Reviews (6)

A Reference that Really Works
I have learned so much from this book. Holly Brackmann explains not only the how-to aspect of surface design in incredible detail & easy-to-follow steps, but also the how-it-works aspect of the processes. She begins her book with an all-important chapter on safety and then goes on to explain dyes, fibers & fabrics, followed by a chapter on color. Then she gets into explaining not only dyes (e.g., fiber-reactive, acid, vat, and disperse), but also discharging, screen printing, monoprinting, stamping, stenciling, resists, devore, textile painting, & embellishments. I love the clear instructions of the processes and the amazing photos, but what I love the most is that she empowers the user to explore and become profient in the processes. That empowering of the student is the mark of a great teacher.

TREAT YOURSELF!
Whatever your interest in textiles--weaving, quilting, or surface design--and whatever your level of expertise--beginner to professional--this well-written reference will be your most valuable tool.Many years of teaching experience and lots of research are reflected here.It is easy to read, easy to use and VERY easy on the eyes.Thank you Holly!

Instruction and inspiration all in one volume
Holly Brackmann's beautifully produced new book, The Surface Designer's Handbook: Dyeing, Printing, and Creating Resists on Fabric, is both a "how to" and a "why." Drawing on her many years' experience as a fiber artist and a college-level textile arts instructor, Brackmann covers the topics promised in the title of her book--and then some--in an encyclopedic manner. Chapters on the different topics begin with readable summaries of the historical and technological development of the process. Clear and detailed recipes and instructions for each process enable beginners to proceed step by step to successful and rewarding results as well as remind the more experienced of pitfalls to watch out for and enhancements to experiment with. The attractive arrangement of a hidden spiral binding is a practical element that enables the user to keep the book open to a particular page while working. Safety considerations, helpful hints, and other useful lists are set apart in different type and colored boxes for easy reference. The "why" comes in with the hundreds of excellently reproduced photographs of the work of Brackmann and many other fiber artists. These illustrations make the book an inspiration to artists as well as a delight for all others interested in the scope and range of textile arts today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. Dye    5. Dyes and dyeing, Domestic    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Textile Arts    8. Textile Fabric (Applied Arts)    9. Arts & crafts design    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Dye   

Reviews (21)

A Very Disappointing Book
This book is a huge disappointment.The cover is modern and promises a high-quality treatment of an interesting subject but the inside is ridiculously simplistic and leaves an awful lot to the reader to figure out on his own.The extremely abbreviated text is arcane and the "pictures" are no more than primitive line drawings.In many cases, this is woefully inadequate to understand what's going on.This 1868 book belongs in the "Antiques" section.It was a huge disappointment and simply annoying.

Mind Blowing!
I work as a Mechanical Designer/Draftsman and a Home machinist. Both of which I have a degree in, This book is worth every penny. It is interesting, detailed, handy! Although small it is packed with interesting sketches. I must warn anyone interested that this book is intended for the heavily mechanically inclined.

Great Reference Book
This book is fascinating! Originally written in 1868 it briefly presents 507 different mechanisms with a graphic for each. When I first received the book my first impression was that it was too small to be much good. Indeed, I think it would benefit from a total reformat devoting more space and detail to each mechanism. However, as I looked further I saw that there is JUST adequate size to see everything. (The formatting has obviously changed since the original which leaves wide spaces above and below each page. It occurs to me that they should be good places for making notes.) The illustrations are numbered and correspond to the text on the facing page. The drawings are simple and beautifully done in the style of the time (nineteenth century). The text is very short and to the point but again just adequate to the job of describing the mechanism.
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Subjects:  1. Engineering - Mechanical    2. Machinery    3. Mechanical movements    4. Reference    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Antique clocks & watches    8. Clocks & chronometers    9. DIY   

Reviews (29)

Can't say enough great things!!
Search no more!I am in the process of taking a quilting class and this is the required reading.I could actually learn to quilt straight from the book, no instructor necessary (and I am a complete novice).It's so simply written and so thorough.

