Best Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts
Kids can sew too! Best of all, this practical, attractive sewing book features finished projects that look like they were actually made by children.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Unfortunately, so much of the sewing kits, books, and supplies are geared towards girls. Not only is it full of beautiful photographs that help teach sewing steps, I was pleased to see how many boys were included in the photographs--sewing just like their female counterparts."
"I looked through this book and I WANT IT!"
"My 7 year old daughter loves this book."
"Loved it."
"This book is so much better than any cheap craft set you can find in Walmart."
"I am planning to include a small cigar-type box, a selection of felt squares, needles, scissors, a ruler, and a small bag of batting, with the book so that she has the materials needed to start the projects in the book."
"She has been reading the book herself and has completed several of the projects and is happy with the results."
"My daughter loves it and is always planning new projects to make."
Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured the hearts of millions of fans. Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Beauchamp Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages. perfect escape reading.” — San Francisco Chronicle , on Outlander “History comes deliciously alive on the page.” —New York Daily News , on Outlander “Gabaldon is a born storyteller. Her use of historical detail and a truly adult love story confirm Gabaldon as a superior writer.” — Publishers Weekly , on Voyager “Unforgettable characters . richly embroidered with historical detail.” — The Cincinnati Post , on Drums of Autumn “A grand adventure written on a canvas that probes the heart, weighs the soul and measures the human spirit across [centuries].” —CNN , on The Fiery Cross “The large scope of the novel allows Gabaldon to do what she does best, paint in exquisite detail the lives of her characters.” — Booklist , on A Breath of Snow and Ashes “Features all the passion and swashbuckling that fans of this historical fantasy series have come to expect.” — People , on Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. From the Hardcover edition. In Outlander , a 600-page time-travel romance, strong-willed and sensual Claire Randall leads a double life with a husband in one century, and a lover in another. While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not only did she write this long novel (plus seven more, plus some related novellas and such), and keep it endlessly entertaining with vivid characters and fresh plot twists galore. They are the kind of verbal jewels that make any author gasp and say "I wish I wrote that." The odds are slim that anyone will encounter this five-star review in the vast ocean of existing appreciation for this delightful book and its author. If, perchance, a live person actually reads this review, please let me know with a "helpful" vote."
"With the the portability and ease of reading electronically I am reliving the stories of Clare and Jamie and Brianna and Roger et al again. Diana delivers the emotion, sights, sounds, smells, triumphs and failures with her words. She always finds alliterative and clever phrasing to bring everything alive - whether it is a trip across the sea or a dangerous encounter or mundane every tasks or Clare and Jamie enjoying the delights of each other intimately."
"At first I was nervous, I wouldn't be able to keep my attention to the book because of the almost 900 pages but believe me when I say it was an easy and fast read. Sometimes it would get on my husband's nerves that my nose was always in this book..hehe.. And I dreamt about the Scotland Highlands and of course Jamie Fraser."
"Fabulous story line, weaving fantasy, love stories, geography, and history... My friend is obsessed with everything Outlander! The story line is fabulous, weaving fantasy, relationships, and several love stories in with breathtakingly beautiful geography and realistic history, including wars, peace, and the hardships of a life in Scotland, before the luxuries we enjoy today."
Crafting with Cat Hair shows readers how to transform stray clumps of fur into soft and adorable handicrafts. “An extremely helpful guide.”— Buzzfeed “Quirky and the projects are super easy.”— OregonLive.com “It caught our attention.”— The Huffington Post “You may think kitties are only good for getting hair all over your favorite chair and eating more kibble than you thought possible but Crafting with Cat Hair will show you how to turn cat hair into mittens, tote bags, book covers and more.”— CraftFoxes.com “ Personal projects that celebrate your cat and they look as cute as can be!”— Neatorama “Put those furballs to work for YOU!”— Suvudu “It’s bizarre, to be sure, but the appliques are kind of cute, too.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I purchased this book as I was tired of people sitting too near me on public transport."
"With the help of tis book, my wife has made all of the Christmas gifts for our friends and family."
"It really only teaches you how to felt cat hair and make finger puppets or little fingers out of it."
"Crafting with cat hair is similar to crochet except a bit more difficult as you have to try and get the cat hair off of the cat without it getting too mad. This will put the cat out indefinitely for a period of time while you can cut, shave, trim, or pull the hair off to assemble your crafts."
"The writer must have a short haired cat because there's no way a persian sheds "one small hairball a month"."
"I got this as a white elephant gift and it was a huge hit!"
"I bought this as a kind-of gag-gift for my sister but knew she would love it and actually use because she has a long haired cat that sheds all over the place."
"Mostly all about needle felting and adding cat shaped details to other projects."
