Reviews by BarbaraLyn

BarbaraLyn says "Applique and piecing create these quilts" about SIMPLE COMFORTS

BarbaraLyn — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:39:32 GMT

A dozen quilts, all lap sized, to create. Of course, as Ms Diehl points out, a few borders or extra blocks and they can become a bed quilt as well. So don't let the title stop you from buying.

One of the very first things I noticed was her tips, called PIN POINT, which is set off in a colored box and scattered throughout the book. Be sure to read each one for helpful suggestions. A 16 page basic quilting tips provide answers to such questions as how to do appliqué and apply bindings.

Each project has a color photo along with the materials needed and cutting lists. Finished size of the quilt as well as the individual blocks is given. Piecing, appliqué and finishing steps include graphics to show more detail of the written words. Any templates needed are included at full size. This is great as you don't have to run out to the copy shop before you can start a quilt.

From small to larger blocks, these quilts have a range of fabric sizes so you can use up your stash or have...

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BarbaraLyn says "Detective working to stop bio-warfare" about BLOOD REVENGE

BarbaraLyn — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:02:20 GMT

This book held my attention until the very last word. I hated to put it down and found myself reading far into the night.

BLOOD REVENGE is a timely story about biological warfare. Beginning when the key players were young children and running through their early adulthood, it shows how events that happened years ago effect our actions of today. It takes the CDC, the Army, the Coast Guard, NIA and Naval Intelligence to bring down the pair of deadly assassins.

From the first breakout, Brian Walker, John Pierce and Kate Jensen work feverously to stop the bio-attack before it can be deployed. John falls for a programmer he saved from an attacker but before the relationship can go very far, she becomes infected with the virus. At this point, there is no way to stop the deadly ending and she becomes a casualty of the bio-game. This only makes John all the more dedicated to stopping it.

Brian and Kate also have a relationship and now that they are working on the same team and project,...

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BarbaraLyn says "Intricate and Detailed" about EASY PIECES

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:07:39 GMT

In looking at the cover of this DVD, I thought this would be a rather easy block to create. Once into the video, I discovered that there were so many things to have to do to create the two blocks that I most likely would never do it.

Yes, there are only two blocks and two shapes to create the blocks so you would think that it would be an easy one to make. After listening and finding out that you had to pick 12 groups of colors and then sort that into groups and resort yet again. I think I will take the idea and create my own block rather than trying to follow all the sort/group details the author does. No, my quilt won't look like hers but the idea will be there

Also, the directions for cutting the wedge pieces were detailed and a swatch sheet was needed to keep track of what went where. And when sewing, there was yet another regrouping to be done so that each block didn't come up the same color. By this time, I was exhausted.

If you like lots of intricate detail and enjoy picking...

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BarbaraLyn says "One quilt, seve blocks, lots of possibilities" about FLOWER POTS

BarbaraLyn — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:55:27 GMT

One quilt from seven blocks and flowers that never die is what you will get in FLOWER POTS. Using these blocks, you can create the quilt that Ms. Lammon intended. Or you can be even more creative and make a combination of your own with one, two or three (or more!) of the blocks.

Six pages of basic instructions begin FLOWER POTS. Things like pressing, folded triangles and ways to do appliqué are found here. The pattern begins with a materials list that will create the whole quilt. Each block pattern gives the cutting list for that block along with a finished photo of the block.

Instructions on how to put the block together follow with large, easy to follow graphics. The assembly of the quilt has its own cutting list and how to assemble each row. The final pages provide all the templates needed to create your flower blocks and even better, they are full sized so no need to enlarge them. The final page is a short bio of Ms. Lammon.

This small book gives you lots of possibilities...

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BarbaraLyn says "Space, Aliens, First Contact" about ACID BATH (CD)

BarbaraLyn — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:28:38 GMT

This is a short story of a futuristic time. There is a battle between humans and a "Steel Blue" species. The Lone Watcher is working at his post when the Steel Blues land. How to stop them from this invasion until help can arrive is the big question.

With all the techniques for creating sounds and voice, it would have been nice to be able to better understand the first voice of the Steel Blue. The musical background and effect sounds are not bad but the volume could be turned down a bit. I would also have enjoyed this better if the plot had been more developed.

The reader is definitely British and for the American listening it can be a bit of a challenge. Just as with any language difference, the pronunciation of words made me stop and think what was being said rather than just being able to enjoying the story.

For the fact that the story was written with the knowledge of 1952 space, it isn't bad but it would be a great book if it were just updated with today's knowledge and...

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BarbaraLyn says "Many tips on punchneedle" about PUNCHNEEDLE ON A GRAND SCALE

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:35:56 GMT

The book begins with several wonderful tips on the basics of punchneedle work. It shows pictures of the different types of punchneedle and talks about the various types of cloth. Scissors, frames or hoops, beads and how to transfer the patterns are also included in this section.

Extra tips are given in light green boxes throughout the book. Don't forget, you are not limited to a small design to hang on a wall or put on a pillow. These can also be used on table runners or toppers.

The ten projects are shown in somber colors but that doesn't mean you have to use the same colors the book suggests. If your room is bright and light, make the Daisy, Daisy round Pillow in colors to match your room. The materials list tells you what you will need to create the pillow itself. The color chart is separate and lists three different thread manufacturers.

All the templates are included and are at full size. Some may need to be joined to another half. If you have never done punchneedle,...

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BarbaraLyn says "20 more twice quilted designs" about MORE TWICE QUILTED DESIGNS

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:49:30 GMT

The second issue of TWICE QUILTED DESIGNS brings the quilter 20 patterns. Pick leaves, birds or hearts to name only a few of the patterns. The booklet that comes with the paper patterns explains what items you will need such as quilting paper and the correct needle and thread weight. It also tells you how to modify the patterns so you can create your own designs.

There are tips for creating smoother stitching along with some for free-motion quilting and lots of graphics for us visual minded quilters. As a creative type, I can see how you could also use the "twice" patterns separately if you wished to have a quilt with less quilting.

Each pattern comes on a 23" by 20" paper. So make your test quilt sandwich and play with the colors and tension before beginning on the finished quilt. These patterns will add zest to any quilt you decide to use them on.

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BarbaraLyn says "Just about every item you can quilt" about GRACIOUS QUILTS FOR GRACIOUS LIVING

BarbaraLyn — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:51:32 GMT

I love the projects in this book. Quilts, table cloths, chair covers, pillows, shower curtains and table runners to name a few. The first section of these projects was all done using the same fabric colorway. By the time I was through reading about all of these projects, I was definitely ready for another color!

In reading the section on how to create half square triangles and corner squares (like you were making a snowball block), I was interested in purchasing the Berri-Angle paper they showed. Unfortunately, I didn't find a resource section. It took me several times looking through the book to figure out that Willow Berry Lane might be the name of a web site, not just a fabric line. A resource page would have been nice.

The project instructions have the normal photo, name of the item, paragraph about it and the fabric and cutting instruction list. BUT the very nice thing was that the cutting list was done in different colors for each different fabric making it easier to...

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BarbaraLyn says "The Arthur Legend for 8 - 11 year olds" about THE TAKER AND THE KEEPER

BarbaraLyn — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:17:30 GMT

I have always loved the "Arthur Legend" which is the story THE TAKER AND THE KEEPER is based on.

With a red monocle and his friend Yolanda, Gregory stumbles upon a "hole" to the past. There they find Merlin without memory or magic. Yolanda had just been reading about the Arthur Legend before they went through the hole. She realizes how out of character of the story the people and their village are.

There is no sword in the stone for Arthur to draw out. Without his memory, Merlin can't perform his great magic and Morgan le Fay is taking over. By learning to overcome fears and doing the right thing, Gregory and Yolanda, along with help from Merlin and Arthur, set the story right again.

This is a very good book to present the Arthur Legend to a young child and teach them how and why they should do the right thing.

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BarbaraLyn says "Great for scrap quilts or block trades" about SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR BLOCK-SWAP QUILTS

BarbaraLyn — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:01:24 GMT

What do you know about scrap quilts? This book explains about value and visual texture which are important in creating a beautiful scrap quilt. It also lays out the steps for having a block trade and using a design wall. If you don't have room for dedicated design wall, just take a piece flannel or fleece and hang it over a door. Instant design wall!

Some of the special sections in this book are eight pages on quilting techniques, five pages of designing with blocks, five pages on trading blocks and 15 quilt projects. Full page color photo of the finished projects also includes the name of the quilt, who made the quilt, the finished quilt and block size and the number of blocks. A couple of paragraphs about the quilts begin the instructions. A materials and cutting list are next; followed by assembling the quilt. Detailed color graphics emphasize the written steps.

Hints can be found in bordered boxes and an alternate layout is also given. Suggestions for finishing the...

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BarbaraLyn says "18 colorful projects" about QUILTS FROM THE HEART II

BarbaraLyn — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:05:55 GMT

18 brightly colored quilts to make by piecing and appliqué and embellish with embroidery is what you will find in QUILTS FROM THE HEART II.

A Baker's Dozen of pages begins the book with the basic quilting information. But it goes one step farther by including wonderful tips like how to determine yardage for Fussy Cutting a fabric in bright red dashed boxes. There is also a photo of a cute label to use to make your quilt one of a kind.

Each project has a full page color photo of the finished quilt. A paragraph about the quilt begins the actual instructions along with the finished block and quilt size. Then comes the materials and cutting list; followed by the assembly instructions. Plenty of graphics are shown so you can make sure the written steps are interpreted correctly.

Specific quilting patterns are not given for finishing the quilt. There are templates provided when needed but some need to be enlarged to use. The pieces to make the quilts are on the small side but you...

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BarbaraLyn says "Everything you wanted to know about woodworking and 40 projects" about THE COMPLETE BOOK OF WOODWORKING

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:37:57 GMT

480 pages later, I now know everything there is to know about woodworking. Well, not quite but this book gives a very detailed insight into the right way to do woodworking.

From setting up a shop to actually making an object and everything in between, this book guides you through all the steps to getting it right beginning with the all important SAFETY issues in the shop and moving on to types of woods. It continues with squaring up and cutting the wood (stock) and then goes into types of joints. It explains how and when a router can be used and how to create a few jigs.

Ever wonder how the handmade furniture gets that really GREAT glossy finish? There is a chapter on that. Need a cutting board for a gift, a book case, a birdhouse or a utility cabinet for your shop? These are only a four of the 40 projects provided. Simple to complex, choose which project you want to start with (after thoroughly reading the book, of course!) and have fun with wood.

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BarbaraLyn says "Teaching small children to be "green"" about COLONEL TRASH TRUCK

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:14:24 GMT

This book is one that is perfect for teaching small children about the importance of recycling and keeping our environment clean.

What small child doesn't enjoy watching the trash truck coming along the street? I know my grandchildren do and that plus this book is a great means of getting them to learn and understand how important being "green" is.

The written words rhyme to a point. They are written in a six line set with sentence one and two rhyming and three and six rhyming and then four and five rhyming. As I read it out loud, it didn't flow as well as I had hoped but the message still is there.

With the graphics and the meaning of the words, this book will help teach the young children in your life to be green and help to save the environment.

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BarbaraLyn says "Learn by listening and reading" about STRIP & SLASH (DVD)

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:32:39 GMT

This DVD is a double treat. Not only can you watch and learn but you can READ and learn. The DVD comes with a printable PDF file of the pattern. What better way to learn this Strip and Slash technique than to listen while having the printed version in from of you so you can make your own notes.

Ms. Robinson is a "get to it" type of teacher with no nonsense and getting right into teaching the technique instead of all the overviews of what the DVD will present. After all, the listener can read the menu and see what the DVD will show so who needs the teacher to go over all that?

She also shows the techniques in the direction of the viewer. What a wonderful way to view the patches being put together. You actually see it just like you were sewing it. And, the third thing I like about her teaching is that she uses the rulers she has on hand. Yes, you can purchase the specialty rules made just for this but if you don't have them, she shows how to use what you have.

Ms. Robinson...

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BarbaraLyn says "Best knit book I have seen in years" about Knitbook: The basic and beyond

BarbaraLyn — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:10:51 GMT

This is one GOTTA HAVE book all about knitting. It is ring bound so no broken binding when trying to keep a page open. It has removable projects cards that are printed on stiffer paper than the rest of the book. It even has a DVD for those who want to learn by visual means rather than reading. The sections are divided into: Learning Essentials, Learning DVD, Projects, Photos, charts and illustrations, Stitches, Notes pages and plastic zipper bags. WOW! If you can’t find it in this book, you won’t find it on the subject of knitting. There are different ways to cast and two are shown. Knitting abbreviations are listed in two different places, one of which is printed on the heavier paper. Types of yarn and needles are discussed. 24 different stitch patterns are listed so you can make an afghan with any of these or try using them on other projects. All in all, this is the best book on learning to knit I have seen in a few years. Even if you are an experienced knitter, the projects included...

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BarbaraLyn says "Calendar, photos and quilt patterns all in one" about Quilt Calendar 2010 plus patterns

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:47:47 GMT

Here is a calendar for those of us with busy schedules. There are large squares to keep track of daily life plus when you do have time, you also have twelve quilt patterns to make. Two for one!

A new quilt is shown every month for a year. A large photo of the quilt adorns the top half of each month's page with a tear-out section at the back that gives complete instructions for each quilt. It has the quilt size, materials, needed, and cutting and sewing directions. There are plenty of graphics to guide you along and a how-to section on assembling and finishing the quilt. If templates are needed, they are provided as well.

The last two pages of the calendar contain the basic instructions for appliqué, cutting, machine piecing, adding borders and finishing. This will make a wonderful Christmas present for the quilter in you life.

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BarbaraLyn says "Calendar and International Quilt Association Quilt Photos" about 2010 Calendar - Award-Winning Quilts

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:09:11 GMT

Grab this calendar and you will have space to write everyone's reminders with squares that measure 1 ¾ by 1 ½ inches. Plus, each month it has a photo of a quilt that was featured in the International Quilt Association.

At the beginning of the calendar, there is a two to three paragraph blurb about each quilt which includes the size, name of the quilt maker and which award it won.

Keeping track of your daily routine and giving your walls a splash of color has never been easier.

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BarbaraLyn says "Love that Sunbonnet Sue and Scottie" about SUNBONNET SUE AND SCOTTIE AT PLAY

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:45:25 GMT

Three of my favorite things in one book --- Sunbonnet Sue, appliqué and embroidery. Appliqué or embroidery is something that I can do in front of the TV at night or take with me when I travel. They makes wonderful blocks that I can sew into a quilt when I am able to get back to my sewing room.

Sunbonnet is playing with Scottie and they even "allow" a cat to be in some of the blocks. There are 40 different blocks to choose from dancing to running to playing with kittens or paper dolls. The first pages show you how to use the thread, make a knot and stitch types and continues with making appliqué pieces. This is followed by ways to assemble the blocks into a quilt and finishing techniques.

The first pattern is done in Redwork and shows a color photo of the finished quilt along with size and finished block size. A material and cutting list comes after a blurb about the quilt. Making the blocks, assembling the quilt and completing it wind up the pattern instructions.

The second...

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BarbaraLyn says "Too tiny and colors to drab for me" about SMALL BLOCKS, STUNNING QUILTS

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:10:45 GMT

WOW! If you don't need glasses before you make these quilts, you may afterwards! Or if you weren't able to count over 1,000, you will be able to do so when done! When the title said small blocks, I was thinking maybe 3" but no! We are talking 1 inch to as "large" as 2 inches. I'm not sure I have the patience to work with blocks this small.

The colors the authors used make me think of pioneer days, drab and dull. This is not to say you couldn't choose brighter colors to make your quilts, it's just that they didn't and the quilt photos are drab and dull.

The first 18 pages contain an overview on the small quilt which is a bit much in my humble opinion, with an additional three pages on five very short lessons on how-to create the blocks.

The patterns contain a color photo (dull as it is) with a materials and cutting list. Making the blocks and assembling the quilt directions come next. They contain graphics to help you along. There are tips in boxes throughout the book while...

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BarbaraLyn says "Beads, craft projects and GREAT reading fun" about DOLLY MAMA BEADS

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:33:48 GMT

This beading book contains wonderful graphics of Dolly Mama and cute sayings. But, of course, this is a beading book too. Rings, bracelets, tiara's, wands eye glass lanyards, to name a few BUT there are also eye glass cases made using the Dolly Mama graphics. So many types of books in one.

Each pattern has a supply list and the directions are written with humor. Colored photos of the project show what the object will look like if you use the suggested beads/materials.

None of the projects are extremely difficult so most crafters can make them with no trouble. There is a metric equivalency chart for inches to millimemters and centimeters and also yards to meters.

This is definitely a book to have a good time with. Make items for yourself or if you can part with them, give them as gifts.

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