Textiles Books

This product is a pretty good apron book. I think there are better books out there. I would suggest accompanying it with another book.

I really like this book. I am a beginner sewer and I have already made the Basic Waist Apron (the first of the patterns) and it was very simple. The instructions were very easy to follow. I love the stories that are told...and I am an antique lover so the vintage styles and prints are a great treat to look at.

I recommend this book if you want to learn to make aprons or read some really touching stories.

The Apron Book is not only a delightful walk down memory lane, it also inspires you to make your own aprons! I am now planning an "apron party" for a sleepover filled with over-30 Moms and I think we will make aprons for one of the fundraisers coming up. It is a great gift with an apron you made, as well. Each time I give this book as a gift, I get calls about all the things the recipient remembered. It's very fun!

I received the book yesterday and couldn't put it down. After dinner I curled up on the couch with it and read it cover to cover. If you are expecting this book to be a book full of apron patterns, you will be disapointed. However, if you love vintage textiles you will surely enjoy the pictures and apron stories. And for those with the creativity gene, who needs a pattern anyway? If I had to describe the book in two words, I would say it's nostalgic inspiration. Enjoy!

this book is great. there are photos of vintage aprons and patterns for a few of them. the stories about the aprons are heartwarming. you will love it!!!

I got this book as a Christmas present last year, and it immediately became my favorite knitting book. I read almost straight through it, and the way I knitted and designed radically changed. Suddenly, I was able to understand the properties of each yarn and why patterns used certain kinds of fibers instead of others. I soon found myself making substitutes with my yarns in patterns so that the patterns turned out even better than with the yarn it was originally intended for, and I felt much better equipped to be able to design and understand how warm the piece would be, how well it would drape, and how it would shine and look on a person. This book also, as if all that was not good enough, has a lot of really great patterns. I even brought it with me to my college knitting club and showed all the rest of the club and ended up teaching a class to the rest of the club about how to effectively choose the right yarn for your project. I can't recommend this book enough!

Being new to the world of yarn (knitting and crocheting). I was craving information on yarn, I wanted to know how to become a yarn whisperer, although I'm still no expert after reading this I learned an abundance of information on yarn and will never look at it the same way again. If you are a knitter or crocheter or know one pick this up! It has tons of patterns in it as well; using all variations of yarn discussed in the book. Highly recommend!

I originally checked this book out from my public library, but soon realized I had to purchase it for myself. Not only does it discuss and explain the various types of yarn in detail, but tells you how to select, use, and care for your various yarns, from natural to synthetic fibers (who knew there was opossum yarn?!). The patterns are cute and versatile, and organized by ply. One of my favorite features of this book is that each pattern suggests a specific yarn, but also gives detailed information for yarn substitutions if you so desire. There is also an extensive reference guide in the back for ease of information. This book is simple but detailed enough for both the novice and expert knitters.

Ever wonder why an angora/qiviut blend is softer than pure qiviut? Because angora is actually the softest fiber. Softer than qiviut. Softer than cashmere. Want to know why? Read the book.

If you work with yarn this book will help you determine, with total certainty, what fiber is right for what purpose, based on bounce, weight, softness, strength, stitch definition, stretchiness, and so much more. No knitter or crocheter should ever substitute yarn without this information--not without risking project failure--and here it is distilled and waiting at your fingertips. If you are on a limited knitting book budget, grab a good stitch dictionary, Knitter's Companion, and this. It's all you need.

Clara Parkes is one of those people who inspire others. She puts out a weekly web magazine that reviews different yarns. She provides detailed explanations of how the yarn felt, how it knitted up, the pros and cons of using it and all this is provided for free to knitters.

This book is a gathering of some of her best ideas and recommendations about different yarns; what is best for certain projects or certain tastes. She tries to be objective and I respect her recommendations completely.

A friend told me about her 'Knitters' Review', her web magazine, and I look forward to each new issue. This book, like her magazine, will not disappoint. After reading the book, knitters will come away more knowledgeable about yarns of all kinds.

Thank you Clara!

Here's a fun, simple way to use your jelly roll quilts. There are some quilts that are quite pretty, even though simple. I'm glad I added this one to my book stash.

Although I haven't tried making any of these quilts, I found it inspiring. There are alternate colors and set up designs for each of the main quilt patterns --- that changes the entire "feel" of each quilt.

As soon as I opened the pages to this book I knew it was a good one. The quilts shown are not only colorful but can be made up quickly. And the instructions given, if you don't have a Jelly Roll, are fantastic. All quilters are always looking for ways to use their stash in creative ways and this book provides many opportunities to to just that.

This is the best jelly roll book I have found thus far. It has really great patterns. The font are large and the color photos are good.

I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to making some quilting projects from it.

Very good book full of new ideas for how to use all of your scraps and left-overs from quiltmaking etc.Wonderful ideas and the results can even be used in many practical ways - and still they are very decorative. You will have tons of inspiration buying this book.

I'm very satisfied with my purchase. Delivery was prompt and the book was like new even tho it was described as used. I would order again in a heartbeat.

Our local quilt guild had a group of ladies who wanted to try this new "craft", a few of us purchased the book and gave it a try on one of our get togethers. You can master a basket in no time at all. I was able to make some really beautiful baskets.

Love the various projects to use my left over fabrics, great book to work with.

If the gal with the critical review would try the technique, she would soon figure out (if she has any imagination) that with just a little experimentation, she could create her own patterns for purses and totes. This is a fun and simple technique. Novices can produce pretty results very quickly. There are all kinds of possibilities.

I agree with most of the previous reviewers: the book illustrates things very nicely, with inspiring examples and clear directions that make it possible to quickly be creative. I've already (second basket) discovered that cutting strips on or near the bias reduces fraying to almost nothing and makes wrapping easier. I've had a great time playing with color, breaking all the rules (if there were any) with fun results. Now I'm experimenting with shapes, and with different ways to transition from one fabric strip to another, and from one cord to the next.

Some quilt shops sell very cheap but soft cording that doesn't hold it's shape very well (sometimes that's not important). Others also sell stiff but expensive cording that makes a nice firm basket. Lowe's sells some that is in between that is very affordable. Other hardware stores probably have still other types.

Experimentation is the fun of it. After working so hard on quilts to be precise, this is a refreshing change that takes little planning, preparation, or exacting method, and is a great way to use some of those fabrics that have been sitting in your stash for years. I love it.

Fabulous. Love all the pictures and the artists description of her process in creating her work.

Everyone else who has reviewed this book say is great. Maybe it is, but because I haven't received anything I guess the only thing that I could say is "don't buy anything here, you'll get nothing".

For anyone in art quilting or wanting to be, this book gives an in depth look into the thoughts and creations of Nancy Crow. The color in the book is excellent and there is an abundance of pictures. This is a "Must have" for anyone who loves color and fabric and original art.

Nancy Crow is the ultimate quilter's quilter. Her advice, thoughts and pictures of her work and projects are more than any quilter could hope for. This book will enhance any quilter's library.
It was one of the best b-day presents I've ever received.
Diane

Amazing book. great information, stories. Lots of pictures of striking quilts show-casing the progress of this wonderful artist. Also shows pictures of Nancy Crow's studio and timber frame barn - must be an amazing place to create. This book is a wonderful value and very inspiring to any artist regardless of preferred media.

I fell in love with this book at first sight but was afraid that the projects in it were unattainable - they were cute in the book but I could never produce anything like. But - I was proved wrong!! I would not call them completely simple to make - you have to have patience to embroider and practice making the bodies but where there is a will there is a way. I have created a number of dolls and am giving them to my daughters for Christmas. True - the dolls are not from plastic casts and will suffer damamge but then I can enjoyably make more. All said and done the dolls are not very expensive to make. Some might be snafooed by having to paint the faces but there are ways around this too. There are other wool felt projects in it too like little purses and pins. Totally adorable!! and no painting required. To conclude - if you are craftsy and good with your hands AND like fairies you probably will really enjoy this book.

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.

After searching through all my other books on free motion quilting
and thread painting, I flipped through this and found exactly what
I needed to get started. I had to grow into needing this book as
I bought it when I began making art quilts. If you're not sure how to go
about making quilted cloth for clothes etc then this book will get you
well into the process. Excellent reference book!

This book tells of interesting ways to use fabric. Putting fabric together in ways to make a beautiful collage is like making a painting. I've enjoyed this book very much.

This book has helpful, thorough instructions and detailed explanations for many fabric art collage applique techniques. It also contains a pattern for a vest that can be sized to your individual needs.

I purchased this book in hardback a number of years ago, and had the pleasure of taking a class from the author who is even more wonderful in person! I love working with her easy to understand instructions and still learn something new each time I pick up this book. When I'm feeling out of ideas, this is one of three books that I turn to for inspiration - and it never lets me down.

