Reviews (4)

Wonderful!
I love this book! It has some great patterns for little ones, with lots of good ideas. I am sewing from it everyday and it is a joy to use. It pays for itself aftermaking acouple of garments. Well illustrated and easy to follow instructions.
the best pattern set
I am an avid sewer. I have found that most of my toddler clothes are made from these patterns = simple to use and easy to fit. A few minor alterations and I have my Halloween costumes, dress up cloths, school clothes. This basic pattern set is all you need!

A Must Have!
Easy, quick, and fun to do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Children's clothing    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Dressmaking & tailoring    6. How-To    7. Patterns    8. Toddler   

Reviews (8)

Has provided me many hours of crafting goodness!
The projects here are varied and so great (the curtains made from bandanas?Love!), there are color photos on practically every page, the directions are clear, and it is spiral-bound--this is such a plus with craft books.
Great Crafts Book for Everyone
*****
Awesome!
This book is great!!!I'm not very crafty, but when I saw this book, I though, why not?The projects are cool and the directions are clear and easy.Most craft books are either super dorky or super snotty, but this book rules.It's cool and really accessible to every level of crafter.A lot of people will get this book as a gift this year from me.Nice work :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Handicraft    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Jewelry    10. Needlework - General    11. Recycling (Waste, etc.)    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Fashion    13. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. BG-COOKBKS - BG-CKBKS OVER $10    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (1)

A wonderful book for the both the sewer & non-sewer
This is a wonderful book for both the sewer & the non-sewer alike. The clothing designs are stunning & inspirational, if only to look at. Most are quite colorful, imaginative & have their own unique style. Basicpattern diagrams are included as well as detailed instructions forstitching & piecing. Patterns include ponchos, kimonos, coats, capes,skirts, shirts & accessories such as purses & belts to name a few.The book is packed with instructions for embellishments including applique,embroidery, quilting, & painting. Adding pleats, gathers & rufflesis also covered. Caring for fabrics is included as well. The book isfull-color on glossy stock. There are numerous photographs of the clothing,all are gorgeous & true works of art. I fell in love with "MagicKimono" decorated with a metallic sun & moon design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques/Collectibles    2. Clothing    3. Clothing and dress    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Fashion    7. Textile Arts - General   

Reviews (1)

Fabulous flappers!
I referred to this book extensively while writing my historical novel, SLAPSTICK (LTDBooks).Since I also collect vintage clothing from theEdwardian era through the '30s, it also came in handy for dating andauthenticating my own collection.This book has it all, from underwear tochildren's clothing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Clothing and dress    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. Dress And Costume    7. Fashion    8. Fashion & Grooming    9. History    10. Hobbies/Crafts    11. United States    12. Costume    13. Customs   

Reviews (13)

Beautiful designs, but terrible results
I made the sweater on the front cover.It's a beautiful design, but the neck opening is way too small and my daughter (3 yrs) does not have a big head.I couldn't even get it on her so I had to modify one shoulder seam to add a zipper.Also the body of the sweater is about 4 inches too long (which on a 3 year old is significant).
Great book -- just finished my first sweater
I bought this book because someone made my son the sweater on the front cover and I loved it.I am a new knitter and I wasn't sure I was ready to try a sweater, so I chose one with a relatively simple design in one color.I'm glad I didn't read the reviews here or I would have hesitated to try to make a sweater from this book.However, I followed the instructions for the red zip-up jacket and I did not have any problems with the pattern.The finished product looks like the picture and is the right size.I did, however, consult other books to help me with finishing the sweater since the instructions were sparse.

Frustrated
Beware....I am on my second sweater from this book and with both sweaters there were mistakes in the instructions. It's been incredibly frustrating. I won't buy another book from Zoe Mellor. ... Read more

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

Reviews (21)

Really nice designs
The cover pic is nice, sexy look that says alot without revealing the extra, there is also a angora sweater by Jolie which is soft and femme. some halters, bolero..and no afghans thank the good Lord, [which is really so tiresome, as if the only thing crocheters could do] the pattern is intermediate to advance, nothing straight on easy, more for some who looking to advance their skills and for those who already have the skills. some of the colours use for some designs are boring..with the use of improv could be really nice..have fun

a bit frustrating, but I love the patterns
I agree with others that some of the stiches are a bit uncreative (and miles of them) but I am willing to change bits here and there, I do love the look of most of the patterns.I really struggled with the stole pattern (the only one I've made) and instructions could be MUCH clearer with the use of charts, such as in the Happy Hooker.For instance, there's a lot of "skip next sc, skip next ch 1 sp, skip next dc, skip next ch 1 sp , sc in next dc" type instructions where something like "sc in middle of next shell" would be so much easier and you wouldn't have to count through the entire friggin row.I rewrote the instructions but there's been a lot of frogging.
30 fun fabulous patterns in one of the best crochet books in print!
I do not usually post reviews for books, but for "Cool Crochet" it was necessary to make an exception. As with Melissa Leapman's previous book, "Hot Knits," the reader will find a generous number of high quality patterns for a good price. Happily the vast number of these are garment patterns! Who needs another book marketed as a garment pattern book but full of ugly bags and uglier "hip" items?
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Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Dress accessories    6. Fashion    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Patterns    10. Crochet   

