Expert Advice Books - Page 16

Bathrooms: Just Add Water

Terence Conran

Amazon Price: $21.27 List Price: $29.95 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: Conran Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $11.23

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

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

I would give this book 10 stars if I could. We're in the process of building our home, and trying to complete 3 stylish, functional bathrooms on a very tight budget. This book arrived just in time for us. "Just Add Water" is jam-packed with practical ideas that cover a wide range of styles, bathroom sizes and budgets. It's important, however, to read the text in this book and not just look at the beautiful coffee table-worthy photographs - otherwise, you may come away with the impression that the bathrooms shown in the book are only for those with very deep pockets. With a little imagination, it's possible to translate the practical ideas in this book to solutions that work in your own home.

Editorial Review:

World-famous and bestselling design expert Terence Conran provides a comprehensive guide to creating or revamping a bathroom, along with a discussion of this small room’s expanding role as the ultimate refuge from the stresses of everyday life. He offers a full range of options for planning, design and decoration, along with plenty of inspiration and advice on how to integrate the many practical, decorative, structural and technological elements needed to create a bathing sanctuary. Such crucial issues as waterproofing, heating, and lighting receive in-depth attention, and there’s also a detailed guide to fittings and fixtures, all well-illustrated. Large and lush photographs throughout—featuring everything from bathroom pods to lavish spas—will feed the home decorator’s imagination. 

Christmas With Mary Engelbreit : Here Comes Santa Claus

Mary Engelbreit

Amazon Price: $22.76 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Andrews McMeel Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 63 new & used starting at $2.05

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Fantastic! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I love Mary Englebreit! Everything of hers is wonderful. It makes me feel all warm inside. Thank you, Mary!!

Editorial Review:

The patron saint of the artful home is back - for another season of delicious foods, beautiful decorations, and memorable family celebrations. This year her sack is bulging with great ideas, from unforgettable handmade gifts to ways to enshrine this year's memories. And the book is packed with new seasonal artwork! This latest offering in Mary Engelbreit's exciting new Christmas series is full of ways to set your table, stuff your family, welcome your guests...and welcome the season's guest of honor! All with Mary Engelbreit's customary wit, sparkle, and warmth. For in all the holiday hubbub Mary never loses sight of the heart of the matter - or the true meaning of Christmas. Special Feature: Mary chooses some of her favorite Christmas illustrations and tells why she loves them best.

Celtic Knits: Over 25 Designs for Babies, Children and Adults

Debbie Bliss

Amazon Price: $9.56 List Price: $11.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Trafalgar Square Books Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $5.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Mainly for adults, less creative than her children's books 4 out of 5 stars.
53 of 53 people found this review helpful.

Bliss' book contains more sweater patterns for adults than for children. The children's sweaters lack the charm of Bliss' childrens books, which are fantastic, so if you are searching for a child's pattern, look at her other books -- particularly her books that contain Aran designs, which are quite unique and simple to knit, although all her children's books are equally wonderful. As far as designs for adults in Celtic Knits, I was both pleased and disappointed. The designs are nice and some are fairly simple to knit. One of the pullover Arans is actually quite splendid. But on the whole they aren't as Celtic as I'd expected -- there are a few fair isles (for children) that are rather plain in comparison to other Bliss designs. The sweaters on the whole are less Celtic and more English -- more like reading a Rowan knitting magazine, so they are very nice but not what you might expect. Also, if you are expecting these to be more or less adult versions of her children's designs, you'll also be disappointed. Bliss' style for adults is much less intricate and unique. The book itself is of high quality. The patterns are very detailed, although diagrams and measurements are missing, which makes it more difficult to be certain you are knitting to size or to adjust your gauge (I wish publishers would realize this -- they are giving those of us who rely on measurements user-unfriendly books). Photos of the sweaters, like in many of Bliss' books, are over-posed -- you see a stylish photo of the model and the background, but have very little chance of actually seeing what the sweater really looks like, and if you knit like I do, detailed instructions don't always reproduce what you see in the photo, so I at least would like to have had better pictures so I could knit directly from them and not struggle with the instructions. Bliss uses a variety of yarns, from Jaeger or Rowan: wool, cotton, and chenille. Thus there is something here for all seasons. She also includes a few men's sweaters. Despite some drawbacks, this is a nice addition to a knitter's library -- a quality book with a variety of sweater designs to satisfy any taste. If you are new to Bliss' designs, please do look into her children's books. I purchased Classic Knits for Kids first and fell in love with them, and they can be resized for adults with some effort -- but it's worth it. Bliss is one of the best British designers -- attractive, durable, and charming sweaters.

Editorial Review:

Leading designer Debbie Bliss presents an irresistible collection of Irish-inspired knitwear for the whole family, from sweaters and jackets to scarves and throws.

Christmas with Jinny Beyer

Jinny Beyer

List Price: $19.95 By: Rodale Books Amazon Marketplace: 11 new & used starting at $3.30

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Start Christmas projects now with Jinny's wonderful book! 5 out of 5 stars.
38 of 38 people found this review helpful.

If you want to make some easy things for Christmas, this is the book for quilters (and non-quilters alike) to check out. I have it and love it! I've also bought it for Christmas gifts. (The book looks pretty on the coffeetable at Christmas, too.) Jinny shows you how to make table runners, placemats, tree skirts, wearable skirts, etc., using border prints. She makes Colonial Williamsburg-like decorations using pine cones, apples, and nuts--and from things she finds in her backyard. You can almost smell the apple cider simmering on the fireplace. There are instructions for beautiful quilts as well. Her old-fashioned country home is decorated with these quilts for the holidays, as well as wonderful antiques. It was fun to take a peek inside Jinny's home...one of the biggest names in the quilting world! If you like quilts and Christmas, you'll love this book!

Editorial Review:

In this charming volume, Quilter's Hall of Fame member and 15-million-yard-selling fabric designer Jinny Beyer shares holiday cheer, step-by-step instructions, patterns, and color selection tips for quilts, sweaters, wreaths, and other delightful holiday decorations.

Martha Stewart's New Old House

Martha Stewart

Amazon Price: $30.89 List Price: $45.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Clarkson Potter Amazon Marketplace: 111 new & used starting at $0.01

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Nice idea 3 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

As a recent purchaser of an old house, I really enjoyed the first few sections of this book and thought it might really be helpful for our remodel. However, it quickly turned into a big spend-fest, as other reviews have mentioned. Get this only for the nice pictures and commentary, certainly don't expect advice on how to do anything yourself.

mixed bag 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

On one hand I liked seeing step by step how an old run down house was saved and restored (be kind to your handy man and all contractors-- they're heroes) but I really didn't like how Martha kept reminding the readers in what seemed to be every chapter how tacky the previous owner was. That didn't seem particularly kind and it was not necessary to the success of the book.

Editorial Review:

Martha Stewart guides homeowners step-by-step through every phase of the biggest, costliest, most demanding project many people will ever undertake--the renovation of an entire house. This is a virtual encyclopedia of essential information delivered with Martha Stewart's personal flair. Full-color photographs.

No Time to Sew : Fast & Fabulous Patterns & Techniques for Sewing a Figure-Flattering Wardrobe

Sandra Betzina

List Price: $29.95 By: Rodale Books Amazon Marketplace: 75 new & used starting at $0.76

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

No patterns included. 1 out of 5 stars.
14 of 17 people found this review helpful.

I have just received the book which I bought "new" from Amazon -- but no patterns are included. Since techniques are based on the patterns which should come with the book, without them, the book is not useful.
I called Amazon and explained that I need only the "patterns". They sent me another copy of the book. Again, without the patterns.
Would some one at Amazon look into this please? This book is of no use without the patterns!
Since I liked the book, I later ordered the patterns directly from the Sandra Betzina site.

What? No patterns included with the book? 3 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

No Time to Sew is a great addition to a sewer's library. I had heard about it at an online list and decided I needed it. It is well illustrated, with plenty of tips and short cuts. The instructions refer to Betzina's own patterns that were originally included with the book. However, this edition, or the one from Amazon.com did not include the patterns.
since I had to purchase the patterns from another source, at added expense, I should have shopped around, paid full price and gotten the patterns.
The book is good for what it's worth, but has little value without the patterns

Editorial Review:

Classic clothes, quick techniques, and goof-proof patterns add up to a perfect wardrobe for the busy sewer. No matter what your size, you can create a wardrobe with designer details by following the expert instructions of sewing star Sandra Betzina.

Martha Stewart Living Annual Recipes 2004

Martha Stewart, Editors of Martha Stewart Living

List Price: $34.95 By: Oxmoor House Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $4.03

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Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General

Editorial Review:

Another sure-fire hit from the culinary diva of all 'good things.' This is the third volume to offer a complete collection of recipes from an entire year of Martha Stewart Living magazine. Includes 500 recipes-with tips, techniques, and shortcuts-all triple-indexed for easy reference in this elegantly illustrated hardcover collector's edition.

The Impatient Gardener

Jerry Baker

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Impatient Gardener 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I started using this book in mid summer and so far I have been amazed. I purchased a house that had nothing but weeds in the back yard. I hired someone to get rid of the weeds and all they did was kill what little grass there was. A friend gave me The Impatient Gardener and I started doing what it recommended and now I have a yard full of grass. My next door neighbor came over to find out what I had done to make the grass grow. I plan on giving her the book for Christmas.

Editorial Review:

Do you wonder why your lawn is brown? Do you love flowers, but think you can't afford to grow them? Do you think producing your own vegetables would take a miracle? Well stop worrying! Jerry Baker, America's master gardener, understands all your hopes dreams and fears about your garden. And in the pages of this practical, inspiring handbook, he gives you the shortcuts, home remedies and time-tested tips you need to have a healthy lawn, thriving trees and shrubs, gorgeous flowers, and fabulous vegetables--even if you're a beginner! It's like having America's master gardener in your own backyard, helping you every step of the way!

The Essential Garden Book

Terence Conran

Amazon Price: $29.20 List Price: $40.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Three Rivers Press Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $11.90

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

This is Essential 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 15 people found this review helpful.

The pictures are inspirational and the advise is practical and lyrical. The authors write well and LOVE gardens of all kinds. Everything is covered from balconys to estates, minimal to extravagant, and covered thoughly with many idea engendering photos.

Great Garden Designs with Excellant Information 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is, without a doubt, one of the finest gardening design books I have come across. It shows many different styles of gardens with distinct flair. If you want to be inspired by innovative ideas, buy it. It is one of my two favorite gardening books---and I have many.

Inspirational Garden Book 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.

One of the most useful and innovative garden books. If you are looking for inspiration, this is a good one to buy.

Excellent Resource 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book is a beautifully photographed, well written book about landscaping. It is like owning a pictoral encyclopedia for gardeners.

Editorial Review:

"The Essential Garden Book" inspires readers to create both beautiful and realistic gardens that are ideally suited to the way they live. 650 full-color photos National publicity. 30.000. .

Patchwork Patterns

Jinny Beyer

List Price: $21.95 By: Howell Press Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $3.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Learn to draft your own patterns in any size! 5 out of 5 stars.
26 of 26 people found this review helpful.

This is one of my all-time favorite reference books. Jinny Beyer shows you how to take any block and break it into smaller units (4-patch, 9-patch, Mariner's Compass, etc). Instead of "copying" that pattern you admire in a quilt magazine (in the size THEY give you), you'll learn to enlarge or shrink it to the size YOU want! Every new quilter should learn to draft patterns...and many old quilters need a refresher's course. This book takes the mystery out of the math!

Super collection of patchwork blocks 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book is not about presenting you with a series of pre-written pattern recipes so that you can make up a quilt without having to do the math. You are presented with a huge collection of beautifully illustrated patchwork blocks and instructions on how to use them to draft your own quilt pattern. Photographs of antique quilts and quilts made by Jinny Beyer are sprinkled throughout the book and will have you itching to get to a quilt shop so that you can get started on a new quilt!

Editorial Review:

This classic reference explains the revolutionary paper-folding system for creating original or traditional geometric designs. Its simple approach will free any artisan who works with such designs-from weaver to woodworker-from manufactured templates and complicated mechanical drafting methods.