5 comments about 50 Sensational Crochet Afghans & Throws.

1. Many beautiful pictures, but some of the afghans are just colorful renditions of old patterns. If you dont have many books yet this might be a good one for you, but it was a little dissapointing. Many of the "effects" were created by embroidering on top of the afghan rather than actually crocheting.



2. This book has fantastic photos, but pattern instructions, wools and needles are all inappropriate for Australian readers.



3. I was very disappointed with this book. I will not use any of these patterns. If you look carefully, you will see that two of the afghans are the same pattern, with different colors.



4. I bought this book mainly for the instuctions for the afghan on the cover, but there are some very nice surprizes inside as well. Can't wait to finish current projects so I can get started on this one.



5. I down rated this otherwise beautiful book to 4 stars for the pattern mistakes (see other reviews on this).
   
   What I like about the book is the fact that unlike so many many crochet and knit patterns and books that have only one "arty" photo of the project that's either out of focus or has the afghan so folded up or otherwise obscured by objects put in for "atmosphere" that the picture is unhelpful.
   
   I am amazed at how many commercial afghan patterns do one of the following:
   
   Have only one picture showing the WRONG side of the afghan;
   
   Don't show both ends, or all sides, (and inspection of the pattern reveals that either the beginning edge or the ending one is rather weird and poorly thought out);
   
   Give few or no clues as to how to actually assemble the thing so that it lies flat and looks decent on both sides.
   
   Have a picture of a sample afghan that has obvious MISTAKES (sometimes this goes with mistakes in the pattern.)
   
   This book however often has a photo of the entire afghan laid out fully in view, and enough close-ups that one can actually see the stitches and assembly method well enough to resolve problems with the patterns, a big help that is second only to having diagrams as well as text directions (sadly, most afghan patterns have only text).
   
   I also personally enjoy the imaginative if somewhat wild use of colors in most of these patterns. I might not actually be able to fit one into my old fashioned house with its Late Victorian through 1950s "decor", but I found most of the patterns inspiring, and will probably get this book out when cooking up my next "from scratch" afghan.

5 comments about More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric.

1. This is an awesome book to say the least. Anyone who sews needs this guide book so as to understand how to work with just about any fabric you will come across to sew on. Sandra tells you how to care for the fabric, pre-treat, what stitches work out best, what styles this fabric looks best sewn up into, what needle to use, thread, interfacing, on and on. As always, Sandra knows her stuff and makes a beautiful presentation doing it! If you are skiddish about working with a fabric, you need this to help you through the process.



2. More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric I was very happy with the price and physical quality of this product. The shipping and handling was reasonable for an expedited rate. However I'm disappointed in the quality of the material presented in the book. The photos are ridiculously outdated and information was extemely limited and vague. This was an average price reference guide but I feel as though it offered below average information. In this case I definitely DID NOT get what I paid for, I got far less.



3. This book has been one that I use when selecting fabric for a project. She talks about different fabrics, how it handles, what garments will work best, lining, needles, threads etc. I typically use it when I start a project and want to try something different. It has been a unique and useful addition to my collection of sewing books. I purchased my copy used from Amazon and was pleased with the condition. Just like new.



4. I am a seamstress and have been for many years. This is one of my prized possessions in my sewing library. I have other books on fabrics but this one gets 10 stars. Not only does it list various attributes of the fabric but it tells you how to treat it, what foot is preferable, stitch length, etc. It is thorough. Also buy the first book Fabric Savvy. You won't be disappointed.



5. I was really disappointed with this book. She seems to adore silk and wool while not covering a lot of other fabrics. There are also some things missing that I wanted to know: washing instructions, how does the fabric wrinkle, is the fabric warm or cool, does the fabric breath or not, etc. Things someone who must order fabric on line needs to know. Some of this information was on some fabrics, but not all.

