Crafts Books

This is a wonderful book for a historic costumer. Especially if antique buttons are out of your means and modern buttons are not period enough. Whether you are doing a garment from hundreds of years ago, to more recent Victorian and Edwardian, there will be something for you in this book. The buttons included are timeless styles. Attractively and concisely portrayed, the author separates them into appropriate skill levels. There are instructions on many needle made buttons, including tenerife lace types. There are even instructions on making frogs (common cape closures made from cording). The photos are large and in color. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. A super book!

There are buttons for everyone in this book whether you rate high in precision crafts, or low in patience. The directions and illustrations are great and the buttons turn out beautiful. Nancy Nehring includes a breif history about many of the buttons and when and where they were popular. A wonderful resource for the historical re-enactor and historic demonstrations. And great to use when you are re-enacting, and lose a button.

Most books of this sort are by and large garbage. This one is a keeper. Unsual ideas for needle work buttons, and how to make them. Very nice.

My dream is that one day i will have enough free time to try all sorts of crafts. For that purpose, i hoard crafts books, including this one.

I haven't made any of the buttons in this book, but i have read over the instructions of the majority. Honestly, i think i can make at least the easy and the moderate projects. Nancy Nehring's explanations are very clear, and easy to follow. Still, though, i would have liked more diagrams in a step-by-step way (at least for the basic styles).

The photographs are gorgeous, and they certainly do justice to the many beautiful styles of buttons depicted.

I was very pleased with my oder. It was shipped to me in less time than stated, it arrived in the exact condition it was described to be in and it is exactly what I had thought it would be. It is a great source of button making for anyone who is interested in the craft and the directions and illustrations are easy and clear. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves buttons for whatever reason.

I was getting so tired of the scrapbook pages in the magazines; the standard layouts in the pre-made books! Then I found this book and it is great. Making my own books And out of recycled found items! I love it!

I was very refreshed by the contents of this book,each project unique and thoughtful!
Thank-you,Katherine for inspiration anew!

I'm going to jump right on the 5 star rating bandwagon for this book. I figure there is something for everyone between these pages...using dolls house elements as embellishments, cigar boxes, altered books, fabric, tins and of course lots of paper. I figured I'd seen just about every permentation of scrapbbok, but the paper doll book was a new one for me.

And I just loved the suggestion of using gin as a tranfer agent onto polymer clay. Can't confirm that it actually works, but I intend to give it a try. At least if the technique doesn't work, there should be some compensation left in the bottle!

it's exciting to see scrapbooking taking to a new level. This book has lots of examples to keep your scrapbooking fresh and out of the box. It is an honor to be one of the contributing artists to this wonderful book!

I am so glad I ordered this book.Each page and project is such an inspiration.The directions are easy to follow and each item is doable as well as something you can incorporate into your own work or ideas.This is just amazing!!! One of my Fav "artist" Steph McAtee really wowed me!!:)

I wish I had know about this book years ago ! Needless to say I'm going to order copies for friends too. The layout is clear and easy to follow. The topic covered are comprehensive. There is plenty of information given to progress your knowledge further. All in all a great addition to the historic costumiers library.

Note: my review is based on the first edition of this book.
I think this book is wonderful--the author has also written computer manuals, and so her directions are very clear. (Come to think of it, most computer manuals aren't that easy to understand--hers must be special!) The book covers a wide array of topics related to vintage fashion. I especially appreciate the segments on sewing techniques--she explains basic things that I haven't been able to figure out from other books, like how to lengthen a pattern, and more complicated techniques that are very helpful when dealing with vintage clothes, like how to replace a lining. The author includes a lot of helpful hints from her personal experience. The book is organized into different topics, so you can skip the ones that aren't relevant to your interests.

I'm a swing dancer and I love this book because it tells how to deal with vintage clothes you actually WEAR! Some books seem to think everybody who buys vintage clothes is some kind of museum. Or that they're rich and only buy perfect clothes in fancy boutiques. This book gives instructions for real-life cleaning, mending, and altering to fit you (for men's clothes too). And how to work with vintage patterns to make your own repros. This book ROCKS!

