Reviews (31)

Some Instructions Inadequate
I purchased this book as my figure has changed and I needed to re-do my basic slopers.The pattern design books I currently have did not cover trousers so I was delighted to finda new book that was apparently so comprehensive.
Finally !Best value for my dollar
I received this book yesterday and read the first 100 pages.I've sewn all my life and consider myself an advanced seamstress.I've sewn and made my own patterns for childrens' heirloom, business suits, and now enjoy making (jazz) dance costumes.I'm the one in line at the fabric store buying ten patterns, just to combine different details and features in different sizes, especially if sewing for a group.I probably own hundreds of patterns and almost that many books.For me, this book will pay for itself many times over.It isn't a sewing "how to" book and it wouldn't be the first book for a beginner.The reader should be familiar or use other reference books for actual garment construction techniques.I've bought other, less expensive sewing books to learn pattern manipulation and fitting techniques.I put off the purchase of this book, being put off by its price.But, finally!This book is so inspiring and liberating. In just the first 100 pages, I've gotten through the basic patternmaking and dart manipulation.I think I may never have to buy another pattern again !This is definitely a must have for the serious sewing enthusiast.

Designs by Sharon
This book was used during a 12 week class I attended for Patternmaking.It is very thorough and is an excellent reference for just about any type of pattern one could desire to make.I learned a great deal using the book as a reference guide while I studied the various fundamental components to patternmaking.However, it can be a little intimidating if used as a self-study text.This issue could have been solved if there had been an answer section for the various exercises that accompanied each chapter.Many of the students in our class felt it was a text designed for those enrolled in a formal college level class, i.e., it oftened assumed reader knowledge beyond that expected of a lay person. (Everyone in our class was required to be at the advanced level of sewing experience.)Some of the exercises were made more difficult because the technique to design a sample pattern was in a later chapter, not having been covered in the one just studied.Overall,though,it is a good reference and certainly belongs in the personal library of any serious home sewer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Dressmaking    6. Fashion    7. Pattern design    8. Sewing    9. Art / Design / General    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Fashion design   

Reviews (5)

Nothing New
I bought this book hoping for a new spin on Bookbinding lit.It turned out to be more of the same: lots more stab bindings.The explanations are vague as well.The chapter on Scroll-making was interesting, but overall, this book is not worth the price.If you have other bookbinding books, there's nothing new here.

At the Master's Feet
As an amatuer bookbinder with varying levels of attention span, I found this book really useful. The illustrations and directions are very clear and can be followed very closely or used as a jumping off point. It covers many styles of binding, tools and paper. I especially enjoyed the pictures where the bookbinder's foot is used to to hold something down leaving the hands free to work. Ever read a craft how-to book and thought...well I could do that if I had 3 hands?

Lots of choices, clear directions
This is an excellent introduction to the varied forms of Japanese bookbinding. As with so many other crafts in Japan, it is both like and very unlike matching Western craft.
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Subjects:  1. Art / History / Asian    2. Bookbinding    3. Crafts & Hobbies / Papercrafts    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Japan    7. Art    8. Art & Art Instruction    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. History - Asian    11. Papercrafts   

Reviews (10)

Yummy Chain Mail Jewelry!
Very nicely done photos and text, easy to follow instructions, and absolutely gorgeous projects!

Easy chain mail that you will love to do.
I love this book!The instructions are clear and easy to understand.I have made the Hana-Gusari bracelet that is in the book and people stop me on the street to look at it.This is a must have book for chain mailers.

Wonderful book
I found this book to be very detailed and the graphics make it easy for someone who has never done chain mail before to easily understand.I look forward to making some of the jewlery in the book.Wonderful book beautifully illustrated and explanations clear. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chains (Jewelry)    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Metal Work    10. Metal-work    11. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (16)

an interesting glimpse into alternative collage.....
i took a couple of altered photo workshops with karen many, many years ago (before the word altered photo became a phrase in itself) & was so pleased when her book came out. it's like one of her workshops in a book! what i enjoyed best about this book is that it is not a step by step how to book. the artist shares her techniques and then encourages you to take those techniques and experiment some more. i am always amazed when artists share the techniques they've developed so that others can benefit & grow from them as well. this is not a book for those who need their hand held through the creative process, it is a book for those who want to introduce some fun, new tips and tricks into their own artwork. if you enjoy a rougher, not so polished approach to the creative process, you'll enjoy this book. if you need things laid out neatly with tight clean edges, well, you may want to visit elsewhere.

awesom book
TAhis book MAKES you want to collect everything you find on the street. Its terrible. But wonderful. Re-using everything and everyway, and with hands on approach. I love it!!!! its perfect for designers with 'illustration issues', for getting over it.(!!) Like me.

intriguing techniques
This book has several techniques I have not seen in other books.My interests are mostly in bookbinding, cardmaking, scrapbooking, rubberstamping, and other paper arts, and I found the ideas in this book were new to me, though they may be familiar to seasoned collage artists.I like the before and after photos, the gallery of ideas, and the variety of techniques covered. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Assemblage Art    3. Coloring    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Decalcomania    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Photographs    9. Photography, Handworked    10. Polaroid transfers    11. Reference    12. Collage   

Reviews (11)

Best Teaching Book by the Author
I now own all three of the author's books and I found this one to be the very best of the three as a "teaching" book.After reading through it, I discovered the "missing pieces" that answered so many of my questions.Each book offers a different focus for making whole cloth quilts or traditional heirloom quilts.While none of the books offers a comprehensive guide, all three add up to a trilogy of quilting knowledge that will help you create your own heirloom or whole cloth quilt:Whitework Quilting for design inspiration (lots of photos), McTavishing for background quilting, and Ornamental Design for trapunto.

Mastering the Art of McTavishing
I am very glad that i have this book in my posession; allows to generate number of new thoughts and ideas for future projects; very well illustrated and easy to follow; this is the book that you return to time to time.

McTavish DVD a hit!
The book is very good, but the DVD is wonderful!I have viewed the DVD numerous times.I enjoyed the delightful commentary by Karen McTavish while watching her stitch, creating the famous "McTavishing".She gives the viewer tips, tricks and the courage to learn her technique.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine quilting    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (10)

Stunning knitwear
If it's written by a Starmore, you can't go wrong.This book is full of absolutely gorgeous sweaters that will inspire even the novice knitter.I bought this book 10 years ago and it motivated me to learn to knit to a much more advanced level.It's a shame that Alice Starmore's books are out of print for the most part, as it deprives those new to knitting of some of the most beautiful books and patterns ever created (unless you can afford the ridiculous price for used).

Very comprehensive aran patterns
This book goes from fairly simple to very challenging. There is something for every level of confident knitter. I love that there are patterns for men, women and children. This book is excellent for those that have been wanting to try a pattern that looks complicated, but is rather very straightforward. I am anxious to try knitting a sweater in the round instead of knitting in pieces and having to sew them together. I highly recommend this book

Ten Star Book
If you love the look of cables, textures and Aran Sweaters, you will love Alice Starmore for putting together this book. This book is a treasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Fashion    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    7. KNITTING_PATTERNS   

Reviews (43)

Just in Time
Suddenly remembered my wife's birthday coming up very soon and have great difficulty in buying her a present. Knew she was in to quilting so summoned Amazon's help for the first time. Decided on the book and it arrived safely with nearly a week to spare.
You CAN judge this book by its cover...
You CAN judge this book by its cover, because the title perfectly describes what's inside.I think this is a great general, but broad-scoped how-to reference, that would be useful to both new and experienced quilters.The visuals are excellent and the layout and organization pleases both the left and the right sides of my brain!I have a treasured library but if I could keep only one book it would be this one.

