Reviews (67)

Finally a book that really taught me to knit
Over the last 10 years I have tried every "learn to knit" book out there and none have been all that helpful to me. I got this book and I finally was able to figure it out. She really has a relaxed way of teaching that makes it easy to learn. I knew I did not want to knit scarves and this book is loaded with "beginners first projects" that are easy to do, teach pattern reading and are not scarves. I made each of my daughters a poncho and everywhere they go they get compliments and they were my first two projects. I am now getting all of her books and will use these to teach my own daughters how to knit.

Great for beginners
I'm a beginner teaching myself to knit through books and Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch" is a fabulous resource. Her explanations are clear and easy to understand. I've looked at a lot of "how-to" knitting books and this is the one I like the best. If you're starting from scratch without a mentor, then you can't go wrong with this book.

great patterns and teaching, organization clumsy
I love this book!This is probably the best book ever to teach knitting.It takes the reader step-by-step through the basics to teach a person not just how to blindly follow a patterns, but also gives the technical understanding behind the stitches and patterns.The patterns are delightful for any level knitter.The only problem is that it seems Sally assumes one will read the book assiduously from beginning to end, and create each project as it appears in the book, thus building upon each new learned technique.I am too impatient to do so.Thus, when I just jumped right in and started in the middle of the book with a pattern I liked, I found myself filling all over the book trying to find the various techniques she mentions in the pattern.Good thing her index is very accurate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - General    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Needlework - Lace & Tatting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Lace   

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 (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 (3)

True to its name.
Well, the name of this book is Last Minute Fabric Gifts, not Inventive New Sewing Ideas.
Too Simplistic
Last Minute Knitted Gifts is one of my favorite knitting books, so I bought this book hoping to find lots of inspiration for cute sewing projects.Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with it.Many of the patterns (scarves, blankets, dishtowels, a sarong) involve not much more than buying a large piece of fabric and hemming it. Some projects are not sewing projects per se, but rather involve felting (felted rocks?Seriously?), or simply using fusible interfacing to attach fabric to things.While the results of all of these types of projects aren't unattractive, I'd rather use my limited crafting time to create, rather than embellish, and I certainly don't need a book to tell me that if you hem a piece of fabric, you can call it a blanket.As for the actual sewing projects--well, some are cute, but if you can't find versions of them for free on Craftster or the crafty blogs, you're not looking very hard.There are some cute projects here--a darling felt bunny, a patchwork pillow, a hooded towel that would make a great baby gift--but overall, I think anyone who is interested in more than basic beginner-level fabric projects would be better served by Amy Butler's In Stitches or Denyse Schmit Quilts. At the very least, I'd look at this book in a store before you spend the money.

Wonderful inspiration for sewn gifts!
I just saw this book at the bookstore and ran home to buy it on Amazon.The book is filled with original ideas of things to sew.The author uses a lot used fabrics, sweaters, and such to create new items, which I found particularly appealing.A great book to get before the holidays.Get out your sewing machines! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Gifts    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Sewing    7. Textile Arts    8. Textile Arts - General    9. Textile crafts    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Crafts; knitting; sewing;     12. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (15)

Fantastic book on shawls !!
Loved this book !!I've read it cover to cover a few times now, and like it more and more each time.Great photos of every project.Some history on specific shawls, which I appreciate.Lots of different folks' designs, which is nice.I'm an intermediate knitter but new to lace.About to start my first shawl, wish me luck !

Wonderful collection
This book contains a gorgeous varity of shawls, of all shapes (square, rectangular, triangular, faroese, and scarf length and width). The lace stitching varies too, from intermediate to advanced, and recommended yarns are lace through medium weight, depending on the project. Most are designed to be all one color, but a couple in the back use mutiple colors - very interesting and beautiful look. I am knitting my first project now, chosen because I already had the appropriate yarn- DK weight lightly brushed alpaca in a heathered purply-mauve color - that I am using to recreate the "featherweight fantasy", a rectangular shawl with fringe and a diamond-like lace pattern. It is so beautiful, I will miss it when I give it away as a gift this Christmas. Happy knitting to you~
Get Ready to Pull Out Those Stitch Dictionaries!
As expected, this book includes lots of traditional and innovative shawl patterns, however its true value is that it is an instruction book for designing your own shawls.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - General    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Scarves    9. Shawls    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (3)

Great addition
This book was more along the lines I was looking for in fabric beading. Instructions were clear, pictures beautiful and had lots of detail. I will enjoy using this book.

Full Color Inspiration Book
I finally know what to do with all the "weird" Beads I just had to have for no other reason than they looked different. I love the Picture instructions on beading cabs. I would liked to have seen more of these types of instructions. That is my only complaint. If you can see the patterns in your head the written instructions are clear enough.Her chapter on tools and materials is very good and she even explains the types of threads most books do not cover as well as the glues, scissors, needles, hoops and frames and even includes the newest craze, Fire Line and Power Pro. Chapter 2 is all about beads including my "weird" beads.
A little bit of heaven
Having forgotten that I had ordered this book before it was published, I was pleasantly surprised when it came yesterday. Wow, am I glad that I ordered it! It provides great information about beading on various types of fabrics, the different types of beads and tips as well as things to watch out for from the author. I am new to beading and have been wanting to add it to my quilt blocks and hand made clothing for a while. This book has a large number of her completed pieces in full color and provides explanations for the techniques she used on each one. I found this to be a very helpful and inspiring book, and will recommend it to my friends who are wanting to begin beading as well. Great job, Ms. Van Horn. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Beads & Beading    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Reference    9. Textile Arts - General    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (16)

a taste of everything!
this book has a taste of everything, see what gets your attention.From hand embroidery to marble dying of fabric. I've read this book with almost everything getting my interest.
Great Book on CrazyQuilting
This book is everything that I expected.I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn CrazyQuilting

Wonderful Idea packed book!
What a stunning, full-color collection of quilting projects and how-to's for achieving professional results even if you're a beginner.The Magic of Crazy Quilting is jam-packed with inspirational ideas,practical advice, and time saving tips from an experienced professional.Marsha Michler guides you step by step in transforming any quilt into a sensational heirloom.The author shares her clever ideas for artful embellishments by mixing ribbon, lace and even my grandma's old buttons with her stylish embroidery techniques.This book is a valuable addition to every quilter's library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques/Collectibles    2. Art Needlework    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting   

Subjects:  1. Album quilts    2. Appliquâe    3. Baltimore    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Maryland    8. Needlework - General    9. Patchwork    10. Patterns    11. Quilts & Quilting   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine quilting    5. Needlework - General    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Rotary cutting   

Reviews (4)

Modern ideas
I loved this book because it included ideas on how to use silk embroidery in a modern way rather the victorian way. The works "Zane Gray Trail" and "The Desert Garden" are not in that fussy Victorian tradition.

Modern ideas
I loved this book because it included ideas on how to use silk embroidery in a modern way rather the victorian way. The works "Zane Gray Trail" and "The Desert Garden" are not in that fussy Victorian tradition.

An ok book, and a classic, but not what I was hoping for
I have to say this: I just don't like her style. She likes to do very cluttered things using multiple types of embroidery, and I think many of her examples and projects are quite hideous.Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Silk ribbon embroidery    7. Embroidery   

Reviews (2)

If I could only buy one quilting book, this would be it.
This book teaches you free motion quilting techniques that will make you want to throw out your stencils and marking pens for good (well, almost).The close-up photos of the author's exquisite quilting(incredible) and step by step instructions (well written) make this book an awesome teaching resource.Great recommendations are also inside for fabrics, thread, needles, and other notions to enhance your results.

words are inadequate
i hope to one day see at least one of diane gaudynski's quilts in person. until then, i have her two books for inspiration.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Sewing   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Design - Decorative    6. Felt work    7. Felting    8. General    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Needlework - General    11. Textile Arts - General    12. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (17)

Fabulous and Flirty Crochet
I found this book to be great. The directions are clear and very easy to read. Photos are wonderful! The designs are in style for today.
Very sexy patterns
I ordered another used book off of amazon, and the seller accidentally shipped me this book instead. So I decided to make the most of my time with my misplaced book and write a review of it, especially since because I'm a guy, and it's not the kind of book I'd ever buy on my own.
Fabulous, Flirty - just what you need
This book finally is a step in the right direction..right from the cover with the plunging neckline..i had made with black yarn pink trim using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, and WOW the neckline, [ladies this is turning heads] the other flirty top with the flower in the middle Im currently working on yum! This is a book for those who have skills, The stitches at a glance might seem complicated but as you are working on it you realise that you know just a matter of following the directions CAREFULLY!..soft and femme the way I like it and a nice book to have in you crochet library ~happy crochet ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Needlework - General    7. Patterns    8. Sweaters    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Crochet   

Reviews (8)

A gold mine for any designer
OK, I'm not a quilter. And I have no plans on self-publishing paper patterns.
Publish Your Patterns
I am a new designer and have been struggling with the seemingly mountainous task of getting launched in the designing business.I have read countless books, most of which just bring more questions to mind!Enter THIS book, which is without a doubt, the single best resource on the market. In fact, pertaining specifically to pattern design, there is no other resource on the market that you need waste your money on!!!

Not just for quilters
I am a crocheter and I do design.I want to thank Nancy Restuccia for this wonderful book.Finally all the little secrets about writing and selling any pattern.So much information in this little book, very easy to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    2. Authorship    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Design    5. Handicraft    6. Needlework - General    7. Patterns    8. Self-publishing   

Reviews (32)

Bestdarn sock book I own!!!!!!
I own most of the sock books, being a sock knitter for several years now.
Excellent reference
This is a great book for the sock knitter.
Begin with the Basics
This book is essential if you intend to knit many socks!Rather that merely providing patterns, it endeavors to help you understand the many variables involved in making perfect socks...types of yarn, size of needles, gauge, making the right size, and the parts of a strong and well-fitting sock.You need to thoughtfully read the book and it is well worth the time to develop this understanding of the basics.Then, with practice, you will be an expert and the experience will more fun than frustrating. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Needlework - General    8. Patterns    9. Punched work    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (2)

Great ideas for mixing yarns
The book has some great ideas, both specific and general, for mixing small-ish quantities of different yarns. Some patterns call for several skeins of a given yarn, which might not fit everyone's "stash" profile; but I found many projects so appealing that I'd augment what I already have with new yarn I'd buy, just to create the piece. Definitely has a unique place in my knitting book library!

yarn stash review
very good book to have - esp if you have a large stash of yarn.Most designs are appealing and can't be found in other sources ... Read more

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

Reviews (16)

Findings & Finishings: A Beadwork How-To Book
Findings & Finishings is one of my favorite books on beadwork.The Sharon Bateman provides a wealth of ideas for making your jewelry your own.The instructions are very well done and Bateman also includes basic instructions for the most popular stitches used in beadwork.Her diagrams are excellent and easy to use.The information in the book is good for beginners and more advanced beaders.

Great book to take your beadwork to the next level!
The opening chapters give a simple but thorough overview of beads, threads, wires, tools you'll need, and the basics of working with beads and wire.
Findings & Finishings
It is pretty but I will probably just put it in a pile.It is not a book I would go back to again and again.Had I had it in my hand at a store, I would have put it back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Finishing    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry making    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. Handicrafts    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making