Reviews (9)

A Must for your Knitting Library
While not as extensive as some multi-volume stitch collections; this book is a handy and indispensible reference.The stitches are organized by type, thumbnailed for quick selection, and photographed adequately.The instructions are easy to follow.

Great but missing vital information
I love the beautiful pictures of the stitch samples and learned how to read charts.However, and this is a big however, I was very disappointed to see that there were no diagrams of how to actually do the stitches.The Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden does both.

Lovely little book
This is a delightful little book.It is especially nice in actual use because, while it has a hard bound cover, it has a spiral binding inside which opens the volume out flat for viewing.I also appreciated the photo index of stitches in the front.It permits the user to compare several similar patterns at once.The index arranges selections in sections listed as "knit and purl," "ribbing," "cable," "bobbles," "lace," "fair isle," and "intarsia."
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (1)

Some really great projects in this book for both knit and crochet
Lion Brands presents a set of patterns for all kinds of bags, from evening bags to totes. Knitting bags right now is kind of in vogue--you can release your creativity on a bag and do all kinds of trimmings you would not do on a sweater.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (2)

Disappointed -- designs not stylish
I was hoping this book would have cute sweatshirts like the ones I've see at craft shows selling for $40++. There isn't one pattern in this book that I would consider making or wearing.
A guide to adding extra touches to ready made sweatshirts
Experienced, passionate, and professional seamstress Lorine Mason presents Fashion Sweatshirts: 25+ Easy Projects To Alter And Embellish Ready-Mades, a guide to adding extra special touches to ready made sweatshirts from fur trim to buttons and beads, and much more. Each sample project is described in-depth with explicit, step-by-step instructions, which are adaptible to a broad range of colors and fancies. A collection of consumable sewing patterns packaged with the book round out this superb guide to affordible embellishing for fun and fashion.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Clothing    2. Courts and courtiers    3. Europe    4. Europe - Great Britain - General    5. Fashion    6. France    7. Great Britain    8. History    9. History - General History    10. History: World    11. World - General    12. Costume    13. History / General    14. History of specific subjects    15. World history: c 1500 to c 1750   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (11)

A visual feast!
I got this book on a whim, not knowing much about what patterns I'd find within. When it arrived in the mail, I pored over all the beautiful things inside and then brought it to my knitting class that night. My knitting friends are all jealous and have found patterns they want to make too - but the work is pretty advanced. There are some lovely color patterns, some cable ones - just gorgeous - but not for the faint of heart. I like that there are some for children as well. The photos are stunningly beautiful and I know I'll get a lot of use out of this book.

A very good Alice Starmore book still in print
Alice Starmore is a very artistic and creative designer. Her out of print titles go for prices of $100-$700 on ebay, so order ths one while it is in print! Beatiful pictures and sweater designs with many shaded colors.

Lovely sweaters
Alice Starmore is justly famed for her beautiful colorwork and cable designs. These sweaters -- for men, women, and children -- are all about the fabric. The shaping is always very simple, with drop sleeves and boxy shapes. The directions are very clear and finishing is easy. If you can work from charts, you should not have any difficulty making the colorwork sweaters; in traditional Fair Isle style, there are only 2 colors to a row.
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Subjects:  1. Celtic decoration and ornament    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decoration and ornament, Celti    5. Decoration and ornament, Celtic    6. Design - Decorative    7. Fashion    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Knitting    10. Needlework - Knitting    11. Patterns    12. Sweaters    13. Antiques & Collectables    14. Art / Design / Decorative    15. KNITTING_PATTERNS   

Reviews (8)

Some beautiful sweaters, but yarn and gauge info is missing
While I like many of the sweaters in the book, even as a very experienced knitter I find the instructions problematic.First, I would like to see a picture of the WHOLE SWEATER, front & back. Artsy little pictures of a small section just don't interest me.Secondly, since I frequently substitute yarn, I would like yardage and gauge in stockinette stitch info.I don't want to have to knit 1/2 of a sweater's front or back to find out if my yarn will work.And, even when gauge in stockinette stitch is given for a few of the projects, I would never be able to achieve the designer's gauge.For a dk yarn that would normally knit at 22 stitches to 4 inches, this designer knits 30 stitches to 4 inches.This makes it impossible for me to estimate the correct gauge for any of the sweates and makes the instructions pretty useless.Very frustrating.
IF YOU LOVE CABLES LIKE I DO? THEN YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK TOO!!
I love working any type of cables and celtic or aran designs, but LOVE CABLES MOSTLY! The more Intricate the Better! I found these designs to be very easy to follow, especially from the charts, and the Beautiful, Up Close, photos were very helpful for the visualization part. You definetely should have some knitting years behind you, this is not for your average novice knitter(unless you are a very determined one, like I was). I have already made the one shell design, which turned better, than the Photo actually!! I will definetely be making and returning to this book for more beautiful Cable Inspiration and wonderful hours of Knitting Pleasure to come in the months and years ahead! THANK-YOU! FOR SUCH A BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRATIONAL COLLECTION OF CABLE DESIGNS, I COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED!!!

