Reviews (21)

Classic Zimmermann at a bargain price
Knitter's Almanac is a classic knitting book by Elizabeth Zimmermann, and Dover makes it available at a bargain price.It features EZ's charming, conversational style and a collection of her innovative designs and techniques. Fans of Zimmermann's Knitting Without Tears, Knitting Around, or Knitter's Workshop will want to add this to their collection.If you have never knitted before, or never worked with one of Elizabeth's books, I recommend starting with Knitting Without Tears, which is designed for beginners and is a good introduction to her style of instruction.Elizabeth's patterns are not written in standard notation, but in conversational English.For instance, her baby leggings begin, "For longies, therefore, I cast on sufficiently for the waist and work a piece of ribbing."People seem to either find her style charming or frustrating.It might be good to get a copy of one of her books from the local library and see how you like her writing style before buying her books.For her devoted fans however, this book is a must-have.It includes a classic aran pattern, baby jacket and leggings (she calls them "longies"), an innovative sweater combining cabling with colorwork, her unusually constructed "Mystery Blanket", some mittens, hats, her classic "Pi Shawl", some Christmas ornaments, grown-up wool leggings (with or without feet), her open-collared pullover (an innovatively constructed knitted golf shirt), re-footable moccasin socks, and her "Hurry-Up Last Minute Sweater". There is an appendix full of illustrated instructions for techniques such as stocking stitch and garter stitch grafting, knitted-on sideways border, casting-on cast-off, sewn cast-off, provisional or invisible cast-on, thumb trick for afterthought mitten thumbs, afterthought pockets, and i-cord border.All of her patterns are worked in the round with few seams, and most are full of the unusual techniques she delighted in developing.Following them you will nearly always learn new techniques you can apply to other projects of your own.I purchased the book for her baby legging pattern (which works for any gauge yarn and any size baby you choose), and for the Pi Shawl, which is ideal for lace knitters who like to add their own lace stitches to a basic pattern.Also, I enjoy her conversational style of instruction, and find it a nice change from the norm.

EZ Knitter's Almanac
I'm making the Aran Pullover for someone with narrow shoulders.What I find wonderful about this book is Elizabth explains how and where to make inc/dec within the aran pattern. She takes the control away from the pattern and puts it back with the knitter.

EZ
I discovered this book, to my delight, at a local bookstore.Although it shares qualities with EZ's other texts, I find it to be not quite as useful as "Knitting without Tears" or "Knitting in the round".Still, the patterns are interesting and the almanac is well-written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Knitting    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Patterns    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    7. Yearbooks, annuals, almanacs   

Reviews (28)

Absolutely Delicious
This book is chock full of gorgeous photos of altered book pages.It's one of my favorites to just browse through and be inspired and amazed at the creativity of these artists.Not a how-to book.But if you love looking at altered books, here's a chance to see the works of fourteen talented artists in one place.

great great book
Reading this book felt like I was visiting Lynne Perrella's studio. The photos are great - I could almost feel the texture on the original artwork. There is an endless number of ideas and techniques that can be applied into many mixed media projects. This book will keep me inspired for a long time.

Was hoping for more than an Idea book...
I like the images and they are very inspiring, but I found this book to be a big let-down for me. I was hoping for more insight on how the processes are done, not what the finished projects looked like.
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Assemblage Art    3. Collage    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Paper Crafts    8. Paper work    9. Papercrafts    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (8)

