Reviews (15)

Sarah, can I haveyour babies?
Finally!I have to agree with Drea (who, by the way, has a tremendous amount of very valuable information on period costuming on the web), that this is what we've waited for.Sarah uses the same techniques I use, planning out on graph paper and then applying that to your basic block, but then goes much farther with explaining stitches, etc.
A Welcome Addition to work in the field.
As a Tailor, I often find books on Costuming which lean towards Theatrical Costuming to be somewhat lacking. As a member of The Society for Creative Anachronism, with a 13th century persona, I found Ms Thursfield's book to be a huge step in the right direction. The author shows you how to make reasonably accurate medieval clothing in a clear, understandable manner. I do not use patterns from books, I prefer to draft my own; but the patterns in this book gave me some very good ideas on ways to improve my own patterns. While I wouldn't advise a novice to use this book, I found it to be full of extremely useful information. The one word of caution I would like to offer is that it is not wise to depend on any one author when doing research. That being said, if you're interested in medieval clothing, Ms Thursfield's book is worth every penny.

Finally, a costuming book geared to the reenactor
As others have said, this book combines historical costume research with a detailed "how to" of how to make clothing that will be period-appropriate.A fascinating read even if sewing is not your forte, and the pictures of the finished garments are inspiring. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Sewing    5. Textile Arts - Costume   

Reviews (5)

Interesting...
This book arrived in good condition from the sender and before time.The book inself is very interesting and will serve its purpose.

HUMAN FACTORS
I AM A BIG FAN OF THE AUTHOR, AND HAVE USED HIS WORKS IN THE PRACTICE OF MY WORK MANY TIMES, THE BOOK, IS GOOD WITH MANY PRACTICAL EXAMPLES, BUT SADLY DOES NOT SEEM TO TELL ME ANYMORE THAN I ALREADY KNEW. ....I WAS HOPING FOR MORE.
great reference - cd is pretty worthless
this book is a great reference for those who deal in any way with the human form. i, for example, am a 3d character animator andthis book is perfect for nailing correct human proportions and visualizing range of motion. however, the accompanying cd is basically an advertisement for ErgoForms, the autocad version of the drawings in the book. only the 1% man drawing (the smallest average male figure)is included on the cd, which is pretty useless for what i need. if the book weren't so expensive i'd give it a four star rating. i thought i was getting more on the cd to warrant the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Drafting    3. Design, Industrial    4. General    5. Human engineering    6. Industrial Design - General    7. Interior Design - General    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. Ergonomics    10. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    11. Mechanical Engineering & Materials   

Reviews (8)

A WINNER
I bought three books on Polymer Clay, and this is the only one with all the techniques there that I want to learn.
Polymer Clay Bible
Everyone starting out in polymer clay should have this book in their library. Many newer techniques have been developed since this book came out but this book contains everything you need in order to develop your own original work. If you're looking for a "projects" book skip this, but if you want the basicsthis is the book for you. I only wish Nan Roche would write another! I still find myself refering to it and I've been working in polymer clay for over 15 years.

The Book that started it all for Polymer Clay
It was the first book about PC. It was the only book available for quite some time. Many of the most renowned PC artists started with this book and you can see the influence in their work.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Polymer clay craft    8. Art techniques & materials    9. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass   

Reviews (74)

dare i say it...even better than S&B Nation!!!!
oh lord, WHY did i have to JUST start knitting right before this book arrived?as addicted as i am to my new hobby, i am a long-term crocheter who has been very, VERY tempted to drop the needles and grab a hook again because of this book (well, that and "The New Granny Square" - tho i already own it, it is not available on Amazon for some reason so i cannot review it).
Excellent, stylish and easy to follow patterns!
I purchased this book after first checking it out from my local library.I am used to being disappointed by crochet books - most are either outdated, unstylish, or contain the proverbial overabundance of hat and scarf patterns (haven't we all made too many of those already?).I was in search of hip patterns that were like expensive boutique items but with easy to follow instructions and I was not disappointed by this book in any way!Usually I only find one or two patterns in any crochet book that I really want to make but I can honestly say that I will end up working nearly every one in this book, either for myself or for gifts.The instructions are very easy to follow and I have now made about 4 of the designs:a purse, 2 hats & a baby blanket.It is perfect for the novice or experienced crocheter and if you forget how to work a particular stitch, there is an excellent reference guide in the front.I love this book so much I am giving it to several of my friends for Christmas!My only complaint, like another reviewer, is that it should be spiral-bound because I will probably wear it out from using it so much.

