Reviews (2)

Very good
15 TOWEL ANIMALS OR OTHER.
Great project for cub scouts and brownies
Fun to read, fun to do!We first saw it done on a cruise.(Never realized that this art had ever been lost.)
Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Origami    5. Textile Arts - General    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Origami   

Reviews (6)

Knitting Around
This is an excellent book which provides a comfortable balance between fairly detailed knitting instructions and very interesting biographical information (in anecdote form) from the author, Elizabeth Zimmerman.

Wife LOVES it!!
My wife has been knitting for over 35 years and has many books on the subject.She especially enjoys this one due to the fact that there is so much subject matter and history on the author herself and her personal life.I'd recommend it to any husband whose wife is a "knitting nut" like mine!!

Timeless classic by a classy lady.
Although I first learned to knit in the 70's, I re-learned a couple years ago after a 25 year sabatical.After numerous scarves and dishcloths, the search began for good knitting books.That's when I "found" Elizabeth Zimmermann.This is my favorite of all her books.It has knitting lessons, projects, and her autobiography (digressions, she calls them) which makes for a fascinating read. I love that she asks knitters to THINK, not just follow a pattern row-by-row.I am presently knitting the pi-r-square shawl - it's great that I can take it to work on anywhere, and don't have to bring the directions. She says "you can do this...or try this..." and lets me make the project my own while giving me the confidence to do it!
Read more

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

Reviews (14)

3 and a half stars, pleasant reading, expectations too high
He starts off his book asking the reader to read the book cover to cover. This is not typical for a do it yourself project book. We needed some help on technical questions for a windowsill and backsplash and between reading the book when we can and trying the John Bridge Forum online and asking the specific question (we were unable to find another thread with our answers) we still have no answers. We have been trying to get answers for about 3 weeks now. However, for someone trying to learn masonry this is a good book to add to your library.

Full of Information
Got this book a few weeks ago as I prepare to redo two bathrooms.Although the pictures aren't the best, the descriptions, and funny writing style make this book a wealth of knowledge.

Great tip and step by step for all tile projects!
This book has been invaluable in my bathroom remodel.It contains many tips by the experts and scientific justification for other aspects of tile setting.A must have for the more advanced tile setting projects and a definite must for shower installs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Building Details Finishing    3. Construction - General    4. Construction - Masonry    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Decorating    7. Do-It-Yourself - Masonry    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. House & Home    11. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    12. House & Home / Masonry    13. Pottery & Ceramics    14. Technology    15. Technology & Industrial Arts    16. Tile laying    17. Tiles   

Reviews (40)

Informative but not comprehensive
I had the idea that I would make my own very customized concrete countertops, but after reading the book I decided on granite instead.
Concrete a la carte
If you want to see everything that can possibly be done with concrete, this is your book.
Great Book
With out saying too much this book covers everything you need to know about DIY concrete countertops.Equipment to time involved very well worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Concrete    2. Countertops    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    10. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    11. Building skills    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. House & Home / Design & Construction    14. House maintenance    15. HOUSE & HOME / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (5)

Offers an illustrated collection of patterns for projects as easy as aprons and covers.
Designer Amy Butler's new modern style offers an illustrated collection of patterns for projects as easy as aprons and covers. Lovely photos are accompanied by easily-followed instructions which omit the usual sewer's terminology, making it especially appealing to new sewers. From planning seam allowances and handling vintage fabrics to taking on projects for bathroom and bedroom, INSTITCHES combines very easy projects with practical applications and no-fail directions.
the title say simple
I too, was eagerly awaiting this book. I've made a few other Amy Butler items and find her patterns simple and yet, creative. I am very pleased with the book. I am a very experienced sewer and even though the items in her book aren't complicated, they're very creative and useful. Already I have a million ideas of how to emellish and put together fabrics/notions etc. Just in time for christmas gifts, I find these patterns simple enough that I CAN actually make gifts this year and actually get them done. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. I would definately recommend this book to others-from beginner to advanced sewers.

This book is fun...REALLY!
I don't understand why the previous reviews are so negative toward this book, sure it is not for the avid sewer, but it has some fun ideas that are inspiring and exciting. Included in the book is a beautiful throw and an amazing robe that anybody would want... Well worth the money. ... Read more

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

Reviews (215)

Not your Mom's DIY Book!
I just started knitting a week ago, and already I am confidently making my first piece of clothing.This book not only gives great, easy to follow instructions, but also great patterns and is humorous and easy to read.I almost forgot I was reading an instructional book!The author is just so funny and cute, you're bound to love her.If you can only afford one knitting book as a newbie, make it this one.

