Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Handbags    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - General    9. Needlework - Knitting    10. Patterns    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (11)

Wonderful Illustrated knitting patterns
A must have for your knitting library collection.
Mary Thomas's Jewel of a Book
This small black and white book from the World War II era is a reminder of a time when most women had a higher literacy in the skills of knitting, sewing, and clothing alterations. It lacks a lot of handholding, has no color plates, but makes up for it in the intelligent approach to knitting stitch presentation.
A delightful classic
As a beginning knitter, I take great joy in this book. Sure, I can't do an eighth of it yet, and most of it is Greek to me, but I dream of the days when I, too, can churn out yards of Brioche stitch -- ah! Most of crafting is anticipation, and I'm at fever pitch about my future knitting, thanks to Mary Thomas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (6)

Neat book, but a bit dated
Interesting book - focus is on doilies, and tablecloth type stuff.A bit much for a beginner at lace.

Exquisite knitted lace designs
This is a collection of exquisite knitted lace designs by Marianne Kinzel. The patterns are in very fine thread lace and mostly use knitting needle sizes around 2.00 mm or finer.
Disappointment
This is NOT a good book for a beginner in Knitted lace. Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitted lace    5. Needlework - General    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Needlework - Lace & Tatting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    10. Knitting   

Reviews (19)

lots of detailed finishing
Many have soles knitted separate and sewn on -(you can't tell this in some of the pictures - really talented finisher, I guess). Some cute patterns. Some just goofy embellishments -(sequins and yarn tassels? They just beg to be swallowed). I have made one pair of the shoes (with the sew on soles) and there may be a couple more that I will do.

A great many styles to choose from.
This book has a very good variety of styles to choose from, clearly written, and illustrated. Just looking at it made me order yarn for 3 different ones!

Lots of good choices
This book has so much variety in booties.I'm a new knitter and chose the Herringbone booties as my second project.It was quite a learning curve but I really wanted to learn how to do them so I could make special presents for my friends.There are so many good choices in here that you have a hard time choosing.Definitely a good choice for your knitting library.I've also knit the wedding booties as a christening gift.So far, no corrections needed.The patterns were perfect. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

ANOTHER WONDERFUL SASHIKO BOOK
GREAT PICTURES AND IDEAS FOR NEW PROJECTS.
12 sample projects to explore two traditions - sashiko and Japanese family crests
Sharon Pederson's Sensational Sashiko: Japanese Applique And Quilting By Machine uses 12 sample projects to explore two traditions - sashiko and Japanese family crests. Here are not just patterns and ideas but the author's own new techniques for making perfectly spaced stitches suitable for quick sashiko-style quilts. Applique and quilting blend with machine stitches for quick and polished results, while projects address problems such as binding and how to solve them with reversible binding, and couching heavyweight threads. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Design - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Japan    6. Machine applique    7. Machine appliquâe    8. Machine quilting    9. Needlework - General    10. Patchwork    11. Patterns    12. Quilts & Quilting    13. Sashiko    14. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (4)

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

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

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

Reviews (3)

Nearly three hundred stitches from feather to drawn-thread stitches and beadwork
Nearly three hundred stitches from feather to drawn-thread stitches and beadwork receive visual embellishment and step-by-step illustration in the fine Complete Guide To Embroidery Stitches, a compendium divided into five main sections to cover embroidery on fabric, smocking, canvas work and more. From color value applications to step-by-step easy directions, each step receives visual drawings and hints for applications.
Great Book!
This book is wonderful.The pictures are very clear and helpful.It also has all sorts of information about the different types of fabric and string, etc. I recommend for anyone, especially beginners like me! Wonderful book!

Excellent and very helpful
I found this book to be very helpful.The pictures and diagrams show exactly how each stitch should be done.I highly recommend this book to everyone who does embroidery. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Machine Design    8. Needlework - Embroidery    9. Embroidery   

Reviews (3)

Big Disappointment
This bookhas only a few pages of text/instructions.Transfer designs are simplistic and none are illustrated.No pictures; all in black and white.I did give it two stars because it documents the basic embroidery stitches - although even they are not that clear.IMHO - not worth the shipping and handling.

Helpful Book For Beginners!
For someone who has never done transfers, nor tried my hand at ribbon embroidary, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this new craft was going to be.It's a perfect starter book, and she even has a flower for"X" in her ABC alphabet, which is Xeranthemum (Straw Flower). Money well spent for anyone who is looking for instructions on "howto" do ribbon embroidary.I am so glad this was my first book, shemade it look easy and fun, and it was!

Ribbon Embroidery: With 178 Iron on Transfers
Great Transfers.Designed for the person who knows a little something about silk ribbon embroidery. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

very good book for people that design hats for a hobby!
I have this book and I like it.You can get some nice ideas from it, but if you make hats for a living...it's not for you. It is really for someone who plays at hat making.

Good Basic Hat tips and Ideas
I beg to differ with others comments that this book wasn't as helpful as they would have liked. It gave great examples of what was possible in design. I found it more interesting than the 'from the neck up book' which was too technical. First off, the photography is great. The examples of hats are awesome. I loved the project for the appliqued garland straw brim. Overall,it's a great book to have if you're interested in millinery.

Great Photos
This book has wonderful photos of all kinds of hats. However, it only contains instructions for making a few of them. I tried to make the Water Lily hat but found the instructions confusing and could not figure it out.However, if you are browing for hat embellishment suggestions or just wantto look at nice photos to get ideas for hats the book is great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hats    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Millinery    7. Textile Arts - General    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. Fashion design    10. Handicrafts    11. STUDY AIDS - SPARKCHARTS   

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

Reviews (3)

The same sweater repeated throughout with slight variations
I'm so disappointed by this book. No imagination!!! Every single sweater has a round neckline whether for the pullovers or for the two plain cardigans. Not a single v-neck, shawl collar, or square neckline at all. The shapes of every single sweater appears to be the same - square and boxy. All have the same plain, straight sleeve. The differences are in the yarn and nearly half are a rib stitch. The others are basic stockinette. If I could be so bold... please save your money and go to an on-line free pattern website for much cuter and infinitely more creative designs with instructions that are equally as clear. I give two stars because the basic shape is ok despite the fact that it is used throughout the book.

Don't hesitate to purchase this one - a classicthat will be used by knitters at any level!
I didn't plan on reviewing another book, but when I saw this book I knew I had to purchase this one.This is one book that any knitter will use over and over again regardless of his/her knitting level. Don't hesitate to purchase this one!
I've been looking for a book like this for years
I just got my copy in the mail and am excited about making just about all of the sweaters in it.They are very basic and not trendy at all, yet they look very much like what I'd buy in any department store today.The patterns look very simple to make and the instructions tell you what weight of yarn to buy if you don't want to use what the pattern calls for.I would imagine that the designs will be in style for many years and I'm glad to have this in my library. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Not for embroidery machines!
Caution - this book is NOT what it may appear to be! It was written almost 20 years ago, and deals with using a SEWING machine and a variety of zig-zag stitching to achieve embroidery-type results. It is NOT about using embroidery machines. As an embroidery machine enthusiast, it was of little value to me.

An essential part of any sewers library
As always, Ms. Fanning specialises in the head slapper in this book.Every time I go back through it I feel like an idiot for not having thought of some of the simple and (once pointed out) obvious techniques shedescribes.Whatever sort of embellishment you are planning, chances arethere is something in this book to make the process easier and moreeffective.And when you are not sewing, the book is fun to read!Herexplanations are clear and easy to envision.I have never actually madeone of the projects in the book, but have used the techniques on countlessprojects.She even says that's fine with her!A truly useful bookbrimming with GOOD ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery    5. Embroidery, Machine    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Machine sewing    8. Needlework - Embroidery   

Subjects:  1. Canvas embroidery    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlepoint    5. Needlework - General    6. Patterns   

Reviews (6)

Great book for gifting sweaters
I've made a bunch of the sweaters in this book.I love the patterns - very well done and some cool, unique ideas.There's a simple baby sweater that involves weaving a ribbon around the edge when you're done - really cute. I gave a friend's son the snowman sweater and he looked soooo cute in it! This is my favorite knitting book - and probably like all knitters, I have a bunch!

amazing!
I *love* the stuff in this book.I'm making the "St George and the Dragon" sweater for my son, who is currently obsessed with dragons.
Must have for baby sweater makers
One of the patterns in here "Beribboned Eyelets" is such a fantastic little baby sweater (6 months size worked with worsted weight yarn)that I know folks who have bought the book only for that.That said there are manyother "must do" patterns in the book and I have done two of them already and loved them.Well written patterns for lovely clothing and toys. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - General    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Soft toy making    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (7)

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible
It is a beautiful book , fotographs are very nice and clear . The explanations are very clear , also for beginners. The ring-binder is very handy when you are stitching. I would recommand this book to every one who likes ribbon embroidery.
Fun book
Great pictures, concise directions and suggestions. I have been using this book with every project.

A 'must' for any who would work silk ribbon embroidery projects successfully
Beginners as well as advanced embroiderers will find the Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible outstanding: it covers all details needed to work with ribbon embellishments, from instructions on over sixty ribbon embroidery stitches and patterns for motifs to color illustrations of each completed project, pattern guides and order of work charts, fabric and thread details, and more. A 'must' for any who would work silk ribbon embroidery projects successfully.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery   

Editorial Review

Inspired by the work of highly skilled embroiderers in Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Textile Arts   

Reviews (16)

Knitting in the Old Way
I don't own this book....YET!!!It is definitely going to be on my short list of knitting books to purchase (after I buy A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker).
Just Buy the Book
If you are more than a scarf knitter and want to tailor or design your own sweaters, quit wasting your time reading reviews, and buy this book.You need it and you will enjoy it!
Which do I make first?
I recently borrowed the updated version of this book from the library and quickly realized I needed a copy of my own. I'm not the most experienced knitter, but have been designing crocheted patterns since my early 20's and the idea of creating my own knitted sweaters appeals to me. As one reviewer wrote, this is not the book for fashion knitters, but therein lies its worth- this is not a book that will become outdated in a year or two, something that greatly appeals to my practical side.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Sweaters    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful for any library, schoolroom or childrens' center.
My mother was a remarkable artist and craftswoman, who taught herself how to spin and weave.I often wish I'd taken the time to sit with her and watch so that I might have learned, too, but as usual with adult children, I was too busy with my own life to do that.Since inheriting my mother's spinning wheel and table loom, however, I'm inspired to learn more.I decided to start with a survey of weaving techniques, and this book, Weaving without a Loom, by Veronica Burningham, seemed like a good place to start.
Simple, inexpensive weaving techniques for adults and kids
For those wanna-be weavers with limited funds, and uncertain skills, this book is definitely for you."Weaving Without a Loom" clearly explains through written directions and close-up colored photographs,various techniques that really, truly do not require any special equipmentother than yarn, scissors, dowels, and other easily acquired craft items. The author, Veronica Burningham, is a member of the Guild of Spinners,Weavers and Dyers. In addition to general tips aboutchoosingRead more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hand weaving    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Weaving    7. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (3)

Modern Art versus Impressionism...
Judy Murrah is a very talented lady. Her book received great reviews which is why I purchased it. However, her personal style is not what I look for in design and embellishing. Her work is very contemporary, and I tend to be much more of a traditionist in design and embellishment. I prefer needlework designs that date as far back as Medieval times. I like order, and I love needle-art to be so beautifully done that one may even frame it as a piece of art. I am all jazzed up!
Judy has written many "Jazz" books that you can now find on the Internet auctions going for big bucks because they are out of print.I happen to have all her books, thanks to a good friend, and feel this one sums up all her shared knowledge of wearable art stitching and embellishing.The first wearable project I made was adapted from one of Judy's' first books.I consider her work as laying the foundation for all wearable artists out in the world today.These 101 techniques can be used on a simple cuff or on your whole project.

Wearable Art for the Practical Person
This is the book we have been waiting for from Judy.She mentioned it was in the works two years ago and I have been eagerly looking forward to it.As with all of Judy's books, the directions are clear and there aremarvelous graphics for all of the techniques she presents.You are givenlots of ideas with photos of finished goods.This book will give you theconfidence to make that one of a kind vest or jacket.The hardest part isdeciding what techniques to start with on your creation!Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - General    5. Patchwork    6. Patterns    7. Sewing    8. Strip quilting    9. Needlework & fabric crafts