Book Description
The classic American bungalow is as popular today as when introduced in the Victorian era. Bungalow Style pictures a wide variety of interior details and describes how to add or restore elements that suggest a historic flair while keeping the home comfortable and functional. Common problems such as integrating modern conveniences or gaining needed space are also addressed.
Book Description
California Cape Cods and 21st-century Colonials proclaim the enduring popularity of colonial architecture. Colonial Style provides both inspiration and practical advice to homeowners looking to increase their home's livability while retaining its classic charm. The book explains the differences between three styles - Colonial, Cape Cod, and Saltbox - and chapters cover doors and windows, trim work, built-ins, floor and wall treatments, paint colors, and incorporating today's kitchens and baths into a timeless colonial interior.
Customer Reviews:
Good coffee table book..........2007-05-03
What it lacks in substance, it makes up for with pretty pictures. For historical zealots (such as myself) this book will leave you hungry for more information about Colonial homes and their historical roots, but for what it is, it's pretty decent. This book has good artwork, clean pictures and an interesting array of different Colonial styles.
That being said, I was profoundly disappointed in the book's lack of images and information on the ubiquitous Colonial Revival. That was my reason for buying this book, as I wanted to learn more about that style of housing. "Colonial Style" had very little on this incredibly popular genre (and derivation) of domestic architecture.
Then again, I am a purist. If you want some decorating ideas and like to look at pretty pictures of old Williamsburg-era Colonials, you'll love it.
Excellent, taken as a whole.......2007-02-19
This is a book which explores (mostly) middle class home interiors of the 18th and early 19th century. Yes, there are some odd digressions, but by and large it's a fine work brimming with great photos and ideas, mostly taken from original homes. This book is a solid effort, showing what appropriate 18th century interiors should look like when cleaned up in a modern restored house, or a recreated one. Those who like authentic interiors will like this book. Those who do not want an authentic interior, but want to mix and match taking a bit of this and a bit of that, but still want to call it colonial, will possibly find these interiors "dark and provincial". Well - news flash: 18th century middle class and lower class interiors in North America were, by their very nature, both dark (candle light, small windows, soot, dark paint) and provincial (being the colonies, after all). The word colonial has its own cachet, and many people insist on applying it to their house, no matter what kind of eclectic mish mash it is.
too rustic for my taste.......2005-07-04
This book has pretty pictures, but focuses on a more rustic colonial home. Think charming, yet squeeky, New England Inn. I was hoping for some pictures and ideas for a more "updated" Colonial with larger rooms. A little less "shabby chic" and more "classic decorating".
I only write this review to guide others. The book is nice and is perfect for that person who likes the older, historic-feeling home.
Great ideas and inspiration.......2005-06-19
As proud new owners of an antique home in Marblehead, MA -- built circa 1720 -- we were thrilled to find Treena Crochet's "Colonial Style." It helped greatly in getting our creative juices in motion. And the author even took time to respond to my e-mail inquiry about a ceiling issue which had us stumped. The book is a real pleasure to own -- just like our antique home! Ann and Mike
Good for some ideas........2005-05-19
I'm a traditionalist in the sense that I want to preserve the integrity of my old house 1765, and I'm looking at options with regards to bringing some of the old feel within a newer addition.
I actually thought this book had more actual period interiors, but they're a combination of some old with more new construction approximating the look of old with varying degrees of success.
What I feel is successful is retaining period color and contruction to mimic the period. I'm all for modernization where appropriate but not at the expense of destroying the fabric of history for modern convenience. To haphazardly mimic a style becomes mere embelishment which is fine in new construction but unconscionable distruction to an actual historic property.
18th century or 17th century structures didn't use bright colors and lighting. Part of the charm in an actual period home is viewing the environment as it was ment to be viewed. Much like the distain people have for colorized films, so goes bright overhead lights in a 18th century colonial keeping room.
The warm glow of candlelight or there aproximating that allows the room to feel as it was. (why and where blue, red, green etc. were or were not used and why).
On the otherhand, juxtaposing contemporary modern convieniences within an attached modern structure (relatively speaking) or renovation a disintigrating section, while intergating and leaving the old as art and accent from old can be a wonderful contrast in texture and environment.
This book is more along the lines of renovation, maybe restoration is a stretch but you might get some helpful photos. It's definitly not in the preservation category.
Overall I've gotten some descent ideas for my renovation project.
