Reviews (2)

Engelbreit Genius
Yet again Mary has found a way into our homes. If you are tired of coloring in your children's books, or they have just plain told you to stop hogging their pages, this is the coloring book for you!Each page is made of heavy paper stock and high-contrast images. This one is a winner! Color to your hearts content, and while you're at it, pick up a frame or two and show off your very own Mary Engelbreit masterpiece.

A lot of fun
I am a nanny for three children and have often wished for a more adult coloring book. I was thrilled to have found this one. Not only is it Mary Engelbreit, whom I love, but the pictures are so much more fun to color than in the average book. There is a lot of detail in the pictures, and the pages are thick enough so you can use marker. It is fun for children, but a lot of fun for adults. The activities are fun for my charges and me to do together. We all recommend this book, for the adult child too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction / Crafts & Hobbies   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

Many Useful Projects
I found many projects I wanted to make in this book.So far, I have made the beanie hat, baby top with seed stitch trim, child's smock and beaded mocassins.Generally, I found the instructions easy to follow.The baby designs are adorable.THe only project I had some trouble with were the mocassins.The beads were too small to slip onto the yarn and knit the way the instructions called for so I just sewed them on afterwards (which is how some of the beads were supposed to be done anyway.)The smock pattern took some getting used to and I wrote out the pattern rows on individual note cards so I could flip them over and know which row I had to do next.I would recommend this book to new and experienced knitters.

Impossible-to-read typeface
This book has clear and precise photographs and knitting techniques.The problem is that the typeface chosen is so hard to read, making it almost impossible to follow the patterns.The font is too fine and too faded to read clearly.I found my eyes were straining to read the opaque font.When I gave the page more light, the shine on the page completely obliterated the text.Very frustrating!

Delightful baby/kid patterns and fun texture knitting
I am not a color knitter so I appreciate the emphasis this book places on texture.As a novice, I found the stitch glossary informative but I don't think you could learn to knit w/ just this book.All the patterns specify her special yarn, but at the back of the book there was a glossary that gave weight information.The baby/child patterns are adorable (simple cap, seater, cable cardigan) and do-able and there is a beutiful texture sampler afghan that I am excited to try.This book is a staple in my knitting library. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This is the book that launched an empire. Martha Stewart's Read more

Reviews (13)

This Is The Amazing Book That Started It All
This book is Martha Stewart's first major work that put her on the train to success. "Entertaining" is a classic book and over 20 years old. It is so much fun and is so very interesting to read now because Martha's career is so well known, and it is to a large extent based upon the great ideas that she placed in this book. Martha wrote this book in her prime and filled it with ideas, recipes and decorating tips. The reader will learn how to put on the party of a lifetime.
Inspiring and Beautiful
A beautiful book chock full of not only recipies but ideas and inspiration. With complete menu ideas, holidays, and everything from cocktail parties to a Hawaiian Luau, Thanksgiving Dinner to an indulgent dessert party, this is a massive collection that raised the standard in cookbooks, and it continues to inspire. A timeless classic no serious collection is complete without.

A look at early Martha - well worth it
It's interesting seeing what Martha was doing before Asian influences became popular in the 1990s. As a result, the food here leans more towards french and Italian-influenced cuisine.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining    4. Entertaining - General    5. Tablesetting    6. Cooking / Entertaining    7. Etiquette & entertaining    8. Food & Drink / Cookery   

Reviews (6)

Excellent Starting Point...
I just recieved this book and think it is an excellent place to start for someone just starting out and building a stash.I also think it could be helpful to the more experienced quilter who is looking to put that extra "sparkle" in their quilts with the use of color.

Fabric Shopping with Alex Anderson
I LOVE Alex on HGTV, but I was disappointed in this book.I thought she would give advice on what KIND of fabrics to purchase for quilting, NOT what colors.I found it lacking in the information that would have helped beginning quilters like myself.

Relax and LISTEN to Alex...
We all start out life as little artists.All parents have at least one wall with crayon to testify to this.Yes somewhere along the way that little artist gets lost.The joy of getting 64 crayons is too much, so when faced with a fabric store of 1000's of colors, people need to reconnect with their love of colors and that is where this book succeeds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Quilts    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Textile fabrics in art    10. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (4)

Flawless Transaction
The book arrived in perfect condition and in a shorter amount of time than specified.Thanks!

