Practically Green: Your Guide to Ecofriendly Decision-Making Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a very green person to begin with so a lot of the chapters in this book were about subjects I was already familiar with. But I love it for the recipes and I think it would be a great book for anyone who's thinking about living a greener lifestyle. It's well-written and well-organized so you can green up your life one step at a time.

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Practically Green takes the guesswork out of reading labels and will show you how to make smart, healthy purchases for your family without spending tedious hours researching the pros and cons of all of the products available on the market today. Each chapter is broken down into "Buy It" and "Do It" sections. The "Buy-It" section provides key information about everyday purchasing decisions and includes clip-out checklists for you to reference while shopping. The "Do It" section gives DIY ideas for how to make things that are good for your family and good for the environment, such as simple sewing projects, non-toxic cleaning products and luxurious, homemade beauty products.Plus, the author shares some of her favorite recipes that are sure to please the entire family!

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More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a sewing professional, and I also own Clare Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide, which is excellent and does cover more fabrics. However More Fabric Savvy is really the indispensible guide that should be right by your sewing machine. MFS is not as big, so one is more inclined to open it up and take a look at the suggestions. Also, the spiral binding on MFS lets it lie open flat so you can refer to it easily. MFS is a re-issue of the original Fabric Savvy, and it addresses all the shortcomings of the original - far more fabrics are covered. There is also an extensive list of alternative fabric names, so you can really find the details for any fabric one needs. The size of MFS means you can put it in your bag and take it with you to the fabric store, and I'd recommend doing this, as it will make you more aware of interlining needs, or fastening limitations, BEFORE you spend all your heard-earned money on the fabric of your dreams, only to find out you really need to spend an extra $40 (which you don't have) on silk organza to interline the garment. All the review for the original Fabric Savvy spell out the great features of this book - this edition really just fixes the few criticisms people had.

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America's best-selling quick guide to selecting and sewing fabrics is now completely revised and updated. More Fabric Savvy brings over 100 new tips, over 400 new color photos and drawings, the latest new fabrics, and entirely new and useful features, including a handy guide to stain removal. From Sandra Betzina, the dynamic host of HGTV's Sew Perfect, this easy-to-use reference belongs on every sewer's bookshelf.

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Shibori: Creating Color and Texture On Silk (Crafts Highlights) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is a wonderful educational sourcebook for any dyer. The pieces shown in the book are elegant and sohisticated - grown folks fabrics. Mysterious, subtle, three-dimensional pieces. Silk is her fiber of choice yet the information in the book would be useful to anyone interested in dyeing any fiber.
Admittedly I am a baby dyer, however I do have a lot of experience in the area of learning processes from books. This book is all I had hoped for and more. Ms. Brito tells us what her aims are in creating this book. Her aims happen to coincide with my desires as a student: to inspire the reader with the artistic possibilities of shibori and at the same time provide the reader with technical information on a level that high standards will become a natural occurrence as one begins to understand and learn this process.
This book is not for the reader who is looking for shortcuts or baggie dyeing. Ms. Brito is a chemist and an artist. She explains the different dye types and processes very clearly. She even allows us to see her set-up. Discharge, various resist methods, overdyeing, setting texture and great photographs are only part of what this generous artist shares. She provides excercises that encourage observation and experimentation. That is how many of us are best educated. She offers formulas for different colors including neutrals so the reader has a good starting point.
I don't want the reader of this review to think that the book is so technical that it is inaccessible. It is both technical and reader friendly. The book is also great eye candy. This book belongs in the library of all fiber artists!

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Shibori is the Japanese art of what is popularly known as tie-dye. But this ancient resist-dyeing technique goes far beyond the simple craft that is typically used to embellish T-shirts.In Shibori: Creating Color & Texture on Silk, artist Karren K. Brito demonstrates the modern American rendition of shibori, or prismatic shibori, in which colored silk is pleated and tied around a pole, then overdyed. Only the tops of the pleats absorb the color fully so the hues shift subtly to create a shimmering iridescence.The book opens with a fascinating overview of the influences on the American version of the shibori technique. Then, it moves on to explain other important aspects of this unique process: "Dyeing Essentials," for example, discusses how to work with silk and acid dyes, which are easier to use and more environmentally sound than fiber-reactive, vat, or the so-called "natural" dyes; "Creating Resists" illustrates several styles of resist, each of which produces stunning color combinations and elegant pleated effects. Each step in the process is presented separately so that readers can combine them to create their own unique shibori designs.What's more, this wonderful guide brims with lavish, full-color photography as well as dazzling examples from prominent American shibori artists.• Features beautiful projects and gorgeous photography throughout• Exploits the interest in accessorizing with an easy-to-do craft• Provides essential information on dyes and the dyeing process