Very useful
I had always wanted to learn quilting but had never had a chance - no courses in my area, etc. Then I ordered this book and it did magic: it removed my fears and made me feel that, though quilting does involve work, that work can be pleasant and fun. The instructions and ilustrations are very clear. Detail: I am Brazilian and learned English as a foreign language; in spite of that, I could understand the instructions very well. That proves how clear they are. The projects are also interesting - well detailed, with perfect measurings so that you will not be disappointed. For me it was indeed the ideal first book. It made my first experiences in quilting very rewarding and frustration-free.

Great for the beginner
They were right at being the book for the beginner. What a great way to learn with step by step directions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Patchwork    5. Patterns    6. Quilting    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (11)

Superb stitch almanac. Awesome photos. What more do you need?
I did a bit of crocheting as a pre-teen, but I never had a formal lesson, and my woebegone efforts sure demonstrated the lack. After a distance of 30 years, I decided to learn a bit more about the subject, and perhaps learn how it ought to be done. (Though I was surprised at how much I'd remembered!)
Great guide for those with limited patience!
I'd tried new things in crocheting before this book, but really didn't have the patience for the kinds of patterns that read: dsc. *yo 3dc in 1st sc* 2dc [3dc]. Huh??? I'm from Missouri - you've got to show me. Those black and white diagrams of individual stitches like double and triple were ok, but as far as advancing beyond potholders, I wanted to crochet to relax, not decipher some ancient text so I could crochet. This book is great for those of us who want to see a picture of what it's supposed to look like each step of the way. It also shows you some really interesting effects you can create, though there aren't any real patterns per se in the book. However, once you see how the stitches are worked, deciphering those patterns that drove you nuts is a lot easier. Wish I'd found this book before I made all those potholders!

Excellent Book for beginners & experienced crocheters alike
All I can say is:
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. BG-HISTORY - BG-AMERICAN HISTORY    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Crochet   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Decorating - General    4. Design - General    5. Domestic    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Interior decoration    8. Art / Design / General    9. Decorative arts & crafts    10. Fashion design   

Editorial Review

Halloween books abound, but none is as elegantly spooky or as eerily opulent as this gorgeous guide from Read more

Reviews (19)

GREAT to have if you don't have the magazines
If you have the special Halloween issue of MSL from 2000, don't bother buying this book.I have the magazine, and several of her other October issues from over the years, and was disapointed that there was nothing new in this book, which is why I only gave it 4 stars.
More Like A Magazine...
There ARE some good ideas in here. Unfortunately I just couldn't get past the fact that it is such a thin book with a lot of rehashed stuff. 14.95 is a lot to pay for a magazine, even if some of the ideas are OK. Also, Ms. Stewart doesn't seem to feel the need to test her recipes out first. When following ANY of her recipes, allow a little extra time for recipe adjustment.

Totally surprised by all the excellent Halloween ideas!
My mother-in-law actually bought this book for me as a joke. I LOVE Halloween (and LOATHE Martha Stewart), so she thought it would be a good gag. When she handed it to me, she said she thought it would be funny, but she had looked through it and thought I might actually like it.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Halloween    4. Halloween cookery    5. Halloween decorations    6. Handicraft    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Holiday - General    9. Holiday decorations    10. Seasonal    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    12. Handicrafts    13. Parties   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Clock And Watch Making    6. Clocks & Watches    7. Antique clocks & watches    8. Clocks & chronometers    9. Yearbooks, annuals, almanacs   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Reference    7. BG-TRANSPORTATION - BG-TRANSPORT    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (17)

One of the best in it's field
This book is one of the best in it's filed --at least of the ones that I have seen. I am a great Nicky Epstein fan, because she is so thorough and knows her stuff. You can find a ton of inspiration to embellish and improve your knitted pieces, or any other garment, bag, hat, pillow, toy, etc., for that matter, as the embellishments shown will be wonderful to personalize any item you wish to "treat". The instructions are precise and detailed enough for any but the novice knitter, without being too lengthy. The pictures give you a clear impression of what your result will be. I am glad to have bought this book.

This book is like a box of chocolates...
something for everyone and every project.Beautifully photographed.An overload of delights!

super cool embellishments!!!
My sister gave me this super book as a birthday present, because I'm new at knitting, and it's groovy cool!!! it's easy to understand,it has great photographs, the stitches are incredible (specially the flower chapter)it has drawings of sugested ideas for the use of some of the stitches,it has an embroidery section, an i cord section with fantastic ideas (like making frog clousers for a sweater)etc.... in few words it's the best book available so buy it now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fancy work    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. House furnishings    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns   

Editorial Review

If you want your notched collars to lie smoothly like Ellen Tracy's, your pants zippers to be as invisibly fused with the inseam pocket as Giorgio Armani's, and your topstitched facings to have the impeccable look of Chanel, Read more

Reviews (15)

Secrets that sould be known to every sewer
Although the pictures are old fashioned, to say the least, the technic and tips of how to manage the smallest details are priceless. And I thought I knew it all after 25 years of sewing. This book is a bible to every sewer.

High fashion...Maybe
I was completely unimpressed with this book.It does contain some interesting sewing techniques, but for the most part she shows you how to copy design features of now out-of-style designer clothing and shares a lot of famous designer trivia (lots of name dropping). There are some useful tips, but for the price of the book, tips are not worth it. The last third of the book is dedicated to drafting patterns from scratch or copying other clothing. The only photos are of the finished garment - no photos of the techniques or steps.Illustrations are adequate, not great.

Great for taking your sewing skills to the next level...
If you have never sewn before or are just starting, this book is not for you.The author assumes someone reading this book has some intermediate sewing skills.The techniques in this book are useful, when you want to go from making a plain old patch/seam pocket to a double welt, bound buttonholes instead of the ghetto machine stitched ones, and there is really good information about facings, interfacing, and lining.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Pattern design    7. Patterns    8. Sewing    9. Tailoring    10. Tailoring (Women's)   

Reviews (1)

"Inspired Designs, indeed"
I have admired Beryl Taylor's artwork for a long time, and eagerly looked forward to this book.Although I don't use fabric and sewing in my mixed media artwork, I am fully inspired
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Assemblage Art    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Paper Crafts    6. Papercrafts    7. Techniques - General    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (26)

Well worth getting...READ ON
A good book if you are starting out in dressmaking and don't want to be overloaded with techniques right at the start. I find the enjoyable part of sewing is when I've created a garment without having gone into too much technical detail, it's amazing just what you can achieve just knowing the basics and this book is a great start for that. For anyone who feels a bit overwhelmed with patterns and techniques etc check out: [...]a recent site I've just found, the kits are ideal for beginners as you don't even follow a pattern it's all done for you. Using that, along with this book would be an ideal combination for any pattern phobic beginner !

Wonderful tool for the sewing-challenged!
"Sewing 101" is written for the absolute beginner but experts can also use it as a quick reference or refresher course. This book has the following pluses:
The Best Beginners Sewing Book!
I have recently decided that I wanted to learn how to sew.I bought a very basic, inexpensive sewing machine, and other than being completely ignorant of sewing, I am ready. (HA HA!)Enter this book....it is wonderful!It has very simple, very basic instructions, perfect for the absolute novice. The pictures are clear, and nothing is assumed.An easy to understand glossary is included in the back, as is a panel of helpful tips on almost every page.I HIGHLY recommend this book for beginners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dressmaking    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Household linens    7. Sewing    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (5)

Definitely should be re-issued
This book is a must read for ANY quilter, whether working with regular or miniature pieces.Thanks to Ms. Collins for sharing all these terrific ideas.

