Reviews (3)

Shaker Furniture Making "Barney-Style"
This book is fantastic.Detailed pictures, lists of required tools and woods, and step-by-step instructions help you create great-looking Shaker furniture.I used this book to create a Shaker blanket chest, which was my second "large" woodworking project.The quality of results surpassed my expectations.This book is a must for the beginning woodworker who wants to produce quality items while at the same time learning or re-learning basic techniques.

Just like having Norm there with you!
Perhaps I'm biased, I think Norm is to woodworkingwhat Carl Sagan was to science. The projects are described in detail with Norm's hand on your shoulder. Complete and well detailed with out wasting time. I recommendthis book and the rest of Norm's books highly.

very good;excellent instruction; furniture clean
I bought one of Norm Abram's book on outdoor furniture.I built the adirondack chairs, and then the garden bench.I learned alot, they turned out very well, and I subsequently bought all his other manuals.I wish he'd do some more.His plans and choices of projects are the best among the current title offered. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Furniture    3. Furniture making    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Shaker furniture    8. Woodwork - General    9. Woodworking    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Furniture & cabinetmaking   

Reviews (3)

A Very Beautiful Book
The photographs in this book are absolutely stunning.You could set it on your coffee table for guests to look through, and even if they don't know a Meyer lemon from a tangelo, they'll take great pleasure in looking through this book (they'll learn something, too).Everything is lovingly laid out, photographed and eloquently described.Buy the hardcover edition, because you'll want to keep it for a long time.

A great Holiday Treasure - and gift
Martha's Holiday book this really touched my heart. My mom has always grown Amaryllis and Christmas Cactus, chapters 4 & 5 really were a delightful surprise. I now know the Christmas Cactus the I have is called "White Christmas". When I told my mom about the charts, she was so interested in the book (she lives in Ohio and we live in Fl.) that I am immediately sending her one for Christmas. My son is a personal chef - so we all love to cook and I love to decorate. The pictures are great as usual, but I think I like the charts about the topic in each chapter. They are beautiful and informative. It was great to see the different types of pine cones and citrus. The best part is that even if you don't use these ideas during the holidays - the things you have learned will be useful all year and will be great to share with friends and family. Lotsof reprints from the magazine
You know this going in, but there arent' as many really neat "new" things as the last books. More biscotti, and a lot of good uses for the endless bags of cranberries in the back of my freezer.I'll start on those for Christmas about November 1, I think.If you like Martha, this is the fifth in the series, but there wasn't anything besides the cranberry stuff that really "grabbed" me.Still, it's great to continue your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas cooking    3. Christmas decorations    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Decorating    7. General    8. Handicraft    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    11. Seasonal    12. Christmas books    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    14. Handicrafts   

Reviews (1)

Projects ranging from cushions to fine curtains
Sewing projects can transform a home, especially with Katrin Cargill's Simple Soft Furnishings: 50 Stylish Home Sewing Projects To Transform Your Home in hand, which provides 50 projects ranging from cushions to fine curtains and table linens. Five key areas of the home where soft furnishings apply are reviewed in the course of project tips, which include how to avoid common problems. Materials list, color photos, and step-by-step instructions make Simple Soft Furnishings particularly accessible to beginners.
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Furniture    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Sewing    8. House & Home / Decorating    9. Interior decoration   

Subjects:  1. Hobbies/Crafts    2. Knitting   

Editorial Review

Mary Engelbreit has been inspiring crafters for years with her vibrant, whimsical designs, and her colorful holiday volume Read more

Reviews (1)

Mary at her best
Even illustrations and photographs for which no patterns aregiven are great sources of inspiration. Excellent design, warmth and color throughout. No artsy-craftsy kitsch in this wonderful book. All projects are keepsake quality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas decorations    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Handicraft    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Painting    7. Seasonal    8. Sewing    9. Christmas books    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Handicrafts    12. Mary Engelbreit   

Reviews (4)

AwesomeBook
Alex has done it again. The designs in this book are beautiful and can be adapted to many different projects. Instructions areclear and well written, and include left and right handed instruction. Good for beginners and more experienced redworkers as well. I highly recommend this book.

Inspiring
After this book arrived I couldn't wait to get started!The directions are very clear and the samples beautiful.

Casting a New Shadow on Redwork
What could be more American than Redwork?How about Redwork with inspiration? Alex Anderson has spun a new twist to an all-time favorite needle art, by producing a clever and creative book on this uniquely American craft entitled, "Shadow Redwork".By including a subtle message of inspiration or love in the background using ecru embroidery, Alex has devised an interesting look, which causes the viewer to ponder more deeply our handiwork. For those of us who labor to produce personalized heirlooms for special folks, a few extra oohs and ahs goes a long way! Ms. Anderson's directions are simple to follow, with some handy tips interspersed along the way.Most appreciated are her Stitch Directions including diagrams for both right and left-handed needle crafters. She includes some simple enough designs for those new to Redwork, including her "Nasturtiums Pillow" as well as the "Seasons Banner", along with some more challenging projects for the seasoned Redwork enthusiast. A tip from one of those seasoned Redwork enthusiasts - when tracing the Redwork part of the pattern, try using a red, .05 Micron permanent pen.If your stitches are slightly off the tracing line, you will never notice! Keep up the great work, Alex; we look forward to your next imaginative quilting venture! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decoration and ornament    4. Embroidery    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Patterns    8. Plant forms    9. Quilts    10. Quilts & Quilting   

Reviews (2)

Contemporary Solutions
It's not always easy to find appropriate window treatments for contemporary interiors.This book offers lots of solutions in photos, with illustrated projects using simple basic sewing techniques. More of the same from Katrin Cargill
After being inspired by the author's Simple Curtains book, I decided to purchase this book.Unfortunately, there were no reviews, so I took a chance and purchased it anyway.While this book has great pictures, classifies different styles such as classic, country and contemporary and has easy to follow directions, I was disappointed that many of the styles and techniques had already been featured in Simple Curtains (scalloped curtains, gingham curtains, lots of tension wire and eyelets).I also think that the workbook style of Simple Curtains is more functional than the more "coffee table style" of Curtain Bible.If you already have Simple Curtains, don't bother buying this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Design - Decorative    5. Draperies    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Sewing    8. Art / Design / Decorative   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Patchwork    5. Patchwork quilts    6. Patterns    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Patchwork & applique    9. Quiltmaking   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (1)

Beautiful Ideas
This book is so beautifully presented it should be marketed as a coffee table book. The patterns are really beautiful and very usable around the home. I really enjoyed making some of the items, and the patterns were easy to follow. The wool recommended was very expensive, but I managed to interchange with little problem. I would recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. House furnishings    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    10. KNITTING_PATTERNS   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. Home furnishing & decoration    4. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Country furniture    2. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    3. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    4. Folk & Outsider Art    5. Folk Arts    6. Folk art    7. Gardening/Plants    8. General    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Indian art    11. Native American Art    12. West (U.S.)    13. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

The function of power tools is to enhance the speed and force of those tasks originally performed by hand tools, but as useful as power tools are, there are still many tasks which simply cannot be done with a power tool. Mastering basic hand tool use is crucial to any renovation or repair around the house, and this book laysout the basic collection of important hand tools needed by any do-it-yourselfer, explains their purpose and proper use, and will give any beginner the practical information necessary to get started. It is generously illustrated with color photographs of new and historic tools. Read more

Reviews (1)

A Good Read
This book is a good read and a practical reference.Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Dwellings    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home / Hand Tools    6. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation    7. Houses    8. Maintenance and repair    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. Tools    11. Hand Tools    12. Home    13. Home Improvement    14. Remodeling & Renovation   

Reviews (1)

3.5 stars! Bathroom Design Book not for Prudes
Author really takes reader on a behind-the-scenes tour of HOW we live in our habitats... Conran won't just ask, what color scheme do you want, but instead makes reader think about true functionality of beds & baths and all the accoutrements.If you use this book to remodel or build, you'll be making some informed choices!Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (4)

A good idea that is cheerfully decorated.
This hard back journal for projects around the house and details on appliances is a very useful one.You can list the exact date, price and retailer where you purchased items for future reference instead of having to face the chore of 'going through the records'. Be Aware
Be aware that the reviews refer to the "Home Sweet Home" journal and project planner by Mary Engelbreit and not the organizer alone. The organizer is basically an accordion file that is meant to be used as a supplement to the journal. It is very nice but it's sort of like have a nice digital camera bag without the camera.

A Must For Every Homeowner
This is a beautiful book and a brilliant idea! Keep track of all sorts of information about your home for future reference. Paint colors, service dates, window sizes, installer names, etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books    2. Blank-books    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Dwellings    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Home economics    8. Maintenance and repair    9. Non-Classifiable    10. Planning   

Reviews (6)

not inspirational
This book is geared more towards the beginner, as the variety and patterns in this book are not really inspirational to more experienced knitters.This is quite a let down of a book, although there are a few pieces I may someday knit.

Celtic? Nah
What a lovely book this is, full of happy blond children lavishly photographed amidst charmingly rustic settings. However, the knitwear they're modeling, although clean-lined and attractive, isn't "Celtic" at all. Yes, there is one Aran-ish tunic in the collection, but unless you are a thirteen-year-old, it won't fit you. A terrific disappointment!

A Little Bland
As is true for all of Debbie Bliss' books, Celtic Knits contains beautiful photos and an attractive, accessible layout.Celtic Knits has a pretty good variety of patterns - mostly adults, but also a few child and baby patterns.Be warned, however, that the women's patterns seem to run on the small side; you might have to adapt if you want to make other sizes.Read more

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

Reviews (8)

A decor book for the artist within
As professional home stylist and a lover of all things creative, I purchased this book. I was afraid it was going to be all cutesy country but it was not. It does have a lot of vintage items in great vignettes but is also has chapters on "Bohemian Rhapsody" - ethnic decor, and a chapter entitled "The bare necessities"- which expounds on the "less is more" look.If you want a home that says, "An artist lives here"; this book will give you great ideas and inspiration.This book is now one of my favorites in my extensive decorating book collection.

homes with personality
This is a beautiful book showcasing homes with personality. The rooms aren't all "decoratory" and precisely "country" or "traditional." Judge the book on its own merits (which are many), not on the basis that the photos have appeared in a magazine before.

A Mary Engelbreit Re-Do
Disappointment as I am a charter subscriber to Mary Englebreit's magazine. Subscribers to Mary's wonderful magazine entitled Home Companion should note that much of this work is reprinted from the magazines.This should've been stated so unsuspecting buyers wouldn't repurchase what they already have.If you don't subscribe to the magazine this would be a wonderful book to own.It is filled with great photos of inspirational ideas for incorporating into our own homes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Form - Essays    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Humor    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior decoration    7. Interior design    8. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (7)

Great for special projects!
I agree that the lack of diagrams and measurements make for some moments of head-scratching, but overall, I think it's a decent books. The designs are not your average baby sweater...there are some excellent pieces that are sure to become treasured hand-me-downs. The patterns call for premium yarns, but if you're going to go to all the trouble of making something like the frilled edge crossover sweater (my favourite), why not indulge and use ahigh quality yarn? Good-but could be great
Debbie Bliss did a good job, but I would like to see more colorful sweaters for kids.The designs are simple and cute, but not irresistable.

inspirational
i found this book at the library, and after my maximum renewal time i had to go buy it myself. as a beginner+ knitter, i found many projects in here that i a) could make b) *wanted* to make and c) enjoyed making! it's nice to see children's wear that isn't frou-frou, but has interesting detailing. debbie bliss has inspired me to continue knitting (when i would have otherwise put it down for lost!) i highly suggest this book to anyone, if not for the patterns, for the beautiful photos. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Not a good bet for the beginning quilter
This is one of the first quilting books I purchased and I did not like it. In the section describing supplies, it seems more like an advertisement for the brands she uses and is sponsored by. Someone buying supplies following only her directions may spend money than they truly must in order to begin quilting. Not for the novice
Not a bad book -lots of nice projects -but instructions could be clearer -and they seem to like to "advertise" certain brands and products in this book, instead of giving alternative (and cheaper!) methods.Still, I found this book to be enjoyable and will certainly be making a project or two -the instructions for quilting with fleece were particularly interesting to me.

4 stars
I purchased this book for my mother who loves it. She created a beautiful quilt for me two years ago, and I absolutely cherish it... it is the most beautiful quilt. She found the book extremely helpful for new quilters and continues to refer to it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Quilts & Quilting    5. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (1)

Journey into the mind of a successful restauranter
Not as comprehensive as I would have liked, nevertheless a good insight into the working mind of Terrence Conran, which makes it amust read for any restauranter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Decorating    3. Hospitality industry    4. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    5. Methods - Professional    6. Reference    7. Restaurants    8. Business & Economics / Entrepreneurship    9. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (2)

I liked it alot!
This craft book is filled with wonderful crafts to make and decorate. Perfect for children and any occassion, I definitely reccommned this book!

I was disappointed with the content of the book.
Being a fan of Ms. Englebreit's, I was disappointed with the projects and ideas in the book.Her Companion book series are much better at inspiring one to be creative. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Seasonal    8. Spring    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General