Book Description
Crochet is not just about ponchos and scarves anymore: it’s about amigurumi, a hip new craft trend! These Japanese-inspired dolls have motivated crocheters everywhere to grab their hooks and create collections of irresistibly funky-cute creatures. Elisabeth Doherty, one of today’s hottest amigurumi designers, is here to show readers how they, too, can get in on the fun. She explains basic and advanced stitches; shows how to make the critters’ forms by crocheting in the round; gives advice on yarns and stuffing; and offers tips on embroidering facial features and embellishments. Start with an easy cupcake, move on to a palm-sized mouse, and work up to the more challenging and spectacular projects, like a punk rock bunny or a beatnik kitty—complete with black turtleneck, beret, and goatee.
Customer Reviews:
wonderful crocheted toys.......2007-10-10
I have a few Japanese Amigurumi books and was hoping this book will help me decipher those but it is written only in words and not in the Japanese style of a chart with long list of rows with number of stitches. But as a crochet doll book, it is a winner and probably a lot easier to use too. I'm not excited about doing carrots
and not even the cookies thrill me, but the 8 animals and humanoid dolls are terrific. Since I'm doing this for a little child, I have to change certain things like the eyes. Personally, I prefer crocheting dolls to knitting them and there are a lot less crochet toy books than knitting ones. The difference is that knitting makes a flat piece you have to sew up but with this crochet you work around and get body forms and this type of crochet is meant to make oval shapes which can be easily joined to each other. I'm very happy with this book and plan on making several and then hopefully figuring out my own Amigurumi dolls.
All you need to start out!.......2007-09-19
This is a great first book for amigurumi in America, but gives plenty of information to help you take it to the next level. Yes, amigurumi has been in Japan forever, but most people need a little introduction to it here. So of course the book needs to have some beginner projects. There are 14 projects in this book. It is broken into smallish food type projects, medium animals, and then the larger Humaniods. While the food may be the sort of thing that is seen in Japanese amigurumi books, the other projects have a little more care and detail put into them to make them several steps above the rest.
Once you learn how to construct the body of the humaniods by following her great directions, she encourages you to use your imagination to come up with your own details ( while providing some great ones if you don't feel creative) to make your creation one of a kind. While this book is about crochet, if you look on her website, you can see that she is using knitting to make many parts of her creations now like clothes and hair. So there is lots of inspiration there. This book seems well written and I can't wait to see what comes next from this wonderfully talented artist!
Super Amigurumi.......2007-09-18
Amigurumi!: Super Happy Crochet Cute
This book is definitely chocked full of "super, cute" amigurumi. Not only does the author write the directions in a clear and concise manner that all crocheters should be able to follow, but she also adds a "funky" style to each of her creations. The items I have made from this publication have been admired by young and old alike.
I would definitely recommend the purchase of this book as I see Amigurumi as becoming one of the next trends to take off. As short as a year ago, most patterns were only available in Japanese and at an exhorbitant cost. This book allows the rest of the world to delight in making Amigurumi at an affordable price.
A super amigurumi book!.......2007-09-13
This book is a blast! I already own lots of Japanese amigurumi books, but this book stands out by itself with its funky/cute dolls and excellent sense of humor. I love the vivid pictures too. One thing I need to point out is that some projects are too easy for an experienced crocheter, although this book will definitely suit a beginner. I hope Beth's next book will have more intermediate-level projects.
Beginners - Don't Be Intimidated.......2007-09-04
I'd only ever done simple, rectangle-based projects in single crochet before tackling one of the so-called intermediate dolls in this book, and I had very little difficulty. The book includes clear instructions and illustrations for how to do all the different required stitches, but even the most challenging doll in the book is about 90% single crochet with simple increases and decreases. The only challenge I had on the first doll was keeping my stitch count accurate, and I've found that using stitch markers on the project while tracking my rounds with tick marks on paper solves that problem completely. The dolls work up pretty quickly. I think you could make one in a weekend.
And don't forget, you can always make changes to the pattern if you like. I decided to replace the crocheted eye rings with felt cut-outs, and because stitches are so hard to see when working with eyelash yarn, instead of crocheting an eyelash yarn 'wig' for the girl doll as the pattern says, I'm going to attach strands of the eyelash yarn to the doll's head the same way you attach tassels to the edges of an afghan. Easy projects, super-cute and cool results!
Customer Reviews:
The Complete Book of Crochet Stich Designs.......2007-10-02
This book is not quite complete, but still very good if you are looking for a stich that you need for a project or just want to try something new. I was hoping to find a stich design I had learned several years ago and since have forgotten. It isn't in there.
Great Stitch Book.......2007-09-14
This book contains so many stitches its amazing to have. I love to crochet and this book gave me many ideas to create. I recommend it to all the crocheters out there.
Must have book!.......2007-09-02
I totally love this book! The directions and photos are clear. This is one of my new favorite crochet reference books!