Great Beginner's How To!
This book is a great one to pick up if you are a beginner and are looking to get started, or are already familiar with some knitting basics and are hoping to advance the complexity of your knitting projects.Learn how to fix common knitting mistakes and try out some cute patterns.

Wonderful Resource
I learned to knit when I was a little girl, under my mother's instruction.I remember thinking it was hard, painful, and totally not worth my time.
Read more

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

Reviews (33)

Dress Sence 101
The book is good, and takes a couple of evenings to go through. It has what many "men's" magazines lack in the "how to fit" the right clothes with the right person, and insight into patterns, texture and color. If you haven't read a couple of issues of "men's" magazines and have never dressed formally and intend to do so you better read this or you will stick out of the crowd like a sore thumb. The book is comprehensive but could have included more, such as "adventurous" without looking old-fashioned (the old scarf to hide a sagging throat), for me it lacked clarity in the shoe department especially in the color section (unless black, dark tan and suede are the only choices...). The smart/casual section was good, but a clear miss in the sporty casual department where many of the <40 tend to dress much of their time and forced the need to live in a cold weather climate - lots of layers. Although I did not like the cartoon like drawings, the pictures where interesting to see how different nationalities have used clothes with different "shape's" in the past, although many are old Hollywood stars their shirts did seem to be somewhat oversized.

Don't Leave Home Without It!
This is simply the best book on this subject to date. Mr. Flusser has given men (and the women who are tired of being ashamed of them) an exhaustive and reliable reference to lean on.From the purchase of quality clothing, to its proper wear and maintenance, he gives a thorough yet light-hearted overview of how to present oneself in civilized society.
eh
a good book on men's fashion and explains choosing a suit in great detail as it relates to height, complexion, hair and eye color as well as build. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Fashion    4. Fashion & Grooming    5. Men's clothing    6. Personal & Practical Guides    7. Art / Fashion    8. Fashion design    9. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    10. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Reviews (25)

Pretty book
This is a great little book of knitting ideas.The photos are beautiful and the instructions are understandable.It is a great price for a gift for your favorite knitter!

Beautiful one skein interesting projects
I love this book of small one-skein knitted projects.I've knit the adorable baby hat, the felted clutch purse, the cable footies, and I have my eyes on making the felted bowls, the baby petal bib, and the spiral rib bag.The instructions are clear and easy to follow.This has become one of my favorite knitting books ever, since I love small projects that are beautiful and don't bore me before they are done and become abandoned to closet corners.I also love the pictures in this beautiful book; I'm inspired just looking at the lovely yarns.By the way, the baby hat is lovely done in Rowan wool cotton.
Great small projects!
I never take on blankets or anything overly large because I need instant gratification.This book is it.The projects are small and even though the yarn is expensive, you can find substitutions.The projects are cute and fun and you can see pictures of most of them on other people's blogs!This is a popular one.If you have enough interest to read the reviews, it is definately worth buying. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    10. Crochet   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    6. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (5)

Unique and enthusiastically recommended
Donna Druchunas is an expert knitwear designer whose work has been showcased in Family Circle, Easy Knitting, Interweave Knits, PieceWork, Knitter's, INKnitter's, and Fiber Focus magazines. In "Arctic Lace: Knitted Projects And Stories Inspired By Alaska's Native Knitters", Donna has created a 192-page, single-volume workshop on knitting and designing lace with an Inuit flair. In addition to the fifteen individual "user friendly" projects provided with careful step-by-step instructions, "Arctic Lace" is enhanced with 171 b/w photographs, 91 b/w illustrations, 28 tables, 11 sidebars, an extensive bibliography, and a comprehensive index. These projects are adaptable to any yarn and demonstrate to even the most novice needlecrafter just how to make the most of luxury fibers. There is even extensive background information on the natural history of musk oxen, conservation efforts, and the fiber quality and use of their fur which is the source of Qiviut (or musk ox down), felt by many to be the world's warmest, lightest-weight fiber and a mainstay of Alaska's native knitters. "Arctic Lace" is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to any dedicated needlecrafter's reference collection.

Beautiful book on lace and the arctic knitters of Alaska
This book has everything going for it--terrific instruction about knitting lace, amazing information about the arctic musk ox--the rare animal that produces the softest most beautiful yarn around--and stories about the native alaskan knitters who developed their own system for producing gorgeous knitted lace projects based on traditional art and imagery.

Not Your Typical Knitting Book
ARCTIC LACE is not your typical knitting book.Not only does it provide an array of native alaskan designs for every knitting level, it also offers easy to follow tutorials with templates for designing your own unique lace projects.
Read more

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

Reviews (7)

journey of an Art Quilter
Love the book.. but need to advise that it is for an advanced quilter.. not for a beginner...personally, I loved it...

Beautiful book
I've gone over the information in this book a few times, and really want to start a project. However, I'm one who needs quiet time to absorb the information, and I just haven't had the time to get "really involved" in a project. The pictures are beautiful, and I'm looking forward to the time I can make an art quilt as beautiful as Barbara's.

Journey of an Art Quilter
Barbara Olson shares a lot of her knowledge and encourages each and everyone of us to become the artist we were meant to be.I would say that this is not a beginning quilter book but an intermediate to advanced intermediate quilt book.Barbara is sharing and inspiring.Illustrations and directions are clear and this is a very readable book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    3. Embroidery    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Quilt Making    7. Quilts & Quilting   

Reviews (20)

A Treasury of Knitting Patterns
I have owned the "Charted Knitting Designs, a Third Treasury" for a number of years now.I am slowly adding the rest of Barbar G. Walkers' "Treasury of Knitting" books to my library.Each one of these books is a must have and worth every penny spent on them.
Don't worry!
I don't have anything more to add to the positive reviews of this book; it is amazing.I just want to say that if the price is giving you pause, don't worry, it is WELL worth it!Make room on your shelf!

Great for designing your own
I've just discovered Elizabeth Zimmerman and the idea of designing my own sweaters etc. She recommended this book, and I must say it has a fabulous range of patterns with easy-to-follow instructions. I am partway through knitting a shawl and didn't like the border design of the pattern I am working to, so I am going to substitute a pattern from Barbara Walker's book. She states how many stitches are needed for each repeat of every design, making it really easy to substitute what you like. This book looks old-fashioned, with black-and-white illustrations, but the information provided is first rate. ... Read more

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

Reviews (10)

You can learn a lot if you don't fall asleep first.
I am currently enrolled in a floral design program using this book as text.Yes, it is a very imformative book, but Ms. Hunter goes into far to much detail and uses far to many words to get her point across.Maybe it's just me and I am a far more visually oriented person, but trying to learn floral design through the use of a text book so far is not my cup of tea...I think it's a good reference book but that's about it.

Excellent Textbook
I have referred to this textbook throughout the five years since I took my first floral design class.I am now a seasoned designer and sometimes refresh my memory by re-reading chapters.Well-written and illustrated.

Definitely worth buying.
This is a great textbook.Not for casual reading.It has so much information about floral design and care and handling of fresh flowers and foliage.It gives good design illustrations that you can copy and make for your home or for friends and family.I'll be referring to this book for information long after my classes are over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Counseling - Vocational Guidance    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Design - Decorative    5. Floral Arts    6. Flower Arranging    7. Flower arrangement    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Technology / Agriculture & Animal Husbandry   

Reviews (9)

Great book for beginners to experts!
This is a super set to learn from and refer back to!If you're a beginner - check it out!There's so much to learn from it!

must have for any lamp worker
this set is the best/ most information i have seen for learning to lampwork.packed with information it covers most techniques and even guides the beginner on how to set up a studio, great buy, worth every penny.

The best book in its class
If you could have only one book, it would be wise to consider this one. I have been in this industry many years and this is by far the best book I have seen out there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. General    3. Glass blowing and working    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass   

Reviews (24)

Prolific Excellent Sewing Room Tips
Being in the process of creating a sewing space, I am thrilled to find a book so filled with wonderful suggestions! There are things I'd never thought to consider but are vital to the creation of a wonderfully functional sewing space. The reader will love the personal touch the author brings to her writing, drawing the reader into each page filled with great tips and brilliant ideas. Buy this book!!
A little unimpressed
Maybe the word dream confused me I was expecting a little more creativity in the spaces. The spaces look very outdated and did not offer a lot of variety as far as alternatives to having a lot of cabinetry in your sewing space. It did, however, have some great storage ideas in the book. Overall I am a little disappointed because I was looking more for ideas onsewing spaces and did not end up with any.

Great Book
This book was great, it was extremely helpful in helping me find more space in an area that I thought was hopeless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design and construction    4. Equipment and supplies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Remodeling & Renovation - General    8. Sewing    9. Workshops    10. Handicrafts    11. Home & House Maintenance   

Reviews (50)

Puzzled
I was going to rate this book with 5 stars.The illustrations are fine with me, and I like the step-by-step instructions.I like not having to make 5 afghans in order to learn 4 techniques.BUT, I think there are some typos, and I can't find a single website that will allow me to report the typos or to see if anyone else has reported the typos.Since I'm a beginning knitter, I really need some way of checking on the accuracy of the information

Find a Grandma that will show you howto knit
Save your money, save your time, save your mind, this book is to frustrating to be of use to the total begginer. I was so confused I was almost in tears. Find some nice grandmother type to sit and show you how to knit-just like the way it was done years ago. This book is waaay to confusing. I regret buying it....

It's okay
I am in no way shape or form a competent knitter. Once I get the stitches on the needle I can do a great garter stich and a killer Stockinette stitch. Unfortunately I start with a scarf and finish with an afghan. So I bought this book. I absolutely couldn't figure out the instructions on how to cast-on. I ended up going to a co-worker who could knit and asked her to teach me how to cast-on which I can do like a pro now. When I showed her the dummies instruction She didn't understand how you were supposed to do the movements in the book holding the yarn in both hands. (The way she showed me is the same needle movement but holding both ends of the yarn in the same hand.) I also couldn't figure out their instructions on how to do a seed stitch I end up with double the stitches I started with. Now I have learned somethings from this book like how to read stitches in a finished garment how to read my own work and figure out what is the wrong side and what is the right side. So it has its place in my life right now but I don't understand all their instructions. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Excellent source of needed info....
I am both dyslexic and left handed -- and after many years of false starts at learning to knit, I finally found a very patient woman at the local yarn store who stuck it out with me until all the left, right, back, front, yarn-in-back, yarn-in-front basics took hold.
A boon for beginners
If you're a relatively new knitter without a seasoned 24 x 7 knitterly support staff at your disposal, this is the book for you. It will save you hours of grief and help you identify and fix many mistakes without frogging your project all the way back to zero.
Read more

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

Reviews (6)

The Art Quilt
Beautiful color plates.If you are an artist or quilter who prefers to emphasize color and design, then this book is invaluable for ideas and inspiration.Highly recommend for your library.

Tremendously inspiring - gorgeous photography
I'm a weekend quilter - and love working with rich color.This is not only a coffee-table beautiful book but it inspires creative ideas far beyond normal quilting.You don't have to be a quilter to enjoy - the art is wonderful.And if you do quilt, this will inspire you to all sorts of radically new ideas.

Recommended for needlecraft students, quilters & collectors.
Robert Shaw draws upon his impressive expertise to celebrate the traditional bed quilt as a needlecraft art form that is a creative, emotional, example of "form following function". His insightful text traces the transformation of the quilt from bed cover to displaypiece, the quilter from homemaker to academically trained artist, theworkshop from kitchen to studio, and the materials from simple to complex.The Art Quilt is superb survey of an art form grounded in tradition and, atthe same time, committed to originality and innovation. The works of suchsuperb contemporary quilters as Michael James, Yvonne Porcella, JuliaPfaff, Nancy Crow, and more than two hundred others, serve to illustratethe quilt as art -- and the art of the quilt. The Art Quilt is enhancedwith 300 full-color reproductions and numerous insightful sidebars ofimportant technical processes and leaders int he art quilt field. The ArtQuilt is highly recommended reading for needlecraft students, quilters,collectors, and popular culture enthusiasts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. Quilts & Quilting    5. Textile fabrics in art    6. Art   

Reviews (7)

A good reference for beginners
This is a great reference for beginners to the jewelry-making hobby such as myself, although I found the book to be slightly disjointed in the way chapters and sections were ordered. The information was good, nonetheless, and I have returned to the book often for assistance in learning the process of making jewelry.

Tons of info. but could use a more precise index.
Tons of information and I understand that organizing such a wealth of knowledge is a daunting task.I found that I was flipping around to find the infomation where I thought I had seen it previously and the index was not very helpful there.References are made to other sections of the book but states a chapter only and not a page specifically.Overall, great book and have used it alot for a reference.

Lots of help for a Beginner
I really liked the layout of the book.I didn't understand much about beading before reading this book, but it answered lots of questions.I feel that it is well-written and laid out very well - especially for a novice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    7. Handicrafts    8. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (7)

Inaccurate and missleading
Working through this book on a skin care course was very frustrating.The medical terms used were inaccurate and often contradictory. Great text!
This book is very thorough, up-to-date, and informative. I found it easy to read and follow, and the contents pages are very well-labeled, making it easy to find the desired information quickly. I would highly recommend this text to anyone looking to learn new skills or brush up on old skills.

So you want to learn about skin care, eh?
I also used this book as a text in Aesthetics School - and at the time, I didn't appreciate it as much as now - when I'm working in the field. I find myself going back and reviewing what I may have missed the first time.Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Cosmetics    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Beauty & Grooming - Skin    4. Beauty culture    5. Care and hygiene    6. Careers - General    7. Consumer Health    8. Cosmetics    9. Cosmetology    10. Diet / Health / Fitness    11. Health & Fitness    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Skin    14. Hairdressing & salon skills    15. Personal appearance & beauty care