Great for beginners!

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

Editorial Review

This is the be-all and end-all of mushroom books! Truly an encyclopedia of mushroom facts and lore, lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs, literally everything you need to know about mushrooms, edible or not. Arora has taught mycology for close to twenty years and has hunted and photographed mushrooms across the North American continent. Threaded through the book are his wry and humorous observations and comments, making what could have been a rather dull, "just-the-facts, ma'am" reference book into a really enjoyable read. The stunning photographs of the incredible variety of fungi are fascinating and eye-opening, and while the author gives clear and factual information, the mysterious allure of mushrooms in their countless shapes, sizes and colors is only increased by this huge and delightful book. --Read more

Reviews (29)

A Must Have
I am a biology teacher and own two tracts of woods.I bought two cheaper books thinking, foolishly, that I would then be able to identify most mushrooms.Cheap and thin is easy to carry in the woods, but this is the "mushroom bible" all naturalists should own.Arora handles a jargon rich science exquisitely.His use of humor in a virtual textbook takes away the thick book intimidation factor.Academia could learn a lot from David's style.I wish all the pictures were in color, but that would increase the price and thickness of the volume tremendously.I will add a few other field guides with color pictures for referencing. I now have a hard time believing there are still copies available for sale.I don't know who in their right mind would sell such a volume.I'll have mine until the end.

actually good beginner book
I love this book.
This Book Is Great!
After reading this book, I have a hard time reading other mushroom books.This one is just such fun to read!I subconsciously am looking for other mushroom books to be less dry and as funny as this one, but it just ain't happenin'.I really recommend this book both for the information it contains and the pleasure that you get from reading it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. General    4. Identification    5. Life Sciences - Bacteriology    6. Mushrooms    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Pacific States    10. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS   

Reviews (13)

Amazing!!
Only a mathematical genius like Debbie New could come up with the wonderful and amazing options for knitting in new ways. Also fabu is the gallery of work by Ms New. I am working on a scribble lace garment using 6# fishing line and a heavy thick/thin wool (similar to Point 5 by Colinette). I think it will be amazing when complete. I spend hours looking over this book, imagining my next project.

Not for beginners
This book was beyond my expectations. I've been a knitter for over 30 years now, but I never thought one could knit such pieces. They are works of art more than knitted pieces. This book is a joy to look at, over and over and over again. It helps thinking outside the box and that there is more to knitting as one would believe. Great book!

An essential book for thinking knitters
Debbie New is the most innovative knitter since Elizabeth Zimmerman, and Unexpected Knitting is a book that provides inspiration and new directions (literally! she designs at all angles) to even experienced needlers.New has an organic sense of her projects;she knows her materials and is willing to experiment.She has the gift also of being able to explain clearly, in words and in charts, exactly how she has produced her groundbreaking designs.Not all her designs or techniques will appeal to all knitters, but there is some new insight to be gained in every project she describes, and everyone will find something wonderful among the sweaters, jackets, and art pieces beautifully displayed and explained in this volume.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Knitting    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Patterns    6. Sweaters   

Subjects:  1. American - African-American    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Museum    6. Design - Textile & Costume    7. Exhibition Catalogs    8. Folk & Outsider Art    9. Quilt Making    10. Art / American / African-American   

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Science/Mathematics    3. Technology    4. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (15)

Amazing book!
I bought this book many years ago and still find myself going back and re-reading it over and over.If you're new to the Permaculture thought process you will be knocked off your horse with the common-sense, integrated approach to gardening and farming systems.I attribute this book and the thoughts provoked by it as the catalyst in seeking integrations and aggregation on many different fronts.This will always be one of the books I will treasure.I wore off the cover and have punched holes in all the pages and keep it in a three-ring binder.