should be re-issued
this is a wonderful book for a quilter of any level of skill or experience.
This is definitely one to add to your collection
Sally Collins has outdone herself with this book.In our modern day society, there is an emphasis on speed -everyone rushes around trying to squeeze in as many activities and projects into each minute of every day.This sometimes has the unfortunate consequence of less attention to detail and the result is sloppiness.In this book, Sally shows the quilter how to slow down and enjoy the process of creating each quilt block.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine quilting    5. Patchwork    6. Patterns    7. Quilting    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (23)

An absolute must for every metalsmith / jewelry designer.
In this volume Oppi Untracht offers an excellent overview of metal jewelry making. The seemingly limitless information offered is technically precise,and beautifully illustrated.
Overview versus Technical Know How
This is a good book for those wanting a broad overview of all aspects of jewellery making with metals.It contains good illustrations of finished pieces; however, it is not a book that gives step by step instructions.So, if you are looking for a 'how to' book, look elsewhere.Otherwise it is a useful reference but not essential.

MY NUMBERONE BOOK!!
It is my so called bible.I bought it 15 years ago at $50.00 from a mall bookstore and was so happy how cheap i bought it for as its return its value 50 times over since...if you had to own just one book this is it!...grant you it should be reprinted and up dated. alot of what we do does not change much but in some fields it does.color would be great. mine has many color plates (1985 ed).it seams alot for a book but if it was printed today would cost alot more(id buy a new one at what ever cost), and imho compared to many that ive spent more on do not compare..buy it,and hug it as ioften do.its a jewel!lol...i wonder if "oppi" is still liveing?. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jewelry    5. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Manufacturing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (8)

Sublime design
I really liked the graphic design of this book, it won me over to purchase. Although on receipt of the book I was a little disapointed with the level of detail within.
This book is wonderful!
This book is easy to follow and the patterns are fun. I had fun stitiching anything I could get my hands on.
Lots of Great Patterns for Embellishing
I disagree with the last two reviewers. I love the patterns Jenny Hart has on her web site and although these patterns are different, they are just as useful, if not more. There are tons of things you won't find easily elsewhere, like Rhumba dancers, owls, space aliens and ships, cute ( and hip ) cats and dogs, race cars, and practically every fruit known to man. But there are lots of very practical things you can use for your dish towels, t shirts, pillow cases, and even your kitchen curtains! I am having a ball using the new patterns and the great thing about embroidery is you are only limited by your imagination! Embellish the heck out of these things, make sprinkles on the cupcakes! Add light and shadows to the fruit! There are a lot of alphabets in the very back of the book, great for those of us with less than perfect handwriting. All in all, I love it and I definitely give it five stars for anyone remotely interested in embroidery. Way to go, Jenny! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Patterns    8. Reference    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    10. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (25)

Good ideas
I found this book to be quite helpful in organizing my sewing room.I have used two of the ideas already & as soon as I can afford it, plan to buy shelving to put along one wall.Right now I have two storage units which take up too much room.One idea:To organize all fabrics by color and to fold them twice so that they lay flat.That alone saved me tons of space.At first I was reluctant to separate my fat qtr sets but feel that space saved was worth it.Another idea I put to use is to show the yardage on each fabric.I do this for all fabrics except for fat qtrs and 1/8ths.
Very useful!
Although at the moment I do not have a room or a corner that I can devote totally to my quilting space, I found this book to be very inspiring.The chapter on ergonomics, proper lighting, and UV protection for fabrics alone was worth the purchase price!I have learned the correct heights for my cutting, sewing, and ironing activities to avoid back and neck strain.The book also offers the most efficient dimensions for ironing surfaces, cutting boards, and shelf depth.Room dimensions are provided, which I can now compare to the size of my spare room to see if it would be possible to convert it someday.I like the author's suggestions for converting base cabinets or buffets into workable spaces.
Planning Sewing or Quilting Space
This is the best book I have seen in a long time...it has several ideas on how to set up a sewing space. And many good tips to boot. If you quilt or sew this book will help improve your sewing area thus your sewing time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design and construction    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - General    7. Patchwork    8. Quilting    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Sewing    11. Workshops    12. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (7)

