Subjects:  1. Coats    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts    10. Vests   

Reviews (15)

Lack of Picyures
I did not really like this book because it did not have many pictures to demonstrate what was being explained.
Get Some Self-Esteem Back!
I love this book!It is well organized and practical, making it easy to refer back to just the info you need.There are lots of visual helps, including photos of lovely plus size models of a variety of ages and skin tones.The book guides you to establish your own personal style with confidence.Best of all, this book is an upbeat celebration of women as we really are, encouraging us to be proud of our strength and beauty.After reading this book, I felt motivated to put my best foot forward NOW, not someday when I'm thinner.I approach shopping for clothes and accessories with confidence and a clear goal.Thanks, Suzan!I couldn't have done it without you!

Even my not-plus-size friends loved it
I've had this book for a few years and would skim through it now and again.I finally picked it up this past fall when I decided to do a wardrobe overhaul.I am SO glad I did.Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Apparel Guides    2. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    3. Beauty, Personal    4. Clothing    5. Consumer Health    6. Crafts & Hobbies    7. Fashion    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Overweight women    10. Women's clothing    11. Handicrafts    12. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (5)

Gorgeous modern pattern knitting for the experienced knitter
"Knitting Out of Africa" employs the abstractly modern traditional designs of Mali mudcloth, Zimbabwe basketweaving and other designs to create wonderful designer garments. The knitting is mostly suitable for the intermediate to advance knitter, mainly for the colorwork and assembly techniques.
Fingering weight yarn dreams but.....there be steeks!
I am very fond of this book. There is a sophistication of color in the designs that I find appealing. I prefer fingering weight yarn and if you do as well, you'll love the designs in this book. I'm not a fan of zippers in sweaters but the patterns which include zippers could easily be turned into a v-neck, etc.
Inspiring ideas for the advanced knitter
As the title suggests, these are not sweaters for the inexperienced knitter.They are intricate works of art, and the recommended needle sizes show they are not for the impatent knitter.Read through the knitting techniques mentioned in the introduction, and if you aren't familiar with them, and you still want to make the gorgeous sweaters herein, then learn the technique elsewhere before tackling these sublime designs.You'll be amply rewarded for your efforts. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Clever Crafting with Flea Market Finds
Didn't like the book as it was really out of date, most items in the book have been done years ago, and it didn't show me anything new. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care & Restoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Framing    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Pottery & Ceramics    8. Reference   

Reviews (5)

Fun, interesting, and different
I bought this particular book because I wanted guidance in making brimmed hats. I don't expect to be felting much but the patterns will be a place to start.What I liked about Vicki Square's book, as opposed to some other hat books, is that each of the hats is significantly different from the others that I think I'm getting my money's worth.Many of the hats are shapes I wouldn't have thought of myself.
What's Under the Hat?
Knitting is a new passion for me.History is an older passion. This book contains both.Knitting patterns include easy and fast to advanced techniques. The blurb about the origins of each hat is the surprise under each hat.The only drawback, perhaps, is the expense of some of the recommended yarns.

LOVE IT
Finally a book that has what most of us really want, some funky funny hats.If you are looking for a nice ordinary hat, then stop right there and DON'T get this book.Howevery if you are wanting something EXCITING, different and very creative then grab this book.My 9 year old is a hat wearer and THANK YOU, I was running out of ideas. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (5)

A Closetful of Doll Clothes
Rosemarie Ionker very rightly describes her designs as not for beginning seamstresses.Some of the directions are confusing, and it can be daunting finding the right pattern pieces.The styles make up beautifully, though.
A Trouseau of Doll Clothes
The author, Rosemarie Ionker, is well established in the doll world with her doll clothing company "Petite Creations". Her company offers the highest quality doll clothing line available, so she speaks with the voice of experience. But, Ionker herself confesses in the text of this book that her designs are not for beginning seamstresses. They are presented for those who aspire to the level of detail, design and professionalism found in the garments offered by her company.
Great patterns and easy to sew!
I wanted to make doll clothes for my granddaughter's various dolls and this book has been wonderful!It has patterns for 11 1/2 inch, 14 inch, 18 inch, and 20 inch dolls.They include a coat, panties, dresses, pinafores, blouses, bloomers, jumpers, collar variations, sleeve variations and embroidery/embellishment suggestions.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dolls    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Toymaking - General   

Reviews (9)

A milliner's milliner
Ms. Albrizio based this book on the courses she used to teach at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is now 93 years old and retired from the millinery business, but I have never forgotten her spirit and determination to teach the future milliners of the world and to inspire all her students to wear their creations with flair. I spent a decade in the millinery business because of her instruction and had some great fun. I highly recommend this book and will always remember Ms. Albrizio, the Grand Dame...all decked out for the NY Easter Parade with her students...all wearing their favorite creations. Great fun!!!

