easy instruction, nice variety
929234
Nice and clear instructions for patterns that can easily be changed to suit ones own preferences. Photos for each pattern, along with charts when needed, not just written instructions, for those who use them. Will be making the mat with the feet, minus the feet, lol
983818
There are quite a few patterns in this book. The pages are well illustrated and the directions pretty clear. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I didn't find enough patterns in it that I liked. A better variety would have been nice.
676575
I am an intermediate-level knitter at best, but love to explore new-to-me techniques. Since I've done a lot of exploring of lace knitting, I want to move into color- particularly Fair Isle and double-knit.

The directions here are very thorough and well-illustrated. (I learn better from books than from videos, personally.) My first attempts seem to be working reasonably well, and I am generally not puzzled when I screw up!

I wish there were more VERY SMALL projects in here, with which to start. I do love the card suits coasters in the doubleknit segment, and plan to do a few before I graduate to washcloths!

I am very happy with this book- it has just the content I had hoped for when I bought it.
2458814
If you're a self-learner who wants a very nice and gentle instruction on all the chord variants, this book is pretty good...  it almost feels like you have a good-natured teacher sitting beside you.  The book is interspersed with 50+ fake book songs, and comes with a chord reference chart, so it's hard to go wrong for the price.

However, it doesn't cover much more than block chords, so if you've learned all the chord variants already (or are going to learn them from the many websites), and don't care for the songs it includes, then this may not be the book for you.
3351456
This booklet was easy to follow and presented a variety of ways to solve a problem. I also enjoyed the problems that allowed my child to color and learn creatively.
1168386
She has found this easy to use, and enjoyable,,a good way to learn the basics..although not easy to catch the correct accent from the discs.
4438476
"Around the World with Crafts" is an instructional book on how to create craft projects from places such as Africa and Native America. Each craft project includes a preparation and materials list, step-by-step directions for each craft project, cut-out patterns (if needed), and a fun facts sheet. A song is even included with some of the projects.

The edition of the book that I received came with enough craft supplies to create one sample per project. The material substitution pages at the beginning of the book were great. They offered suggestions on what items can be used to replace materials that run low or are not available. I facilitated two of the craft projects in this book with my two nieces; they really enjoyed both of them and seem enthusiastic about future projects. I enjoyed learning about a recipe that was included in the book that dated back to the time of Christ, also.

This is an excellent resource for teachers and facilitators to teach children and adults about crafts from different continents. The directions seem clear enough for some children to follow by themselves, also. No huge budget is needed to create these craft projects; most of the projects can be created from simple items like paper, crayons, pipe cleaners, scissors, glue, and tape.

I received a complimentary copy of "Around the World with Crafts" as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.
3690955
I enjoyed the authors directions and background comments.  It was great to have space in the book to practice the various styles.  Worthwhile book.
3507395
Been wrestling with the guitar (acoustic & electric) for longer than I want to admit (like the saying goes, it's an easy instrument to play---badly!) but I have fun so what the hey. Anyway, along the way I've  amassed a variety of guitar books/dvd's; IMHO this is probably one of the best method books and a good place to start. I like the structure of the lessons, how they progress and how they build on each other. It encourages basic sight reading (there's no tab). For the most part, I liked the varied selection of songs used. The availability of the DVD makes for an OK supplement. Maybe add in Alfred's Basic Guitar Method - Complete, then supplement them with something like Teach Yourself Visually Guitar, a Dummies book, or the Alfred's Teach Yourself to Play Guitar cd-rom. Or, if you like the Beatles, throw in Hal Leonard's From Liverpool to Abbey Road-A Beginning Guitar Method, and there's plenty to work with and maintain interest, but best of all, to have fun with!
4519878
I purchased this book for my classes. The lessons are easy to follow, and they guide you with step-by-step instructions. I also like the fact that it lists different ways of doing a command on Word, so that I can pick the one that is easier for me to remember or that is quicker for my purposes.
1416145
This is easy to follow, instructions are nice. I wish the daily setlists were a little bigger. They could use more of the page, there is a lot of white space there. They use the space great for everything except the set lists. It shows what muscles each exercise works, how to do each one and variations for easier or harder.
I'm working thru it and enjoying the pre-built sets.
2925351
There is a nice variety of illustrations in here, including flowers, mandalas, animals, people, and geometric patterns. Some are fairly simple, but others are quite complex. Some of my personal favorites include a costume mask, girl with flowers in her hair, and a large gift bow. I would have liked to see more designs with thicker black outlines, but this is purely a personal preference. Overall, if you're just starting out and looking for a budget-friendly way to build your coloring collection, this title is a worthy addition to your library. Since the book includes a little of everything, it's a helpful way to figure out what subjects you enjoy coloring the most.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this title in exchange for my review.
607294
Easy to understand instructions.  Lots of variety to choose from, great instructions.  Great tidbits of information, history, and easy to read and understand.
2780932
I picked up crochet about six months ago, and recently, I decided I wanted to try making my own patterns. This book has a great assortment of patterns and has been very helpful.

The pictures are big and clear, so it's easy to see the stitch work (although some of the backgrounds colors are kind of drab, which makes the pattern look less appealing). There's a great variety of stitches to try, and while some are more complicated than others, none of them are too difficult for me. The instructions are clear, and I especially appreciate the inclusion of diagrams for each pattern. I just learned to read diagrams from this book, and it's far more convenient than reading the written instructions. There are basic instructions, too, some of which I used, and these are clearly explained and diagrammed.

The only thing I thought was missing from this book was suggestions on what size and texture of yarn to use for the different patterns. I'm trying to find a good pattern to make a purse right now, and I've gone through several that just don't look right with the thread I want to use. It would also be nice if there were suggestions on what kind of projects each pattern is best suited for.

But overall, I love this book. Any crocheter will find this book practical and easy to use.
4597142
This book is easy to use, and it gives you step by step directions on how to make a variety of candles.
2425142
I purchased this to learn how to make reusable templates for photobooks -- not necessarily for wedding photos. I have found the DVD is easy to use -- the visual quality could be better, but it suffices. I found Kelby's instructions clear and concise. I appreciated the use of short-cut keys. I stopped & started the DVD while trying out the techniques and created a library of templates. I use a PC, and unlike "Mac Killer" did not find the difference in the screens between PC and the Mac to be an issue.
3560984
Great little book packed with fun and instruction.