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Fabric Savvy: The Essential Guide for Every Sewer Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me state my one request for a change and then proceed with my sincere, gushing praise: In the next edition, I hope Ms. Betzina will include a phonetic pronounciation next to the name of every type of fabric she talks about.Now, let's get started on what's right about this book, which is EVERYTHING. The binding shows this book is a workhorse. It's vinyl coated hardbound, with a covered spiral binding. In other words, it opens flat and won't fall apart with use.The format: a generous lower margin allows you to prop it open (flat!) in a stand to refer to as you work. Each type fabric is presented in alphabetical order and on two facing pages--it's all there when you're working, you don't have to skip around. An photograph of the garment made of the fabric is included--so you can see the subtle difference between silk dupioni and shantung...and an appropriate garment for the fabric. Under bold, clear headings are listed the recommended needle, closure, layout, marking, cutting, interfacing, thread, presser foot, closures, stitch length, preshrink, pressing, hem for the fabric. There are also fascinating tips to improve your sewing and interesting facts about the fabric. I'll never use the same old needle and thread again, and now know what would make some of my garments look couture perfect rather than homemade. This truly is an essential guide for EVERY sewer.

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How to Sew Leather, Suede, Fur Review

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(More customer reviews)I found this book to be quite helpful. It was the only book I could find on sewing fur at the time. I would recommend this book for getting started. It lists many of the different types of furs, leather, suede. Giving a solid background even if you just want to know more but don't want to sew. Somewhat outdated. But, hey the techniques work. My only wish would be for more patterns and more pictures & details with the step by step directions.

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"How to Sew Leather, Suede, Fur" is a practical, detailed guide to the techniques of sewing with skins and furs. From pre-sewing operations to finishing touches, here are illustrated instructions for every step in creating luxurious garments.

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Felt Fashion: Couture Projects from Garments to Accessories Review

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(More customer reviews)Felt Fashion by Jenne Giles is a beautifully illustrated book that every Felter will enjoy owning. It has easy to follow instructions which are very detailed. There are numerous projects from "up-cycled" clothing through the addition of felt; to more advanced techniques in garment making. This book covers a lot of ground, with something for everyone. Jenne combines innovative felting techniques with dye colors, fiber combinations, and patterns to make captivating felt fabric, from which she designs and constructs pieces that are truly wearable art. She captures the art and sophistication that is possible with handmade felt, while keeping it simple and attainable for anyone to master. Jenne shows us how to make a; collar, a necklace, or an entire dress, each project is irresistible and brings felting to an entirely new level. She shows several basic felting techniques, including basic wet felting, needle felting, Nuno, and punch needle felting. She also teaches methods for embellishing ready-to-wear items with fashionable felted accents. She provides patterns and instructions for original clothing designs including vests, jackets, dresses, and skirts. Felt Fashion is a standout from other felting books! I love the flower scarves and flowers from her book and I am going to try a few projects from this lovely inspiring book.
Jenne is a San Francisco-based artist whose work ranges from traditional fine arts and crafts to innovative performance and installation art. She received her B.A. Degree in Art and Art History from Rice University in 1997. After working professionally in the arts and trades she began her own business, Harlequin Feltworks, in 2007. Harlequin Feltworks is dedicated to creating unique pieces of wearable art combining painterly color, sculptural form, folk art and costume. Jenne's innovative work pushes felt to the cutting edge of fashion and design and is truly wearable art. She is self-taught in the art of felting and is very proud of this fact. Jenne sells her art on ETSY as well as the Artful Home, a shop I adore.