Ignore the Cost
The information presented in this book is worth a semester of agriculture, chemistry, and geography classes.
The Most Important Textbook in the World...
...and probably one of the most fun to read. I read the first 8 chapters while working on a permaculture site on Isla Ometepe in Nicaragua, and ordered it immediately upon returning home.
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Subjects:  1. Agriculture - Agronomy    2. Gardening    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Permaculture    6. Reference    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Agricultural science    9. Agriculture & related industries   

Reviews (13)

Great Jumping book for beginners
This book creates a great foundation to train yourself and your horse to excell in jumping no matter what your intentions may be. I personally would recomend this book for all ages and engligh riders even the one's with no intention on jumping.

A Great Book To Keep In Your Tack Room!
I have started to do some of these exercises with my Appaloosa gelding. He is ten, but has gone western the two years he has been trained and is very ignorant of english riding skills.
101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider
I bought the book originally to add some variety to my training sessions and to obtain ideas on different exercises.Now both my trainer and I do not jump without the book close by.The different grid exercises have added so much to our workouts!Not only has it helped our horses become more confident it has helped our equitation tremendously.I would highly recommend this book for both beginers and the more experienced rider! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Equestrian    2. Horsemanship    3. Horses    4. Horses - Riding    5. Horses - Showing/Training    6. Jumping (Horsemanship)    7. Pets    8. Show jumping    9. Training    10. Horses & ponies    11. Pets / Horses / Riding    12. Riding & horsemanship    13. SPORTS & RECREATION / Equestrian   

Reviews (12)

If you have the time, you will save money
If you have the time to be your own general contractor, you will save money on your house construction, according to author Smith. This is true; I know two people at least, maybe more, who built their own house in a pricey market and got better results for a lot less. But...they had the time to be a full-time or nearly full-time general contractor.
All the tricks of the trade in one book!
A step by step plan to constructing and saving on your dream home.This book helps to make your dream home even better, by saving money you can put more into it!We can't wait to start our project, and use this book as our guide!!!

Great Motivator
This book was an easy read and really motivated us to contract our home on our own.Has some great suggestions on saving money and planning a home build.Read it before you get too far on your project.Very enlightening. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home / Design & Construction    6. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation    7. Technology    8. Building    9. Building construction & materials    10. Construction    11. House    12. House & Home    13. Housing & property for the individual    14. Remodeling & Renovation   

Reviews (23)

Great Book. Quick Shipment. Greaat seller.
The book was delivered in a timely manner, well packaged. Would buy from this seller again.

The author enthusiastically shares his passion and experience with grape growing and winemaking
This book is clearly written and easy to read. In addition to the educational aspects, the author effortlessly recounts his own home winemaking experience and shares his passion for it. I found the tables and calculations extremely helpful. A lot of attention is paid to describing the technology and chemistry of the homemade wine. However, the author puts even more emphasis on choosing and correctly growing the right grape at the right place and calls it "your single most important decision". That's why the first chapters on the grape varieties and basic viticulture techniques are especially helpful for beginning grape growers. I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it!
WoW what a book !!!!
I have read a lot about this book so I had to have it. I recently bought a small vineyard in Slovakia and I have tons of local books about winemaking. I am a real newbie and after I read these books I had an idea how to make wine, but that was not enough. I always had tons of questions, which I did not know who to ask. Well Jeff Cox answers them. When he describes the wine making process he does that very precisselly that a newbie like me would underestand it. I am looking forward to use his tips this autumn. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Fruit    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Organic    7. United States    8. Viticulture    9. Wine and wine making    10. Wine and winemaking    11. COOKING / Beverages / Wine & Spirits    12. Gardening / Fruit    13. Wines   

Reviews (15)

good pictures but short on how-to
The pictures were great and the book needs more of them.The technical side of how to create the looks needs much more material and better presented.

