I like this book a lot, but I wouldn't buy it. It would be easy enough to find any of these traditional quilt patterns for free online and use modern...moreI like this book a lot, but I wouldn't buy it. It would be easy enough to find any of these traditional quilt patterns for free online and use modern fabrics and color ways to make them, which is essentially what this book is. Having said that the instructions and patterns are good and the book itself is informative and beautiful.(less)
I love this book! It can be used as intended (one prompt each day for 365 days) or, as I use it, for a jump start for creativity when I am feeling cra...moreI love this book! It can be used as intended (one prompt each day for 365 days) or, as I use it, for a jump start for creativity when I am feeling crafty without a direction. It's a great book for anyone, creative or not.(less)
This had lots of photos...just not a lot of clear or detailed photos. I am very perplexed as to why others are rating it so high. Yes, it does cover a...moreThis had lots of photos...just not a lot of clear or detailed photos. I am very perplexed as to why others are rating it so high. Yes, it does cover a lot of topics, but I didn't find the photos to be illustrative of the steps at all. (less)
The premise of this book is an excellent one. One basic pattern with many many variations. The problem was undoubtedly the execution.
- The finished d...moreThe premise of this book is an excellent one. One basic pattern with many many variations. The problem was undoubtedly the execution.
- The finished dresses were not very well sewn. In particular, the Bling It On dress featured on page 78-81 was very ill fitting, with the blinged collar sitting well above the model's shoulders.
- The arm holes in the master pattern are extremely large, gaping even. In every single picture from this book you can tell the arm holes are cut much much too deep, falling at least 3-4 inches below the arm pit.
- Many of the variations are just plain unattractive. The "Over the Top" dress with giraffe applique was just plain awful and looked very homesewn/thrift store. I would never put my children in the dress.
Overall, a good concept, but a poor finished product. (less)
I got this book from my local library this week. I sat down immediately and read through the entire thing. It was very inspiring. I really loved the t...moreI got this book from my local library this week. I sat down immediately and read through the entire thing. It was very inspiring. I really loved the tips for teaching large groups of children to sew and there are charming little quotes from young sewists peppered throughput the book.
Projects are easily identified by stars indicating difficulty level. There was also a lot of great pictures which made the projects easy to follow. Most projects are for hand sewing. I think this is a crucial skill to learn for all ages. But if you were looking for a book to introduce kids to sewing on a sewing machine, this is probably not your best bet.
My only minor issue was that many of the projects were not quite as cute as they could have been. With minor adjustments many of the projects could have been much more polished, without increasing the skill level. However, the authors do encourage putting your own creative touch on their plans so I would probably just amp up the cuteness when making some of the projects myself.
After finishing the book I emailed a group of Moms with daughters (and maybe sons) between the ages of 4-8 and invited them to a Mother/Daughter Sewing School party. I think it will be tons of fun to be creative during the Summer months and teach my girls a very important skill.
I will definately be purchasing this book. Highly recommended. (less)
This book had a lot of great tips and ideas for photographing children (and all ages).
Overall it was very informative, however, the technical explana...moreThis book had a lot of great tips and ideas for photographing children (and all ages).
Overall it was very informative, however, the technical explanations were very difficult to understand (even for someone who already understands those concepts as I do). The writing could have been much more beginner friendly and interesting. It felt as though you were reading a text book for the majority of the read.
If you already know about ISO, F stops, Aperture and the like, this is a good book to gain information about specific tips concerning photographing children. capturing lighting and ideas for poses and composition. (less)
I love love LOVE this book. It seems to me to be the quintessential guide to felt work. It has tons of useful information and techniques, but is also...moreI love love LOVE this book. It seems to me to be the quintessential guide to felt work. It has tons of useful information and techniques, but is also equally as charming in it's patterns. A+(less)
About 10 pages into this book I knew I had to actually OWN it...not just borrow it from the library. Unlike other outdoor craft books with re-used cra...moreAbout 10 pages into this book I knew I had to actually OWN it...not just borrow it from the library. Unlike other outdoor craft books with re-used crafts, this book shows you the possibilities of introducing your child to nature in a way that makes them want to explore, get dirty, create and play. It has great craft ideas, many which I have not seen before.
It is a fun and easy read as well and includes many learning opportunities for young children (and you)!
I will definately be checking out the other books in this series and buying this book for our permanent collection.(less)
I expected to like this book much more than I did. I really agree on the overall premise. I think we could learn a lot and utilize our resources much...moreI expected to like this book much more than I did. I really agree on the overall premise. I think we could learn a lot and utilize our resources much better if we took a cue from the older generations. I know many women who can't sew a button.