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 (7)

I can't believe the other ratings...
I had trouble swallowing the reviews that gave this book a one or two star rating.1st of all no need to spend $25 as it can be gotten for less and 2nd of all it is worth the money.The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because I expected more clothing.I would label this more towards the wearable accessories book.A couple of hats & bags, cute bracelet, belts, scarves, ponchos(of which I am not a big fan), shawls, key chain, cute ideas for purchased clothes, stunning skirt, string bikini, toppers, shrugs, boleros and a couple of halter tops.I personally like 28 out of 40 designs.There are a few snoozers as in any pattern book.I just felt this book was rated unfairly and had to put my 2 cents in. Remember though taste is a personal thing.

Disappointed- cover and 2 other outfits out of 40 are the only good ones
What made me buy the book was the cover for the sarong. I thought WOW, I already had ideas. Then when I received the book, went through the pics, [which they give closeups on the stitches] I was thinking, [Ive been had] The poncho they have only 1 though I dont like the pattern it gave me ideas and the yarn Richesse et Soie impossible to get,which I want for the high content of cashmere, from K1C2, and the silk ribbon form Artemis, you can't even find I dont think they do any more. I was truly disapppointed and have entertained the idea of sending the book back. There is more accessories [wristband, small pouch bag, alot of edging] than there are clothing. I was hoping for sweaters, better designs on hats/scarves. Save your money! :(

Crochet Book
The book has beautiful illustrations of some unusual designs. I haven't yet made any of the items so I can't speak to how good the directions are, but in general I'm pleased with the book and looking forward to many hours of crochet pleasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Patterns    8. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY NON-FICTION    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting   

Reviews (4)

This is a great resource guide to learning about pockets :)
This a good book, I always had problems with sewing pockets to my garments.It has good pictures to show you how to place pockets on your garments.It helps you express your creativity with your garments.You can make all kinds of pockets.I use this book whenever I want to do something different with my garments.Very Good book indeed.

Good Book To Have!!
This book offers a variety of ways to design pockets.Unlike like the traditional "patch pockets", you need this book especially if you desire new ideals!!

OK, but not too creative
I was expecting some more creativity.Ms. Moyes delivers with instructions on lots of basic pocket styles, but I was hoping for some exotic couture stuff.She gives directions on how to make a difficult curved welt pocket, which I've seen in couture, and shaped facings covering a pocket.If you're looking for a gallery with a lot of neat-o ideas: it's not in this book.Otherwise, it gives straightforward advice on straightforward pockets. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dressmaking    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Pockets    8. Sewing    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    10. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (11)

Wonderful Book! Invaluble Reference!! (note some patience required)
The book outlines how to make different styles of Japanese garments for both men and women. It also provides instructions on lining and padding garments, and types of stitches used. The author often gives both the traditional method of making a garment and modern alternatives to make life easier.
Make Your Own Japanese Clothes:Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear
My wife tells me this is a great book to get ideas and use as a reference. It is really worth having.

Underwhelming and Poorly Organized
Beginning sewers intimidated by fancy tissue patterns are warned away from this. It requires you draft your own square-cut patterns from measurements and the instructions sometimes take rereading for me to figure out (a 20-year career as a pro costumer and a dresser for Kabuki Hawaii trained by experts from the National Theatre of Japan, so I am am very familiar with both seamstry and Japanese costumes of many sorts). The tissue patterns have much clearer instructions and diagrams. You need self-confidence and some moderate skill with the usual sewing to jump over to this.Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Cooking    3. Costume    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Japan    7. Regional & Ethnic - Japanese    8. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (16)

Classic knitting.
It's Vogue! How more classy can one get, regardless of what year it may have originally been from.

Harder than the Title Would Imply
The thing about a book of sweaters and things calling itself VERY easy is that it just isn't.For the most beginning of knitters (your's truly) this book is still rocket science.Knitting a sweater (on your own without an accomplished knitter friend to guide you) is HARD and calling it EASY doesn't help.