Best Applique
Appliqué pillows, bed toppers, and table runners from woven wools, felted wools, and wool felt—including repurposed fibers and fabrics! I particularly liked the 14 updated traditional projects in Rebekah's book, which included bed covers, wall hangings and table runners.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As the title suggests all the projects in this book follow the folk art (primitive) aesthetic and were inspired by artifacts of the 19th century and this is reflected in both the motifs and colors used throughout. Also given are illustrated instructions for the easy embroidery stitches used in the projects: blanket, outline, running, whipstitch, French knot, and stars. The tools and supplies list for creating the projects is a fairly short one with easy to obtain items that most sewists probably already have, such as: scissors, rotary cutter/mat/ruler, Sharpie marker, various needles, pins, freezer paper (I get mine at Walmart), and embroidery floss."
"The artist has shared some beautiful hand applique projects for us to create."
"Excellant source for primitive Americana wool applique stitches and method."
"REBEKAH SMITH IS A BEAUTIFUL WOOL APPLIQUE STITCHER."
"Something I really want to do and think the directions are great making wool applique look doable for me."
"I love working with wool and this book makes me want to make every project."
"Good ideas, well written, easy to understand, I changed up the colors as it is rather civil war drab, but good book."
"There's not enough information in this book for someone that knows nothing about wool appliqué."
Best Crocheting
Whether you're a new crocheter or just want to try new techniques, this must-have resource offers all the know-how you'll ever need.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"What this does instead is show you how to do a ton of stitches whether you know the basics or are just picking up crochet for the first time. What about just wanting to know how to pick the right yarn and hooks? If you're brand new to crochet, the first couple chapters are all about crochet hooks sizes, yarn styles and sizes, gauge of crochet, how to hold the yarn, and the basic beginner steps to crochet such as how to start, chain stitch, slip stitch, tying off. If you already know how and just want to expand your repertoire then there are dozens upon dozens of stitches, tricks, techniques, and styles to increase your knowledge."
"I could remember making it as a young mother but couldn't remember how other than I needed a crochet hook and a VERY large "broomstick" (or in today's world - a large knitting needle). Anyway, the book contains information on types of yarns, hooks, gauge, how to read patterns and charts and other equipment you might need. One last feature of the book is that the front and back covers each have a "bookmark" flap which is very useful when you can finish a project in one sitting."
"I ordered this books so my daughter and I could learn crocheting together."
"Great information."
"Easy to read."
"Gift for son."
"Sooooo glad I got this book!"
Best Cross-Stitch
Whether you're creating a portrait for yourself, or as a gift for a loved one, Do-It-Yourself Stitch People will have you ready to design and stitch your personal Stitch People portraits in no time! But this book has completely inspired me all over again -- the ideas and variations are amazing. I stitched a family portrait for us in 2011, and I am going to do another one this year using the book. I've had so much fun paging through to find the perfect hairstyles and clothes for my kids. Also, I am a journalist by training (and therefore very picky about the written word), and I am so impressed with the quality of the book.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had tried to chart out my family before I ordered the book.Once the book arrived, I tweeded by chart because of the so many options for the hair, clothes, body size of children and more, this book helped make my project look a whole lot better."
"This book of patterns is incredible."
"She recently started doing cross stitch when she had a baby and has been working on a nursery rhyme series."
"this book makes this intricate and delicate hobby seem possible."
"This books is full of clear and simple patterns!"
"Fantastic book and have now joined the Facebook page."
"Wonderful book!"
"I too had 2nd thoughts about the cost, but it was totally WORTH IT!"
Best Fabric Dying
From whole-dyed cloth and applied color to prints and layered dye techniques, India describes only ecologically sustainable plant-dye methods. Notes about history and practical applications (say, the production of indigo and the creation of natural blues through woad plants) are balanced with charts of traditional dye materials and specific details about processing, including plant oddities such as eucalyptus and St. John’s wort, different effects froma range of techniques (for instance, hapa-zome, or beating color into cloth, as well as the familiar resist )and mordants (the stuff that fixes or makes color permanent).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There is so much information in here, I've sticky-taped certain sections."
"India Flint's techniques are easy and unique.The book is replete with the information you need about a variety of plants and mordants. I'm not sure that I could say that this is "the only book you'll ever need" for natural dyeing - but is the only book you need for her "bundling" technique."
"This is my go-to guide on eco-printing."
"I found this book to be a great inspiration to play with what grows around me to coax out color on cloth."
"Wonderfull book, I was just hoping for more DIY advices, but I like the book a lot, the photos are great and I like reading all the way along the intire book."
"Fantastic read my a fantastic artist, good reference."
"was hoping for more clarity and the photos were kind of dull."
"Usually satisfied with more abstract instruction, I went ahead and ordered it -- expecting still to find outlines of generic procedures, some suggested effective combinations of mordants and plant materials, and a bit of orientation for those of us whose prior dying experience has been limited to commercial synthetic dyes on the stovetop."