A big disappointment!!
If you want aran knitting, buy "Aran Sweater Design" by Janet Szabo, "The Best of Knitter's Aran & Celtics" or"Aran Knitting" by Alice Starmore, those are excellent books, this book lack originality and good information. The 'one star' is for the photographer. ... 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 (5)

Phenominal!
This book is amazing!I'm not even completely through the first section and I find that it's been well worth the money.Even if you never plan on designing your own sweaters this book is worth reading.The explanations of how the various factors such as body shape, 'standard' measurements and the drape of different yarn types affect the finished project will help anyone improve on the fit of even published patterns as well as improve your satisfaction with the final product.
An excellent book
When I first bought this book, my knitting experience was not matured enough to appreciate the depth of the information contained in this book.To be honest, I was even dissapointed since the style of sweaters shown was not stylish, the models wearing them were not stylish commercial models. The book is full of English text and has no eye-candy photos. So it had been sitting in my bookshelf for almost one year,I even thought about selling it. Not just for would-be designers!
I checked this book out of the library since I am fascinated with the idea of designing my own sweaters. But this book offers much, much more. It teaches the basics of color, it tells what colors work for you and why. Then there is a section on figure types. What sweater designs flatter and which do not. And the chapter does not have just the usual hour glass, pear, top heavy distinctions, there's the rectangle, the triangle, the oval, the tiffany diamond.... It is almost garanteed the you will find your body type in the list.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    10. Fashion design    11. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Reviews (40)

Lots of Variety
I have made both a scarf and a lacy shawl from this book, and enjoyed both patterns.I also really enjoy pulling this book from the shelf and looking at the different patterns.
Misleading subtitle
The title of this book reads, "Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet".I assumed from this that there would be roughly equal numbers of knit and crochet patterns, or possibly a slightly skewed ratio like 20 of one and ten of the other.Imagine my disappointment that only three of the patterns are for crochet; the other 28 are knitted.I am glad I checked it out from the library to try before buying it, because it is not what I expected.
easy to follow patterns
i love how this book doesn't focus on just the yarn that was used in the picture.it gives you yarn dimensions so you don't have to limit yourself.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Patterns    10. Scarves    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Module Patterns
The patterns fit perfect to my grandson. I live in Argentina and I could not get so easy patterns in modules that allow you to create different garments. If you follow the explanations you will not have any problem in sewing because they are very clear.
Great clothes for kids!
When my son was born, I was really frustrated by the lack of commercial patterns available for little boys. It's a wasteland; I had 800 choices of sundress but no comfortable, durable patterns that didn't involve daisy applique!
The best book for baby garment
I started sewing to make something for my coming baby, which means I was new to sewing. Yet I was able to prepare almost the complete wardrobe for my baby with this book.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Sewing    4. Dressmaking & tailoring    5. How-To    6. Infants    7. Infants' clothing    8. Patterns   

Editorial Review

Store-bought patterns usually need a bit of finessing to take them from a general size to an individual's perfect fit. Sandra Betzina, the host of HGTV's Read more

Reviews (9)

Never sew without it!
This is by far my favorite pattern fitting book. Every pattern you sew must be fitted--and differently for every person you sew for. Every fitting solution I have tried from this book turns out great. Each fitting solution in this book is given in one-paragraph summary form (the "Fast Fit") for the extremely experienced tailor, and then given in simple, numbered steps for the very beginner.In each fitting solution Ms. Betzina makes an extra effort to find the simplest modification that affects the fewest pieces of the pattern, unlike some alteration books that have you shredding the pattern into small pieces.She even gives you the sequence in which to make your modifications.
My Most Useful Sewing Book
I borrowed this book from the library about 10 times before I finally bought it.If your clothes wrinkle at the bust or pull across the tummy, there's a reason and this book gives it to you and then tells you how to fix it, so all your clothes fit like a dream and make you look 10 pounds thinner.No kidding, good fitting clothes will make you look younger, thinner, richer and smarter.

An easy, wonderful guide
Andra Betzina's FAST FIT provides the author's quick tips on easy pattern alterations for every figure. Here the host of TV's Sew Perfect provides an accessible, easy key to understanding fitting patterns, isolating different pattern problems and walking readers through the process of making changes. An easy, wonderful guide. ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Very informative and entertaining!
I cannot say enough good things about this book (or for that matter the entire series!).
As good as the book on wool
When identifying fabric, texture is more important than appearance.Even though I don't sew, I do purchase vintage items for my prop company and I have to label the outfit in the description.If you want to learn about fabric, this is the way to go.

