Editorial Review

A superb draftsman with an exquisite eye for detail, Graham Rust creates needlepoint designs that are true works of art. Terrific color photos and full-color charts present 17 projects, including a monkey cushion, a cheetah footstool, a sunflower chair, a seashell rug, a Chinese vases pillow, and a mouse-in-a-teapot tea cozy. Although not meant for the beginner, these designs are so clearly presented that most readers shouldn't require more than intermediate skill and a certain degree of patience. Rust's talent as a watercolorist is manifest on every page, making this book not only a practical guide but a visual treat as well. Read more

Reviews (8)

Think twice before buying this one
This books shows that just because an artist is successful in one genre, it doesn't mean that his designs will work as needlepoint.I think nearly all of the designs in this book are ghastly.The pug dog looks as if it has a goitre.The stone face has a nose that looks like male genitals.
Excellent!
Please do not mind the French bulldog on the cover not being given as a pattern inside. Graham Rust explains the difference between a regular watercolor and interpretation for needlepoint by using this work as an example, which was embroidered from his watercolor, by two experts in five months, using 95 colors.
Lovely Projects
Luckly, I didn't buy this book for the elusive English Bulldog pattern, but for the blue cabbage which is lovely.As an unexpected bonus, I found the sunflower chair back and seat cushion cover which also makes a unique throw.I really appreciated that these patterns were artistic rather than craft-sy (I think we're all pretty tired of those '70's geometric patterns in longstitch).All in all, I'm glad I got the book used for less than $5, but I would probably pay $10-$15 now that I've seen the quality of the designs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Canvas embroidery    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlepoint    7. Needlework - General    8. Needlework - Needlepoint    9. Patterns    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlepoint    11. Textile arts   

Editorial Review

Go beyond simply stringing beads together--learn to weave them into beautiful textural patterns to create jewelry, bowls, baskets, purses, and even sculpture. With the step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams in this guide, the seven stitches (peyote, brick, square, right angle, African helix, netting, and chevron chain) and their variations aren't terribly difficult to learn. Although they may take patience and some time to master, even the beginner can produce simple, attractive pieces. Beaders with more experience will be inspired to new heights of invention upon viewing the full-color gallery of spectacular bead weaving creations contributed by various artists to this attractive book. Read more

Reviews (27)

Creative Bead Weaving....
I love the book.It has lots of beautiful inspiring pieces.It's more of a book for intermediate and advanced beaders than beginners in my opinion, but that doesn't mean a beginner wouldn't get something out of purchasing it.I retun to the book over and over again for helpful tips and tricks and inspiration.I highly recommend it.

Another winner from Carol Wilcox Wells
I bought this book after finding The Art and Elegance of beadweaving. Carol Wilcox Wells blesses us again with her prolific creativity and clear step by step instructions.

Great Book
I was new to bead weaving and I kept renewing this book from the library because it was so helpful. That's when I decided to buy my own and I'm so glad I did. It's very easy to follow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Weaving    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    8. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes    9. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (2)

A range of bag projects use traditional and novelty yarns
Eva Wiechmann's PURSENALITY PLUS: 20 NEW FELTED BAGSshows how to knit and few felt bags. There are over ten styles encouraging a range of looks and materials plus patterns for add-ons such as a cell phone holder or eyeglasses case. Projects on big needles explore both traditional and novelty yarns and accompany large-size clear color photos of finished results with tips on pockets, embellishments and more.

Lots of Fun designs!
I was really disappointed in her first book.The first book had very basic patterns that I felt I could have figured out without a pattern book.They also had that quirky homemade look.THis book is much more chic and interesting.The construction techniques, colors, shapes, and hardware on all the purses in this book are wonderful.I can't wait to get my needles out and try some of the designs in this book.I also can't decide which one to do first.The designs are not too quirky, yet not boring either, with a good range of shapes, and patterns.Also there are great ideas for using chains, buttons and other hardware on the purse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Felting    5. Handbags    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Tote bags    10. Knitting   

Reviews (4)

Disappointed
I ordered this book because of it's 5-star rating.When it arrived, I found the purses to be more artsy/craftsy where I was expecting something upscale and designer-like.My fault, the cover photos should have given me a clue.Anyway, I was disappointed and ended up returning the book.

Great ideas from simple to intricate
This book had purses for everyone, sewers and non-sewers, old and young, small and large.The purses are hip and the patterns are easy to understand.I already had some of the patterns but they even presented them in a better way with great step-by-step COLOR photos.