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Felting is an ancient craft that enjoys an endless variety of forms and uses. Felt Fashion captures the art and sophistication that is possible with handmade felt, while keeping it simple and attainable for anyone to master. Whether it's a collar or an entire dress, each project is irresistible and brings felting to an entirely new level. The author demonstrates several basic felting techniques including: basic wet felting, needle felting, nuno, and punch needle felt­ing. For the more advanced fiber artist and sewer, she provides patterns and instructions for original clothing designs including vests, jackets, and skirts. Felt Fashion is a standout from other felting books for its scope, originality, and its distinct ties to couture.

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Threads Sewing Guide: A Complete Reference from America's Best-Loved Sewing Magazine Review

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(More customer reviews)If you sew a lot, than you probably know why good sewing guides are necessary. A sewing guide provides a reference for how some things are done.
This guide is a good one. It's a weighty volume with lots of photos and instruction for good techniques. From Accordion pleats to Zippers, it's got you covered in those details which turn homemade into handmade. With my daughter just now learning to sew, a current sewing guide was an essential addition to our books.
The diagrams and photographs are very clear, where photos are used, they have contrasting fabrics and thread colors to make construction methods easy to see. The diagrams are easy to follow and the text is clear and understandable.
There is a detailed index in the back for looking up specific techniques, so if you need to learn how to make welted pockets or buttonholes, or you want to look at hemming options, you can find the information quickly.
I recommend this book for beginners who want to take their sewing to the next level and to more advanced sewers who need a good reference for more involved techniques.

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Readers who love to sew – especially those who know Threads magazine – will have to have this definitive sewing encyclopedia. An incomparable collection of the best sewing information available, this book promises to explain, with trademark thoroughness, the full range of garment sewing techniques. It covers all the bases for anyone who delights in sewing: tools (from sewing machines and sergers to pins and needles); materials (fabrics and threads of all kinds); basic sewing (from seams and seam finishes to hand-sewn stitches); garment construction (top to bottom, inside and out); tailoring techniques (for a professional look); even lingerie techniques, pressing tips, embellishments, and much, much more. Without a doubt, this is the complete sewing answer book.

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Complete Craft: Making Beautiful Projects at Home Review

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(More customer reviews)Normally i steer away from craft books because there always full
of cottagey,patchworkish,floral or granny type projects,but this book is exceptional.It has a very simple/country/scandinavian air about it,all the designs/projects are modern and timeless and great to make.I also liked that you could easily add your own creative input to a project.Its also a enormously big book and best of all has a history to each project/craft e.g the history of ceramic painting,the history of weaving etc.Excellent book.

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Complete Craft contains over 60 unique projects, each specially devised by a leading practitioner in the field to be easily completed at home. Over 900 stunning photographs and clear step-by-step instructions demonstrate how to achieve the best results, no matter the level of the crafter's experience. All the projects, from table linen and jewelry to handbags and bowls, are practical as well as desirable, and while many of the techniques are traditional, the results are fresh, elegant, and contemporary.

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J.J. Pizzuto's Fabric Science 9th edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is for my class textile technology and design. There is probably more information in here than I will ever need to know this quarter but I will be holding on to it after this class because it is such a valuable reference. The information is easy to find and presented in a format that makes it easy to understand. There are great definitions and many illustrations throughout. The new edition has a lot of information on sustainable fibers and textiles which is the main thing that I am interested in.

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In response to universal requests by faculty and students, Fairchild Books has returned the Fabric Science textbook to its original three ring binder format. With the increasing emphasis on textiles as a major global industry, Fabric Science, 9th Edition, continues the long tradition of meeting the needs of both students and professionals in the textile, fashion, and related industries. The best-selling introductory text is for students and professionals who need a solid understanding of basic textiles. In this new edition, Cohen and Johnson address the effect of textiles and textile products on the environment throughout the text as well as a standalone chapter. They address the variety of career opportunities in the design, production, marketing, and merchandising of textiles, apparel, and home products associated with the world of textiles. New chapter Textiles and the Environment and discussions throughout the text on the effect of textiles and textile products on the environment New section entitled Industrial Fabrics focusing on fabrics engineered to meet special performance requirements such as seat belts (transportation), bandages (medical), protective clothing (safety), inflatable building (construction) Pronunciations of fiber names in other languages Four-color throughout including new and revised line drawings New section Speaking of Textiles includes list of phrases relating to textiles and textile products used specifically in the industry More comprehensive coverage of nanotechnology CD-ROM includes study questions to encourage direct application of the material covered and assignments to provide a learning experience with practical industry application

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