Reviews (15)

Great reference book on knitting!
THis is an excellent book.There is important information about care of your handmade garments that is without a doubt - super.
I can't wait to begin my next sweater!
I loved this book.It was one of the best investments I could have made at this point in the evolution of my knitting skills.I had done some knitting with more than one color before and loved the feeling it gave me, so I really wanted to try a Fair Isle sweater.A friend loaned me this book and I was so impressed that I bought my own copy.The photographs are beautiful, the instructions and tips are well written and well placed.The step by step instruction and illustrations for knitting with two colors was very easy to follow. I was able to feel like a pro at this technique relatively quickly and loved every minute of time I spent with it.I just finished my first Fair Isle sweater and I can not describe how thrilled I am with the results.I just bought the yarn today to begin my next sweater!
Worked for this beginner!
This book is inspiring to look at - so inspiring I had to try doing it! I have only been knitting for about six months and learned to knit from an internet site, books, and a few pointers from my local yarn shop. After giving the book a good reading, I got out the yarn and needles and cast on and watched the great video clip on their web site and practiced! Within two hours, I was knitting away! It is amazingly easy and fun to do and the results are fantastic! (This could become addictive.) I am ordering some of their wool to try out and then plan to embark upon a sweater! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fair Isle    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Scotland    10. Sweaters   

Reviews (4)

a Christmas gift
I recieved this book as a christmas gift.I do not think that I would have bought it for myself, but it made a good gift.
Glad I borrowed from library instead of buying...
I borrowed this book through my local library, and I am so glad I did so before purchasing it.If you cannot sew, you will not be able to do several of the designs.The pattern for the handbag pictured on the cover requires sewing skills; additionally, it requires a zipper, and the size and type of zipper necessary is not included in the materials list.Also, the publishers have chosen not to list suppliers in the back of the book, and ask the reader to refer to their website instead.Well, I logged on to Lark's website, and could not find a list of suppliers for this book.Thanksfully, a google of online yarn suppliers will help you locate some decent internet sources that sell some of the more specialty yarns used in this book.I will continue my search for a book on felted knits, and pass on purchasing this one.

Great book!
I bought this book for the vest pattern, but I've ended up knitting a bag instead.The instructions are clear for the knitting, and there are several different methods of felting detailed in the introductory chapter.A previous review dissed this book because it has embroidery and sewing in some of the patterns.That person labeled it not "easy."I don't know what information that person had, but the title says nothing about "easy," and in fact, I like the challenge associated with the designs.There are a range of patterns, from simple to challenging.Not everything has to be "easy" to be fun or worthwhile to do.And, you can modify patterns to suit yourself.This book gives a lot of information about felting so you know why and how it works and can then use the technique in whatever way you want (including combining it with embroidery and sewing).I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Felting    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. BG-HOUSE & HOME - BG-GARDENING    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (5)

wearable crocheted sweaters
This book and Lily Chin's upcoming book are the only crochet books I've ever found that have sweaters I would actually wear.Instructions are clear.I'm mostly a knitter who dabbles in crochet and I had no problem with these directions.

Easy and fun!
I absolutely love this book!I wanted to take a brake from knitting and knew this book would be just the right thing to use of some yarn that didn't work out for a different project.The patterns are timeless and the possibilities are endless with the wide variety of yarns available.I've made the cover sweater and the crewneck cardigan and I couldn't be happier with the results.Crochet looks so neat and tidy and the stitches give such wonderful texture.The instructions are very clear and the stitch patterns are easy to remember so you don't have to do much flipping around.This is a definite must for anyone looking to crochet sweaters.

Behind the Scenes
I have a confession: I developed and edited this book for ME! Usually, in the book business, products are developed with a target reader in mind. Well, I broke the rules when I asked the designer, Jane Snedden Peever, to create the garments for Crocheted Aran Sweaters. I *love* every sweater in this book! In fact, I've already made half of them, and have yarn picked out to stitch the rest.
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Subjects:  1. Aran Islands    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Ireland    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Patterns    10. Sweaters    11. Knitting   

Reviews (2)

My first time felting andthis book very helpful!
My experience felting was a 1 hour class to get my hands wet...my kids each picked out a hat from the book to make and with more adult help our hats turned out great!

Well received gift
Beautiful photographs in a quality book. This book was purchased as a gift for an experienced felter and was well received. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Fashion    5. Felt hats    6. General    7. Hats    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Millinery   

Reviews (2)

The best book ever
I have a collection of sewing books. I got this one for Christmas.I wish I would of got this book earlier.I sew a lot of clothing, this book made the shirt I was makeing look pretty close to what you would buy in a store.
Useful and Unique
This is a little hard to classify.It certainly is not for a novice, but once someone has mastered the basics, and is desiring to make an expensive-looking wardrobe, this would be a very good basic resource. The book seems to be quite a labor of love by the author, who clearly wants to pass on her wealth of experience. It is dense with practical material and has an incredible number of detailed photographs that go with the instructions.How to do all the scary stuff.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (9)

no no no
ummm, this book is premium.
Great for Teachers
My high school students loved the design unit I taught based on the elements of design by creating accessories with duct tape. Written by a high school student who was also bitten by the duct tape bug, makes this book very relevant to teens. In fact, they got so involved they worked till the bell rang and had to hurry to their next class.
A Must For Intrested Duct Tape Amateurs!
When I first saw this book I was intrested in but compleately inadept with duct tape. This book gave me ideas, inspiration and instructions.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crafts for Children    4. Decorating    5. Duct tape    6. Fashion    7. Handicraft    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Equestrian & animal sports    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (4)

Really great for novices
I had trouble choosing which bag to make first.I am really keen to finish the first so that I can start on another.
I have quilted together the patterns to make my own
I got this book as a gift from my husband!I was shocked that he would figure out this is a book I would want! So, the receiving it aside, let me get down to the review.
Quilted Bags in a Weekend
Great bags, easy to make and wonderful design.Gets the creative juices flowing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Handbags    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Tote bags    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Patchwork   

Reviews (3)

Coolest Book Ever!!
OMG! This book rocks. I am so poor but all my friends are jealous of my clothes and this book is totally my secret weapon! Seriously, I am so bad at sewing but this was totally easy and so much fun! I'm def buying one for my best friend julia's birthday!

A Must Buy
If you don't have this book, you have no idea on what you're missing.The opportunity to be fashionable without even leaving your home.There are so many styles displaying ways to look good in a t-shirt and it's apparent that the styles are for all sizes.Well I have it and Thanks sistahs for wanting everyone woman to be sassy and funky in their old skin.

I LOVE THIS!!
I love these designers!They have the hottest clothes. I'm just so glad that they came out with this book.So now I can make my own Sistahs of Harlem shirt.I can't wait to get started. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Art / Fashion   

Reviews (2)

Not Hokey
I bought this book unseen and hoped for the best - quite often with purse books a lot of the styles end up being hokey and NOTHING I would ever want to carry or submit my friends to.I teach purse making classes (Amy Butler patterns) and wanted to check this out.Very nice,I would carry most of these purses and have made 2 fun little handbags out of this book.easy to follow, creative, simple and classic.The lines are clean and would translate well in many different kinds of fabric. For the most part they are fun 'going out' bags there arent a lot (if any)multi-pockets mom type purses.These are the styled out designs for ladies of the past who had hats that matched their bags.I don't have a matching hat, but my little bag in cotton Merimekko fabricsure does hip up my flip flops and sundress when I am out and about town....

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS ON BAG MAKING!
I am a Crafter and Teacher of sewing...I love to teacher bag making, people have fun and always fall in love with the bag they made.I have many books on all crafts...but this book is one of the best on bag making....it's so easy to follow.It also has the patterns, you can't beat it.I have been sewing for more then twenty years and this book helped me learn a few new things about sewing.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. BG-REFERENCE - BG-REFERENCE    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (12)

I ost my copy years ago but I remember it.
I have Dressing the man which is almost as good. Clothes and the man was the first book I bought on mens clothing just as I was starting out on my own 14 years ago and I am glad I did..
The Bible of Men's Style
I've now read several highly recommended books on men's style.This book is the best out of all of them.In my opinion 'Clothes and the Man' is a little better than Flusser's more well-known 'Dressing the Man' (seen stacked in Ralph Lauren stores).'Clothes and the Man' delves deeper into the subject laying out specific guidelines to build season-specific wardrobes.Unfortunately the book is out of print now...fairly easy to find on the net though!

