Crafts Hobbies Books

The book not only tells you the best types of bows to design, based on the wood you are using but also gives suggestions at alternative methods for achieving the same result. The authors do not assume that their way is the only way and include tips and ideas from others that they have obtained over the years. This book will certainly get you busy quickly, in your workshop. They also dispell many of the 'sacred cows' in traditional bow making such as the types of wood that are 'the best' and the "best designs". This is a brave move considering that many of these myths have been around for decades but given their experience and years of bow building, there is no doubt that they are speaking with authority and telling you what you should know instead of what they want you to know.

Great book at a great price. You won't regret it and you'll want the next book as you will read through this one in record time.

Actually this is the third set of these books I have bought... I keep giving mine to others who are interested in bow making. This volume in particular is excellent for someone starting out.

A great intro to making wooden bows. Covers all the basics, wood, design, cutting, tillering. I found the section on bow design particularly interesting. Intuition is totally wrong about what gives the most arrow speed. A great book.

This volume is very explicative and not lost any details of his points. All the volumes makes a great help, and even a single powerfull source of information, to anyone who want to make the finest traditional bows, i recomend !

OK, so I'm itching to get into building my own bows. Step 1, head down to the local bookstore and get this book--I mean, do any kind of search on the subject, and it's the first thing you always find. And now, I've read it. And you know what? I'm even more confused than i was when i started.

Where should i even begin to complain about this $23 I will never get back? Well, let's start at jump street...The first and most glaring problem is, this is NOT an instructional book for the aspiring traditional bowyer, as I thought it might be--and as the back cover led me to believe. Rather, it is more of a sourcebook for those who already have a pretty strong working understanding of how to build bows. This is the book you ought to buy if you've already got a handful of bows under your belt; bows of different types and styles. I could imagine some bearded old Jim Bridger type sitting in his den, reading and re-reading it, with a hundred different bookmarks in it, and about 10 sentences highlighted on every page.

But if you are trying to learn how to build your own bow, and you don't know too much about it--by all means, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE. This book uses shop talk about every other sentence, and from page 1, nobody ever bothers to actually define what all this shop-talk actually means. You kind of have to just try and infer from the context very crucial central concepts--like which side of the bow is the back, and which is the belly...or what string follow is, or about a million other things. Case in point, there is a section in the chapter on bow construction (chapter 1) where the author describes a "standard wood bending test." He explains how to put a standardized staff of wood in this little device to test its flexibility characteristics--they even show a picture of the little device (which you are to build yourself for this purpose)--but he NEVER ACTUALLY EXPLAINS HOW to build the device. G

All I'm left with, after reading this junk, is the hope that someday, after i read a few better books on the subject, and build a dozen or so bows of my own--well someday this book may be handy. As for now, if the power goes out and i need something to burn for heat, this is it. I just sit and scratch my head as i leaf through the pages, thinking, Oh that might make sense, if i knew what this word meant. Or, wow, I know what tillering is. I wish this damn piece of crap called THE BOWYER'S BIBLE actually detailed the process, such that i might actually be able to follow some step by step instructions on how to do so!

I just wonder who edited this book? How does a professional editor not realize that this book creates more questions than it provides answers?

Yikes.

Anyway, not to keep Amazon from getting any new business--if you know how to build a bow, and you want to see some interesting pictures of like 50 different kinds of Northwest Indian patterns you can paint onto your work--or if you feel like looking at pictures of bows some guy made out of junk wood, or reeds, or broken arrows, well this is the book for you!

As for me, the search continues.

Yes, several of the patterns are innovative and inspiring, but the frustration of the photos just overrides any positives in this book. The models' pretty faces are in sharp focus; the scarves are usually obscured by a pseudo-artistic mist. If the publishers were professional and concerned about the needs of the people fabricating these patterns, you sure can't tell.

This book has several different styles of scarfs you can make, it's wonderful. I just went out and bought some yarn specifically for some of the patterns in this book.

Let me begin by saying that I highly recommend this book for its power to inspire. I agree with previous reviewers regarding the photography - whoever thought it was a good idea to put the actual knitted garment out of focus was lacking insight. Nonetheless, thereare several pictures for most items, so one can get the general idea of shape, drape, and structure. Also, there is a very wide variety of techniques used, so there is a lot of learning that can happen using this book. I carried this book everywhere for the first few weeks so I could drink in the possibilities.
I disagree with posters who say that this book is for intermediate/advanced knitters. I was a beginning knitter when I purchased this book and *became* an intermediate knitter by making three of the patterns within. The instructions are quite clear. The publishers did not skimp on pages dedicated to each design. Also, the "design notebook" section at the end helps the "young" knitter understand design elements.
This book earned 4 rather than 5 stars because of the hazy photography. Another issue is that a lot of the suggested yarn is very high priced. It would have been helpful to add a section on yarn substitution. Other than these two things, this book is perfect and I heartily recommend it for any level knitter.

