Expert Advice Books - Page 4

Teddy Bears: Twenty-five Irresistible Designs for Knitted Bears

Debbie Bliss

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $11.95

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Knitting
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Stuffed Animals

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

not much variety 3 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

The instructions are clear enough, however I was hoping for more size varieties, 4" - 20". I am still looking for a tiny knitted bear pattern.

I also deducted points for the author's insistance on one yarn, which not everyone has ability to obtain. I think an improvemnet would be using generic terms for yarns, baby weight, sport weight, 4 ply, that sort of thing.

I hope that these tiny complaints will not stop others from trying this author's patterns. The one I am doing now is going together well and it is very very easy to do.

Very nice toy book 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I really like this book, actually. I only made one teddy bear (the one in the bunny suit), but the directions were quite clear, and I had no trouble with it. And the bear came out very cute, I thought! Just like the picture.

There are lots of adorable teddies. The best part about them is the detailed wardrobes most of them wear. Alot of the clothes are also interchangeable, so you can knit one teddy bear with several outfits -- a great gift for a little kid! The outfits are mostly old-fashined-looking, and quite charming. There are also a couple of decorative teddies with flowers embroidered on them. I'm not crazy about those, myself, but someone else might be.

I also like the way this book is organized -- the pictures of all the bears are on the first pages of the book, followed by the actual directions for making them in the later section. Each picture is referenced with the page number the directions are on.

The thing to look out for in this book is, the pieces are very fiddly. The author has you casting off and on all in the same piece. Of course, as a result, there is LOTS of seaming. I think there are easier ways to achieve the same shaping. Some of the pieces seem weird, but it wasn't too difficult to figure out how they were supposed to fit together.

Overall, a very nice toy knitting book.

Editorial Review:

Each easy-to-knit pattern is complete with clear instructions, making them suitable for knitters of all levels of skill.

Delightful photographers illustrate every bear in the book.

Special Knits: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies and Toddlers

Debbie Bliss

Amazon Price: $16.50 List Price: $25.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Trafalgar Square Books Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $14.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Beautiful book, beautiful projects 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This was one of the very first pattern books I bought when I had been knitting about year. I found so many projects that I wanted to knit! The book is incredibly gorgeous, and will inspire you to reach for your yarn and needles. I have already finished knitting the Velvet-Trimmed Cardigan for my 3-mo-old and am working on the Beaded Cardigan for my 3-yr-old (although it will NOT be beaded!). I was hoping for more designs for older tots, but what is in there is beautiful, and now I have another baby to knit for!!

If you are a thrifty knitter, or just don't have access to a fine yarn store, I found that Lion Brand Microspun yarn is a perfect substitution for the finer weight Debbie Bliss yarn used on many of the patterns.

I am an advanced beginner, and I don't find the patterns too hard. They are challenging, but definitely doable. Many of the designs are knit on size 2/3 needles, so don't buy this book if you are looking for quick projects. On the other hand, I think that a finer gauge looks better because it is more proportional on a little baby/toddler. Another reviewer mentioned fumbling through the directions. When I have questions, I call our local yarn store. They are always happy to talk me through a new skill.

All in all, this is an incredible book. I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to take a little time to make something beautiful.

Editorial Review:

Top knitwear designer Debbie Bliss presents a collection for newborns that will be cherished and handed down for years to come, from blankets and sweaters to hats and bootees, all using soft, snuggly yarns.

Junior Knits

Debbie Bliss

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Trafalgar Square Books Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $14.50

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Expert Advice -> Debbie Bliss

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great collection of patterns for big kids 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This book earns points right away by providing patterns for older kids. Why are there so few patterns available for kids who have passed the toddler years? The patterns in this book are typical of Debbie Bliss's style--classic and elegant. Even the most style-conscious kids will like these things, but none of the patterns are fussy or trendy. Several of the patterns are for boys, and, although I don't have any sons, I suspect most boys would like them. Nothing in this book is overly cutesy. Most of the knitting is quite simple, and many are suitable for beginners. Because the patterns are generally simple, however, they are also easy to customize. I made the hooded pullover in some yarn my older daughter and I kool-aid dyed, and I'm currently working on the raglan-sleeved pullover, to which I've added a pirate motif. The book itself is nicely laid out. The instructions are clear, the photos actually give a good picture of the completed projects, and the spiral binding is convenient. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to knit for gradeschoolers.

Editorial Review:

Top knitwear designer Debbie Bliss presents 25 fabulous new projects for four-to-ten-year-olds, from easy striped legwarmers to a denim sweater and hooded parka.

The Organic Cook's Bible

Jeff Cox

Amazon Price: $26.40 List Price: $40.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $20.99

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Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Organic Cooking
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Expert Advice -> Jeff Cox

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The most comprehensive, authoritative organic foods guide available



Flavorful, nutritious meals begin with flavorful, nutritious ingredients. They also begin with knowledge. If you want to learn about and enjoy the benefits of organic foods, this book is an essential resource that will make it easier to "go organic" by helping you "know organic."

Covering fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk, spices, and more, The Organic Cook's Bible expertly addresses the what, where, when, how, and why of choosing and using more than 150 types of organic foods. It includes:
* Easy-to-find entries, organized alphabetically within categories
* Information on selection, storage, nutrition, uses, and preparation
* More than 150 color photos for easy identification
* A special section listing 900 top varieties of organic produce
* A useful list of organic food suppliers and organizations


"This is an amazing book! Jeff brings together the essentials of gardening and cooking with delicious, approachable recipes and a discussion of what it means to eat in an ethical, sustainable, and healthy manner--and manages not to be preachy. It's a great read for those just beginning to explore good food as well as old pros."
--John Ash, chef, food and wine educator, and author of the award-winning book John Ash Cooking One on One

"The Organic Cook's Bible is a fantastic resource to guide both home and professional cooks through a greater understanding of what to consider when using organics."
--Jesse Z. Cool, owner of jZcool Eatery and Catering Company and other restaurants and author of six cookbooks, including Your Organic Kitchen

"The Organic Cook's Bible is a great book and an important tool to spread the good news of organics and inspire us all in the kitchen."
--Ronnie Cummins, National Director, Organic Consumers Association

How to Live in Small Spaces: Design, Furnishing, Decoration and Detail for the Smaller Home

Terence Conran

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Firefly Books Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $18.70

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Cleaning, Caretaking & Relocating
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Interior Design -> Decorating

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

A world-renowned design authority shows how to make the most of every square foot.

Whether motivated by soaring energy costs, smaller families or the desire to live more simply, homeowners are abandoning "McMansions" for smaller housing. In How to Live in Small Spaces, Terence Conran explains that what's paramount to livability is not square footage, but how the space is divided.

In this comprehensive, full color book, Conran tackles the many challenges posed by small spaces. Chapters cover storage, bedrooms, children's rooms, lighting, extension and much more. "Assessing your needs" checklists and "points to consider" sidebars add valuable ideas. The six case studies that conclude the book provide excellent examples of great designs.

The author offers practical advice on exploiting every inch of space through:

• Using fold-down and pull-out features
• Buying slimline appliances
• Installing indoor portholes and windows
• Lessening the impact of furniture
• Using scale and proportion to advantage
• Manipulating color, texture and pattern
• Using screens, partitions and platforms
• Improving circulation paths.

Terence Conran never forgets the challenges posed by small spaces or the ingenuity and compromises required. He shows how easy it is to create a home whose comfort is not dependent on size, but on efficiency and integrity.

(20070425)

The Essential Garden Book

Terence Conran

Amazon Price: $26.40 List Price: $40.00 Usually ships in 7 to 13 days By: Three Rivers Press Amazon Marketplace: 15 new & used starting at $24.00

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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.

Designing Tessellations : The Secrets of Interlocking Patterns

Jinny Beyer

Amazon Price: $29.67 List Price: $44.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Amazon Marketplace: 39 new & used starting at $16.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Well worth it! 5 out of 5 stars.
21 of 21 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book with the intent of it being a gift for someone interesteed in collecting "art books" who also likes fiber arts and quilting. I ended up keeping the book as I couldn't bear to give it away after opening it! It is Very readable, the excersies are understandable and useful, and by the end of each chapter you have a firm grasp of that aspect of 2 dimensional surface design. Several friends are waiting to borrow it from my library, but its one that I'll keep track of.

Editorial Review:

Designing Tessellations opens the door for quilters to thousands of new and exciting patterns by showing them how to create tessellations--designs made up of the repeated use of seemingly complex but deceptively simple shapes that interlock perfectly to flow across a quilt. Inspired by artist M. C. Escher, Jinny Beyer introduces quilters to the fascinating world of symmetry and then clearly shows how to experiment with shapes and images to create sensational, tessellating designs. Quilters will not only learn how to produce interlocking geometric patterns, but also will learn how easy it is to create true-to-life images of birds, fish, butterflies, and more in the style of Escher. Features include: - More than 125 color photographs and 2,000 step-by-step color drawings - Dozens of quilts featuring tessellated designs

The Shabby Chic Home

Rachel Ashwell

Amazon Price: $23.10 List Price: $35.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Regan Books Amazon Marketplace: 85 new & used starting at $3.31

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Shabby But Super Expensive Chic 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Rachel Ashwell has grown from a newly divorced mother trying to make ends meet to a powerhouse with books, stores and a TV show doing the same things my late mother and I used to do on weekends. I'll admit it: I really, really want to playahate. But I love her style and I've liked it for nearly 10 years since the first book. The good news with this book is that it's finally her home that she's describing, so there's no more of the star-struck name dropping of the earlier books (i.e., photographing actor Bruce Dern's house). I loved watching her transform what appeared to be a dark Tudor disco house into a true home. And despite Shabby Chic's priciness, it's never pretentious. Her books are always incredibly beautiful and well-narrated.

I *still* can't afford to buy her stuff. I called to price one of those luxurious sofas she shows and it tops $4000 *before* shipping from NYC, the closest outlet to me in the South. But she has the wonderful new line at Target that is still relatively affordable. Oh, the pain of being Middle Class! That being said, her aesthetic still influences me and I know I can reproduce that style using Craigslist, Freecycle, Goodwill, Salvation Army, flea markets and estate/tag/moving sales. All it takes is a can of cream paint and a willingness to cart stuff into your new pad.

Editorial Review:

2 book set by Rachel Ashwell. nice clean copy with light shelfwear to the cover edges and corners.

Nobu: The Cookbook

Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro

Amazon Price: $24.42 List Price: $37.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kodansha International Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $17.24

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Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Cooking by Ingredient -> Meat, Poultry & Seafood -> Seafood
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Excruciatingly chic to the highest degree, the Nobu restaurants are among the hardest to get into on three continents. They are the personal inspiration of a Japanese sushi-trained chef, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, who, with unusual experiences in Peru, Argentina, and Alaska behind him, was fortunate enough to open an establishment in Los Angeles into which part-time restaurant entrepreneur and actor Robert De Niro happened to wander. During those years on the Pacific coast, Nobu began to experiment, combining the pure, fresh, uncomplicated flavors of sushi with the Western flavors of garlic, chili, and coriander. As he attracted a more upscale clientele, he complemented those flavors with luxury ingredients such as truffles and caviar. Nobu: The Cookbook represents the current state of play. Exquisite, expensive, and breathtakingly stylish, this food is designed to impress with its artful simplicity. Perhaps the two most representative dishes are the most celebrated: the New-Style Sushi, in which raw fish is given a sizzling dressing of hot oil; and the beautiful Black Cod with Miso, marinated in sake, mirin, and miso for three days then grilled and baked and served with a single ikebana-like spear of pickled juvenile ginger. Altogether a beautiful production.

There are aspects of this cooking, however, that for all its glamour may require the turning of a blind eye. How many home cooks will be prepared to disembowel a live octopus? And eyebrows may be raised among environmentalists at Nobu's championing of Arctic sea bass, a fish known before its cosmetic rechristening a few years ago as Patagonian tooth fish and that is likely to become extinct within three years through illegal overfishing in the southern oceans. Food for thought. --Robin Davidson, Amazon.co.uk

Toy Knits: More Than 30 Irresistible and Easy-to-Knit Patterns

Debbie Bliss

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $10.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

spotty information, but very cute designs 3 out of 5 stars.
15 of 15 people found this review helpful.

The patterns in this book are all knitted in flat pieces, on straight needles (usually US #3 with DK weight yarn). This means that there is a lot of sewing to do to finish them.

I've only started one of the projects, but I already found an error: half of Chart 1 for the cow is missing. (I've decided to fill in the chart myself, copying from the photo where necessary. Hey, it's only a cow spot.) The debbie bliss website (debbieblissonline.com) has errata from her patterns, but this mistake isn't on the list. The website has no contact information(!) but I've sent a note to the publisher, St. Martin's.

As another reviewer said, this book has somewhat confusing directions (the style takes some getting used to) and the lack of schematics can be confusing. On the cow, I learned that you have to join the back legs with the slanted, not straight, portions toward the middle. The directions are ambiguous about this point, but if you don't get it right you'll have to frog or dismantle a lot of knitting to correct it.

About half the designs in the book are teddy bears and bunnies (they come in different sizes and wearing different costumes). The other half include some very cute and ingenious designs - a reindeer, a camel with a saddle, anthropomorphic mice and rats, a monkey with a fez, several farm animals, and a "farm set play mat" that includes miniature versions of the cows, sheep, pigs, and piglets. The miniatures are about 4 inches long; the larger size farm animals are 12-16 inches long. (I'm looking forward to making some little sheep out of wool scraps!)

If you buy this book, join me in pestering the publisher about errata - without schematics or clear directions, it can be hard to tell when you've gone wrong.

Editorial Review:

Debbie Bliss, author of the enormously popular Baby Knits, New Baby Knits, and Kids' Country Knits, presents instructions for more than 30 irresistible soft toys-- from pigs to cuddly teddy bears to dolls, sheep, and even a kangaroo.Beginning and advanced knitters alike will enjoy these easy-to-knit projects, many of which can be created in a matter of hours. Clear instructions and delightful photographs accompany every toy in the book.Children of all ages will adore these fun and imaginative soft toys.