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

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



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



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



4. I had only done 2 projects when I purchased this book. My Granddaughter who is 8 wanted to make something for her Mom for Mothers day. She choose the checkers and dots centerpiece and decided to do only 4 squares and to make it a trivet. She came over a couple of times and with minimal help was able to complete the project it turned out great and her Mom was impressed. She is currently working on the drink keeper for her Dad and I'm working on the blossom bag. The book is inspiring and easy to follow the only difficulty is getting materials. It requires planning and lead time since most items are only available online and even then mostly I've ended up cutting my own strips. I would highly recommend this book and it would be great for children as well as adults

5 comments about The Rug Hooker's Bible: The Best From 30 Years Of Jane Olson's Rugger's Roundtable.

1. My friend has been doing rug hooking for some time now and it has always facinated me. Last year, she started me with a small kit and I have made 4 different rugs since. Since I have not been able to attend a class nor have had much time to get together with my friend, I thought it was time to get a book to better understand rug hooking and to know if I am doing it properly. This book has been very helpful with easy to understand instructions and pictures.



2. All the highlights of Jane's book focus on specific lessons that each of us needs to learn. She presents the lessons in easy-to-read format and explains each step superbly. The color pictures add a dimension that only the eye can appreciate. Keep writing, Jane. Donna Stone



3. This is a fine book, informative, thorough, well illustrated. I have only one complaint about it, and that is that the old-fashioned way of hooking rugs is not included, ie, the so-called "primitive" method, done using a shuttle hook and thin strips of wool (usually from thrift shop clothing). There is no discussion of this fine old method, and I would have liked to have that included. Otherwise, an excellent book, great for ideas.



4. This is my favorite rug hooking book, and I believe I own them all. The photographs are beautiful and so helpful, the instructions are clear and the authors go into the kind of detail that is really helpful to beginners like me, and I expect to experienced hookers as well. The two companion DVDs, if you can find them, are amazing and illustrate the beginning chapters beautifully. Learning by watching someone actually do the hooking is even better than reading about it. A lot of books for beginners gloss over some important steps, and you are left wondering how to correctly put the pattern on the frame, or which direction to hold your hook, or how to turn a corner, or how to fill in a little space,etc. I don't mean to imply that the book is at all simplistic, because the later chapters detail quite advanced techniques. I am only saying that it is detailed in a good way, which is very helpful. I expect to use this book for many years to come.



5. This book has so much wonderful information on rug hooking. It comes with basic patterns and instructions. It is a great resource to have if you are a rug hooker.

5 comments about Wool Rug Hooking: 30 Projects to Warm Your Home (Traditions in the Making).

1. What a great book! I'm new to rug-hooking and found this informational book extremely helpful. From the history of rug-hooking to wool dying to finishing your edges, this book covers it all and it even gives you patterns of the beautiful projects you can do! Excellent instructional book and I would highly recommend it!



2. This is one of my top 5 books in my library. Great projects with patterns, great pictures, great directions. A book to browse over and over again and dream about having the time to do all the projects!



3. This book has wonderful information and pictures. Also has lots of simple projects with detailed instructions. Would definitely recommend to a friend and just might buy one for one of my friends for Christmas.



4. I'm a beginner trying to learn punch needle rug hooking. This book is almost entirely about rug hooking with fabric, not yarn. I'm assuming there must be differences. At any rate, it is not at all what I am looking for, nor does it seem as comprehensive as the other reviews state. The section on hooking techniques does not show how to actually hook anything... rather it indicates how to go around corners and various shapes. I intend to return this book and try another.



5. An excellent primitive resource. Provides tips and patterns for a variety of primitive projects. "How to"s were helpful and straight forward. An excellent addition to any hooker's library!

5 comments about Rag Rug Handbook.

1. I recently received this book as a gift and have found it to be just what I was looking for. It clarifies the various methods of rug making, along with tons of great diagrams and easy to read (and follow)instructions. Plenty of photographs, tons of great ideas and methods of creating a unique rug for any need. Worth the time and money. Beginner - intermediate weavers will appreciate this book!



