Crafts Hobbies Books

I received this book and was very excited by what I was going to find inside. I love the scarves and love to felt! That said I am disappointed mainly because I have found two major mistakes already in two different patterns which are key to knit that project. Does anyone have suggestions on who I should contact to get this known? I do love the book and the patterns and will make quite a few projects out of this book but again if it is going to be filled with mistakes what is the use..

The copyright page of this book is titled: Nicky Epstein books. There are 22 people or firms listed below that. Which means that for me Nicky Epstein is now a sort of factory putting out lots of books. I can't felt as I have a toploader machine. I noticed some of the scarves have appeared in other publications. The book is quite nicely packaged and I do believe there are enough interesting scarves for me to enjoy my investment in this latest book. I like her fairisle scarf but would want to change the colors. It's an easy fairisle done back and forth. Patchwork floral was inspired by one of her afghans and is nice with flowers sewn on top of patchwork squares. Tudor lace uses a yarn with beads enbedded which I couldn't see in the photo but the scarf looks very nice and lacey. Tea rose is a classic houndstooth pattern with flowers sewn on top. Bullets is for a man and looks fine. Cabled scarf with unraveled fringe looks quite pretty and fun to make but the yarn called for is chunky. Royal crowns has cables going up the sides and a nice crown pattern at the two ends with a simple knit stitch pattern for the remainder. Celtic glory uses Koigu KPPM to make medallions which are joined and perhaps one could extend this into a shawl and also use a cheaper fingering weight or sock yarn. Chakra uses yarn from Diakeito which I love but calls for a zipper up the center which strikes me as quite strange. Hot wheels comes from an old afghan of the author's grandmother and is quite interesting. Shawl collar cable point was originally a Vogue cardigan made into a scarf. The model wearing it shows it almost as a vest without the back. There's also a fastener in the front and the edge near her face is turned back into a sort of shawl collar and the ends are pointed. These are the scarves I find attractive.
There are lots of helpful features such as information on how to join pieces, how to wear the scarves and also many charts for the patterns. The binding, print and photos are all very nicely done. There is no number which shows the type of yarn used such as fingering or whatever so one has to rely on the gauge given for that. Many of the yarns are expensive so it would have been helpful in order to subsitute yarns. But for scarves this isn't all that important anyway.But after looking through this book, I begin to understand that I could go through my wips and make them into scarves using some of the ideas shown here. There are some really nice scarf books out there so look at this before buying.

This book is a re-hash and filled with unrealistic projects. The felting projects are not for me since I have a front loader and it's not easy to control the process. If you want to make a scarf get out a stitch pattern book and have at it.

I have long been a big fan of Nicky Epsteins, but this book was just not for me! If you enjoy felting and like bulkier scarves you will probably enjoy this book immensely, because this is basically the kind of book it is. However, I am not a fan of felting (partially because when I grew up, felt was a cheap cardboard-like fabric that you purchased to make costumes, etc) Also, as an advanced knitter, I take great pride in what I knit and don't want my stitchwork to be obliterated by being "matted together". Of course, everyone has the right to their own taste. I just wanted to let it be known that this is a felting book for the most part. Most of the scarves that are not felted, while nice, have
appeared in other publications.
Of all the Nicky Epstein books, this is the only one that I haven't been pleased with. (Note: I didn't purchase the "Never Felt Better" book, for obvious reasons).
I still remain a fan of Nicky Epstein's books!

I am a fan of Nicky Epstein - I have a lot of her books and enjoy them for their creativity, inspiration and uniqueness. However, this is the first of her books in which there was not a single pattern that I want to make. Such a disappointment. I hope this is just a 'blip' and she goes on to write many more books to the standard that we have come to expect and love.

The book was more basic than I expected. It is good for beginners and a useful guide for teachers.