Very easy, but not always very attractive
Like all the Vogue Knitting books, _Very Easy Knits_ begins with a really excellent set of instructions, combining the necessary detail (a half-page list of knitting terms and abbreviations) with a conciseness which does wonders to prevent the beginning knitter from feeling overwhelmed.One should note that unlike the Vogue Knitting on the Go series, this one does not offer diagrams and instructions on how to knit (knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, binding off, and so on), instead assuming that the reader is already familiar with these basic techniques.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. BG-FICTION $5/10 - BG-LITERARY $5/10    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (2)

Ballroom Gowns and Lycra
This book is very helpful.It comes with an adjustable basic pattern and several design alterations.I'd buy it again.

Very helpful.
I found this book extremely helpful.I haven't sewn in years and started back sewing ice skating costumes with spandex.Spandex can be difficult to work with if you don't know what you are doing.This book really helped me get up to speed quickly.I would recommend it for anyone who is sewing with spandex. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Sewing    5. Bathing Suits    6. Crafts & Hobbies    7. Dressmaking & tailoring    8. Home Economics - Sewing    9. How-To    10. Patterns    11. Swimwear   

Reviews (4)

Classic patterns are refreshing but be cautious of errors
It's tough to find knitting patterns for sweaters with classic "jacket-like" lines. Vintage knitting patterns come close (e.g. the recent "Vintage Knits" book), but many vintage patterns were designed for much smaller sizes, say up to a size 34. The sweaters in the book are really beautiful, and the directions are for the most part clear, although not really meant for the beginning knitter. Most of the patterns are worked on small needles, so each sweater will take considerable time for the average busy person. There is a reference section at the back of the book which summarizes the various stitch patterns, which is helpful. However, there are numerous errors in the book that can result in disaster (I learned this the hard and painful way). XRX books is happy to send or email corrections (almost every sweater contains errors), and hopefully the changes will appear in subsequent editions to the book. I would recommend this book if you love the patterns, but would make sure that you call the company for corrections before starting a project.

Female lawyer plans to wear these to the office!
I'm thrilled with this book!I'm so sick of bulky sweaters I can only wear on the weekend.I can't wait to make several of these jackets, which with a shell and a skirt or pair of pants, will look terrific in the office.I have just taken up knitting again after 30 years, and I don't want to waste my time with mittens.I have already ordered the yarn for several jackets, and my daughter is complaining because her stuff was put on hold!Don't be intimidated by the ratings - like I said, I have taken up knitting again after 30 years, and the first jacket I am making is rated advanced.But there are no complicated charts to follow, everything is pretty straightforward.I am confident I can make any of these jackets - and I would rate my skills at intermediate.Although I found the colors used for the jackets in the photographs kind of boring (I'm a lawyer, I'm not dead!) you can easily jazz up some of the colors. Classy collection of sweaters for meetings or the office
While much of the fun of knitting is making colorful, comfortable clothing for relaxation, there are times when a knitter needs to look "presentable.""Jackets" is a terrific resource for any knitter who wants to look professional while enjoying the sense of accomplishment and individuality that a handknit garment can bring.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jackets    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - General    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Patterns    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    11. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (7)

Tie Dye The How to Book
This book was the best! I bought four, two historic, the other way to in-depth and not explanitary enough in simple, quick and easy terms- that was the one AMAZON asked me to write about... but I chose to write about this one instead! This book led me ( mother of a two year old boy-meaning-bath time reading only and dented attention span) by the hand - in easy pease lemon squeezy mode - to instruct 15 or more mothers AND their childrenat a nursery school!Thank you for applying yourself in sharing the knowledge.. for quick answers and quick easy read before the tie dye project- BUY THIS ONE!

Good, but not good enough
Virginia has a good starter book for tie-dye, but like the majority of tie-dye content - only skims the surface. I prefer Jacquard's "Tie Dye To Die For & Batik You Can't Resist" book at $5.95 vs. this how-to book. To be fair, I would purchase it to see her lovely tie-dye work, but as a "how-to" I might look elsewhere.
Best starter book
This book was the best starter book I've found on tie-dye.The steps are easy to follow and many resources are given on creating great tie-dye from scratch.I've met the author at craft festivals where they show the clothes.They are amazing people and create incredible artwork.Better than anything out there.The eldest son just inherited the business and I look forward to what new things they create.Their company is Harmony Enterprises and are located at:http://harmonytie-dyes.com ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dye    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Textile Arts    8. Tie-dyeing    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (9)

A 'must' for avid knitters who want more than blanket designs
Ashley Paige has produced sexy knits for the stars, with designs which you may recognize from the pages of Seventeen, InStyle and other top magazines: now under one cover are not just photos but how-to instructions for knitted swimsuits, tops, and cover-ups for beach and bedroom alike. Paige's most popular designs are accompanied by patterns, construction tips, and models. A 'must' for avid knitters who want more than blanket designs.
handle with oven mitts...
...because it's THAT HOT!!! Not one for shrinking violets (or any other shrinkable flowers) or kids-this is one for the grown-ups. It's all clothes (and I use the term loosely) for women (of all sizes) and men who like to dress up in women's clothing (though it wouldn't look as good) especially in hot weather and those who live in Florida, California or Hawaii.
Cute but hard to interpret
The designs in this book are very very cute.I can't wear them (except the bathrobe, which I do plan to knit for myself) but I have a step-daughter who can, which is almost as good.
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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 (15)

Size 12 is Plus Size? Not in my Universe.
From the title, I thought this would be a great book - classic sweaters designed for larger women. Um, not as such.
Moslty Great addition to Your Kitting Library.
I like this book and do reommend it highly. Great photos, clear directions, lovely designs that are classics., models that look real..no size 2's!
not for big women knitting
I thought this book was for large size women. To help in increasing the size of the different patterns a person would want to knit. It was not.
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Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Women   

Editorial Review

Those who knit, crochet, or embroider have long had sources to which to turn for in-depth instructions on specific stitches and stitch combinations. Now there is such a reference for the sewer--an encyclopedic approach to gathering, shirring, ruffling, tucking, pleating, and quilting and their myriad variations. Filled with hundreds of diagrams and crisp black-and-white photos, this volume explains in detail how to achieve a tremendous range of three-dimensional fabric effects. This is not a book of particular projects; this is a book of instruction and inspiration for anyone who has ever wielded needle and thread.Read more

Reviews (10)

The Art of Manipulating Fabric
I have been using and working with fabric for nearly 20 years and have still been able to learn some thing from this book it is easy to read and full of easy instructions that make using this so easy and to have such arange of effects all in the one book. Really fantastic

Amazing. Wow.Just "wow."
Okay, I know next to nothing about sewing.I am a sewing Gumby.But my niece is an incredibly gifted fashion designer, and I have to constantly badger her to let me know if there is ANYTHING I can get for her, or ANY WAY I can help her.This book is one of the few things she has briefly mentioned in passing as something she might like.(I took that to mean something indispensable to the pursuit of her career as she is so shy to ask for assistance.)I had the book sent to my place rather than directly to her, just so I could see it, and my first reaction as a non-sewing type of person was "OH My Goodness, I had no IDEA they could do that with fabric!"I meant to send it to her as soon as I received it, but it was so fascinating, even as a non-seamstress, that I shamefullyretarded the delivery to its rightful owner by at least a week.I took it to my friend's house so she could see it.I even showed it to my boyfriend (for whom absolutely NO craft manual could ever hold an interest), and he even exclaimed "My goodness, babe!I had no idea fabric could this!I have to say this is amazing..."
Good for reference & inspiration, but......
I had researched this book at a local bookstore for a few days before purchasing it used on Amazon.com. The illustrations in this book had me inspired immediatly. However, applying the various applications can be difficult.Finding the how-to's (a bit vague at best) that accompany the pictures are very difficult.Good for reference/inspiration, poor for actual how-to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fancy work    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Quilting    7. Sewing    8. Textile Arts - General    9. Handicrafts    10. Textile arts   

Reviews (4)

Beautiful, classic patterns.
This book is full of beautiful, easy to follow patterns with something for all knitters - new and experienced.

fabulous gloves, hats, and scarves
This is such a fun book and the designs are beautiful, simple, and timeless. It is the perfect book to have for quick gifts. It is also a great book for "knitting newbies". However, even as an experienced knitter, this book will serve me well for many years.

Hats Gloves Scarves: Easy Designer Knits
I really like the designs in this book. The patterns are user friendly and the photographs are gorgeous ! ... Read more

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

Reviews (9)

Not worth the money
I was very excited to order this book to start making a sweater for my boyfriend.Unfortunately the book is full of sweater vests and only a few simple patterns.You could easily find similar patterns free online, so I definitely don't think it's worth the $35!

If you love color, try this book
I know the title says "Sweaters for Men", but women will love this book too.The structure and color of each sweater are lovely and the knitting is not too complicated.

Inspiring all knitters
Sweaters for Men is a beautiful book, excellent photographs.The directions are plain, clear and easy to follow.I liked the schematic that showed all increases, decreases, bind offs.I bought yarn at my local store and made a vest and have started a crew neck sweater.I will probably make two more sweaters from this book. ... Read more

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