off the ground. I'd always felt that something was missing in the equation. THIS book is what was missing. Chapin finds a way to make selling your wares feel natural, easy and comfortable. I no longer feel that offering my work to the public is an overwhelming chore.
   Chapin integrates social networking, web shops, and blogging information that brings you up-to-the-minute without feeling like it is artificial self-promotion. Her ability to outline the natural progression from my studio to global exposure is amazing! Her guidance brings results that are exciting, community building, supportive, and inspiring.
   I would highly recommend this book to everyone who has had a hard time getting their sales efforts off the ground. I would also recommend this book to those who have sold in traditional outlets but have yet to find a way to get more exposure to grow.



3. Beyond being a super cute and attractive book, Kari's Handmade Marketplace will no doubt be the craft/indie business bible for at least the next 10 years. Questions about business cards? Social marketing? Selling wholesale or consignment? Using Etsy, Artfire or other online venues? It's all there, plus cute illustrations, stories told in the first person by today's most promising artists and crafters, and bits of information crammed into every nook and cranny. I get bored easily and rarely read a reference book cover to cover, but this one I did and have gone back and read parts twice. Highly recommended for those starting out in the business and to those with experience (I've been selling for over 5 years and found loads of good tips in Kari's book). This book should be on every crafters bookshelf.



4. I purchased this book initially because Emily Martin [The Black Apple] did some of the illustrations and I simply adore her and her work. But then when the book arrived, I could not put it down. I've been selling my jewelry on the internet for 6 years now and this little 210 page book would have been worth it's weight in gold to me back then. What has taken me years to figure out on my own, is within the charming little pages of this book. A MUST have for anybody making and selling art and crafts these days. I would highly recommend this book. You will not regret purchasing it, I can promise you that. The references and links themselves are worth the cost of the book. You'll love it ~ I promise! Kathy Hardy ~ Dornick Designs ~ [...]



5. Making a living as an artist is hot topic these days. Tricky at best, it is an elusive career choice but very desirable none the less. Kari Chapin's down to earth, savvy advice strips away much of the mystery, whether you are knitting hats for babies or painting images to reproduce and sell on Etsy. She has brilliant insight into a variety of ways of approaching marketing, especially helpful insights into online avenues. Some longish passages (thank you!!) by Grace Bonney (Design Sponge*) and Holly Becker (Decor8), 2 of the most popular art and design blogs online, clarify how to pitch a product. Building any sort of business is difficult. Making things and selling them may be the hardest, particularly if you are in love with what you do. Kari makes it a step by step process that might just help you succeed.

5 comments about The Complete Joy of Homebrewing Third Edition (Harperresource Book).

1. This is a pretty concise atlas for the price of it being used. My daughter and I look through the maps quite often, and I am able to show her many points on the globe that she sees on TV. We love the information in this book.



2. Excellent book to get you started or to answer some questions if you've been brewing for a while and want to take the next step.



3. The title says enough. If you're new to brewing, or would like a stronger foundation then using online resources this is the book for you. I have heard great things about John Palmers How to Brew as well. This has been my go to book when I started years ago and is the book that I buy for/loan to others interested in homebrewing. No point in wasting more time writing this review...I need to get back to brewing! Cheers!



4. I picked this up for supplementary information in addition to the instructions that came with my first beer ingredient kit. I found it very helpful and I'd recommend it to anyone new to the hobby. It is divided into three main sections which are packed with subcategories and information:
   
   Especially for the Beginner (I like it because it is a stand alone section with all the information needed to brew your first batch
   Betterbrew- Intermediate Brewing
   Advanced Homebrewing for the Practical Homebrewer
   
   This has turned into my go-to book. Only two things keep me from giving it 5 stars. First, almost every step in the process is ended by instructions to "Relax...have a homebrew." It's funny the first few times but it quickly gets annoying. Not to mention, if you actually drank that many homebrews during the process, I'm pretty sure you'd be too drunk to actually brew anything! The second thing is the photos. I don't mind the cheesy cartoons so much but not only are the photos illustrating the process very amateurish, but they are also awkward. I'd much rather have more professional photographs and models without the creepy grins.



