Not for a beginner

I bought this book for my partner as she is a big Cath Kidston fan and loves crafts. But she only has basic sewing skills and found making the bag very difficult, especially the rouleau which is impossible to make from the heavy cotton duck fabric supplied. She suggests doing it this way:- turn both long edges into the middle and press, fold in half lenghtways and press, then stitch along the long edge which far easier than trying to turn the heavy fabric inside out! <br /><br />She would have liked the book to have less projects and more detailed pictures or illustrations showing how to do the various steps more clearly, perhaps Cath Kidston could do a sewing book for beginners with this in mind. Also the actual finished bag is very small, but she still intends to have a go at making some of the other projects in the book, but says be prepared to be very patient and keeping reading the instructions over!

Delightful book

I am so delighted with this purchase. The flowers look delicious and I cannot wait to get started. A fun way to keep busy with a quick result!!

sugar animals made easy

This little book was really good and its step by step guide was easy to follow. i have just started cake decoration and found models very difficult but i have improved immensely since using the ideas in this book. very good value.

Sewing Book

Brilliant book so much information for a dressmaker. I highly recommend this book for anyone needing help with the basics and not so basic

VERY UP TO DATE INFORMATION

THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK OF THIS TYPE I HAVE READ. I FOUND IT VERY INFORMATIVE. I HAVE ALWAYS MADE CRAFT ITEMS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND AM NOW PREPARING TO SELL ONLINE SO THIS BOOK GAVE ME ALL THE INFO I NEEDED. IT IS BANG UP TO DATE WITH SECTIONS ON PODCASTING, BLOGS ETC AS WELL AS NUMEROUS TIPS FOR SELLING AT CRAFT FAIRS AND ONLINE, IT IS A THOROUGH READ, NOT LIGHTWEIGHT.

Top Book ! ! !

This book IS simply what it says ! ! THE DRESSMAKERS BIBLE.<br /><br />A brilliant reference book for all levels. Pro. or just starting out.<br /><br />As a pro. I feel it will always be useful to have handy.<br /><br />No one knows, or can remember everything ! - Here is the answer.<br /><br />Nice and compact.<br /><br />I recommend it.

bag making bible? absolutely!

You might question how a book of only 160 pages can call itself a"bible" but don't, because that's exactly what it is! <br /><br />It has everything you need to know in order to make your own bags from the patterns included in the book and to understand how to put your own ideas together to create your own bags should you feel inspired. I've been waiting (not so patiently) for this book ever since Lisa Lam announced on her website that it was happening, and as soon as I saw it listed on Amazon, I took full advantage of the"look inside this book" feature to see exactly what was in it, so I knew what I was getting. Having purchased some of Lisa's bag making kits and PDF patterns previously I was concerned that there might be some overlap/duplication with the patterns included in this book but I am happy to say that all 8 of the bag patterns in the book are new and not available in any of the kits or PDF patterns available from her shop. In other words 8 brand new designs for some fantastic looking bags are contained within this compact bible of a book. <br /><br />As I had already checked out some of the images, I knew which ones I couldn't wait to make as soon as my copy arrived, and as soon as the book was showing as being in stock I ordered it. In particular, I can't wait to get started on the Oversized Fashionista, the Organised Office, and the Great Getaway bags, but all the bags look fantastic. There are plenty of photos of the bags and photos of key stages and techniques, as well as photos of basic equipment and fabric swatches to ensure you can identify everything you need when you go shopping for them. Plus full size patterns for all eight bags in good strong paper and not tissue paper, which let's face it is a bit of pain to use and doesn't last very long, so kudos to Lisa for giving us patterns that will last!<br /><br />I've seen a lot of bag making books before, bought a few, decided against a few, but this one is definitely a winner and one that I will keep on my sewing table as a handy reference in between all that bag making. <br /><br />Final comments: It's a great book, one of the best sewing books I've seen in a while and definitely of the same high quality that I'm used to as a U-Handbag customer and U-Handblog visitor. If you have seen U-Handblog's tutorials then you'll know what I mean. If you haven't then please visit immediately after purchasing this book and you'll see the wealth of information available there as well as becoming hooked on bag making and Lisa's very friendly style of blogging. The U-Handbag shop has everything you need to make your own fantastic and unique handbags like the ones included in this book, and it's been a fantastic resource for me over the past few years as she sells some unique bits and pieces to make your bags truly special. Thanks Lisa!