Best for Beginners, in my humble opinion
I first borrowed this book from the library, and now I have finally been able to order it. I have used two other books on this subject, but I think CeCe Wire's book is best suited for me. I am a beginner with this material, however, I want my finished projects to have a certain streamlined sophistication, and I feel that of all of the books I have read on this subject, this book suits my needs and goals best. Ms. Wire has a wonderful grasp on the technical aspects of working with metal clay. Her projects are great for beginners, well illustrated and explained, but the final results are professional and stylish. One does not need to invest in many additional tools or materials in order to finish her projects. I also find that her projects and gallery of finished pieces provide a great springboard to encourage the reader to envision and create their own great jewelry pieces. There is a non-jewelry piece in here, but that does not bother me at all. It encourages the reader to consider other uses for metal clay, and who says jewelry must only be worn on the body? Why not create decorative objects as "jewelry" for the home? If you do not have a kiln, do not worry. I fire my pieces on my gas stove or with a small butane torch purchased from my local home improvement store. Also, I hear that bead and jewelry stores that have PMC or Art Clay Silver classes or paint-your-own-ceramics studios are often willing to fire your pieces for a reasonable fee. So give this book a try, I hope you will be as pleased as I am!
I'm not that impressed with the projects
I just received this book today and I leafed through it and put it down.Normally with a book of this type (art instruction, projects etc) I'll just get lost in it and read it from cover to cover.I bought this book based on the reviews here and also that Ms. Wire is the head cheese at the PMC Guild, but if I had seen this book first in the store I probably wouldn't have purchased it.The jewelry projects are not my style at all, and the layout and photography isn't that exciting either.
Great Clear Photos
This book has wonderful photographs that are clear enough to see the details of the jewelry and steps involved in creating them. I highly recommend this book.
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Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Precious metal clay    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    10. Handicrafts    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (14)

I wanna go home and KNIT!
I just got this book delivered to me at work along with Volume Two: Cables, and they are both awesome!What I really like is that there's no "learn to knit" section taking up precious pages...just a short forward and then on to the stitch patterns, every single one of which is just gorgeous!Can't say enough great things about this book!

I want one too!
I bought this book (and Volume II) as a gift and wish now that I had bought two . . . one for me, also!It is a wealth of information and it also looks good.Besides ordering my very own copies of I and II, I have already pre-ordered Volume III.

The editors missed a MAJORopportunity to make this outstanding dictionary!
First of all, I will admit that I am a sucker for knitting and crochet dictionaries.I have all of the classics from the Harmony guides, Barbara Walker's treasuries to the older Mon Tricot books.There have been several other dictionaries, and I have also purchased them rationalizing that if I miss a pattern in one book, I may give it more attention in another one.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handbooks & Manuals    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Reference    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    10. WALL CALENDARS - SPORTS WALL   

Reviews (14)

Gorge yourself on gourds!
What a great book! I took a gourd coiling class and the instructor had this book. I couldn't wait to get my own copy! This book is so thorough. From cover to cover it's filled with information, pictures and ideas, you can't help but be inspired. I was, and now I'm "gourding" like crazy!

LOVE IT
This is a great book for beginners such as myself.It gives good project ideas and instruction to complete projects.Also a goodsection on gourd history.

Gourds? Yes, gourds.Are you sure? Sure I'm sure.
Well, I bought this book because I was bored, and wouldn't you know it, it was about gourds!(It didn't teach me how to rhyme, I learned that in college).I don't really like gourds.They seem so hostile some times, you know what I mean?It's like they know youre going to carve them so they dont cooperate one bit.So now I'm using the book as a little wall that Im using to keep this mouse trapped in the corner of my bathroom.The book is heavy so he cant get out so I just feed him corn and keep him there.The book makes an excellent wall.I looked for a book about walls to use as the wall but I didn't have one.Well, time for my pill.Dipsy-do! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. General    5. Gourd craft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. BG-HUMOR/GAMES - BG-GAMES/PUZZLES    8. Crafts & Hobbies / General    9. Decorative finishes & surfaces    10. Handicrafts    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (21)

The One to Have
Leonard Lee's "The Complete Guide to Sharpening" is a wonderful (make that essential) addition to the home or shop library. A writer once told me that a really good title should only fit one book, and this one certainly does. After reading the table of contents I was awakened to the idea that almost every tool needs something sharpened, reshaped, or polished to perform its tasks the best. How about sidecut pliers, tweezers, various drill and router bits? They're covered in this book.I appreciate the photographs and illustrations of various cutting edges under extremely high magnification. The whole "a picture is worth a thousand words" cliche takes on serious meaning in this book. Some prospective buyers may look at the sheer scope of this work and think it's overkill -- too comprehensive for most hobbyists. I strongly disagree. This work should be read, followed, and kept for future reference. I would not have thought of sharpening my pruning shears, hedge trimmers or other tools had I not purchased this book. I find it well-written, comprehensive in scope, founded in facts, and easy to follow. I consider this book the equivalent of a doctoral dissertation on sharpening. Buy it and use it.

Now my tools are scarey sharp!
Prior to reading Mr. Lee's book my approach to sharpening was to fire up the grinding wheel and make some sparks fly from the tool's cutting edge.The results were less than satisfactory.I needed a mentor.
Best Book for Sharpening Skills
This is the best book by far that I've found for sharpening every tool in the workshop. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carpentry tools    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Hand Tools    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Power Tools    7. Reference    8. Sharpening of tools    9. Woodwork    10. Woodwork - Tools    11. Woodworking    12. Woodworking tools    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (1)

Excellent book - companion cd is "okay"
This new "pro" edition of The Complete Metalsmith is everything you would expect it to be. Detailed, accurate, and filled with many useful diagrams. It is a significant improvement over the regular edition in terms of topic depth and scope.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Metal Work   

Reviews (26)

Knowing and enjoying your Rolex
If you are interested in the history and development of this much sought after watch, I feel that this is the best book on the market for under $125. Photos of an extaordinary amount of Rolex watches add to the abundant, easy to read, printed information. Maybe there are some new styles not listed but, so what, they will be in future editions. I think this book is invaluable to the Rolex collector, just starting out or with years of experience. A pleasure to read and to own. Please note that this is the 3rd. edition of this book.

The old Rolex book
Book is fine if your interested in 30+ year old watches. No reference to newer watches.

Great book!
This is the perfect book about Rolex watches! Great for the collector, or if you're just interested in great watches. Nice pictures, many unusual models. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clocks & Watches    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Reference    5. Antique clocks & watches    6. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (17)

Well, it wasn't as helpful as I had hoped.
This book still provides the basics, some terminology and such...but the patterns that are "included" are outdated by about 20 years. That was very disappointing since the instructions refer to these patterns and that feature was a big selling point for me, so as to practice the actual tips and learn with the book before spending more money at the fabric store!

goodbook for beginers
Explains the basics of sewing. I used this book while taking a begining sewing class and I feel it explained some of the points that the instructor left out.

Sewing for Dummies
book was in excellent condition and arrived quickly!!! great sellerA+ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine sewing    5. Sewing    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    7. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (18)

Review of Creating Life-Like Animals in Polymer Clay
This book, by Katherine Dewey, is a terrific resource book for those wishing to make animals from polymer clay - either to enhance their other sculptures or as a stand alone product.Numerous pictures and examples, with detailed instruction guide you step by step through the process.Animals included are deer, in two poses, frog, wolf, seal, bear and more.She also includes examples of bases, such as a leave for a sleeping mouse.
Creatring life-like animals in Polymer Clay
I found Katherine Dewey to be an excellent instructor, her directions were clear,detailed and easy to follow. I appreciated the directions for making your own tools as these can be expensive and hard to find.The tips and directions continue to be helpful in projects other than those given in the book. I highly recommend this book as well as her other book, Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay to anyone interested in working with this medium.

Great Book
This is the first book that I really can do the projects in..its a very good quality book..and not hard to do or understand.B.W. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal sculpture    2. Ceramic Arts And Crafts    3. Clay    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Polymer clay craft    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Art Forms, Treatments & Subjects    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (5)

Nothing New
I bought this book hoping for a new spin on Bookbinding lit.It turned out to be more of the same: lots more stab bindings.The explanations are vague as well.The chapter on Scroll-making was interesting, but overall, this book is not worth the price.If you have other bookbinding books, there's nothing new here.

At the Master's Feet
As an amatuer bookbinder with varying levels of attention span, I found this book really useful. The illustrations and directions are very clear and can be followed very closely or used as a jumping off point. It covers many styles of binding, tools and paper. I especially enjoyed the pictures where the bookbinder's foot is used to to hold something down leaving the hands free to work. Ever read a craft how-to book and thought...well I could do that if I had 3 hands?

Lots of choices, clear directions
This is an excellent introduction to the varied forms of Japanese bookbinding. As with so many other crafts in Japan, it is both like and very unlike matching Western craft.
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Subjects:  1. Art / History / Asian    2. Bookbinding    3. Crafts & Hobbies / Papercrafts    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Japan    7. Art    8. Art & Art Instruction    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. History - Asian    11. Papercrafts   

Reviews (10)

Yummy Chain Mail Jewelry!
Very nicely done photos and text, easy to follow instructions, and absolutely gorgeous projects!

Easy chain mail that you will love to do.
I love this book!The instructions are clear and easy to understand.I have made the Hana-Gusari bracelet that is in the book and people stop me on the street to look at it.This is a must have book for chain mailers.

Wonderful book
I found this book to be very detailed and the graphics make it easy for someone who has never done chain mail before to easily understand.I look forward to making some of the jewlery in the book.Wonderful book beautifully illustrated and explanations clear. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chains (Jewelry)    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Metal Work    10. Metal-work    11. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (16)

an interesting glimpse into alternative collage.....
i took a couple of altered photo workshops with karen many, many years ago (before the word altered photo became a phrase in itself) & was so pleased when her book came out. it's like one of her workshops in a book! what i enjoyed best about this book is that it is not a step by step how to book. the artist shares her techniques and then encourages you to take those techniques and experiment some more. i am always amazed when artists share the techniques they've developed so that others can benefit & grow from them as well. this is not a book for those who need their hand held through the creative process, it is a book for those who want to introduce some fun, new tips and tricks into their own artwork. if you enjoy a rougher, not so polished approach to the creative process, you'll enjoy this book. if you need things laid out neatly with tight clean edges, well, you may want to visit elsewhere.

awesom book
TAhis book MAKES you want to collect everything you find on the street. Its terrible. But wonderful. Re-using everything and everyway, and with hands on approach. I love it!!!! its perfect for designers with 'illustration issues', for getting over it.(!!) Like me.

intriguing techniques
This book has several techniques I have not seen in other books.My interests are mostly in bookbinding, cardmaking, scrapbooking, rubberstamping, and other paper arts, and I found the ideas in this book were new to me, though they may be familiar to seasoned collage artists.I like the before and after photos, the gallery of ideas, and the variety of techniques covered. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Assemblage Art    3. Coloring    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Decalcomania    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Photographs    9. Photography, Handworked    10. Polaroid transfers    11. Reference    12. Collage   

Reviews (11)

Best Teaching Book by the Author
I now own all three of the author's books and I found this one to be the very best of the three as a "teaching" book.After reading through it, I discovered the "missing pieces" that answered so many of my questions.Each book offers a different focus for making whole cloth quilts or traditional heirloom quilts.While none of the books offers a comprehensive guide, all three add up to a trilogy of quilting knowledge that will help you create your own heirloom or whole cloth quilt:Whitework Quilting for design inspiration (lots of photos), McTavishing for background quilting, and Ornamental Design for trapunto.

Mastering the Art of McTavishing
I am very glad that i have this book in my posession; allows to generate number of new thoughts and ideas for future projects; very well illustrated and easy to follow; this is the book that you return to time to time.

McTavish DVD a hit!
The book is very good, but the DVD is wonderful!I have viewed the DVD numerous times.I enjoyed the delightful commentary by Karen McTavish while watching her stitch, creating the famous "McTavishing".She gives the viewer tips, tricks and the courage to learn her technique.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine quilting    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (10)

Stunning knitwear
If it's written by a Starmore, you can't go wrong.This book is full of absolutely gorgeous sweaters that will inspire even the novice knitter.I bought this book 10 years ago and it motivated me to learn to knit to a much more advanced level.It's a shame that Alice Starmore's books are out of print for the most part, as it deprives those new to knitting of some of the most beautiful books and patterns ever created (unless you can afford the ridiculous price for used).

Very comprehensive aran patterns
This book goes from fairly simple to very challenging. There is something for every level of confident knitter. I love that there are patterns for men, women and children. This book is excellent for those that have been wanting to try a pattern that looks complicated, but is rather very straightforward. I am anxious to try knitting a sweater in the round instead of knitting in pieces and having to sew them together. I highly recommend this book

Ten Star Book
If you love the look of cables, textures and Aran Sweaters, you will love Alice Starmore for putting together this book. This book is a treasure. ... Read more

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

Reviews (43)

Just in Time
Suddenly remembered my wife's birthday coming up very soon and have great difficulty in buying her a present. Knew she was in to quilting so summoned Amazon's help for the first time. Decided on the book and it arrived safely with nearly a week to spare.
You CAN judge this book by its cover...
You CAN judge this book by its cover, because the title perfectly describes what's inside.I think this is a great general, but broad-scoped how-to reference, that would be useful to both new and experienced quilters.The visuals are excellent and the layout and organization pleases both the left and the right sides of my brain!I have a treasured library but if I could keep only one book it would be this one.

The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide
This book is THE BOOK. A MUST HAVE. I have read alot of reviews on quilting books and ended up in time purchasing five books in total. This is one of the last two I purchased. I wish I had known about this book first. It is the only one you need! Other books are good for additional block patterns and such but if you want something to realy help you this is the book. It even goes deep into the actual quilting. Most websites and books focus on the blocks, bindings and appliques. This book focuses on EVERYTHING with awesome pictures to help you understand everything. Just like the title reads it is the Ultimate Guide. BUY IT. You will not be sorry!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Encyclopedias    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Quilting    8. Quilts    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Patchwork & applique    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (8)

I'm not a little teapot...
But if I were a little teapot, I'd be one of the beautiful ones in this book.There are teapots both plain, and beyond description to fascinate, amuse and amaze you.If you know a little about firing ceramics, and glaze technology, the information provided will deepen your appreciation of each teapot.You may find that some of these artists are in your area, and have ceramics for sale.Or if you just like teapots, there enough teapots here in beautiful color photos to sate your appetite.

Beautiful and Imaginative
500 TEAPPOTS is an wonderful book and is sure to inspire both potters and tea drinkers alike.It is a wonderful companion to 500 BOWLS.I hope they publish ANOTHER 500 TEAPOTS (BOWLS, too).

Amazing
This book is for teapots'lovers what Imagination is for artist.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Catalogs    3. Ceramic teapots    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. History    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Antiques & collectables: ceramics & glass    10. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    11. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Pottery & Ceramics   

Reviews (8)

It is ok.
A little more basic than I thought it would be.But had some helpful hints.

It's a keeper
Being in the metal smithing hobby for over 30 years. I have purchased a large number of books on "Jewelry making". I found this book to be clearly written, well illustrated and done to the high level that I have come to expect from McGrath's books. For anyone intersted in metal smithing this is a must have.I do own it.

Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes
Absolutely thrilled with this book.A good value,with useful andeasy to understand information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts   

Reviews (7)

Not for Brand-New Beginners
For beginners, I would rate the book 2 stars.For more experienced winemakers, this would be a fantastic reference book.
New to Winemaking?So am I.
A friend over seas, living in a country where one must make their own, recommended this gem to me last year.Since then, although possessed of no previous knowledge or experience, I succeeded rather easily in making good wines. I also compared the wine from the recipes in Anderson book with highly recommended kits from Vino Del Vida.Although much easier and quicker, the kit product, while very satisfactory according to those who have tasted it, did not measure up to the superior wine made from Anderson's recipes. Great 'recipe book' for beginning winemakers
Some books are meant to be read, and others are meant to be used. This one definitely falls into the second category. Spiral bound, this falls neatly open to whichever wine recipe you are currently working on. There are recipes for apricot wine, kiwi fruit wine, ruby port, sparkling wine, and everything in between.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. General    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Wine and wine making    9. Wines   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Flower Arranging    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Parties    6. Party decorations    7. Planning    8. Tablesetting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Flower Arranging    10. General cookery