Reviews (2)

Buyer Beware
While the contents of this book are beautifully displayed and the instructions are relatively easy to follow, the book is a consolidation of the four individual Home Furnishing Workbooks -- pillows, bed linens, window treatments and lampshades.Unfortunately, that is not indicated in the information presented here.Therefore, if you own them, purchasing this book would be a waste of money.

A broad overview of many decorating ideas
This book has sections on bedding, lampshades, curtains, and pillows.Each section has several ideas of great-looking projects that you can make at home.It never really occured to me that I could make my own lampshades in fabrics to match my room!The projects are all ingredibly simple, also... but the finished projects look stunning! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Bedding    3. Cushions    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House furnishings    9. Interior decoration    10. Sewing   

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   

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   

Reviews (3)

great information
I have been wanting to cover a couple of frames I was given. None of the books I have looked at in the library, or have bought on amazon really explained how to do it. None of them gave instructions on how to line a shade.This one came today. I am delighted with the fold out pages of instructions. I know with this book I will be able to do a good job.

Lampshades by Katrin Cargill photographs by James Merrell
As an avid home sewer, I found this book to be very helpful in creating my first lampshades.I enjoyed the pictures and found them to be helpful for future ideas. I also felt that this book had very good written directionsthat one needs to read to be successful.The lampshades featured in thisbook are more of the "tailored" everyday type and not the"victorian" vintage style.I continue to use this book as both astyle and technical resource.

A pretty book with little useful information.
If what you're looking for is a nicely designed book with lots of pretty pictures of unusual lampshades, this is a good book. However, if you're looking for practical information on how to make basic lampshades, Isuspect you'll be dissapointed. While it does offer how-to's, they applyprimarily to the (mostly small) shades pictured (many requiring oddlyshaped frames, with no sources for where to get them). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. General    5. Interior Design - General    6. Lampshades    7. Architecture / Interior Design   

Editorial Review

Sew until your heart is content. This is the first book I pick up if I am about to give a room a quick face lift. When I cannot bear to look at that old sofa for one more minute, I can find a way to make a cover for it in just hours. I have used it to cover dining room chairs for unexpected dinner parties and whipped up a bed duvet for the guestroom in just one day. I will not let anyone borrow this book from my library. Sorry. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Still Using This Beautiful book a decade later
Having seen that Katrin Cargill will be making an appearance nearby my home, I visited Amazon.com to learn of her latest publications.She has done much since I learned of her talents over a decade ago! So why do I write my fellow Amazon'ites a review? Because this is one book that even after a decade's time I return to every time I've a window or even a room to dress. Her studied and effected ideas are tasteful, graceful, and yet sophisticatedly creative. Some earlier reviews online here (e.g., early 1990s) caution new sewers about the limited instructions/projects for beginner-level sewing. While this is true, this book was indispensible to me in the 1990s when I was a beginner at sewing because it's ideas and style can be adapted by anyone. That being said, this lovely photo-book belongs on your shelf whether you are a do-it-yourself, a bed-reader-dreamer, or a designer using someone as for your labor. What's more, this remains the case even after a decade's time of styles changing.

Really nice photos and inspirational, but not easy to follow
This book is really a beautiful book.The pictures of fabric being used in various rooms inhouses are all very nicely done and the use of fabric is really stunning.Unfortunately, while pictures are nice when it comes to projects with fabric, instructions go a lot further than pictures of the finished product.There are approximately 10-15 projects that actually have instructions in this book.Everything else is just pictures of really nice applications of fabric. Worth every penny.
Not only is this book beautifully done, but also, the fabric projects are well-presented and easy to undertake.Projects range from storage solutions to elegant interior decorating projects one can do with fabric. I would recommend this book to interior decorators (amateur orprofessional), seamstresses and upholsterers, and to those with an interestin textiles and their various uses in the home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Design - Decorative    6. Fabrics    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior decoration    10. Textile fabrics in interior decoration    11. House & Home / Decorating    12. Soft furnishings   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. House & Home    5. Pillows    6. Sewing   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful interiors
This is a lovely book with beautiful color pictures from what I think is authentic interiors. The author walks us through the essence of swedish style via colors, fabrics, accessories and furniture. I miss not having typical interiors and suggestions of how to decorate individual rooms such as hallways and kitchens etc. The main focus is on livingrooms and bedrooms. I still think it's a good purchase and this book gives me a lot of inspiration.

Good basic intro but prissy
This is a good and basic introduction to the elements of Swedish style in interior design. Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Design - General    4. Interior Design - Style Books    5. Home furnishing & decoration    6. Interior design    7. Sweden   

Editorial Review

With a lay-flat spiral binding, sturdy paper, and gatefold pages that enable each project to be presented across a single spread, this is a highly practical workbook in a very attractive package, like the other titles in the Home Living Workbook series (Read more

Reviews (3)

Simple confidence
I first checked out this book from the library, and after having to renew it a couple times, decided to purchase it.I made beautiful curtains for my daughter's bedroom.Even though I am a novice at sewing, the instructions were easy to follow, and I learned a lot of stitching techniques that got me real excited about moving on to my next project.I think Katrin Cargill is very knowledgeable and at the same time keeps the novice sewer in mind.

Great ideas which are reasonably easy to make!
This is the best book on curtains that I have seen - and I've looked around quite a bit.I was looking for several things to help me make curtains for my new home.Although I have some sewing experience I would not call myself an expert sewer.Many of the books currently available are really geared towards people with my level of experience or less, including this book.I wanted good pictures of the end product, so that I could really see what I was going to be making.Again, this is something most books on curtains have.However, the two things I wanted but which I only found in this book were:cool modern ideas (no ruffles or huge jabots, please!) and great instructions. This book has lots of simple ideas.
The book has wonderful ideas that seem easy to follow beginning withmeasuring windows to how much fabric you will need. Each curtain has a pagethat opens up to show detailed directions. The color photos are great!There are even template designs to copy that help design a more creativecurtain. The book truly teaches you how to sew simple and easy to makecurtains. I am looking forward to getting started sewing curtains for everyroom in my house. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - Windows    5. Draperies    6. General    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Reviews (2)

Easy to follow guide to achieve the Swedish look
A beautifully photographed book with easy to follow instructions to achieve the Swedish look. Covers all aspects furniture, paint, linens,curtains, etc. It also offers a good summary of Swedish history and howthat affected the look through the years.

Create your own swedish look with this easy to follow guide
A well photographed book that explains and introduces the concept ofSwedish design at a very simple level for the non decorator crowd. Afterreading this book just visit any Ikea store to verify the information andstart your decorating scheme.In many ways Martha Stewart has duplicated herinteriors by using this cool and clean look. Perhaps you can do the same, at a fraction of the cost, with these simple and inexpensive ways todecorate your home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Fashion    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. House furnishings    5. Interior decoration    6. Interior design    7. Residential Interior Design    8. Sweden    9. Swedish influences    10. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (1)

Simple doesn't have to mean boring
As with the rest of the "Simple" series, Katrin Cargill offers step-by-step instructions on making a variety of pillows.The title doesn't lie: even the most elegant pillows in here are very simple to make.Her instructions are clear enough that they can be easily adapted.For example, I adapted one of the throw pillows into pillow shams for a full-size bed with no problems whatsoever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Pillows    7. Sewing   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Draperies    5. House & Home    6. Sewing   

Reviews (1)

Best pillow book around.
This is the best pillow book I've ever seen. It has many different designs to copy and/or use as inspiration. The photos are exquisite and the layout is quite ingenious. Each pillow project is explained on a fold-out page. Italso comes spiral-bound, so it lays flat while you're working. I highlyrecommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Needlework - General    5. Pillows    6. Sewing    7. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (1)

Not the best on this topic
I love color. I love paint. I love decorating. This book is OK but it's one of those European imports, so the settings don't look quite right. And this book has been around awhile. I just found a new book on the subject called Painted Furniture, which is by the Better Homes and Gardens people. Painted Furniture has complete how-to, fresh color and styles, and it has settings and product lists that apply to American homes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    4. Furniture    5. Furniture finishing    6. Furniture painting    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Painting   

Reviews (1)

Beautiful photos and well organized book.
This is a book that Martha Stewart would be proud of.The photos are beautiful, and the book is well organized.It's great for beginners as well as those with higher skill levels, but, most importantly, it tells youHOW to make each project.You are given the needle size, color, and fabricand instructions on finishing.The projects are beautiful to make anddoesn't give you the "granny" projects that some books have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Embroidery    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Household linens    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Patterns    7. Sale Adult - Crafts / Hobbies    8. Handicrafts    9. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    10. Sale Books   

Subjects:  1. Home furnishing & decoration    2. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Soft furnishings   

Subjects:  1. Home furnishing & decoration    2. Interior design   

Reviews (5)

Easy Country
Excellent book.The examples of interiors are easy to imitate in your own home.The quilts and valances depicted are easily obtained:one can just go out and buy this stuff anywhere.The "clean country" style is very comfortable and easy to maintain.None of that impractical designer fru-fru stuff here.

Beautiful, rustic images...
I spent my early years in PA Dutch country, and this book spring's forth that rustic, well-thought-out, simple, quiet, comfortable, country look. The soft colors, lack of clutter, simple collections, and throwback to an older Americana time is a breath of fresh air, particularly since I've lived in mega-metropolises since leaving the country way of life. My absolute favorite decorating book
I adore this book. There is not a single page that does not inspire. The look is clean, uncluttered but with personality. I've used it as inspiration for a condominium redo, and have given copies as a gift to friends, all of whom love it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House furnishings    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Interior decoration    10. Residential Interior Design   

Subjects:  1. Home furnishing & decoration