Crafts Hobbies Books

book was very easy to follow with good instructions for those starting to bead. very very helpful.

This is a great book for beginners, teaches you the basics of findings, wirework, etc. Very good projects too!

This product is a mediocre learning tool. It could be used by the inexperienced to get a very basic explaination of the tools need to start beading. The experienced could possibly use it for the various projects explainations included. As someone new to this craft I will be seeking aid elsewhere to further explain the various ways to bead.

Great book! I'm pleased. I am really a "very" beginner and the book explains all the processes very well.
I am having trouble finding some of the beads recommended for the projects but maybe that is because I am still not familiar with everything. The book still gets a thumbs up from me.

This book is awesome!!!! It has beautiful examples and illustrations as well as instructions for each project. I have shared this book with friends and they ALL have ordered this book!!!!

I have a 9 yr. old son that is really into Origami, I have a hard time finding him the right kind of paper here were we live. Amazon has tons of choices on paper and he loves this foil paper the best! This is also an excellent value.

Great paper for folding, foil stays on the paper even after a few creases or folds, it doesnt release from the paper as some do.

Origami foil paper

First of all, this is not a book, it's a collection of 18 sheets of foil backed with white paper, for use in folding origami models. The foil is reasonably good quality and does not crack when you make a sharp fold as some do. The range of colours is quite good though as always in a multi pack like this there are some you may not want to use. The sheets are cut very accurately and the papers work well for folding complex models as the foil is very thin.

I regard the cost as being the one thing against this product, there is no need for all the extra packaging and the paper could easily have been sold in its cellophane wrapping only with just a tab at the top or a cardboard insert with the publisher information, and then it could have cost far less. However it's difficult to find good quality origami foil, this is similar in feel to Japan foil so seasoned folders will be pleased to have an easily available supply.

I'm a constant reader. Mostly things that are supposed to teach me something I don't know. I believe in something called 'the slight edge', basically I'm Ok with reading a book even if I learn one or two small things. They add up, hopefully. I have low standards.

The Festool Essentail books showed up this week. Decided to read the Domino book first. It took about an hour to read every word. Large pictures of very fundamental applications. Unbelievably, I don't think there was anything covered that isn't in the users manual that comes with the tool.

I have cut maybe 100 dominos. Not exactly your seasoned user. Didn't come close to learning a single thing. There's way more info in Rick Christophersons supplemental manual.

The second half is essentially a catalog of dust extractors. Not one word specific to using them with the Domino. There are several pages just like the catalog, where it shows which accessories go with each model. There are 4 or 5 pages showing you how to install the handle. The handle actually comes with instructions comprehensive enough for you to install it.

The capper of them all; the last 20 pages of the book show you how to install the boom arm, another product that ships with adequate instructions.

I haven't looked at the TS55/75 book yet. It also 'features' info on the dust extractors. Would be surprised if it isn't a reprint of the info in the Domino book.

I've ordered a lot of books from Amazon over the years. I've kissed a few frogs along the way, but have never even considered sending a book back. This product is a shameless commercial that could only serve to expose someone to this product in the hope that they would buy one. It really shouldn't be sold as book.
I know this is more than a bit harsh, but I feel it's 100% fair. Don't waste your money.
Jim

The title says it all really. High production values and negligable content. Less than HALF of this book has anything directly related to the Domino, the main part of the book is about how to assemble the Festo CT series vacuum & accessories.

Only Festo's own woefully inadequate instructions give this book ANY relevancy, and even then everything in this book is fully covered in the manufacturer's tiny pamphlet - this book just takes a dozen crisp photos and as many lines of text to cover one photo in the manufacturer's instructions.

Several beta-testers of the Domino offered Festo illustrated how-to documents for the Domino - this does not seem to be one. There are a number of Domino how-to sites on the 'Net and all I have found to be better than this waste of paper.

I'm extremely happy with Cherish. Using it has given my scrapbook pages such variety and made my books more interesting. The diagrams are easy to follow and I'd buy this for a gift for other scrappers.

This is a great book for scrapbookers. It is one of the best I have, and I have a lot of books. This book is perfect to help you make more creative pages. It is easy to follow and you can mix and match pages. It is perfect for the person who wants to use 5 or 6 or more pictures for their pages, but can't figure out how to get them to fit. There are plenty of layout page books out there, but I have never seen one that actually tells you the exact measurements to cut. You can make pages pretty quick and they are really nice. It is a must have, I highly highly recomend it.

Being new to scrapbooking, it is sometimes hard to create a layout from scratch. The patterns in this book help to get the creative juices flowing whether you exactly copy a pattern or take elements of the design to enhance your own ideas. Even veteran scrapbookers can benefit from the wealth of page layouts. Highly recommended.

This book has beautiful scrapbooking pages laid out with instructions on dimensions to cut your paper (so that you get the most out of your patterned paper), ideas for changing the layout slightly,and techniques for papercrafting/stamping/scrapbooking. You could make hundreds of different pages using just this book! IT's the best scrapbooking book I've seen!

I've been a huge fan of Becky Higgins sketches because they give me a blueprint for my scrapbooking layouts. A friend recommended Cherish to me, and I was skeptical at first because I've bought too many scrapbook "how-to" books over the years. Nevertheless, I bought it, and I loved it immediately. If you love Becky Higgins' sketches, you absolutely flip over this book. Not only do you get a sketch for your layout, but you get paper and picture sizes as well. In fact, you even get a diagram of how to best cut your coordinating papers to minimize waste! I just completed a [...]scrapbook for my son's teacher, and I used this book to do it. The final album was incredible! If you like using sketches for your scrapbooking, you need to buy this book.

. . .the patterns in this book are indeed chock-full of errors, as may be gathered by reading other reviewers' comments. However, Classic Elite (distributor of Twinkle yarns) has an errata file for download at their website, and Wenlan Chia herself has encouraged knitters to be creative with her designs. If you feel comfortable with winging it every so often, go for it-- super-bulky yarns and mega-humungo needles (size 36 circulars?!) can take your project from idea to FO ASAP.

I love the knits in this book, although admittedly I haven't knit any yet (typical for me.) It's ironic how much animosity people are showing towards the author here because she has created patterns for petite and thin people. Honestly, the only people who can really pull off a look with bulky yarns are twig-thin folks. So of course that's who she aimed for. If you judge people because they are thinner than what you expect them to be, don't be surprised when people judge you because you are fatter, stupider, more petty, or whatever than what they prefer. It goes around, then it comes around, people.

This book is full of fun, fast patterns for intermediate to advanced knitters. I've only knitted scarves so far, so many of these patterns are beyond my current abilities. However, the instructions are detailed and the pictures are terrific.

Yes, the patterns need a caption that the final measurements are the actual garment measurements that will stretch to YOUR body size! Even with that oversight, I love the book. The patterns are super cute and trendy. Modern knitters need this book.

This is a real hit or miss book. Some of the patterns are really pretty (St. Bart's mini, which would look nice in a ribbon yarn), and others just look very frumpy (the Chelsea Sweater). Some of the patterns (like the Chelsea and the Karate Sweater, among others) are lace patterns which just don't look good in chunky yarn. If they were redone in thinner yarns, they would be very nice indeed.

The instructions are not clear at all, and for the items done in dark yarn, the photos are just about useless as they show no stitch detail. The Tuxedo Jacket is just one of several designs only photographed from one angle on the model, leaving you to wonder exactly how the back is supposed to look (there's some kind of a keyhole collar) when worn.

Several reviewers have commented about how knitters are supposed to know how to adjust patterns. Yes, that's true to a certain extent where sizing is concerned, but you shouldn't have to FIX errors, or try to guess what you're supposed to do from vague instructions, not when you're paying big bucks for the book, big bucks for the yarn, AND figuring in the cost of your time (your time is worth something, even if you don't work outside the home).

Check this book out of the library first, before buying. The patterns are geared towards very slender, very flat-chested models, so if you don't fit the profile (so to speak), be prepared to do a LOT of swatching and adjusting.

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.

Updated and modern look of the stitches make them look fun to try. Clear and full of gorgeously colored illustrations. Actual examples of finished garments and accessories at the end of the book made me want to start on a project right away.

It would be great if the author could include a note on how many stitches it uses per repeat for the pattern. It's a great little book, though, one I keep picking up for inspiration.

I highly recommend due to the beautiful array of crochet borders. Borders can be used on many crochet;knit and other crafts. A must for your collection. I would purchase it again!
J Porter, Jefferson, GA

I loved this book. Beautifully illustrated, has detailed instructions, and even has a basic skills instruction section in the back. It showed how to do beaded crochet trims, textured trims, fringes, and motifs. Also in the back, it showed how to do textured crochet, crochet in the round, working spike stitches and more. It is an excellent book for anyone who crochets because everyone needs to trim something at one point or another when creating a crochet project.

I love crochet books! But I was getting a little disappointed with what was out there. The same old same old. However, 150 Crochet Trims really delivers and then some. There are trims, braids, motifs, plus projects to put your new skills to work. I enjoyed the beaded, sequined and dangly-bits that can be crocheted with a minimum of time and effort but looking like what you'd see on a designer's drawing board. I highly recommend this book for you needlework reference library.

150 Crochet Trims by Susan Smith is a wonderful and helpful collection of trims and edgings and motifs. I recommend it to anyone who is wanting to add a beautiful touch to any outfit. I was glad to find a recent book with so many trim ideas. This book has also been very inspirational in giving me ideas of some new edgings that I had not thought of.

Perhaps its just me, and my personal preferences, but I was not impressed with the designs in this book. As far as I'm concerned, the only good thing about this book is that it has 3 patterns that I use semi-regularly, so it isn't exactly collecting dust on my book shelf. The desins in here are, to put it really nicely, very bizzar, and not very pretty. And I don't mean "not pretty" in a girly sort of way, either. I mean, I wouldn't even put them in a man's knitwear item--not aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. I wish I hadn't wasted my money.

Not only did I buy this book for myself (I would consider myself an intermediate) knitter but also for a friend who really has only knitted scarfs and baby blankets... it is so practical and if you don't quite understand the instructions - google. I have made a baby bonnet, a christening dress and am working on a pillow.....
Happy Knitting

It's a great book. A lot of knitting and purling stitches. The book is well written and the instructions are very easy to follow. I hope there will be a new one with other types of stitches, so I can buy it. You can really be inspired by this book.

This book is beautifully done. I enjoy the written instructions and the clear pictures of the stitches.

While I like the organization of the new Harmony guides based on type of stitches, the original guides have a lot more examples.
In this guide all the slip stitch patterns have been eliminated along with color variations of many of the stitches. What a shame - as I found the variations and the slip stitches really inspire me when I am thinking about modifying an existing pattern or creating my own. Also no charts when there was plenty of room to make them. The only charts are the charts that are found in the original guides.

I love stitch dictionaries and have many in my library. When I looked at this I decided that the original harmony guides are a better deal and I recommend buying those guides used when asked.

book is well written and covers all the basics pretty well. onecan get stqrted making paper by following guidelines in this book. addresses most needs and covers method well.

Finally, I found a book that isn't about pretty pictures and way out there techniques. This book is about making paper. Helen gives you all the nuances necessary to make paper on your own. This is a comprehensive, information-packed book that is THE must-have for any beginner or even intermediate. Too many books show us beautiful photos of great art work but neglect to give us those finer details that would make our efforts a success. This book shows you how to succeed.

I received this book as a gift and I really like it. I am a brand new papermaker and was able to use this book right away and make a recycled paper batch that looked great. The details about making a mould and presses really helped. I recommend this book not only because it has the basics but it also has intermediate concepts.

This is a comprehensive little book for those who want to learn about making paper! The title says it all. It is pretty clear; both in its instructions as well as detailing the material needed. It can guide you through something simple that will leave you with a piece of paper so you can say "I did it" and its not for me. Or, help you set up a full studio so you can really get into making paper for art, for gift giving, for writing, for what ever purpose. If the latter becomes your passion, then you will probably have to move on to something more detailed for expanding your craft. This is a nice, basic beginner book, although not a "papermaking for dummies" level. Read it through, figure out where you want to start, and give it a try!

I checked the Papermaker's Companion out of the library just for some basic information about paper making. I found myself referring to it so often that I renewed the loan. And again. Finally, I broke down and bought my own copy. The recipes and instructions are clear and fairly comprehensive. The book contains at least a basic explanation of everything from using recycled paper to making your own pulp from plants and leaves. The projects are interesting and clearly explained. This is a good reference book for experienced paper makers and a good beginner's guide for those just starting out. Although it does contain a few projects for kids, this book is more appropriate for older teens and adults.

This book was great for ideas and general instructions. However, I found the patterns to be way too large for the 18" dolls, and I found several errors in the construction directions. As a seasoned sewist, I knew how to work around this misdirection, but newer sewists may not.

I can still recommend the book though just for the inspiration.

This book contains full size patterns that sew beautifully. Great selection of outfits and complete insructions that are very easy to follow.

Joan Hinds provides an excellent choice of patterns with which to create indoor outdoor fashions for 18" dolls. The patterns are timeless. They can easily be modified to reflect most style periods from the mid 20th century forward.

My daughter (who is 10 years old) got her American Girl doll for Christmas this year...and after spending all that money on an 18" doll, I wasn't about to pay $24 per outfit.
I have some sewing experience. I can hem up jeans, sew pillows, fix a seam or button if need be...but that's about it. I've never used a pattern before.
The hardest part was finding the pattern pieces. There are two large tissue papers tucked away in the back of the book. Each piece appears to have hundreds of little patterns. Once you find the pieces for what you are making, it is a breeze.
I will warn you, there are some things that just can't be sewn with a machine. Invest in a thimble and proceed.
Half the fun is teaching my daughter how to sew. She loves her doll and wants it to have a wardrobe exactly like hers. I warned her that the deal was if she got the doll, she would have to help make the clothes. She agreed and we've been able to sew many outfits that closely resemble hers.
This book, in my opinion, contains the most modern clothing patterns. It also has very easy to follow instructions. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an American Girl doll.

I have made most of the clothes presented in Hinds "Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe" and been very pleased with the results. Her instructions are clear and complete and allow for personal variation. My granddaughters and neighbor girls have been happy with their gifts of doll clothes!

Because I liked "Contemporary" so much, I recently ordered (via Amazon)and received promptly 3 more Hinds books.