Crafts & Hobbies Books - Page 12

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts

Joelle Hoverson

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harry N. Abrams Amazon Marketplace: 53 new & used starting at $13.45

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 95 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Today's knitters are chic, smart-and busy. Although they love to knit and enjoy making gifts for family and friends, they're constantly faced with the challenge of finding enough time to actually finish what they've started. Last-Minute Knitted Gifts solves this problem. Joelle Hoverson, owner of Purl, the hip knitting supply store in downtown Manhattan, has designed more than 30 fun, fresh, beautiful patterns, most of which can be made in less than ten hours-some in as little as two!

Known for her keen sense of color, Hoverson includes instructions for classic gifts like baby booties and bonnets, sweaters, and scarves, plus imaginative options like a cashmere tea cozy, a felted yoga mat bag, floor cushions, and a poncho-surely something for everyone on the gift list. And to make each present extra-special, Hoverson offers easy tips on how to incorporate knitting and other yarn embellishments into the gift wrap. AUTHOR BIO: Knitwear designer Joelle Hoverson is the owner of Purl, an upscale knitting supply store in New York City's trendy SoHo neighborhood. Since opening in 2002, Purl has been featured in Oprah Winfrey's O magazine, Lucky, and Time Out, as well as on Martha Stewart's syndicated television show. From 1996 to 2000, Hoverson worked as a senior style editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. She holds a master of fine arts degree from Yale University.

Anna Williams is a freelance photographer based in New York City. Her work appears frequently in Martha Stewart Living, Oprah Winfrey's O magazine, Food & Wine, Gourmet, Real Simple, In Style, Elle Decor, and other national publications.

The Calligrapher's Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them

David Harris

List Price: $35.10 By: A & C Black Publishers Ltd Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $17.96

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great! 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book for beginners. It has a great layout and is easy to understand.

A wonderful tool 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is an excellent reference book for the beginner or advanced calligrapher. The spiral binding is a wonderful feature allowing the book to stay open while you practice. The pages are heavy duty and full color. The samples are beautiful and the history of writing is fascinating. Even though this book is available at my local library, I will probably purchase a copy for my everyday use at home.

Loads of Possibilities 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I teach calligraphy and was looking for something to keep my beginner students going once they'd completed the course. This book is it. It gives samples of a hundred different fonts as well as clear instructions on how to create the letters. The spiral binding was a real plus as it lays flat on the work surface. If I get the chance to teach a Level II in Calligraphy this would be a book I could recommend.

Editorial Review:

This is an essential guide for all calligraphers - whether they are amateurs or professionals. The book contains over 100 different alphabets with detailed instructions on how to draw all the letters. Its wiro binding means that the book will lie flat and be easy to work from. There is also useful information about tools and materials, basic layouts and illumination and ornamentation. At [pound]14.99 it is extremely good value and it should be a must for the reference shelves of all calligraphers.

The Quilting Arts Book: Techniques and Inspiration for Creating One-of-a-Kind Quilts

Patricia Bolton

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $15.38

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Beautiful eye candy, but nothing new 3 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I am huge fan and subscriber of Quilting Arts Magazine. I have every issue and re-read them many times which is why I pre-ordered this book when it was announced. After reviewing it last night, I have to say that I was a bit disappointed because the articles and the techniques are the same ones that can be found in the magazine. This book is actually a compilation of all of their best articles and techniques over the past years. I would highly recommend this book if you have not been a subscriber to the magazine.

Editorial Review:

Beginners and seasoned crafters alike will find inspiration and instruction in this definitive quilting resource that combines foundational techniques for quilting and fiber art with tips and tricks for creating one-of-a-kind works of art. Showcased here are some of the most popular topics, articles, and artists from past issues of Quilting Arts magazine, as well as new and fresh methods from today's most respected contemporary quilt artists. Hands-on workshops introduce crafters to each facet of the art-quilt trade—from creating abstract, pictorial, and landscape quilts to in-depth techniques on surface design and stitching applications. Each chapter showcases various art-quilting concepts and ends with quick creative exercises and tips guaranteed to get both quilters and mixed-media artists creating with cloth right away.

The Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook for Beginners

Michael Chaplan

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Square One Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 26 new & used starting at $12.11

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Best book for new treasure hunters 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I am just beginning my hobby with a metal detector. I purchased several books on treasure hunting and this is by far the best. It has a broad range of extremely useful information. By all means start with this book if you too are a beginner. Most of the other books I bought had a lot of fluff. This book has a ton of useful information and guidance.

The metal detectors guide book 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This book is an invaluable resource for the beginner and even the intermediate detectorist. It has filled me with new ideas of where and how to search for lost valuables and coins. The tidbits on history and archeology were most interesting.