5. This book was an early gift from my brother and I have not been able to put it down. It really is an amazing illustrated guide to everything you need to know and do when starting to home brew. I had only two batches under my belt when I picked this up and the things I have already learned so much. What is most valuable is he really gives unbiased opinions on options you have (types of sanitizers, how to sanitize, to rack to secondary or not, etc). A lot of guys on message boards are biased and only want you to see their way or point of view. This lets you make those decisions for yourself.
   
   Just an awesome book. If you are even thinking about home brewing dont go on without getting this first.

5 comments about Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z.

1. This is an absolutely wonderful book. Martha Steward presents us with "Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects From A to Z," a book jammed pack full of great ideas and projects. You'll be making a shopping list and heading out to the craft and fabric stores before the day in done.
   
   Martha Stewart shows just how easy it is to create a variety of beautiful gathers, flourishes; often seen on clothing, draperies, pillows, etc. Learn how to make beautiful curtains with designs you painted or printed on the fabric yourself.
   
   After decades of not sewing I recently bought a sewing machine. I've been inspired to only do more sewing but how to do it better and am filled with idea on how to make even a store bought dress pattern more of my own. I'm working on a lovely cloth covered bulletin board with ribbons to hold envelopes and photos in place and a few large pockets to hang by my desk to help reduce the clutter around my computer as well as brighten the space.
   
   Many projects that may have intimidated me in the past actually seem like a piece of cake now that I've seen the step by step instructions. I want to try Batik and other techniques to create a Batik like effect on fabrics used to create clothing, draperies, bedspreads, table clothes, wall hangings, you name it.
   
   This is a must have book for anyone who loves to create a living space and wardrobe that is truly theirs.



2. "The aim of all of us at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is to inspire and to teach."
   
   That aim has been fully realized in this ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SEWING AND FABRIC CRAFTS. The teaching focuses mostly on basics for beginning crafters -- step-by-step instructions, easy techniques, even some no-sew projects (e.g. coasters, storage boxes) and some that begin with commercially available products (e.g. totes, bibs, bed/bath/table linens). But for experienced crafters -- the book is pure inspiration.
   
   Beautifully illustrated throughout, it opens with primers on sewing, embroidery, appliqué, quilting, dye and stenciling. MSL's trademark visual glossaries of fabrics (almost tactile!), threads, notions and supplies are throughout, and an index and listing of sources are included at the end. But the bulk of the book is its 250 pages of fabric projects, some of which are crafting standards, many of which include fresh options. (**Note: perhaps half of the projects require the crafter to print a pattern/template from PDFs on a CD (included); therefore, access to a computer with a CD drive, a printer, and the free, downloadable Adobe Acrobat software are required.)
   
   I don't recall an over-the-top, un-doable project in the lot; the only sections that even approach are upholstery and window shades, yet the instructions there also seem manageable. Every project is illustrated in finished form; many also feature illustrations alongside the step-by-step instructions. I challenge anyone -- beginner, experienced, even an "armchair" crafter -- to look through this book without taking on a project :)



3. Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts is, as the subtitle says, basic techniques. 88 pages are devoted to technique--with lots of photographs. The rest of the book is projects.
   
   I think there is room for a lot more techniques. For instance, there is a handful of pages on quilting--even learning the basics of quilting lends itself to far more information.
   
   The advance copy has photos in black and white (saving the publishers a fortune) but it makes the book difficult to review, as b&w in this application is basically worthless.
   
   Overall, not overly impressed.



4. Let me start by saying I am reviewing a black and white copy without the CD. This is important because I have the Martha Stewar's Encyclopedia of Crafts and color is very important. Just like the magazine,the presentation is a large part of why you want the book. You really can't get the full impact without color. Without the color and CD what am I reviewing? What I can see from the black and white version. So what do you get?
   
