Amazon.com
Good software starts with a good design, and the subtitle of Applying UML and Patterns, "An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOA/D) and the Unified Process" reinforces that that's what this book is about.
The first edition of Applying UML and Patterns became a standard. The second edition uses the unified process (UP) as the iterative process within which OOA/D is introduced, and extends the case study used in the first edition. Other changes have been made to reflect the growing consensus on the most effective ways to work with OOA/D and patterns.
Although you will learn UML, this isn't what Applying UML and Patterns is all about. It's designed to teach you to think of software as a collection of objects with properties and to manipulate the relationships between them. This is far more profound.
The case study enables Craig Larman to carry the design through to Java code. In practice, you will need a basic understanding of OO programming to benefit from Applying UML and Patterns, though you needn't know Java--you can implement the designs in the OO language of your choice with equal facility.
When it comes right down to it, Applying UML and Patterns is all about providing you with a language in which to think about software design. This is quite different from learning a language in which to code a design.
A facility with OOA/D will enable you to design and discuss programs independent of code, to produce more elegant and maintainable software, and to take a 30,000-foot view of the way your software interacts with the world. In effect, it can shift your viewpoint from that of a mechanic to that more sophisticated viewpoint of an engineer. Recommended. --Steve Patient. Amazon.co.uk
Book Description
“People often ask me which is the best book to introduce them to the world of OO design. Ever since I came across it, `Applying UML and Patterns' has been my unreserved choice.” —Martin Fowler, author, “UML Distilled” and “Refactoring”
The first edition of “Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design” quickly emerged as the leading OOA/D introduction; translated to many languages and adopted in universities and businesses worldwide. In this second edition, well-known object technology and iterative methods leader Craig Larman refines and expands this text for developers and students new to OOA/D, the UML, patterns, use cases, iterative development, and related topics.
The book helps newcomers to OOA/D learn how to “think in objects” by presenting three iterations of a single, cohesive case study, incrementally introducing the requirements and OOA/D activities, principles, and patterns that are most critical to success. It introduces the most frequently used UML diagramming notation, while emphasizing that OOA/D is much more than knowing UML notation. All case study iterations and skills are presented in the context of an “agile” version of the Unified Process -- a popular, modern iterative approach to software development. Throughout, Larman presents the topics in a fashion designed for learning and comprehension.
Among the topics introduced in Applying UML and Patterns are: * requirements and use cases, * domain object modeling, * core UML, * designing objects with responsibilities, * “Gang of Four” and other design patterns, * mapping designs to code (using Java as an example), * layered architectures, * architectural analysis, * package design, * iterative development, * the Unified Process.Foreword by Philippe Kruchten, the lead architect of the Rational Unified Process.
“Too few people have a knack for explaining things. Fewer still have a handle on software analysis and design. Craig Larman has both.” —John Vlissides, author, “Design Patterns” and “Pattern Hatching”
“This edition contains Larman's usual accurate and thoughtful writing. It is a very good book made even better.” —Alistair Cockburn, author, “Writing Effective Use Cases” and “Surviving OO Projects”
Customer Reviews:
A great reference, had to get the UML 2.0 edition.......2007-10-06
I found the previous edition 5 years ago, and completely marked it up. This book was instrumental in passing the OOAD test certification.
I continued recommending this book to my colleagues.
Then found the UML 2.0 edition, and plan on using this book as much as I did.
First book for anyone learning to create business software.......2007-08-11
Craig Larman's classic has reach 10 years of prime position on my professional book shelf, the 1st edition now replaced with the 3rd. Whenever anyone asks for an introduction to UML, this is always my first recommendation. Though the book focusses on software construction from scratch, it still contains much brilliant guidance for enhancement work or implementation of software packages.
This book takes you in a logical, distilled process through pragmatic application of Unified Modelling Language on real projects for which people pay. Of course the examples are simple, but relevant and helpful. The book is chock full of diagrams and little text, which makes it quick to read and easy for reference.
You could do little wrong if you used only this book to guide your first application of UML to a real project.
Review of Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Development (3rd Editi.......2007-07-19
I have 30 years in the industry (and in different industries in IS management) and one thing I dislike is the author's persistence do down-grade the waterfall or modified waterfall models. He should be more objective on his comments since the waterfall and modified waterfall do have their merits on projects -- refer to "Rapid Development, Training Wild Software Schedules" by Steve McConnell, Microsoft Press, ISBN 1-55615-900-5. I have used them very successfully on big programs. The key here is, with any model, in order to be successful you need quality communications with ALL stakeholders. Just like in our personal life's, communications is everything; the models can be secondary.