Great book with lots of tips 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

No matter what your treasure, be it coins, bottles, or somethisg else, this book has great tips on where and how to find it. I originally bought a copy for my son and was so impressed that I bought another copy for myself.

Hoping for more 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I was hoping for a little more technical stuff with this book. It talks
about old buildings, privies, new construction sites, and etc. to look for
things. I wanted techniques in the handling of the detector. Not so much as
where to go. To me, it's a book about common sense. Overall, I would
recommend it. It is helpful in a few areas.

Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design

Nicky Epstein

Amazon Price: $21.92 List Price: $34.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Nicky Epstein Books Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $18.74

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Nicky Epstein’s blockbuster Edge titles have sold more than 125,000 copies; she’s a needlework star whose every book is eagerly anticipated and snatched up. Now Nicky’s giving devoted readers her most important and wide-ranging collection of patterns yet: a worldwide tour of knitting traditions and techniques, including colorwork, cables, lace, intarsia, and more. She explains the origins and traditional uses of each one, and then goes on to reinvigorate and recombine all these beloved styles in her inimitable way. The result: more than 40 all-new, innovative designs collected in an attractively designed book with a handy ribbon marker. There’s a Celtic Pullover with braided twisted rib strips; a Snowflake Tunic from the Far North; a Felted Tyrolean Capelet with appliqué, cord, and balls; a Spanish Rose Pullover with lace accents; a colorful Peruvian skirt; and an oversized, zipped Navajo Blanket Jacket.
Colorful maps and historical photos make this collection a visual treat, as well as an invaluable tool for knitters seeking new inspiration.

How to Make Sewing Patterns

Donald H. McCunn

Amazon Price: $24.95 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Design Enterprises of San Francisco Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $20.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 46 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent a must 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I love this book. I haven't actually made a pattern out of it yet, but just reading it gave me such an insight into pattern making and modifying. I'm waiting to have a bit of time and the right paper to start. You can even make a double of yourself with the measurements you take, an inexpensive way of trying garments instead of the expensive options. I recommend this book to anyone that sews and wants to go beyond the tracing, cutting patterns and following instructions to sew. MN, Ireland.

Great Book! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is a terrific book! I've just started working my way through it and I'm impressed. I've used other methods before, but this one seems workable.

Poorly written and bad illustrations 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Very amateurish written book. The illustrations are hand drawn. No reference on how to use pattern drafting tools.

generally pleased 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

"I am just learning how to make and sew my own patterns. I feel this book does a really great job at explaining and demonstrating through text and illustrations what is to be done. The only thing that I would like to see in this book would be how the actual construction of the patterns into garments is done. For example where do you start to sew on the pattern, what kind of stitch to use where, etc. Other than that the book will be an excellent reference for measuring, and pattern making.

Editorial Review:

Solve the mysteries of pattern drafting with this instructional book. Simple and easy step-by-step instructions with clear understandable line drawings.

Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting on a Loom, with over 30 Fun Projects

Isela Phelps

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 15 new & used starting at $13.80

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Knitting looms are flying off the shelves in craft stores because loom- knitting is such an easy craft to take up—it can be learned by both children and adults alike in just a few hours. If you have fond memories of spool knitting (a round wooden spool with a central hole surrounded by four small nails) when you were a child then you know how easy it was to create yards and yards of knitted tubes. Today‘s loom are just as easy and fun to use!
 
Widely available in craft stores, looms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some are circular, others rectangular, some tiny and some large. The size of the loom dictates the size of the knitted piece although you can easily join smaller panels together to make larger items.
 
This book is designed as a hands on project resource as well as an essential reference for the growing band of loom knitters.  Clear step by step illustrations throughout show how to cast-on, bind-off and knit a wide range of stitches on both round looms and knitting boards.  Practice projects are provided for each technique, and there are more then 30 attractive patterns to get the crafter started.
-         the first book to provide patterns for an increasingly popular tool
-         comprehensive techniques and information provide the essential back-up manual to supplement the minimal instructions that come with the looms
-         over 30 quick and easy patterns for sweaters and accessories
-         written by an expert in the field
 

An Alternate Selection of the Crafter’s Choice Book Club

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book: Design, Invent, and Build

Martijn Boogaarts, Jonathan A. Daudelin, Brian L. Davis, Jim Kelly, Lou Morris, Fay and Rick Rhodes, Matthias Paul Scholz, Christopher R. Smith, Rob Torok

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: No Starch Press Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $18.30

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

If you're serious about having fun with LEGO robotics, you've come to the right place. The team behind The NXT STEP blog--the authoritative online source for MINDSTORMS NXT information and advice--has packaged its considerable skills and experience in this book. Inside, you'll find some of the team's best ideas for creating cool and sophisticated models, including instructions for eight robots you can build yourself.