Fabulous!
I never bother with reviews, but this book was so wonderful that I couldn't help myself.It was inspiring, full of wonderful, clearly photographed instructions, and left this non-sewer feeling as if I could really pull these off.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Handbags    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (56)

First from the library, then I bought a copy
This book respects the individual knitter and how he/she knits! It didn't tell me to keep making swatches until I fit into a set-by-someone else gauge.Rather, the instructions are to first make a swatch with MY chosen yarn and needles, then from there, find the right column in the charts to make the size I wanted to end up with. It works for me!!
Awesome Book!
I really like this book! It's a step above the normal patterns so you get to design your project but it's not like you have to make up your pattern. This book gives instructions for making each kind of knitted items in different sizes and gauges. This is a must have book!

Good reference book
I feel this book has great potential and will be a good resource for me. I'm a relatively new knitter so the charts are a bit overwhelming. However, I did refer to it while knitting my first pair of socks and found the directions for making the gusset were superior to my Ann Norling directions. So, I'm anxious to take a deep breath and give it a try as I think I'm really going to like the results. I'm going to try a hat as my first project. The trick is to photocopy the pages of the pattern and highlight the sizes throughout the pattern so you don't get mixed up. The patterns are all very nice and basic and would appeal to everyone. ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Worth the Wait...
I wanted to purchase this book last year but was informed that thebook was too expensive for the information inside.But because there is little to choose from in the felting industry, I decided to purcahse the book anyway.In my opinion, the book is everything I need to get started - great photos - small and large projects - excellent instruction for the beginner.

taking felt to a new level
I already own several felting books (The Art of Feltmakingand Exploring Textile Arts) and when I purchased this one I was very excited to learn more about this ancient craft.When the book arrived I didn't think there was a lot of new information in it at first, compared to what I already have.I was somewhat disappointed (although the diagrams are good and the directions are clear) but at the very end of the book -- ta da! -- I suddenly became inspired. That was what I wanted... something new and inspirational.
Simply Felt --the best
If you are going to buy only one book on felting this is the one to purchase.I have bought others but found this one, at last, to be the answer to all my prayers.It is concise, well illustrated, simple to follow.It give you more than the basics to create beyond the book.Five Stars happily ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Felt work    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Textile Arts    8. Textile Arts - General    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    10. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

A delight for those interested in art, textile arts, women's history, or art history
This new book by first-time author Gail Carolyn Sirna is a compendium of paintings that show women engaged in textile arts.As suggested by its title, the book is intended as homage to needlewomen through history, a counterpart to the poetic tribute by 17th Century poet John Taylor, "The Prayse of the Needle". The author'smotivating assertion is that needlework is second only to childbirth and childrearing as a common thread that links women of all places, cultures, and eras. For each painting, she provides a brief commentary about its composition, what the physical setting of the female subject tells us about her life situation, and the historical context of other elements of the picture.
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Art Needlework    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Subjects & Themes - General    7. Human figures depicted in art   

Reviews (45)

Great Book!
Just recieved it and I have already done two of them.It is definately an inspirational book.I have so many ideas now, it has really given me a jumping off point!I'm going to spread my subversiveness as far and wide as I can!

Wickedly Funny, Stirringly Inspirational and Great UnClean Fun
Hats off (caps, visors, tiaras...WHATEVER!) for this delightfully fun and geniously creative book based on what can be an otherwise vanilla (yawn!) branch of the crafty arts.Ms. Jackson (is that Julie, if you're nasty?) has turned her efforts at recreational therapy into a springboard for others who are disgruntled with our world full of pink bunnies and fuzzy teddy bears.Let your creative juices flow after becoming inspired by this new approach to an age old means of artistic expression.I'll be picking up a needle & floss for the first time in almost 30 years thanks to my delving into this lovely little book. FUN, FUN, and more FUN!

Counted cross stitch as you've "probably" not seen it before.
It is a book for someone with a sense of humor that loves to cross stitch.The patterns are simple and well designed and the pictures show beautifully framed finished projects.The only problem I see, is that the verbal content of the patterns will not be to everyone's taste. I personally think it was a hoot and ordered the book the day after seeing it at a stitching group I belong to.I admire Ms. Jackson's ability to express herself so well in floss and I fully intend to stitch several of the patterns.I would recommend the book to people with a sense of humor and long time stitchers who are bored with the sameness of the patterns that are out there.However, don't forget what thebook is titled. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Blessing and cursing    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Cross-stitch    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Cross-Stitch   

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

Reviews (2)

