Book Description
From the best-selling author of At Knit's End and Knitting Rules! comes yet another hilarious book of tongue-in-cheek observations on the world of knitting. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off invites knitters of all ages, levels, and persuasions to embark with her on a journey deep into the land populated by those who are obsessed with yarn, needles, and what’s on their needles now.
Using a travel guide format as her launching pad, Pearl-McPhee acts as tour guide extraordinaire, displaying her trademark razor-sharp wit as she describes and critiques every aspect of this land she knows so well — its people, native language, familiar phrases, strange beliefs, etiquette, and cultural customs. Readers will love her timeline of notable dates in knitting history and rarely celebrated knitting heroes, from the samurai warriors of Japan to the "Ter-rible Knitters of Dent." And, while the land of knitting is a peaceful place, it does have its political arguments, such as the acrylic versus natural fi bers and circular versus straight needles debates.
As she's toured (and knit) her way across North America during the past two years, Pearl-McPhee's smart, perfectly timed banter has captured the hearts, minds, and funny bones of thousands of knitters far and wide. No fan is going to want to be left behind as Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off on her latest yarn-bound expedition.
Customer Reviews:
Can knit ... and be funny........2007-10-10
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is the Jon Stewart of the knitting world. She skewers us with our own needles, unravels our obsession for the uninitiated and helps us learn to laugh at ourselves. Her fresh, tongue-in-cheek observations about the crazy world of knitting have become wildly popular on her blog, her speaking tours (accompanied by her trademark socks-in-progress) and in her three previous books.
In her newest book Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off: the Yarn Harlot's Guide to the Land of Knitting, the author looks at knitting as a journey and sets off on a whirlwind tour of the land of knitting. Whether a newly arrived visitor, a long-time resident or a tourist seeking understanding of a loved one; Casts Off is an essential guide to the people, customs, tourist attractions and common ailments of this fascinating land.
Divided into the areas of reference commonly expected in a travel guide, the author investigates packing tips (just how much yarn does one need to take on a trip), consulates and embassies (local yarn stores), politics (the great "acrylic versus natural fibers" debate) and common ailments (the dreaded "Yarnesia" or the debilitating Viral Second Sock Syndrome), treatment and prognosis.
Knitters who have caught the "Harlot" bug will find themselves laughing uncontrollably through Casts Off and most will remain convinced that the author knows them better than their closest friend. Whether she is commenting on the "four ways knitting is like playing the violin" (both are worked from a chart) or how to cope when bad knits happen to good knitters, knitters respond to Pearl-McPhee because she understands us. She knows our foibles because she shares them and like all good enablers, she helps us explain ourselves the skeptics around us. After all, as she reminds us, "We know it looks like yarn, but it's love...and for this it's worth giving up all your closet space."
This knitter recommends regular doses of the Harlot, along with infusions of social knitting and stash diving, to ensure a pleasant and healthy stay in the land of knitting.
Armchair Interviews says: For every knitter needing a knitting soulmate
LOVED IT!.......2007-10-09
This book is the perfect example of technology giving two very old art forms -reading and knitting--a boost. I "read" this book via audio book. Which I think is brilliant... my husband finds it scary. He thinks it's a very bad idea for someone to enable me to enjoy my two passions together... especially knitting. Because then I can do MORE, MORE of both!!
SPM Casts off is a travel book about knitting. It looks at Knitting as a destination. As a country of sorts. With its own citizenry, customs, language, superstitions, history and so forth. I know, I couldn't imagine it either. But Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has pulled it off. She had me cackling happily as my needles clicked. And I learned quite a bit about the history of knitting (samurais used to knit!) and about what's possible (would you believe a knitted grandfather clock and a floating knitted boat?)
Pearl-McPhee's writing and work is best known through her blog. She's done a lot to create an international community of knitters. In 2004, she founded Tricoteuses sans Frontières (Knitters without Borders), a group dedicated to raising money for the non-profit Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). As of September, 2007, they have raised over $368,000. In 2006 she started the 2006 Knitting Olympics, a competition for knitters to start and finish one project during the timeframe of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Over 4,000 knitters worldwide participated.
I found her voice and style really grew on me. She's funny and charming and it's so comforting to know that I'm not alone in my eccentric, yarn and pattern book hoarding behaviour... and perhaps that's what my husband finds so threatening about this. That there are other women (and men) out there like me. And it's all perfectly normal.