The author should also strictly follow the attributes of writing good requirements. On page 72, he wrote for "frequency of occurrence", "Could be nearly continuous". Now, I ask, how ambiguous is that????
The single best book for your OO development team.......2007-07-06
As others have pointed out, the content on OO analysis and design is excellent. Equally important - Larman's book is also an excellent on "process".
Unlike many books that simply focus only on "programming", Larman gives you a working examples and excellent advice on overlapping fields like "requirements", "testing", "architecture" and "project management".
Craig Larman's "Applying UML and Patterns, 3rd Ed" is a wealth of practical advise, covering *all* significant aspects of successfully defining and implementing a non-trivial software project. If your team were to choose only one book as your "Bible" - this would be that book.
Excellent Work!.......2007-04-23
As pointed out by many, this book is a very nice introduction to Object Oriented Analysis and Design. The author's explanations were very clear. This book covers agile practices, UML, many patterns including Gang of Four (GoF), and software architecture. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. From an industry standpoint as well as an academic standpoint, I believe this book does an excellent job. This book will be part of my library for a long time to come. Highly recommended.
Book Description
You're not alone.
At any given moment, somewhere in the world someone struggles with the same software design problems you have. You know you don't want to reinvent the wheel (or worse, a flat tire), so you look to Design Patterns--the lessons learned by those who've faced the same problems. With Design Patterns, you get to take advantage of the best practices and experience of others, so that you can spend your time on...something else. Something more challenging. Something more complex. Something more fun.
You want to learn about the patterns that matter--why to use them, when to use them, how to use them (and when NOT to use them). But you don't just want to see how patterns look in a book, you want to know how they look "in the wild". In their native environment. In other words, in real world applications. You also want to learn how patterns are used in the Java API, and how to exploit Java's built-in pattern support in your own code.
You want to learn the real OO design principles and why everything your boss told you about inheritance might be wrong (and what to do instead). You want to learn how those principles will help the next time you're up a creek without a design pattern.
Most importantly, you want to learn the "secret language" of Design Patterns so that you can hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions his stunningly clever use of Command, Facade, Proxy, and Factory in between sips of a martini. You'll easily counter with your deep understanding of why Singleton isn't as simple as it sounds, how the Factory is so often misunderstood, or on the real relationship between Decorator, Facade and Adapter.
With Head First Design Patterns, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking Decorator is something from the "Trading Spaces" show. Best of all, in a way that won't put you to sleep! We think your time is too important (and too short) to spend it struggling with academic texts.
If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect--a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, Head First Design Patterns will load patterns into your brain in a way that sticks. In a way that lets you put them to work immediately. In a way that makes you better at solving software design problems, and better at speaking the language of patterns with others on your team.
Customer Reviews:
Not All That.......2007-10-10
The authors miss the point on pg 139 in their description of Dependency Inversion. They say, "It suggests that our high level components should not depend on our low level components; rather they should both depend on abstractions". The real point of the pattern, if you read Robert Martin original description of the pattern, Agile Principles, Patterns, and Practices in C# (Robert C. Martin Series), is that neither should depend on the other. No concrete dependency and no abstract dependency; independent. The description these authors offer does not describe dependency inversion; it instead displays the weakness of dependency on abstractions Mr Martin wrote about in his original description of the pattern. The only dependency should be the object(s) or data passed between them but the authors fail to make this point. Mr Martin's book is brilliant.
Excellent Intro.......2007-10-07
Easy to read and follow.
All the examples are in Java and I'm not a Java programmer, but I can understand the examples.
This books is not a pattern catalog. Only the fundamental patterns are presented.
An excellent place to start learning about design patterns.
Love it or Hate it and I hate it.......2007-10-03
I just felt the strong urge to write a review. I usually don't write reviews. My opinion about this book is either you will love it a lot or hate it to the core. I hated it. Their writing style is not conventional. So please go to a book store and read a few pages and see if you like this style of writing. Even though when I first read, I thought I liked it, I realized I don't like this style of writing for a technical book
Excellent learning style.......2007-09-26
I think the book is great for learning what it was written to teach. I found it easy to read and stay in its pages for a longer period of time. If you've read computer related books you know what I'm talking about. I would definitely recommend this book if you ware getting into design patterns and want to get a rock solid foundation. One consideration though, you really need to know something about Java or C#. If you are completely unfamiliar with OOP languages altogether, you might want to tackle that subject before this one.
Theory AND Practicality!.......2007-09-25
I flipped through this book to get a feel for how it will differ from other design patterns works. I immediately realized that the authors are taking a very accessible approach to teaching readers about patterns.
