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

Reviews (3)

Lush designs...definitely not for the novice
Bradley's book is filled with beautiful tapestries, a history of needlepoint (or Berlinwork as it was orginally called) and wonderful graphs of the designs.With all of the different shades used in each project, this is definitely not for the novice.One annoyance about the book--she features photos of projects that aren't in the book!However, they are available in the kits she designs and in other books.

awesome,a joy to read
I collect medieval tapestry needlepoint and am always happy to find a book such as this.Unfortunately the copy I found was at the public library so I didn'thave time to do any of the projects before Ihad to return thebook.The projects look absolutely beautiful and the history attached toeach was very interesting.

The charts in this book are a marvel in the use of color.
Elizabeth Bradley has written a masterpiece for the needlepointer who loves beautifully muted colors and traditional English design. As usual, Ms. Bradley begins with an informative introduction giving the history of Victorian canvaswork and then proceeds to give the reader a real feast with her adaptions of historical motifs. Among the choice offerings are The Parrot, The Spring Basket of Flowers, Barley Twists and Cornflowers, Rose and Primula Border, and Patchwork Pieces. The projects are suitable for the intermediate to advanced needlepointer. This is probably one of the premier needlepoint books in print today and should not be missed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - General    5. Needlework - Needlepoint    6. GARDENING - OUTDOOR GARDENING   

Reviews (2)

Think outside the box with Crochet Squared
Crochet Squared is an excellent tool to stimulate ones own creativity. The yarns in the book are expensive but half the fun is looking for beautiful, affordable substitutes or looking for yarn sales on the Internet. Choosing the fiber mix and playing with the yarn combinationsmake the designs your own. Ms. Polk's work reminds me of Judith Copeland's Modular Crochet. Pure inspiration!

The Cover Says it All
I bought this book primarily because it's by an African American author--I rarely see people like me crocheting, let alone, publishing a book. I also bought this book because I thought it'd have some innovative techniques I was not privy to.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Crocheting    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Patterns    9. Crochet   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Canvas embroidery    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Dictionaries    6. Embroidery    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework - Needlepoint    9. Needlepoint    10. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (2)

A 'must' for any quilter who wants to add polishing touches
Choose from a range of designs and techniques to provide a professional finishing touch to a quilt in Bonnie K. Browning's Borders & Finishing Touches 2, a collection of ideas which uses an easy paper-folding technique to make all borders fit perfectly. Designs created by Browning use novelty bindings, scalloped edges and more to provide lovely quilt borders. Patterns, color photos, and suggestions for alternate uses of the bindings make for a 'must' for any quilter who wants to add polishing touches.

Great photos,how-tos and patterns
If you are looking for a good reference for techniques and also for some great patterns for borders, this is the book for you. Also, if you want to make that great Windmill Log Cabin as shown on the opening of Simply Quilts, Bonnie has included all of the instructions to make this quilt. I liked the border patterns especially ... some of them are borders from prizewinning quilters like Linda Roy's Best of Show quilt, Spice of Life, and Gladi Porsche's beautiful appliqued border in Keeping Autumn with Me. Bonnie has designed some new borders too. I'm glad to have it in my library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Art Needlework    3. Arts And Crafts    4. Borders, Ornamental (Decorative arts)    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Crafts / Hobbies    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Patchwork    9. Quilting    10. Quilts & Quilting   

Reviews (4)

A Good Resource for Wheat Weavers
Along with a fascinating history of wheat weaving in ancient times, this book offers clear instructions and excellent photographs for a variety of projects.It also gives an estimate for the skill and time required for each project.If you are a Wheat Weaver or an aspiring weaver, this book is well worth adding to your library.

Excellent
This is the perfect gift for anyone interested in craft work.It has excellent pictures and the step by step instructions are easy for beginners to follow.As well as projects for the advanced weaver.

Wonderful, easy to follow instructions!
Simply wonderful book! Great pictures as well as easy to follow line drawings and instructions make it easy to produce beautiful works of art. The author has included a wealth of information between the covers of thisbook. It is a wonderful addition to any book collection - whether you weaveor not! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - General    5. Weaving    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    7. HOME REFERENCE - Decorating TRD HC    8. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (4)

Good, but not recommended for beginners
The photos are the finest I have seen in many of the macreme books.The instructions are left open, permitting you to add your own personal touch, which at times can be difficult if you are used to concrete step-by-step instructions. I would however suggest that if you are a beginner you should start with a more basic book such as Hemp Masters.The New Macreme is a book for intermidiate and advanced, due to its very open ended intructions and the materials used. But all in all it is great book to further yourself, and try new ideas and help expand on old ones.

Not enough "new" to make it worth buying.
When a book is called "The New Macrame," a reader has a right to expect either entirely different knotting techniques or totally different projects. What is new about this book is that it contains many more color pictures than previous macrame books. It also has several updated looks in jewelry--for example, there is a "Y" necklace style, a ring and earrings made of wire instead of hemp, and an aroma therapy bottle necklace. Good photos, needs more directions
I liked all the color photographs for ideas, but I agree with the other reader that when I went to try a project, I had a hard time understanding the knotting directions...could have used more pictures/instructions in the "how to knot" section.If you already know the basic knots, this might be a good "idea" book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Needlework - General    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. Macrame    9. PENNSYLVANIA - PA Folklore/Humor TRD HC   

Reviews (4)

Not helpful
This book is way to simplified - It doesn't have step-by-step pictures for knotting some difficult knots (3 pictures just won't do it for beginners like me).

Utterly worthless
There were many knots (clove hitch) that aren't even represented but that's not the real problem.I gave it 1 star because following Owen's directions (and not my own knowledge of knot tying) I got only the multiple overhand knot correctly (not even the figure-8!).The Morrow book, which I thought passable, looks like a gem compared to this one...The search continues.

Very helpful book
I found this book to be a wonderful resource.It has clear diagrams for each knot, easily followed if one is a beginning knot tyer.It also covers knots not usually found in sailing and climbing (functional) knot manuals.This is a great starter book for those who are not certain they are "into" knotting yet, as it is quite inexpensive.Happy knotting! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knots and splices    6. Macrame    7. Macramâe    8. Needlework - General    9. Ropework    10. Textile Arts - General    11. Needlework & fabric crafts    12. Reference / Handbooks & Manuals   

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

Reviews (1)

creative chinese designs
This books provides the reader with numerous chinese designs for pillows.Each design is intricate, but the book gives a lot of background on variousstitches and technique. ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Suprisingly different from Crochet with Blocks
Really, not as stimulating as Crochet with Blocks by the same author.To me, it seemed like less variety in the knitting blocks.

200 Knitted Blocks: Traditional and Comtemporary Designs to Mix and Match
I found this book very helpful with good instructions. I am not a very advanced knitter, but there are instructions for everyone from beginner to accomplished.

So many possibilities!
I had checked this book out at the library. I knew I wouldn't be able to turn loose of it, so ordered one for my personal use thru Amazon. So many blocks and so many possibilities with all of those patterns. I have been trying each one out. I didn't even know how to do a cable stitch, and the easy instructions in the back of the book showed JUST how easy that stitch was. A person can use these patterns for millions of things!I love this book. It is now my favorite! ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Animal forms    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art Needlework    4. Cross stitch    5. Cross-stitch    6. Decoration and ornament    7. General    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Needlework - Embroidery    10. Patterns   

Reviews (8)

Learn a wonderful art form
I first became aware of Temari when I saw some balls on display by a lady offering lessons on how to make them.The lessons were $65.00.I decided to check Amazon.com before I gave up learning it on my own.I ordered this book and was thrilled with the results.The instructions are very easy to follow with lots of drawings showing exactly what to do.I was successful on my first try and I am delighted with my new hobby. I have just ordereda second book by Diana Vandervoort and can't wait to get it.By the way, the balls that I had seen on display were all from this book.