One note.. I found particularly with the her other audio book "At Knit's End", but a little less with this one, that Pearl-Mcphee drops the last word when she reads. So you'll have to rewind occasionally to figure out what she says at the end of a track or paragraph.
But on the whole, very entertaining. Certainly one that I enjoy listening to again and again.
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Cast Off.......2007-09-21
I enjoy reading Stephanie Pearl McPhee's books, it gives a lot of good information in a fun way
Eat, Sleep, Knit!.......2007-09-15
This book is hilarious! I laughed from cover to cover and have learned new places to store my stash! Thanks for the laughs!
I also had a hard time getting through this. .......2007-09-13
Every five pages or so, I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to go knit. (I haven't yet worked out how to knit and read at the same time, sadly.)
Seriously, I've been away from knitting for the last three years going to law school. I feared I had forgotten how to knit. And then I picked up this book, and suddenly it all came back. Since I bought it two weeks ago, there have been three mad trips for yarn, and I've become the kind of person who gets stared at for knitting in restaurants. I am all-but-finished with a project that I'd been barely picking at for the last six months when I had thirty seconds to rub together, I've started a new pair of socks, and I'm looking for the yarn that will become that legendary wonderful/awful first sweater.
Depending on how you look at it, I've finally gone off the deep end, or my sanity is finally returning. And this book, which I finished somewhere between one project and the next, is what sent me on the trip.
Stephanie, thank you. This was exactly the right book at the right moment for me. Your travel book helped bring part of me back home.
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
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.
Book Description
ATCs are all the rage!
Making artist trading cards (ATCs) is a hugely popular activity for artists. Originally a paper/collage-based art form, ATCs have caught on with crafters working in a range of mediums and are now just as popular among fabric and mixed-media artists. ATCs are mini art works, the size of a playing card, often created as limited editions. The back of each card contains the artist's name and contact information. The idea behind the cards is to make them and then give, trade, or share them with others. This collection inspires with 1,000 original cards in a beautiful pageant of color, composition, and creative use of materials. The book also includes a special section devoted to explaining what ATCs are, how to get started, and includes some exciting technique information. Curated by Patricia Bolton, founder and editor-in-chief of two of the most exciting creative magazines on the newsstands, the book meets the Quarry Books mission of offering artistic and challenging new ideas to traditional paper artists, scrapbookers, mixed-media artists, and quilters by merging paper, fabric, and surface embellishment through experimentation and discovery.
Customer Reviews:
1000 atc's reviewed.......2007-09-01
Great layout of the book, colours are great.I felt there were too many fabrics used, and may be more paper products would be nice.
Excellent service all round.......2007-08-25
I am VERY pleased with the product, the service, the safe trading, and the time frame for delivery.
You are my first line of contact when looking for a good price and good product in books I wish to source.
Many Thanks
Disappointing. .......2007-08-24
I am a huge devotee of creating and collecting ATCs and was really looking forward to this book. I was more than a little disappointed. The cards included weren't among the most amazing or innovative I've seen, and there were no instructions as to how to create them. You'd be better off cruising around the internet and saving your money for art supplies.
1000 Artist Trading Cards.......2007-08-23
Excellent resource for those just getting into this new hobby as well as those who are veterans. So many inspirational ideas and great tutorials. If I only had one book on ATC s this would be the one.
Great Inspiration . . ........2007-07-22
If you are interested in ATCs you will really enjoy this book. Beautiful photography of so many different styles and designs. I found it very inspirating. Patricia Bolton is the publisher of Quilting Arts and Cloth.Paper.Scissors, two of the best magazines of all time. Check them out!
Book Description
The 8 million fans of TLC’s hottest show, What Not to Wear, know it as the place to go for real-life fashion advice. Now the show’s hosts, Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, offer spot-on fashion wisdom—with an attitude—in this fully illustrated, authoritative, and irreverent fashion guide to dressing your best for every occasion. Clinton and Stacy’s surefire method for boosting appearance rests on their belief that we can all win admiring glances by selecting clothes that play up our positives and create a balanced body shape. In Dress Your Best, Clinton and Stacy match a wide range of female and male body types with the perfect work, casual, and evening attire, showing you exactly how to make your best parts “work” for you.
Dressing tips for 26 body types!
Features 18 women and 8 men: bigger on top, bigger on bottom, a little extra in the middle, not curvy, extra curvy, small-framed, athletic, and more!