   What you will get is a beautiful bound copy of sewing information that is readily available on her website and in many cases in her magazines. But here is the selling point, you get all in one place, in an easy to browse and use format. Everything is here - from the directions, tools to use to additional techniques and suppliers. So the second positive is you can recycle all those magazines you have laying around gathering dust because there is one project in each magazine you know you will get to one day. You can also stop searching the web for that project you remember from some show you saw long ago on cat play toys. It's all here in the book. To me, that alone might be the best reason to buy it.
   
   Let me warn you this is more a crafter's book than a sewing book. It is not for the serious sewer who want to turn out Chanel inspired garments and probably a little boring for the experienced sewer. So why should you buy it? It depends on what you are looking for. I found the Encyclopedia of Crafts a great way to plan projects with my granddaughters who loved looking the book at all the different projects. I'm planning to use the sewing book the same way. Seeing two little heads going throught a book and planning projects to do with Grandma, priceless.



5. I thought to myself "Hey it's Martha Stewart" and since I love sewing and fabric crafts I wanted to grab this book
   
   Unfortunately this would have helped more when I was a youngster.
   
   Most of the things in the book liked
   
   baby bibs
   
   pot holders
   
   curtains
   
   pin cushions
   
   handkerchiefs and quilts i can make without a pattern
   
   It does say "basic techniques for sewing, applique", etc, and this is just what it is

5 comments about Taking Flight: Inspiration And Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings.

1. An endearingly pretty guidebook on an artist's journey to the heart of creativity, Taking Flight is 124 pages of perceptive prompts, quixotic quotes, tantalizing techniques, and engaging eye-candy. The pages are infused with art and writing that truly give voice to a vast love of life and Kelly Rae's whimsical spirit. Her art reflects a firm belief in the sacred/ordinary connection. A broad range of mixed-media techniques are employed in the various projects, with detailed instructions. Stephanie Lee, Laurie Mika, DJ Pettit and Judy Wise are included among those who contributed art, techniques and interviews. They reveal a plenitude of clever secrets such as using plaster to create specific (3-d) canvas additions, and why we should always keep a little gold leaf on our supply shelves.
   A few additional thoughts:
   While it's true that Kelly Rae's art could be labeled twee as at least one reviewer did, that is her particular vision. Just because something isn't gritty doesn't mean it isn't art. The techniques in the book can be used to create any art one likes - I honestly don't think Kelly Rae means for all her readers to copy her specific art exactly, but to employ her valid and varied techniques to their own vision and response to the world. I don't believe everyone making art is looking to spew ugliness, but at times, that's exactly what makes a valid artistic statement. Conversely, everyone doesn't have to create pretty, but it is reasonable and to be expected that some will, and more will like it. And by the way, there can be pain in prettiness.



2. I have found this book to be a fantastic tool for me to get in touch with my creative dreams.... I am yet to create all the projects but have thoroughly enjoyed reading about them and intend to put my hands to work asap... This is a book I will definitly share with my family and friends also :))))



3. All I have are words for this review and they fall so far short of the feelings I have about this book.
   Taking Flight is a perfect book. Yeah, yeah, I know. There is no such thing as perfection. Okay, if you are looking for a book that challenges you to dig around in your own creativity, look at things in ways that you haven't before, mine for your own gold AND teaches you some really awesome techniques, well then this book is for you.
   Kelly Rae has done an amazing job with presenting both creative explorations and expressions. Her energy and ideas soar off the page.
   As a coach and artist, I appreciate the way that Kelly Rae Roberts includes the reader in her story, in her journey and opens a window to seeing things in a different way. She takes us with her as she challenges the reader to learn from her and use these great techniques as a springboard to their own genius. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but it is a wash if you want to express your own vision.
   Thanks for the generous spirit in which you wrote this book, Kelly! You are fabulous and so is this book.
   If you want more, check out her blog... [...]



4. Admittedly, I am fairly new to art journaling and mixed media techniques, so take this as what you will. I picked this book up at the bookstore and was in awe. Maybe not so much from the art, although I do enjoy her drawings and I'm still trying to find my style, but from her writing.
   