This book seemed to me to be a good start, but maybe was rushed to production. There are a number of significant issues with this publication:
* Poorly organized - rather than taking you through a step-by-step process for each important phase of mold making and slip casting, the information is scattered throughout. Including information on other artists adds to the value of this book, but detracts from fundamental goal of teaching you how to slip cast.
* Missing/minimized information - 'Begin with the water and .25 percent of sodium silicate.' How the heck do you get to .25 percent sodium silicate? Does it come only in liquid form, or is there a powder available? Is the liquid form measured by volume or weight? Is the liquid considered 100%, or is it diluted? The tile-making example looked really cool. But two whole paragraphs on the silly fill tubes? And nothing after pouring the slip into the mold. How long to wait? How do you remove the tile after you open the mold? What if the tile doesn't want to come out? And (on page 68) "Mix the Hydrocal and pour it into the frame." Ok - nothing - nothing about mixing Hydrocal. How much water? How long to wait? Is it the same as #1 Plaster? Also (page 19) "Then sand the whole exterior...Sand the interior surfaces as well..." Huh? Why do that? Is it optional, or a key step to getting a successful cast? Also, how long do you dry the molds before you can use them? It's a mystery....
* Instructions don't work - I followed the mixing and pouring of plaster and slip down to the last available detail, including the cone 7 Hensley/Polseno recipe. The casts won't come out of the molds. From Troubleshooting, suggests the mold is too wet (how long do you let the things dry?) or too much EPK, but I used the recipe in the book!
The author is obviously an accomplished artist, and I was inspired by the introduction, coming to see slip casting as a legitimate form of artistic expression. However, the book seems to miss the mark for novices just getting started. After some rather extensive efforts, I'm really frustrated, but I'm not giving up! Now looking for other references.
Good luck!

I had to get this book for a college ceramics course. It is great. It has everything I need for making molds. A definite must have for anyone in ceramics.

This book is well written and shows very good photos. Mold making can be hard and very messy so having a clear idea of what you are going to be doing is important. Andrew Martin shows you step by step how to approach mold making beginning with very simple molds through to complex molds. Lots of lovely inspiring photos from master artists. This is a great book for any ceramics library.

In preparation for teaching mold making at Utah State University, I purchased 4 different mold-making books. After careful examination I decided that Andrew Martin's book is the one I'll use as my text for the class. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who is trying to learn to make molds without a base knowledge in clay and plaster, but, as a text book in an intermediate to advanced setting, this book is the one to use.

One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit or Crochet

This book has a wonderful look with many full color pictures. As I am a crochet person, rather than a knit person, I was a bit disappointed with the book as out of the 30 projects only 8 or 9 are crochet projects, the rest are all knitting.
It should, in the description show that it is predominately a knitters book. That way crochetters will not purchase it. For the price, I would not have bought this book if I had but known that the patterns weren't even crochet to knitting.
Over all a good resourse, but I will probably give it to a friend that knits.

this book is great to have lying around for if you can't think of what to make a loved one (or yourself!) for birthdays, christmas or "just because". it is full of great, quick patterns and i have used it many a time over the last two years.

I've had my eye on this book for some time and was thrilled when I bought it.
Some of the patterns are relatively basic, but still interesting. The legwarmers are great for someone who wants to try tatting but doesn't want to commit to a large lace project. The petal bib is absolutely adorable and is what told me I had to get this book. And the labyrinth circle rug is gorgeous.
I only give the book 4 out of 5 because the title is a bit misleading when it says "project to knit & crochet." There are a lot of knitting patterns and only a few for crochet.

This is a good book for using up single skeins of yarn. Most of the patterns are for knitting. If you crochet, don't bother with this book.

As with most books, there are a few useful projects and the rest are too basic or too goofy for words. In this one, I love the cable footies, petal bib, and felted bowls.

The Cable Footies knit up fast and are a wonderful gift for someone who needs cozy comfort. Knitted in soft cotton or silk, they are a perfect luxury for someone facing chemo therapy.

The Petal Bib is a fast knit for a unique, baby shower gift. If I have time, I'll knit it as part of a cap, bib, bootie set.

Just for the heck of it, I knitted and felted a couple of bowls to use up leftover wool. They quickly became cat beds instead of bowls.

The baby bolero in this book is okay, but I'd never knit it again. I'd rather use the 5-hour baby sweater to knock out a fast, one-skein gift.

Also, BEFORE KNITTING OR CROCHETING, be sure to check Radford's site for corrections to the single cable scarf, the crochet cap, the petal bib, and the baby bolero.

I bought this book whithout carefully looking inside and of course hoping to find some patterns for a single skein (everyone probably has a few single skeins of different pricey yarns they bought to try but couldn't afford more than that). I was so dissapointed! It seems that author doesn't really know what is average single skein is. One of the projects calls for 1250 yards skein of wool! That is very average skein size! Except for using single pattern for my own project I haven't knitted a single project out of that book. A lot of useless items and not enough of variety. Very dissapointed.

This book was so beautifuly done I found myself amazed. While it is not a straight forward book of instructions like so any knitting books have become, it is still a very interesting book.

This book smacks of a time when knitting was very commonplace with the young as well as the old. In a time when we are so rushed in everything that we do, it is nice to be able to look back to when more women (or men) could be seen knitting something for the ones they love.

Know that this book is more like a collection of historical documents than a book of straight forward instruction, but the patterns are there, and they are lovely.

another good book from Elizabeth Zimmerman full of good ideas and a chance to 'know' the author a little better... great style too!

I like the baby surprise jacket and more of the patterns, but I think it's difficult to read the pattern when they are written on a machine and are corrected with handwriting.

Although english is not my mother tongue, I just want to share with all EZ fans how fascinating is to see EZ's patterns in color and on modern models. You can travel from EZ's thoughts, her first letters with the original "unventions" and tips, to classical patterns knitted recently. Some comments on how to improve their well known patterns are really useful. 5 stars to a classical/modern "must to have" on a knitter's library.

More than 30 years ago, I found Elizabeth Zimmerman's first book, "Knitting Without Tears" which changed my relationship with knitting forever. (Every knitter should have this book--which not only tells you how the stitches work, but why.) So I was thrilled to be getting this "new" book, and I was not disappointed!
"The Opinionated Knitter" is really a collection of her "Newsletters," which were originally published individually over a 10-year span. They are like chatty letters from a friend, combined with wonderfully designed knitted treasures to make. You may use her designs with any yarn, for any size person, as she shows how to use percentages to achieve your pattern. This is so liberating! One no longer needs to consult a pattern constantly and knitting becomes so relaxing.
This book was worth every penny of its cost and will become as well-used as her original book, which is currently quite worn-out on my bookshelf. The only thing I would change is the binding--I wish it were a spiral-bound hardcover, instead of the traditional binding.

I absolutely love most of the patterns in this book. The other ones are just too funky or ugly for me to consider making. It's well over half of the patterns that are great though. It's not easy to find some good patterns for the modern man and this book is good for that. Maybe some of the ugly ones would look better with a different color palette.

My favorite projects are the Uncle Argyle Scarves, Celtic Beanie, Half-Pipe Hat, Beer Gloves, Biker Boy (sweater), Speed Racer (sweater), Treads (socks), Tubey (socks).

I will be returning this book. Only 5 of the 45 projects are for crochet. Some of the knitting projects look cool but I can't knit and have no desire to learn. The crochet projects are terrible. As a guy I can say without a doubt that I will not be making any of them.

I was hoping to find some cool NEW ideas for guys. Same old stuff- sweaters, scarves, hats... & the ties do not look well made at all.
Skulls are still in, but not new.
Honestly, not one man/boy in my life would be interested in any of these items, nor do i have the desire to make any of them...I have loved the other S&B books, & eagerly opened the package, but alas... blah!

Also, as said by others, the book is seriously lacking in crochet options.

I rarely write a negative, but just had to say it here.

Gotta say that after purchasing this book I wish I would have gone to a bookshop to perooze it first. I really don't think that I would have bought it after that. There are a few hat patterns that are different than any I have seen before. Out of the 45 patterns in the book I may do 5 or 6 of them.

Putting a skull on something doesn't make a crappy knitting pattern cool!! I was sooo disapointed with this book. Come to think of it, none of the Stitch n Bitch books have had many current patterns, they are all very out of date. You are better off taking classic patterns and modifying them to your mans taste. Or make him a blanket or socks! Something he will actually LIKE.

Okay, the projects in this book are stunning and doable. If you think this is knit every row, plain old garter stitch, you are wrong. There is no purling, but the knit stitch is used to create interesting effects and texture. The only problem is picking out the first project to make.

This book is worth the price just for the stitch lexicon in the back of the book. It has some nice projects, but that extra workshop of stitch patterns allows you to adapt designs and textures to projects of your own.

20 projects all using garter stitch. All directions are written out but they include some helpful charts where needed. My favorite is the long vest on the cover. I also like the diagonal blocks cardigan, houndstooth hat and scarf set, triangle patchwork cardi, log cabin throw, calypso vest, slipstitch pullover in 2 colors, wrap around vest, and diagonal afghan. Also included is a selection of 33 garter stitches different from those used in the projects. Most of the projects are by other designers such as Nazarin Fard, Valentina Devine, etc. Recommended but not essential.

This book is not just plain garter stitch - however all the stitches are knitted. The projects are vaieried. The first thing I noticed is that there are no schematics of the sweaters. There are diagrams for the modular projects, but no drawings with the measurments on them. While I can work around this and create my own, most current garment knitting patterns have them. Also the reversable blanket pictures don't include the other side, important when the other side is a different color.
All of the above being said, there are a few things I'm planning on making from this book, starting with that blanket.

This book is the best I have seen on enameling. Very informative on anything you need to know on the subject !! Cannot wait to purchase my suppies and get started !!!!

I've started enameling my Art Clay Silver pieces and needed an easy to follow guide, since my one enameling class gave me the basics but not enough to comfortably work on things in my studio without having a good reference book. "The Art of Enameling" has been great. It has sections on working with fine silver, which is a big help. The author writes well and the accompanying photos and tips are great. After reading through it, I feel a lot more comfortable and ready to tackle some projects.

This book is a comprehensive overview of most enameling techniques. It includes several projects with step-by-step instructions. This is a good resource book for beginning and intermediate enamelists.

I purchased this book for my daughter. She is an advanced metals major in college and was absolutely thrilled with this book. She was familiar with the work of the author and was very pleased to have detailed instruction as well as wonderful photographic examples of her work. If you are looking for great gift for an art major, you can't go wrong with this book.

I've owned this book since it was first published and learned much about the art from its pages. Last week I had the good fortune to take a week-long workshop with the author at the Revere Academy in San Francisco. We used the book as text and reference throughout a fantastic week of exploration. In person, Linda is every bit as informative and enthusiastic as her fine book would lead one to expect. For anyone who can't share the luck of those who have studied with her directly, this book is by far the most thorough, clearly written, beautifully illustrated enameling manual currently in print. If you want to learn The Art of Enameling, buy this book before any other!

My sister-in-law doesn't knit. She does do much craft but knitting and crochet are not things she has mastered. I bought this book for her thinking that even if it was just knitting the background stories and nonsense would make up for it and maybe inspire her to learn. I am so glad I did. This book would probably be Emo-lite - the crafts are not confronting and place a humourous twist on standard images. And it is not just for knitters.
- 8 knitting projects (including long socks, cushions, hats)
- 7 crochet projects (including scarves, gloves, bags)
- 3 sewing projects (Halloween-style Easter eggs, palm-sized owls, a skirt)
- 6 miscellaneous projects (including duct-tape bodice, beaded bag and cross-stitch graffiti)
Included is the standard "how-to knit" and "how-to make chain-mail" pages.
But you don't buy it for the projects. You get it for the humour, the anti-parenting, the lies and tales told to de-mystify.
What a hoot!

Truely for the slightly sinister, the book will make you chuckle. Gorgeous pictures of Gothic Waifs, plenty of web references to help you search for more like-content online but I leave a 5th star off because although it puts a twist on traditional crafting materials (knitting pirate hats and stuffed rats) other than the one corset duct-tape project which a lovely corset fanatic had already posted a to-do about online five years ago.

You're not going to find anything new as far as material is concerned (yarn, beads and cloth) or any new ways to manipulate them. It's still just macrame, crochet and sewing but presented in a way more appealing than the 1980's Vogue patterns or your grandma's Heart quick projects.

The title of the book caught my eye... I *LOVE*LOVE*LOVE* this book! I am frusterated that 95% of the knitting/crochet books are compiled of cutesy baby booties, doilies, afghans etc. It seems that in today's world, handcrafted items (other than beer) are not appreciated; unless one knows the time it takes to craft such items. This book does have 1 token baby sweater (skulls & crossbones), but I will be crafting the rest of the patterns. I have already finished the Chain Maille earrings and can't wait to make the 2 headded rat for my cat. This book is truly for the "closet Martha Stewarts" that like "dark & edgier" crafting patterns. I've brought the book to work, and 1 gal is excited to be making the duct tape corset and the wheel of the year skirt. Next year, everybody is getting a be-headded bunny egg for Easter!

I bought this book a few weeks ago. I really love knitting books that are different and edgy. I must say too I like trendier looking clothes. I got it mainly for the crochet and knitting patterns. There is some good info in the book and even a few recipes and random quips. I like the fact it gives you a bio on the designers. I haven't made anything yet but I am fairly new to knitting, although, I would feel pretty comfy with most of the projects. I also think that even though I wouldn't wear the most of the things in the book (real short skirts or low cut tanks), I feel like they provide good guidelines to tinker with your own projects and just get the feel of doing things differently. My favorite being the mohair sweater which I will make for sure. There are many numerous good reasons to buy this book and the creators seem really informed on their craft and witty to boot.
On a more personal level I was a bit uncomfy with the fact it has a small pagan event calendar in it. But, that was my only reasoning for not giving it 4 stars, and that may not be an issue for most folks interested in these types of patterns.
That being said, I feel it was a worthwhile purchase.

I have tons of craft books and this one probably has the wittiest style of any. In fact, I think the sidebar commentary is the book's greatest feature for me.

The authors also did a good job of introducing the reader to a variety of crafts; I think it would be a good resource for beginning crafters (of a certain sensibility) who are looking to try out some new skills.

I'm not sure if I want to make a crocheted bull whip or two-headed fetal rat thing, but I'm sure somebody out there does.