2. I'm a new weaver and Janet Meany puts things in simple language that is easy to understand. The author actually wrote to me personally about questions on weaving. Highly recommend this book.



3. This is an excellant book value. There are multiple projects to weave into finished rugs with clear instructions. It was recommended to me by a weaving instructor before her class and I'm so glad I have it in my library.



4. Good book for beginner -- focussing on techniques peculiar to rag rugs. all the set up & process illustrations are hand drawn rather than photgraphs -- mostly in black and white. The photographs of projects are mostly in black and white, a few color. Not very exciting visually, BUT excellent, easy to understand and follow directions for process and pattern reading. Projects seem to go from beginner to elaborate. I am glad I bought it.



5. This book has great step-by-step instructions for making rag rugs on a floor loom. If you only had one book on weaving rag rugs - this should be it.

5 comments about Oriental Carpets: A Complete Guide - The Classic Reference.

1. Caveat: You won't know a thing about rugs until you start to shop around, until you start touching them. You'll have to look at the knots, at the foundation and the edges, and run your hands over the pile. You'll need to feel the difference between a silk weave and a wool weave. That said, this book gives a thorough informational grounding in the topic.
   
   The book starts with an account of what little is known of the origins of carpet making. The next chapter describes how carpets are constructed. Weavers make short knots that form the visible pile; the pile is woven on an invisible foundation of warps and wefts. There are many types of knots, and surprisingly many types of warps and wefts as well! The book then explains what materials are used--mostly wool, cotton, and silk--how they are spun into yarns, and how they are colored, with either natural or synthetic dyes. The colors are of course central to a carpet's designs, which is the topic of the following chapter.
   
   The authors then proceed to review the great carpet making regions. There's a huge chapter on Persian rugs, followed by a chapter on Turkish rugs. These are followed by shorter chapters on the rugs of the Caucasus, India & Pakistan, China, Turkestan, Tibet, North Africa, and the Balkans.
   
   Rugs are like wine, or like any fine object. One cannot learn the topic from a book, one must learn from the things themselves. A good book though is invaluable in reducing how long it will take to feel comfortable with the topic.
   
   One last word. There are 348 illustrations of extremely high quality, making the book itself a very beautiful object. It's a great coffee table book.
   
   Vincent Poirier, Tokyo



2. This is a classic, serious reference book on the different styles of oriental carpets. All geographical areas are covered so it is a great introduction to the field. It is probably the only book you need to buy unless you become serious in collecting carpets.
   
   There is a disconnect between the pictured carpets in the book and the carpets you will find in a carpet shop. The pictures are of older carpets. It would have been nice to have a stronger bridge to what is actually available for purchase today. The hardest issue buying modern oriental carpets is not to overpay. Sure there are fakes, but if you go to a reputable dealer that is not a major problem. However, even reputable dealers are hard to pin down on price. Don't expect any such information in the book.



3. This book is a good introduction to rug basics, with rich illustration and good coverage of the main carpet-producing regions in Asia and the Middle-East. However, the book leaves much to be desired as a genuine tool to help one actually collect rugs. It gives out basic information in a general lecture-like fashion (which is not necessarily a bad thing), but does not really make an effort at reaching out to the reader in terms of the actual experience of buying/handling/trading carpets (which is definitely a bad thing). One glaring weakness is the paucity of information on Central Asian rugs outside of Turkmenistan (arguably because the book was written at a time when Central Asia was not as easily accessible as it is now). There is also, it must be said, a somewhat superior tone to the writing that is not necessary and does take away from the pleasure of reading on the subject. Still, all things considered, this is a valuable book to own.



4. This is an excellent way to learn about rugs from top to bottom -- it eases you slowly into a comprehensive knowledge of rugs. I feel that this will help me greatly in my work - I just started doing customer service for a rug company. Great buy to anyone who wants to be educated thoroughly on the business of rugs.