A Great Beginners Book!
I first was introduced to temari while channel surfing, and stumbling onto the Carol Duval show on HG network when Diana Vandervoort was demonstrating her craft.I could not wait to get my hands on her book and try it formyself-mostly because I could not believe something so elegant and complexcould be so easy to do!This turned out to be one of the easiest crafts Ihave ever tried, and I have tried my hand at A LOT of things.The photosare truly inspiring, and the instructions are some of the easiest tounderstand and follow.I can't wait to get my hands on the next book, andnew patterns.

Temari- How to Make Japanese Thread Balls
This is an excellent guide to help you create beautiful, and fun-to-do, Temari balls.Simple and easy to follow intructions are given. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - General    5. Reference    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Handicrafts    8. Japan    9. Textile arts   

Subjects:  1. Canvas embroidery    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Needlework - Needlepoint    7. Patterns    8. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    10. Needlepoint   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful, brilliant needlework!!!
I absolutely love the patterns in this book.In my opinion this needlework resource is worth far more than I spent on it.It is definitely one of my favorites.I also appreciated the brief, but interesting notes on historical origin of the pieces.The pieces are rather small, but can easily be enlarged on a photocopier.It wouldn't be too difficult to change some of the patterns to blackwork instead of cross stitch.They don't appear to be simple, "one nighters" to complete, but they are absolutely beautiful and worth the time it would take to do some of them.There is also a great variety to choose from and infinite possibilities to present several pieces together.The charts are presented in black and white.Traditionally, the colors of either red-on-white, blue-on-white, or black-on-white were used.But some of the pictures are so clear that you could easily incorporate more colors if you wanted, or use varigated threads for a unique look.There are many motifs and bands incorporating birds, deer, flowers, crosses, and stars.If I could keep only one cross stitch book out of all of the ones that I own, I probably would treasure this one the most.

A charming collection of counted cross stitch folk designs..
An introduction discusses many origions throughout ethinic groups, religions and countries over hundreds of years. Each plate is numbered with their "probable origin, date and use of pattern." References include: falcons, carnations, peacocks, tree of life, pomegranite, and numerous other plants and animals.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Cross-stitch    3. Decoration and ornament    4. Needlework - Embroidery    5. Patterns    6. Romania    7. Transylvania    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (20)

An ideal, clear, beautiful book.
Useful for the more experienced needleworker, but also for anyone with a general interest, Techniques of Indian Embroidery offers an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in drawing on the wealth of Indian embroidery techniques, and illustrates clearly how to achieve many beautiful stitches and techniques.

A splendid record and inspiration!
Many people think of Indian embroidery as shisha (glass) work, which incorporates tiny mirrors into rich, colourful embroidered patterns. Particular to India, this embroidery technique is thought to have been developed by the wife of Shah Jahan; he built the Taj Mahal at Agra in her honour. Shisha is covered in this book, together with many other techniques, all illustrated with splendid examples. Sections cover embroidery stitches; quilting, darning and pattern-darning; counted-thread work; whitework; metal work; embroidery with a hook; and applique and patchwork. A section at the back gives diagrams of the stitches used, but the main use of this book is as a splendid record and inspiration, tracing the origins and techniques used for centuries in India to adorn clothes, homes, temples and animals. But this is no dry history book; it is written in a very practical, interesting way.

Using stitches effectively - all the help you need!
Professor Anne Morrell, formerly Anne Butler, has chosen twenty of the most popular embroidery stitches, and her aim is to show not only how to work them, but also how to USE them effectively in finished pieces of embroidery, either on their own or in combination with other stitches. Each stitch there is a working diagram, an explanatory text and a photograph of the stitch in progress. This introductory page is followed by a series of photographs showing examples of the stitch in use, some historical, others from the work of contemporary embroiderers; all serve to illustrate the rich variety of effects which can be obtained with one stitch. The basic techniques and materials necessary for embroidery are explained in an introduction, together with some hints for the student on how to work with a wide range of stitches. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorative arts    5. Embroidery    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. India    8. Needlework - Embroidery   

Reviews (11)

Sloppy Writing/Proofreading
This is a sloppily written book full of errors.I had to rip out most of the basketweave cardigan on page 29 because the number of stitches instructed by one section of the pattern does not match the number specified in another paragraph.The patterns seem written to save print space at the expense of clarity and accuracy. I am an experienced (15+ years)knitter, and I found the instructions to be very complicated to follow, requiring the knitter to write the pattern out in longhand so not to miss any steps. This pattern was even described as "perfect for a beginning knitter". Buy this book for the cute pictures if you like, but if you decide to knit from it, work the pattern out on paper first.