One of the issues is with the writing style which is forcefully cheeky. Sometimes you find this forced humor funny and other times, annoying. Also, the book is peppered with illustrations of various retro women engaging in the tasks being explained, but what it really could have used are a few illustrations to clarify the more complicated instructions.
There is some very useful information in this book, but not any you wouldn't find through a google search in a much more clear and concise manner with pictures included.(less)
Wow! This book was completely amazing. So much better than I had anticipated. I was unfamiliar with the author's blog of the same name so I came to th...moreWow! This book was completely amazing. So much better than I had anticipated. I was unfamiliar with the author's blog of the same name so I came to this book with fresh eyes and was not disappointed.
Not only was it inspiring, but it was also meaningful and really made you think about the concept of hospitality in a new way. I was expecting a book with set meal plans and decor ideas and, while there are a few of those in here, this book is much more a book about letting go of perfection and taking fear out of entertaining by breaking down the concepts, giving inspiration and empowering the reader to move forward with a new definition of what makes a good hostess.
Recommended to all for its wonderful readability and no pressure guidance to become a person of hospitality, not just a stressed out person throwing dinner parties.
I have been in the online crafting community for a few years now and how I wish this book was out there sooner! First, it is packed (and I mean packed...moreI have been in the online crafting community for a few years now and how I wish this book was out there sooner! First, it is packed (and I mean packed) with every tidbit of information you might need about selling handmade goods. It is a very easy and entertaining read, which is hard to do when you are presenting so much information.
Despite already having a pretty good knowledge of selling my goods online and otherwise, I still learned A LOT of helpful information from this read. The format was very flowing and the tidbits of practical info from various celeb crafters was very insightful.
I highly recommend this book to all who are considering (or who already are) selling their handmade goods. This will prove to be an invaluable resource!(less)
Love love LOVE this book. It is perfect for the beginning or intermediate quilter who wants modern quilt patterns and tons of lucious photos and inspi...moreLove love LOVE this book. It is perfect for the beginning or intermediate quilter who wants modern quilt patterns and tons of lucious photos and inspiration. I cannot wait to give some of these projects a go and I will be sure to update my review with finished project results and ease of following written directions.(less)
I have always been intrigued by the thought of personalizing fabrics...but where to start? Right here.
Bend The Rules with Fabric is more of a constan...moreI have always been intrigued by the thought of personalizing fabrics...but where to start? Right here.
Bend The Rules with Fabric is more of a constantly reusable resource than anything else. Amy Karol easily and deftly explains each technique including inexpensive supplies and additional resources. She also has a project to illustrate each technique.
Although her projects were not particularly my cup of tea, it doesn't matter. This book so thoroughly takes the intimidation out of dying, stenciling and altering fabrics that you will likely come up with a million of your own ideas by reading through it.
For me, this is a must have that I will re-read and reference again and again.
I really really WANTED to like this book, but I didn't care for it. The photographs are beautiful, however I found the patterns to be way to simple (l...moreI really really WANTED to like this book, but I didn't care for it. The photographs are beautiful, however I found the patterns to be way to simple (like sewing a loop and a button onto a dishtowel) to much to complicated (like the pattern for the fabric outdoor tent). At least one third of the book is dedicated to clothing for women, but it has limited sizing. The section for children consists of dresses made from two rectangles...one gathered for the skirt and another sewn together to form the top. Now, I understand that this is intended to be quick and easy projects, the difficulty is that any/all of the pattern in this book can be found for free easily on the internet.
Maybe a VERY beginning level seamstress would enjoy this book, however I have read many other reviews online at Amazon.com with other readers complaining about missing instructions, incorrect measurements and confusion, so I would hesitate giving this to a beginner. If you are interested in this book I would try and check it out at a local library first or be sure to thoroughly read online reviews both here and at online booksellers before purchasing.(less)
I have recently decided to begin quilting. I have made two baby quilts before with moderate success, but never quite knew my options as far as binding...moreI have recently decided to begin quilting. I have made two baby quilts before with moderate success, but never quite knew my options as far as binding methods and for home machine quilting.
I picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend and I was very pleased with it. It very thoroughly covers almost everything you might need to knew about quilting. It covers a lot of information, but it is divided into small segments of info so you never feel bogged down with too much information. It has plenty of color photographs and illustrations to reinforce topics.
I can see myself coming back to this book as an easy reference again and again. I highly recommend this book to novice and expert quilters alike. (less)
I was enchanted by the idea behind this book. Having recently rekindling a passion for photography I was excited to be inspired by th...more3 out of 5 stars.