Beautifully written patterns with skill level ranging from ambitious beginner to knitting pro. Knitted Misty Garden for a friend and fell in love with it's feathery, open look. Definitely recommend.

When I bought this book of "31 inspirational styles", though I am a knitter, I thought that I could put up with a couple of crochet patterns. What I did not know was that though this book purports to be a SCARF book, about a quarter of it is taken up with SHAWLS, STOLES, SHRUGS, WRAPS, COLLARS and CAPELETS. These items definitely do not belong in a scarf book. They are just padding. I paid good money for the book, plus postage to the other side of the world, and I feel gypped, swindled, cheated.
I agree with other reviewers who have complained about the photography. In a knitting pattern book like this we do not need arty photographs with misty effects. We need CLEAR photographs with the scarfs shown ENTIRE (including the ENDS); scarfs spread out so the pattern can be seen, not scrunched up; scarfs in good lighting with a minimum of shadows; scarfs with adequate contrast to their background; scarfs not obscured by the model's hair, arms, knees etc or by "accessories" such as books and dogs!
As for the yarns: It would be much better in a book like this to use mainly standard yarns rather than novelty yarns that are likely to be discontinued.
I hope that the people at Interweave Press will take notice of these points.

I returned this book as I could not read it. I found the print way too taxing on my eyes, especially the small print on the dark background. One chapter is red print on a green background, making it very difficult to read in a relaxed manner.

Although the illustrations are beautiful, I found them distracting, especially since I had a difficult time reading the small print.

Don't let that discourage you from ordering this book, you may not have a problem with it.

With a variety of contributors, this creativity book is exciting and interesting, and it's lots of fun to read. Reading this is a great way to prompt yourself into your own creative world. There are a plethora of great ideas, advice and projects and pictures that will get your mind stirring.

I bought this because I wanted to learn more about collage/mixed media type art. This is a perfect resource for that(collage/mixed media art), or any type of art your interested in because it covers a broad range of subjects to stimulate and inspire your creativity.

I SO highly recommend this book!

I know it sounds odd,but I guess that pretty much sums up this book. With it's extremely eye-catching cover and pages,it is inspiring in it's own "Thinking Outside The Box" way.Also,the articles by various artists are as interesting and,at times,as off-beat as the book itself. If you are looking for a Collage/Assemblage book that has a more straight-forward approach to work in this medium,I wouldn't suggest this book. However, if you own or have read ones about this subject and want something different,then give this one a look..

I wanted to buy this book for a while, and finally I was able to as part of my research for a writing class I was taking this summer. Don't wait for an excuse to buy it like I did. If you are thinking about purchasing this book just do it. It is beautiful and loaded with wonderful ideas and inspirations. Whether you are an artist or just a wanna be, you will find something in it that inspires you. I am sure it will serve me well for years to come. I can't wait to find time to use it now.

Yes the book is very visual and nice to look at. That's why it gets two stars. Took me about 5 minutes to leaf through as I'm not interested in personal stories, just interesting techniques, which I didn't find. North Light books seems to produce a lot of these, as I "read" another one that was the same situation (5 minute flip-through).

If you want to read someone else's personal journal about their art, while they showcase their art and journaling, intermingled with maybe 10 pages of actual how-to, then this is your book. If you are serious about learning mixed-media collage, try The Crafter's Complete Guide to Collage by Amanda Pearce. I just finished that one and it's discusses everything from supports to materials in a well-presented manner.

I got this book for Christmas last year. Almost all of the projects are ones I will actually make (many books have one, or two, and the rest are junk).

The patterns are mostly easy to follow, and the results are beautiful. While many of the items are not things I would wear myself they make great gifts, and are a good base to use when making up your own patterns. A GREAT idea book and great for gifts.

I recently purchased this book and have not been able to put it down. Gorgeous pieces, beautiful pictures and glossy thick pages. Not only do I want to make everything in the book, it's perfect for a twenty-something like myself who likes feminine things and a little bit of trend and flair at the same time. This knits in this book remind me of something you might find at Anthropologie. A little bit vintage, very feminine, luxurious and cute. The Daphne purse on the cover is to die for- and I see myself making about 5 of them for people for Christmas time. lol The Fair Isle patterns are not to difficult and gorgeous. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to make beautifully feminine pieces for themselves or others.

The projects look nice, but I'm a bit weirded out by the photos of the models who look like they're just out of Jane Eyre's boarding school and two minutes away from coughing up a lung. Yuck!