5. Bought for myself as a tool to help teach myself about Persian rugs, this book is so wonderful I gave it as a housewarming present to a friend of mine, freshly divorced who is decorating his new house. Perfect! The authors, the Murray Eilands Jr. and III, a father and son team, are experts in their field. The father, a practicing psychiatrist in California, has been studying and collecting Oriental rugs for almost 40 years, and his son has a doctorate from Oxford in Near Eastern archeology (including textile development), so you would be learning from very special, knowledgeable accomplished folks who love their textiles and rugs. I recommend this book highly.

2 comments about Twist and Twine: 18 Ideas for Rag Rugs and Home Decor.

1. I love this book! Irwin gives complete instruction in a rug weaving method that allows me to recycle all the old clothes - too worn to donate, too ragged to wear - that have built up in my life. Simple, not in the least bit mechanical, and practical too - what more could you want from a craft pass time?



2. as usual Bobbie Irwin produces a humdinger of a book! This charming volume contains all you'll need to know about the ancient art of twining, from the usual rugs to smaller projects like a keepsake box. The instructions are clear, the pictures provide excellent back up for those who are a little unsure of themselves. In fact, there isn't a bad project in the book! And there is also an explicit problem solving section that I suspect will be well thumbed in my copy! Seriously though, twining has to be one of the easiest crafts I've done, and Ms Irwin makes it enjoyable. My favourites projects are the pendleton rug and the keepsake box, but I have a feeling I will be undertaking them all sooner or later - now all I need is the time! Well done Ms Irwin, this book is one any serious rag rug fiend should have on their bookshelves! Recommended!

1 comments about Pictorial Hooked Rugs.

1. If you enjoy pictorial hooked rugs then this will be a jolly volume to add to your collection. I am especially fond of the glorious piece Alice Fraizer did as it reminded me of my own journey to Northern England. This is a lovely book!

5 comments about The Braided Rug Book: Creating Your Own American Folk Art.

1. My grandmother taught me the basics of how to braid rugs when I was young. When she passed on, I received her materials, and some of her very beautiful braided rugs. I would like to start braiding again but thought it would be helpful, after all these years, to learn more. This book has been very helpful with easy to understand instructions and pictures.



2. This is a great book for first-timers. Clear instruction on the basics and beyond and the encouragement to be your own artist. Lots of helpful tips about materials, time consumption, braiding techniques, colorations and care of your rugs.



3. This book really helped me correct some of my trouble spots I had with my braiding. And has some really neat ideas for future projects. Easy to understand and follow.



4. First, I want to be clear. I have never made a braided rug, and in all likelihood, never will. I purchased this book because, while not interested in making a braided rug myself, I do collect (and at times, sell) this form of American Folk Art. To do this well requires a acertain amount of knowledge and I did receive just what I wanted from this particular book, i.e. knowledge that I most certainly needed. The book I am reviewing here is the revised edition, 2006. The authors have given us a great overview of this craft, starting with a nicely done history. They include techniques, materials, tools and patterns. For the crafter, the directions, while a bit intimidating, are never-the-less quite precise and include color schemes, measurements and again, variations of techniques. The photographs of the various patterns are wonderful (in my case I found this to be most useful), very clear, very precise. I appreciate the author's insistence on prefection as this is one of those things I am interested in and need to know it, i.e. high quality, when I see it. I also appreciated the section on care and cleaning of these wonderful items. One page (124) gives a very nice list of the qualities of a well made rug. Again, this was most useful for my situation. I cannot see how you could go wrong with this one. After reading the instructions I feel, If I were so inclined, that even I, with no craft talent for working in fabrics what so ever, could actually creat one of these things. Overall, highly recommend this one.



5. I am so glad I came across this book! I've looked through most of the books available on rug braiding. This one is the absolute best on the subject!