I was enchanted by the idea behind this book. Having recently rekindling a passion for photography I was excited to be inspired by the simple images of two friends, miles apart. I was a bit disappointed. I am not sure why the publisher choose to lay out the book in this way. The majority of the photos are thumbnail sized. This defeats what I felt the purpose of a collection of photographs is. I would have gladly paid more for a thicker volume where each photo was large enough to have impact. But this book picks and chooses which photographs to highlight and even those are not adequate in size.
I did like the simple pleasures and stillness that this book highlights. It inspired me to snap more shots of my daily routine as a window into my life right now, but the size of the photos was a huge hurdle. (less)
Although it was filled with beautiful photographs and cute design ideas, the designs themselves were so total...moreI was really disappointed with this book.
Although it was filled with beautiful photographs and cute design ideas, the designs themselves were so totally elementary that I am pretty sure you could google and find a free pattern for everything featured. For example, sewing coasters? It's 2 pieces of sqaure fabric sewn together and then top-stitched.
Perhaps a VERY new and beginner level seamstress might like this, or a very young teenager, but to have an entire page dedicated to cutting a letter out of fabric and sewing it onto a white tee shirt seemed like a cop out. (less)
I went into this book with three clear criteria. (1) Are the crafts doable, varied and well executed? (2) Are the recipes good, because it's ALL about...moreI went into this book with three clear criteria. (1) Are the crafts doable, varied and well executed? (2) Are the recipes good, because it's ALL about the food, and (3) Was there a good correlation between projects and food items.
Here are my findings on all three points.
1. Are the crafts doable, varied and well executed? The simple answer is yes. But let me elaborate. The first positive is that there was a good variation of skill level represented. So doofuses like me can start with emulating a simple, yet creative gift tag or card and Super Geniuses can cut a viewing window out of a Pringles can, line it with a transparency, decorate the canister and fill it with chocolate sandwich cookies. The book also includes a template for some of the designs. Great variation of project types from mini albums to cards, to altered containers and more.
2. Are the recipes good? Well, I have not tried every recipe of course, but I did try the Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits and OH BOY were they ever good! While we were still sitting at the dinner table eating I got up to whip up a second batch. There is a really good variation of recipes as well including Appetizers, Beverages, Breads, Desserts, Main Dishes, Snacks, Soups and Miscellaneous. I am a serious foodie and a bunch of the recipes jumped out as ones I would like to try.
3. Was there a good correlation between projects and food items? Mostly. I was pleasantly surprised to find actual dinner party plans and not just neighbor gift ideas in this book. And in large part the recipes seemed to fit the theme, but there were a few ideas that seemed a bit of a stretch. Like the Half-Birthday Party with a recipe for cheese fondue. Not an obvious link there.
Overall I really liked this idea book. It would make a great gift for the crafty woman on your gift list. (less)
Okay. Idea books in general don't tend to inspire me too terribly. The thing is....if you buy a book written by one person, even if you adore their wo...moreOkay. Idea books in general don't tend to inspire me too terribly. The thing is....if you buy a book written by one person, even if you adore their work, you get project after project in the same style. And many idea book topics don't appeal to me.
But, at the last CHA, when I had an opportunity to get this book, I jumped all over it. Mainly because I had heard all of the praise about the challenge blog (http://www.efferdares.com/) on which this book is based. But also, I can admit it, because of all of the controversy surrounding one of the authors, CK's Hall of Fame fallen angel, Kristina Contes. Yeah...it's true.
The subtitle of this book is Scrapbook Challenges about Real Life. And this statement is completely true. One of the reasons I scrap is because I want to know myself inside and out. These dares cause you to really dig deep and scrap all of the parts of your life, not just the shiny-happy parts, but those are in there too. Some of the dares are titles, themes, scrapping techniques, etc. There is a wide variety to inspire you.
Many of the dares included in the book can be re-done over and over again. The topics inspired a myriad of creative possibilities to race through my mind...and, to me, that is the test of a truly great idea book. (less)
Finally! This is exactly what an idea book should be.
I own many scrapbooking books which are filled with instructions on creating the same style as t...moreFinally! This is exactly what an idea book should be.
I own many scrapbooking books which are filled with instructions on creating the same style as the author. This has always been very impractical to me since I already have a design asthetic which I love.
However, Cathy uses this book, not to force-feed her own layouts to you, but to inspire you to use classic elements of design and apply them to your own pages, no matter how you choose to scrapbook. it is also appropritate for all skill levels.
Besides that, her writing style (much like her blog) is personable, witty, funny and rings true. She had found a perfect blend of practicle, usable advice and instruction without ever seeming pushy or self-righteous.
Amazing scrapbooking resource I would recommend to all crafters.(less)
Loading...