The Complete book of CROCHET STITCH DESIGNS.......2007-08-26
I love this book!!! It is great for a reference... and just to look through to get the ideas flowing! As soon as i got it I had to start a shawl with the "post stitch" number 463! And it is drop dead beautiful!Buy this book... You will NEVER BE SORRY YOU DID!
Beautiful stitches.......2007-08-24
Beautiful stitches but I wish the author used more contrasting yarns in her photographs - very bland. Some pattern stitches seem to blend together. However, I love the picture index with all the corresponding page numbers listed - very helpful. It's a great book if you want to create or add intricate patterns to your crocheting.
Book Description
No woman can have too many bags to carry her stuff—and no knitter or crocheter can ever have too many purse patterns! From top needlework designers Rita Weiss and Jean Leinhauser come 100 of the very best, in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. They range from a tiny amulet bag to wear as a necklace to a giant felted tote, and include backpacks, beach bags, and elegant evening clutches. There’s a jeweled iPod case, a special carry-all for a yoga mat, and a traditional string bag for a bottle of wine. And for that special child: a purse shaped like a toy elephant or one that’s a teddy bear! Each one features detailed instructions and a magnificent photo of the finished project.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for the money.......2007-08-15
This book contains an impressive array of knit and crochet purse projects - from funky bags to party clutches and everything inbetween. It's definitely a worthy addition to my library.
Baser than basic........2007-07-21
I have never returned a knitting book in my life. So I gave this one away to a newbie knitter. Not that it would be the best choice even for the newbie. The bags are dull,redundant, and would be trumped by other patterns nearly anywhere else. Looking for basics? Get Emma King. Looking for variety? Try 'Folk Bags' or Nicky Epstein's bag book. I sure hate to trash a bag book, since I own every one there is, but sadly, this should be the very last bag knitting book you consider.
Handbag Heaven.......2007-04-14
Finally, a BIG book devoted to handbags, and many of these I would make. There are more patterns for crochet than knitting. I dont know how to knit yet, but I plan to learn and the main reason I am interested is to learn to make all the really creative and cute knitted handbag patterns that are available now. There are some nice knitted purse patterns in this book as well. The book uses novelty yarns as well as the old standby yarns. I like the layout of the book because in the front there is a picture of each purse and then there is a picture of the purse and the pattern follows. The top corner of the page tells you if it is a knit or crochet pattern. If you are into purses, you'll probably like this book
Book Description
“Enticing designs that have a Sixties flair.Recommended for all public libraries.”—Library Journal
An acclaimed knitwear designer offers more than 75 fabulous crochet patterns to dress Barbie in style—all invitingly illustrated in full color. Ranging from casual to dressy, these chic and stylish garments and accessories will suit all of Barbie’s many moods. Choose an elegant Chanel-inspired suit and fur-trimmed jacket, or a breathtaking wedding gown for Barbie’s big day. For those lazy days of summer there are swimsuits, cover-ups, and a backpack for Barbie to take on the go. There are even afghans and pillows to keep Barbie’s home cozy. Each pattern is an original and requires only a minimal investment of time and materials.
The author lives in New York, NY.
Customer Reviews:
Cant wait to Get Started!.......2007-09-06
These are the clothes I wish I had for MY Barbie when I was a kid. I now have grandchildren to make them for and couldnt ask for a better book to go by. Fabulous patterns! Get it....this book will not disappoint.
Doll crazy.......2007-05-07
A great book (I also have the Knit for Barbie) but a little difficult to follow...but I will continue working on some of the items.
Too hard to find the yarn required.......2006-08-16
I love the pictures. My little girls look at it all the time. But it is very hard to find the suggested yarn. The clothes are very cute but I wouldn't buy it again. I am not good at finding substitute yarns nor do I have the patience for it. Her knitting Barbie book is the same.
Crochet versus knit........2006-08-06
I prefer this over the Knit edition. As stated for that rvw, Barbie bodies thru the years require slight fit-adjustments. Yarns stretch, threads not so much. The pattern errors, patterns spreading over multiple pages, paragraphed instead of row-by-row format all disrupt easy work-up. As Nicky is Barbie's authorized knit-cro artisan, both mfr + publr would earn better profits from handiwork tote-size editions, pre-testing pattern how-to's, offering a few visual and yarn/thread choices ... and how about some Design Names or Design Numbers for Nicky's future creations (as is done for classic Barbie styles, and the numerous other high-dollar "fashion doll" creations world-wide). Since no rvwrs mention perestroika.ca etc, knowing one's own stitch guage prevents a multitude of pattern errors and affords ample design variety (mine is .5"/k and .25"/sc for sport yarn and cotton no. 5 respectively).