TO BE HONEST Creative Cloth Doll Couture
To be absolutely honest..When I first received Creative Cloth Doll Couture
Great Pictures and Ideas
This book begins with directions to make the doll.This is good, because you are not forced to buy a separate book for this.Most importantly this is a book for the truly creative, for those who want something different.If you need inspiration and ideas, this book is for you, there are a few galleris of examples throughout the book.The cloths range from all the pieces of a skirt suit (including lingerie and shoes) to 60's bell bottoms to fairy-ware.They are colorful, unusual and some are high fashion evening ware.The pictures are great and the instructions seem clear (I have not made any of the clothes yet.Unfortunately there are more gallery pictures than patterns, that is my only complaint.There is engough of the basic theory to help you design some simple clothes on your own.I have all three books in this series and they are all very good! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Doll clothes    5. Dress accessories    6. Folkcrafts    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework - General    9. Patterns    10. Toymaking - General    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General    12. Paper crafts    13. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (2)

Betcha can't make just one!
I have made fabric wrapped baskets and sewn them by hand, like rug braiding, in the past but doing them on the machine is awesome.My first one was the oval basket using 2 fat quarters.The bottom is red and stitched in black and the upper area and handles are green, to mimic watermelon.From the left over green I made two mug coasters.I bought a box of tea and placed that in the basket with the coasters and included 2 mugs and gave the whole thing as a gift.The recipient loved them and the basket sits on the counter with her tea bags at the ready.Now I know what to do with all those odd "why did I buy that fat quarter" and any outdated fabrics.What a great way to use up old stash.This is fast becoming my favorite book.I am making the large purse now and want to attempt the covered baskets next.They sure are addicting!
A Craft for the Craft Imparied
I don't ordinarily do crafts, but I was intrigued by the beauty of the finished projects and also the fact that this is a craft that is not just using a pattern created by someone else, but it shows one how to add one's own individuality to each project.The book is well written with easy to follow instructions.I would recommend it if you're looking for a way to create something that relects you.These bowls and baskets, and purses would make cherished gifts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Sewing    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    7. Embroidery    8. JUVY-WORKBOOKS - JUV WORKBOOKS    9. Needlecraft art (eg lace, quilts, etc as art objects)   

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

Editorial Review

When viewing the magnificent floral forms that Candace Kling creates, it'ssometimes hard to believe that they are actually pleated, gathered, ruched, and twistedribbons--not the real thing. Her gorgeous ribbon flowers appear to be extremely intricateand complicated, but her extensive directions and diagrams take the mystery out ofrecreating everything from roses to pansies to poppies to daffodils. After nearly twodecades of researching antique ribbon work, her knowledge of vintage pieces is evidentin much of her work and in her finely tuned sense of color. The many photos of vintageribbon-work flowers, not to mention those of her own artistry, are themselves worth theprice of the book. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The Best Directions Ever!
I've seen most of the ribbon flower books that there are--and this is pretty much the best.It has instructions that are clear and very easy to follow and there are so many different ideas for you to use.Not just a couple of projects--so many for you to combine.I have taken this book out of the library so many times that I wanted to keep it.Then I remembered I could buy it online!!!
The Best book on Ribbonwork!
This is the best book on ribbonwork. It incorporates many beautiful pictures of vintage and some contemporary work. The entire book is instructional (no silly projects to fill the pages!!!). The instructions are excellent and this is as close to a "beginners" introduction to the subject as I have been able to find. At first I was disappointed that there were very few photographs of instructions. Often the instructions use drawings and often drawings are the only examples of the completed piece. But, what I have come to love is the lack of pictures for instruction. This book achieves something many art/craft books fail to. It requires you to practice, to use a variety materials and to create your own color combinations.It makes the "copying" of another's work no concern, because basically, you cannot. The subject is so well covered you will have an understanding of it: from foliage, to flowers, to stabilizing your work for wear on clothing, hats, and pins, to stems and buds, to flat and dimensional, to texture and how to preserve your work, etc. I haven't found a better book and I do not expect to. I thank the author for covering subjects like the movement, or "dance," of the work and for challenging me with the drawings - to try it and then see how it looks. Last but not least, the author introduces a great way to figure how much ribbon you will need to make any project using any ribbon width! So you can make ANY size flower you want. Ms. Kling makes your journey an unexpectedly easy fall - into a creative medium more satisfying than anything I've dabbled in besides beads - which one can incorporate too, of course.

Absolute "Eye Candy" for the "Ribbonaholic"
This book has got to be one of the best and most comprehensive books out there on ribbonwork.It not only showcases the antique items where the colors have faded to perfect glory, but also incorporates the new and runs the gamut from embroidering with silk ribbon to forming flowers and bows of the ribbons.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Handicraft    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - General    7. Ribbon    8. Ribbon flowers    9. Ribbon work    10. Decorative arts & crafts    11. Lace & lacemaking   

Reviews (19)

easy to follow!
I had to buy this book for a fibers class and i'm glad i did. this book is great! easy to follow instructions. if you can get the older one, the cover is much cuter! it helped me learn lots of embroidery stitches, basics of quilting, and the macrame section is great!

This book is a joy!
This volume lives up to the title. It is most definitely a very complete guide to needlework. The instructions are flawless, and the lovely presentation will encourage you to try new things and refresh old skills. The Complete Guide to Needlework would make a perfect gift for the crafter in your life, but be sure to buy another copy for yourself. It's just THAT GOOD!

Needlework of all kinds
This bookis just packed full of information of all kinds of needlework and is easy to read and understand.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework    5. Needlework - General    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    7. Embroidery   

Reviews (8)

Not so nutty Knots
This book is actually pretty good, but more for someone who has done knot work before.I dont know that i would necessarily recommend this to a beginnner that has never done any knot or macrame work before since the patterns do not give a step-by-step illustration of what to do and this might prove difficult for someone just getting started.
So Great!
This book was just so much fun!My sister and I have a weekend hobby of macrame and other types of craft work and we have enjoyed this book a lot.It's just one of those great books you can go back to again and again for different techniques and ideas.

GREAT BOOKTO LEARN FROM!
I was totally new to making hemp necklaces etc.I started with this book and it has taught me to knot and make some great things.Now I have a bead and hemp collection and able to read other beading how to books with greater understanding.
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Subjects:  1. Agriculture - General    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Industrial Technology    5. Jewelry making    6. Macramâe    7. Needlework - General    8. Patterns    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Technology    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - General    7. Patterns    8. Quilt Making    9. Quilting    10. Quilts & Quilting    11. Quiltmaking   

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

Reviews (7)

Not what I expected
Personally I found this book rather dissapointing. The instructions are very perfunctory and often incomplete. Better instructions on most of the included tecjniques are available free on the web with a bit of searching. It is an interesting book to read but don't expect too much practical help.

Best beading guide ever
This is the most complete guide to beading techniques I've ever seen.It covers everything you could possibly want to do with beads, especially seed beads.It covers everything from beadweaving (peyote, brick, herringbone, netting, etc. stitches) to knitting, crocheting, and tatting with beads, to wire work, to bead embroidery.The instructions are wonderfully clear and well-illustrated.There are 2-3 projects to make with each technique, including a small sampler project to get your feet wet.The book is also an invaluable resource for tips and tricks and information on beads and beading.
Titled appropriately
The book is wonderful.The illustrations on how to do the various stitches are enlarged enough to easily see what's going on.You don't need to puzzle out stuff.Besides the size of the illustrations, they are clear cut with each step having its own picture along with clear written out instructions.
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Needlework - General    8. Embroidery   

Reviews (4)

Comprehensive, Great Book
Do not miss your chance to add this book to your library.This second book by Pat Cross is fabulous.Very well done, factual and complete, great photographs - just a great book and one I am proud to own.
Another Winner
Here's another winner from fiber artist Pat Cross.This is a thorough how-to on Pat's specialty, which are primitive rugs in a wonderful neutral palate.You will never see a better example than the gorgeous rug on the cover.There are lots of tips with great examples and photos.A great addition to any fiber artist's library.

Simply Primitive
Simply Primitive is another cogently written work by Pat Cross.The book will inspire and guide both the novice and the experienced artist of the primitive style.There are many original designs with patterns for you to create your own works of art.Pat tells you where she finds her inspiration and how she creates her designs. The book is beautifully illustrated with color pictures of the wools and the tools Pat uses, and encourages you to select what "works for you".I am a rug hooker and have selected 2 of her designs which will be winter projects for me ... Quilted Cats [the cover design from an antique quilt] and Cat Birds [this is done in 2 just colors ! with an amazingly effective border].Pat shares several Punchneedle designs, but I am intrigued most by the Needlefelting and suspect I'll be working with roving this winter as well.With her clear and detailed instructions, you can even punchneedle and/or needlefelt parts or the whole of her hooked rug designs.And, if you have not bought Purely Primitive ... buy both of these books; you're in for a treat. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Felting    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - General    7. Punched work    8. Rug Making    9. Rugs    10. Rugs, Hooked    11. Carpets & rugs