I got this book in order to knit pretty, stylish things for my granddaughters. I love to knit and why make a bunch klutzy stuff they won't like? It is full of great ideas and the patterns are easy to use. I have knit two of the classic beanies since last night and have embellished one with folk-art star buttons and the other with a small bouquet of knitted flowers, from directions given further on in the book for embellishing an evening bag. I added a knitted leaf with a ladybug button. Both hats came out great and not a bit grandmotherly. I am going to add some arty glass beads to the flower centers tomorrow to jazz it up another notch. These are great basic patterns for getting your creative juices flowing and your embellishing stash involved. Very feminine, nice pattern stitches, very classic designs. If they aren't classic yet, they will be. Young hip people will like these designs, and so will their grandmothers.

I bought this book for it's potential gift resources and discovered that the author and myself have very similar taste in yarn and accessories; so much so that for once I actually had the same yarns at hand for the patterns. We just clicked, and so did my needles. So far the patterns have been true to measure, really cute, and the recipients have loved them. I've combined some of these designs with things from 'Knitting Over the Edge' with wonderful results especially with the hats. The instructions are very well written and easy to follow and the photography is beautiful, what more could I ask?

If you are really into felted wool this book contains nice little wallet type bags that are stunning. Sally Mavor's work is awe inspiring and worth the price of this book. Everything you could wish for

If you want to look at truly innovative and beautiful art, this is the book. I love to look at art books, as well as make stuff, so I found this book truly satisfying. You must have it in your collection, if only for your own satisfaction. The artist has included extremely good instructions for making the dolls and background. I may get around to it...someday.

Felt Wee Folk is one of the most inspirational books I have come across in a long time, I just love it. Readers can't help but be captivated by these little Wee Folk and their magical world. The book contains lots of ideas for different characters, including ideas for both boys and girls. Also included are other projects made from felt like badges and purses that are equally enchanting. I can't wait to start some projects from this book for my children. Highly recommend this book to other craft people, particularly hand sewers.

Felt Wee Folk is a lovely book filled with photographs and easy directions for making pipe cleaner figures, some as small as 1.5 inches. My daughter loves playing with the flower fairies I've made for her. There are other felt projects as well, although I haven't tried any yet. I'd give the book five stars if I didn't have to flip back and forth across a couple pages for directions, but the more dolls I make, the less I have to do that.

This book was an excellant purchase. It is detailed in showing you how to created these lovely little dolls, with exceptional patterns for clothing in such a wide variety. The possibilities are endless limited only by your own creativity. This book is a must for anyone caring to create these adorable little collectible dolls.

Really liked this....I haven't been knitting that long and didn't have these patterns from the magazine....I look forward to making some of them.

Worth the money. It's the kind of pattern book to which you will constantly turn for special gift ideas. Looking for a dishcloth pattern? Forget about it!!! This is STYLISH stuff.

Interweave Knits is the knitting magazine I eagerly await each season for, without fail, I find a "must-knit" in its pages. Over the years, many well-known designers have had patterns featured in this popular magazine, although many young designers have found a place here as well. Interweave Knits is known for its innovative and appealing designs, offering challenging and wearable garments for advanced and beginning knitters alike.

As Pam Allen, past editor-in-chief, explains in her introduction: "The best moments [in putting together the magazine], however, come when the contents of a submission envelope spill out and elicit a collective `Ahhh!' from the staff...For The Best of Interweave Knits: Our Favorite Designs from the First Ten Years, we've culled as many `Ahhh' projects from past issues as would fit into these pages."

Over the years, many Interweave Knits designs have become as well-known as their creators, and this collection of 30 designs contain many of these: the Lotus Blossom Tank (Sharon Shoji); the Forest Path Stole (Faina Letoutchaia); and the Icarus Shawl (Miriam Felton). This leads to the obvious question: How many of the patterns featured here are your favorites? This collection includes four of mine, two already listed (Icarus Shawl and Forest Path Stole) and two others-Striped Fringe (Amanda Blair Brown), an ingeniously designed wrap of seven different colored stripes, and Cambridge Jacket (Ann Budd), the perfect zip-up weekend sweater.

Sweaters in The Best of Interweave Knits range in finished chest sizes of 32.5" to 57.5", with the average range being 36" to 48". Scattered throughout the volume are "beyond the basics" sections that cover topics from cast-ons to blocking, pulling together great resources into one volume.

Armchair Interview says: Find new personal favorites.

I have liked Interweave Knits since its beginnings. One of the reasons Interweave Knits is interesting to me is because every issue pushed the envelope on design and technique. It also had very lovely pieces.

Unfortunately, the pieces in this book, (except for Forest Path Stole) don't really bring to mind what made Interweave Knits the best mag on knitting. The pieces are nice, but they are some of the blandest designs that were published. You feel as though the people who sat down to pick the patterns wrote down a set of rules: "OK, gals, we need one from every issue, AND we need sweaters, and a shawl and a stole and a pair of socks." Instead of going at it from the angle of what really were the pieces that made Interweave Knits stand apart.

And frankly, it's as if the editors couldn't pick and just decided to agree to disagree on the most fantastic pieces and go with the consensus makers. And you end up with a beautifully edited and hugely promoted boring knitting book.

One of the reviewers said "timeless classics" and that is THE best review this book can get. Not a single ugly pattern in this book - all of them are timeless, beautiful and perfect. The Forest Path Stole is so beautiful I'd like to wear it on my wedding day (happily enough, seems I still have time to learn how to make it - it's terribly complicated).

At first I was irritated by the "how to knit" sections between patterns, but when I read them it turned out they were detailed, far beyond basics and well worth reading and keeping at hand.

I am not a subscriber of Interweave Knits (much though I would love to) so I haven't seen the patterns before. I don't understand people complaining the book is just a repetition of the magazines - title says it, doesn't it?

To sum up: a beautiful books with beautiful patterns and great technical advice: what else could you want?

Honestly reading this book and seeing the designs I do better arrangements and I've never taken a class not impressed by the books pictures or arrangements very generic.

What little there is is very beautiful, but I somehow expected more. Pretty book though.

I love the flower arrangements in this book they are so classy and simple. Very easy for anyone to make.

This book has pretty photographs but it was not what I was looking for. It shows designs by reknowned florists but has little in the way of substance. I don't want to make someone else's bouquets. I want to learn how to do it. I am also more interested in silk flowers, so that may be another reason that I am not a big fan. I want to learn the "Art of Flower Arranging" not how to copy someone else's designs that I don't much care for anyway.

This is a book, just as described in the other reviews, of step by step images and text for 7 arrangements. Only one of those involves fewer than a dozen (most are more than 2 dozen) stems. if you're looking for small arrangement help, there's probably a better choice (I am still looking for it).

The book is pretty, though.

I thought this was an instruction book - it's a "how I created great art" book - I was very disappointed

For those of you creating found art for the first time and those who have been creating for years ... this is the book for you. Makes you want to visit junk yards and comb thru the muck just to find that special, odd piece that brings your art to life. Love his stories and humor. Will flip through the pages of this book for years to come.

I LOVE this book, it is filled with so many beautiful images that it has inspired me in many, many ways. The stories behind the pieces remind us to look deeper into the art around us and listen to their stories. I was surprised so many people were disappointed it was not a step by step book, art should inspire you to create, not copy. If you don't get inspired by this book, consider seeing a doctor :)

I bought this book along with another book on assemblage art. I found this book not just inormative about the subject but it was a good read as well because of the artists creative process. I was so interested in the artist's work that I went to his website and signed up for an art retreat he will be teaching at.

To say this is not a "How To" book is ridiculous. If that's what one is looking for (a step by step holding your hand venue), then one needs to go to a craft store. Michael de Mange's book is about creating ART !

You can't sit down and just read it once. It's like a fine glass of wine - you need to savor and "drink in" every page over and over. Then, and only then, will you understand how to create a piece of ART and not just CRAFT an item.

As for the safety of using products, that's up to each individual to read the labels. If you can't read directions, then you shouldn't be using the product !

In my own opinion, I don't think he meant to write a "How To" book. Instead, he let us peek into his fabulous mind and provided the opportunity to see how he creates his art. I'm an artist, not a craftsman. I want to create something from my own mind and I found this book to be a springboard of inspiration and recommend it to all artists.

This was an amazing product! My daughter loves the Harry Potter series and this book was the perfect gift to encourage reading and imagination. She has spent hours going through this book and is taking her time in picking the right ingredients for her wand. We have had an enjoyable experience with this book and as a parent I could not be more pleased with this product. I would encourage anyone to purchase this book.

Although this is a copy of the ology books, it is better than all of them. My son likes it because the information inside can actually be used. For example: in Wizardology, you make a potion with poppy flowers and phoenix feathers. Where can my son get phoenix feathers? This book tells real oils to use for wands and provides lots of history. It provides an astonomical chart.

This is a awesome book, with awesome illustration, its fun for the whole family and is a strudy book that should last for many, many years.

I bought this for my brother because he loves wizards and the alike, it was a birthday present. I liked this item so much when I received it that I almost wanted to keep it, perhaps I will buy one for myself.

The kids thought the book had interesting facts and LOVED making the "Harry Potter" type wands to play with. The Wands were really neat, but on the fragile side. Make sure they don't over tighten them when screwing the two ends together. My son broke his that way and both of them have lost pieces of it just by "casting their spells". The good side of it is that they glue well with wood glue and they were half the price here than Borders. I was able to buy both kids a book and still saved $4! I hope this helps.