Follow along with the MINDSTORMS NXT experts as they explain the fundamentals of programming and design, accompanied by CAD-style drawings and an abundance of screenshots that make it easy for you to master the MINDSTORMS NXT system. You'll get an overview of the NXT parts (beams, sensors, axles, gears, and so on) and clear instructions for combining them to build and program working robots. The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book delves into the complexities of the NXT programming language (NXT-G) and offers tips for designing and programming robots, using Bluetooth, creating an NXT remote control, troubleshooting, and much more.

Here are just a few of the robots you'll learn to build in The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book:

RaSPy, a robot that plays Rock, Scissors, Paper

3D PhotoBot, a robot that will help you take photographs that can be converted into 3D images

Slot Machine, complete with flashing lights and a lever

ScanBot, a robot that scans black-and-white pictures and displays the images on the NXT's LCD

Beach Buggy Chair, a roving, rambling robot

CraneBot, a crane-like grabbing robot

LEGO fans of all ages will find this book to be an ideal jumping-off point for doing more with MINDSTORMS NXT. The only ingredient you need to add is your imagination!

Wrapped in Crochet: Scarves, Wraps, & Shawls

Kristin Omdahl

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $15.61

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

My love and Excitement for the art of Crotchet has deepened!! 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

"Wrapped In Crotchet" was one of the best books I could have gifted to myself !!!The creativity of the patterns simply seek to motivate beginners like myself now embarking into the Art of Crotchet .I bought this book right in the middle of Crotcheting my very first fun and fresh blanket for my daughter and this book has totally motivated me learn more and most importantly ..Be adventurous!!! The combinations of stitches are fresh and modern and who knew that Crotchet could be so incredibly stylish?? Kristin Omdahl has opened opened a whole new sense of style to me personally as a young mother and I am looking forward having some of these pieces hanging in my closet made by yours Truly thanks to this book!!!

Editorial Review:

Learn to create stylish scarves, wraps, and shawls with this fresh approach to technique and construction that includes a variety of projects for a range of skill levels and varying time commitments. Featuring new and fashionable designs, this book of innovative projects is perfect for new and intermediate crocheters who want to take crochet to next level with clever stitch motifs, new techniques to shaping, and creative embellishment ideas, such as unusual edgings, color work, and lace, ruffles, and tiers. Charts are included for every stitch pattern and motif and each pattern includes diagrams for all constructions, making this a complete resource for the hip crocheter.

Making Connections: A Handbook of Cold Joins for Jewelers and Mixed-Media Artists

Susan Lenart Kazmer

Amazon Price: $31.68 List Price: $48.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $31.65

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Full of Little Treasures 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Susan Lenart Kazmer's, "Making Connections" is not only a comprehensive treatment of cold joins, it's also a beautiful book to look at. Mixing simple, straightforward technical information with lovely photography and drawings, Kazmer's book is a rare find - a treat for the eyes and the mind.

The tone is set at the book's beginning with a chapter on the "Alchemy of Susan Lenart Kazmer." An innovative artist using recycled and altered materials, Kazmer focuses on the process rather than the outcome. A conceptual artist, Kazmer's jewelry may not seem beautiful to some, but that's not the point, she creates to elicit a response. I would beg to differ with those who question the beauty of her work and so will you after you see this book.

Nine chapters cover materials, tools and every cold join you can imagine. Chapters detail wire attachments; staples, tabs and prongs; rivets, hinges and attachments with movement just to name a few. I'm particularly inspired by the chapter on staples, tabs and prongs seeing new ways to use sheet metal with the glass cabachons I make. The tips sprinkled throughout the book are insightful and feel like a treasure she's left for you to discover.

If you're serious about learning cold joins or if you're serious about jewelry, Kazmer's book wins on both. You'll find yourself looking through it again and again feeling like you're uncovering another little piece of treasure.

Editorial Review:

Featuring a wide variety of cold-join techniques from the commonly used to the amazingly new, this beautiful handbook is the first on cold connections and combines the art of jewelry making with modern craft assemblage, which metal workers can use to spark creativity and look at their craft in new, innovative ways. Proving everyday found objects—staples, rivets, fibers, resins—can be used to make beautiful jewelry, sculpture, or mixed media, this guide explains how to craft original works with just about anything. Each chapter offers a new technique with a different attaching method along with descriptive sketches showing the connecting layers. This handy crafter’s resource showcases a gallery of 23 top jewelry artists and offers insights, philosophies, and techniques as well as pages of creative musings and stunning photos of marionettes and jewelry.