Crafts Hobbies Books

One of my best friends bought this book for me when my husband was very ill in the hospital. I'm a knitting addict and this book was not only hysterical, but really lifted my spirits! It's a book you can't wait to read & will make you smile and laugh! You feel like someone else really understands your world as a knitter! Hilarious! I just loved every page of it! Stephanie has amazing wit! You'll love this book - it's a must, must read for anyone who loves to knit, read and laugh!!

This author never ceases to enthrall me with her true life experiences as a knitter.
If you knit (at all) you will 'see yourself' in her observations too.
The only problem is I can't read the book. laugh and knit at the same time.
However all knitters should rest their hands periodically, and reading this book
and sipping a cup of coffee is my prescription for rest!

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is not only a talented knitter but a gifted writer as well. I have 4 of her books and want to get them all eventually. It's great to have a knitter I can relate to. She has a super way of expressing herself. This is a gem of a book, and I recommend it, yes I do! Get it for yourself or for a friend who knits. I first read one of her books from the public library, then I was hooked. I usually read them in bed while my husband's sleeping, trying not to wake him, while I'm snickering away. I've even read parts of her books to him. After living with me (a knitter) for so long, he gets her humor too. Wonderful book.

This is a great little book... I decided to bend the corners of each quote that I liked. Needless to say, most of the pages have a little corner turned down. I recommed this book.

How delightful!! I tucked the book in my knitting bag to read in spots were knitting is not deemed appropriate - but those are the very spots where laughing out loud is not deemed appropriate either. I promptly decided I needed to spend less time in such places.

It is so very humanly funny, that I had to share it with my mother - who doesn't knit at all. She loved it too. As a matter of fact, I never got it back...

I rebuilt my bathroom and completely renovated the shower. This book was my bible. Of course I had other references and ideas to use, but pretty much kept to this book. I had it there by my side while constructing everything from the shower pan, shower walls and tiling it all. Sure I could have done it without this book and my wife would have made me hire a professional to redo my job.

Not to brag, but with the advice from this book people think that a professional DID remodel my bathroom. There is so much satisfaction in doing it yourself and to get a the results as good (and sometimes better) as a pro...

I bought the bookas a gift for a friend who is quite interested in home renovation technique. She was thrilled by it and judging by her reaction, it must be an informative and well written book.

This book was pretty disappointing. After spending $24 for what I thought was going to be an authoritative book from a well respected expert on the art of tile setting, I find myself browsing other books while I'm at Home Depot to get the information I need. In particular there is absolutely no mention of how cutting and setting stone tiles is different than ceramic. No mention of using epoxy to set tiles with resin on the back or use of epoxy for anything. No mention of design issues like what size tile or what layout is best for small or large rooms, what size grout joints look best with what types and sizes of tile. He has these cute sections about how cool it is to be a tile setter all over the book which bugs me since that space in the book could have been used to give real information. As an example he has a section on making u-cuts in floor tiles. He never actually tells you how to make a u-cut, just how great you'll feel when you master this skill.

I'm guessing the reason this book has so many great reviews here is that the people that hang out in his online forum buy the book and enjoy his cute little stories and write a glowing review. They don't care about the lack of detail in the book because they can get it from the online forum. But for $24 I shouldn't have to then go to an online forum or sneak peeks at other books while at the store for the information I need, it should all be in the BOOK!

From looking at other tile books at Home Depot, either the Stanley (that's pretty sad) or Taunton book would be better choices for people who actually want to learn how to set tile.

John Bridge has put together an excellent reference for the experienced and novice tile setter alike, and if you're looking to learn the basics to put together a project for the first time, this book is a must read. John's light, conversational style makes the book a quick read, and as mentioned in another review, the online forum on the author's website is also an invaluable reference.

Highly recommended to those who need a to learn the ABCs of tile.

This is the ultimate book for tile setters and for those who want to be tile setters. John focuse on all of the little things that the amateurs don't. focus on. The actual tiling itself is the last thing he focuse on. He will teach you the science of laying different types of tiles. You will learn everyting from floor deflection to room layout to determing the square footage and much more. I even learned of a new underlayment product made by Schluter that does not transfer cracks to the tiles due to structural movement and also a waterproofing membrane to use in shower tile installations! I have learned so much Thank you.

I love stories. As an artist, most of my work is sold with a story. My customers love stories and I gravitate towards a good story. But it's difficult to write a jewelry making book based on stories. I mean there's the dry instructions you have to write and how can you put those into an interesting story? It can't be done, right?

If you feel like I do, then you will be elated when you pick up Links by Jean Yates. Jean has achieved the unachievable and has written a jewelry making book full of stories, clear instructions and lovely projects.

The table of contents tells you this is no ordinary jewelry making book. Contents include: Family and Friends, Nature, Bead Box and Color. In the front of the book, Jean discusses materials and techniques and shares resources at the end.

Each project has a charming title, for example, "Alice's Cosmopolitan Necklace." Materials and tools are listed so you'll know what to purchase. A large close up of the finished project is included along with instructional pictures. The pictures are large and clear so if you're trying some of the techniques for the first time, you can see how to do it. There is a tip and of course, the wonderful story about Alice, Jean's sister.

There's more where that came from! The entire book is a story told from Jean's point of view - if you take the journey with Jean, you'll end it with beautiful jewelry and a smile on your face.

I have to be frank - I bought this book, because I like Jean Yates' style. As someone who reads beading magazines, I see her work everywhere - and her designs are always polished and eye-catching. At the same time, you can tell that they are well-thought out and eminently wearable. The designs in this book are no different (which didn't surprise me at all).

I _was_ pleasantly surprised, however, to see what a wonderful showcase the book is for the breadth of her work - from whimsical, to romantic, to ethnic, even to a little sly, these pieces cover the full spectrum of creativity. Because I have very eclectic tastes, I really love the variety, and I find inspiration in all of them. (I also find inspiration in the stories she tells about each piece - Jean is a born storyteller.) My favorite pieces in the book are the ones with a bit of humor in them. The first is the perfect tea-time charm bracelet made of brightly-colored lampworked teacups finished with a toggle clasp in the shape of a teapot and spoon. The other favorite is a classic chain maille bracelet finished with a witty twist - a "naughty" sterling word charm and a padlock-style clasp.

As far as the book's layout and organization are concerned, the pieces are well-photographed, the instructions are well-written and the supporting project photos are plentiful and extremely clear. I've been wanting to try chain maille for some time (which, alas, remains on my "list of things to do" for the moment). There are a number of lovely chain maille projects in this book of different degrees of complexity, including one example of a Japanese chain maille pattern that I find very attractive. Again, the description and photos of the arrangement of rings, and the process of building the chain are very clear.

In short, I think this book is a keeper and is one I will be returning to time and again. I highly recommend it.

Anyone who is interested in creating ANYTHING -- be it jewelry, visual art, performance art, novels, whatever -- would be well-served to check out this book. The author does a wonderful job of showing how artists can weave stories, relationships, and memories from their own lives into their art to create moving and inspired pieces. And for you jewelry-making buffs out there, the author is an EXPERT, and can teach everyone a thing or two, even the best of the best! I highly recommend it!

This book is great! I really like the use of art beads in this book. I found it to be very inspiring and would reccomend it to friends. It has a little something for everyone, design wise and color wise. Jean Yates did a good job with this book.

I was a little disappointed with the content. The jewelry pieces are pretty, but not anything new or inspiring for me. The book was a "no keeper" for me.

This book is a great resource tool for anyone interested in starting their own business on items they hand craft. There are a lot of great reference resources and Brabec really knows her stuff! Great buy!

This book is great. It is easy to read. This is one to keep for reference. It was extremely helpful for me regarding finding a niche for my work. I highly recommend this book!

This book is wonderful!!! I don't even usually read but I've gotten halfway through in about 2 weeks. It's so great! I thought I couldn't really learn anything, but I was amazed at the helpful info in here. Now I am totally in love the Barbara Brabec!! I'm about to order 2 more books now! and I already got Creative Cash too. She is wonderful! The book is so well written and informative!! More then worth the money it cost. It should be on artist/crafters bookself.

This book has been a wealth of knowledge for me. I have just started selling my craft and had very little experience with a business of my own. While some of the information is less technical or web savvy the general ideas and business structure information is well presented in a human and positive way.
This book is easy to read cover to cover (minus a few typos) or to jump into a specific section. Barbara Brabec seems to have done some really useful research with this book.

I didn't hear about this book since long, but beleived at once it was the book of an experienced author.IT JUST WAS WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT : very clear,logically constructed,giving a lot of links and the best last observed trends about selling crafts.
It has to be read in the order offered at first,then it's going to help really accuratly following needs : I didn't see more complete a book about its subject .A book we can be confident with, truly !

I purchased this as a bargain paperback and perhaps that skews my review. The quality of the paper in the book is very poor. Based upon all the 5 star reviews, I was hoping to really enjoy this book, but I found it hard to get into. The most interesting part was with the history of the quilt, so at least I learned something.

This continues to be a good series. I am a quilter, so I can easily identify with the characters. Recommend this book to quilters everywhere!

This eighth book in the series, Elm Creek Quilts has an ad out for new teachers to gain fresh blood and new outlooks in quilting techniques. There is Maggie, who is about to lose her longtime job in the nursing home she has worked in for years. Then Karen, an overworked housewife with three kids who feels underappreciated by her husband. Anna comes in chapter three who is a chef and a quilter. Her boyfriend Gordon doesn't treat her right, and she is feeling letdown all the time. Russell is another character in the story who learned to love quilting from his wife Elaine. When Elaine passes away from a serious illness, he is lost and deeply depressed. He goes on with quilting though eventually, but is ashamed to be the only one in a community of all women quilters. The last character in this book is Gretchen, who has a disabled husband and has been a housekeeper for a wealthy woman for many years. After her employer Heidi treats her very unfairly many times over, Gretchen knows she must move on. She also applies for the job.

After all interviews are conducted, the Elm Creek quilters have an important decision to make and choosing the right candidates is not any easy task. In the end three of five are the chosen ones.

Have read all of her books, enjoyed each one very much. They don't need to be read in sequence, but I did. Am looking forward to her next release hopefully before the end of the year. Also have recommended to all of my 'Quilting' friends. Jennifer Chieverini's web site is also very informational and funny. Maybe she will have a book signing in East Texas where so many of us enjoy quilting and would enjoy meeting her.

I don't normally read these types of books, but Ms. Chiaverini is an excellent story-teller. What I don't like is that her chapters are LONG - and that once I start reading one, I can't put the book down until the end!

I agree with some of the other reviews...the patterns could be difficult for a beginner, but what isn't? I made the little punk duckie in an evening, and he's adorable. Once you get the gist of the book and understand how the patterns are written and what the design is supposed to look like, you can pretty easily figure it out or go to your LYS to ask. All in all, I love this book!

I loved the Amigurumi I have crocheted so far and they look very professional. Mostly have used Red Heart Super Saver Yarn.

The only problem is that in some places it does not tell you the total rows of a arm or leg and just takes you to where the next X rows are all the same and not what X is. Usually I make it a little long and compare the product to the image before taking off a few rows.

This book itself is darling with photos that will amuse and inspire, yet the instructions would be difficult for a beginner. If you are a crocheter already, you can figure things out on your own, but several things were left out that are needed if you are just starting to create Amigurumi. Perhaps there were elements lost in the translation, so be prepared to just go from the photos. I bought Amigurimi World right after this one and would have to recommend the latter much more for it's simple, complete directions.

This was about one of the third books I bought when I started crocheting amigurumi stuff. While I would have to say there other books I like better, its still got some cute animals in here. The symbols are not hard to understand just different then following most patterns. There are some parts of the patterns (arms and legs) that dont specify how long they should be but I assume that leaves room for personal taste. While there some patterns I will make i'd have to say for me its about a 50-50. I'll most likely make at least half of what the book has to offer.

This is the first amigurumi book I purchased. I like the look of the toys and I like the simplicity of the charts that are used. I've made several of the toys and have adapted some patterns to make my own patterns. My 11 year old daughter, who has never crocheted before, finished the duck (with prompting) in a very short time and is excited for the next one. She's making the tiny bear now.

On the down side, I've found that some of the directions are difficult to understand. I'm a long time knitter, so I understand shaping and such, but I've only just started crochet. The butterfly wings completely stumped me. I thought I understood what was being illustrated in the charts, but it didn't look at all like the finished product in the picture. I kept expecting to have an "aha" moment, but I finally just "did my own thing", based on previous knowledge, and finished the pattern--not rocket science, and maybe I'm just thick or something.

The pictures are nice and they're great idea starters. I would prefer that the patterns be put alongside the color pictures, rather than the pictures grouped at the beginning and the patterns at the back of the book. However, this isn't enough of a distraction to downgrade an excellent volume of creativity.

I'm very glad to have this book as my introduction to amigurumi. It's a great medium and I'm enjoying it, thanks to this author's introduction.

I enjoy this book. I use it as a resource when creating one of a kind things like activity play mats, blankets and sweaters. It is every knitter's must have.

This is a brilliant book. When you want to add that certain something to your finished garment, but don't quite know what, have a flick through this and you will be filled with ideas. Easy to follow instructions and great, clear photos. It's a must for anyone who likes to knit or felt their own creations.

Inspirational with step by step instructions. A must have for the knitter that just loves to knit,this book will have you doing so much more. Wonderful use of knitted cords, great edges, fringes, tassel and emroidery stitches. You will always add that special touch to your knitting. Thank you Nicky for sharing.

I have Ms Epstein's other books,Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau: The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders which I enjoyed and Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes about which I was somewhat less enthused. I decided to get this book, because I was looking for ideas for embelishments, and there it was: "Embellishments," just what I was looking for, so I got it.

I think some of the appliqués are quite imaginative, particularly some of the leaves and pieced flower designs as well as many of the knitted cord appliqué designs, like the Celtic knots and most of the closures in the last few pages of the book. (I do love "frogs.") I will certainly try the technique myself.

The appliqué cord technique was also used effectively for faux cables, and although I enjoy tackling a complex cable from time to time as an exercise, I could see the appliqué system for cables as a very effective way of getting a project completed. It would also allow one to experiment with a design to decide what type of cable looks best on a completed sweater, and just where on the sweater it will most enhance the wearer--and all this without having to rip apart the sweater and do it over again!

The integration of beading into some of the edgings was also interesting and not something I would have thought of myself, because I'm not (yet) a beader. I could imagine the technique making something very special from something quite simple. However some of the designs for heavily beaded tassels seem just way too over the top.

I also like the way cross stitch and embroidery in flosses or yarns could be added to a finished sweater to give the piece the look of fairisle, intarsia, entrelac, and tapestry without the bulk and carryovers that occur with the first two.

I am not, however, a great fan of "bobbles" or raised edgings. I enjoy the technique of the former for its cleverness, and have added bobbles to things like purses, but they tend to make knitted and crocheted products look bulky and awkward in places that should probably not be emphasized on some individuals. (My figure, for instance, is bulky and awkward enough thank you.) Maybe on a very slim person, but definitely not a decorative technique I'd use for the more "mature" shape.


The designs are well illustrated and enlarged enough for the reader to see the techniques displayed. The author uses the method of charted instructions, which I usually find somewhat difficult to follow but which I can see as very useful for visualizing the finished product and its construction.

Most of my objections, though valid from my own perspective, might not be true of others. Maybe one likes heavily beaded tassles, maybe someone else enjoys bobbles. As one of the other reviewers notes; there's something for everyone in this book.

All in all a book well worth the price to add to ones craft library.

I know, I know: "don't judge a book by its cover." But that is exactly why I had passed on this instructional before. The cover - which doesn't invite anyone to even pick up this book - is an awful diversion from the quality of information found here. Apparently, Epstein found an new editor or photographer to give her current works much, much more visual appeal.

Recently, I bought this and was surprised at what I found. This book is a great place to start! It's actually the 'Cliff Notes' to Epstein's other works - a springboard into the 'Edge' series. I have not bought any of the "Edge" series, only because they seem overwhelming and I didn't think I would actually use them (at least at this point in my knitting life). There is enough variation in patterns, ideas, and techniques to challenge and inspire anyone! This skimmed version is a great place to start. I'm encouraged to pick up her other books and reweigh their value in my knitting library.

I just got my first scroll saw and then a few days later I got this book. It is SO much better than the instructions that came with the saw!!
I highly recommend this to any one new or considering purchasing a scroll saw...Even better if you don't have one as they describe what to look for in a scroll saw when shopping. Good lessons in here too !!

The book contained good example patterns to explain what I should be doing. The book's intended audience is the novice.

I've wanted to learn how to use a scroll saw and I wasn't sure what to look for or how hard it would be to use. I don't have one yet but wanted to find out all that I could before I puchase one. I actually checked this book out at the library first to see if it would be worth while to buy it, and I haven't been able to set it down. My dad is pretty good in woodworking and I showed him this book and he agreed that it is a really good instructional book. The author makes you feel confident in doing the exercises. He also explains about the different scroll saws and what to look for in a scroll saw. It also explains the different types of blades, wood, and material that can be used. Then it gives different exercises to do, starting with the beginner and if you make a mistake the different ways to fix it. I will definately buy this book, it will be an excellent reference.

i am still waiting for the book to arrive. where is it?

Good book for the money. If you are new to the scroll saw this book is just what you will need to get started.

I'm sorry, but this book is terrible. I am not a hair whiz, but this book should be called "Ponytails." I am usually not this critical of things, but I am just so upset that I wasted my money on this. This book was just too basic. If you can already do your child's hair and are looking for new/neat ways to fix it, this is not the book you want. Get "Fabulous Hair" instead.

My mom had this book when I was younger and we still purchase it for our friends with daughters (I'm now 23). The illustrations are very clear and I had the best braids in elementary school and can still french braid better than anyone I know!

I love this book, it's wonderful for both little girls and teenagers. The directions are very easy to follow even for someone like me with four thumbs. After a couple of false starts I was able to send my daughter off to school with beautiful French Braids and she was the envy of the other girls in her class.

As a mom, I found this book very useful. It is great for learning how to do just about any kind of braid. It starts with easier stuff, like the garden-variety braid and pony-tail flips, so it works for someone with zero hair experience. It finishes up with fishtail braids, French braids and French ropes. The instructions are very clear, and the best part is that they show you just how to hold your hands. I never got the hang of French braids, but now I've mastered them.

The only reason I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that it is slightly outdated in style. The publication date is 1992 and you will spot pictures of girls in floral dresses with white yokes and oversized button-down shirts with turtlenecks. But the hair techniques are still great and easily adaptable to other hairstyles. And most of the hairstyles are timeless, especially for young girls. (I don't know that I would wear a French braid myself.)

The bow instructions are also neat. The book shows how to gather ribbon and wire it to barrettes in different styles such as rosettes and the "worm." It also has ideas for more unusual barrettes. We are going to make the balloon barrette for a birthday party craft.

Overall, a great buy for girls ages 7-13 or for parents of younger girls.

I was quite pleased with this book as I have always had short hair and both my girls prefer their hair long. The photos are a bit dated, but the diagrams showing how to do the work are spot on.