Whether you’re searching for a way to accentuate your assets, puzzling over the right print pattern for your frame, or just looking for a solution to the dilemma “What do I need to wear to look fabulous?” you’ll find here the universal tips, dos and don’ts, seasonal alternatives, and must-haves that will deliver the answers. Dress Your Best is certain to become the standard by which all other fashion guides are measured.
Customer Reviews:
pretty damn good.......2007-10-11
This book is amazing!! And unlike what some people are saying, the rest of the book is full of little tips that anyone can use (for example, the top 5 pieces for work and top 5 pieces of statement jewelry everyone should have). This book is a thousand times better than the British version with Trinny and Susannah (who have a weird obsession with wearing dresses over pants and... um... hair accessories that look like mobiles). The only way this book could be better is if they showed like 9 different looks for each body type instead of just 3. stacey and clinton, we need more advice!!
Pay attention to the dissenting reviews!!!.......2007-10-10
I love What Not to Wear, but I was very disappointed in this book, especially after reading the reviews. The In Style or Lucky Manual has much more useful information. While this book has information for all types of bodies for men and women, as well as a must have wardrobe list, it is seriously lacking because there will not be more than three pages that pertain to you. If you can borrow a copy from a friend or library, and then take notes on the tips, then do that - because buying the book is a huge waste of money. The information is so limited that will be of any use to one person that it quite simply is not worth buying.
Dress to Impress!.......2007-10-06
Yes, this book will teach you how to dress to impress. But I also highly recommend another awesome book- How to be a Super Hot Woman: 339 Tips to Make Every Man Fall in Love with You and Every Woman Envy You Both books are the ultimate beauty resources that are a must have for every woman!
Great Breezy Read, But . . ........2007-09-28
I love Stacy and Clinton's witty banter and usually sane fashion advice on their show, so when this book came out, I was thrilled. It was (and still is) unavailable at my public library, but after two or three read-throughs, I will probably be donating them my copy. The basic concept of the show is repeated here: Three workable looks for a variety of challenging body types are modelled on 26 actual people who are a stunning array of ages and sizes. It was truly amazing to see these 'plain' Janes and Joes transformed by clothing and a little grooming. However, as others have pointed out, 26 bodies doesn't begin to cover the gamut of potential figure problems out there. Clinton & Stacy are unfailingly kind and encouraging, which is refreshing, coming from their backgrounds in the snarky, body-conscious fashion world. But their biases as lifelong New York fashionistas show through in some of their selections--do most women in America need 3-inch metallic heels for day? Is your average American guy really going to wear a Godfather-style topcoat out on the town? Also, I like many readers have more than one major figure problem; what is a girl to do if she is top-heavy, with more than a little in the middle AND has short legs? My pet peeve with this book would have to be Stacy and Clinton each posing in it as a catagory. At 5'7" and a size 4, Stacy is representing the 'Average Curvy' body type. I submit that there isn't much either "Average" or "Curvy" about Stacy, who has scant need of the tips on 'creating a slimming line' in her spread. Please! What does the woman weigh, 115 pounds? Clinton is the men's "Tall" feature. At 6'4" the boy is indeed a tall drink of water, but his looks are essentially Clinton (= sartorial choices for a NYC fashion maven who is a gay man). This is a perfect glossy read for an afternoon, and has some valuable advice but is too bulky to take shopping, and too limited in scope to refer to very often. Borrow this, or share a copy with several friends.
One time read.......2007-09-03
I really liked this book but I wouldn't recommend buying it. I would try and find it at a local book store and look through it, making notes. The sections pertaining to each body type are very short. The most useful information for my type consisted of three whole pages, the rest of the book being useless for me. Once you read "your section" or body type you don't really need the book any more. Just my opinion.
Customer Reviews:
A great find!.......2007-09-09
I was handed Pure Sea Glass:Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems and asked to review it for an on line magazine I used to write for. Until then I had little or no interest in the bits of glass I occasionally picked up along the beaches visited in the course of my travels.
After reading the book,accomplished in one evening, I went looking for that jar of glass stashed somewhere in the garage and dumped it out on the table so that I could better sort through and identify the various colors and pieces, most new but some very old like a small lavendar triangle picked up along the Oregon Coast and a very dark blue from Hawaii.
Since, I've become an avid collector of beach glass and secret places to find it. What great fun! A good read, informative and totally satisfying.
Learning More About Sea Glass.......2007-08-10
Great book. The photographs were excellent and the information about the origin of sea glass and where it is most likely to appear on the beach was well presented. Our 14 year old enjoyed learning more about sea glass just as we did.
I plan to buy copies for all our coastal friends as house warming gifts this year.
Pure Sea Glass Book.......2007-08-06
I was pleased with the condition of the book when I received it. It was almost like new. Will certainly order more books.
A Real Joy To Read.......2007-06-02
Richard LaMotte did a wonder-filled job of putting together this informative and comprehensive book on sea glass. I honestly have enjoyed reading every page. I had no idea that there was so much history hidden in every piece of glass, and even though I have collected glass over the years, I never understood the relationship between winds and tides and the weather that deposits these beautiful little gems on our shores. Mr. LaMotte shares all this knowldege with such passion that reading his book not only feed my intellect but also inspired the beachcomber in me. And, the photographs are simply beautiful. Every image works to support as well as illustrate all the topics that are being discussed. The entire book is truly a piece of art in itself. I will read and re-read this book. It is a must for anyone and everyone who loves sea glass.
Comments on Pure Sea Glass..............2007-05-13
This book is lovely and interesting to read. It has fueled my passion for collecting more sea glass.
Book Description
Indulge your creative cravings! Explore dozens of stories, exercises and instructive projects, all designed to feed, encourage and sometimes flex your creative muscle. You'll tap into the joy of drawing, be encouraged to create art in bed, create your own folded-paper shrine, discover the liberation of stream-writing, practice idea brainstorming, make your own duct-tape purse, learn to quiet the negative voice in your head, dream up your own creative studio space and much, much more. Inspiring art and eye-candy on every page--a Kaleidoscope of creative energy awaits you today!
Customer Reviews:
Nice, but............2007-08-14
This is a very beautifully illustrated book in the way that it is put together. Although, many of these images are available online for your viewing, it is nice to have them compiled into one book. My only complaint is that some of the pages are not easy on the eyes as far as being easy to read. I think that the print could have been larger. On some pages more of a contrast between the background page color and print color would have made it easier and more enjoyable to read. If you are looking for inspiration and ideas, there are a number of very nice ones here.
I Like It.......2007-08-13
While I am not an ephemera artist, I found this to be a very enjoyable book, if only on a philosophical level. There are a few practical ideas that I can use, but mostly I think that this is a book that feeds the creative spirit through the expressions of other artists. The 'zine format makes for easy little tidbit reading experiences and I always enjoy looking at other people's projects.
Explore a different side of mixed-media.......2007-08-01
I ordered this book before I could browse through based on a review that said Julianna Coles is a contributor. I love her style and teaching. I am a scrapbooker at heart but I love the challenges to do something different and it adds to my scrapbooking.
Many of the other contributors offer editorial essay about why the are artists but little else. Overall, it's a good book and I'd recommend it.
Great Book.......2007-07-22
I love this book. I keep looking at it over and over. I am not really that talented of an artist but I love The great ideas to spark my creativity.
Not a how-to...but a why-not?.......2007-07-22
After reading all the other reviews I knew that I had to get this book. It doesn't matter what sort of art or craft you practice...get this book! It is filled with superb writing from people who are passionate about their creativity. This book affirmed to me that I am an artist and that I shouldn't hesitate to let the world know that. There are some projects in this book, but that is not the reason to get it. It is not a how-to. It is a why-not book. The pages literally drip with the most eye-popping collage art and the writing is inspired. Even if collage art, or mixed media art, or altered art is not your thing, there is at least one article in this book that will speak to your particular brand of creativity, but I think it is the articles that I might not have been drawn to at first are the most challenging to me and force me to see the world through different colored lenses. Don't buy this book if you want a how-to, but if you are looking for validation that creativity lies within and all around you, this is the book for you.
Book Description
FROM THE STYLE GURUS WHO TAUGHT YOU WHAT NOT TO WEAR...
TRINNY AND SUSANNAH ARE BACK--AND THIS TIME THEY'RE NOT FOOLING AROUND. THEY'RE OUT TO CHANGE LIVES.
Here is the "bible" from the authors of the New York Times bestseller What Not to Wear. What You Wear Can Change Your Life shows you how to redefine your look and style from head to toe.
Trinny and Susannah go over the basics of choosing colors that suit you best, what underwear to buy, which accessories to look for, how to store clothing, how to revamp your wardrobe at no cost, and how to make the sartorial most of being pregnant.
This is a gorgeous, lavishly illustrated package--a resource to consult again and again. Trinny and Susannah anticipate the needs and questions of every woman and address them with the surefire style, self-deprecating wit, and friendly but firm empathy that have made them the last word in looking better.
Topics covered include:
- Defining the Shape
- Underwear
- How to Wear Color
- What to Keep, What to Toss
- Accessories
- Storage
- Make-up
- Travel
Customer Reviews:
Not up to expectations.......2007-07-21
I am a huge fan of WNTW and I am really dissapointed in this book. Trinny and Susannah are the only models and the advice isn't very realistic. The only thing that makes this (maybe) worth the money is the color chapter which shows which colors go with which.
I was slightly offended by the constant knocking of black and wearing black with color. Who doesn't? Maybe in England they don't.
If you want help matching things (but not with black) buy this. If not, try Stacy London and Clinton Kelly's book or the Lucky fashion manual. Much more helpful tips and useful info.
Indispensable.......2007-07-06
How sad am I to see Amazon may not continue carrying this book. So very sad.
I got this after a friend raved about the color chart in it. I thought there was just one chart. In fact, there is one for every color-and the variations within it. Don't know what to pair with those bubblegum pink pants you bought? Turn to page 86 and see that purple, orange and forest green all can be successfully combined with them. Pistachio green? See page 72. And so on for pretty much everything in your wardrobe OR for items that you've thought of buying but weren't sure what to pair them with. Plus the authors themselves take turns posing in every color family and give some great suggestions. There's literally something you'll use on every page.
But there's more. Find out what type of shoes, belts and jewelry work best for you, how to store clothes and accessories (I'm definitely taking their advice on necklaces and scarves), tips on all steps in the makeup process (and sorry ladies, but I'm not throwing out my bronzer) and how to hide all manners of figure flaws. For the flaws segment, the authors themselves once again bravely model so it's impossible to take offense. Throughout, Trinny and Susannah display more wit, charm and warmth than you might expect from a fasion how-to book. I can't emphasize enough how helpful they've been. I have the book from the American version of the show as well and while it too is very helpful, this one is my favorite.
The only complaint is some of the information might be a bit too geared towards women with fair skin and hair (as both the writers have.) The friend who recommended it to me is African-American and while she swears by the color charts, she says some of the advice simply doesn't work for her. Since the authors are the only models provided, this can be limiting if you are trying to imagine a look on darker skin and/or hair. So do keep that in mind. (Having said that, my friend still loves the book)
What you wear can change your life.......2007-05-07
This book was a great help in helping me update my wardrobe to look better in what I wear.
Good book to have..........2007-05-07
Very Clear and has great insight on what you should be wearing.
Really down to earth and enjoyable read.......2007-03-17
This book doesn't tell you what to wear. It tells you what not to wear and gives you the confidence to realize what you should be wearing. I expected a clear cut, "if your body is this shape, this size and you're this height you look good in, such and such and such and such" but no, it just gives you ideas not specific wardrobe assignments. And yes, what you wear CAN change your life, for the good or for the bad don't forget it goes both ways.
Books:
- Summer of the Sea Serpent (Magic Tree House #31)
- Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Turning (Complete Illustrated Guide)
- Terry Texas Ranger Trilogy: Terry's Texas Rangers, Reminiscences of the Terry Rangers, the Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd
- The Amazing Page: 650 New Scrapbook Page Ideas, Tips And Techniques (Memory Makers)
- The Art of Landscape Quilting
- The Art of Metal Clay: Techniques for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects
- The Beaded Garden: Creating Flowers with Beads and Thread
- The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: For Road and Mountain Bikes(Expanded and Revised 5th Edition)
- The Big Book of Ceramics: A Guide to the History, Materials, Equipment and Techniques of Hand-Building, Throwing, Molding, Kiln-Firing and Glazing Pottery and Other Ceramic Objects
- The Booklover's Repair Kit: First Aid for Home Libraries
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest
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- Owen & Mzee: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship
- The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to Enhancing Organizational Performance
- Plant Life Of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide To The Vascular Flora
- Financing the New Venture: A Complete Guide to Raising Capital from Venture Capitalists, Investment
- Fee European Survey of Published Accounts, 1991: Federation Des Experts Comptables Europeens
- Bless Ewe: More Stories for All Seasons
General
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| Home & Garden
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Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks
More Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter
Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter
