Expert Advice Books - Page 8

Inspiration

Tricia Guild, Elspeth Thompson

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Quadrille Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 26 new & used starting at $11.84

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Expert Advice -> Tricia Guild

Editorial Review:

For over 30 years London-based interior designer and Designers Guild founder Tricia Guild has looked to the world’s beauty for design ideas. Her book Inspiration is a captivating collection of her passions – art and music; architecture and design; theater and opera; novels and poetry; food; flowers and gardening; the broad sweep of landscape and the miraculous minutiae of nature; texture and form; light and shadow; and color.

“Wherever we go we are taking in glimpses, impressions, of the world around us, and I believe that these images go deep into our psyches, become part of our own energy and imagination,” she writes. Her passions range from the art of Frida Kahlo to the colors of India, from hydrangeas to butterfly wings. James Merrell’s photographs juxtapose raw muses with finished objects and the lovely presentation of these images encourages readers to reflect upon the beauty of this world.

Baby Knits for Beginners

Debbie Bliss

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Trafalgar Square Books Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $8.78

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Fashion
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Knitting
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Needlework

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 37 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Title says it 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Title says it: if you're a total beginner and you want to learn to knit by actually knitting something useful, this book is there for you. If you're a more advanced knitter, you won't like it that much - but then, if you're advanced, you won't buy a book for beginners and so you can't complain. And that's why I rate this book 5/5. (If you want a book for pre-intermediate level, get "Simply Baby" Simply Baby: 20 Special Handknits for Baby's First Two Years by the same author.)

This book combines a knitting step-by-step handbook and a pattern book. The first patterns are extremely easy - and I DO mean "extremely" - something for the beginners to start with and to make them believe in themselves. Some more complicated patterns are then introduced, taking the beginner to higher levels (again: consider buying "Simply Baby" as well).

Although this book may be useful for other people as well, I absolutely recommend it to those of you who have just learned you're pregnant and want to do something for your baby. Having knitted some of the projects, you will be able to start knitting some more difficult ones. Good luck!

Editorial Review:

This delightful new book from best-selling author Debbie Bliss is a complete beginner's guide to knitting for babies, from bootees and blankets to simple sweaters. Published in a handy format ideal for tucking into a knitting bag, it features 15 stylish projects.

Great Parties: The Best of Martha Stewart Living

Martha Stewart Living Magazine

Amazon Price: $13.60 List Price: $20.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Clarkson Potter Amazon Marketplace: 63 new & used starting at $2.49

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Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> Party Planning
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> Tablesetting
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Get's the juices flowing! 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 14 people found this review helpful.

Now I know that we can't all go to Texas to have an authentic Tex-Mex fiesta, but the ideas are great none the less. Who care's if no one comes dressed the part? This book is all about themes. Themes that you can manipulate and call your own. Each party is beautifully photographed and the recipes are delicious. They even offer her infamous "Good Things" as a sidebar for many of the parties. Don't let the perfection overwhelm you. This book delievers.

I Love Theme Parties! 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Theme parties are great! Getting your guests to "dress the part" isn't at all difficult! If you want people to dress up, just inform them that it is a "themed costume party". Your guests will try to out-do each other with their creative costumes. It really makes things a lot of fun and makes decorating in a theme really worth the effort! My friends and I have one about once a month.

I think Martha is great, but no one should follow any entertaining "to the letter". These books are for just for ideas and Martha's ideas are some of the best, hence her empire.

Regarding the woman with the "waterfront property" whose party was a "fiasco", no one with a third home in Switzerland knows how to throw a party. Hence, the story is a total fraud by someone who harbors some sort of grudge. Did the shiitake gravy turn out badly for you in front of the husband's boss? She didn't realize that anyone with that much wealth would hire a professional party planner who would do all the work for them. I should know, I have a good friend is actually is a professional party planner. Whomever the "reader" with a grudge is, she's made a common nouveau riche (or no riche at all) mistake of misundersanding the role played by those in the upper classes. Marha isn't upper class (contrary to popular opinion). She's upper-middle class, the highest class who still cook at home for themselves during the holidays and for parties. Upper and lower don't mean "better" and "worse" - as class measures they're just indicators of lifestyle. Upper Middles have the most fun :)

Editorial Review:

An inspiring source of ideas for creating a variety of celebrations, from fun and festive to elegant and refined, Great Parties features fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions to help readers throw a party that is as special as it is memorable. Full-color photos.

Alex Anderson's Baby Quilts With Love: 12 Timeless Projects for Today's Nursery

Alex Anderson

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: C&T Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $6.20

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

new quilter 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I made my first three quilts as baby gifts from this book. Instructions are clear and very easy and end product looks heirloom.

Wow! Best Baby Quilting Book EVER! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I am shocked by the review just before mine that gave this book 1 star. Before buying any craft/sewing book I check it out of my library to decide if I really will use it. Most of them I decide I don't need in my own library. However, this one was on my "must buy" list right away. Baby Quilts With Love is not only my favorite baby quilting book, but my favorite quilting book I own. Not only does she spend a small part of the book explaining the essentials, her quilts are absolutely gorgeous.

These quilts are not only baby quilts, but would be perfect to hang on your wall. The colors are fresh and modern, and the designs are beautiful. I bought this to make some baby quilts, but truthfully any quilts I make from it are going to be turned into wall hangings. They are that pretty.

Buy this book! You won't be disappointed. However, if you like quilts in browns and grays, or quilts in childish hard-to-look at primary colors (like they walked straight out of the Sesame Street section of Walmart), or soft pastel quilts that you would only give to a little baby girl who will outgrown it in a few years, you might not want this book. But if you want to make quilts that you or your loved ones will cherish and will not outgrow, then this is the quilting book for you.

Editorial Review:

• Twelve fresh, fun crib-size designs
• Alex Anderson is a quilting superstar

Even the most jaded baby will love a quilt from Alex Anderson. Clear directions plus illustrations and an expanded basics section put beginners at ease, and the gorgeous designs appeal to quilters at every level. Pastels, brights, and primaries, bees, baskets, and beaches—quilters and babies will be united in their delight at these adorable new designs.

Carolyne Roehm's Winter Notebook

Carolyne Roehm

Amazon Price: $24.50 List Price: $25.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperCollins Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $9.98

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> History & Criticism -> General AAS
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Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> General AAS

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

VIVE LA DIFFERENCE! 5 out of 5 stars.
25 of 27 people found this review helpful.

WHAT A TERRIFIC BOOK! This is"la creme de la creme" and i find it very difficult when other reviewers compare her product with Martha Stewart's line!It is as if we compare Opera with Andrea Bocelli,this collection of notebooks are so refined and so classic at the same time that i rediscover them each time i need them. The winter notebook gives wonderful ideas of presents for the guests and the flower arrangments are one of a kind. The level of artistry is demonstrated in each pages and places Carolyne Roehm as one of the most elegant designer of all. I also appreciate the fact that Carolyne Roehm understands the need of elegance in the day-to-day life and that it doesn't have to be expensive. I'm a young Opera singer and in my field you receive a lot of flowers and with this book i was able to create wonderful bouquets and appreciate another form of art. I admire her flair and her sense of style, for me Carolyne Roehm is not only a designer but a real artist who search for the very best in every detail.

Editorial Review:

• A winter scrapbook of gardening methods, recipes and tabletop designs.

• Hands-on workbook format with pockets for clippings and graph paper for plans.

• Tips on Christmas and Valentine's Day festivities and decorating ideas with pages for notes.

• Full-color instructions to create magnificent winter bouquets.

• Lists to help you organize gift giving and entertaining chores.

Timberframe: The Art and Craft of the Post-and-Beam Home

Tedd Benson, Norm Abram

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $8.95

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Design & Construction
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> House Plans

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

Beams and More Beams 3 out of 5 stars.
46 of 46 people found this review helpful.

If you love beams, and more beams, lots of braces, and complex joints; then this book is for you.

If you prefer a more minimalist approach I'd suggest: "The Timber-Frame Home, Design, Construction, Finishing" by the same author. In that book this author wrote: "...frame design should simplify and reduce whenever possible, The best frames are those with the most economical use of timbers and the least-complicated joinery." I was disappointed that this book ignored that concept.

Most of the houses in this book are above 3500 sq feet with roughly a third at 5000 and up. If you want to see the extremes to which timberframing can be taken, this is the book for you.

Very inspiring book, full of great timberframe examples! 5 out of 5 stars.
43 of 47 people found this review helpful.

This great book starts off with a short history of timberframes and then showcases dozens of great timberframe homes. The homes cover all styles and price ranges and the picture quality is superb. This is a must buy for all timberframe home lovers!

Editorial Review:

Timberframe shows that time-honored timber construction has unlimited design possibilities. Written by Tedd Benson, who is nationally known as the leader in timberframe design and construction, this vividly photographed book explores a variety of styles, from traditional homes to contemporary classics.

Martha Stewart's Christmas

Martha Stewart

List Price: $25.00 By: Clarkson Potter Amazon Marketplace: 215 new & used starting at $0.01

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Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> Christmas & Hanukkah
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The Most Useful Christmas Book I've Found 5 out of 5 stars.
17 of 20 people found this review helpful.

I adore Martha Stewart. She's a terrific teacher and this is absolutely the best Christmas "idea" book I've ever read. I love the recipes and photos. It's a book I will treasure and one I will use over and over again. Thank you, Martha!

Something for every ability and interest level 4 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Yesterday I made Noel Nut Balls and the chocolate-dipped almond cookies for the fifth or sixth Christmas in a row, and chances are I'll make several of the other recipes before the end of the holidays. The cookie recipes are easy to follow, guaranteed to please and the cookies themselves can be frozen for weeks without any change in texture, appearance or flavor. However, I can't imagine many busy people whipping up the cassoulet or even the fruitcake unless they are experienced cooks who can confidently evaluate and execute rather expensive (in terms of ingredients) recipes.
The craft and gift ideas run the range from easy and very rewarding (such as making your own wrapping paper, which turns out to be a great activity to do with children-- and those gold and coppery designs look sensational under the tree) to the fantastical...like using a jeweller's drill to make holes in nuts for decorative purposes. Still, this is a book full of ideas for holiday activities and creations for people with the full range of abilities and available time and it really is enjoyable to read and to look through.
I am buying a second copy because the first has literally fallen apart. This is the second Martha Stewart book to have broken into pieces (Entertaining did, as well) and I do question the quality of binding.

Editorial Review:

Here Martha Stewart shows how she decorates her house, creates and wraps a variety of gifts, and entertains her family and friends throughout the holidays. 250 full-color photographs.

Jerry Baker's Old-Time Gardening Wisdom: Lessons Learned from Grandma Putt's Kitchen Cupboard, Medicine Cabinet, and Garden Shed! (Jerry Baker's Good Gardening series)

Jerry Baker

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: American Master Products, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $8.68

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

Informative and Humorous 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I originally checked this book out at the library. Some of the stories that he relates as a young boy learning from his Grandmother are both humorous and informative. After trying a few of jerry's concoctions I decided it was one of the books that would be handy to have on hand for future reference.

Editorial Review:

Hundreds of time-tested secrets of Jerry Baker’s Grandma Putt fill this volume of gardening know-how and old time wit. Emphasizing values of ingenuity and old-fashioned “grow-how,” the guide starts with the soil to build a great garden from the ground up, with healthy trees, hearty veggies, and bright blooms. The advice ranges from how to double the output of a strawberry plot and quash weeds using other yard waste to growing the richest roses in the neighborhood. In addition to tips and tricks for the out of doors, a handful of home heath remedies are included, such as soothing a sunburn with garlic or tending to a nagging cough with things from the garden. Grandma Putt’s techniques even take readers into the kitchen, with chapters on edible weeds and flowers as well as canning and storing the harvest for winter.

Carolyne Roehm's Summer Notebook

Carolyne Roehm

Amazon Price: $17.75 List Price: $25.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperCollins Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $1.95

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

Beautiful and useful 5 out of 5 stars.
22 of 24 people found this review helpful.

This book is lovely and terrific. It has the georgeous photographs, gardening and entertaining tips, room for notes and planning and even recipes to use up your harvest. As a novice gardener I find it inspirational, and I would think anyone who loves flowers would enjoy this book.

I can't wait for the next notebook.

Terrific for Summer! 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 15 people found this review helpful.

This is a good summer planner, good garden layout for veggie garden, perennial border, and just ideas. I met her in person, she is a very nice lady.

Good purchase 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Exactly the hints and fashion details I was looking for. Briefly but clearly explained, great photos, superbe book.

Editorial Review:

The Notebook

• A seasonal scrapbook of gardening methods, recipes and tabletop designs.

• Hands-on workbook format with pockets for clippings and graph paper for plans.

• Tips on holiday festivities and decorating ideas with pages for notes.

• Full-color instructions to creat magnificent bouquets from the summer garden.

• Lists of favorite perennials and annuals for grow-your-own arrangments.

Easy Knits: Over 25 Simple Designs for Babies, Children and Adults

Debbie Bliss

Amazon Price: $15.61 List Price: $22.95 Usually ships in 10 to 13 days By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $9.64

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Fashion

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

Another Winner!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
23 of 27 people found this review helpful.

I LOVE this book. I must admit that I do own all that Debbie Bliss has published-- but this is really a great book. I am already making the Fair Isle Dress for my daughter-- and I LOVE the mohair pillows and throw. Also some adorable layette items,
and classy womens wrap sweaters. Another magnificent Debbie Bliss knitting book to add to your collection!

Editorial Review:

Over 25 simple designs for babies, children and adults

Would you like to knit something gorgeous for a new baby, but don’t have weeks to spend on it? Or are you relatively new to knitting and looking for a simple, foolproof design that will give you great results? Easy Knits is a fantastic collection of over 25 simple designs for babies, children and adults.

*Over 25 designs that are simple and quick to knit
*Original and fun projects, designed in bestselling author Debbie Bliss’s unique style, for all age groups
*Includes everything from a baby’s jacket with tie bow and booties to a belted cardigan for a toddler and an adult’s Guernsey-style sweater