Reviews (5)

'Sewing for Rank-Beginner Ultra-Dummies'...
And I say that with great affection and deep understanding for all the rank-beginner ultra-dummies like me out there! I too am just about ready to get every other book that ever comes out in this series, as some of the other reviewers here mentioned. And unlike sooo many other patterns or books, this one actually includes tasteful, elegant pillow designs and ideas, not just ditsy-cutesy stuff.Fun, easy, useful learning -- can't beat that!

Great Series
This entire series is the best for new sewers like myself. I can now tackle projects without fear. Worth the money.

Better Than Expected
As a pillow designer, I was skeptical that I would find information that was new to me.In this book I found many tips that ensure a perfect result, along with wonderful pictures and detailed explanations of techniques. Even if not all of the pillow styles appeal to you, you'll be happy with this book as a guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Pillows    7. Sewing    8. Textile Fabric (Applied Arts)    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

Great book on traditional upholstery
This is a great book for beginners as well as advanced upholsterers.I found interesting that it is very extensive on traditional techniques and it is also very explicative of each one of them.It has very good explanaitions as well as coloured pics and drawings.I didn't give it 5 stars because it is superficial on covering modern techniques, the ones required for a professional business.I'm an upholstery student at a community college, and it has been a great reference for me.But I had to learn the time saving tricks with my teachers.This is a great reference if bought with the Complete Course, written by the same author. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Upholstery    5. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    6. Crafts & Hobbies / General    7. Furniture & furnishings manufacture    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (3)

Slipcovers and Bedspreads
I am so pleased to see a book that demands proper measurements and all the specific instructions on any project you intend to do.This should ensure your labor's not to be in vain.If I'm doing the work, I plan for the sewing to be perfect.

Wait a minute...
I ordered this book thinking that it's many illustrations would make things "simple." But let me tell you, if you do not consider yourself an avid sewer and very familiar with your sewing machine, don't even consider getting this book. It will drive you insane. It's definitely written for people who have a very good understanding beyond "just the basics." stylish slipcovers, step by step
This is *the* book if you want to seriously recover furniture. These ain't throw slipcovers, that's for sure. Good instructions with lots of diagrams and details to help you make beautiful custom-fitted covers for most anyupholstered furniture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Coverlets    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Interior decoration    6. Sewing    7. Slip covers    8. Upholstery   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - Style Books   

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   

Reviews (1)

lots of photographs for inspiration
This book is a whirlwind tour of the various indigenous styles found throughout the world.Full of photos, it has many opportunities for inspiration, as well as insightful text by the author.I figured out whatcolor to paint my kitchen by browsing though this book.A keeper. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Ethics    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Religion    7. Sale Books   

Reviews (1)

second softcover reprint of Anna's original book
FYI to all you tassel makers out there who are already fans of Anna Crutchley's wonderful original hardcover book "The Tassels Book"..."Tassel Making", which came out in Sept 2000, is a softcover reprint of that original title. "Tassels for the Home", which was just released in Nov 2001, is another (second) softcover reprint of the same book.It is in a smaller size, which accounts for the slightly smaller price.It's still a great book, if you don't have either one of the first two.A huge disappointment though, for those of us who adore Anna and were salivating at the thought of a wonderful new book from her. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. House & Home / General    7. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

more than just a pretty cover.
After I bought this book, I went home and read the whole thing.All my questions were answered, even ones I did not know I had.If you have ever wondered how felt is made or it's history, this is the book with all the answers.It covers synthetic as well as those natural fibers.It is full of wonderful insightful information about fabric and gorgeous enough to grace any coffee table. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. Interior Design - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Textiles & Polymers    8. Art / Fashion   

Reviews (1)

Easygoing and Pretty Country Decorating!
This book evokes an easygoing Summer feeling, and inspires you to fill your home with sunlight, fresh flowers and "Shabby Chic" style flea market finds. I absolutely love, love, love, this book! If you love the "Shabbby Chic" style, then you'll truly enjoy this lovely book. Written by the owner of Cabbages & Roses, based in England. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House furnishings    7. Interior decoration    8. Textile fabrics in interior de    9. Textile fabrics in interior decoration    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes    12. Sale Books   

Reviews (1)