A timeless guide to timeless style
If I say that this book changed my life, I should immediately qualify that by noting that I first read it about the time I graduated from college and was really setting out on my own for the first time. It really defined my sense of classic men's style, and gave me an appreciation, previously lacking, for -- and an ability to recognize -- a truly well-dressed man. Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Consumer Health    3. Fashion    4. Health/Fitness    5. Men's clothing    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion    7. Fashion design   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (26)

Great Overall for Beginners
I have been knitting for the past five years and found this book to be a wonderful resource for beginners patterns and reference for basic knitting.The sketches of finishing stitches really helped me perfect my finishing, which I had been having trouble perfecting with other knitting books.The patterns are beautiful and modern, although if you are not using Debbie Bliss yarns make sure to use comparable yarns as far as the ply is concerned.The only reason that I wouldn't give the book a 5 is that there are several mistakes in some patterns.Some more recently printed copies have these corrected, but after receiving your copy I would reccomend double checking the print against the corrections noted on Debbie Bliss' website.Aside from that this is a wonderful book and I highly reccomend to beginning knitters.

What a surprise!
I bought this book sight unseen as a "twofer."To my surprise it is THE best book full of practical, simple patterns for babies from newborn (a hard size to find) through 24 months.I highly recommend it for your knitting library.

Terrific designs for beginners
I hadn't knitted in over 20 years and now that I'm expecting, I saw a Debbie Bliss pattern in the UK parenting magazine "Junior" and thought the sweater was so cute that I'd give it a try. I bought some Rowan yarn from a local shop and started knitting. (You can use other yarns, but you need to make a tension square as she instructs you to in the beginning.) The sweater turned out so cute that I bought this book, in spite of the warnings that her patterns are hard to read, and I have already made the hat and booties and have ordered some of her yarn for the blanket and another sweater.
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Subjects:  1. Clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Infants    6. Infants' clothing    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - General    9. Needlework - Knitting    10. Patterns    11. CHILDREN'S CLOTHING    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion    13. INFANTS_CLOTHING   

Subjects:  1. Alpaca (Textile)    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Peru    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

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

Reviews (13)

An excellent concept
I think this book is for intermediate-advanced knitters, as you are still essentially making up your own pattern and need to use some judgement/experience in the process.
A Neat Concept for a Book
This book has a really neat concept. It's a nominaly 128 pages of patterns. But what that doesn't say is that the patterns are broken down into parts. The top two thirds or so of the page is a picture and instructions for a basic bodice design. The bottom third is split separately so that it can be set to multiple sleeves, pockets, necks or whatever that fit with the bodice shown on the top of the page.
Terrific addition to my library.
I have spent part of my day playing with the mix and match possibilities of this book.I now have 5 sweaters I "have" to create yesterday.The only slight drawback - and then only if you have already bought yarn of a different gauge - is that all the sweaters in the book are in one gauge (22sts x 30rows = 4inches).Other than that, this is a terrific addition to anyone's knitting library and I know I'll be "playing" with it for a long time to come.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (2)

Stetson Hat Company History
Do you have an old Stetson hat and wonder what it's worth? This book may help. It also contains a history of the company, photographs, as well as a section on women's hats manufactured by Stetson. I often refer people to the section on care and the handling of hats.

Get this book!
Wow! There is no other book like this out there all about Stetson hats and the Stetson company. Many different hat types are shown from western to city to women's hats (did you know Stetson made women's hats? ). Greathistory of the company, the people who worked there, and the hats theyproduced. I know this book is being used for reference by museums. Greatfor collectors, dealers, historians, anyone interested in the West ... Thelist goes on. Jeffrey B. Snyder has put together a classic. It will be along time before another Stetson book this good will be produced. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Collectors and collecting    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Hat trade    7. Hats    8. History    9. History Of Specific Companies    10. Infrastructure    11. John B. Stetson Hat Company    12. Textile And Clothing Industries (Economic Aspects)    13. United States    14. Business & Management    15. Costume    16. Manufacturing industries    17. Social history   

Reviews (3)

Tailoring: Classic Guide
I was looking for the original Singer "Tailoring" Book but evidently they no longer make it, and no one on EBAY is willing to sell it....so I looked into this book which has some great tailoring techniques and photos, but sadly it only covers jackets and not pants and skirts as well like the original Singer book did.sigh.
Copy of the Singer Reference Library
This Book is the best Book ever produced in regards to Tailoring with step by step instructions and lots of Pictures to follow. However I was hoping that this would be a different kind of Book than the one I already own. This is a reprint of the Singer Reference Library Book about Tailoring which was published in 1988. I was looking for this Book for many Years and I am glad to know that another Publisher seem to have aquired the rights to the Singer Books.

Strongly recommend!
"Tailoring : The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket" is the BEST book on sewing a classicly tailored jacket - and I have read ALL of them!There are step-by-step pictures and excellent explanations.I found it much easier and more helpful than the Cabrero text.The book explains both the hand couture and machine methods of jacket tailoring.To supplement this text I'd also recommend Mary Ellen Flury's book, "Tailoring Ladies Jackets" along with anything by Sandra Betzina and Kenneth D. King. ... Read more

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

Reviews (9)

Great knitting
Excellent types of products easy to follow directions made one in a matter of hours

Fun, Easy, Low-Stress, High-Fashion Projects
Some days I'm in the mood to knit "for the fun of it" instead of for the challenge.This book is full of projects that are easy, fun and yet still fulfilling.
Knit Ponchos, Wraps & Scarves
As an experienced "beginner" this book is full of delightful patterns. There are certainly advanced patterns also. The color of the photographed work is exceptional. Love the close-ups. Our knitting/crocheting club refer to the patterns by color.Many great scarf patterns for gift giving.Quick, inexpensive, using only 1 or 2 skeins of yarn, and best of all, perfectly beautiful finished product. This book would be one for anyone who enjoys a fun new twist on scarves, wraps or ponchos. Check finished length on the scarves.I have found a few to be too short...I just add to the middle rows of the pattern when working in horizontal or cast on more stitches when working in vertical. (allow accordingly when purchasing yarn) ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Hannah Broitman - Avid Knitter
The baby patterns in this book were good.In fact, the reason for buying the book was because of the baby patterns.However, the patterns for the adults were not exciting.

Practiced beginner projects that make you look experienced
I haven't knitted for 15 years (which basically makes me a beginner again) and wanted to pick it back up now that I'm home with our new baby. Because I didn't want to spend months just knitting scarves but knowing I wasn't ready to attempt complicated designs, I tried this book. I practiced some stiches on scrap yarn, then started with one of the infant sweaters. It was fairly easy as long as I took my time at some of the shaping areas. The outcome was wonderful even though I used less-expensive yarn (Debbie Bliss yarns are beautiful but expensive) that had the same gauge. All of the designs are charming - most are for infants and toddlers with a few for adult women. The patterns are easy to read and I especially like that she includes finished measurements so that I could knit in a few extra rows for my daughter who is a bit taller than the standard measurements. So if you are a beginning knitter who is now comfortable with common stitches you can knit these designs and end up with more than just another scarf in your closet.

Another Winner!!!
I LOVE this book. I must admit that I do own all that Debbie Bliss has published-- but this is really a great book. I am already making the Fair Isle Dress for my daughter-- and I LOVE the mohair pillows and throw. Also some adorable layette items,Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Rediculous looking things
Most of the purses in this book were so foolish looking I wouldn't use them if someone gave them to me, much less waste my time to make them.I was looking for bags to make and sell but I have found better ideas for free on the internet.To this books credit, it does give good instruction on construction basics such as pockets and linings.

Where are the patterns?
Handmade Bags is full of unique and gorgeous bags to make from a variety of materials, with detailed step-by-step instructions, tons of photos, and an introduction to basic sewing at the beginning.
Poor purses
This book is really well presented with amazing pictures and is easy to read. If you have any knowledge of sewing and any interest in making handbags that appear professional this is not the book for you, I think it should be reclassified as a craft book for kids. If you're an adult save your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Fancy work    5. Fashion    6. Handbags    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts - General   

Reviews (10)

Excellent
An excellent visual source of information on the cloths worn during this time period. Most pleasing to the eye.
Wonderful reference book
This is a fabulous book with fashions that span all ages (from child to adult) and looks during that decade.It is a hoot to see the low prices, and some of the clothing will make today's teen recoil in horror.I think the WWII era fashions were absolutely fantastic and this book is great.
a hat for thirty five cents - amazing!
This is a great book full of illustrations from vintage Sears catalogs. The clothing styles range from everyday wear to swimwear to underwear and accessories. It's fantastic to look at the styles, but my favorite parts of the book are definitely the captions that describe each of the items, along with their original price. It really is a hoot to see gorgeous hats going for thirty-five cents to a whopping dollar seventy-nine! Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    4. Catalogs    5. Clothing and dress    6. Crafts & Hobbies    7. Fashion    8. General    9. History    10. Hobbies/Crafts    11. Sears, Roebuck and Company    12. Textiles & Costume    13. United States    14. Antiques & Collectibles / Textiles & Costume    15. Costume    16. Fashion design