Fabulous clothes.......2006-03-10
I bought this book to make some Barbie clothes for my granddaughter. The thread is a little high-end, but the clothes are fabulous. The instructions are easy to follow, and I could easily substitute yarns.
Book Description
Avid knitters and crocheters will be overjoyed with this treasure trove of 100 brand-new designs from two of the most famous names in needlework. From classic to cutting edge, these projects feature all the wonderful new yarns, introduce unusual new ways to do square motifs and unique borders, and include a wide range of designs, not just for crocheters, but for often neglected knitters. Here are afghans for every reason, season, and room in the house: masculine patterns “just for him,” charming kid and baby designs, frilly boudoir creations, take-alongs for outdoor games, patchwork patterns, even “lap-ghans” to warm Granny’s knees. Easy-to-understand instructions and marvelous photos make it fun and easy to choose and create these extraordinary afghans!
Customer Reviews:
Some to knit, most to crochet.......2007-03-23
This book is Ok, it has some lovely designs, quite a lot of them are granny squares. Of the 100 patterns most of them are to crochet, 14 are to knit. There are some nice baby afghans in this book.
I like to see an illustrated basic stitch guide in these type of books so i can refresh my knowledge when completing a stitch i havent done in some time, there is not one in this book.
Instructions are clear.
Fantastic.......2007-03-09
My book arrived in a timely fashion. In great shape, just like new. Was very happy with this purchase.
A Crocheter's Delight.......2006-11-10
Very well presented, easy to follow instructions. I would recommend this pattern book to any intermediate crocheter.
Excellent Afghan Book!.......2006-10-01
I Absolutely L-O-V-E this book! ALL the patterns are Wonderful - even the knit ones! This book is a MUST for the serious afghan maker. Definitely on the Very Top of my pattern book pile!
Afghans to KNIT and crochet???.......2006-05-23
I agree with the previous reviewer - the crocheted afghans are pretty, and if you're looking for granny-square versions, this is a wonderful source.
However, don't be misled into thinking that knit and crochet afghans are presented in anything like equal numbers, as the book's title implies. Out of 100 afghans, a mere 14 are knit. Some are innovative, and some are just the same old thing all over again.
I've read books and used patterns by Jean Leihauser and Rita Weiss before, and these seem to be up to their usual caliber.
Overall, I give the book a 2.5. While most of the afghans are pretty, and are photographed nicely, the underrepresentation of knit afghans costs the book 2.5 stars from this (primarily) knitter. I probably would have scored the book higher if I hadn't been sadly misled by the title.
Better wishes next time, ladies!
Book Description
Mary Engelbreit fans will go wild for this new publication - it's their opportunity to recreate Mary's famous designs in a new media - crochet! Projects range from three-dimensional magnets to full-size afghans. Materials used include bedspread weight cotton, sport and worsted weight yarns, and bulky cotton yarn. Readers can make pillows, towel edgings, purses, pincushions, hot pads, place mats, a stuffed doll, a child's sweater, and more with Mary's popular checkerboard, cherry, Scotty dog, teapot, and flower motifs.
Book Description
Wacky, whimsical, clever, offbeat: these projects are guaranteed to make you smile. Maybe it will be the oddball idea, perhaps the unique appearance, or possibly the out-of-the-ordinary material. Every one’s the brainchild of a first-class designer, and will have crocheters of all levels completely hooked. Who could resist the kitsch of Sunnyside Up Potholders and the fun techno-geek tote bag embellished with emoticons? Or, rather than working with ordinary yarn or thread, try using nylon mason’s twine (for leg warmers), marabou boas, and even plastic bags. And don’t worry: as wild and way-out as the projects are, they all use traditional, familiar techniques and there’s a handy reference guide of basic crochet stitches at the back.
Customer Reviews:
Kooky Crochet.......2007-08-26
This book I was a bit disappointed with... It seemed to not have alot of practical designs in it. Although it does have alot of very creative designs that you won't find anywhere else. Just didn't seem like a lot for everyday life. The layout and models for this book are excellent!
wacky and wonderful.......2007-08-24
I loved this book. It's not the most challenging crochet book in the world and that's great. After ruining my wrists by pounding a keyboard all day, I don't always feel like doing a "challenging" pattern. Sometimes I want fast and dare I say it, cute.
I found the fried egg potholders quick and cute. And the little amigurami birds are just darling. And yes, I even liked the crocheted fortune cookies. What can you do with them? Well, they could make refrigerator magnets. Or you could use them at a bridal shower for fun - it could be something as simple as "You will never burn the toast" or "Don't even try making a red velvet cake" to other wilder things, depending on the bridal shower. Or you could do the same for a bacherlorette party.