An excellent reference book for some specific detail work - and just a great overall idea resource book. A definite "must have".

Excellent book! Very good instructions........easy to follow! Lots of great ideas to stir your own creativity.

If you are seriously into re-enacting and you want to make clothes which not only look right but are historically correct too, this is the book you need. The book is very practical, with a lot of line drawings and some pictures of what the finished clothes should look like (but no pictures from works of art, those you will have to look up for yourself).
Some basic patterns are given on scale, so you need a rather thorough knowledge of pattern-drawing and sewing to make the garments. As far as I can tell (but I'm not a historian, nor a professional seamstress), these patterns are authentic.
You can find clothes for men, women and children, from 3 centuries, ranging from underwear to cloaks and kerchiefs.
Very interesting too, are the little pieces on sewing techniques and acessories.
A must-have for all dedicated re-enactors !

For anybody interested in accurately reproducing clothes of the medieval period, this book is an essential resource. The author does a wonderful job of outlining 1200-1500 century clothing for the modern reenactment enthusiast. And as an SCA resource it is one of the best!

This book is a must-have. It shows how to make the patterns fit and work, and explains the garments well. I used this book to help me figure out the pattern for fitted hose, and Tudor Tailor to help fit the hose... and together I managed to get some nice hose! The braies pattern, like the rest of the explanations is easy to understand on first-read. I recommend it!

I bought this book after reading the description. The photos and information on how to recreate medieval clothing are very useful for seamstresses and beginner alike. Full-color photos of people in clothing made helps with the 3-D aspect of what it looks like. Use this book in conjunction with other references and you will not be disappointed.

This is a wonderfully prepared book for those just starting out in Medieval European costuming. It covers many of the basics and styles that were present throughout the region during this period and is a great starting place for novice and intermediate costumers to get the feel practice of simple styles.

PLEASE NOTE: This book is NOT out of print and you should not be paying any more than $45 for it. If you look around, you can find it as cheap as $25. Definitely worth adding to the library! Enjoy!

This book is an amazing chronicle of Calder's jewelry making. It was everything that I expected.
I would reccommend it to anyone who has an interest in history as well as Calder's artistic journey.

I bought this at the MMA in NYC after viewing the Calder eighty piece Jewelry exhibit. It's beautifully bound and printed for anyone to enjoy.

I am an artist and do jewelry among other things. I have always loved Calder Sculputre and it is such a joy to see a major collection of his jewelry. I have only seen a few pieces of jewelry at a show in San Francisco a few years back. The pictures of the work are great and it is a real inspiration to me. The paper is nice and thick and it also includes photos of drawings of the jewelry w/ prices as an inventory for his dealer. I have never paid this much for any book. I felt lucky even to find a copy at any price. Yale press has said they will not reissue it or any time soon.

This book is a beautiful celebration of Calder's gorgeous and playful jewelry. The pictures are lovely and the jewelry itself is simply amazing. It's hard not to feel joyful flipping through these pages. Buy it and enjoy!

This book is an inspiration to anyone who makes jewelry. The use of cold connections is terrific and can show you what can be done without the use of solder.

I found this to be such an enjoyable book about color and its relationship to nature and how we can use this information in all aspects of designing with color. I had originally ordered the 3-In-1 Color tool by Joen Wolfrom and I love it and then I purchased her book Color Play.

Gift to a friend. Have not seen or used item. Recepient indicated she liked it.

I admit I am a quilt book addict, and when in doubt, I buy it. Many books turn out to be of little value, but this book presents important concepts that every quilter, especially beginning quilters, would find helpful. We know the simplest design can be a knockout if the colors are eye-catching and somewhat of a surprise; this book shows you how to make it happen. Joen presents these important concepts in an easy to understand way, with plenty of pictured quilts as examples. It's a reference book that quilters would use often when planning a new project. I keep a color wheel taped to my sewing room wall; this book will encourage you to do the same.

This book is an excellent resource book not only for quilting but for other forms of artwork. The author gives myriad examples of color interplay. I learned not only about complementary colors but aslo about triads and other color settings. Although the author provides photos of quilts to illustrate certain points, this is not simply a dictionary of quilts; it is truly a book about the use of color. Not only do I review this book when planning a new quilting project, but I peruse the pages just for fun, even when I don't have a specific project in mind. This book is a "must-have" for quilters.

I have purchased many quilt books over the years and this is by far one of the best I have seen. I use is for both my personal use and for my textile classes.