The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide
This book is THE BOOK. A MUST HAVE. I have read alot of reviews on quilting books and ended up in time purchasing five books in total. This is one of the last two I purchased. I wish I had known about this book first. It is the only one you need! Other books are good for additional block patterns and such but if you want something to realy help you this is the book. It even goes deep into the actual quilting. Most websites and books focus on the blocks, bindings and appliques. This book focuses on EVERYTHING with awesome pictures to help you understand everything. Just like the title reads it is the Ultimate Guide. BUY IT. You will not be sorry!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Encyclopedias    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Quilting    8. Quilts    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Patchwork & applique    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (8)

I'm not a little teapot...
But if I were a little teapot, I'd be one of the beautiful ones in this book.There are teapots both plain, and beyond description to fascinate, amuse and amaze you.If you know a little about firing ceramics, and glaze technology, the information provided will deepen your appreciation of each teapot.You may find that some of these artists are in your area, and have ceramics for sale.Or if you just like teapots, there enough teapots here in beautiful color photos to sate your appetite.

Beautiful and Imaginative
500 TEAPPOTS is an wonderful book and is sure to inspire both potters and tea drinkers alike.It is a wonderful companion to 500 BOWLS.I hope they publish ANOTHER 500 TEAPOTS (BOWLS, too).

Amazing
This book is for teapots'lovers what Imagination is for artist.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Catalogs    3. Ceramic teapots    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. History    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Antiques & collectables: ceramics & glass    10. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    11. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Pottery & Ceramics   

Subjects:  1. Carving    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Nature/Ecology    4. Diamonds   

Reviews (8)

It is ok.
A little more basic than I thought it would be.But had some helpful hints.

It's a keeper
Being in the metal smithing hobby for over 30 years. I have purchased a large number of books on "Jewelry making". I found this book to be clearly written, well illustrated and done to the high level that I have come to expect from McGrath's books. For anyone intersted in metal smithing this is a must have.I do own it.

Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes
Absolutely thrilled with this book.A good value,with useful andeasy to understand information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts   

Reviews (7)

Not for Brand-New Beginners
For beginners, I would rate the book 2 stars.For more experienced winemakers, this would be a fantastic reference book.
New to Winemaking?So am I.
A friend over seas, living in a country where one must make their own, recommended this gem to me last year.Since then, although possessed of no previous knowledge or experience, I succeeded rather easily in making good wines. I also compared the wine from the recipes in Anderson book with highly recommended kits from Vino Del Vida.Although much easier and quicker, the kit product, while very satisfactory according to those who have tasted it, did not measure up to the superior wine made from Anderson's recipes. Great 'recipe book' for beginning winemakers
Some books are meant to be read, and others are meant to be used. This one definitely falls into the second category. Spiral bound, this falls neatly open to whichever wine recipe you are currently working on. There are recipes for apricot wine, kiwi fruit wine, ruby port, sparkling wine, and everything in between.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. General    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Wine and wine making    9. Wines   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful Wonderful Reference
Fantastic book!One that is extremely useful and one that I take everywhere with me.Perfect for new designers acquiring fabric sense.I know several firms where this book is a staple reference guide.A+++++

Good Text, But No Color
I was a little disappointed that all of the pictures were blackand white.In order for this book to be useful to me, I would have topay [approx. $20.] plus shipping and handling to get the actual swatches used in thisreference book. Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating - General    3. Design - General    4. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. Terminology    7. Textile Fabrics    8. Textile fibers    9. Art / Design / General    10. Fashion design    11. Textile arts   

Editorial Review

For more than 30 years, Dale Chihuly's work, principally in glass (but occasionally including such unconventional media as neon and ice), has challenged traditional distinctions between craft and art. Chihuly's oeuvre is notable for its vibrancy of color, the boldness of its shape and execution, and, in recent years, its studied mimicry of natural forms, from cacti to seaweed and jellyfish. The scale of these blown-glass works ranges from pieces suitable for a coffee table to vast hanging chandeliers that drape from ceiling to floor or shoot up like Christmas trees from below. At times, Chihuly's work is merely decorative, a collection of brightly colored, softened glass forms that resemble melted Christmas tree ornaments, sea anemones, squash, wriggling eels, and other organic shapes. The dizzying abundance of work created by Chihuly himself and his students-cum-assistants at his Pilchuk Glass School, and the enormously successful marketing of this art (Pilchuk, located near Seattle, is open to visitors), has lead some viewers to an overfamiliarity with the work. But art critics Donald Kuspit and Jack Cowart argue for its originality and importance in their introductory essays. (Perhaps overly so: Cowart compares the pieces to Matisse, Turner, and Walt Disney's Read more