The leg warmers? well, not my particular style but my youngest sister did ask for a pair of them (for waiting for public transportation in the winter), so that's certainly handly. Not into the Medusa hat, but I have yet to find a crochet pattern book (or magazine) that was 100% patterns I liked.
This is a good book for a beginner crocheter as well as the more experienced crocheter who wants to have a little fun with the hooks and yarn. Make a few of those little birds and hang them around your place and it will brighten your mood. Sneak a crocheted fortune cookie into a loved one's lunch bag with a sweet message of encouragement. Just enjoy the book and the patterns, everything doesn't have to be so darned _serious_ all the time.
Not That Wacky.......2007-08-13
This book is all right, but the projects inside are not really that wacky or offbeat. Potholders, legwarmers and cup cozies -- snooze. A lot of these patterns are things you could figure out yourself, if you are an experienced crocheter.
I agree with the other reviewer who said this book would be OK for a beginner, but it's nothing you need if you have some experience. (And really -- what earthly use is there for a crocheted fortune cookie?)
It's okay........2007-08-10
This book is very pretty. Some of the items in it are a really good idea--like the adorable cup warmers with little pockets. Others are completely impractical and silly. They might be fun to look at, or even make, but who would actually use a Medusa hat? And what in the world am I supposed to do with crocheted fortune cookies? The ones that are practical are so simple as to be almost common sense for the experienced crocheter, like a big shapeless bag and a clever but simple hot pad shaped like a fried egg. This would be a good book for a beginner I suppose, but for me it was disappointing. Linda Kopp is obviously a talented, creative crocheter, but her patterns--while Kooky--were not particularly useful or challenging.
Kooky crochet - OK!.......2007-06-15
I had pre-ordered this book specifically because I knew my favorite designer had a pattern inside. I was so excited that on my initial read-through there were lots of patterns that I really liked and plan to make. There is a good mixture of accessories, toys, bags, clothes etc. I hate getting stuck with a one trick pony, and this book 'aint one of them. It's totally fun and a good bargain.
Book Description
Detailed step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations for 80 projects that add lovely accents to domestic items: elegant edgings, "Diamonds and Arrowheads" bedspread, "Enchantress" tablecloth, more. For crocheters at all levels.
Customer Reviews:
Crochet eye-candy.......2007-07-12
This is another lovely book of old fashioned thread crochet projects for the home. I purchased it at the same time as "Floral Crochet"
My only handicap working from this book is the fact I learned to crochet some 30 years ago using the British Terminology of crocheting. Other than that, it has a large selection and variety of projects to choose from - place settings for dining, bedspread, arm-chair covers, doilies etc.
I have not worked any of the projects from this particular book but I love to look at it. I recommend this anyone who loves thread crochet.
Begin with another book.......2003-03-17
Although the patterns in this book are beautiful, you should work with another book if you're a beginner. These patterns were written by/for thread companies that have long been out of business. The gage is very difficult to get correct on some of these and it took some research on thread to needle equivalents and a number of restarts to get going on a doily that would lay flat.
Review of "The Crocheter's Treasure Chest".......2000-07-24
"The Crocheter's Treasure Chest" is an excellent, comprehensive book for anyone that loves to crochet or wants to learn. It has easy to follow directions and explains as well as illustrates how to make the stictches.
The book has a variety of patterns from doilies to large tablecloths to bedspreads. For those who want to tackle larger projects, you can make sets such as placemats and table runners with matching coasters.
There are also examples of how to combine crocheting with fabric for tablecloths and doiles. There are a variety of edgings which can be adapted to any fabric.
Overall, this book meets the needs of the beginning as well as the experienced crocheter. Happy Crocheting!
Books:
- Celebrate Change: Embracing Life's Changing Seasons
- Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewellery
- Celtic Knots: Mastering the Traditional Patterns (Celtic Design)
- Censorship: The Knot that Binds Power and Knowledge (Communication & Society)
- Chairmaking & Design
- Classic English Design and Antiques: Period Styles and Furniture
- Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools
- Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga with Kids
- Contemporary Lampworking: A Practical Guide to Shaping Glass in the Flame (2 volume set)
- Creative Card Making For Scrapbookers: 226 Ideas and Techniques For Handcrafted Cards (Memory Makers)
Books Index
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General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Bungalows: Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling, and Building New (Updating Classic America)
Inside the Bungalow: America's Arts and Crafts Interior
Shop Drawings for Craftsman Interiors: Cabinets, Moldings & Built-Ins for Every Room in the Home (Shop Drawings series)
Bungalow Details: Exterior
Bungalow Kitchens