Excellent Hat-Making Guide
This book covers most of the techniques needed for making hats. It is beautifully bound and tasefully illustrated.

Milliner ~ Hatmaker
Lovely compelation of photos that go hand in hand w/ technique.
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Subjects:  1. Clothing Construction    2. Clothing Design    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Hats    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Millinery    10. Sewing   

Reviews (29)

I have two copies I love it so much!
I have made SOOO many sweaters using this book.I bought the first edition years ago and it freed me up in so many ways.While I love Knitting Without Tears, Jackie Fee broke that system down and made it far more understandable.Every sweater I've made using the book was a bit different, and I even anticipated some of the things that Jackie did in the second edition.I have also now taught two young girls to knit sweaters using this book.My daughter made her very first sweater at age 9 (15 years ago) using lopi yarn and size 11 needles and the Sweater Workshop method. She's gone on to make other sweaters with this book as well as a complicated Aran from an Alice Starmore pattern. Recently my 16 year old student made the almost sleeveless sweater as her first big project using size 11 needles and a designer type bulky handspun.She finished the project in under two weeks and is off to a sheep show where she'll wear it in leadline.
Good reference book
One thing I liked about this book was that it explained the construction of seamless in-the-round sweaters a little more thoroughly than Elizabeth Zimmerman, whose percentage system the book is based on.Fee helps you figure out just how to do the neckline, when to decrease, etc.
Knitters of all levels can learn something from this book!
I love to knit, but I hate to piece the thing together when it's done--problem solved with Jacqueline Fee's book.All her sweaters are knitted in the round--no more piecing together!And there aren't any patterns, per se--YOU design the pattern--crew neck, v-neck or placket-neck?Fitted, semi-fitted or full sleeve?Stripes, solid color or patterned?Cardigan, pullover or vest?You can mix and match for your perfect sweater.The sampler is so much fun and I learned a new technique in almost every section.Even a COMPLETE beginner (with a copy of Knitting for Dummies because I think their illustrations are better for the complete beginner) could follow the direction for the sampler.And once the sampler is done, you've got the know-how to design your own sweater.Higly Recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (5)

That's great, but...crochet?
Listen to the crocheters who picked this book up only to find the one truly awful shawl pattern. The title is definitely misleading and the lack of crochet patterns was a sad disappointment. If you're really curious about this book, find it at your local library or get it through interlibrary loan. Nothing here for the crochet enthusiast.

Crocheters beware!!
I was very disappointed in this book.Out of 48 patterns only ONE is crocheted and it is a very ugly shawl that resembles a big spider web - there wasn't even the obligatory granny square vest.However, if you're a knitter there are a few nice looking sweaters that might make this book worth your while -- quite a few are rated for beginners.

Fashion, Finally!
I fell in love with this book while I was browsing in JoAnn's. I had only read the two reviews here on Amazon so I was leery of the title when I saw it. Lo and behold, when I opened it up I found a wealth of beautiful patterns for plus size women, and none of that frumpy, crappy "mens" sweater stuff either. They had beautiful long duster sweaters, v-necks, cowl necks... anything a plus size gal could reasonably expect. All but one of the patterns I saw went to at least a 2x, and the majority went to a 3x. Matters of taste differ, as we all know, but I found the patterns to be stylish, flattering, and interesting. Of course there were a couple I wouldn't be caught dead in, but you can't like them all.
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Subjects:  1. Needlework - General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Patterns    4. Overweight women    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Fashion    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    8. MINNESOTA - MN JUVENILE TRD PB    9. Clothing    10. Overweight men    11. Crafts & Hobbies    12. Hobbies/Crafts    13. Knitting   

Reviews (12)

