Book Description
The best-selling comprehensive, practical, and inspiring sewing reference, now fully revised and updated. Clear, simple instructions by sewing experts, and thousands of illustrations and diagrams show each stage of the sewing process. This guide is the standard stitch-and-seam reference book for both beginner and seasoned sewers.
Customer Reviews:
sew-sew.......2007-06-05
Although this is a well produced book with lots of lovely pictures, the instructions are lacking for a beginner such as myself. Superfically flicking through the book it looks great, it's only when you sit down and need to do something that you find that this book doesn't equip you with enough explanation of the terms and skills needed to allow you to complete a simple sewing task.
It promises much, but it lacks thorough, simple and clear explanations and a beginner will still need other resources to learn how to sew basic things.
I don't know who this book is targeted at, as it isn't for the beginner, yet the concepts it covers really are basic and I doubt experienced sewers would get much out of this book for this reason.
I guess it's not a bad book, just so-so. I tried to edit this to make it a 3 star, rather than the 2 I initially gave it, as that seemed fairer, but I can't edit the 'stars.' I just wouldn't recommend it for a beginner looking for a how-to reference.
Excellent reference book.......2007-02-15
So far this book has been a good reference for me. Very good pictures and descriptions. I haven't gone through it completely yet. Wouldrecommend it for people that know how to sew.
Everything you need to know about Sewing.......2006-11-11
The title says it all. The book is full of beautifully photographed techniques and explanations.
in response to a previous review.......2006-07-28
"The book starts off assuming you know how to read and cut patterns, piece together parts, and construct clothing." I just wanted to say that the book does explain how to read and interpret patterns. In fact there are about 8 really good pages dedicated to reading patterns. I really hated how every pattern I bought wouldn't give an explanation of all the symbols they used. I didn't understand the symbols and some of the steps used in patterns until I got this book.
However the previous reveiwer was right about the book not explaining how to use a sewing machine, so I woudln't recommend getting this book if that's what you're after. If you've played with your sewing machine a bit and have figured out how to reasonably use it, then go for it.
Reasons to get the book:
-Great detailed images to follow
-shows how to properly fit a pattern and ways to fix common fitting problems
-index of stitches and how they're used
-has examples of how to sew specific garments
-explains how to execute common construction pieces like placket pockets and lapped zippers
Cons:
-like previous reviewer said it did not give an overview of how to use a sewing machine (pretty bad for a "complete guide")
new complete guide to sewing.......2006-03-09
excellent book. worth every penny I paid for it.A must have for your sewing library.
Book Description
Ribbonwork comes to life in this appealing guide, featuring 5 beautiful projects to craft for heirlooms or gifts. Materials overviews, a "Ribbon Length Guide", easy-to-follow directions and an inspirational gallery are included.
Customer Reviews:
ribbonwork the complete guide.......2007-05-15
when you want to make a gift special this book will have your flowers very creative and lets you pick those special colors with out a lot of mess. great book
Ribbonwork.......2007-03-10
Excellent. Very easy instructions and easy projects. I was immediately able to make beautiful flowers out of ribbon. Highly recommended.
B eautiful!.......2007-02-12
This book is all you need to know - materials, techniques, inspiration for projects. If you'd like to learn ribbonwork, this is the only book you need.
Simplified finally.........2007-01-30
This is the 3rd book I've bought on making ribbon flowers and it is certainly the one to make it easier for you. Her flower directons make your ribbon flowers look like the ones you buy.
A wonderfully illustrated, completely understandable, tutorial........2007-01-04
I am completely in love with this book! I have learned to make the most beautiful resemblance of natures perfect jewell, the flower, from a simple silk ribbon. Some of these perfect little creations look so lifelike it just makes you smile! The author not only provides complete step by step instructions for each bud, leaf, or flower, but pictures of each, as well as some simple and elegant projects to get you started. If you think you may enjoy this craft of old, this is the book for you.
The author does encourage us to choose high quality ribbons for your projects, and this I find to be the best advice in my experience so far. Silk ribbons are suggested for many of the flowers. Silks are pricey so shop around for the best price and ask for samples when available. The only negative about this book is the lack of resource suggestions other than the authors own webstore. There are many trim and ribbon stores on the internet that can be located with your favorite search engine. Check the yellow pages to see if you have a trim and fabric store in your own neighborhood as well. Enjoy!
Book Description
Embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, appliqué, quilting, patchwork, crochet, rug-making, macramé, and lacework-all taught through step-by-step instructions and photographs and drawings. A reference for the beginner and expert alike.
Customer Reviews:
An encyclopedia.......2007-05-13
An oldie but a goodie...I love it as it has everything. It is for any type of needlework what the "Joy of Cooking" is for cooking...if you want to know how to do something look here.
easy to follow!.......2006-03-23
I had to buy this book for a fibers class and i'm glad i did. this book is great! easy to follow instructions. if you can get the older one, the cover is much cuter! it helped me learn lots of embroidery stitches, basics of quilting, and the macrame section is great!
This book is a joy!.......2005-12-15
This volume lives up to the title. It is most definitely a very complete guide to needlework. The instructions are flawless, and the lovely presentation will encourage you to try new things and refresh old skills. The Complete Guide to Needlework would make a perfect gift for the crafter in your life, but be sure to buy another copy for yourself. It's just THAT GOOD!
Needlework of all kinds.......2005-10-28
This book is just packed full of information of all kinds of needlework and is easy to read and understand.
I have been looking for a book that would be helpful in showing differents stitches in knitting and crocheting and found to my amazements that this book was just perfect. It not only showed crochet and knitting stitches, it had embroidery, needlepoints and more.
I have ordered two more books since I first ordered my book and found it so informative. I purchased one for my friend "Maria" and one for my daughter "Ann".
Great Book.......2005-09-23
I just love this book. Tons of new things for me to try, all pictured and described very well. I shall be having allot of fun with this one.
Book Description
Starting with the basics, From Needles to Hook provides the clues to solving the mystery of changing knit pattern stitches to crochet. Each chapter guides you from one step of the process to the next.
Customer Reviews:
EXCELLENT BOOK FOR KNITTERS AND CROCHETER'S!!!.......2006-08-03
This book has it all, I was Pleasantly surprised when I purchased this book, at the Ease in Instructions, for both Knitting and Crochet Patterns, especially the crochet Lace, cables, and intricate patterns that only existed for knitters once. Here they are shown side-by-side, one column in the knitted instructions and one column in crochet. It is a very well put together book, with MANY GREAT PATTERNS!! WELL WORTH THE PRICE!!! GREAT BOOK!!!
No, it isn't.......2006-07-10
This is just a book of crochet patterns that mimic knit stitches and there are plenty of other more interesting crochet pattern books than this one on which to spend your money.
Misleading Title.......2006-04-13
I bought this book because I believed the title. I thought the book would explain how to convert a knit pattern into a crochet pattern so you'd have the same size/gauge and a similar weight fabric. Instead, I was given a lot of crochet patterns that imitated the look of knit stitches but were of very different fabric weight. If you want a lot of new crochet patterns (albeit not very exciting ones), this is a good book for you. But if you're truly looking for a method by which you can crochet something using a knit pattern, this book is not helpful at all. On the other hand, the book does include some helpful hints on yarn substitutions and correlations between crochet hook and knitting needle sizes. After buying this book I realized that if I want a fabric that looks and drapes like knitted fabric, I'd have to learn to knit--something I had not been successful at, because I am so used to crocheting. So I decided I'd teach myself to knit my OWN way, carrying the yarn in my left hand and weilding the right knitting needle as if it were a hook, rather than manipulating the yarn around the needle, the way most "how-to" books instruct (after I taught myself this "new" method, I found out it is Continental Style knitting--as opposed to the more common British or American style). Now that I can knit and am very familiar with the construction of knit vs crochet stitches, I understand that you can't really duplicate the drape and weight of knitted fabric using a crochet hook, and this book is a waste of money if that's what you're hoping to do.
Converting Knit to Crochet.......2006-02-23
Outstanding! I love it! Instead of attempting to make my own patterns, I now have a simple crochet patterns.
Save your money........2005-06-24
If you already understand concepts such as gauge, spend your $25 elsewhere. How do you convert knit patterns to crochet? Well, apparently, you take the measurements from the knit pattern and crochet something that looks the same. That is all the book tells you. As others have said, there aren't step-by-step directions, as the title implies. Instead buy a good crochet stitch guide, and convert the patterns on your own, because it all boils down to something that looks similar.
Book Description
This is the most complete volume of beading techniques on the market, filled with gorgeous photos of antique and contemporary beadwork that will inspire beaders of any skill level. After learning about the basic terms and tools, readers will explore each technique, including beadweaving, crochet, tambourwork, and wirework, and complete a sampler to reinforce the skill learned. Finally, author Jane Davis offers 30 elegant projects for the home, jewelry box, and sewing room, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert.
- Complete guide of beading techniques, including the brick and ladder stitch, peyote stitch, knitting, and tatting
- 30 beautiful step-by-step projects, such as table settings, Christmas ornaments, lampshades, a purse, pincushion, and business card holder
- Perfect for beaders of all skill levels
Customer Reviews:
Review of The Complete Guide to Beading Techniques.......2007-03-09
I found this book to be very helpfull. I am a beader and it was helpfull to go back and review techniques and ro learn some new ones. I think this book will be very helpfull to new beaders and other beaders.
WASTE OF MONEY.......2006-12-31
After reading other reviews I couldn't wait to receive this book and try some new techniques. I was VERY disappointed with the instructions -- there is no way I could complete even an "easy" sample project. The instructions were sooooo basic that they were incomplete. This is definitely NOT a book for beginners.
Not what I expected.......2006-10-13
Personally I found this book rather dissapointing. The instructions are very perfunctory and often incomplete. Better instructions on most of the included tecjniques are available free on the web with a bit of searching. It is an interesting book to read but don't expect too much practical help.
Best beading guide ever.......2006-05-02
This is the most complete guide to beading techniques I've ever seen. It covers everything you could possibly want to do with beads, especially seed beads. It covers everything from beadweaving (peyote, brick, herringbone, netting, etc. stitches) to knitting, crocheting, and tatting with beads, to wire work, to bead embroidery. The instructions are wonderfully clear and well-illustrated. There are 2-3 projects to make with each technique, including a small sampler project to get your feet wet. The book is also an invaluable resource for tips and tricks and information on beads and beading.
This is not a very good book for the rawest beginner, nor does it cover the basics of actual knitting or crocheting (but you can easily find basic knitting and crochet stitch directions online or in other books). But if you've had some experience with beading, this book is great, and it will take you to the most advanced beading stages. I'm an intermediate/advanced beader, and am constantly finding new information in this book.
Titled appropriately.......2006-03-13
The book is wonderful. The illustrations on how to do the various stitches are enlarged enough to easily see what's going on. You don't need to puzzle out stuff. Besides the size of the illustrations, they are clear cut with each step having its own picture along with clear written out instructions.
As the title said, its complete. All of the techniques I could think of are in there, plus some I never heard about.
With all of the techniques shown, there are very well written and diagramed instructions, a sample to do to try the technique, and a project that uses that techniqe. There is even a sampler project using all of the samples of each technique at the end.
The photographs are beautiful. The projects they depict are bold, vibrant, and useful at the same time. The pictures of bead crafts that are show as examples of what can be done with beads are stunning.
Besides all this, the section where the tools and wares of beading are mentioned is good. This section also has a how to do basic beading stitches section as well - including the looom.
Book Description
Step-by-step, fully photographed projects for all styles of furniture slipcovers, from the simple wrap to a custom-fitted cover.
The Complete Photo Guide to Slipcovers is a step-by-step guide to sewing decorator covers for upholstered chairs, sofas, ottomans, and dining chairs. The projects range from quick wraps to fitted slipcovers that stay firmly in place and create a new piece of furniture. Over 250 how-to photographs show the way to professional quality. Every step is clearly explained and shown, from measuring and cutting to adding designer details and trims. People who have been shocked by the cost of custom-made covers and disappointed with the fit and fabric choices of off-the-shelf products will find in this book everything they need to know to create slipcovers themselves.
Amazon.com
Sewing garments and home-decor items does not have to be mutually exclusive; there are certain skills and fields of knowledge peculiar to each, and there are some areas of overlap. Remarkably, this extremely comprehensive, heavily illustrated volume manages to do justice to both apparel and decor techniques, from the rudiments of the sewing machine and other essential equipment to an exploration of fabric types, from taking proper measurements (of people as well as of windows and tables) to learning all the basics as well as more advanced skills for many kinds of sewing: women's wear, including tailoring; activewear, including swimsuits; babies' and children's clothes; window treatments, pillows, bed coverings, and table linens. The section on making custom alterations to store-bought patterns is especially helpful for garment sewers perpetually frustrated in trying to achieve a perfect fit. Novices will find this a very useful reference in understanding the often-cryptic instructions of commercial patterns; experienced sewers should have this guide on hand to help them achieve thoroughly professional results. --Amy Handy
Book Description
The first paperback edition of the most complete and photo-packed guide to sewing techniques. 84,000 sold in hardcover. 1000 color how-to photos. Home dcor and fashion sewing techniques. The only comprehensive sewing book in paperback, offering tremendous value for money. The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing is a must-have reference for every sewer. Its 320 pages and 1000photographs cover every aspect of fashion and dcor sewing. Sections include choosing the right tools and notions, using conventional machines and sergers, fashion sewing, tailoring, special-occasion sewing, and home dcor projects. Included are step-by-step instructions for basic projects like pillows, tablecloths, and window treatments. Sewers from beginners to the skilled will turn to this book again and again.
Customer Reviews:
Very Comprehensive.......2007-07-07
I bought this book to replace my old sewing reference book, a Singer book, circa 1975. I thought it was about time.
This book is a very good reference book. It has the general information in it that a sewer would be looking for. I am talking your basic stuff like on stitches, patterns, how-to's, even stitching buttons on.
I have been sewing nearly all my life, and I do have other specialized books, like for drapes, but this general reference is great for things you want to refresh your memory on. I would definitely recommend this book for the beginner as well.
Great Photos.......2007-06-10
This is a very colorful book. It has nice pictures and gives detailed information.
The first step.......2007-05-14
This magazine work good if you are a begginer in this. Thank you.
Excellent referance book.......2007-03-08
Great book for all sewing levels. Easy to follow pictures with great methods.
great book.......2007-01-09
This book helps begginners in learning how to sew. It is a great reference for sewing. It shows step by step with colored pictures all the methods. Very recommended
Book Description
This comprehensive guide helps embroidery enthusiasts transform ordinary to extraordinary in a few easy steps! Bead Embroidery: The Complete Guide marries the popular crafts of embroidery and beading to create beautiful specialties.
This portable and durable resource features 20 projects, complete with 200 color illustrations that use bead embroidery stitches with a variety of materials. The selection of quick and easy embellishments and intensive endeavors include adding fringe to a pillow, creating a zippered notions case, coin purse, Christmas ornament, sachet pillow and more. A reference guide covers all the stitches described in the book, and a gallery with work by other award-winning bead artists provides additional inspiration!
-200+ full-color photos and step-by-step illustrations easily guide embroiderers through projects
-A collection of 20 projects provide embroiderers with a variety of beautiful pieces
-Lay-flat spiral-bound format for easy use
Customer Reviews:
Great book!.......2007-10-01
This is a beautiful book. Very well put together with clear pictures and I never had any idea that many stitches existed!
.......2007-05-14
This book is the ultimate bead book. I would reccommend it to anyone who loves to bead.
Good Technical Beading Book.......2007-03-11
I purchased this book as a companion to Designer Bead Embroidery by Kenneth D. King. This book also incorporates a lot of embroidery stitches with beading techniques. There is a good glossery and stitch index in the back of the book - along with some eye-candy photos of complete projects. Most of the designs are geared towards an "intermediate" level stitcher. It's a keeper!!
Beady Expert.......2007-02-21
This will be one of my most referred to for bead embroidery. Its simple, easy to understand and really helpful.
I'm planning to finish the dress that I'm working on a masterpiece and I would like to thank Jane Davis for this lovely book.
Now I know how to do it and try this book from A-Z I will.
Next stop, another embroidery project. Adieu!
Bead Embroidery review.......2007-01-09
This book is the cat's meow. I don't know how I survived without it.
Well worth the money if you are a stitcher and work with beads.
Customer Reviews:
Complete Guide to Embroidery is just that!.......2007-01-16
This book is complete, clear and very easy to understand. It was just what I was looking for. It offers many many different stiches. I love it.
Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches: Photographs, Diagrams, and Instructions for over 260 Stitches.......2007-01-10
The book solved my sewing problem within five minutes.
Nearly three hundred stitches from feather to drawn-thread stitches and beadwork .......2006-08-07
Nearly three hundred stitches from feather to drawn-thread stitches and beadwork receive visual embellishment and step-by-step illustration in the fine Complete Guide To Embroidery Stitches, a compendium divided into five main sections to cover embroidery on fabric, smocking, canvas work and more. From color value applications to step-by-step easy directions, each step receives visual drawings and hints for applications.
Great Book!.......2006-08-06
This book is wonderful. The pictures are very clear and helpful. It also has all sorts of information about the different types of fabric and string, etc. I recommend for anyone, especially beginners like me! Wonderful book!
Excellent and very helpful.......2006-07-08
I found this book to be very helpful. The pictures and diagrams show exactly how each stitch should be done. I highly recommend this book to everyone who does embroidery.
Book Description
Since its original publication in 1976, The Needlepoint Book has become known as "The Black Bible" -- the one resource every aficionado of needlepoint needs to own. Completely revised and expanded, this updated edition includes your favorite features, plus:
* A 16-PACE COLOR INSERT WITH ALL-NEW PROJECTS * A CRASH COURSE ON THE NEW FIBERS UPDATED INFORMATION ON MATERIALS, AS WELL AS HOW TO WORK WITH AND CARE FOR THEM * DOZENS OF NEW STITCHES AND A CHAPTER ON THE POPULAR OPENWORK STITCHES * MORE THAN 1,300 ILLUSTRATIONS * 369 STITCHES! DIAGRAMS FOR ALL PROJECTS SHOWN
The Needlepoint Book covers all the information you need to learn needlepoint and improve your technique -- in a single comprehensive volume. You'll find section on:
* CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROJECT * TRANSFERRING DESIGNS * ELEMENTS OF GOOD DESIGN: COLOR, PROPORTION, AND BALANCE * LEFT-HANDED NEEDLEPOINT * FINISHING TECHNIQUES * CLEANING NEEDLEPOINT * AND MUCH MORE!
The Needlepoint Book is a complete guide to the craft, and the only book you'll ever need as a reference to become an expert at creating exquisite works to be treasured forever.
Customer Reviews:
The one book you'll need to get going.......2006-02-16
If you want to learn on your own, this is the book you need. I bought the paper back, took it to the copy place to cut the spine and spiral bind it with clear plastic covers. Now it stays open to the page I'm working from. Her directions are clear for every sitch and they are organized approporiately by type. Charts tell what each stitch is great and poor for. Easy to use without reading; but all beginers and re-starters should thoroughly read the begining to learn the other how-tos of needlepoint. Great for working patterns (painted canvas) or on your own designs. It may be the only book you need.
My copy has gone soft from use!.......2002-03-10
I own both the first and second editions of this book. Of all the beautiful needlepoint books in my collection, this is the one I go back to over and over. There is information for the beginner as well as advanced stitcher. In eighteen years, I've never picked it up that it didn't learn something new or valuable.
A MUST FOR THE "NEEDLEPOINTER"!.......2002-01-25
I have loved needlepoint now for over thirty years. Probably one of the greatest things my mother gave me was a beginners needlepoint class when I was eight years old. I basket-weaved away for many, many years. Then, I discovered this book. It took my love for needlepoint to new levels of creativity. There are so many easy to follow directions for stiches that I had never seen before. This book brought out a new and creative aspect to my stiches. From the brand new beginner to the heartend veteran, this book is a must have! I have several other guides in my needlepoint library, yet I always come back to this one.
Easy to understand.......2001-08-01
This book is great for a beginner to an expert.
It details hundreds of different stiches and has great pictures so you can see what stiches should look like. I goes through all aspects of needlepoint from picking out a canvas to finishing it.
A new and improved Black Book!.......2001-07-16
Like most stitchers, I've used "the Black Book" for years. The new edition is a must-have for anyone who does needlepoint. All the good stuff you've used in the past is still there - lessons on how to begin, the tools of the trade, hundreds of stitches and how to use them, and fnishing instructions. Part of the reason that Christensen has been such a universally used resource is that her step-by-step instructions on how to do different stiches are easy to follow. As wonderful as the old edition was, this new one is even better. Not only are there more stiches - and very useful ones - but the information on tools and materials has been drastically revised. One of the most significant changes that caught my attention is that unlike the previous edition, Christensen is now recommending routine use of frames. Of course, this is consistent with what most of us have been doing for years. Christensen makes some general observations about the new types of threads available and how to use them, but she doesn't discuss them in detail. This is probably a wise choice since the vast variety of threads has been constantly changing and will no doubt continue to do so. My one complaint is that when selecting projects to show in the book, Christensen has very deliberately chosen to drastically limit the number of projects that have holiday themes, particularly Christmas. This seems like a strange choice since you only have to walk in to any needlepoint shop to know that Christmas projects make up the bulk of the business. Other holidays, including those of different religions and traditions are also popular. Personally, I almost never stitch anything but Christmas stockings and ornaments, and most stitchers I know are the same. Other than this personal bias, however, I have found the new edition to be an excellent improvement on an already great book.
Books:
- New Junior Cookbook (Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen)
- One-Block Wonders: One Fabric, One Shape, One-of-a-Kind Quilts
- Paint Watercolors That Dance With Light
- Painter's Handbook: Revised and Expanded
- Paleo-indian Artifacts: Identification & Value Guide
- Paper, Metal & Stitch: Creating Surfaces with Color and Texture
- Photoshop Finishing Touches
- Portfolio Presentation for Fashion Designers
- Princely Rajasthan: Rajput Palaces and Mansions
- Quilting Makes the Quilt
Books Index
Books Home
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Patternmaking for Fashion Design (4th Edition)
The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition
More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated
Fashion Sketchbook
Textiles (10th Edition)
