Reviews (10)

Gorgeous Patterns
Got the book as a gift and I'm in love with so many of the patterns. I cannot wait to get started on the hooded baby blanket--it's definitely going to be my go-to baby shower pattern. Super fun book, super smart patterns--definitely a winner.

fun knitting
This knitting book reminded me of the Mason-Dixon book or the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Rules.It is fun stories with some decent patterns thrown in.There are a few I will definately be doing soon like the lacey table runner in linen.It is not a "learn to knit book" but once you have the basics it would work for beginners to intermediate.Tracy Ulmann will have you laughing and relating to her yarn obsession.

An excellent addition to your knitting library!!
I love "Knit 2 Together". It's a wonderful combination of Mel Clark's beautiful patterns and advice and Tracey Ullman's sense of humor.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (1)

Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching
This book is excellent for teaching the basic's of blueprint reading.Great illustrations, and assignment sheets. Would highly recommend it for employee training !! Read more

Subjects:  1. Blueprints    2. Construction - General    3. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    4. Freehand technical sketching    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Handicrafts    10. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    11. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades    12. Technology: General Issues   

Features

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Reviews (6)

great and frustrating....
kudos to wendy on jumping in and giving us some patterns that are indeed needed in the world of pattern design.i've been sewing for a year and a half so i jumped right into the pants pattern.wendy does do some assuming, which is okay, though sometimes frustrating.i wish she were a little clearer.for instance,just have a page that serves like the back of a pattern envelope for each pattern. it'd be nice to know things like zipper size, fabric amount, etc.in one convienient area. is every curved seam allowance assumed to be 1/4" (i.e. on the fly)?i find myself flipping through the book, searching for specifics. a nice clear format would be refreshing. the text of this book is great for beginners and brusher uppers.

Sound Advice
This book is a refreshing change from all the dinosaurs I've seen on the shelf with the outdated projects like hideous curtains and drab 80's clothing. This author appeals to a fresh new generation of indie-inspired crafters, from the seasoned seamster/stress to the (and most importantly)fledgeling just trying to get their damn machine started. I've been there, and Built By Wendy's wry, humorous approach to a traditionally intimidating craft gives sound advice on everything from what kind of machine to buy, to shortcuts in shopping and the actual process for El Cheapos like me who don't have the extra time or cash to spare! If you buy no other book about sewing, please do the smart thing and invest in this one. Also, for more thrifty crafts you can do with 50 cent garments from the thrift shop and nary more than a pair of scissors and some ingenuity, check out Generation T by Megan Nicolay. Her humorous writing style and dollar sense make this book appealing for anyone who wants that cool indie Urban Outfitters look for less than they paid for that McDonalds lunch!

Hate tissue paper patterns
The book itself is nice.The layout is clean and usable.But I cannot cannot stand tissue paper patterns.Who has the space to comfortably lay out such fragile paper without concern for tearing and readability (can people really read the text on them without their eyes suffering?!)?Not me, obviously.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Machine sewing    6. Sewing    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (5)

Beautiful to look at but..................
I LOVE this book as something to look at and a source for insiration.However, I was expecting to be able to make some of the projects.Without a full assortment of jewelry making tools, glass cutting tools and soldering tools (all are need for nearly every project)its just not possible.I was disappointed.

Pretty little things run rampant!
This book is intriguing.A virtual feast for the eyes every time you look at it.I am on my third reading now and I am still finding new excitement as I absorb the huge amount of information and ideas tucked within the gorgeous photos and ideas.Her style is completely apart from my style of artwork. She is obviously more successful with her style, after all I am in the armchair in my robe reviewing her book.While she is in her wonderful chandelier filled studio producing.
Gosh, I love this book. It's yummy..
This book will make you want to go out and try that soldering iron. The peek into her studio is so inspiring. Sally Jean is very talented and funny. The projects are diverse and just lovely to look at. Try a few and put your own look into it. With this book and her directions you can be making your own pretty little things in no time.
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Assemblage Art    3. Collage    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Paper Crafts    7. Papercrafts    8. Handicrafts   

Reviews (17)

This book makes the hobby 'real' for my kids
I purchased this book after my children (4, 5) developed an interest in collecting sea glass after finding their first pieces on the beach. This summer we collected pounds of the stuff on vacation, and the children couldn't wait to get home to the book to see if they had found any rare colors (we found gray, pink and black!).
Love it
I love this book. the pictures are wonderful...i am going to look for more seaglass...thank you

Pure Sea Glass
This a wonderful book - whether you are a sea glass collector or not!The photography is beautiful and there is a wealth of information for both the serious and novice collector.I immediately looked through my collection for "finds" and can't wait to get back to the beach to find more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Glass & Glassware    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. Oceans & Seas    6. Sea glass   

Reviews (30)

review
This book has many excellent details in obscure construction situations.Some are a bit better in theory than practice; however this book will make an excellent companion when in a pinch and lacking creativity.For the most part the book describes better practice (check local codes before taking it as gospel) for say a designer or general contractor not entirely sure or alien to specific methods of contractors or subcontractors.Don't expect a book to read from cover to cover but a quick reference.

Great Series
I found this series of books to be very well written and drawn.What is great is that they present several different ways to accomplish a task, instead of limiting you to one conventional method.The writing is very clearly written, and I own and recommend all three books in these series.Excellent reference.

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction
Start at the beginning... The spiral metal binding is great, a real manual, easy to keep page being referenced open infront of you. Graphically the pages are consistent in their layout and composition so that the important information is easily seen. Not like many references where drawings,details and notes from different sources are obviously pasted into pages. It reminds me of the famous Architectural Sheet Metal manual published by SMACNA, that is a part in nearly every architect's reference library.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    6. Drawings    7. Framing (Building)    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. Wooden-frame buildings    11. Building construction & materials    12. House & Home / Reference    13. Woodworking   

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Design - General    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Art / Design / General   

Reviews (8)

Jewelers Review
The book is well presented and easy to access with information covering all aspects of jewelery making. it has loads of pictures which make the difficult concepts understandable. Good book for beginners and as a reference book.

super book
This book is a wonderful overview of most of the techniques of metalsmithing. The professional edition is sturdier for the most part than the older edition the book is designed to lat flat on the bench it is obvious it was designed by someone who designs functional objects for a living. It is the first book I recommend to anyone getting into metal work, from blacksmithing to jewelry making. It is a definite must-have and a classic of its kind. This said, if you get into any one technique more, specialty books are helpful, but this is the best overview out there. I dont give five stars often but this was womderful.

Mixed Blessing
Pros:This text covers alot of techniques, has a good intro into metallurgy, and it has a great appendix.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Work    5. BG-REFERENCE - BG-REFERENCE    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    7. JUVY-YOUNG READERS - JUVY-FICT HC YNG RDR   

Reviews (10)

I love, but a word of caution
I love this book, and love the idea of finally being able to make a sweater that fits! But a word of caution to other visual learners out there- this books contains very few illustrations and pictures. Most of the information you are supposed to gain is hidden away in fairly lengthy (in my opinion) descriptions. So if you are a visual learner, be prepared to read carefully, try the instructions, frog your work and re-try.
Must have for every knitters library
I find the book very easy to follow and understand.If you want to avoid sewing all those pieces together, this is the book for you.Not all the sweaters from the top down have to be raglans, this has everything you need to know to knit just about anything from the top down.

Great help for new and old knitters
This reissue of an out-of-print book is a real boon to both new and old knitters. It provides freedom from strict adherence to patterns and guidance for designing your own sweaters, skirts, and other garments. This book is perfect for those who love to knit and hate to purl! It's a 'must have' for knitters who are into or beyond the stitch 'n' bitch phase of the craft. I bought several for my students and for friends for gifts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Needlework - Knitting    3. Reference   

Reviews (22)

If you own volume 2, read this first!
I purchased Volume 2 first and found this a bit of a let down, even though there are some very nice patterns in it. I had already experimented with the moebius form and I'm into freeform so find Cat's techniques and ideas inspirational, but I could also have lived without this particular volume, especially with international postage on it! That said, if you have never ever played with a moebius, or find the instructions on the web too confusing, this is for you! Her instructions are brilliant, so that even a novice knitter can follow them easily. And I certainly learnt an awful lot about knitting and following patterns, and self-discipline ( rueful grin).

too much like the second
I bought the second book before I bought this one, so obviously almost all of it was redundant. I would recommend buying the second and skipping the first.The second has many more ideas, whereas the first one has only one thing to contribute really.

A Treasury of Magical Knitting
A lovely little book, and a challenge for the intermediate to experienced knitter.The instructions were well-written and my first project came out as expected.Cat Bordhi's second book is on my Christmas list! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Needlework - Knitting    4. Patterns   

Reviews (20)

Some mistakes not the fault of the author.
Sometimes not being able to work a pattern doesn't mean the book has a mistake. For instance, p.139 "Butterfly" does not have different numbers of stitches on each row. Notice that "Embossed Hearts" on the same page ends each row differently worded than does "Butterfly." If not read carefully, "Butterfly" would seem to say do the repeat as many times as required, then knit #. But it says to "end last rep k#." So the last repeat of each row ends with a different number of knit stitches than the other repeats in the row. I counted it out and it works.
Great Resource
This book, like the others in the 'edge' series, is a must-have for any knitter's library.

Coffee table AND knitting book
I like the book because it is like a scrap book of all kinds of edges you can make, but cannot remember when you are planning your next project. I often look in the book just to see the beautiful pictures. I like the layout with the changing of colors every time she changes her technic. Nicky Epstein is very good to give ideas and inspirations to other knitters.
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Subjects:  1. Borders, Ornamental (Decorativ    2. Borders, Ornamental (Decorative arts)    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Patterns    10. BG-MIND & BODY - BG-HEALTH    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (2)

Highly Recommend this Book!!!
I just received this book in the mail and it is beautiful. If you know a knitter or someone who aspires to learn knitting (although this is not a "how-to" book for those who can't knit), or just want to buy a great inspirational book, I can't recommend this book enough!! It is a beautiful, inspiring book. It has quotes, photos and stories of organizations that knit for others---orphans, refugees, preemies, animal shelter pets, and a host of other highly inspiring organizations. I discovered that knitting for peace and for others is a part of our heritage and pure Americana. I commend the author for this beautiful, inspiring, well-written book. I plan on buying several for holiday gifts. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would!
so inspiring yet simple
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is full of information and inspiring stories. It also has some great historical anecdotes. In addition, it's gorgeous!!
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Subjects:  1. Charity    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Patterns    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Reference    11. Social aspects    12. Crafts & Hobbies / General    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (67)

Finally a book that really taught me to knit
Over the last 10 years I have tried every "learn to knit" book out there and none have been all that helpful to me. I got this book and I finally was able to figure it out. She really has a relaxed way of teaching that makes it easy to learn. I knew I did not want to knit scarves and this book is loaded with "beginners first projects" that are easy to do, teach pattern reading and are not scarves. I made each of my daughters a poncho and everywhere they go they get compliments and they were my first two projects. I am now getting all of her books and will use these to teach my own daughters how to knit.

Great for beginners
I'm a beginner teaching myself to knit through books and Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch" is a fabulous resource. Her explanations are clear and easy to understand. I've looked at a lot of "how-to" knitting books and this is the one I like the best. If you're starting from scratch without a mentor, then you can't go wrong with this book.

great patterns and teaching, organization clumsy
I love this book!This is probably the best book ever to teach knitting.It takes the reader step-by-step through the basics to teach a person not just how to blindly follow a patterns, but also gives the technical understanding behind the stitches and patterns.The patterns are delightful for any level knitter.The only problem is that it seems Sally assumes one will read the book assiduously from beginning to end, and create each project as it appears in the book, thus building upon each new learned technique.I am too impatient to do so.Thus, when I just jumped right in and started in the middle of the book with a pattern I liked, I found myself filling all over the book trying to find the various techniques she mentions in the pattern.Good thing her index is very accurate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - General    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (36)

Great little knitting aid!!
This is the best and handiest help book around for both new and experienced knitters.I use it often and am buying two for my daughters.

The Perfect Knitter Companion
The book is small enough to keep with you in your knitting essential bag.The wire bound is plastic and sturdy as are the pages, a heavy cardstock.Vicki Square has authored a book that is like having a knitting instructor at your side.The verbage and the pictures are perfectly easily to understand.

The Knitter's Companion
This is a very good reference, especially for the beginner.I have found it very helpful.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Sweaters    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Editorial Review

Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne are the rock stars of the knitting community--fans flock to their popular blog (masondixonknitting.com) for a daily dose of knitting genius, tips, and humor. In their first book, Read more

Reviews (48)

the opposite of what i presumed
This is a wonderful book. It provides a new way of looking at knitting - and the writing is hilarious, and very, very wise.Do not be deceived by the title. The sensibility is very sophisticated. If you think more Bau Haus and Mondrian rather than cutsey quilts you will get my drift. THe house items are elegant and understated - except for the ones that are - WOW! A wonderful surprise for me. What got me to this book was the buzz, not the title.
not cute at all
0 stars if there were such a thing
Love this one
I love this book. Nice pictures and easy to follow directions for the advanced beginner that I am ...Thebaby kimono and log cabin are just a few projects I plan to hopefullystart.. Lots if nice ideas for knitting things for the house if you are like me and do not want to attmept sweatersthat probably will not fit me... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (50)