50 Fabulous Chairs
This was such a fun book, it had many great ideas for painting chairs you find at flea-markets, garage sales etc...All of the patterns given could be enlarged or reduced to fit most any chair or other funiture.Thedirections were rather simple to follow as well.The photography was alsogood. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Furniture    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Woodworking   

Reviews (1)

Best if you have some sewing experience
I sewed my first duvet cover last summer and ran into a few problems. The book I was using advised me to make the duvet a bit smaller than the comforter so it would be full and fluffy - not a good idea! Lumpy is a better way to describe the result. So when I picked up Carol's book, I looked first to see what she advised (same size). This gave me faith that her other ideas would work well.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY PRESCHOOL    8. Home furnishing & decoration   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - General    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (2)

If you just want ideas...
If you want to get ideas on what type of window treatments are available or what style you like the best, etc, this book is a great resource for you. Pictures are great, too. (This book does not give any instructions on how to make them.) I totally lack creativity but this book really helped me get ideas of what I'd like to make for my brand new house with extra large windows.

Good general info,some good designs, no instructions
Good information on types of windows and styles of window treatments, hardware, trims. Each page has sharp color pictures. Some current styles, but some seem slightly dated. Instructions are not provided. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Draperies in interior decorati    6. Draperies in interior decoration    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Home furnishing & decoration   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Reviews (1)

Small quilts with vintage charm
Nice book, pretty pictures, but nothing new that I haven't already tried.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Miniature quilts    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Quilt Making    9. Quilting    10. Quilts & Quilting    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (2)

Fabulous instructions for classic designs.
Although the fabric choices in the pictures are dated, the designs and projects are CLASSIC(swags and jabots, cornices, padded headboards, pinch pleated drapes, bedskirts, pillows and duvet covers...). The step by step,illustrated instructions are VERY easy to follow.

Singer's "More Sewing for the Home" saves you $$!
While many of the books in the Singer Sewing Reference Library are very good, I have found the "Sewing for the Home" series of the books to be the best.These books are lavishly illustrated, with detailed color photographs of every step of the sewing process for home decor items.After purchasing this book, I was able to create lovely custom home decor projects at huge cost savings over custom-made or purchasing ready made items.Even a beginner can achieve very good results with home decor projects using the instructions and methods found in this book.If you are interested in home decor sewing, then you should add this book to your sewing library ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Needlework & fabric crafts    7. Soft furnishings   

Reviews (1)

Great Book with lots of Step-by-step photos
I really liked this book. Not only does it include great photos of the finished project, it has photos of the sewing steps, not just a lot of text. I've sewn several pillows and shams in the past, but I wanted something that had a variety of choices and pillow options. Sometimes it's difficult to think of creative ideas for pillows and cushions, but there are some in this book that are new. I found the directions easy to follow and the photos help tremendously. There are heart-shaped pillows, pet beds, bean bags, cushions with piping and trim, even chair covers for upholstered chairs, sofas, plastic garden chair and director's chairs.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Needlework & fabric crafts    8. Soft furnishings   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    4. Decorating - Windows    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Textile Arts - General    8. Needlework & fabric crafts    9. Soft furnishings   

Reviews (3)

Exciting!!!!!!
For someone that is looking for exotic and exciting... this book gives inspiration again & again! You could even pull tidbits of inspiration from this book for a cleaner look if you know what you're looking for.

My number one...
It's not easy to write a book, it's even harder to write theperfect book, but Caroline did it. A Must for Textile Lovers
This is a fantastic design book. Beautifully photographed and organized in a sensible and intuitive way, anyone interested in design or textiles will love it. Most of the interiors pictured are in London, and there is a bias for that quirky British "more is more" style. So it you're looking for decorating inspiration for your minimalist home this book may not be very helpful. Otherwise, it's wonderful. I find myself referring to it again and again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Residential Interior Design    9. Textile Arts    10. Textile fabrics in interior decoration    11. Art / Design / Decorative   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful modern craft instruction book
This well produced book featured detailed (yet practical) text, photos, patterns, illustrations and diagrams on making a wide variety of traditional and modern cushions and covers with a focus on elegant designs. There are basic, intermediate and some more avanced skill projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coverlets    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Cushions    4. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Residential Interior Design    9. Sewing    10. Tablecloths    11. Textile Arts    12. Handicrafts    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. Interior design