Debbie Travis Facelift - did not live up to expectations.
I have a collection of five of the Debbie Travis books - this is one (Debbie Travis Facelift) that I really did not enjoy compared to the others by Debbie Travis.
Great Companion Guide to her Decorating Show
This book is a good companion guide to Debbie's FaceLift show. It focuses on several of her facelift projects and includes tips and a few step-by-steps for projects. Where this book excels are the photographs of the rooms, her color choices and combinations and the "before" and "after" pictures.
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Subjects:  1. Color    2. Color in interior decoration    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House painting    8. Interior design    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (2)

HIGHLY Recommend - LOTS of variety to choose from!
I highly recommend this book.Directions are clear and concise.You have LOTS of choices of innovative projects that are adaptable for many different lifestyles.Good for young, young at heart AND older people who want something different in homes.

A great referance tool.
Lots of pictures of differant styles to really spark ideas for any style of kitchen. And of course, she has unique projects in this book as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Furniture painting    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House painting    8. Interior decoration    9. Remodeling & Renovation - Bathrooms    10. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    11. Residential Interior Design    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (3)

Hand Quilting with Alex Anderson
Wonderful help. This is a great reference book for everyone to have on their shelf.

Excellant instruction on hand quilting.
This is probably the best book I have found that gives instruction forhand quilting.The color pictures give very explicit instruction for both right and left handed people. I would recommend this to anyone interestedin hand quilting, whether a beginner or a long time quilter. Alex Andersonis one of the best teachers and supporters of quilting.She does anexcellant job with her program " Simply Quilts".I wouldrecommend all her books.

I've always wanted to hand quilt. Now I can.
This book is the best. It's affordable and comes with color pictures that show me each step for quilting. It even has left handed and right handed instructions. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how tohand-quilt. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Cozy winter book.
What is better during the cold, snowy winter season than make a cup of hot chocolate, lit a fire,curl up in your favorite armchair and look through some favorite craft and inspiration books? Inside Winterrific crafts
This book is full of fun ideas for the chrismas and winter season.It makes you want to try all of the crafts immediately. For some fun during the winter months, buy this book for great inspiration for the winterprojects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Handicraft    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Holiday cookery    7. Holiday decorations    8. Holidays    9. Seasonal    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Editorial Review

This is a hands-on manual for the gardener who imagines he has a brown thumb, will murder a houseplant by looking at it the wrong way, and couldn't grow mold on bread. Jerry Baker, one of America's best-known garden experts, has written a book with a sense of humor that covers all your current or potential gardening issues: a green lawn, productive fruit tress, healthy shrubs and trees, and when and where to plant what. He offers shortcuts that can save you time, work, and money; home remedies for healthy plants; and many tips on growing lavish flowers and healthy vegetables and fruit.Read more

Reviews (5)

I have the greenest grass in my subdivision!
This is a super book that will give you common sense, easy step methods to the best looking lawn and landscape around.We moved into a new house that had no grass or landscaping when we moved in.Three weeks later, we had neighbors stopping by our house to find out what our secret was to starting and KEEPING grass growing in our difficult to grow clay front yard. This book contains basic fundamentals on pruning, manicuring, and how to's on picking the right grass and ingredients for your lawn.

Thanks from a Granny Gardener
nice to receive something advertized 'like new' that is like new. Unconventional Ideas that work!
This book is filled with common sense ideas that guess what, they work.I love his approach of using simple, and logical ideas that will make you have a better lawn.From easy to mix fertilizer treatments to different ways to aerate your lawn.If you are looking for inexpensive ways to perk up your lawn, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flowers - General    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Reference    6. Techniques    7. Gardening / Reference   

Reviews (1)

beautiful and timeless patterns
I've been knitting for about ten years and thought I had already seen all of the best books of traditional knitting patterns, and was delighted to discover this one severalmonths ago.I don't know how this one escaped my notice for so long, but seeing that no one else has reviewed it here, I'm wondering if it is because this book never gained popularity amongst knitters.If so, that is a shame, because this book is loaded with stunningly beautiful traditional sweater patterns, some of the best I have seen.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Ireland    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Scotland    8. Sweaters    9. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