I thought this was a useful book on costuming. There are lots of illistrations and detailed info, such as what style of lace, or what patterns were popular/available during the periods. Good buy, very helpful!

Best book I've found. Descriptions and illustrations for each historical period, as well as outfit planning, authentic fabrics, sewing and patternmaking tips, mending, restoring, and resources from A to Z -- books, websites, catalogs, periodicals... My #1 pick.

This book is a must have, well worth the price. First it takes you through the history of Fair Isle and The Shetland Islands so beautifully you feel like you are there, or wish you were! The next chapter has a good selection of easy to follow charts. They go from basic through to complex, which you can mix and match for your own unique designs. Then she discusses colour schemes; each jumper has a photo of the scenery that inspired the colours, to bring you inspiration. Next are techniques. She has simple diagrams that are easy to understand, showing all the techniques you need to knit fairisle. Her instructions were so simple I have now decided to knit on 4 needles! I have also learnt continental style knitting, as this technique is a much easier way of Fairisle knitting. Other techniques include steeks (making cardigans by knitting in round); knitting up stitches, corrugated ribbing, stranded knitting and lots more. Then there are 14 of her divine patterns to knit. The last section is design she walks you through instructions of knitting your own cap, tammy and gansey. I wouldn't part with my copy for all the tea in china!

If you own ONE book on colorwork, this might just be the best choice. While Starmore deals with Fair Isle style knitting only, the techniques are useful for all kinds of knitting design.

In addition to the history of Fair Isle knitting, Starmore explains the use of OXO patterns mixed with "peerie" or bands of small patterns that are mixed with the larger patterns and provide a pleasing rhythm to the design. The fact that only two colors are used per row is hard to believe when you look at how Starmore mixes subtle color changes to yield some amazing results. She also shows the inspiration for the colorways, from a handful of wet sea pebbles, to a moor landscape, to a flea market display of bric-a-brac. You can find colorways all around you once you get an eye for how Starmore looks at the world.

The book has useful charts for OXO and peerie patterns and a section on how to construct classic pullovers, vests and cardigans. This is one of my most favorite knitting books.

This stellar book manages to answer every question I ever had about Fair Isles Knitting, as well as a whole host of questions I hadn't even realized I should have been asking. Profusely illustrated with breathtaking color photographs, this book fills me with the mad inspiration to create every single time I open it. The charted designs are abundant and varied, the technical information is incomparable, and Starmore does an excellent job of making this highly detailed and specialized form of knitting accessible to beginners and experienced knitters alike. If you want to expand your knowledge of stranded multicolor knitting, this book is a MUST HAVE.

This book will lead you through the history of fair isle knitting, designing, pattern and color selection, knitting with two or more colors, steeks, and finishing. Fair isle is magnificent and quite unlike anything else I'd done before. The concept of intricate color patterns done seamlessly with Shetland wool was and is quite appealing. I was able, with this book to become proficient in this marvelous style of knitting, creating a masterpiece my first go-round (pun unintended!). It also includes outstanding patterns. I literally wore out my first copy, the pages finally came loose from the binding and I am now on copy #2. I own quite a few books on knitting but consider this my fair isle reference.

This one of my favorite knitting books, period. I have been knitting (self-taught) for about 20 years, and I seldom use a any kind of written pattern. I decide on yarn and wearer and just begin making the sweater. So here is were this book comes in: instructions on planning or designing a sweater (wouldnt even have to be one done in Fair Isle style); page after page of Fair Isle design elements arranged by SIZE; and beautiful photo of incredible Shetland yarn color combinations. There are printed project patterns, a nice selection too--I just do that sort of thing. And I also enjoyed the history of Fair Isle style and the possible origin of design elements. I keep returning to this book for the charted Fair Isle elements and color inspiration.

I was looking for a present for my mother; Mother's Day being a week a way, and today found not only the perfect gift but a book that has inspired me to create: ANGEL CRAFTS written by Holly Harrison.

Within the book, an expansive collection of angels can be found, for replication or as a jumping-off point for one's own creations; these angel designs can be executed by the skilled craftsperson as well as the beginning enthusiast.