Reviews (5)

Magnificent Chihuly Art
This book is beautiful!I visited the botanical gardens in St. Louis and saw some of Dale Chihuly's work close up. I've never seen anything like it. What an incredible art form this is. This book brings back the same feelings I had while looking at his work in person. The pictures in this book are breathtaking. The great thing about this particular book is that it has pictures of his work located all over the world. Many of the pictures have a location listed and some of them have Mr. Chihuly's comments on the piece and how he felt about creating it. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a general book on his work. I have it on my coffee table in the family room and everyone who opens it up, can't put it down. Every turn of the page brings a "WOW" or "Incredible". Truly a `must have' book for your collection.

Hypnotizing and beautiful
I was introduced to Chihuly through a special on my local PBS station many years ago.I couldn't remember his name, but I always remembered that he was the brilliant man with the unorthodox style.His vision and his artistic talents are immense.This book is absolutely mesmerizing and gorgeous with page after page of color photos.From the "Chihuly Over Venice" project to his designs for the set of the opera "Pell�as et M�lisande" for the Seattle Opera.This book truly is a feast for the eyes and the soul.Chihuly is a master of glass and this book proves it.

Truly a worthwhile book
Among the thousands of art books on the market, Kuspit's exhaustive look at Dale Chihuly's career in glass is a bargain for the Amazon price. Filledwith gorgeous color photos of Chihuly's unique work, and intelligentlywritten, this book will grace any art lover's shelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1941-    2. 20th century    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Chihuly, Dale,    6. Crafts & Hobbies    7. Criticism and interpretation    8. Essays    9. Glass & Glassware    10. Glass Arts And Crafts    11. Glass art    12. History    13. Individual Artist    14. Sculpture    15. United States    16. Art / Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    17. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    18. Chihuly, Dale    19. History of art & design styles: from c 1900 -    20. Individual artists    21. USA   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Flower Arranging    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Parties    6. Party decorations    7. Planning    8. Tablesetting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Flower Arranging    10. General cookery   

Reviews (21)

Haute Couture Inside and Out
This book expanded my design vision and awareness of the techniques and structure underlying many haute couture creations.
This is a magnificent book!!!!
This is a very wonderful book!I have sewn from childhood and come from a family who worked at all levels of the garment trade from factory worker to sample maker.I never sewed professionally but aspired in my personal sewing to be the best.This book not only showed the inner workings of a world of sewing even higher than what I am familiar with but also gave explicit technical information on creating details that I had never done.One of these was how to make a corselette to go inside the bodice of a dress to preserve its line and free the wearer from wearing foundation garment that may spoil the effect of the dress.Also her list of sources is very helpful especially with so many local fabric stores closing.I was able to find a source for the spiral steel boning and cotton tulle needed to make the corselette.My factory sewing relatives could never understand the fine hand sewing techniques that make the difference in creating couture garments.This book justifies those of us in my family who have done this for years to produce magnificent results and also shows there is a level even above this.

A valuable resource for those who want to go beyond "paint-by-numbers" garment sewing
Firstly I'd like rebut the comment given by the person who said that the techniques were unnecessary, outdated and could easily be found in the internet.I purchased this book because I couldn't find any website that spoke to the techniques found in this book in any straight-forward detail (The pictures are invaluable).Do a search for "couture sewing" and you'll find sites by ready-to-wear vendors incorrectly labeling their garments 'couture' or fashion schools offering classes.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Tailoring (Women's)    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (5)

Divide and Conquer
This is a very good book for machine quilting and has great tips and really can help you. I encourage all future quilters to purchase this book.

Divide & Conquer: Quilt It Your Way
This is a fantastic book for people who want to quilt in many various ways. The examples of "how to" and the diagrams illustrated in this book are very well written. I would highly recommend this book.