   This book is perfect for me right now, as I'm struggling creatively with my writing and am trying to jump-start things. The author's encouragement jumped out at me. It was like sitting with a friend and receiving a a dose of inspiration and "you can do it" attitude, which is just what I had to hear. I haven't been through the entire book word-for-word, but just by reading some sections, looking at the projects and soaking it all in, I knew I had to have this book.
   
   And so far, I have not been disappointed. It's amazing and just the bit of inspiration I needed. I'm really glad I stumbled across it.



5. I found this while browsing amazon.com for art books... this came in the mail to Australia and I absolutely love it. It's like a tonic, a boost of kindred spirit arty stuff.... Kelly Rae Roberts speaks my language... I love her sentiments and sensitivity. I'm now in love with her website and her style, it's eclectic, innocent, quaint, gorgeous and soft... and much more. So... KRR.. Thank you for offering this delightful book, I'm so glad I found it/you.
   
   If you like craft projects... and collage... and sweetness... buy this book.
   
   denise daffara

5 comments about The Big-Ass Book of Crafts.

1. Seriously got no money? Then this book is for you. It is crafty, okay - the top (usually just first) reviewer knocks it for being too low end but seriously when you have no bucks that is usually when people get crafty. There are so many many ideas. Some good stand-bys but more that are innovative because they have been brought current. I would definately recommend this book and love perusing this book. Love, love, love it. But, what do I love the most? I love the fact that almost every single page has a different craft with EASY DIRECTIONS with GREAT corresponding pics that depict the important points. Not overblown, let-me-make-u-think-I-am-really-talented-too-long-directions-that-are-wayward-to-follow - NO!! Easy, easy, but still NOT leaving out anything important. There is so much to chose from that there are plenty of items that are pop-arty, cool, and modern. Keeping it simple is always best and only the smartest people can do it that way. (my opinion ;) Also, it does have a guys' perspective - which is surprisingly refreshing! Love this Latino!



2. I love the punk plates; I made custom made plates that I will use as my dinnerware at my wedding - extra bonus I will be giving them away as favors (they include the date, name and place and a "till death do us part" tattoo graphic and I used ivory and a metalic champange and they turned out wonderful); including the spray paint and cost of plates the total was about $20 per 10 plates. And I am going to let my children help me make the crayola napkins as well.



3. I love this book! It is the perfect thing if you are an avid crafter. Also if you want to find a way to create something for your friends and family on special occasions this is the perfect book for ideas. It gives details as well as examples on all projects. Its a must buy!



4. I love craft projects and this book has so many good ideas I don't even know which one to start with. A friend bought this book and showed it to me and I had to have one of my own. Recommend it to anyone who enjoys doing craft projects.



5. This book is a ok buy. It has good ideas, but they are kind of junkie looking.

5 comments about Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A-to-Z Guide with Detailed Instructions and Endless Inspiration.

1. Martha is a national treasure. She's led the parade for the average person to create beautiful things. The variety in this book is amazing. I've read it through and now I'm rolling up my sleeves.



2. No matter how you might feel about Martha, this book offers really great ideas for home crafts and decor. This is apparently the digest version of a multi-volume set of craft books by Stewart, so it's not really an "encyclopedia."
   The layout is beautiful and the steps clearly described. Note that with many of the crafts, you need special tools which are easily found at art stores.



3. THE GREAT GRANDCHILDREN ARE EASILY BORED ON THEIR WEEKEND VISIT, AND SO WE GO THROUGH THE BOOK AND TAPES OF MARTHA'S SHOW AND PICK OUT PROJECTS THEY UNDERSTAND. THEY ARE 4YRS AND 6 YRS AND ENJOY CUTTING PAPERS AND GLUE AND GLITTER AND SO ITS A FUN THING FOR THEM AND THEIR NANA.



4. For a book that says it's an Encyclopedia of Crafts, left a lot out. There are so many notions and paper techniques left out. Where's Iris folding, Tea Bag Folding, Quilting, just to name a few. This book should have been titled differently. An Encyclopedia should represent all of everything not just what was in her magazines. Very disappointed! Save your money and check out [...] for the instructions/ideas for free.



5. Not a highly interesting book for anyone who has experience with craft techniques; but would do for someone with little experience. I passed it on, the day it arrived,to someone who will enjoy it for awhile. Additionally, many of the projects are repeats from MS Living.

5 comments about Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business.

1. The author Meg Mateo Ilasco offers the reader an insight into the world of Craft. The author's own experience in Craft and business experience contributes to the unique eye that the author has on what the reader might be interested in the world of craft. The book discusses some basic start-up processes for the newbie. And for the experienced, consultation on the "next step" on growing your craft business. A bonus was the author's interviews from other crafters with different crafts and business styles.
   
   It was great to see a cost basis and procedures in the section "Reaching for the Stars" for those readers who are interested in getting their craft in the star's gift bag at big events. As well as the cost to be involved in the New York International Gift Fair. I don't think that too many crafters are willing to discuss the cost of doing business while they are trying to sell to you at these events. And it was refreshing to see certain business cost sprinkled throughout the book.
   
   Additionally, this books contains internet resources which includes Craft Fairs, Blog Hosts, Craft Forums, Trade shows, and more.



2. I bought this based on the other reviews, and I was not disappointed. The book is very informative, answering almost all questions and if not answering, then offering an avenue to pursue to find the answers. Definitely worth the money!



3. First, I borrowed this from the public library. But I flagged so many pages to take notes on, I decided it was best to buy it, instead. Great summary of info with just enough detail to help you understand and take your next step, step by step. Practical and easy to read and understand without having an MBA--written for us regular people. No rambling on about anything, straight to the point info you can use right away. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that it is copyrighted 2007--just before the big economic crisis; I would have liked to have some info tailored to that. But still loads of helpful ideas and the steps to success should be the same.



4. This book could very well be considered a bible for indie-minded crafters who want to take their craft to the next level. Author Meg Mateo Ilasco covers all the basics, everything from choosing a legal structure for your business and record keeping to creating a pricing formula for your goods and marketing your wares, and she even touches on what to do when you want to grow your business further and decide you need to hire help or when you've decided that it's time to call it quits.
   
   Much of this information can be garnered from around the internet for free, but you'll have to know where to look, and tracking all of the info down can sometimes be daunting for someone just starting out. Craft Inc. serves as a great overview and handy reference guide for all aspects of your business.
   
   One of the things I really enjoyed, and I remember reading as much in other people's reviews of the book, were the interviews with established crafty entrepreneurs. Ilasco scored interviews with notable names on the craft & design scene, including Lotta Jansdotter, Jill Bliss and Jonathan Adler. Each interview is carefully tailored to the section of the book in which it appears, so after you read about the basics of order fulfillment, wholesale and consignment, for example, you'll get to see how jewelry designer Dawn Benedetto of Poppi handled setting minimum opening order requirements for wholesale orders.
   
   If you're just starting out on your journey as a creative business person, I would highly recommend checking out this book, as it should give you a good idea of everything that running your own crafty business can entail. If you've already been managing your creative business for awhile, you might know much of this information already. That said, I consider myself fairly knowledgeable on many of the topics covered in the book, and I still found a few things that I hadn't thought about before, particularly within the interview sections. Where ever you are in your crafty business venture, I bet Craft Inc. could probably give you some new insights.



5. The ultimate dream for any artist and crafter is to be able to open up a shop where they can sell their creations and make a living from their passion. Thanks to sites like Etsy crafters can do just this. For those of you who think you might want to eventually swap out your 9-5 job to pursue a business based off your creative designs, then Craft, Inc.: Turn your creative hobby into a business, by Meg Mateo Ilasco, is just the guide for you.
   
   Mateo Ilasco uses Craft, Inc. to hit all the major points of starting your own crafty company. Her writing is crisp and tailored perfectly to today's crafting audience. The chapters are loosely organized around topics such as: is starting a business right for you; overview of business topics; making your product identity; marketing (with heavy emphasis on internet and trade show techniques); production and pricing; and how to live beyond the dream. She teaches you how to make business and marketing plans and how to act when you're invited to trade shows. The book also contains many internet resources to help you along the way to turning your crafting hobby into a profitable business.
   
   Craft, Inc. contains a lot of good information over a very broad scope. Mateo Ilasco covers a lot of ground in 160 pages. I'd almost recommend that you read this book twice. Once to see the variety of information in the book and a second time to really understand what to do with the information. There are lots of check lists to make sure that you have what it takes to open shop or successfully attend a trade show. She also includes some very good questions to ask yourself about why you are doing what you are doing with your craft and business. The book includes many positive success-story interviews, illustrating that craft businesses can and do make it in the real world.
   
   I personally loved the final chapter, "Ups, Downs, and Next Steps". While knowing business plans and marketing styles is important, this chapter goes into the specifics of what to do if your design gets plagiarized, or if you burn out quickly, or want to end your business because it's not doing as well as expected. These are important things that happen to new entrepreneurs and usually get glanced over or forgotten from most business-oriented books.
   
   On the flipside, while the book contains a lot of information, the information it contains tends to be broad and generalized. This is a book that caters to craft-people but it should be read in conjunction with other business books out there. For example, the book talks a lot about marketing and where to go to market your wares. But it doesn't really tell you the specifics of making a great marketing plan that grows with your business over the years. I also would have liked to see more interviews with crafters; especially one or two where turning their hobby into a full-time business didn't live up to their expectations. Adding a touch of realism to all the bright and shiny success stories would ground this cheery, "can do" book back into reality. Craft, Inc. also focuses mostly on US markets and techniques, so I'm not sure how useful this book would be on a global scale; even though Mateo Ilasco does mention outsourcing globally.
   
   The bottom line is that Craft, Inc. is a good, solid book to introduce basic business principles to crafters who think they want to open shop and sell their items. It gives you a complete view of the business process from creation to ending your business gracefully. Like most craft books on the market, this one has a nice graphic design and color scheme that seems to cater to woman crafters over men. But don't let that fool you as Mateo Ilasco does illustrate that the book works for anyone.

5 comments about The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor's Guide.

1. The book provides a great overview of NXT platform and teaches how to build more complex robots using several projects. The first sections provides an introduction to what is in the kit before going into how to build common components. The middle sections contain several robot projects that teach how to build more complex robots, both with the bricks and sensors and how to create programs for them. I found it very useful quickly learning how to build complex robots and understanding how the graphical programming language works.



2. Very good book, helps getting started with Mindstorms. Easy to use for my 11 year old.



3. Even though I have been working with the NXT as a teacher since it came out, I learned things about how to better build or program the NXT. Since I teach mostly introductory robotics using the NXT, I explored some additional concepts using this book.
   
   If you are new to the NXT, this is for sure a great first book to read. It begins with explainations of the LEGO pieces used in the NXT kit and then explores all of the basic programming blocks.
   
   For someone who has used the NXT, but just jumped into it without any previous Mindstorms experience or training, this book will help you fill in the gaps you probably have with the NXT. Some more advanced concepts are also covered for someone wanting to reach a little further in their NXT knowledge.



4. I highly recommend this book since the documentation that comes with the set is lacking. The book fills in the voids.
   Also, I had a question about availability of a program. The author responded with an answer within one day.



5. The book was very helpfull and got into details. We ramped up on all the major capabilities in one day. very good SW part and great instruction for building stuff.

5 comments about The Knitter's Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber.

1. Loved this book. So full of useful information and other stuff you think you may not use but is good to know. I also loved the patterns in the book. In fact, I fell in love with the green cardigan and am now in the process of making it. The instructions are clear. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys knitting.