Best Embroidery
To simplify learning, the book also includes two plastic stitching cards die-cut with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. Natalie Chanin is the founder and creative director of Alabama Chanin and author of Alabama Stitch Book , Alabama Studio Style , Alabama Studio Sewing + Design , and Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"And of course it's an elegantly designed book with beautiful photography, elevating the craft for all of us who love it."
"Without them I think learning and practicing the various stitches featured in the book would be a more laborious process."
"Clear detailed instructions and the grid is a wonderful way to practice stitches!"
"One class that particularly inspired me was a linen bellpull on which I learned over 100 different hardanger, hemstitch, insertion and surface stitches. Patterned Stitches. I own hundreds of needlework books which cover just about every technique imaginable but I just haven't sat myself down to get started. If you want to embroider a pretty border around your shirt cuff, it's not just a question of what decorative stitch but how big the stitches should be. I also recommend these books in sort of same theme of expanding your repertoire of stitches and learning to design: Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops: A Bend-the-Rules Primer. Stitch Sampler: The Ultimate Visual Dictionary to Over 200 Classic Stitches. Embroidery Stitches Step-by-step by Lucinda Ganderton (several editions are available on Amazon). The Embroidered Garden: Stitching through the Seasons of a Flower Garden by Kazuko Aoki. Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples - Motifs."
"I strongly recommend Natalie's online Craftsy class and buying her maker supplies from her website, as they are superior products that yield the best results, in my opinion. My friend and I took a weekend workshop from Natalie in Florence, Alabama several years ago and it was a wonderful experience."
"As a beginner, I was mystified by the question of how to create even, consistent stitches as I learned about hand embroidery."
"This one is incredible -- the best so far -- with detailed instructions for working stitches from either left-to-right or right-to-left, photos & diagrams (including photos of the back of the work!"
"I just recently discovered Alabama Chanin, and have quickly become a Natalie Chanin fan."
Best Fashion Craft
Accessorize your desk with a year of fabulous footwear: the flash of red of a Louboutin pump, the sparkle of Miu Miu glitter hi-tops, the breathtaking hand-embroidery on a Valentino suede bootie. Workman Publishing Company has been producing award-winning calendars, cookbooks, parenting guides, and children’s titles, as well as gardening, humor, self-help, and business books, since 1968.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you have a shoe addiction I'm sure you'll love this."
"This calendar on my desk makes my day as I change the date."
"For less than $3 it adds a little brightness to my boring work desk."
"If you love shoes this is the calendar for you."
"The stand that holds the calendar is truly unique and so clever!"
"This is a quality calendar and printed with high quality paper."
"I love this calendar."
"It is also great for learning about shoes from the past through present day shoes."
Best Felting
Crafting with Cat Hair shows readers how to transform stray clumps of fur into soft and adorable handicrafts. “An extremely helpful guide.”— Buzzfeed “Quirky and the projects are super easy.”— OregonLive.com “It caught our attention.”— The Huffington Post “You may think kitties are only good for getting hair all over your favorite chair and eating more kibble than you thought possible but Crafting with Cat Hair will show you how to turn cat hair into mittens, tote bags, book covers and more.”— CraftFoxes.com “ Personal projects that celebrate your cat and they look as cute as can be!”— Neatorama “Put those furballs to work for YOU!”— Suvudu “It’s bizarre, to be sure, but the appliques are kind of cute, too.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I purchased this book as I was tired of people sitting too near me on public transport."
"With the help of tis book, my wife has made all of the Christmas gifts for our friends and family."
"It really only teaches you how to felt cat hair and make finger puppets or little fingers out of it."
"The writer must have a short haired cat because there's no way a persian sheds "one small hairball a month"."
"I bought this as a kind-of gag-gift for my sister but knew she would love it and actually use because she has a long haired cat that sheds all over the place."
"Mostly all about needle felting and adding cat shaped details to other projects."
"Great projects."
"Who wouldn't love this book?"
Best Fiber Arts & Textiles
In addition to teaching you the techniques you need for success, Moreno also offers 12 delicious original patterns from prominent designers, each one showcasing hand-spun yarns. Showcase your handspun yarn with 12 original patterns for mittens, socks, shawls, sweaters, and even a necklace, from Moreno and other leading knitwear designers, including Kate Atherley, Adrian Bizilia, Julia Farwell-Clay, Rosemary (Romi) Hill, Bristol Ivy, Kirsten Kapur, Amy King, Laura Nelkin, and Lynne Vogel.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had no idea what I was missing other than I was spinning tons of fiber but not knitting much with my hand-spun yarns. Every spinner in my monthly circle has purchased this book and not a single one had anything but raves for it. These rave reviews include newbie spinners and those spinning for 10+ years."
"This book provides the much needed bridge between "I can spin yarn" and "I can make that with my own yarn!""
"This book has been very, very helpful!"
