Reviews (38)

Very good
This book has many good patterns.I like how they describe honestly which ones are best for which figures.They have very few "what where they thinking" patterns, much fewer than many i have seen.I love that they have not forgotten that "real" women wear skirts, shawls and such and are sexy to boot.

Big Girl Knits
I love the material in this books.It is well written and easily understood.Plus it is for a little understood, much maligned population.
Big Girl Knits
The text offers very helpful information, has great advise to Big Girls and compensates for the designs.I did not find the majority of the designs flattering or appropriate for Big Girls. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

BEST Beginner to Expert Hangbag book ...
This book is the best handbag design book I have found to date.It provides 7 designs (with patterns and instructions) with various alternate bags based on these designs.The gallery of other designer bags is awesome (even a stain glass bag!) and it also gives tips for embellishing pre-purchased bags.
Patterns and Instructions to Create 7 Types of Handbags
This book gives you the patterns & instructions to create seven basic handbag and shoulderbag types. Then the author shows you creative materials and embellishments that will inspire you to create a truly individual purse. Each variation is explained thoroughly. Several new techniques are shown in these projects.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Fancy work    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Handbags    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Sewing    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Fashion design    12. Needlework & fabric crafts    13. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Editorial Review

Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction, this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves, and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation; and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles. The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here, and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not required--the author works her transformations on purchased patterns. If you're ambitious enough to make your own wedding gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you're hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you'll find this an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career should have this important reference work on the shelf. --Read more

Reviews (18)

Great book!
I bought this in addition to Bridal Gowns:How to Make the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams. This book had some different ways of approaching the same topics in the other book so it was nice to have a different perspective. She goes into detail on fabrics and lace and how to use them, bustles, embellishents and takes you step by step through the making of several of the gowns you see in full color in the "gallery" in the front of the book. Also includes detailed construction techniques to give the dress a couture look inside and out. I would highly recommend this book!

bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear
This is a very good book with all the details you ever want to know on how to sew a wedding gown.
fine techniques but outdatet style for Europe
If you have a strong interest in making bodices this is a good book to add to your collection.
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Subjects:  1. Clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dressmaking    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Wedding costume    8. Dressmaking & tailoring    9. Weddings   

Reviews (32)

One of my fave knitting books for babies!
There are so many great patterns in this book, and the photography is amazing.I started with one of the bootie patterns which proved quite challenging.There was no schematic or photo of the work in progress, so understanding the pattern was difficult.I wish there was a little more detail in some of the patterns, especially on the finishing.But the projects I've made are just adorable.I don't think this would be a great book for the beginner.

A great buy, it's become one of my favorites!
I have to disagree with some of the other reviewers. This is a gorgeous book, the photos are beautiful, the yarns used are high quality and yet affordable, and the directions are simple.
unacceptable errors
I am an experienced knitter, who was drawn to the gorgeous photos of this book. I liked the idea of very simple designs that were also beautiful and could be accomplished by novice knitters. I am very glad I attempted one of the patterns before I had given this as a gift to a new knitter. The errors and ommissions in the pattern for the chunky knit cardigan were outrageous. How they could make so many mistakes in so simple a pattern is nothing short of amazing. As it stands, this book is garbage and should be reissued with corrections and apologies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    8. Knitting    9. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (25)

Fun, and Easy jewelry for everyone
I love this bead book.It was one of the first beadbooks I had bought 5 years ago when I started beading again.I love the color palettes used and the instructions are easy to read and follow.
The Best of the Series!!!
I have purchased all three of the Bead Fantasies books and the first one is the BEST of them for me.Now don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed all of them.I have simply found more projects in the first one that appeal to me and my style.
Disappointing
I bought Bead Fantasies and Bead Fantasies II at the same time after reading the positive reviews; I wish I had looked at these books before buying. There are pretty motifs that I will incorporate into my beading projects but I find the small typed directions overly simplistic and the diagrams are too small. I'm glad this isn't my first beading book or I would feel totally discouraged from trying any of these projects. I won't be buying Bead Fantasies III.The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving and Coraling Technique remain my favorite beading books.
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry making    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (15)

Loved it much more than I thought I would!
I was looking for a book that had hats made top down for fitting reasons~ Last year I had made a few hats, based on the gauge and patterns of Ann Budd's HANDY BOOK OF PATTERNS.
Great Hat Designs
First glanced at our local library and knew I had to buy it!
Can't wait to get started!
This book has so many cute hats to choose from, I'm not sure where to get started!I am looking forward to making many Christmas gifts from this book... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hats    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Costume    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    11. THEATER ARTS/ DRAMA - Shakespeare TRD PB   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Skirts    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Private    4. Design - Textile & Costume    5. Fashion    6. History - General    7. Costume    8. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (5)

Actually a little disappointed
I bought this sewing guide looking for the advanced time-saving construction techniques used in the garment industry. Sadly, I didn't find them in this book, despite the glowing reviews.It is a good textbook and reference manual on basic sewing.The information is clearly presented with excellent and plentiful illustrations.However, the skills depicted are ones I mastered quite a while ago.I will keep this book in place of others in my library, but this was an expensive experiment.I would not recommend this book to anyone over an intermediate skill level.

