Crafts Hobbies Books

This book was given as a gift. The recipient was very pleased to get it.

The book was in good shape. I wish the book were a little more explicit about how to actually do the various projects. I think it assumes that I know about this type of quilting, and I don't. Even after looking it over, I'm still uncertain how to begin. The projects look fascinating, so I'd really like to do some of them.

The quality of the book is great,many delightful color photos.The templates very easy to use.This is a keeper, it will not spend eternity gathering dust on my book shelf.It is a great asset for the never ending search for creativity and inseration.I only wish it was spiral bound.

I watched Simply Quilts on HGTV and thought the this was the book for me. In turning the pages I found myself dreaming of one project after another. I think what this book did for me is give me the confidence in my own choices and inspired me to create my own work of art.

I've now made two quilts from this book. Everyone who sees them is amazed at the seeming complexity and beauty of the designs and the interplay of the colors. I was always intimidated by sewing curves, but this method makes it simple and fairly foolproof. But I was most surprised by how much fun it was. I found myself literally running from the cutting table to the design wall to try out various placements for each block. I've been quilting for less than four years and the projects went together exactly as described in the book. Follow the directions and you'll be amazed with what you can do.

AWESOME sample pages of different styles in this book. I actually bought this book for a friend, and I love the sample pages so much, I ordered one for myself.

This was very helpful for me. I learned what type of style I was when I had no clue. It taught me how to look for creative inspiration in everything. I would definitely recommend it to everyone.

From the moment I opened this book I couldn't put it down! My layouts had become boring and my 'design mojo' had been seriously missing for way too long. Chapter by chapter it took me through figuring out my 'style' and putting a layout together that was me, not just a copy of someone else whose work I liked. I have now read it twice (in 2 weeks!) and it has notes scribbled in margins and sticky notes all through it. I think it will be a long time before it makes its way off my scrapping table and onto a shelf. I can see myself referring back to it often! Perfect for anyone new to scrapbooking or searching for their style!

I liked this book for giving me some direction in my scrapbooking. It made me realize my style and how to get started on a page without thinking too hard (which I usually do taking up way too much time). I have loaned it out to several of my fellow scrappers and they have enjoyed it as well.

First if you are looking for a book with step by step instructions look elsewhere. This is not the type of book they are selling. This book is directly written to those of us who need to figure out the exact scrapper in us. I to have read it cover to cover and found it very insightful. There are several layouts to help you discover the inner scrapper. By the end of the book you will be able to define the kind of scrapper you are. It gives you examples of ways you can become inspired and reasons as to why you may be in a rut. I wouldn't recommend this to beginners.

This book is another metal clay basics book. I got some good ideas like how to remove an enamel screwup, but overall the projects were a little too basic to be appealling.

Enameling On Metal Clay gives specific information on combining two complicated arts/crafts, metal clay (fine silver) and enameling. Plenty of books tackle one or the other, but not both. Her set up info for enameling is great for beginners as is her tip for removing enamel from disappointing pieces. The projects are good, but I found the info in the first part of the book--including which enamel colors do not work on fine silver--more necessary. Strict beginners for either or both mediums might be advised to get some of the learning curve (in other words, gain experience through practice) before tackling this book.

I love the way this book really breaks down all the steps and makes it easy to create the projects. The metal clay is a blast to work with for even a beginner like me and adding colored enamel is the icing on the cake. I highly recommend this book - even if you've never done anything like this before. You can DO this!

Congratulations to Pam for pulling together what must be now the definitive text on enamelling with metal clay. This 95 page book is simply brimming with information. The first half of the book is all about getting started, instructions on the basics of both metal clay & enamel, tool kits, firing tools and the equipment you need.

One of the best sections in the first half of the book is the firing section. The wonderfully photographed descriptive photos and easy to read and understand instructions help you to be totally confident with the firing process. De-bunking the myth that a kiln is necessary, you can learn to do enamelling effectively using just your butane torch, stovetop or even a little Ultralite.

The 8 projects are very nice too, a mix of earrings, pendant, beads and a ring. Certainly not daunting. I particulary liked the use of gold foils on the enamel. Pam has also taken a lot of the guess work out of choosing colours by listing the colours that work well and advising what to expect out of a specific colour - i.e. "the Orange Ruby Red will be a nice warm yellow".

The tips boxes that are sprinkled liberally throughout the text are true gems & whilst Pam is associated with Art Clay she has been smart enough to include both Metal Clay's on the market. This book finishes with a very nice gallery and a troubleshooting section. This book will walk off the shelves, truly wonderful.

This is probobaly one of the best books on working with metal clay that I have seen yet. Pam covers working with metal clay AND enameling very well. There is enough information to answer most questions and the visuals leave no doubt what she is talking about. Tools, supplies and equipment are covered even to the point of how to program the Orton controller used on most metal clay kilns! While a lot of her insturctions in working with metal clay are geared to the ultimate goal of enameling, they provide a solid basic guide even if you never add enamels!

Then there is the section on enameling projects. There are just enough projects to teach you each of the methods for enameling effectively on metal clay silver. Pam's project instructions are complete in that each one covers how to the make the metal clay base and then how to add the enamel to it. The step by step photos are a boon for someone working on their own without an instructor nearby. The notes and tip boxes mixed in help to explain those details and questions that may arise out of the project.

Pam rounds out the book with enamel troubleshooting, resources for materials and supplies and a Gallery of inspriational artwork. The only sad note is that she has since closed her enamel supply company, Pinzart, so now I'll have to find my materials somewhere else!

I have searched many books on enameling that are very good, but they don't cover enameling on metal clay silver as well as this one. If you want to enamel on metal clay, get this book FIRST...you may not need any other book!

This is a great book for beginners. I have not had the chance to really do a project yet, but from what I see in the book, I shall have no problem when I can get started. It has everything I think I will need.

I enjoyed looking at all Ann Cox's designs and easy to follow instructions. I bought her book for beginners, and this is easy to follow as well, with beautiful and inspiring designs.

I purchased both of Ann Cox's books on silk ribbon embroidery. Beautiful books, they both offer clear instructions and beautiful photography. I'm hooked! I've used the silk ribbon embroidery for both making cards and as a way of embellishing crazy quilts. This book is Ann's second book on silk ribbon embroidery. Her first book was geared to beginners. I would recommend purchasing both of the books at the same time as they follow each other nicely. Periodically, I run across "must haves" for my craft library. I'll refer frequently to both of her books and am very glad that I purchased them. Highly recommended!

Concisely written, excellent photography. If you are continuing on past the beginner book, this one takes you to the next level. Highly recommended.

This book is a wonderful starter book for someone who is just learning ribbon embroidery. It gives great illustrations for the stitches and wonderful pictures of projects. One can use the projects for ideas and inspirations for their own creations. I love this book. Simple and easy to follow directions.

I was an eagle scout and fisherman in my time so far. I love this book. I read and practice knots with it. (I think this is only feminine if you call it macramé.) You don't need all the knots in this book but that is what is so cool about it. Morrow will show you how the knot is made and even some history. I would buy it again if I lost it. As a true knot lover this book is still fun (I have about 4 knot books) and is my favorite so far.

This book makes it hard to imagine that they could forget a knot. It is very well organized and easy to follow. My only complaint is that it is so comprehensive that it may be difficult for a beginner.

I really have not had time to do a good review of the book. But give the pictures in the guide, it looks like they did a good job in the step by step process. I know showing how to tie knots in 2-D is difficult at best. But this book will help. Thanks !

"The Morrow Guide to Knots" offers excellent coverage of how to tie a wide variety of knots. True to its goal of illustrating how to tie knots, this book does just what it says it does.

While a bit dated (the back of the book states that it takes full advantage of "...color photography..."), this book has stood the test of time quite well. I was able to pick this book up and start tying complex knots within minutes.

This is a useful book for individuals with an interest in boating, fishing, camping and/or climbing. I found, and continue to find, this book to be quite useful.

Step-by-step instructions on how to tie various types of knots are paired with great photos showing the details of the knots.

I was looking for another easy to teach quilt pattern to beginner quilters and this was a breeze. The class I taught had 5 students and in 4 classes completed their quilt. This will be a favorite pattern when teaching.

I am an advanced quilter and found this booklet to be really good. First, I love the fact that the projects are quick and easy without looking it. Second, I like the two alternate color options at the end of each pattern. Although there are only three patterns in the book there are endless possibilities. This is the book for those of us that want a quick but original quilt. These patterns let today's great fabrics showcase themselves. I have already made one and have plans for three more.

This is a good book for wanting to do fast and easy quilts. I will be trying a few myself.

If there were more craft books like this one, I wouldn't need so many craft books! This one has it ALL.

Yes, some have pointed out that the projects are somewhat dated. Published in 1979, the Complete Guide to Needlework is 6 years older than I am. However, if you're interested enough in crafting to even read it, you should be creative enough to improvise.

If there's a knit stitch or applique technique you just can't find, maybe it's in here. Trust me, it's all here. And with so many available used for under $1 on this site, it's a fantastic find.

What a deal!!! Has absolutely everything about the basics of almost every kind of stitchery. A real find.

An oldie but a goodie...I love it as it has everything. It is for any type of needlework what the "Joy of Cooking" is for cooking...if you want to know how to do something look here.

I had to buy this book for a fibers class and i'm glad i did. this book is great! easy to follow instructions. if you can get the older one, the cover is much cuter! it helped me learn lots of embroidery stitches, basics of quilting, and the macrame section is great!

This volume lives up to the title. It is most definitely a very complete guide to needlework. The instructions are flawless, and the lovely presentation will encourage you to try new things and refresh old skills. The Complete Guide to Needlework would make a perfect gift for the crafter in your life, but be sure to buy another copy for yourself. It's just THAT GOOD!

Wonderful bit of history relating to the underground railroad and slavery. Must have if you study the history of quilts.

I've nothing but rave reviews for Barbara Brackman's books - this one is another "keeper". The first hand accounts of the freed slaves are very interesting reading. There are excellent photographs throughout this book and the quilt patterns have me itching to cut up some fabric!

Great history of quilts during the Civil War and slavery. Very informative and interesting reading. Highly recommend.

A fascinating insight into a bygone era with the reliable details and research we have come to expect from B.Brackman. It is also a revelation of man's inhumanity towards man and the arrogance of white people towards anyone different. As a student of history I could have done without the quilt patterns though. When will publishers realise there is a market for historic facts without the frills? If I want quilt patterns I will buy a book devoted entirely to them, when I want history I would like to have it without the added patterns.

A fascinating book by Barbara Brackman on the history of slavery & quilts. She goes into depth on how slavery originated, emancipation & integration of slaves, or lack thereof. She didn't quite hit the mark disproving the link between escaping slaves & the role of the underground railroad quilt in sending directional messages, which was an area she briefly glossed over leaving the reader dissatisfied & still questioning the outcome.

The quilts portrayed were attractive but not as outstanding as the projects in her many other wonderful books.

As a book on the history of slavery, this text is excellent. In disproving fabrications between underground railroad quilts & escaping slaves, I feel it falls short. A worthwhile read, however.

This book protrayed the essence of the Shabby Chic home
decoration. It has a good balance between the written word
and photographs. I did enjoy the book and got a lot of
ideas from it.

This was the first book I bought when I closed on my country home. My style has always been contemporary and I wanted ideas for decorating a turn of the century farmhouse. This and Shabby Chic Home is to decorating what Betty Crocker is to cooking. You will never go hungry again!:)

This is one of those books that is great to flip through in a bookstore or friend's house but never buy. And I am quite a fan of Shabby Chic and Rachel Ashwell. So if you don't even like her stuff, nothing in this book will sustain your interest. There is not much copy to read, her "tips" are very generic or just off-the-mark (she says it's ok to buy termite-ridden antiques because "a simple commercially available spray" gets rid of termites - somehow I don't see many women attempting this), and the book is mostly photos. While pretty, the photos are sourced from the same few celebrity homes she knows, so one feels a bit shortchanged.

This book will introduce you to Rachel's concepts. It's a good place to start. I enjoyed it more than some of her more recent books.

I've find the information in the book (text) very useful in creating a soothing, unfussy, shabby environment at home. However I was expecting it to be the otherway around; I thought there'll be beautiful photographs in the book and the text just going to state the obvious...
I was expecting more photos of the 'typical shabby' look (white walls, furniture, crystals, pinks, pastel colors, etc.) Instead you'll find a little bit of this and a little bit of that of varous styles mixed with shabby chic(traditional, modern and just a few of that typical romantic style)...so I am a little disapointed about that but on the whole, this book is o.k.