Waste of time and MONEY!
Based on the reviews of this book I decided to buy it! To my absolute shock, I dont understand who wrote these great reviews??? They were probably written by the publisher or author of this book.
Good Guide
I was not impressed when I received this book, with the quality of the paper or the overall presentation.I thought some of the photography left much to be desired quality-wise.However, it is quite a comprehensive book and I leaned on it considerably in my studies of furniture and design.So don't let me put you off.I just think that, with all the research and hard work involved, and considering the price, a better quality might have been forthcoming.

Like Cliff Notes for Furniture!
This book has brief history lessons on furniture from the begining of time!It's a great reference when you need an answer about a design period- quick! A must for every Interior Designer! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Decorating - General    4. Design - General    5. Furniture    6. Furniture Arts And Crafts    7. Interior Design - General    8. Styles    9. Art / Design / General    10. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (25)

Too Awesome!!!
I couldn't stop touching the pages of this book!!The colors and designs are so rich and full of life. This is truly the best book of Nancy's work, both in writing and artistic work!A must own!!!
Nancy Crow
As with everything she does, Nancy Crow has done an intensive,comprehensive and excellent job with her recently released book.
Nancy's Big, Beautiful Book
This new book covers the spectrum from gorgeous coffee table art book to instruction on how to grow as an artist and a person.Nancy has struggled through the learning curve in a systematic and logical way, and shown others by example how to develop their personal talents and skills as fabric artists.Of course, the quilts are well beyond wonderful and the glimpes into her private life are inspiring.I wonder what comes next from Nancy Crow! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1943-    2. 20th century    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Crow, Nancy,    6. Design - Textile & Costume    7. History    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Quilt Making    10. Quilts    11. Quilts & Quilting    12. Themes, motives    13. United States    14. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    15. Needlecraft art (eg lace, quilts, etc as art objects)   

Reviews (70)

Unbelievably obtuse
Man oh man, I love this woman and her hippieness.... BUT, this book has like 2... maybe 2 and a half illustrations on how to actually DO this technique!
Not for the abject beginner
This book sounded to me like it would work for the never-knitted-a-sock-and-want-to-avoid-all-those-double-pointeds kind of knitter such as myself.After puzzling over it at length, I've decided that A)it's written for the folks who've already struggled through a pair of socks on the DPNs, and B) I'm going to ask my accomplished knitter friend to explain to me what the book is talking about (in which case I could have just asked her and saved myself the expense of the book.)
Very surprised at the quality of this booklet
Prior to purchasing this booklet, I had read nothing but good reviews on it.I felt very safe purchasing it.Being a male knitter, I normally don't buy books and patterns, since the majority of them are for women and most men's patterns are not all that good.Yet even men found this book to be useful.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Socks   

Reviews (7)

Quilting with Japanese
What a wonderful book lots of ideas and patterns and a great knowledge of the japanese fabrics and sashiko. Love the book.
Very informative.
I have just developed a love for Japanese fabrics and needed some guidance. This book provided it. The fabrics and pictures are stunning and the directions are very good. I highly recommend this book.

Fantasticbook!
I just ordered another one of these as a gift for a friend. I happen to have some Japanese fabrics and am in the process of makinga quilt based on this book.Mrs. Pippen explains the fabrics, the methods, and does everything she can think of to encourage you to do your own thing.Talking about "thinking out of the box,"the closest this book comes to ordinary is to make the quilts rectangular.Even that could be changed if one so inclined.What fun! Thank you, Kitty, for taking the time to share with us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Japan    5. Patchwork    6. Patterns    7. Quilting    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Textile fabrics    10. Quiltmaking