CONCRETE as a work of art...
BEAUTIFUL...to find out what can and is being done with concrete. I knew that it had potential to be a beautiful art form, but did not understand how wonderful concrete could be until looking at the many photos in this delightful book.
An excellent guide to incorporating concrete's positive qualities into a home
Fu-Tung Cheng and Eric Olsen's Concrete At Home may sound like an unlikely mix for a home environment, but when used property, concrete can look and feel soft and warm while retaining extra durability. Cheng demonstrates how to mix colors and textures for this effect, from achieving a translucent effect to using thermal foam insulation to provide insulation to concrete, which typically has no insulating qualities to speak of. An excellent guide to incorporating concrete's positive qualities into a home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building fittings    2. Concrete Construction    3. Concrete products    4. Construction - General    5. Design & Construction    6. Do-It-Yourself    7. Do-It-Yourself - Masonry    8. Dwellings    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Home Maintenance And Repair    11. House & Home    12. Materials    13. Methods & Materials    14. Architectural structure & design    15. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (12)

Courtyards: Aesthetic & Function
"Courtyards: Aesthetic, Social, and Thermal Delight" begins with a brief history of courtyards including itemized accounts of such topics as placement within a building, orientation, exposure, and the promotion of temperature conditions within a courtyard.
Couryards: Interacting with nature
I got this book several years ago on an inter-library loan from NDSU.It's a great book.The only problem is that it's relatively expensive -- $60 or so.
Honest Reviews?
Were all the reviews written by the author? Give me a break! The fact that every review sounds the same will keep me from ever purchasing this book. In that case, I guess all the reviews helped! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture And Energy Conservation    3. Architecture And The Environment    4. Architecture and climate    5. Courtyard gardens    6. Courtyard houses    7. Design & Drafting    8. Garden Design    9. General    10. Landscape    11. Architectural structure & design    12. Architecture / Design & Drafting    13. Garden design & planning    14. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (23)

LOVE this cookbook
Unlike other reviewers, I was unfamiliar with the editors of this cookbook.Bought it because of the cheesecake on the cover!
Best light cookbook ever
I have to admit I am not a fan of "light" cooking or the manymagazines out there; I am also a huge fan of the whole "Cooks Illustrated" books and magazine, so I loved this book. Most low fat and/or low calorie recipes rely on "light" or artifical products to cut calories.This book does not, it adheres to the high standard of Cook's Illustrated recipes. The recipes are not the most low fat or calorie possible, but each is delicious and most importantly works like they say it will. This is also the first oftheir books to provide full nutritional counts.There are the usual detailed explanations of what works and what doesn't so you know exactly why this recipe is going to work.Everything I've tried has been fabulous.

The cookbook I've been waiting for!
So far, I've enjoyed every recipe I've tried in the book. Low-fat blueberry muffins to me taste even better than the original, because they're less greasy. And they're vastly improved from the hockey puck, low-fat muffins I've made in the past. You'll often have to do a little extra work with the recipes -- this is from Cook's Illustrated, after all, not Betty Crocker. But paired with thoughtful illustrations, buying guides, and taste tests for low-fat products, these recipes are a must-have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Health & Healing - Low Fat    6. Holiday - General    7. Methods - Lite    8. Health & wholefood cookery   

Reviews (46)

I have made four items from this book-beautiful!
I was new to wire and bead jewelry making when I got this. It quickly inspired me to make several items of jewelry as shown and they are gorgeous. I am now hooked on this hobby and have, in two months, spent over $1500 on tools and supplies. I have four sets of pliers, a crimping plier, two hammers, a small anvil, numerous beads and findings which I get on eBay, several types of gold and silver wire, and let me tell you, it all adds up. It is an addiction to types like me who need to make pretty things.
Good place to start
Although new to beading this book provided some great information on the processes involved.I found it to be very helpful and will refer to it again and work on some of the projects found inside its covers.

Bead On A Wire:Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry
A great book - suitable for the beginner or the more advanced jewelry artist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry making    9. Metal Work    10. Wire craft    11. Handicrafts    12. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (4)

Disappointing
I eagerly anticipated this book, since there is so little published information on the subject, but I was disappointed when it finally arrived.It appears that it was never proofread.I read a lot, and this is the worst job of editing/proofreading I have ever seen in a book.This may sound like nitpicking, but there were places where I could not figure out what information the author was trying to convey it was so garbled.It is FULL of typos, grammatical errors, and garbled sentences.
A wealth of insights and tips on how to construct - and maintain - a natural garden pool
NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS: INSPIRATION FOR HARMONY WITH NATURE offers a wealth of insights and tips on how to construct - and maintain - a natural garden pool. Surprisingly they are less costly to maintain than traditional chemical pools, save on water, and beautify a garden area more than less ecological offerings. Full-page color photos throughout illustrate such pools, surveying a range of designs and options and discussing biological conditioning, ecology, regeneration zones, and construction choice alike. It's the multitude of options and in-depth coverage on these options, paired with the color photo coverage, which makes NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS an extraordinary survey.
Long overdue book on an overdue topic
I have been keenly interested in the topic of natural swimming pools for about 5 years, but have been frustrated by the lack of information in English on the topic (there are several books in German - the homeland of the concept - but only a single manual in English).
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. House & Home    4. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    5. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    6. Swimming pools    7. Water gardens, pools   

Reviews (14)

GREAT TEACHING BOOK!!!!
I have been researching, trying and creating with pmc for a year now and found this book to be very informative.This book gives you details about most aspects of silver clay.The projects show all the various ways of using silver clay's.

An excellent reference book for metal clay
I just received this book in the mail today.I paged through it quickly to see what was included.I will go through it more slowly later.What I did see the first time I really liked.I was impressed that firing charts for both brands of metal clay were included.
Covers her subject like a blanket !
Ms.Haab Covers her subject very well in that she gives the in formation on both types of metal clay. The temps and specfics to each brand product. The range of techniques translated in to the clay form metalsmithing follow the finished look of the original as close as possible. As a hard art metal person I found not only the descriptions clear and easy to follow but the pictures are bright so you can see the items. Not the artsy type gallery shots in some books. I haven't used any of the projects in it yet, but it is being looked at a lot. I own it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry making    7. Metal Work    8. Metal-work    9. Precious metal clay    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (64)

What you wear can change your life
This book is really fantastic.These two ladies have a way of speak writing which is my way of saying that they write exactly as they speak. It comes across very clearly and naturally.I have picked up heaps of useful tips and it makes you realise that is not about dressing the perfect body but about making the most of your assets and minimizing your less flattering physical attributes.
Laughing your way to looking good
Trinny and Susannah are fantastic at telling you exactly what will work on your body type. they show the funky and elegant. In addition to the great advice they couch it in wonderful irreverent humor. enjoy.

Good, But Not All-Purpose
I love the way Trinny and Susannah look at color. Their advice for matching colors and finding colors that work for you is second to none. They have a chapter where there is a page for each color. They show several shades of that color and for each shade, they show two complimentary colors and one contrasting color. They also offer good underwear, travel and accessory advice, which can be quite useful.
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Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Consumer Health    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Psychological aspects    7. Women's clothing    8. Art / Fashion   

Reviews (17)

Purl Stitch
Not quite as good as the first book in the series, but I'm glad to own it.

not as good as book 1
As a new knitter, I bought Sally's first book based on the reviews, and I loved it.The instructions and illustrations were excellent, and the patterns that could be made with just the knit stitch were mostly very nice, and usable. Something I could see myself making and wearing.
KNITTER BEWARE
Knitter beware.Pages with MISTAKES 19, 23, 104, 137, 148, 158, 169....maybe more.I love the patterns in this book.So, I decided I'd knit my husband the Classic cardigan.I knit quite a bit, this was my first sweater and was glad to find a book with what seemed to be clear instructions.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting