Product Description

This book presents instructions for drawing an outfit from each decade of the twentieth century, as well as an American Colonial Dress, a Civil War Dress, and a Suffragette-era dress.

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Product Description

A showcase of the cutting-edge vanguard of Gothic Lolita and punk drawing, and a valuable how-to guide for aspiring artists.

Customer Reviews (4)

Love it
The art is amazing. All though I wish there was more pen and ink and less P.C.

Title is Misleading
"Draw Like the Hottest Artists in Japan" had me thinking it was an updated "How to Draw Manga."I expected anime/ manga artists/ styles but I was disappointed in the lack of "how to."

This is first and foremost, an "Artbook."Most of the artists have been showcased in Gothic & Lolita Bibles, etc.While the Art itself is impressive, the book is more of an "inside look" at each artists' unique technique, rather than an instructional guide.

Some disappointments, but an overall success
This is primarily a showcase book, and doesn't actually show you how to draw like the artists featured. How to color and use photoshop like them, yes. But actual drawing/lineart? No. Not a big deal to me, but perhaps an important distinction for some people.

Three of the artists in this book are absolutely terrible - Aguru Mukai is the worst (very juvenile style; no sense of proportion and all-around ugly) followed by Nori Tomizaki (poorly done and discombobulated work) and Tokyo Alice, who draws in a very unrefined, basic, and disproportionate fashion.

That said, the rest of the artists range from "very good" to "OMG spectacular", and don't disappoint in the least. Two artists, Eri Kamijo and Kira Imai haveflat colored work (no use of gradation for shading), but I happen to like that style, and thus found no problem with it. Hime + You has slightly less flat shading, very much in the style of Junko Mizuno.

The remaining four artists showcase different, yet all beautiful styles, and I can't imagine anyone would dislike their work. Gin Jaba Tank's characters' eyes are a bit big, as are the eyes of Makoligato's dolls - but that's a small detail and may not bother you depending on your personal preferences. My personal favorite is Tama's haunting blend of macabre and child-like innocence in watercolors - I would buy the book again just for this artist.

You probably won't like all of the artists in this book, but if you can overlook that fact, the majority of the art is really very beautiful and quite worthwhile.

Good and Bad. I Want Some of My Money Back
I'm not a lolita myself, but I'm an artist who takes part in the goth scene (I consider myself a Romantigoth), so I was quite intrigued when I heard about this book. I've waited a while to read reviews, but wherever I looked, I could not find any. So, risked buying this without reading any feedback from anyone else.
Well, it came in the mail yesterday. The cover art is beautiful, but now that I've taken a closer look at it, I have to say, I've seen better pen-and-ink works. The book features ten artists, claimed to be "gothic lolita" artists, as well as an interview with DJ SiSeN, a Japanese DJ known in the goth/punk/cyber club scene. The interview was interesting to read as an introduction to the alternative scene in Japan. Then, the ten artists' works are showcased. Each artist (except for one of them, a dollmaker) also includes a step-by-step process of how one of their pieces were created. I will give you my review on each individual artist, and what score they receive out of 5 points, with 1 point being the lowest. This is my objective review, so you may not agree with me.

1)Eri Kamijo (2.5/5)
Her works are nothing too special. Just the conventional, manga/anime-girl with long limbs, long hair, skinny frame, and wide eyes. Her lineart is quite thick, and her digital coloring is very flat.

2)Aguru Mukai (1/5)
Okay, why the hell is this guy in here? I'm sorry, but he looks as though he has had much art training or practice. His "art" is very vulgar, with ugly characters with long, pointed noses, awkward anatomy, and tasteless coloring. I'm very appalled that some would consider this "art." Perhaps the only "gothic lolita" trait of his work is the clothing. But then, the clothing is cheaply drawn. I don't know how he can make it as an artist in the industry.

3)Yoh (5/5)
She did the art for the cover of this book. Now, her work is very beautiful. Her use of pen and ink is very reminiscent of Edward Gorey. She has very detailed, meticulous work that contains a nostalgic quality of quirky children's stories such as Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz. An artist that is very similar to hers is Dame Darcy, an American artist, who I recommend you should take a look at if you like Yoh's works.

4)Makoligato (5/5)
Her work are not of drawings, but of dolls. They are hauntingly beautiful, with wide, glassy eyes, and dressed up in absolutely endearing, elegant costumes of silk, velvet, and lace with accessories such as chains, jewels, roses, ribbons, and little trinkets. I only wish she could've shown us how she created one of the dolls' clothings, step by step.

5)Kira Imai (4/5)
At first, I didn't like her. Though her style is very sweet, I feel that the coloring is too flat, like the first artist, Eri Kamijo. But my mom loved her works. She felt that it was simple, yet elegant, and was her favorite artist out of all the other ones in this book. The more I look at Kira's works, the more it's actually quite nice. I still don't like the coloring. I think her lineart is better.

6)Gin Jaba Tank (5/5)
Her works are a universe of intense details. Her coloring (done on photoshop) is very beautiful, with a lot of depth and light. Definitely worth looking at.

7)HIME+YOU (3/5)
I'm very disappointed. Most of the works shown by her were flat-colored works with thick lineart, and then the four final pieces were actually GOOD. But then the piece shown step-by-step was a boring work.

8)TAMA (4.5/5)
Lovely watercolors. I'm glad to see traditional coloring here. She has a little-girl-meets-creepy-adult style and sensability here. However, she loses half a point because some of her watercolors get rather murky.

9)Nori Tomizaki (1.5/5)
Pixar's films would die of shame to see these works. Okay, I'm probably exaggerating, but Nori's 3-D digital works look like an animated feature film work in progress. If you know what an unfinished computer-animated film looks like (especially Pixar's), you know that the final product blows the work-in-progress out of water.

10)Tokyo Alice (2/5)
Sorry, but her work and coloring look very amateur. If a middle schooler, or even an elementary schooler had drawn it, it'd be impressive. But no, Tokyo Alice is older than that.

One artist I'm disappointed to not see featured in this book is Takaya Miou. Her art is very dark and beautiful, so why isn't she here? She's quite an unknown artist, and as far as I know, the only exposure she's had in the west is in the book "Manga: Masters of the Art." She could've been here instead of that horrid Aguru Mukai. For those of you who truly love dark, macabre, beautiful pen-and-ink work, I recommend you search for her on google.
I was only happy to look at half of these artists' art. I want half of my money back. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

informative
I found this book to be informative. I am always looking for new ideas. This book has new ideas and I already had most of the tools at home already, so there is little layout of money for extra supplies. I really enjoy the ideas on how to use those pesky plastic sacks.

New Ideas
After just paging through the hard covered book it appears that there are lots of new ideas to play with. I'm looking forward to trying many of the suggested techniques.

Comprehensive and Useful How Tos of Fabric Manipulation
I have recently become a fan of heat treating textiles for unusual effects and this book provides lots of inspiration, step by step, easy to follow directions and ideas about unusual textiles and tools.Highly recommended for the textile art novice or enthusiast wanting to expand their repertoire.

Hot Textiles is packed with inspiration and techniques!!
I am really enjoying all the ideas and great instructions for techniques packed into this book.I feel I really got my moneys worth with this purchase and will browse through it over and over.

I love this book
This is one of the few books I have bought that I read cover to cover.I can't wait to get started on everything!

There are not step by step directions but there are good descriptions of what to do to achieve each effect.It might not be the book for a beginner.The pictures are wonderful. ... Read more

Product Description
Cutting hair is rife with inspiration and style but has room for critique. Understanding how to read and work with hair is something many stylists work toward their entire lives. Cosmo Easterly, master stylist and the author of this book, brings his expertise to you in this complete guide to understanding hair. Designed to guide even the most untrained hair stylists through the rigors of the industry, you will learn everything you need to know to transform yourself from just another stylist into one with returning customers. This book features tips on hair styling methods and outlines the required resources you need to be a successful hair stylist. You will learn all the necessary aspects of the hair styling profession, starting with the most essential: the mindset every stylist needs when cutting and styling hair. You will learn the essence of creativity in reading, cutting, forming, coloring, and texturing hair. You will also learn how to talk with your clients and learn what they want, how they react to you, and what you can expect when cutting their hair. Presented by Cosmo Easterly, a premier name in hair styling, this guide will teach you everything imaginable about the industry before jumping into the key components of cutting, shaping, coloring, and perming. You will learn about balance points, symmetry, lotions, tension wrapping, and the particular needs of fine, medium, and coarse hair. For every potential and soon-to-be hair stylist, Cosmo Easterly's complete guide to understanding and styling hair is a stepping stone into the industry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

An Inspirational Guide to Hair Styling Creativity
How to Create the Perfect Cut, Shape, Color and Perm for Any Hair Type:
Secrets and Techniques from a Master Stylist -by Cosmo Easterly

It is immediatelyapparent upon reading even the introduction to Cosmo Easterly's informative, inspirational manual for hair designers that the man loves his work.In fact, after completing this entertaining tribute to the creative world of hair design this reviewertruly wished that his salon was nearby and that he would be able to work his magic on me!Cosmo Easterly is obviously a gifted, talented artist and by writing this book has generously allowed the rest of the hair dressers out there an opportunity to share in his genius.

Mr. Easterly provides not only superb instruction in techniques such as the proper cut, shape, and coloring, but is alsoa master at the permanent wave and takes us step by step through the processes necessary to achieve gorgeous results in that area.Throughout the book, the illustrations provided show us the originality of his designs and add to the overall impression of just how expert this man is in his profession.

To go alongwith the instructional and the creative, there is also a dose of the politics of business, as the author shares his knowledge and suggestions for dealing with the all
important "customer".The author's breezy, conversational style of writing makes this a very pleasant read and one that every serious hair designer should take to heart.

Seasoned professional talks hair
Like a painter with his canvas, many hair stylists view hair and the perfect cut as an art form.In How to Create the Perfect Cut, Shape, Color, and Perm for Any Hair Type, Cosmo Easterly explains how stylists can get the best results for themselves and their clients.After spending twenty-four years in the industry, specializing technique, and learning many key lessons, Easterly reveals his discoveries so that any stylist, be it novice or veteran, can gain new perspective.

The advice found within Easterly's book affirms his belief that hair matters; it's important.He recognizes that the client trusts the hairstylist, and that the stylist is ultimately changing the client's life--even if it is only for a few months.With a strong belief in personal responsibility, Easterly emphasizes the importance of creativity, reading hair, controlling your emotions, not working for tips, and to never, ever stop learning.

Easterly's book is a learning guide, complete with tools such as learning objectives, review questions, quizzes, a fantastic reference section complete with techniques and art forms, and of course, stunning photos.For the laymen, budding student, or stylist who's looking for fresh perspective, this book offers insight, positive reinforcement, and a new way to view hair.

The Enthusiastic and Artistic Hairdresser
This book is written by an expert in his field and a true believer. Cosmo wants his readers to be passionate and creative about their work, and he kick starts a more artistic approach to the daily routines of hairdressing.He understands that every client has a one time or another had a bad hair cut or a frizzy perm, and wants his readers to find ways to give clients a more satisfying experience. This involves not only knowing the client but knowing yourself.He frequently draws comparisons with the artistry of great painting.
He spends a lot of time considering the ways to approach clients, to find out what they really want even when they don't know themselves, and while the writing still emphasizes the inspirational, he gives really practical suggestions for dealing with clients both good and bad. The focus of the book is more about imagination than technique, but he makes some fascinating comments about balance points - the shape of eyes, nose and lips that an artist uses as a starting point for his work.He waxes lyrical about perms, which is an eye-opener to those of us who remember a nasty smell, a painful process, and a frizzy result. In this section of the book he discusses technicalities that only a hairdresser will love - but that is who he is writing the book for.
There are review questions and quizzes at the end of each chapter, and at the end of the book a comprehensive reference section, together with step by step illustrations of two styles, showing before and after.Those of us not in the profession will be amazed to read about different cutting techniques (25 of them) and perming techniques (11 of them).Cosmo has succeeded in writing a book that is entertaining and instructive to read whether you are a hairdresser or not, and this is a real achievement.

How to Create the Perfect Cut, Shape, Color and Perm for any Hair Type
Unlike most hair styling manuals on the market, this book will not only show you step-by-step techniques for cutting, coloring and perming hair, but will also inspire and guide you on the path to becoming truly extraordinary in your craft.Cosmo Easterly, author and professional hair stylist, will show you how to unlock your creativity and imagination to create the perfect style for each client by studying clues in their personality and style and finding the proper balance in their facial features, while making it easily manageable with their personal lifestyle.

This book includes comprehensive information and detailed techniques for perming and coloring hair to achieve the perfect design. He shows how to use color "as paint" to achieve certain illusions such as making the hair look longer and sleeker. There is even a section devoted to dealing with clients including how to remain positive and how to handle a difficult client.

The end of the book contains a reference section which includes numerous tips and tricks of the trade complete with step-by-step instructions for creating 4 different hair styles.This is a must read for any hairstylist - from the beginner to the professional!

Essential Guide for Hair Mastery
"How to Create the Perfect Cut, Shape, Color, and Perm for Any Hair Type:Secrets and Techniques from a Master Stylist" is true to its name as it does cover all levels of hair styling. Cutting, coloring, symmetry and general hair design theory is all touched upon in this easy to read guide.The main elements include learning objectives, key points, quizzes and review questions for every chapter.Additionally, this essential reference book offers solutions in transactions with customers, keeping customers and various way to self promote.How to deal with customers of all types, including the difficult ones are discussed in chapter four.Chapter four also includes a very useful questionnaire on how to get to know the client's hair type and the client's hair care habits.The section on permanent waving in chapter six is technical and informative yet extremely easy to understand.

This book is an important must-have for any student who is looking to enter the world of hair artistry or even a master stylist who may want a refresher.The author, Cosmo Easterly, is delightfully comprehensive in his quest for hair perfection with a concise and instructive manner without condescension. He also imparts his expertise to the stylist on how to discern what the client really wants and how to glean the knowledge from them for a successful appointment.

Creativity is a constant theme throughout the book, with lots of friendly advice on how to be a cutting edge hair stylist who works with the individuality of a client to achieve maximum results.



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Product Description
This definitive, magnificently illustrated work offers a comprehensive view of the textiles and techniques of pre-Columbian Peru. An introduction discusses yarns, dyes, looms, and raw materials; the first of the two-part text examines weaves, and the second considers such nonwoven materials as braiding, felt, and embroidery. Hundreds of illustrations depict authentic, well-preserved textiles, tapestries, and personal items. "An incentive, an inspiration, and a guide."--Scientific American. Approx. 465 b/w illus.
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Customer Reviews (4)

A serious study on pre-Columbian textiles and weaving
This was one of the first serious attempts at examining the weaving techniques used on what is still considered one of the more primitive looms in use today. Many other researchers, weavers and non-weavers alike, have used this book as a basis for their work, and built upon the research he did, so it is one of the bibles on South American indigenous weaving.
The text is somewhat dry because this is not a coffee table book; and the photographs of textiles are unfortunately in black and white, but there is more than enough information here for several more authoritative books on the subject, and is a must for the serious weaving or textile student. It is divided up into sections that attempt to give a classification of the types of textiles found, and the methods used to create them. Textile production, and the way the garments or artifacts were constructed and decorated, had great religious and social significance, and the methods used were/are anything but primitive, although most looms consist of a bundle of sticks.
There is nothing on basic weaving techniques as such; this is not an instruction book on how to do backstrap weaving, but is a must have for anyone interested in taking their weaving beyond the basics, and understanding what the loom is really capable of. Multi-shaft loom weavers will also find it interesting as many of the techniques described bear a striking resemblance to techniques practiced today around the world in other weaving cultures. It is helpful in re-interpreting these techniques for the modern loom.As someone who is studying backstrap weaving techniques, I would not be without this book as it is good to go back to see, study and understand the diagrams, photographs and descriptions of the textiles the author examined.
An excellent resource for those interested in Pre-Columbian textiles and weaving traditions.

Not what I expected
I thought that this book would focus on more on the symbolism of the textiles, butI was disapointed. The book was primarily dealing with the technical aspects of weaving a is a little outdated. The images were all in black and white so I could not get a good feel for the textiles.

Must-have for Andean textile classification
We used this book and a few others for comparisons with a collection of ancient peruvian textiles at a museum I worked for several years ago.It was very useful and we referred to it frequently.It included all of the techniques used in the museum collection (consisting of 100's of fragments), and had plenty of pictures for examples.Of course the techniques aren't limited to Ancient Peru, but would apply to just about any textiles--(however the pictures are ancient peruvian).I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about ancient or modern textile techniques--a valuable resource in any museum with this type of collection.

Will please any avid textile artist
This unabridged reproduction of a 1962 classic should be an essential edition to any textile collection: Textiles Of Ancient Peru And Their Techniques covers raw materials form Peru, weaves unique to the region, and techniques and materials used in nonwoven efforts. The result will please any avid textile artist. ... Read more

Product Description
The great American western shirt is no longer hiding in the back of grandpa’s closet—it is now a highly collectible piece of American fashion history, a treasured piece of Western Americana. Western Shirts: A Classic American Fashion is the resource on understanding the history behind these uniquely American pieces of art, and on what to look for in collecting them, because while fashion trends may come and go, quality design and construction are always recognizable. The book contains a complete list of 250 western shirt labels to help identify the manufacturer and date of your finds, and though many of the early brands are gone, this survey of makers and their designs covers the quality of design, workmanship and materials of the different brands on the market from the last 70 years. The good old shirts get bought by collectors and go out of circulation, which is why this book is so necessary—and so cool.

With chapters on: -The History of Western Shirts -Vintage Shirts as Collectables -Design Elements of Western Shirts -The Manufacturers (including Miller Western Wear, Rockmount Ranch Wear Mfg. Co., H Bar C, Levi Strauss & Co., Karman Inc., etc.) -Importance of Labels in Dating Vintage Shirts -Sources of Vintage Western Shirts

Steve Weil is the third generation to run his family’s firm, Rockmount Ranch Wear Mfg. Co. His love for vintage Western wear began in high school when he raided his grandfather’s closet for shirts from the 40's. Today he heads the company and is responsible for all design of the brand’s many lines. Steve lives in Denver with his wife and son. G. Daniel DeWeese was raised on a ranch near the Black Hills in South Dakota. Dan studied creative writing at the University of South Dakota before going to West Africa with the Peace Corps. Dan has worn Western shirts all his life. He lives with his wife in Minnesota. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A 'must' for any who either collect or love the Western shirt style
Western shirts have been around enough decades to become collectible: but what distinguishes brands, makes them collectible, or makes them special? Western Shirts: A Classic American Fashion follows both the history and collectible points of the Western shirt, offering a complete listing of Western shirt labels, covering everyday wear to costume wear, and adding plenty of photos, illustrations, and sidebars of information. A 'must' for any who either collect or love the Western shirt style.
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Product Description
This workbook gives the student an opportunity to put into practice many of the techniques
outlined in the textbook, Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers. Using the instruction
sheets, pattern pieces, and worksheets, students can sew sample garment details,
mount them on the worksheets, and store these samples in the binder. Instructions include
cross references to the text describing each sewing technique. For each chapter, patterns
are designed in a size to suit the particular sewing technique. Worksheets include space to
mount the samples and document results. The sewn samples become an ongoing resource
and the workbook part of the design student s fashion library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A good companion to the main book
I bought this to go with the main book with the same title. It is perfect to go with it and gives you some structure about how to go about making sample pieces to illustrate the points made in the other book.

Do NOT buy this without the other book.

I would have given this title 5 stars if the plastic sleeves it recommends using had been included. It's not too much of a problem not having them included they are readily available.

You Can Make a Better One Yourself
Simply disappointing. [...], really??!! What a rip off! First of all, it was shrink wrapped, and AFTER I opened it (when I can no longer return it since it's a workbook), I realize that it was defected...there was no bolt attaching the inner metal rings to the spine of the binder so one side was hanging, and I can't poke the hole myself b/c A) I'd need an electrical screwdriver and B) I'd need to find a bolt that matched the exact size hole.

Furthermore, I look inside and open the shrink-wrapped pages...only to find that it's basically the same sheet used over and over again, nothing simple or unique. I was hoping that at [...], it would at least have the scraps of the different fabric samples used in the book, so you can easily attach it to the workbook pages for reference and become familiar with the fabric you need to do the exercises.

Keep your money and by yourself a more lightweight and attractive binder and print your own sheet out on cardstock.

Misleading and Overpriced for a binder to hold your projects notes
I was so disappointed in this binder with worksheets to detail your sewing project.I already have a worksheet I used to write down details on my projects.I also have a 3 ring binder too.Overpriced for what you get. This workbook with 15 pages tasks from chapter 1 to 18 with 93% of book is the same 1 page sample worksheets or project sheets(I am sure you have your own project sheet).

Go create your own worksheet for your projects.What type of fabric?What is the project?What you like or dislike about the project?What adjustments you had to make? A place for photo of finish project. Sample of the fabric and techniques.Why did you chose the fabric or pattern or color?What type stitching or technique used.You get the picture of my personal worksheet, which is 1 page only.Then get a binder to hold your worksheets.Penn Foster School worksheet is several pages and this book worksheet has 1 page.

What is nice:The binder matches Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers textbook I purchased too.I am afraid to look inside of it right now.I will do so later.One disappointment is enough for now.
I chosen this as a anniversary gift. GEE!!, I could have kept my money($61).I would have been happier with the concept, if the price was much less for what is inside this workbook.

Please read ALL comments made on my review of this misleading and overpriced binder!

Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers Textbook rock!!! (see my review under the textbook).The workbook is a total different story and is not even worth $25.00 (given benefits due to the textbook is so very good).
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Product Description
Celebrating all that is elegant and classic about vintage clothing, this book shows how to embellish new garments to make them look as though they were crafted in a more glamorous era. Readers will learn they don't have to be experts to add embellishment techniques from the l920s, 30s, and 40s to their wardrobes. They'll discover the possibilities of adding threadwork, beading, trims, piping, and more to garments. These projects are elegant and sophisticated and especially appealing to those who like glamour but not glitz. Five categories of embellishment techniques, detailed instructions, and 70 color photographs are featured, offering design inspiration of all kinds -- from casual to evening wear. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Elegant Techniques for Grownup Sewers
I'm the first to admit that I can sometimes be a bit of a snob when it comes to knitting and sewing. In general I much prefer to work with natural fibers and I love discovering new, elegant, sophisticated techniques. Too many times I've picked up books on embellishment techniques and found them to be just fine for new sewers, young sewers, or just funky fun. But if I'm going to spend time on embellishments I want them to be lovely, unusual, distinctive, sophisticated. I'm not crazy about sewing all kinds of funky buttons on the front of a t-shirt or decorating with sparkly paint and appliques cut from quilting fabrics. Consequently I was very happy to discover Jane Conlon's Fine Embellishment Techniques. This is a book for sewers who want to create a work of beauty.

The book itself is lovely, a large art-book type book with beautiful photography and the projects used to illustrate the techniques described are just breath-taking. A vest shown in the book is worked on silk dupioni and uses several techniques. It is a garment any woman would enjoy having in her collection.

There are actually only five techniques described: beading, threadwork, trims, applique, bindings and piping. But each section is filled with detailed information on selecting materials, techniques and tips for using them, lots of photos and illustrations and plenty of inspiration.

I admit that I love fussing with a new garment and sometimes I view some of my creations -- especially kimono jackets -- as little works of art rather than something to just wear. So a book like this is exactly the sort of thing that can keep me happy for hours. Projects include a flower appliqueconstructed of beads, metallic thread and free-motion machine embroidery. I love the subtle simplicity of some of the techniques like those shown on a collar and placket that combines simple running stitches and tiny beads to add a delicate but beautiful finish to a simple blouse.

So, if you are looking for a fun, quick embellishment that can be completed in an afternoon, this might not be the book for you, but for sewers who want to spend time creating something stunning and sophisticated, this book has much to offer

exellent
This book are exellent in it's way to show how to do Fine Embellishment Techniques.:-) I am very pleased with it.
Fine Embellishment Techniques

Fine Embellishment Techniques
This is a lovely book for those who are interested in fabric imbellishment.I was looking for something a bit more contemporary and elaborate, but this book has enough to keep me busy for a while.

Underwhelmed
This book was pretty ordinary, if you've been embellishing cloth/clothing for any length of time.I bought it hoping for inspiration, but there was no inspiration to be had. Not only that, of the things that were included, I would never use. Today's clothing? Hardly.The techniques/effects were more suitable to vintage sewing than modern.If you must, buy this used, and then pass it along to others.In fact, I'll sell you my copy.

Very WILSON PHILLIPS
If anyone wanted to research early 1990's fashion for a Beverly Hills 90210/Wilson Phillips/Shanice/Alannah Myles/Milli Vanilli biographical movie, take a look at the photographs in this book. The pictures are awfully dated but the techniques are less dated. Why do designers get caught up in such non classic fabrics and colors (sandwashed silk and purple with red)? Still a useful book too if you want to set up a hippie craft stall at your local bazaar. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This biography and illustrated guide highlights the work of master designer Koos van den Akker and provides inspiration for bold, unique sewing creations. Chronicling the designer's 30 years in haute couture, this book follows van den Akker from his start in the Paris workrooms of Christian Dior to his rise in the fashion world and the establishment of his own Madison Avenue boutique. Included are demonstrations for duplicating several of his construction and design techniques that offer illustrated sewing instructions and intricate details for home sewers to imitate. The designs, with their richness of texture, generosity of color, and dynamic mix of fabrics, share the full scope of van den Akker's masterful creations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Design with an attitude.
I am thrilled to have this in my craft library. Not only will the story of Koos inspire you to take more risks, but the ideas presented will inspire you to be more creative. Since Koos started his designs with an eye for the different he set out to change the way we perceive fashion. The book has been an inspiration to me not only for his design sense, but also for the explanations of how he designed his line.

Truly a magnificant book.

a good book for design inspiration and learning new techniques
This book is useful for people who want to know how Koos gets his effects with fabric.The author and designer are quite generous about sharing techniques that home sewers can use to design their own garments.I feel the book is inspiring and satisfying in that sense.I would also like to see a larger coffeetable-type book showing a large number of Koos's designs over the years, all professionally photographed in full color (is anyone listening out there?).But that is not the intent of this book.

Revolutionary Fabric Techniques
I'm afraid I was ignorant on who Koos was, but intrigued by the unusual fabric projects in the book.Now I know more about his one-of-a-kind womenswear, but the main intent here is to teach the home sewer collage quilting techniques with Koos as inspiration.
The book gives tips on collage design, tells about facing fabric using the yardage method and block method, and shows how to make bias tape and fabric lace.Other techniques shown include slicing, using yarn trim, origami patches, applique, and image transfer.Photos of unique garments show the many uses for the techniques.
Many of these will appeal to quilters making quilted clothing or even to use in unique quilts.

Where is Koos?
I wish that there had been more photos of Koos work! The author gives very good instruction for doing applique, making bindings etc.However, in all, the book is disappointing if one is looking for inspiration and examples of the magical fabric combinations that made Koos's tradmark. Far too few examples of Koos's couture collage.I would not have bought the book if I'd read the reviews.Too bad!

Disappointing ...
A slim colourful book of some 111 pages. Deceptive in the use of Koos' name and photographs of his work, there are only about 50 pages of techniques that could equally be found in a good fabric collage or a quilting book. ... Read more

Product Description
Knitting in the Old Way is a clear and comprehensive guide to traditional and ethnic knitting skills. It begins by presenting fifteen timeless sweater shapes and then teaches color and texture techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

good book but ignores variation in hems and cuffs
I enjoyed the first book and this newer updated version very much.The new book is the only knitting reference I've found whichdiscusses my Czech grandmother's rather unusual knitting technique (typically people think I learned from a book, but the authors talk about the "eastern combined" method, although all the instructions are given for knitting the modern, more-or-less standard way).One bone I have to pick with the authors is that every single sweater they knit has a rib-knit bottom hem, knitted smaller than the sweater body above.I find this creates a sweater with a very 1980s-1990s silhouette, tight at the hip and blousy at the waist, which tends to look good only on slim-hipped men (not curvy females).With all the vast array of patterns available free on the internet, you would think they could have looked around a bit and realized that tight ribbed hems are pretty much out of fashion for ladies' sweaters (though perhaps now just coming back, along with blouson tops).Many of the directions for different styles of shoulders are also commonly available on the web for free, so this book in the end offers little which is not available elsewhere. If you really want to (and can)knit without a pattern, you don't need this book (unless it is your first try).

Brilliant, thorough reference and design manual
This book strikes the perfect balance between historical content and practical instructions.The early portion of the book contains basic techniques and there is much here that may be new to even the most experienced knitter.
This is followed by a series of basic sweater styles with instructions for sizing them using the percentage system, similar to Elizabeth Zimmerman (who is cited on one page).
Then we have an exhaustive catalog folk garment designs from countries around the world, with a brief historical discussion of each. Included in this section is a description of traditional and more modern construction techniques, as appropriate.Stitch patterns for a number of designs are also included.
This book is invaluable for every creative knitter from hobbyists to professional designers.
PS
Don't purchase this book expecting traditional line by line patterns because there are none.

The BIBLE of sweater knitting!
I wasn't sure that I wanted this book at first: there are so many NEW patterns out there; why would I want to knit something OLD?As it turns out, this book is EXACTLY what I needed.Because I thought I didn't have inside me what it took to knit a sweater, this book freed me to do just that.(I have had this book not quite one month as I write, and am now completing my THIRD sweater!The second one was for someone else, requiring a different size, with cables.)I discovered that it was >sweater pattern instructions< that left me feeling confused and feeling unable to knit a sweater.I just plain wanted to KNIT one by reading my needles, and now I can!

I thought the lack of photographs would disable me, but now see that Priscilla's very clear drawings are more than enough, very descriptive.Her text really guides the reader.All you have to know is basic knitting skills, plus take the time to knit the all important gauge swatch before you charge in so the finished product will fit.A calculator is helpful, too, to perform some simple math to create custom-fitting sweaters for any size body, because all the hard numbers of stitches come from percentages based on the chest measurement.(Priscilla explains very clearly how to come up with stitches per round, etc.; fear not!)The book also explains some extra techniques that I have found helpful in my new sweater journey.As an aside, I'll also mention that owning a modular set of circular needles, particularly a set whose cables can be connected into longer ones, has been really useful.

While I find really fine hand-holding in working techniques new to my needles, the only hang-up I ran into was the discussion on ribbing armhole bands for vests.A little more guidance here would be helpful, but just know for now that you have permission to do whatever fits best on that part of the garment.My vest armholes required varying rates of pick up and knit, which worked out great.

I am eager to finish sweater #3 because I am already dreaming of sweater #4 and 5 and 6, which I would like to get started on.#4 may be a Cowichan sweater, or a Norwegian sweater involving the "ladder steeks" I want to try (somehow Priscilla has removed from me all fear of cutting my knitting to steek), or something else.A LOT of ethnic sweaters are represented and explained in this book, many with design charts for color-stranding, intarsia and the like.

There are three happy things I will say in closing about all the useful information this book offers:

1) I borrowed some other books that explain >kind of< the same concepts, but because this book explains How and Why so clearly, in straightforward writing, I quickly gave the other books back to their rightful owner!Everything I need is right here.

2) My yarn stash is now starting to move!The seven skeins of yarn I bought 17 years ago(!), and couldn't find a sweater pattern >I liked< because the suggested gauge was 3 sts/in., became a pullover, V-neck sweater in five days--with no pattern and no sewing!Once I knew that I could knit what I wanted in the gauge the yarn required, knitting that sweater was a snap.I am thrilled to know now what to do with my remaining ample amounts of yarn!

3) I >LOVE< knitting sweaters!It is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.Instead of negotiating pages of abbreviated words in a pattern, >I< have a part in the design process from the very beginning.I like that, because I get to conceptualize what will happen when.And because I look forward to the next step (those construction details are really attractive to me), the knitting goes faster, and I am fully engaged and fascinated in the process.(My third sweater puts the knitting diagonally.You won't find diagonal knitting in the book, but the information there provides the knowledge to free me to explore this avenue with confidence.)

Aside from being a knitter, I teach knitting, and am eager to get more knitters excited about these very simple concepts.Sweater knitting is NOT hard!

All in all, this is a worthwhile reference that sweater knitters will be sure to peruse again and again.

The bible for sweaters.
There's an amazing amount of info in here. If you plan on knitting sweaters at all, designing or modifying your own, you need this book. I can't think of any of the basics it doesn't cover, from simple box patterns to full yoke, even graphs for patterns. The best part is the % and inch explanations. Most patterns I've encountered start with casting on x amount of stiches for y rows, etc, but they don't tell you exactly how big it's supposed to be. The # of stitches changes with every knitter, but inches stay the same, and it also makes it a breeze for figuring out your own gauges and weights.

Looking to knit a sweater soon...
I'm an intermediate knitter looking to expand my knitting vocabulary and skills. I recently knit some socks and I was looking for a book to explain making sweaters. This book is it. I have read it over to help me understand the basics on how to construct such a garment and I am so impressed by how this book accomplished just that for me. If you're into this sort of thing, this is the book for you! ... Read more

Product Description
Purse Seining Manual is the most authoritative and comprehensive source of information on the use and development of purse seining and associated encircling nets, ringnets, lamparas and beach seines. The manual is international in its coverage of the use of these methods for catching shoaling pelagic fish - methods which account for over 30% of the world fish catch. Purse seining is potentially one of the most profitable catching methods but demands high investment and considerable rechnical know-how to achieve maximum efficiency. This manual offers the fisherman, net manufacturer, gear technologist, fisheries scientist, shipbuilder and gear manufacturer a wealth of information unavailable elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description
Using the simple technique of duplicate stitch, this collection of 60 designs can be added to existing sweaters. Motifs include flowers, geometrics and words. Instructions and a skill rating are provided for each, and projects are included for beginners and experienced needlecrafters. ... Read more

Product Description
Attendance at the Bead & Button Show, the largest consumer bead show in the world, has grown by more than 400 percent in six years.

Book contains various projects for a range of skill levels.

Brooches, Buttons & Bracelets teaches you how to use a few basic beadwork techniques to create a beautiful beaded brooch, a button to adorn a favorite jacket, or a stunning bracelet with an attitude all its own. Whether you prefer using existing buttons, or designing your own, this beautiful bead book will help you expand your basic skills, through 200+ step-by-step photos and illustrations of techniques including peyote stitch, brick stitch, ladder stitch and fringe, featured in 20 projects. In addition you'll discover instructions for two types of cabochon beadwork and bead encasing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Learning More
Having done some beading on leather, I am delighted with this book.It has very clear directions, illustrations, & the pictures are great!I began beading on leather after buying, "Beading With Cabochons" by Jamie Cloud Eakin.This book, "bracelets, buttons & brooches" by Jane Davis gives me more options & more ideas for my jewelry.I think it would even be a good book to start with, but maybe I shied away from it because I wasn't thinking buttons or brooches.That was my mistake, and I'm very glad I bought it.

get it NOW!
This is a MUST HAVE book!!! It's sooo inspiring!Easy to follow instructions and beautiful pictures!

The three B's
The book was in great condition. All of the girls in my beading group loved it as did I. Thank you very much.

Fun, fun, fun
Projects galore. Close up of each piece makes working these projects so much easier.
This book will be one of my "most used reference" for future projects.
I recommend this as a "have to have" in any collection.

Excellent!
Those of us who do beadwork often manage to collect odds and ends that we think might work in a piece.I have vintage cabochons, buttons and a lot of found objects which could be incorporated in designs, but I'm not always prepared to drill holes in them or glue them to a finding.Sometimes they cry out for just the right frame, just the right embellishment.And "Bracelets, Buttons & Brooches" is just the right guide to giving your precious little bits and pieces just the right setting.

It's a thorough book with detailed instructions, not just for the projects, but for basic techniques.There are written instructions, clear diagrams and even detailed photos which show you exactly how things should look, how the stitches are done, etc.I must stress, however, that this is not a book for beginners.If you don't already have some experience with beading, particularly working with seed beads, this book may well prove frustrating to you because the projects are fairly sophisticated.

They're also quite beautiful and, seemingly, easily customized.Davis has a good eye for design and a subtle but not unexciting color sense.If you're at all interested in adding seed beads to your jewelry projects or non-jewelry items to your seed-beading projects, this is a great book to consult. ... Read more

Product Description
Jewelry making is one of the most popular craft trends, and its audience continues to grow. Few jewelry books on the market emphasize the importance of the design relationship between beads, wire, and jewelry findings-the "nuts and bolts" of any piece. This book will show not only how to design and build your own spectacular jewelry out of beads and wire but how to design and create your own findings as well.

Most jewelry making books are geared for the beginner and provide little information for intermediate to advanced jewelry makers. Making Designer Bead and Wire Jewelry contains illustrated how-to techniques, full-color project photos, project instructions, and numerous tips that enhance the styles and skills presented. Intermediate and advanced jewelry makers will learn new techniques for creating signature elements for their designs, while beginners will get a handle on honing their skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great Book for Learning Handmade Findings
I purchased this book well over a year ago, and am still pleased that I did so.It helped me on my way to make my own jewelry findings using various types of wire.Other books are now available with similar information, but I do appreciate the knowledge I garnered from this purchase.The black and white "pencil" drawings of the process on making the findings were clear and helpful.Jeweler's Tips - scattered throughout the book, particularly in the design section - have also been helpful.I would classify this book as a beginner's guide to wire work jewelry...one to get if you are not really sure that you want to really delve into wire as a focus in your designs.One half of the book is focused on tools, techniques, and basic wire findings.The other half is loaded with projects, but using only a minimal amount of the wire work knowledge that you might have gained in the first half.Yet the Variation Ideas, in nearly every design project, were often the focus of my first jewelry designing.Other recommendations are also good for beginners to set out for further work in jewelry design (e.g. Design Advice - keep a sketchbook with ideas for future work/ideas, consider using wire elements in different ways for each project for different looks, become innovative and play around with the wire and beads in order to possibly come up with a design worthwhile, etc.).However, I feel that so much more could have been included in this book, particularly with all the empty spaces scattered throughout the book - e.g. more images of other variations, more info, more designs, step-by-step images to go with directions and more.The Gallery and Resource sections of the book were good to great.The photographs of each design were spectacular and often set up on various stones/backgrounds for wonderful effect and the clarity/close-ups allow for the beginner to see the wire work involved in great detail.So even though I gave it 4 stars in regards to a beginner book, overall it would actually fall into a 3.5 star category for me based on other wire design books available.I would recommend getting several beginner books first and then go to the intermediate/advanced wire jewelry books if this is your focus in jewelry design.

An inspirational book
This was more than worth what I paid for it.I have only been wireworking for a few years even though I've been beading 15 years and selling my jewelry in a gallery for 3 years. I've been making my own ear wires but was inspired by the ear wire ideas in this book.The directions are concise and easy to follow.I'm teaching a beading class and we're using it for project ideas already.I love the way the author expands on her designs with ideas for using the concept to create other jewelry designs.I just wish the book was hardcover or spiral bound because it will be sure to be used constantly.

A good guide
I bought this book as a gift for my mother. She has found it useful, easy to understand. It is full of photographs and illustrations of all the procedures and so it is very "user friendly".

Dressed-up beginner's book ...'Bead on a Wire' recommended instead.
I was disappointed with this book because it had the same info with less design ideas, as 'Bead on a Wire' by Sharilyn Miller. To be fair, if I had bought this book first, instead of vice-a-versa, I might not have felt as let down as I was; but, I don't think so...
All the wire designs seem to be based on one theme--the two, three or four 'Loop Eye' headpin, and how to string beads.
The book should have BEGINNER'S somewhere on the front cover. If you have already have a book listing the basic tools & techniques, you don't need this one.

Fil from LYF Designs
This is an excellent book for beginners with beautiful but simple designs to inspire ... Read more

Product Description
With a new theme and format for each issue, "Visionaire"stretches the imagination and boundaries of what an art and fashionpublication can be. For "Visionaire #35: Man," "Visionaire" joinsforces with world-renowned fashion photographer MarioTestino. Testino-who has been responsible for numerous advertisingcampaigns including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein-will focushis camera on men and cull talent from around the world to contributeto an issue of "Visionaire" devoted exclusively to the masculineworld. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Another "make-a-buck" issue...
I too was disappointed in this issue of Visionaire like many others. It seems Visionaire has had an "up and down" quality issue as of late. Some issues are as elaborate as can be, others are like this issue, a cheaply bound paperback magazine in a cheap plastic sleeve.

Given, the technical printing quality of the pictures and the pages with typography are very well done, but somehow there seems to be something lacking. I think this issue is somewhat better than #29 the "woman" issue, but not by much. Similar thing here, lots of pics of sexy guys, with some old guys thrown in and an obligatory section on the penis. The "pop-up" diagram of the male anatomy was pretty cool though, one of the redeaming features of this issue. The old ads for men's products were a nice touch, wish there was more of that kind of content.

I would think Mario Testino would have a bigger vision of this subject I'm sure he must be very interested in, but this doesn't have the breadth and scope of the "Chic" issue.

This isn't the worst issue to date, but it's not a must have either.

Classy-But Not What I Expected!
I was really excited about getting this new book by Mario Testino, one of my favorite photographers, but was truly disappointed when it arrived.Yes, it's a very classy publication, and comes in a unique & different pink slipcover,but not being familiar with Visionaire's previous publications, I expected a paperback book of high quality, however, what I got was a magazine.Yes, it is numbered in a limited edition of 6000 but it's not even signed by the photographer.

Mario Testino is one of my favorite photographers who has previous published many wonderful books.Mario's advertising campaigns are world-renowned.There are a lot of great images in this magazine, but I would have been so much more satisfied if Mario had published a hardcover book of his "Man" images instead, and included an extensive selection of his work.If you're a fan of Mario Testino's photography, have collected Visionaire issues before, and have a high-income budget, then you should add this to your collection.I know I'd rather stick to "Mondo Uomo" or "L'uomo Hommes Vogue" myself!

Visionaire has lost its magic
I have been a fan of Visionaire since issue 23 directed by Karl Lagerfeld and at that time the issues were fabulous and worth the price. Well that time has gone and now it is really not worth it anymore. This issue comes in a plastic sleeve and is a simple paper book. There's really nothing special about this item. When i heard that Mario Testino was the force behind this issue i thought it would be like his first issue, no. 22 chic. Well it is quite the opposite! Don't buy this item at bookstores but try to get it for less at auction sites. ... Read more

Product Description
The fun and easy way to learn the art of fashion drawing

If you're an aspiring fashion designer, you know it's essential to be able to draw, prepare, and present a fashion drawing. Whether you have little or no prior drawing experience, Fashion Drawing For Dummies gives you easy-to-follow, non-intimidating instructions for mastering the drawing skills you need to design like a pro.

This fun guide gives you dozens of step-by-step diagrams that walk you through the process of preparing creative illustrations that you can later develop into dynamic presentations for your design portfolio. Plus, you'll not only learn how to draw clothes and fabric, but also how to show details that make up the total look: faces and hairstyles, fashion accents, and a wide variety of textures.

• Learn the rules and techniques of fashion drawing
• Draw the human figure in different poses from multiple angles
• Discover how to complement your drawings with accessories, clothing, and style

If you're a fledgling designer looking for expert guidance on learning the ins and outs of fashion drawing, this friendly guide has you covered! ... Read more