A mitten knitter's review
Beautiful mittens are these, all of which demand competence with colorwork, up to seven colors in some cases (some of her color choices are pure genius, some are alarming).The pattern charts are derived from many sources (a lot of geometric designs from weaving), mostly Turkish, but include a couple of Fair Isle charts, too.Except for two children's patterns and one for a man's hand, the mittens are all the same size:they seem all meant to fit Ms Zilboorg herself.The mittens knit up to 25 stitches across the back and the palm each, with a border around the edge of either 2 or 3 stitches.The total circumference of the hand is therefore about 54 stitches (give or take a few, depending on the pattern), at a tension (gauge) of 6 to 6 � stitches to the inch.Most have a large flared gauntlet that can be pulled over the cuff of the wearer's coat or jacket.
Pretty good book
I wanted to rate it 4 and 1/2 stars. M-m-m-m-m-m Yummy Mittens
I love to knit mittens and socks.I am just a bit more than a novice knitter having made plain, serviceable socks and mittens, with interesting yarns. So these patterns are a big departure for me from my usual.I found the instructions easy to follow although sometimes, I "read into them", where perhaps a more experienced knitter would know just what to do.However, I did indeed go ahead and the mittens came out exactly as they were supposed to.The edgings are a beautiful embelishment to an already lovely item.Even the simplest one makes a just right finishing touch.Anyone who likes to knit, even a novice, would probably enjoy this book and will find something beautiful to knit for themselves or as an appreciated gift for someone special.My only criticism is the same as Anna's (previous review) is that one has to flip back and forth from directions to pattern.So for the next project, a trip to the copy store will be right after the yarn shop. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Amazing Designs, So-So Instructions
I own both the 1st and 2nd book from these authors.I've made 4 different leis from the first book, and am starting to get a feel for the techniques.The instructions really could be better, but they've been adequate for my needs.It would be nice if the authors could have included more step-by-step close-up photographs, and as already suggested in another review, more sources for the supplies and materials.(In my case, I've just substituted regular needles and nylon fishing line for the special needles and thread).I was able to find the recommended brand of ribbon from an online source (www.jkmribbon.com), for anyone who's having trouble locating the stuff.Since the book doesn't include difficulty ratings for each design, I can only suggest that the reader look closely at the instructions, and choose his/her first projectcarefully.I'm not a serious crafter, but I've been able to create really impressive leis on my first attempts.Since these books are about the only ones dealing with this type of project, I feel they're worth the reasonable purchase price.

Great instruction - but impossible to find supplies!
I bought both books 1 & 2 and I really love them the instruction is uncomplicated & easy to follow. However finding the supplies you need (if you don't live in Hawaii) is not easy!
Great book for those interested in this craft!
I belong to a hula halau and recently we were each required to make ribbon leis for a fundraiser. I thought this book was very useful in instructing me on how to make more unique kinds of leis versus the most simple and common technique. The designs included in this book are wonderful and made my leis bestsellers! Using your creativity, you can use different types of ribbons to create interesting textures and looks. Great pictures, easy instructions, all around good book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Flower Arranging    5. Hawaii    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Leis    8. Ribbon    9. Ribbon flowers    10. Ribbon work.    11. Crafts    12. Crafts & Hobbies    13. Crafts/Hobbies    14. Hawaiian   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (1)

A Wonderful Addition To Your Knitting Collections
As a knitter for eight years, I found this book a valuable resource for designing afghans and baby clothing for my family.After I purchased this book, I began to buy several copies of this book for my family members.There are detail instructions with excellent pictures to help a knitter create wonderful cable and fair isle designs.For those knitters who desire to expand their knitting collection, this book is one of the best resources to help enhance your knitting projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / General    7. HANDICRAFT    8. KNITTING    9. KNITTING_PATTERNS   

Reviews (15)

Costuming from the Hip
The first in a series of these types of books, which are aimed at the amateur sewer as well as the professional designer.Just because it is a belly dancing costuming manual should not limit those interested in sewing and making costumes in general.This is a comprehensive guide to allow you to create your own designs, and not slaveishly following someone elses pattern and creation, and is a must in anyones personal library who are interested in fashion/costuming and theatre.This book also touches on the tradional costumes of the Middle and Far East throughout the ages, as well as theatrical costuming tips and design for every body type.Plus it includes patterns and design ideas, as well as dozens of graphics to illustrate the author's information.

this book is CRAP
i buy this book for my girlfriend...itsnot a book, its a stapled pile of paper at the price of a hardcover book

The Book I Always Come Back To When I'm Designing
I'm a costumer of the Philadelphia area bellydancers, with over 30 years of sewing experience under my beaded and bangled belt.Read more

Subjects:  1. Art / Design / Textile & Costume    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion    3. Performing Arts/Dance    4. Art    5. Belly dance    6. Costume    7. Costume design    8. Crafts & Hobbies    9. Design - Textile & Costume    10. Fashion    11. Patternmaking    12. Patterns   

Reviews (5)

A must have for your sewing library!!
I borrowed this book from our public library to get a better look at it and it was great!It has a lot of detail and great illustrations.I am definetly going to purchase this book for my sewing library in the near future.