On an individual basis, the text is very accessible. It is written in an easy-to-read style. Instead of avoiding technical jargon, the text improves understanding and retention by coupling technical terms with humorous anecdotes and quips. This approach gives the feeling that design patterns are within reach (and they are) of even readers new to the concepts. It also serves as a built-in mnemonic tool.
The structure of pattern delivery seems to be intentional as well. In the rare case where a pattern is referenced without yet being described, it is almost always in the context of how the current pattern will prove useful in other scenarios. As such, the reader never feels lost. In fact, quite the opposite affect occurs. Readers should feel like they are following a logical approach to learning patterns.
Although it may seem, from the above comments, that the book is elementary, I assure you that even seasoned developers will find the book useful. Even if you know the material extremely well, you may find that the authors' descriptions are useful when teaching junior developers on your teams.
The book layout, like the rest of the book, is broad-reaching. Obviously, it is an instructional work. More than that, however, the book is also a teaching tool. It can easily be adapted by educators and trainers for classroom-style and one-on-one teaching. The book also serves as a workbook. There are exercises and notes pages throughout each chapter. Finally, the book serves me as a reference work as well. If I remember the gist of a pattern but not the specifics, it is easy to find examples and canonical references.
I absolutely love this style. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn patterns, refresh their existing patterns knowledge, or just take in a proverbial "breath of fresh air" to the stiff writing style of other books covering complex topics. I also feel that any of the "Head First" books are worth consideration. They provide accessible formats that promote learning.
I have to close this review by concurring with the authors in their note to the "Gang of Four". Seriously, when are we going to see another book? :)
Customer Reviews:
Misses out on the important patterns.......2007-08-07
This book is a complete beginner's handbook for enterprise patterns.
1) The "Mapping to Relational Database Patterns" section discusses patterns that are completely intuitive. I recall logically coming to this conclusions when I started programming in Visual Basic in 99. Nothing new in this section.
2) The "Concurrency" section is criminal in nature and assumes that the application runs on high-cost server. Process-per-session? Thread-per-request? Come on!! Has the author missed out on the Reactor, Proactor and Active Object patterns (he does reference ACE but only as a reference). These patterns have been recognized as not scalable in the late 90s.
3)The distribution patterns are clearly incomplete and desire a lot of details.
If you're just starting out,as a System Architect :-), you'll find this useful. Otherwise, use MSDN or ACE for enterprise patterns.
Must have reference for all developers.......2007-07-16
Even if you don't do "Enterprise Application" development, this book is a must have in your library. If you have been developing for more than a couple of years and you haven't seen 1/2 of the patterns in this book, then you are probably doing something wrong and this book could greatly help you.
Even if you do know 1/2 or more of the patterns in this book it is a great reference to the details of these patterns. Unless you are a Sophomore Software Engineering Student I'd recommend this book over the GoF book. Gof is a must have too, but if you can only have one. Get this one!
Must read.......2007-04-05
This is a must read book if you are a developer, architect or in anyway related to technology.
Great reference for building business apps.......2007-03-13
For me, this book is an invaluable reference for building business apps.
Want help choosing a framework? Want some guidance for solving common business problems? These patterns help solve these kinds of problems.
NOTE: I have tried to find other sources for these patterns, and I have only found Fowlers website, which is really only a summary and recommends purchasing the book.
This book has examples in both Java and C#. You can certainly use these patterns in .NET.
Under .NET you are not actually forced to use the Table Model. I think the purpose of this book is to help you realize this.
There are frameworks for .NET that use the Domain Model and Data Mapper patterns, but you would never know this unless you were familiar with the patterns in this book.
For me, reading this book didn't allow me to write new code, but it did allow me to understand my choice to use a particular framework/technique over another.
Educates you on Enterprise Architecture.......2007-03-10
As a newcomer to enterprise architecture this book educated me on possibilities for decisions to be made in designing an enterprise architect. It will also give you a language for describing existing characteristics of an existing enterprise application which may use some combination of the patterns describe in this book. The discussion of where to keep session state for a webapp was particularly helpful to me.
Book Description
The first edition, published in 1973, has become a classic reference in the field. Now with the second edition, readers will find information on key new topics such as neural networks and statistical pattern recognition, the theory of machine learning, and the theory of invariances. Also included are worked examples, comparisons between different methods, extensive graphics, expanded exercises and computer project topics.
An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.
Customer Reviews:
Great product & service.......2007-09-21
This was my first purchase from amazon and I was totally impressed by the quality of the product and the service! I would buy again from the same seller and recommend others to do the same.
A Very Bad Sequel.......2007-03-09
I have now used this book 3 times for a class. While the 1st edition did a nice job of covering the material in its time, the additions to in the 2nd addition are a disaster. What the book has going for it is that it at least lists the necessary material for such a course in the table of contents. However, all the additional material is poorly explained at best. The problem sets are too few and the ones that are included are generally weak.
I have tried to use this book, but after constant student complaints and my own difficulty with the text, I have finally concluded that the problem lies with the text and not with the users.
I think an indicator of problems was the large number of errors in the first printing; large here is an understatement. Even in later additions, the 4th, the size of the errata is huge. I think this is indicative of the authors' attention to detail and seriousness in preparation. I have found similar errors and ambiguities in the associate Computer Manual.
The bottom line is that this book has seen its final appearance in our curriculum. I would use any other text, even an older one.
There is simply not enough room or time to point out all the problems with this text. Do yourself a favor if considering this text for a class. Don't bother.
The best book for the discussed field.......2007-02-05
The discussed book is very explanatory and could be students' material for academic lessons.
great book.......2007-01-16
easy to read for computer scientists who are not necessarily experts in statistics. the code in matlab is very good, and helps a lot.
this book is a good introduction to machine learning.
Very well written.......2006-02-26
I liked this book because it does a great job explaining the concepts and the reasoning behind the mathematical formulae. Other books such as "The Elements of Statistical Learning" toss the Math formulas at you and expect you to figure out the significance or the importance of 'em. The book does not shy away from Math - but does a great job presenting it.
Amazon.com
Design Patterns is a modern classic in the literature of object-oriented development, offering timeless and elegant solutions to common problems in software design. It describes patterns for managing object creation, composing objects into larger structures, and coordinating control flow between objects. The book provides numerous examples where using composition rather than inheritance can improve the reusability and flexibility of code. Note, though, that it's not a tutorial but a catalog that you can use to find an object-oriented design pattern that's appropriate for the needs of your particular application--a selection for virtuoso programmers who appreciate (or require) consistent, well-engineered object-oriented designs.
Book Description
Now on CD, this internationally acclaimed bestseller is more valuable than ever!
Use the contents of the CD to create your own design documents and reusable components. The CD contains: 23 patterns you can cut and paste into your own design documents; sample code demonstrating pattern implementation; complete Design Patterns content in standard HTML format, with numerous hyperlinked cross-references; accessed through a standard web browser; Java-based dynamic search mechanism, enhancing online seach capabilities; graphical user environment, allowing ease of navigation.
First published in 1995, this landmark work on object-oriented software design presents a catalog of simple and succinct solutions to common design problems. Created by four experienced designers, the 23 patterns contained herein have become an essential resource for anyone developing reusable object-oriented software. In response to reader demand, the complete text and pattern catalog are now available on CD-ROM. This electronic version of Design Patterns enables programmers to install the book directly onto a computer or network for use as an online reference for creating reusable object-oriented software.
The authors first describe what patterns are and how they can help you in the design process. They then systematically name, explain, evaluate, and catalog recurring designs in object-oriented systems. All patterns are compiled from real-world examples and include code that demonstrates how they may be implemented in object-oriented programming languages such as C++ and Smalltalk. Readers who already own the book will want the CD to take advantage of its dynamic search mechanism and ready-to-install patterns.
Customer Reviews:
WOW!!!.......2007-09-13
Being a total noob to programming, my friend got me into learning about Objective-C and Cocoa. I have bought many books on the subject and I'd like to say that this book helped me with my understanding of objective-c programming language.
Thanks to the authors
Wonderful but it is difficult.......2007-09-05
The book is wonderful and samples are very exciting and meaningful.But book is difficult,if you don't have any idea about design patterns,you cannot learn easily from his book.But If you are not new about Design patterns,this book is very useful.
Fantastic Book.......2007-08-12
I would recommend this book to any software developer, architect, or designer. Fit for all levels of experience. It is clear why this is so often referenced in other development literature.
A Thorough Introduction.......2007-08-12
I have read this book many times over. I purchased
this book many years ago and I still reference it today. For those
who are interested in OO design this is the best book I have read,
followed by John Lakos "Large Scale C++ Design". This book will
have you thinking about how to design software, and if you are
diligent, eventually you will be designing your own patterns.
This book is a definite must for any language, since it will
change the way you view software.
Great book.......2007-08-05
I found the case study very helpfull. The patterns explained in a very clean way, so I recomand every developer that is interesting in design patterns, refactoring etc to read it.
Book Description
Internationally celebrated designer Lotta Jansdotter collects 24 of her most popular sewing patterns into one irresistible collection. Our innovative packaging makes for easy use reusable pattern sheets are neatly tucked into a folder inside this full-color, lay-flat spiral bound book. Lotta has included patterns for handy tote bags, smart aprons, chic bed linens, and much more. Each project is paired with step-by-step instructions, charming photographs, inspiring design ideas, and helpful, hand-drawn how-to illustrations everything you need to make whimsical pieces for the home and beyond. Best of all, there's nothing complicated about the projects. Never has simplicity looked so sophisticated.
Customer Reviews:
"Simple" projects- but not necessarily the same ones you always see!.......2007-09-18
Just starting to sew? I bet the first projects you come across in any book or magazine involve pillows and/or tea towels. It gets so old; that sort of thing is a good starting project but it's in every book as though people imagine that new sewers HAVEN'T come across an actual pillow pattern before.
You'll find lots of pattern staples for new sewers here- apron, tote bag, pillowcase, etc but the catch is that you actually get patterns and, in addition to the usual suspects, there are lots of patterns you wouldn't expect. The placemat with a chopstick holder? A placemat isn't necessarily unique, but the chopstick holder is interesting and it gives you a chance to try something more than just a simple rectangle shape. The picnic placemat is really fun too and again, it's something that seems like it's easy to think up but not quite. I also get a kick out of the doorstop pattern; just recently I saw a picture of one almost exactly like that and thought I'd try it and when the book came in, I realized I wouldn't have to search for a pattern.
I'm an intermediate sewer at best but I think I can tackle every project in here, though some might take a little more effort than others. The fabric guide at the beginning was pretty helpful, too. I often pick fabrics based on patterns, not based on the makeup of the fabric itself, and that's lead to problems. Knowing the right fabric to pick for a project is helpful and care instructions are even better. Again, like much of the book, it's something that seems like a no-brainer but is actually really important for people who are just getting into sewing.
Lacks Important Details.......2007-09-15
I'm a relative beginner sewer and started with Simple Sewing with a French Twist: An Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes and Home Accessories with Style - made the shoe bags and found the instructions concise. I bought the Lotta book because of the doorstop pattern but found the end product was HUGE and required alot more than 5# of beans! Naturally, I thought I'd made a mistake but this project had paper patterns so I did not mis-calculate the size.
Another project was a, at first glance, very simple bag - it did work out in the end but after realizing that many details were missing in the directions.
Overall, not enough great projects to warrant the struggle involved in figuring out how to put them together!
Serious pattern flaw.......2007-08-30
I would have given it three or even four as it's very cute, but the instructions are a bit too BRIEF..... I can't see how it's marketed as simple, when I was baffled - and I am in no means a beginning sewer. I've been sewing for 30 years, made my own wedding dress, coats, jackets etc.-.... I love these project books though - when they're good! I bought this book mainly for the inspiration and partly for the hat pattern - I love hats. The brim doesn't fit the crown, and the crown doesn't fit the top. It is impossible to fit them together. Whether the crown is turned with the slightly wider circumference towards the brim or the other way. Furthermore, the whole thing is enormous. Something is very wrong with this pattern, and it ruins the whole book for me. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Edited to add - there are huge amounts of people out there who have had problems with this hat, as I found out after doing a search on the net. And I am REALLY unimpressed with the author - I wrote to her website early August and a very sweet assistant told me she couldn't help but perhaps I would find a flickr group that could - they couldn't - and that Lotta would issue corrections or contact me after she came back from her holidays - she hasn't!
Fun and easy!.......2007-08-20
This book really helped me gain some confidence with my new sewing machine. I managed to make some very cute and functional things without worrying about zippers, buttonholes, etc. I turn to this book when I want some instant gratification with no frustration! I also like that a lot of these projects are perfect for the cute fabric remnants that I can't resist rescuing from the clearance bin; a lot of the patterns require a yard or less.
Lotta good ideas.......2007-08-06
At first glance the projects presented in Lotta Jansdotter's book might seem almost too simple, but do not be fooled! I think that both the beginner and experienced sewer will enjoy the variety of processes used on things like quilted potholders and tote bags with applique (if you chose to add it). Very good ideas, very clear instructions, great photos of the work that make you want to try out the projects immedietly.
Book Description
Discover more patterns, more stitches, and more styles--this follow-up to the award-winning bestseller Sensational Knitted Socks presents new possibilities for knitting great socks!
* Combine the yarn, gauge, stitch pattern, and size of your choice to knit more than 1,000 variations of adult- and kid-sized socks
* Start with 11 basic designs; then try loads of different looks with an all-new stitch-pattern library
* Choose your favorite technique--use four or five double-pointed needles or two circular needles
Customer Reviews:
Make this your first sock book.......2007-09-05
If you have never knit socks and are looking for your first book, make it this one. Why? Well, maybe you have not yet decided if you want to knit socks on 4 dpns, 5 dpns, 2 circs or one long circ (aka magic loop.) No problem, Charlene breaks it down for all of these methods. Sure, an experienced sock knitter wouldn't need all of that hand holding, but it's reassuring to know how many stitches you are supposed to have on each needle.
Maybe you don't know if you want to knit them in a very fine yarn or worsted. It's OK, she's figured that out, too. Want to surprise your your grandma who wears an 8.5 wide? Look up the measurements on the handy chart included. Not sure if you want to knit toe up or top down? Never fear! Charlene includes directions for both ways. But wait, there's more! Lots of stitch patterns are included, categorized by stitch count repeats. One of my only complaints about the book is that when one of these categories begins on one page, the next page doesn't have a header noting that these, too, are 6 stitch repeat patterns. A small quibble.
This book gains a slight edge over her first book because she includes the toe-up knitting instructions for all of the socks which is not in the first. There is slightly more info on cast-offs because of this, including kitchener bind-off in 1x1 rib and 2x2 rib. I haven't found this information in any of my other reference books, and I have quite a few. That said, if you want a book that tells you how to make 6 different types of heels, 7 types of toes and 14 different cast-ons, it's probably not the book for you.
There is quite a bit of overlap between Charlene's two books in the very basic sock knitting info, for example the foot size charts, sock anatomy diagrams, etc. That's actually a good thing because all of the info you need is here in the second book even if you don't have the first.
Finally, there are many beautiful socks to ogle and study. It is very useful to see for example, how the garter edge stockinette heel flap looks before you knit it, or how a small change in the method of slipping stitches affects the texture. And of course to see how some of those sock yarns actually look knit up into a sock.
I love this book!.......2007-08-19
I have both her first book and this one, and both of them are very useful, but I actually prefer this one. I like the way all the socks include both toe-up and cuff-down directions, and all the stitch patterns are in back, each with suggested ribbing. Her technique instructions are pretty good, too. I finally figured out how to do a short-row heel following her directions.
Patterns AND a Great Stitch Resource.......2007-07-25
I'm new to sock knitting and this book, along with the first one (Sensational Knitted Socks) is an amazing resource. Even if you didn't like any of the patterns, the book would be worth the price because of all the useful information in it. It assumes nothing.
The creative juices are flowing!.......2007-06-21
What a wonderful book. With more ideas and patterns, my heart is soaring with how much I can now create!
Terrific!.......2007-06-21
I have Schurch's first sock book and thought I would not need her
second book. However, I took a look at it and I had to have it. The
addition of the index in the back of the book is a thoughtful improvement.
I love this book! The patterns are new, interesting and doable. A great
book for a new or experienced sock knitter.
Book Description
Designing a good interface isn't easy. Users demand software that is well-behaved, good-looking, and easy to use. Your clients or managers demand originality and a short time to market. Your UI technology -- web applications, desktop software, even mobile devices -- may give you the tools you need, but little guidance on how to use them well.
UI designers over the years have refined the art of interface design, evolving many best practices and reusable ideas. If you learn these, and understand why the best user interfaces work so well, you too can design engaging and usable interfaces with less guesswork and more confidence.
Designing Interfaces captures those best practices as design patterns -- solutions to common design problems, tailored to the situation at hand. Each pattern contains practical advice that you can put to use immediately, plus a variety of examples illustrated in full color. You'll get recommendations, design alternatives, and warnings on when not to use them.
Each chapter's introduction describes key design concepts that are often misunderstood, such as affordances, visual hierarchy, navigational distance, and the use of color. These give you a deeper understanding of why the patterns work, and how to apply them with more insight.
A book can't design an interface for you -- no foolproof design process is given here -- but Designing Interfaces does give you concrete ideas that you can mix and recombine as you see fit. Experienced designers can use it as a sourcebook of ideas. Novice designers will find a roadmap to the world of interface and interaction design, with enough guidance to start using these patterns immediately.
Customer Reviews:
Good but not user-friendly.......2007-06-16
This book does to UI design what the well-known "Design Patterns" did for software design. Many readers, specially those experienced in graphical and UI design will find much of the content familiar, when not trivial, but the purpose of a "pattern language" book is not to break new ground but to formalize and explain a well known language.
The book is beautifully laid out and illustrated. The amount of theory preceding each group of patterns seems right on the mark.
¿Why the low star rating?
The book's binding broke before I finished reading it, something that's completely not user-friendly. If you're not in a hurry I'd wait for a second edition that fixes the problem.
A good reference and prefab pattern library........2007-04-30
I found this a bit shallow as a read-through textbook or handbook, but it should make a very useful reference and may serve well as a prefab pattern library. I think it will serve best for those working on web sites and web apps, though it also covers desktop apps.
Designing Interfaces.......2007-04-24
Designing Interfaces is a great book to get you started on the subject, wether you are a designer or a developer, this books will show you how important is to *design* you application.
Concepts are presented as design patterns and they are intended to help you resovle real world problems, some knowledge of UI design is recommended but every patten is described and explained very well, the use of the "Use When", "Why" and "How To" sections will give you al the information you need to know to make a decision on the use of any specific solution.
From web forms to destop application, this books will show you the right way to make the user's interaction experience as simple and intuitive as possible.
Jump-started my problem-solving process.......2007-03-21
Having already read through the first few chapters, today I sat down with an explicit need: to solve a problem that involved searching and filtering a large set of data. This book came through for me. Yes, some of it appears obvious when you first read through, but once you have a specific problem to address, its true utility emerges. I opened to the Showing Complex Data chapter, and as I read through, ideas began to form. Some came directly from the book, others were inspired by or related to what I was reading. I took notes, and those notes helped me develop the questions about the data and the users I need to answer in order to continue.
When you're faced with a design challenge, and you're a bit stymied as to how to proceed, this book will help move the solution forward. Even if you think you have a solution, this book can help you make it fresh and creative.
Usefull, Concise - Great.......2007-02-24
This is a really usefull book. It's also simply interesting to read.
Book Description
Portable, quick to knit, and universally wearable, new knitters have recently been discovering socks in droves, while Interweave Knits magazine has been providing original, beautiful patterns for a decade. Featuring 25 beautiful and timeless sock patterns for every occasion in a range of techniques, traditions, and designs, many of these patterns have become unavailable as original issues of Interweave Knits went out of print, but are available once again in this inspired collection. Highlights include a tutorial for knitting socks on two circular needles, instructions for making resoleable socks, and six completely new designs for those avid knitters who may have every issue of Interweave Knits magazine.
Customer Reviews:
Great resource.......2007-07-25
I've been knitting for several years, but I was nervous about socks--even though I'd already been using the techniques that make people afraid of sock knitting (e.g. kitchener stitch, short rows, dpns). But my best friend--a non-knitter--bought me this book for my birthday, so I figured I would give it a shot. The book is very sturdy and well-constructed, and the pictures and layout are attractive. The twenty-five patterns vary from beribboned knee socks to resoleable socks, lace socks to Eastern European footlets. (Most of the patterns are reprinted from Interweave's back issues--which wasn't an issue for me because I'm not a subscriber, but N.B.) Most patterns are written to fit women's feet, but many offer men's and children's sizes as well. I started out with a pair of the Retro Rib socks to make for my husband, making him promise he would wear them... And they're just lovely. This book is a great resource, and I'm sure I will go back to it again and again.
Socks, socks and more socks.......2007-07-25
Socks have long been a popular item for knitters to make. Portable and requiring relatively small amounts of yarn, they can be as complicated or as simple as a knitter desires. For many knitters, they are the perfect way to try out a new technique while make something inherently useful, and ensure that loved ones' feet are kept warm.
From the second issue of Interweave Knits, sock patterns have been an integral part of the popular magazine. Ann Budd and Anne Merrow have combed the archives and selected seventeen of their favorite designs for inclusion in Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave. From Meida's Socks, Estonian-inspired lace socks by Nancy Bush (1997), to the Waving Lace Socks, a popular design by Evelyn A. Clark featured on the book's cover (2004), there is sure to be an old favorite for everyone.
Patterns have also been pulled from sister publications PieceWork and Spin*Off, offering patterns that many knitters have never seen before. To round out the collection, six new patterns have been included.
Many of the original issues of Interweave Knits have gone out of print and Favorite Socks ensures these patterns are accessible for a new generation of knitters. Besides providing many classic patterns, this collection also includes a helpful tutorial on knitting socks on two circular needles, instructions for making resoleable socks and both toe-up and top-down instructions.
Published with a hardcover and a spiral binding so the book opens flat, Favorite Socks is sure to win pride-of-place in many knitters' libraries. Patterns range from the basic Retro Rib Socks suitable for beginning knitters (Winter 2004 issue) to the elegant Anniversary Socks in a cashmere/silk blend (PieceWork, Sept/Oct 2003) or the Eesti Trail Hiking Socks in colorwork (Winter 1997) for knitters who seek more of a challenge.
A Knitalong (KAL) has already poppedup at www.favoritesockskal.blogspot.com for Favorite Socks and is open to anyone who wishes to join. As the organizers state: "This is the place to share your photos, suggestions for yarn substitutions or variations, or any other creative ideas related to the patterns from the book."
Armchair Interviews says: Warm feet will sound good in winter.
every pattern is a prize.......2007-07-09
The spiral binding is the best idea for any kind of craft book. And the patterns! Every one is different so that you are learning many different types of sock construction. Some are plain and some are incredibly fancy, but there is not one that I wouldn't make. The best knitting book I ever bought!!!!
A Must Have!!.......2007-07-06
Your thinking "I have the magazines why buy this book". This is a great book. I would love to knit each of these socks. The spiral edge should be on every knitting book. The size of this book is great for carrying in a purse or medium size knitting bag. The patterns are easy to read and follow. I can not wait to cast on and start knitting. This is a must have for sock knitters.
Be.......2007-06-12
I bought the book and showed it to my friend . She bought her own copy and our other friends cannot believe the socks we are making which originate from the book. They think we are clever but we are just following clear instructions from a beautifully presented practical book. I have enjoyed sourcing the different yarns which have not always been part of my little world.
Book Description
over 14,000 hits every day
Fitted Knits features 25 projects, beginning with simple T-shirts and shrugs and moving on to more advanced sweaters, cardigans and skirts. The book also includes a comprehensive section covering the skills necessary to create a well-fitted garment, removing the guesswork from customizing patterns. Each project includes customization tips and tricks, describing to the knitter how to tell when and where increases and decreases should be placed to create the most attractive shaping.
Customer Reviews:
worth the money.......2007-09-27
I own hundreds of knitting books. Many sit on shelves and I never go back to them. This will not be one of those. The designs are great, the techniques are great for reference when I design.
Finally, knit patterns designed to fit!.......2007-09-26
I cannot stress how much I love this book. I am not petite in height, (5'5") but I am slender and usually find myself making alterations to clothing and knitted patterns using variations on children's body measurements and adult's sleeve lengths. Even then, I often find myself steeking to attain the proper fit. The patterns in this book can be knit for a range of sizes, all of which are designed to produce a flattering fit. This book has put me on the lookout for others like it!
Fabulous!.......2007-08-29
Wow, the book just arrived--the designs are wonderful! Every single one is so cute...I can't decide which one to start with. This is a book I will reach for over and over for inspiration! I can't wait to try her technique for knitting from the top down.
Awesome!.......2007-08-21
Even the more 'complicated' patterns have been a joy to knit for this beginner/intermediate knitter. I've already done 3 patterns from the book, and will be trying out most of them. I love this book!
easy to follow designs.......2007-08-20
Initially, I just followed her instructions and it magically turned into a beautiful sweater. Since then, I have altered the sizing, even making one to fit toddlers. I keep going to this book for my next project.
Books:
- Bad News/Good News (Beacon Street Girls #2) (Beacon Street Girls)
- Balancing Agility and Discipline: A Guide for the Perplexed
- Beast Master's Planet: Omnibus of Beast Master and Lord of Thunder (Beastmaster)
- Beneath the Tree of Heaven (Chung Kuo Novel , No 5)
- Beyond the Blue Horizon: Myths and Legends of the Sun, Moon, Stars, and Planets
- Blood and Vengeance: One Family's Story of the War in Bosnia
- Cartoon History of the Universe 2: Volumes 8-13
- Charlie Bone and the Time Twister (The Children of the Red King, Book 2)
- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Hope, Healing and Forgiveness (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
- Child Care Design Guide
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Culture Sketches: Case Studies in Anthropology
- The Sparrow
- Sayonara, Gangsters
- Principles and Practice of Plant Conservation
- Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism
- Scientific Computing
- The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children
- Rabbi Paul: An Intellectual Biography
- Never Climbed His Mountain
- Student Problem Solving Guide for use with Complete Business Statistics
Object-Oriented Design
| Software Design, Testing & Engineering
| Programming
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
UML Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modeling Language (3rd Edition) (The Addison-Wesley Object Technology Series)
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)
Head First Design Patterns (Head First)
Agile and Iterative Development: A Manager's Guide
Writing Effective Use Cases