It was such a pleasant surprise to find that the celestial beings found within the book were not limited to the traditional white winged female beauties, which so often clog the heavens, but instead, the book encompasses a wide array of ethinic groups (KIAH: Angel of New Beginnings), as well as human shapes (The Real Woman Angels). My favorite angel is HEAVENLY MUSE, Elvis Presley appearing as his celestial self.

ANGEL CRAFTS is not only a great gift for my Mother who loves angels and angel lore, but I picked up a copy of myself. After reading ANGEL CRAFTS, I felt liberated and that I too could discover the shape my own personal protector and guardian takes.

I was looking for a present for my mother; Mother's Day being a week a way, and today found not only the perfect gift but a book that has inspired me to create: ANGEL CRAFTS written by Holly Harrison.

Within the book, an expansive collection of angels can be found, for replication or as a jumping-off point for one's own creations; these angel designs can be executed by the skilled craftsperson as well as the beginning enthusiast.

It was such a pleasant surprise to find that the celestial beings found within the book were not limited to the traditional white winged female beauties, which so often clog the heavens, but instead, the book encompasses a wide array of ethinic groups (KIAH: Angel of New Beginnings), as well as human shapes (The Real Woman Angels). My favorite angel is HEAVENLY MUSE, Elvis Presley appearing as his celestial self.

ANGEL CRAFTS is not only a great gift for my Mother who loves angels and angel lore, but I picked up a copy of myself. After reading ANGEL CRAFTS, I felt liberated and that I too could discover the shape my own personal protector and guardian takes.

I was looking for a present for my mother; Mother's Day being a week a way, and today found not only the perfect gift but a book that has inspired me to create: ANGEL CRAFTS written by Holly Harrison.

Within the book, an expansive collection of angels can be found, for replication or as a jumping-off point for one's own creations; these angel designs can be executed by the skilled craftsperson as well as the beginning enthusiast.

It was such a pleasant surprise to find that the celestial beings found within the book were not limited to the traditional white winged female beauties, which so often clog the heavens, but instead, the book encompasses a wide array of ethinic groups (KIAH: Angel of New Beginnings), as well as human shapes (The Real Woman Angels). My favorite angel is HEAVENLY MUSE, Elvis Presley appearing as his celestial self.

ANGEL CRAFTS is not only a great gift for my Mother who loves angels and angel lore, but I picked up a copy of myself. After reading ANGEL CRAFTS, I felt liberated and that I too could discover the shape my own personal protector and guardian takes.

Author Holly Harrison has put together a wonderful and diverse collection of angels crafted by artists from across the country. The dozens of beautifully photographed angels come with clear instructions and patterns. My favorites are the simple Kitchen Spice cinnamon-stick angel and the elegant stained-glass Blue Angel. A great book for craft enthusiasts of any skill level.

I was looking for a present for my mother; Mother's Day being a week a way, and today found not only the perfect gift but a book that has inspired me to create: ANGEL CRAFTS written by Holly Harrison.

Within the book, an expansive collection of angels can be found, for replication or as a jumping-off point for one's own creations; these angel designs can be executed by the skilled craftsperson as well as the beginning enthusiast.

It was such a pleasant surprise to find that the celestial beings found within the book were not limited to the traditional white winged female beauties, which so often clog the heavens, but instead, the book encompasses a wide array of ethinic groups (KIAH: Angel of New Beginnings), as well as human shapes (The Real Woman Angels). My favorite angel is HEAVENLY MUSE, Elvis Presley appearing as his celestial self.

ANGEL CRAFTS is not only a great gift for my Mother who loves angels and angel lore, but I picked up a copy of myself. After reading ANGEL CRAFTS, I felt liberated and that I too could discover the shape my own personal protector and guardian takes.

In 1985 I bought this at a book fair when I was 5 years old, and I still think that it is one of the best books on origami out there. The version that I have contains a few confusing instructions (which may have been corrected in later editions), but they can be worked around thanks to the well drawn pictures.