Excellent reference
This is the definitive book for sewers who want to make linings.Before I bought this book, I thought linings were a waste of time--Armani didn't use them, right?Not anymore!I line most everything I sew.Ms. Long covers lining jackets, dresses, even sweaters--underlinings, classic linings, quick linings.She suggests which fabrics to use, and gives complete directions with construction & insertion.Excellent!Your clothes will hang better, look more expensive, last longer, glide over your skin--great stuff.

Excellent and thorough illustrated guide
Great book, everything I could have asked for to help me get on the way to sewing more advanced patterns that look professional. The instructions are thorough and easy to read, with many illustrations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Linings (Sewing)    7. Sewing    8. Tailoring    9. Underlinings (Clothing)    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (6)

Excellentbook!!
I wonder why such a great book is given bad reviews.
Should be called comprehensive guide to quality sewing methods
I think the title of this book was not well chosen, but the information within definitely was. I am an experienced old school dressmaker, and have read many sewing books. This book goes far beyond most others in giving a wealth of information on creating a quality sewn product. The emphasis is on garment sewing, but the methods in the book can be applied to other kinds of sewing as well. The author divides the book into sections on different aspects of sewing, such as seam finishes, buttonholes, linings, etc. and then includes many different options for accomplishing a specific sewing task. Each is briefly and (for the most opart) clearly explained. The book has no eye appeal, as it is not on glossy paper and has no photographs.However, the simple line drawings do the job, and the text is concise and to the point.Readers who are looking for a guide to sewing with a serger will find little information here, but those who want to learn how to use a regular machine to its greatest potential have come to the right place.
The Complete Book Of Sewing Short Cutsby Claire Schaeffer
I bought this book in hardcover at a Bargain rate just because I have been so plesed with purchases of her other more recently published books.I found it to be very informative. Methods are not always a very quick technique, but all are very good and sometimes a good technique is the quickest way to a desirable outcome.I taught Sewing in Home Economics classes for a number of years and this would have been a very good book to have had available for students of all levels.I would reccomend it as well as her other great books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. BG-FICTION OVER $5 - BG-LITERARY $5+    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Reference Book
This book is such an excellent textbook to study color knitting.The authors not only show twenty-one beautiful patterns with multiple size, but also encourage readers to create their own color design throughout the book.They explain how to develop motifs; they start from examining "dots", "lines", "diagonal lines", or "mirror images" and so on.And then how to create repeats and how to create on sweaters in Norwegian and Nordic tradition.So many charts are shown that it is a resourceful design book as well.The shapes of the sweaters shown are also traditional of its kind; mostly dropped sleeves and dolman-shaped sleeves.It also employs sleeking technique like in traditional fair isle type of sweaters.The book�fs focus is color, which is not very traditional, but is very modern.If you like KENZO type of colors, you will love all of their patterns.Every one of them in the book is as striking as the one shown on the cover.I obtained a second hand book, since it was the only available one.It pays me much more than its cost.

Good, no great, book!
The Norwegian ladies have done it again.This book is wonderful.Elizabeth Zimmerman herself would be proud of what these two gals have done.This book includes basics on designing knitwear, the Norwegian-way.Of course, many of their color schemes are definately NOT traditional AND they work!For the blind follower, the sweaters photographed in the book have patterns that faithfully reproduce the sweater in question.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Sweaters   

Reviews (1)

Lots of unique designs w/ an interesting time line for sew.
I have many sewing books, this is my first by this author.By having seen the book I am impressed with the way she addresses several important issues regarding sewing besides just the exact Title of the book. I deducted 1star for lack of ANY kind of pattern layout but commend the way it is done. I like seeing the work of the various artists she used and the idea of hertimeline suggestions. I am anxious to start one of these projects and tryit in the time she allots and see how I do comparitively.I am also verypleased to find a book about a subject that is so current and a type ofsewing that is extremely popular right now, so one can feel quite chic in a'modern' style garment. The author also has several styles included thatwill be useful for many years and combine with current wardrobe selections. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coats    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jackets    7. Sewing    8. Vests    9. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Subjects:  1. Appliquâe    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Sewing    9. Wearable art    10. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Clothing Design    3. Commercial - Fashion Design    4. Decorating - General    5. Fashion    6. Fashion design    7. Reference    8. Art / Design / General    9. Dressmaking & tailoring