When you look past the cover of Martha Stewart's latest effort, you find it's not all about framing your fern collection. (Whew!)It is, however, about defining your home's style using accessories that look expensive but (generally) aren't.There's some very practical and budget-conscious advice here in the chapters about pictures, tables and stools, lamps and shades, shelves, screens and mirrors, and pillows and throws.You can disguise the humble origins of inexpensive adjustable shelving by adding wood trim around the edges and painting everything, including the metal standards and braces, to match the wall color.You can break up or conceal space with screens you make yourself from plain wood panels or old windows. You can update small outdoor tables with do-it-yourself mosaic tile that goes on in one piece.You can, of course, make a large framed entryway mirror from an $800 slab of mirror glass, as Martha does-- but really, no one will check your bank statement to see how much you spent, and it will reflect just as clearly with inexpensive hardware-store mirror glass.Some of the best projects are for sofa pillows, bed and table linens, and lampshades.Though Martha's voice isn't much in evidence in the text, her concepts are definitely here: the instructions are simple and straightforward and the look clean, comfortable and unfussy. --Read more

Reviews (14)

Decorating Details Marth Stewart
Really nice book, to read and to have as a coffee table book

I had a bad experience
I spent a few weeks following her suggestions and thousands on the materials.We had a dinner party to show off the ideas I used and some people were polite with compliments.My husband found a few of our "friends" laughing at Martha's ideas. Interesting, practical ideas
This book is the follow-on to "How to Decorate," Martha's first book. This book concentrates on the small details: how to display pictures, how to arrange your collections, and so on. The introductory chapter on how to display pictures and photographs is particularly good, giving ideas (complete with beautiful photographs) on how to display pictures and explaining principles such as where to place pictures, how to arrange them, and why certain arrangements of pictures work in certain places and not others. Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Interior decoration    5. Themes, motives   

Reviews (11)

Norm does good work!
As always and as expected if you have watched his shows, Norm Abram has done a really good job explaining how to put together really nice pieces of furniture.

A good book, but with a few problems
I think others have gone over this before.A few of the projects have some errors in the lay out.Kind of bad IMO, but is made up for in the very pleasing aesthetic of these items.I have made a few of them and all I can say is they look very nice when done.They have a clean Shaker style that works well in most homes andIMO is fun to make.Most items are not difficult to build and while they have some fun design elements that can make you work a bit, are not hard for the average woodworker to finish.As others have noted, Norm like the power tools.That is not a big deal, in that just because he uses them does not mean that you have to.I approached this book is like most "how to books".You look at the pictures, take what you like and discard the rest.How you put it together depends on the type of tools you have and what techniques you like to use in the shop.I do not think the average woodworker will have much problem with these projects and the beginner will have lots of fun building very respectable things that will look nice in the house.

Pretty good
I've built the blanket chest, bookshelf and chest of drawers.The only problem I had was with the chest of drawers.The dimensions allow for only an eigth inch overhang on each side of the drawer front.By adding one eigth to each side of the drawer width, you only get the width of the opening, not an overhang, and a lot of side-to-side play in the drawer.You need to make the drawer about 1/2" wider than the plan.Other than that (which should of been caught by Norm's general caveat of measure twice, cut once), I really like the book and the narratives that go along with the project.Compared to the measured drawings that you can buy directly, you are better off buying the book and interpolating a few measurements. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabinet work    2. Cabinetwork    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Furniture making    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Woodworking    9. Business & Management    10. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (2)

Not for beginners
I was disappointed in the minimal amount of content for a beginner in applique.More detailed description and pictures showing more steps on techniques would have been helpful.I am hesitant to begin a project with this book alone.

Hand Applique by Alex Anderson
I received this book about a week ago and I can't put it down.Alex takes the guess work out of applique. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

depends on your mood
If you enjoy Mary's illustrations and want to see lots of them, as well as get decorating ideas, then you will probably enjoy this book. While I love the photos of actual rooms and collections, there aren't enough of them. Instead there are too many of the drawings, which can be overwhelmingly cutesy if you're not in the mood.

--Nobody does it like Mary--
MARY ENGELBREIT'S HOME COMPANION is a delightful book filled with her charming illustrations and beautifully decorated rooms. Fabulous!
This book is whimsical, inspiring and it just plain makes me happy!I have looked at it so many times, I have almost memorized it.Anyone who is familiar with Mary Engelbreit loves her and her books are absolutely thebest.If you want your home to have a fun, colorful, unique look, buy thisbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Engelbreit, Mary    4. General    5. Handicraft    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House furnishings    8. Interior decoration    9. Themes, motives    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (22)

Classy, stylish baby clothes
I found this collection of patterns very refreshing. After finding such a wealth of "quick knitting" patterns that call for large needles and chunky acrylic yarn (yielding, in my opinion, ugly and cheap-looking baby clothes), it's nice to see patterns for beautiful, classy, stylish baby clothes created at a fine gauge suitable to a small body. I also love the color choices shown in the photographs, as well as the use of natural fiber yarns like wool and cotton. Of course, the knitter can use whatever color and fiber he/she chooses, but I appreciate the inspiration to knit for babies using colors other than pastels and gaudy brights and fibers other than acrylic. I'm eagerly awaiting the next Bliss book!

great simple designs, but not easy
The other reviews are correct in my opinion: not necessarily for beginners, but nice designs. I have knitted for many years and these sweaters are not difficult, but they don't exactly whip up the way other patterns do. I love a couple of the designs in this book very much. I have probably knitted 5 of the patterns and some of them several times. I seem to always come back to this book, even though I agree that the explanations are a bit confusing sometimes. I recently read the intro to the book and found it a bit condescending the way she made it sound like you were a beginner if you wanted to knit from this book.

QUICK BABY KNITS
I am very pleased to have a copy of this well presetned and useful book of patterns for this age group ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. General    3. General cookery    4. Non-Classifiable    5. Reference    6. Cookery    7. Entertaining    8. Cooking   

Reviews (2)

Uninspired
Sandra Betzina is wonderfully talented when it comes to garment contstruction.I have several of her books and love them.However, her expertise and creativity do not seem to extend to home sewing. The projects in this book are not inspiring. The fabric choices are questionable.It is difficult to glean the 'tricks of the trade' as this book is organized entirely by project, not technique.Save your money.If you are truly interested, check it out from the library before you invest in this publication.

Down to earth useful book
I received this book as a gift and am buying it for a friend.I found the instructions down to earth and based around how to create patterns for furniture, windows, pillows etc in a non-intimidating way.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Household linens    6. Machine sewing    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

Our favorite Doyenne of the Dainty serves a delicate and oh-so-tasty blend of low-fat elegance in this handsomely designed cookbook.No calorie counter, Martha proves how a lush variety of grains, fruits,and veggies can be a delicious alternative to fatty dishes. She offersmore than 170 recipes, showing how to transform the freshest seasonalingredients into scrumptious treats guaranteed to delight both thepalate and the eye. From Grilled Portobello Pizza to a luscious LimeSoufflé, Martha will change the way you think about healthyeating. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Great reading for anybody!
I bought this book as a little gift for a friend who was in the hospital.The book is not as big as the Martha Stewart Christmas book that I had previously ordered which I loved.However, the pictures are great and the overall layout makes reading it a lot of fun.As always, Martha has a wonderful flair for making cookbooks enjoyable reading even if you never try any of the recipes.

This Delivers
Most people think it is impossible to deliver on a weeknight a dinner that is elegant, healthy and quick.This book makes the impossible quite possible. Martha's "healthy pleasures"
This 1997 book grew out of what Martha Stewart calls her "ever-growing search for the new and different", and it has many interesting ideas and recipes for fresh, healthy eating, and menu planning. As one would expect from Martha, the appearance is almost as important as the contents, with marvelous photography, and great use of vintage plates and Depression glasswareRead more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Health & Healing - General    5. Low-fat diet    6. Methods - Quick & Easy    7. Recipes    8. Seasonal    9. Cooking / Health   

Reviews (1)

the official guide to flea market prices
we have not recieved this book yet please let us know the status or refund the purchase price ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Catalogs    6. Collectibles    7. Flea markets    8. Industries - Retailing    9. Prices    10. Reference - General    11. United States    12. Antiques & Collectibles / Reference   

Reviews (4)

So-so
This book wasn't as large and the homes featured in it weren't as fresh and interesting as I had hoped. But I love all aspects of cottage design, from home interiors to exteriors. Thanks to another review, I picked up two other cottage books that do a great job. One is Second Home from the Better Homes and Gardens editors----------I love Second Home because it takes me on tours of cottages around the country while also giving me tips I can use for decorating or even building. It's a great book for just paging through also. Big photos, lots of information but yet it quick to read. I also like The Cabin-----------It's a beautiful book to look at but it doesn't offer the wealth of information that Second Home does.

Smaller than I expected
This book was smaller than I expected. A small book with lots of small pictures. Kind of disappointing. Other books on cottages and second homes do the job getter. I have found these are my favorites: Great Picture Book
We bought a small beach cottage and continually look through this book for great ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Cottages    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament, Ameri    5. Decoration and ornament, American    6. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    7. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    8. Design & Construction    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Interior Design - Style Books    11. Interior design    12. Pictorial    13. United States    14. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    15. House & Home / Decorating