2. I actually gave this as a gift. But skimming through it, i felt it was very complete.



3. This is a must-have book for anyone who works with wool - spinning and knitting especially. The front of the book talks about the basic structure of wool - a textile lesson. The second part has a directory of different types of sheep and their uses, and the third part has patterns.
   
   This is a great book if you are a handspinner, because it talks extensively about the different uses of different types of wool. Never pick the wrong fiber for your project again. Know the perfect wool, every time.



4. I have a large collection of knitting books - both pattern and technique. I LOVE this book, and have learned SO MUCH about the different attributes of various wool breeds and the results that can and do impact the yarns, and hence the knitted products. Even looking at the drawings of the various breeds - it is sometimes difficult to believe they are all sheep.
   
   In addition to the great education about wool, which has already helped me in making better choices for projects, there are some wonderful classic patterns I am enjoying.
   
   A great addition to your knitting or fiber library!



5. I won't look at a skein of wool in the same old way ever again! If you want to ramp up your knitting and your knowlege of wool, this is the book. The author's appreciation and love for wool fiber is contagious. The included patterns are beautiful and I plan to knit several. I will never own sheep and I am not a spinner, but I appreciate the process that gets the finished skeins into my hands; I have a better understanding thanks to this marvelous book.

5 comments about 400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns.

1. I borrowed this from my local library and have used it 4 times this week on a sweater I am designing! I found myself going to this book over my other stitching books. I am here to buy it for my own collection. I have many stitch dictionaries, but I love how this one has photos of the "right side" and "wrong side" of most of the patterns. It does have some common patterns in it, but i still think it is well worth the money for the book.



2. There is a lot of variety for beginning knitters, but the instructions and charts are hard to read; the type is very small and you need a magnifying glass to read the diagrams. It would have been better to print 200 stitches (leaving out the basic garter, stockinette, etc. which most knitters know)and printing instructions that are easier to read. The instructions, in most cases, are convoluted and in a couple of paterns we tried, pattern steps are missing. Experienced knitters will probably spot those quickly, but where were the proof readers? Read instructions VERY carefully, and adding two edge stitches to the pattern is not always best practice. I give this book a C; there are better ones on the market.



3. I'm loving this book. So many beautiful stitches to look and and let me mind run wild with new designs to use them in.



4. I've found this book very useful for a variety of projects. The charts could be larger and easier to read and the lace section is meager, not on par with the rest of the book. Overall, I've very pleased with the selection of stitches. I was interested to find out that this book is actually a translation of a French knitting stitch dictionary, perhaps the stitch selection has a more European flavor than most of the books available in the states.



5. I love knitting stitch dictionaries and have just about everyone that has been written.
   
   This is definitely not the most comprehensive stitch dictionary out there but it has some interesting patterns that are somewhat unusual. (though I really hate it when authors insist on including stockinette, garter, and reverse stockinette stitches as "one of the 400"). My thoughts when looking through it were that it seemed like it was a cross between the Harmony Guides and the Barbara Walker guides with some improvements.
   
   The color pictures are very nice and reminiscent of the newer Harmony Guides.
   
   In addition, the instructions show both a chart and written directions to satisfy both types of "pattern readers". However, in an effort to fit everything into a compact foot print that can be thrown in your knitting bag, the charts are basically unusable unless you photocopy them at an enlarged magnified setting. Also, once again, the publisher has opted for a tight binding that will not lay flat. I know I sound like a one-trick pony trotting this out in virtually every knitting book review I write -- run... do not walk... to your nearest office services place and have the paperback binding replaced with a spiral binding to make this think usable.
   
   Pros:
   1. Nice selection of texture stitches -- particularly the cables and laces.
   2. Size makes it handy to keep in your knitting bag for "on the go" inspiration
   3. It is organized into sections based on the type of knitting pattern (cables, lace, drop stitch etc)
   4. Has both charts and written instructions
   5. Color pictures are very nice.
   
   Cons:
   1. Tight binding -- but can be replaced with spiral binding for small cost.
   2. Cramped instructions and charts -- can be "blown up" to be made readable
   3. Not a lot of innovation -- but a nice cross-section.