If you want some wonderful challenging and detailed animal origami to fold, you won't be disappointed with this book! It has quite a few of my favorite models. All the ones pictured on the cover are great...I particularly like the wonderful detail on the frog, with eyes and toes. The lobster is another personal favorite of mine.

I Remember When I Got The 3 Final Steps On The Lobster. I Got so Into Origami That I Started Making Lobsters, Crabs And Cranes During School! I Have Loved Origami ever Since I Was 9 Years Old. This Book Was A Little Easy For Me, But For People That Can Only Make Cranes, Tigers, Paper Cups and other Easy Things. This Book is A Little Over Your Head.

This is a great book, not quite for beginners, though. In this book, you work your way up through the angel fish (easiest) to the lobster (hardest). The book has great step-by-step intructions which helps you create a model with great detail. This is one of the best origami books I've ever gotten and I definatly recommend it if you're really into origami.

This is easily my favorite book on origami. All the diagrams are clear, the models are very detailed, and more importantly, all of them are an awful lot of fun to make, and very rewarding. While it has models from the whole range of difficulty levels, it focuses primarily on the advanced folder.

A little bit of history- my parents bought me this book about 15 years ago, I couldn't have been more than 8 at the time. I had dabbled a little bit in origami before then, but this is the book that got me hooked. I still have that copy, ragged at the edges, pages falling out, but still as fulfulling as it always was. I just can't stop singing the praises of this book- it's that good.

This book was a gift, but it was well received therefore I think that it was beneficial to the recipient.

I think I now have all of Townswick's books. Her design and hand applique work is stunning, and her directions are excellent. A great choice for anyone who wants to take applique to the next level

Have you ever said: "I will never do that!" That is just what I said about appliqué. "Oh, it is so beautiful but I will never do that! It is just too involved". OK, so now I have to take back what I said. I have been gathering different instruction books on appliqué techniques and APPLIQUÉ TAKES WING provides new techniques for me to learn.

The book is about some of my favorite subjects: birds, moths, butterflies and dragonflies. It contains six pages of basic hand-appliqué techniques, six pages of special techniques such as those for making flower stems and a page on color blending. There is a 20 page gallery of quilts and wall hangings to peruse over before you choose which one you will start. (Of course, you will make all of them but you have to start somewhere!). The final pages are the how-to's of making the twelve different patterns.--- six birds and six butterflies and moths (the dragonfly falls into this category).

The fabrics used in this book will make me stretch as I have only used 100% cotton up to now. The moths and dragonfly uses metallic sheer and metallic mesh fabric for wings. Each set of instructions for each block has a fabric and supply list followed by the instructions for putting it all together. There are plenty of graphics and photos so you won't get lost. Each block also lists the techniques that are used to create that particular block. The final page contains a resource list as no craft book is complete without this page.

An excellent book, exquisite designs indeed, easy directions, am excited to start. For those who want to express their artistic side.

Great book many many great ideas in it am glad i got it

From the time I saw my first Aran design (which happened to be an afghan), I knew that I had found my home in the crocheting and knitting community. I am one of the growing number of men who greatly enjoys both knitting and crocheting, though developing skills in knitted Aran work is something relatively new to me. Janet's book on Cables and this one are two of the finest I have ever seen when it comes to detailed instruction. I am very pleased to have purchased both books, and even more pleased to know that their content is going to teach me pretty much everything I want to know when it comes to this style of knitting.

This is my go to book for any questions I have while designing an aran style sweater. I'm so glad Janet had to forsight to publish this updated version of her original book. There are several patterns at the back of the book if you aren't up to designing your own, but if you follow the steps in the book, you will be more than well on your way.

This book is great for designing your own Aran sweater. It explains the background of Aran sweater design and offers many patterns to use/incorporate into a sweater. So many 'newer' knitting books are full of fluff, but for any serious knitter, this should belong on your bookshelf.

I asked myself how many knitting books a person needs. As it turns out, probably not all that many. But if you have even the most cursory interest in sweater design, you do need this book. I've been knitting for 25 years, and I'm astonished at how much this book has taught me. Helpful close-up photos and the author's light, conversational tone will make you feel like you have her sitting right next to you. As the author is the one selling the book on Amazon, it arrived autographed, which I thought was a nice touch, and would make it a particularly nice gift for any knitters you know.

I am going to teach a class in the fall in aran knitting and I am going to use this book as a required reading source book. It is that comprehensive.

I have the original edition and for a long time (too long) resisted ordering this second edition. I shouldn't have waited.

I like the detailed explanations of textiles, plies, twist, tubular cast on (new to me) and a few pattern ready made. But most wonderful, the how and why of making up your own.

Make that 7 stars!

I've read a lot of instructional books over the years, and this ranks as one of the best. My greatest concern was that it be worth the price, and it certainly is. Explanations are clear, photos and diagrams are excellent and the first chapters on historic and contemporary makers make good reading. The book is ever so slightly thin in the area of plate tuning and violin varnish -- but one might argue that both of these topics are so broad as to justify a separate investment in instructional material. I am confidant, however, that one can make a very good instrument using this book alone as a guide -- with the exception of plans and patterns for a specific model, which are not included. The English generally do a very good job at books addressing traditional arts/crafts, and this publication is no exception. I consider my copy an excellent investment.

I found this to be a fantastic book. It is very well written and beautifully illustrated. The text covers every detail of the art of making a violin. It does lack in a few areas however. I would have been thrilled with the addition of some information on original design and or mechanical drawing of a violin. Also, the book is a bit thin in the areas of plate graduation, tap toning, wood selection, tools and varnish. Overall though, I highly recommend this book; it is more than enough to get anyone started on building their first violin. I'm sure it is the best text currently being published.

This book has the best drawings and photographs of the process of violin making that I have ever seen. Large format, good camera angle, good shadowing and lighting. I have been an amateur violin maker for a long time and I learned about a half a dozen new procedures or tool modifications right away. I highly recommend this book for aspiring violin makers.

I have purchased a few books on Violin making and this is by the far the most impressive of all. This book is full of clever techniques and lead you through the complete process from beginning to end, including the delicate area of varishing. Alternative methods are also give for some key areas, such as hollowing out the back and front of the voilin. The thing that makes this book stand out from the others is the artwork and the photographs that accompany each step of the process and the superb presentation. The tip I liked the best, was how to solve the problem of forming the rib joint at the bottom of the voilin. Being a novice, I struggled with this initially.

If there had to be a criticism it would be that it does not have typical template for the main mould, however this is only minor as templates are available from a various other sources.

This book is worth every penny..

This is not a type of beautifully decorated book usually found on coffee table to amuse guests even though it is of superb quality. It belongs in the workshop. It is written for both inspired and motivated beginners as well as serious luthiers. The chapter on tuning plates is revealing but can confuse a beginner. Since I am a beginner myself, I wished for complete measurements of the violin. I overcame the shortcomings by contacting a supplier of woods, tools and plans. Rest assured, the author included the list of suppliers at the end of the book.

Very cute book with adorable ideas. Many ideas can be translated into non baby projects. Most ideas I had seen before, however it is nice to have them all in one book.

This book is so beautifully done -- the photographs, the how-tos -- that even if you don't intend to do the full blown projects, you can channel your creativity and your baby mementos into something amazing with the author's help. Great baby shower gift!

I enjoy making baby shower gifts for my friends and family. This book gave me more great ideas for unique gifts to give.

This book is a gorgeous collection of decorating projects and ideas for babies' rooms -- perfect for a shower or holiday gift, or as motivation for your own adventures with a glue stick. Suzonne's How-To's are fun and easy to understand ( as opposed to some designer project guides that leave you with a tortured mess of twigs and dough, and glitter in unmentionable places. Or . . . maybe that's just me ). Whatever your skill level, rest assured that 'B is for Baby' will inspire an artistic confidence you didn't know you had, and fulfill a creative outlet you didn't know you were missing. Have fun !

I received this book as a gift and really was excited!!! I always want to do craft projects, but sometimes feel like things are going to be too complicated. This book makes it seem easy and doable, and has inspired me to start making some craft projects right away. The step by step instructions are easy to follow. Doing small craft projects is really satisfying and I find it better for relaxing than meditating or a martini!!!