Indispensible resource for silk junkies!
This book was love-at-first-sight.It doesn't blab unnecessarily about the fabric, just lets you touch and see it for yourself.While being very visual and tactile, it also devotes a page with all the relevant information about each particular kind of silk (and who would have thought there would be so many?!): how to care for it, how difficult it is to sew, the ideal projects for each fabric, its characteristics, its approximate price per yard, hints/tips for working with the fabric, etc.I wish there was a reference book like this for everything!It has really inspired me and given me the confidence and knowledge that I need to both shop for silk and start some projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art / Design / Textile & Costume    2. Beauty & Grooming - Apparel Guides    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Clothing Design    8. Design - Textile & Costume    9. Reference    10. Sewing    11. Silk    12. Textile fabrics   

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Gardening/Plants    4. General    5. Sewing    6. Sport clothes    7. Tailoring    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Dressmaking & tailoring    10. Fashion design   

Reviews (6)

patternmaking,a reference for fashion design
a great book, very informative, little pricey though, but worth it.

Old styles
I am disappointed in this book.The patterns are very old styles.
Thorough and Concise
I have not bought the book as of yet but I was privy to certain things that went into the book. Sylvia was my patternmaking teacher. She was working on this book while I was in school and all the students anticipated its release. Sylvia's teaching style is thorough and concise and so is this book. I recommend anyone interested in learning the right way to make patterns should purchase this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Careers - General    3. Commercial - Fashion Design    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Dressmaking    6. Fashion    7. General    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Pattern design    10. Art / Design / General    11. Dressmaking & tailoring    12. Fashion design   

Reviews (17)

The best fitting book on the market!
I have been sewing for a very long time and am obsessed with fit.Consequently, I have a very large collection of fitting and pattern alterations books.None even come close to Fit For Real People.It is the most comprehensive book ever written on the subject and should be in every sewer's library.It's a must-have, along with Pants for Real People.

Incomplete Book Omits Key Topic
Any book that claims to fit real people has to address the issue of fitting pants, particularly for women since we are still stuck with designs based on men's pants.While these authors have written a separate book in this series specifically for fitting pants, "Pants for Real People", this current book is sadly mis-titled and needs to clearly state that it does NOT address pants.As 5'10" woman with a long lower torso and a sway back, fitting pants is difficult to say the least.For an all-encompassing book that addresses fitting issue, see Singer Sewing's "Perfect Fit", which has lots of pictures, clear directions for both major and minor alterations, before and after shots, and deals with all subjects.For a book specifically for fitting pants, I recommend Singers "Pants that Fit".I own both and use both regularly.

Add it to your library
This is the most comprehensive fitting book I have seen. A couple of things to be aware of: it does not include pants fitting or fitting for males (though most of the methods could be adapted.) Also, be aware that the first 13 chapters or so are an overview of their concepts and not a step-by-step guide!If you want to work through your own alterations, start with chapter 14 and follow the order of alterations in each following chapter. This is a book that works best if you read and study it. Glancing at pictures may not give you all the information you need. It's not the be-all and end-all of fitting books but it is definitely worth having. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (18)

A must have for every home seamstress
Power Sewing Step by Step is one of my favorite new books for sewing.It has many guidelines to organize your wardrobe and what suits your style and figure.The cutting, fitting and sewing instructions can be used for many garments.The ring type binding makes it lie flat for easy reading -- no flipping pages. The classic basics of any wardrobe are clearly addressed, and wonderful ideas for detailing that sets a garment apart.Her presentation inspires the reader to tackle a project and enjoy professional results every time. I love her tips for dealing with real figures-- for those of us over the hill.
I use this book all the time
This is my favorite sewing book-I take it out whenever I have a project. It's most useful for the advanced beginner or intermediate sewer. It focuses on techniques that either make a project easier or more polished. It's divided into types of clothing (vests, pants, dresses, etc), and Betzina focuses on techniques for that type of project. She explains techniques well and there are lots of full-color pictures. Yes, the clothes are a little out of date, but who cares? The techniques apply to whatever style you choose.
Great book, buy the spiral-bound copy!
This is NOT a book for beginning sewers - the writer assumes you know the basics of sewing and garment construction.I love all of the ways she shows how to make clothing special - Sandra's examples areclassy, but not fussy.There are a lot of useful things like different ways to improve your zipper installation, classier facings, linings (Like WHY to line pants, for instance), easy bound buttonholes, nicer hems, when you should take the time to hand sew, when you can cheat...Basically she is teaching the reader how to make ordinary home-sewn clothing extraordinary using the best techniques.Good section on improving fit, pretty much all useful info. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Tailoring    8. Tailoring (Women's)    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    10. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (10)

THIS IS THE BEST T-SHIRT BOOK OF THEM ALL!!!
I was surprised to find so many t-shirt books to choose from so I took a plunge and actually ordered three of them.TEASE was by far the most practical and inspiring book of them all.The best part about it is that it not only gives you ideas on how to turn your t-shirts into other types of shirts, but it has projects for turning t's into bags (my favorite idea!), skirts, scarves, even seat cushions!I was amazed to find one scarf project that actually has you cut a shirt into thin strips and then knit them into a very cool and original scarf.I would have never thought of that!There are also much simpler projects, like a tote bag project that I finished in under an hour.The fact that the projects come from an assortment of amazing crafters from all over the country means that there are dozens of different styles and tastes represented, from classic and simple to slighty over-the-top (if you're in the mood for that sort of thing...).If you're looking for endless inspiration on what to do with those t-shirts that you just can't part with, this is THE book you NEED!!

t-shirt overkill
The reference to craft "superstars" should have warned me off. The lowly T-shirt shows up as a placemat, a lampshade, a car-lot hanging banner, café curtains, and a rug - oh yeah, and a couple of overworked wearables, too. Tricky projects show off the wit of their too-cool creators rather than enrich the lives of DIY readers.Who needs it?

a good teaser
In addition to the great ideas for transforming your t-shirts, it introduces you to real crafting superstars and a whole new world of inspiration.It goes beyond wearables and has great photos and directions. This is a must have book for anyone interested in alternative crafts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Calendar    3. Calendars & Diaries    4. Calendars - Crafts    5. Fashion    6. Jewelry    7. Non-Classifiable    8. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (26)

A book to grow with!
This books title says it all SIMPLY beautiful sweaters. It has 2 things that are essential to the new knitter. 1. Full sweater laid out so you can actually see the end result top to bottom, unlike many pattern books where you only see a small part of the sweater or the model is in a position so you don't get the full effect. 2. Actual pattern piece measured at each area, so no wondering about the final fit.
Over Priced
I like to buy books that are worth their weight in gold.. not just now, but two or even three years from now. I like books with techniques I can refer back to or a design that I just have to knit someday. I like a book that I can easily find the recommended yarn for.. and at a reasonable price. You can live without it
This book is very pretty and the yarns are superb and expensive, but most of the sweaters are pretty useless. There are too many bulky cropped thingies and patterns that call for all sorts of hard to find novelty yarns. The other thing which irks me is the insistence on peculiar needle sizes, for example, what the heck is a 10 3/4 size needle, and why cant you simplt use a 10 1/2?Read more

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

Reviews (13)

Definitely a book for beginners
This book is laid out nicely with clear instructions and diagrams.They cover four simple categories of bags - clutch, tote, drawstring and beach tote.It was easy to use but not very inspirational.I found the patterns a bit cumbersome to use.
FIT does it again!
Excellent guide to making all kinds of handbags.Excellent instructions so that even a beginner can be successful.Good resource list.It even includes the e-mail addresses of the student work featured.Tear-out patterns can be increased to full size on a copier.This would be an excellent addition to the library of any aspiring handbag artist.

Nice book!
This book focuses on creating four styles of bags: the tote, clutch, drawstring, and beach bag - plus variations on these four styles.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fancy work    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Handbags    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Sewing    9. Handicrafts    10. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (5)

Great - Especially if you have Boys!
I love this book.I have 2 boys and it is hard to find attractive sweater patterns that they will actually not be embarrassed to wear.This book has lots of patterns that "fit the bill." I especially loved the faire aisle sweater pictured on the cover.There are no more than 2 colors per row so it is not even as difficult to knit as it looks!Yet it is beautiful.I even made one in a different colorway (pinks and purples) for a niece.I knitted the sweaters in the round (the way Scandinavians do) and had no problem adapting the pattern. I think it would look great in traditional Scandinavian colors too (navy, red, etc.).
A Knitting Design Primer as well as a Pattern Book
This is a very nice collection of sweaters that are eminently knittable, as well as being wearable by all family members-babies, children, teenagers, and men, as well as women. Melissa Leapman has designed 14 "families" of sweaters, employing just about every knittingfabric style except pictorial Intarsia (unless you count Argyles asintarsia, which I don't, since I LIKE argyles and I HATE Intarsia!)Thesweaters are aimed at both the beginning and long-time knitter. No Worth It!
Consider myself a beginner-going-on-to-intermediate-knitter, I was anxious to get this book from mail.Sadly, there isn't a lot of patterns in this book; whatever it has to offer are so repetitive and simple you might aswell go buy a knitting 101 book. Luckily, I didn't just order this onepattern book and am happily starting a new project thanks-but-no-thanks notfrom this glamorously-packaged-with-little-to-offer book. ... 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