Review
Excellent working with seller, received item very fast!Would definitely recommend business with this seller.

A concise, clear, practical guide
This book gives the most concise method of garment construction, using methods used in the factory along with reasons for doing so.Skip the home sewing books, buy this one.I recommend it in my sewing classes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Sewing    5. Fashion design    6. Textile arts   

Reviews (5)

bridal gowns; how to make the wedding dress of your dreams
Very informative I will use the book alot

Wonderful Resource
I am in the Bridal Alterations business and also sew weddings on the side. I am just starting out and wanted to learn more about the insides of wedding gowns. I have used other books by these women (Fit for Real People) to teach sewing classes in local fabric stores and knew they'd put out a great product. Inside they tell you what fabrics to use for interlining, interfacing, step by step construction, patern fitting, and more. There's even a checklist for constructing a wedding gown and yardage and instructions for making petticoats. I REALLY recommend this book!

A Good Guide, But Know How to Sew
I was toying with the idea of making my own dress and bought this book. The author is very knowledgeable and the text is well-written. However, if you are a novice you do not want to ACTUALLY attempt a dress without either a.)guidance, or b.)other books to walk you through. This is written for those who truly understand patterns and sewing. However, if you don't sew it is a great book to understand what things you should be looking for if you are having it made by a dressmaker, and the types of fabric/necklines/veils, etc. If you're expecting a step-by-step this is not the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Millinery    8. Patterns    9. Sewing    10. Wedding costume    11. Dressmaking & tailoring    12. Fashion design    13. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    14. Weddings   

Editorial Review

A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the future began. The future of fashion, that is. Of course, it wasn't quite so long ago (it was the 1970s), and it wasn't quite so far away (it was Milan, Italy). Right there and then, the world witnessed the birth of the sports coat. This one jacket spawned the beginnings of casual dress and semi-androgynous fashion. This may not seem so radical now, but think about what came before. Look back to the Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive Historical Reference
This is not a typical fashion tome.The authors have traced the historical influences of Mr. Armani as well as validlly documenting his contribution to history (both in terms of fashion and in sociological influence).The photographs are well chosen and show the broad scope of his work.The detailed description accompanying the photographs of the actual museum exhibts are informative and succinct.One unfortunate choice was to include blurbs by celebrities.These comments offer nothing in the way of understanding Mr. Armani's work and are unnecessary.That minor annoyance withstanding, this volume is a valuable addition to any library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Museum    6. Costume design    7. Crafts & Hobbies    8. Exhibitions    9. Fashion    10. History    11. Italy    12. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum - Exhibition Catalogs   

Reviews (11)

Get this book!
I love this book so much that as soon as I had a chance to look through it I called up my best friend and told her she had to get herself a copy, #1 because it's that good, and #2 because I'm not willing to part with mine, even for her!Now if that's not a glowing recommendation, I don't know what is!
I was disappointed
Based on a newspaper article, I expected more on how to dress to minimize the appearance of "fat", so I was disappointed that a lot of the book was how to stand (pigeon-toe'd?!)and what angle to stand or sit.These may be of benefit for photos, but I cannot see myself deliberately positioningevery moment of my day.How would anything get done?

Not a help
This book did not help me one bit. The book pretty much said to go out and buy a new wardrobe and not wear granny [...]... What are the people with a low-budget income supposed to do? They won't have enough money to go buy new clothes. It was a waste of my money, and I wouldn't recommend this book to anybody. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Beauty, Personal    4. Clothing and dress    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Dress And Costume    7. Fashion    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Health & Fitness    10. Health/Fitness    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion   

Reviews (2)

Quick, easy patterns that make you want to knit...
I just learned how to knit over the summer and my first project was a sweater from the baby knits book. My older child was asking where his sweater was, so I was excited to get this book and find a pattern to tackle for him. There are so many sweaters and other projects that even a new knitter can create something really impressive. The explanations of more complicated stitches and patterns are detailed and very clear to help those who are ready to advance their skills try something new.