4.5 stars for the style gurus...
Let me start by saying that this is based on a show that I love but I put off buying this book because I wasn't really sure what to expect from it, especially when quite a few of the reviews said that only a few pages were devoted to each body type and so forth. Well yes, only a few pages were devoted to each type, but there were A LOT of types portrayed (more so than in any other book of this kind I'd ever seen before), and multiply that by three since they all came in petite, average height, and tall. In reality, since none of us fits into ONE type of body, I got much more information than one could've thought. For example, I'm curvy and petite but there were some suggestions from the larger on bottom section that I can definitely use to my advantage... and this is just the beginning, I went on picking up useful pointers from all over. Sure, you're definitely more of one certain body type than all the others and that's where you'll find the majority of your advice, but do browse through all the book because the useful tips are everywhere and you're bound to pick them up from all over, not just YOUR four or five pages.
In details...
This book offers great details how to dress YOUR body now, not after you lose a few pounds or gain some!
Great, but could use improvemet
Like many of the other reviewers, I love Stacy and Clinton's TV show, and it has helped me greatly in weeding out pieces in my wardrobe and buying new clothes to replace them.When I discovered that they had published a book, I rented it from the local library immediately.In a way, I am glad I rented it rather than purchasing it.
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Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Clothing and dress    3. Consumer Health    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Psychological aspects    8. Costume    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests    10. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (17)

beginning to sew
I browsed many books at my local big name book store and found this one through Amazon to be the simplest one to follow. I have always found books by DK to be great quality.This book is much easier than sewing for Dummies or Idiots guide to Sewing books.
Excellent in every way
I ordered the book for my daughter.She wanted to pay forty dollars for it at Borders Bookstore.I bought the brand new for almost less than half here.Thanks

Buyer Beware!
Sewers of all skill levels, borrow a copy of this book from your local library before committing to buying it.As a seamstress with 40 years of sewing to her credit, this book is lacking in detail.Close-up shots of fabric types, allowing the reader to get a feel for the hand and look was not available.It would have been nice to see, in more photographic detail, how to set-in a sleeve.The photographic instructions for hand-sewing a button hole were woefully inadequate -- dark green on dark green.On second thought, just pass on this work and buy Singer's Complete Photo Guide to Sewing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Reference    6. Sewing    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Needlework - Lace & Tatting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Lace   

Reviews (30)

Simply excellent, from start to finish
This book is a must. It will show everything from start to finish.

It helped me with my DIY furniture !
As I went into some DIY woodworking projects and needed some help, I bought this one together with another Taunton series: Gary Rogowski's "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery". Excellent books both of them. The sections are very well balanced and the techniques are discussed starting from a logical sequence in a furniture building project (framework, joinery, sides etc). Moreover, it gives you freedom to choose the most appropriate technique but you also have the basics (without power tools) which is very helpful in order to understand them better. No fuss about gear and promotion of one brand or another, the book it is very careful about that and it gives you freedom to choose between category of tools and not vendors. Also it has some chapters about wood finishing which are very well done, providing information in a very concentrating manner. For this one alone Taunton convinced me to buy another one, Jeff Jewitt and Susan Jewitt's "Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing". The photographs are beautiful and high quality print (it is printed in Italy, famous for its publishers) and worth the money. Really, you have a lot to learn if you are a beginner or mid-advanced in the art of woodworking and it is a very practical lecture whenever you want to build something wood-wise. Also, the book is a very good reference for those that are teaching these techniques given the quality of the pictures and clarity of text. Five stars, worth every penny IMO.

Ideal Starters
As you would come to expect from Taunton Press Books, they know their stuff when it comes to woodworking. The person who would like this book would be someone who is looking for an overview of all the techniques and hardware that can be used to create fine furniture. It tries to accomplish a lot in one book. So if you are looking for a book to be a idea starter, this is a good reference. I would suggest that you get this to set the foundation and add more books as you pick up a technique you would like to learn more about.
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Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Cabinetwork    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Design & Construction    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Furniture    7. Furniture making    8. House & Home    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. Woodworking    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    12. Furniture & cabinetmaking   

Reviews (22)

hilarious, irreverant, a great gift and a fantastic read for beginning knitters...
i consider this book a splurge, or a great gift to get a knitting friend - especially a beginner. it answers some of the OTHER questions you may have about knitting that aren't technical, such as...
Humorously Helpful!
There's nothing I like better than truly helpful lists and hints unless it is those same lists and hints dished up with a generous sense of humor.Stephanie had me laughing and reading out loud to my daughter-in-law and constantly exclaiming: "look at this!" while we drove to the yarn store for more supplies.So if you want a handy dandy list of typical head sizes or typical foot lengths (the kind of valuable info provided) topped off with WHO wears WHAT hats and WHY, you will love this book.The basics are addressed here, along with some fine points and finer observations that will have you consulting this book again and again.And if you want to relax and really enjoy your knitting - or your stash or your knitting thoughts (guilt-free) - get this book just to read for fun.It works either way.

Fun book for the knitter in you
I have only been knitting for 1 1/2 years, and I tend to be a rectangle knitter (scarves, afghans, etc.). This book makes me laugh and want to try new things. If you enjoy knitting, you'll enjoy Stephanie's unique look at all things yarn-ish. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. General    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Humor    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. HUMOR / General