Fast andbeautiful
Using the simple techniques in this book I have made up huge quiltsfor Christmas and wedding gifts, start to finish, so fast it's incredible.I have done quilt-as-you-go before buying the book, using two of the three methods included, but the third method which so far I have done in some dazzling strip quilts (REVERSIBLE!) is wonderful.Quilt-as-you-go invariably has a lot of hand sewing - almost as much work as hand quilting. With a little thought (and ironing) you can machine sew this whole thing.Since the large (king) quilt is joined diagonally, you always have the buik of the quilt to your left as you join the sections.I love this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Quilts & Quilting    5. Applique    6. Machine quilting    7. Patchwork    8. Patterns    9. Sewing    10. Techniques   

Reviews (7)

Knitting Vintage Socks
This is an excellent book. Full of history and patterns. So glad I purchased it.

Classic does not mean boring
I generally have a policy of not buying knitting books unseen - it's always a good idea to look before you leap to avoid cluttering your bookshelf with patterns you don't care for or instructions you find unhelpful.I broke that rule for Knitting Vintage Socks, and I'm happy I did.The historical sections are enlightening, the discussions of technique are clear and helpful, and the patterns themselves are interesting and attractive.The simple, elegant lace and color stich motifs featured will hold a knitter's attention without being needlessly complex. I can see myself turning to Knitting Vintage Socks again and again, as will beginning and experienced socknitters alike.

Fabulous!!
Put "vintage" in the title of anything and I am there, though usually I am not pleased with the result.This book does NOT dissapoint.It is everything it promises to be and then some!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Socks    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (13)

Great Crochet Reference!
This is the best beginner book on the subject of crochet that I own.Stitch-n-Bitch is great, but doesn't go into as much detail on some aspects.The explanations in CFD are clear, with good visual aids, and the projects are realistic for beginners.(I learned to crochet as a child in the 70s but am now returning to it and actually finishing some items now that it's back in style).You can't go wrong with this book--I refer to it again and again.

Very Good!
I have been crocheting for almost a year, but I never felt Ilearned how to do it right, and after reading this book I found out I wasn't! But, I was able to figure out what I was doing wrong, and was able to fix it! They give straightforward instructions and illustrations to help! I will definatley recomend this to friends.

Crocheting for Dummies/Anyone can learn
Excellent book.Anyone wanting to learn to crochet will truly enjoy this book.It has every stitch you would want to learn and it does the description in a way that you can't help but learn it.Good luck to anyone that is just starting to crochet or even those that have been crocheting and want to learn a new stitch.This is a must for your stitching library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (1)

Even Better!
Sandra Meech's new book is will take your quilting/textile art to a new level.Lots of design exercises, a comprehensive section on sketchbooks and inspiration, and gorgeous quilts from Meech and others.I didn't think her 2004 book "Contemporary Quilts: Design, Surface and Stitch" could be bettered, but if you loved that book - you NEED this one.All new info, so it's good value, too.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Quilt Making    5. Quilts & Quilting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    7. EDUCATION - Education TRD PB    8. JUVY-NON FICTION - JUVY-BIOGRAPHY NON F    9. Needlework & fabric crafts    10. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (100)

A nice guide to different styles & a good place to start for those of us who were never into clothes
Never having seen the TV show, I picked up _what not to wear_ on a whim in the bookstore. I am glad I did, as it has opened my eyes to a number of different approaches to common problems that many women have.
Great book
happy with service and promptness of delivery...cant wait to read through this book when I return home to Sydney,Australia

A Very Good Start For Learning What to Wear and Why
WHAT TO WEAR is not perfect, but it is a tremendous resouce for women who want to look their best. Divided into ten chapters, each of which focuses on a particular figure flaw (no waist, short legs, big butt, short neck, etc.), this book offers fully-illustrated, practical advice about how to play up assets while minimizing problemed areas.
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Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Clothing and dress    3. Consumer Health    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Self-Help    8. Art / Fashion