Can't find patterns for older kids?Plenty in this new book
Older kids need trendy knits in their size; the Yarn Girls' Guide to Knits for Older Kids has a lot of patterns kids will like. There are hoodies, colorful cardigans, thick pullovers, shawls, afghans and pillows. Something for boys and girls alike. If you like to knit or if you have a pre-teen knitter, this book will be in hot demand.
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Subjects:  1. Children's clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (17)

Great Resource for Knitters of all Skill Levels
I've been knitting for several years and would like to think of myself as pretty far beyond the beginner stage. Even as a more experienced knitter, this book is a wonderful resource. Because it provides such great basic patterns, it is a great starting point for those who wish to bring their own designs and ideas to life but are too unmotivated to do all the math to figure out the number of stitches and shaping from scratch. I'd recommend it to knitters of all skill levels because the patterns are versitle and easy to read and use.

If you want to expand your ability on knitting sweaters . . .
I'm a basic beginner who has followed a few sweater patterns and now want to branch out to knit without a pattern or changing one.This book help me to understand how this can be done.I've taken the instructions and developed a few patterns of my own and it worked.
Great sweater patterns!
Lots of options, lots of styles, and easy-to-read directions - a real plus for an advanced beginner like me.Can't wait to get busy and get knitting! ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Basic with a little twist
I love that the designs are simple, but have little details that make them special like a picot edge or a simple cable.I have already made the hat and booties and loved them.Yarn is easily substituted.My only negative comment is that the patterns indicate to knit everything flat and then seam, including the hat and stuffed animals.Some things are better done in the round, but it is easily remedied by someone with a little knowledge of knitting in the round.I would think this would be an awesome book for a beginner.

Absolutely awesome!
I never write reviews, but this book is spectacular.Every baby pattern in great. Buy with confidence ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Apparel Product Development (2nd Edition)
this book is a must for people seeking knowledge in the field of fashion & textile ,help in perparing for the gound realities of the trade ...

Great Book for Apparel Industry
This book is the only book I found so far that has bring me up-to-speed in the apparel industry. It has explain a lot of details of the general business practices within the apparel industry and also give me a direction on how to start my apparel business. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Clothing trade    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Decorating - General    5. Fashion    6. Material Science    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Textiles & Polymers    9. Vocational guidance    10. Art / Design / General    11. Fashion & beauty industries    12. Fashion design   

Reviews (21)

Great book on shawls
Love this book !!The author is a lovely model, and I appreciate the beautiful shawls in the book.There's a bit of history as well.Easy to complicated projects.I love that there are photos of every single project.

Folk Shawls
I have read this book cover to cover, and can't hardly wait to start a project from it.The shawls are beautiful and unique.If you don't like samo, samo patterns this is the book for you.

My current favorite
I love this book! Each pattern has a short history of the country the pattern comes from. All the shawls are modeled by the author. It helps give a perspective of sizes and lengths. A wide variety of patterns and yarns really fascinate me. Informative and fun! ... Read more

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

Reviews (9)

greetings from knit care review
this book is cute and entertaining - not the best book if you're looking for lots of brand new designs.I liked the mix of recipes with the knitting patterns.Many of these designs can be found in other sources, but the book is a nice addition to a knitting library.

Beautiful book
Very inspirational...I love looking thru this one, it's full of beautiful pictures.
not worth the money
worthless -- seems like the author wrote the book so she could talk all about herself -- who cares about her favorite CD.....and for maybe one pattern worth knitting, the book is certainly not worth spending money on. ... Read more

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

Features

• Illustrated

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

Reviews (2)

A range of bag projects use traditional and novelty yarns
Eva Wiechmann's PURSENALITY PLUS: 20 NEW FELTED BAGSshows how to knit and few felt bags. There are over ten styles encouraging a range of looks and materials plus patterns for add-ons such as a cell phone holder or eyeglasses case. Projects on big needles explore both traditional and novelty yarns and accompany large-size clear color photos of finished results with tips on pockets, embellishments and more.

Lots of Fun designs!
I was really disappointed in her first book.The first book had very basic patterns that I felt I could have figured out without a pattern book.They also had that quirky homemade look.THis book is much more chic and interesting.The construction techniques, colors, shapes, and hardware on all the purses in this book are wonderful.I can't wait to get my needles out and try some of the designs in this book.I also can't decide which one to do first.The designs are not too quirky, yet not boring either, with a good range of shapes, and patterns.Also there are great ideas for using chains, buttons and other hardware on the purse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Felting    5. Handbags    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Tote bags    10. Knitting