Drawing on the RIGHT side of the brain..!

This book is great. If you want to learn how to draw, this is the way to go. <br />The only disadvantage is that it requires a number of tools that you can either make yourself or buy from a website. How to make these tools is poorly explained, so it's easier to just buy from the website.<br />That said, your ability to draw will increase many times by reading this book.

Sugarcraft book one

Wanted to add this to my collection (already have books 2 and three). Well written and informative.

Brill

I brought this book when purchasing bitch and knit and have used and used iT. I have completed 4 projects from this book and recommended it to my friends (it was instramental in starting a good friend on the crochet bug). I was a completely new crocher and am now taking on big and harder projects.<br /><br />THanks this is really a great beginners book. Yarns are easily subsitiuted as the weights are given, also it takes you through all a crocher needs to know.....<br /><br />Fantastic a real find

You really need this book

A brilliant selection of 6" squares from beginner to advanced. There is a staggering array of individual patterns, along with a small selection of project ideas from cushion covers to full double bed spreads. <br />Patterns are clear although a complete novice would do well to have a 'how to' book to hand. The possiblities for projects are limited only by your imagination, as long as it can be broken down into squares! Advanced crocheters will find plenty to stimulate their projects file, while yarn addicts will find the green light for creating many things with that stash that's not quite big enough for clothing!<br />I have been randomly crocheting squares with the excuse of making a wedding present, but have found myself putting squares aside for myself...<br />There are many individual designs, as well as the same design shown in different colour combinations which I think are invaluable as they really change the nature of the square and if you had to crochet up every square with different dark/light combinations it would take quite a bit of wool.<br />All in all a must have to dip into whether you need quick present from what's lying around, or a real year long challenge for your sister's wedding present.

lovely

I bought this book after seeing it at my Mums. Its full of great ideas, as someone who only really knows knit one purl one, it's great to have something to get my teeth into! Although I must say it's not really for beginners unless you know all the knitting lingo.

Two From One Jelly Roll Quilts

Another great book from the Quilt Room - excellent ideas for smaller quilts using half jelly rolls.

Not for Lefties

This is a beautiful, well laid out book. It is clearly aimed for the complete beginner. My only critic is that there is very little clarification for left-handed would be knitters.<br />Those with a little knowledge of knitting will say that it doesn't make a difference; it is down to knitting style (English vs Continental). <br />

my best ever sewing for the home book

the book is so good when i showed it at college 4 more people wanted it. The teddies are a joy to make even better if you enlarge them.

knitted Flowers

Have waited ages for a reasonably priced book for knitted flowers. Was not disappointed, great

Home Made Vintage Chritine Strutt

This is a lovley book packed full of ideas. I do not feel proficient enough to try them out yet being only a beginner but I have plenty to aspire to. It is lovely to look at and brouse through even if not actually involved in a project from it. If left on the coffee table everyone looks at it and admires the pictures, ideas and fabrics, well the females do!! A must for fans of shabby chic.

Jewellery Making by Jinks McGrath

Good book for beginners and beyond. Informative and nicely displayed pages. Each Unit has great advice which is well set out and easily understood. All the lessons and projects are achieveable. This is a great starting place, to build on and a great reference guide for any student. It is a good investment.

wife's present

my wife has started making cakes for birthdays weddings etc, she borrowed this book off a friend and was so impressed she said she was going to look for one to buy. I checked on amazon and bought it for her as a surprise.<br />It's a brilliant book for anyone wanting to learn how to cake decorate and amazon price a bargain, well pleased with it.

Cute bears

Fabulous book. All the bears are so cute, I have completed most of the bears and the patterns are really easy to read making very professional looking results. I would strongly recommend this book.