Great Patterns; Wrong Sizes
I thought the patterns were fun and was anxious to make many of them; however, the patterns sizes were no where near what I needed for my Chihuahua.Even so my Chihuahua is of the portly/chubby type, the sizes were still too big. I consider myself an intermediate knitter; yet in all honesty, having to re-guage a pattern, change the cast-on, the measurements, the inc's, dec's, etc etc etc is too much of a bother. Don't get me wrong, I always gauge my work and if I have to adjust a few sts here and there and/or change ndl sizes, I'm ok with that... I just don't want to reinvent the whole pattern.

Sizes in the book
While there are some interesting sweaters in this book, her concept of SIZE is so far off, that the book was of no use to me.She is calling a size small, 14 1/2 inches around a dog.This is big on my full grown dachshund, would never work for a chihuahua or other dog considered a small dog.Also the length for a small dog is 12 inches according to her, my smaller sized dogs are around 8 or 9 inches long.The shaping of the basic sweaters would never work for a male dog, and it goes all the way back to the haunches.The other patterns in the book are equally "off" for small or even medium small dogs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crocheting    3. Dogs    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - General    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Patterns    10. Pets   

Reviews (1)

A wonderful addition to any needlecrafter's reference shelf!
Faye Anderson's Applique Designs My Mother Taught Me To Sew has been revised and includes newly updated text, techniques and stitches. This also includes three new projects along with fifty block patterns with versatile uses, making for a fine expanded new guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Patterns    2. Art Needlework    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Applique    5. Appliquâe    6. Crafts & Hobbies    7. Antiques/Collectibles   

Reviews (3)

Kimball is a favorite
I don't keep every quilt book I buy, but this one is a keeper.If you're a hand quilter or want to be, you will benefit from this book.Ms Kimball is one of my favorite applique and quilting people.I always learn something new from her. This book is no exception.

Hand-quilting thrives!!
With hundreds of quilting books, I didn't need another one.But since Jeana Kimball's needles are my favorite, I took a chance.Wow!!How did she get so much information in 80 pages?She covers quilting through, around, and for applique, popular designs for the body of the quilt as well as the borders(both historical and modern), and tools. Every step is punctuated with a glossy color photo example of an actual hand-made masterpiece. And Jeana is classy, when she discusses needles, she doesn't even mention her own.

How much is there to say about Hand Quilting?
Just a couple of pages in this book are actually about the process of quilting itself. There is a long part about the history of quilts (quite good if you are interested in that), a gallery of quilts (beautifullyquilted) and general instructions on materials and planning a quilt. Theauthor also tries to explain how to make a quilting design fit the size ofyour own quilt but that is done very poorly. I have seen much betterinstructions in other books. The quilting part is okay but it is just a fewpages. This is definitely not a book every quilter needs even if you preferhand quilting to machine quilting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Quilt Making    7. Quilting    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (4)

Good paper piecing instruction
I purchased this at a local bookstore especially for the instructions for English paper piecing which are very well laid out.I was also impressed with some of the very pretty quilt designs she came up with using such a basic hexagonal pattern shape.As a newbie to quilting, I look forward to trying out several of these for first projects.

VERY DISAPPOINTED
I was through reading this book in two minutes.A waste of money.The only good section was the illustration on how to do English paper piecing.The remainder of the book was boring and geared toward making tiny, trite little pictures.It missed the wonderful scope of haxagonal English paper-piecing.I was looking for just such a book, and was sorely disappointed.I really wish I could get my money back.

Quilts from Grandmother's Garden:A Fresh Look at English Paper Piecing
This book has some delightful English paper piceing quilt patterns made from tiny hexagons.I saw one of these little quilts made up and was fasinated.I am currently making the one the cover.The book is well written and the directions are easily understood. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Flowers in art    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Quilting    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Quiltmaking