"Jillian is my kind of spinner--she knows the details but doesn't sweat them, making spinning the relaxing experience it should be."
"The best book on spinning fiber that has been published to date."
"I've just done my first skim through the book, and can't wait to read it all the way through."
"i didn't learn anything new myself, at least nothing memorable that i haven't seen elsewhere before, but there are still some neat patterns in here anyway for handspun sweaters and other projects."
"Wonderful book with some fresh takes on yarns to spin as well as tips for making the yarn that is appropriate for you project."
Best Knitting
With projects organized by yarn type and weight, you’ll be crocheting lacy shrugs for the springtime and heavy-duty beanies for the snowy winter months. There is no longer any excuse to point to a stash of unused yarn and say, “I don’t know what I’m going to do with these fibers.” Thanks to Durant, who pioneered the franchise of One-Skein Wonders, and her collaboration with Eckman (of The Crochet Answer Book, 2005, among many others), any needleworker can add another 100 possible projects to the ever-growing inventory of “gotta makes.” With classifications by yarn weight, which is an easy-to-use differentiation, the seven chapters offer at least one item in every conceivable craft category, including jewelry, home decor, belts, women’s wear, doll clothes, men’s scarves, toys, and baby apparel.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Particulars about the book: 1) All skill levels are covered, but most projects are geared more toward those who already know how to crochet, not someone just learning. :-) The side of the book's pages is color coded so you can find each yarn section quickly. 3) First rate photos. 4) The patterns are clear and the font is easy to read. Rounds are clearly labeled and helps are given for specific areas of each project. Keep in mind though that a satisfactory finished product will depend on the coloration of the yarn. 6) Charts are included for motifs and some of the stitch patterns. 7) A good variety of projects. Speaking of projects, here is how they break down: Home items (9), Jewelry/accessories (7), Scarves (13), Cowls (7), Shawls/Cape (3), Adult Hats (7), Shrugs (2), Baby items (16), Stuffed Toys (7), Gloves/Mittens (6), other head items (6), Purses/Bags (10), other containers (3), Doll items (2), Belt (1), Hanky (1), Slippers (1). So, as you can see, not just hats or scarves (yeah!)."
"Bought for a friend beginning to learn to crochet."
"Purchased 2 as Christmas gifts and once my aunt's and cousins saw them I believe I should have purchased at least 4 more."
"so many patterns I will not use - but ok."
"Also, those baby booties on the cover are stellar - I made a pair and they came out perfectly."
"The patterns are easy and fun to make."
Best Knots, Macrame & Rope Work
Starting with the basics, the knots progress on to more complicated and complex designs, but the clear diagrams make it a cinch to follow along. MARCHEN ART is a craft studio based in Tokyo.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I do like this book very much, but the publishers should have published it spiral bound, so the book lays flat when trying to follow the instructions."
"Hands down the BEST Macramé pattern and instructional book yet!"
"The Macrame Pattern Book is a fascinating book."
"One of the best books there is for learning the art of macrame!"
"However, I'm lucky that I already know how to macrame, and I bought this book for this purpose."
"Such a valuable resource for anyone creating macrame."
"Really great book."
"This book has been such great help."
Best Lace & Tatting
With the color and variety of their outdoor counterparts, these flowers can be used to embellish clothing and housewares, create decorative arrangements or wall hangings, make lovely and original cards, and more! This collection is stunning, extremely detailed, and beautifully displayed to entice emergency crocheting.... You'll definitely find inspiration in this book--but you'll also find exquisitely photographed samples, finely written patterns, and clear graphics so you can attain success with every stitch.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I love the flowers, the leaves and all of it. I'm using number 2 yarn (sock yarn) when doing these so I have a bigger flower than what they intended with the Number 10 yarn."
"I am an avid gardener who trades her spade for a crochet hook in the winter so I REALLY enjoy this book."
"Many different flowers, artfully designed, with various leaves."
"If you love to crochet, love flowers too, this book is for you."
"I've a lovely garden "growing" on this crochet wreath I am making."
"I am thoroughly enjoying these lovely floral projects."
"From easy to more complicated designs, easy to follow instructions, great for small projects- like postcard creation with one flower to whimsical bouquet designs."
"I love this book."
Best Leathercrafting
Over 165 photographs and illustrations bring you step-by-step from raw skin to velvety soft buckskin and then show you how to create beautiful garments and useful goods. A hand-made garment for people all over the world for millennia, it breathes and stretches with your body, cuts the wind and won't tear on briars. ...easy to understand and useful if you're interested in preserving and using your deer hide to make a pair of trousers or leather gloves. His process dramatically reduces the time and work, resulting in the nicest buckskin I have ever made. The authors intimate understanding of deerskins, tools, processes, and problems bears witness to a tremendous depth of knowledge about his craft. Deerskins into Buckskins is a highly recommendable work....this book deserves a place on your bookshelf -- Scott Jones, Bulletin of Primitive Technology, spring 1998.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"More people should read thru this book especially if you are a hunter."
"Brilliant!"
"Very clear and comprehensive with just enough science to understand, but not stop the flow of the book."
"Very full of useful and practical information."
"I haven't yet read the entirety of this book."
"Tanned my first Elk hide with the instructions in this book."
"It has excellent information for beginners and im sure people who have been making skins for some time could find it helpful as well."
Best Needlepoint
This beautiful coloring book features 40 creative and intricate designs with classic and wonderfully original insults, exclamations and swear words to help you relax and let go of the stressful situations in your life. Swear word coloring books presents this unique coloring book to help manage stress and release your anger.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"No, the pages are not perforated, if I want to take page out, and hang it on the break room fridge so that my stupid coworker sees it, I just use my exacto knife to cut it out."
"But with that, I have to say "Two Thumbs Up" for this wonderful stress relieving coloring book!"
"This book is amazing."
"I have seen adult coloring books floating around for quite a while and read how they've helped people center themselves and deal with anxiety, depression, stress, etc. I am a kid all over again and I'll be damned if my coloring pages don't make it up on the fridge right next to my son's. The pages are nice and thick and the images themselves are detailed and time consuming, which I really enjoy."
"Bought this with the intent to save it to use at the hospital for stress relief during labor with baby #3 but the images and words are just too fun."
"If you know someone who loves to color these books make awesome gifts."
"I love this book. I love using gel pens in this book but the Twistable color pencils work just as well."
"The black paper makes all your colors pop!"
Best Needlework
Whether you're a new crocheter or just want to try new techniques, this must-have resource offers all the know-how you'll ever need.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"What this does instead is show you how to do a ton of stitches whether you know the basics or are just picking up crochet for the first time. What about just wanting to know how to pick the right yarn and hooks? If you're brand new to crochet, the first couple chapters are all about crochet hooks sizes, yarn styles and sizes, gauge of crochet, how to hold the yarn, and the basic beginner steps to crochet such as how to start, chain stitch, slip stitch, tying off. If you already know how and just want to expand your repertoire then there are dozens upon dozens of stitches, tricks, techniques, and styles to increase your knowledge."
"I could remember making it as a young mother but couldn't remember how other than I needed a crochet hook and a VERY large "broomstick" (or in today's world - a large knitting needle). Anyway, the book contains information on types of yarns, hooks, gauge, how to read patterns and charts and other equipment you might need. One last feature of the book is that the front and back covers each have a "bookmark" flap which is very useful when you can finish a project in one sitting."
"I ordered this books so my daughter and I could learn crocheting together."
"Great information."
"Easy to read."
"Gift for son."
"Sooooo glad I got this book!"
Best Patchwork
Each of the quilts featured in Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Ireland is made using new fabrics from the Kaffe Fassett Collective. as well as Kaffe's favorites from his other fabric collections. He has written numerous quilt best-sellers including Heritage Quilts , Kaffe Quilts Again , Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in. Color, an autobiography , and Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Kaffe's latest book is a pleasure to read and enjoy the wonderful photos."
"It was the colours of the fabrics that made the quilts not the patterns in the book."
"As usual, Kaffe's quilts are beautiful!"
"Love Kaffe Fassett's fabrics and this book is eye candy to me!"
"Love Kaffe's quilts."
"It’s an absolutely beautiful book!"
"I bought this as a gift, and it was a big hit!"
"Add meterage for BROCADE PEONY as follows: Grey PJ62GY 1 3/4yd (1.6m). CUTTING OUT. Border 3. The strips should be cut lengthwise (not widthwise as stated) and are not joined. For Borders 2, 4 and 5 only you will still need to join sufficient widths of fabric strips end to end to achieve the correct lengths. Instead, the outside setting triangles should be cut so the straight grain is on the outside edge of the quilt. Cut 6 squares each 12 1/2in x 12 1/2in (31.8cm x 31.8cm) and cut from corner to corner diagonally both ways, making 4 triangles from each square. Use the remaining fabric to cut the Template B corner triangles."
Best Quilts & Quilting
A one-stop quilting reference for beginners and experts. Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting shows readers how to master every technique, method, tool, fabric, block, seam, knot, and stitch. The iconic BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS brand is one of America's most trusted sources for information on cooking, gardening, home improvement, home design, decorating, and crafting.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Critical techniques and measuring protocols clearly described and Demonstrated in a Smart Effective Way."
"Exceeded expectations."
"This is a great resource book for beginning or experienced quilters."
"Very informative book."
"Pages fell out, poorly glued."
"I loved the idea of having a quilting big book, versus a few books that specialize on one facet of quilting."
Best Ribbons
This coloring book was designed as a way to let some of the angst and stress channel into creativity instead of sadness and depression. This coloring book is a mixture between transcendental imagery and some of the many thoughts that we might experience after coming into contact with Cancer in one of its many forms. It’s beneficial to express your emotions through colors because, many times, words just won’t suffice. CYNTHIA’S PERSONAL RANT: I want to tell you how I feel about Cancer, and the haphazard way in which the medical community seems to deal with it. We found the Titanic, located sea creatures that were thought to be extinct, and we know, with a very small margin of error, that the universe is about 13.7 billion years old. Or a better support system and Recovery programs for Cancer patients and their families and friends? Instead of feeling sad and giving up, she got angry, told cancer to ‘Step-off’ and she waged a battle that is still going on. She is turning the tide, beating the cancer back BECAUSE she decided to wage all out war against the disease. We hope to give the designer (you) a very introspective and mind expanding experience. She eventually began working with adults who were suffering attention deficit issues and began thinking of ways to inspire people through artwork.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have been lucky enough to preview this amazing colouring book about Cancer, prior to its' release. It is an amazing book full of beautiful images and phrases... ranging from pages that make you feel many different emotions.... hope, rage, faith and love to name a few. My 10 year old daughter and I have loved colouring pages from this book, which I will definately be displaying at the Oncology ward I work at in a Brisbane hospital. I have no doubt that the patients I see every day, who continue to amaze me with their courage, bravery and strength while battling this terrible disease called cancer, will love and appreciate the wonderful messages of hope and wisdom portrayed in Cynthia's remarkable pages. Below is a poem I wrote about Cancer, after being inspired by this wonderful book. There is no rhyme or reason, It can come right out of the blue, This ugly sickness growing inside of us, Often we don't even have a clue. Some days you will get knocked down, And feel like giving up, But your loved ones will be there to help and remind you, Of why you want to kick cancers' butt."
"My mother was first diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 34 while she was pregnant with me. 15 years later she felt a lump and unfortunately it was breast cancer stage 3. Just when we thought it can't happen again 11 years later she was diagnosed again with breast cancer in the opposite breast which they said had nothing to do with the first breast cancer it was a different type. My mom is now 72 and been cancer free for 12 years!!!"
"I was so lucky to find out about this wonderful coloring book by Cynthia Van Edwards. I know that anyone who has been touched by Cancer or any disease can relate and maybe benefit from coloring and this coloring book."
Best Rug Crafts
Create Fun and Easy Locker Hooked Projects. Today, Theresa is the general manager for Princess Mirah's crafts, a division of Bali Fabrics where she oversees the development, production and promotion of a line of crafts for the needlecrafts, paper crafts and mixed media markets.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"New project for me."
"These were all great books."
"I liked this book easy to follow I wanted to learn how to do this and am sure this book will teach me!"
"Have tried one project so far and liked the way it turned out."
"Written very clearly - some different techniques using other medium besides material."
"Great resource book for lockerhooking."
"Great book and easy to understand."
"excellent visuals and pictorial descriptions.... clever alternate ideas to floor mats."
Best Sewing
Kids can sew too! Best of all, this practical, attractive sewing book features finished projects that look like they were actually made by children.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Unfortunately, so much of the sewing kits, books, and supplies are geared towards girls. Not only is it full of beautiful photographs that help teach sewing steps, I was pleased to see how many boys were included in the photographs--sewing just like their female counterparts."
"My 7 year old daughter loves this book."
"My daughter loves it and is always planning new projects to make."
"Such a lovely book!"
"Some fun ideas."
"Nice book but grand didn't really use it much."
"good instructions for beginner sewer."
"The pictures and instructions are perfect for a tween girl to follow."
Best Spinning
In the Footsteps of Sheep details the completion of a mission the author, a Welsh-born Scot, set for herself: to travel and camp throughout Scotland, find cast off tufts of wool from 10 Scottish sheep breeds, then spin the wool on her spinning stick while walking (or waiting for ferries), and finally design and knit one pair of socks to represent each breed...all the while writing about her adventures and taking plenty of photographs. The author is an intrepid Scottish woman who, after earning a medical degree and raising her children, packed her rucksack with bare necessities, and set off to camp and walk throughout Scotland. The photos of the seascapes are lovely, the author's cozy camping locations romantic (even the cold and rainy ones), and the steep cliffs and rock outcroppings plunging into the sea are dramatic and exciting.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The inclusion of so much information about the routes walked, the various locations, the types of sheep, and similar plus the patterns, and the gorgeous photographs makes this a very valuable book for anyone interested in knitting, socks, or Scotland!"
"Beyond that, each chapter detailed her adventures camping, visiting, spinning, and knitting - which prompted me to pick up the needles, knit some socks, and dream of traveling to far off lands!"
"I also agree with some of the reviewers that since this is a book about her journey gathering up wool and spinning there were no photos to show that-a little thing but should have been included and disappointing as it is the premise of the book Other than that I love this book and would highly recommend."
"I'm not sure quite what I was expecting from this book, nor why it didn't quite live up to it, but I finished it somewhat disappointed."
"Lost one star for not offering a hardback version, or at least a more durable cover."
"Beautiful photos and interesting travel journal with knitting patterns thrown in."
"The patterns are good to have but the walk, the stories, the people & the sheep were worth the cost of the book."
"I have wanted this book since it was published in 2015."
Best Weaving
A comprehensive introduction to the tools, equipment, fibers, and yarns used with four-shaft looms, this reference features patterns for 600 different weaves, including twill, zigzag, diamond, herringbone, and block. She is a Guild member of the Association of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers and a founding member of the Braid Society.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There are basic weaving instructions which includes how to do special hem techniques, twisting fringe and wet finishing."
"If you have a loom and are stuck with ideas for patterns, try this book, you won't be disappointed."
"The spiral bound style of this book makes it much easier to work with and keep open and flat when trying to do a pattern."
"If you own, or dream of owning, a four-harness loom, this is the one book you need to keep you busy experimenting for many years."
"Great book for someone that knows how to weave and is looking for patterns (in the structure) I really love the book and it's put together so you can reference quickly."
"Other books seem to make you think that to be a creative or complete weaver, you need more than 4 shafts."
"If you're a weaver, you probably already have this book."
"If you work on a four shaft loom, this book needs to be on your bookshelf."
Best Historical British & Irish Literature
International bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire . As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love. The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country’s first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Recommended reading by * The Washington Post * USA Today * New York Post * The Christian Science Monitor * The Philadelphia Inquirer *. A Column of Fire is absorbing, painlessly educational, and a great deal of fun.” —The Washington Post “Follett’s historical epics, including this one, evoke the Romantic adventures of Alexandre Dumas. “Fans of Follett's epic sagas The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End , set in the Middle Ages in the fictional city of Kingsbridge, will be thrilled by this latest installment.” —New York Post “[Follett is a] master of the sweeping, readable epic.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We waited three years for a new Ken Follett novel and almost ten for the next, the third, book of his Kingsbridge story. If you know novels by Ken Follett, you know what you get: Tension, entertainment, a lot of well researched knowledge – and unfortunately a little black and white where you expect more gray. Two things first: Ken Follett gets back to Kingsbridge, his fictional town in England, for the third time, ten years after “World Without End” and 28 (!). It plays in Modern History, right after the reformation by the German monk Martin Luther (these days exactly 500 years ago). But there are evil villains, sexist and racist, very bad according to these our values and these guys giving him a hard time. But experience told us that the world is gray and evil characters are more interesting if they are complicated. Because Follett is such a good writer that you never lose track, also there are so many persons and plots."
"It's the greatest book I've ever read and it unearthed my passion for historical fiction. Even IF you're not into historical fiction, it's impossible that you wouldn't love this book or its series or any of Ken's novels."
"Centered in Elizabethan England and peopled primarily with English characters, it portrays the conflicting views (not all that many when you come down to it) between Catholics and Protestants and the ensuing horrible bloodshed through much of the 16th century. Evil Pierre, whose entire being is permeated by greed rather than religion, conspires with supporters of Catholicism in France (who are power-hungry rather than religious believers), triggering multiple episodes of bloodshed. A host of other characters, some historical and others fictional, take the reader from the coronation of Elizabeth to the Guy Fawkes plot and hopefully remind readers that religious (and racial, too, for that matter) differences are really superficial and that a great deal more unites people than divides them."
"That they seem too modern is periodically reinforced by the inclusion of words and phrases such as "dreamboat," "talking trash" and "puke,"--somewhat jarring to come across."
"I really wanted to like this book ."
Best Time Travel Romances
Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured the hearts of millions of fans. Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Beauchamp Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages. perfect escape reading.” — San Francisco Chronicle , on Outlander “History comes deliciously alive on the page.” —New York Daily News , on Outlander “Gabaldon is a born storyteller. Her use of historical detail and a truly adult love story confirm Gabaldon as a superior writer.” — Publishers Weekly , on Voyager “Unforgettable characters . richly embroidered with historical detail.” — The Cincinnati Post , on Drums of Autumn “A grand adventure written on a canvas that probes the heart, weighs the soul and measures the human spirit across [centuries].” —CNN , on The Fiery Cross “The large scope of the novel allows Gabaldon to do what she does best, paint in exquisite detail the lives of her characters.” — Booklist , on A Breath of Snow and Ashes “Features all the passion and swashbuckling that fans of this historical fantasy series have come to expect.” — People , on Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. From the Hardcover edition. In Outlander , a 600-page time-travel romance, strong-willed and sensual Claire Randall leads a double life with a husband in one century, and a lover in another. While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not only did she write this long novel (plus seven more, plus some related novellas and such), and keep it endlessly entertaining with vivid characters and fresh plot twists galore. They are the kind of verbal jewels that make any author gasp and say "I wish I wrote that." The odds are slim that anyone will encounter this five-star review in the vast ocean of existing appreciation for this delightful book and its author. If, perchance, a live person actually reads this review, please let me know with a "helpful" vote."
"With the the portability and ease of reading electronically I am reliving the stories of Clare and Jamie and Brianna and Roger et al again. Diana delivers the emotion, sights, sounds, smells, triumphs and failures with her words. She always finds alliterative and clever phrasing to bring everything alive - whether it is a trip across the sea or a dangerous encounter or mundane every tasks or Clare and Jamie enjoying the delights of each other intimately."
"At first I was nervous, I wouldn't be able to keep my attention to the book because of the almost 900 pages but believe me when I say it was an easy and fast read. Sometimes it would get on my husband's nerves that my nose was always in this book..hehe.. And I dreamt about the Scotland Highlands and of course Jamie Fraser."
"Fabulous story line, weaving fantasy, love stories, geography, and history... My friend is obsessed with everything Outlander! The story line is fabulous, weaving fantasy, relationships, and several love stories in with breathtakingly beautiful geography and realistic history, including wars, peace, and the hardships of a life in Scotland, before the luxuries we enjoy today."
"I cried, I didn't breathe for two days while I was stuck in a scene and unable to get back to it and then I had to declare myself off limits until I could get through it. At one point I began using the royal we when I spoke of it, like, "I think Jamie might be telling me to go away and we're not taking it well.""
Best Historical Fantasy
Winner 2016 Readers' Favourite Award for Epic Fantasy. Winner 2015 LYRA Award for Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Winner 2015 CIPA EVVY Award for Fiction/Fantasy. Winner 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award for Fantasy. Winner 2016 Audible Best Fantasy Audiobook. Runner-up 2016 IPPY Awards and 2015 Great Midwest Book Festival for Sci-Fi/Fantasy. #1 Bestseller in Epic, Historical and Coming of Age Fantasy. The plot is dynamic and there are many highs and lows for Aedan and his companions, which keep it from getting boring with its length. "Renshaw's talent for building unique worlds and characters, and simply letting them loose to face their circumstances, is on full display. It's the kind of story where you say "I think I'll give this a try for three paragraphs and then move on if it doesn't work out" only to find yourself unable to put it down even for your doctor's appointment. His elegant, poetic prose turned a very good story with themes that touched my heart into one that is wondrous. One of the finest fantasy novels I've read in the past few years, period." "Dawn of Wonder foregoes 'quick and saccharine' for the satisfying choice of 'long and compelling', building the details of a vast production. If this first story is any indicator, it will be along the lines of a Robert Jordan 'Wheel of Time' epic series."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"For those of you who wish to know how it's possible that one book can forever change the lens through which you view the genre of fantasy and the metric and standard through which you measure it, read on. Renshaw explores some of the most difficult subjects I've ever seen an author attempt to address in the fantasy genre. Were a boy gifted Renshaw's incredible ability to convey emotion and thought, I imagine the result would be strikingly similar to the almost impossibly accurate articulations found in "Dawn of Wonder." Just as our fears were made exponentially more terrifying and just as our losses and failures were so keenly exacerbated by our lack of maturity, so too were our feelings of triumph, simple joy and wonder made boundless and larger than life by the creativity and impossible (yet no less real in our thoughts) beliefs we allowed our minds to indulge in. The experiences we're privileged to witness through the lens of Aedan's young mind allow our own minds to harken back to those days where it was possible to find a pirate's treasure in your own backyard, and when our worlds were so black and white that we believed our feelings on certain subjects would forever be set in stone. Despite this lengthy (and frankly somewhat pretentious) review, I have only addressed the skill and care through which the story is told and not the story itself. But these petty sentiments only led me to respect the nearly flawless and never lazy way in which Renshaw crafted a mind, a world and a story in perfect synchronicity. The wonderful world and colorful characters that inhabit "Dawn of Wonder", and Aedan's interactions with both, challenge the notions of what it means to be family and what it means to find love and friendship. I doubt I will find a more compelling and poignant mixture of storytelling and character development in my reading adventures, and in that sense by the end of "Dawn of Wonder" I found myself saddened, when I would ordinarily be excited, at the prospect of searching for another book to read."
"In order to get the most from this review, you need a base of what kinds of books I enjoy. I love Brandon Sanderson (The Stormlight Archive is my favorite series currently), The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, and The Gentleman Bastards by Scott Lynch to name a few. Within 50 pages, the author has the character besting 5 other trained individuals and by the end of the series, they might as well be facing the army by themselves. I believe the author said it took 10 years to write this book (with a job on the side) and you can tell he put it to good use."