The Michaels Book of Needlecrafts (Hardcover)

~ Lark Books (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

There aren't that many sources of good stitching patterns that aren't repetitive or overly complicated or, quite simply, the same old thing. So count on Michaels in its third volume (adding to Art & Crafts, 2003, and Paper Crafts, 2005) and its stable of contributing artists to produce close to 100 patterns ready to copy. Of course, coverage of each of the three needlecrafts--knitting, crochet, and embroidery--includes a precis of tools and yarns as well as great close-up illustrations of fundamental stitches, all step by step by step. Plus, the patterns are displayed with color photographs, easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of white space for legibility. Some of the more unusual offerings: a doggie sweater and collar, fruit and veggie hats for babies, and very au courant flower jeans and purse. A standard, a staple, a reference. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

Michaels, the most trusted name in crafts and a leading retailer of needles, wools, yarns, and patterns, presents a needlecraft volume so big, so definitive that it couldn't come from anywhere else.

Start stitching! Whether you knit, crochet, or embroider--or want to learn how--these fresh, contemporary projects and gorgeous pictures will entice you to pick up the needles and yarn. On these large and colorful pages, crafters will find the guidance they need to plunge into every possible type of stitchery. Each technique has a thorough how-to section, with detailed instructions and line drawings to give even a beginner confidence. The materials include the most interesting cotton and wool fibers on the market, as well as silk ribbon, novelty yarns and loads of fantastic beading. And every stylish item--from the poncho to the pillows, from the sweet tank tops to the embroidered jeans for teens--is just made to appeal to the new, younger generation of needleworkers.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579906400
• ISBN-13: 978-1579906405
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,131,315 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of patterns - great value., May 11, 2006

By	[e-mail] "www.allcrafts.net" (NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Well, this is a big book! More than 300 pages of knitting, crochet and embroidery. Truly, it is three books in one.

Each section begins with a comprehensive set of instructions for that craft. Large drawings show the stitches and other details. The knitting section covered one of my pet peeves - what if I can't get the yarn they use in the pattern? An article gives tips and ideas to make good substitutions. Each pattern has a color photo and sometimes a few. The patterns have summary info at the beginning - skill level, sizes, supplies and tools needed. I have one quibble with the book - the table of contents is very short and doesn't provide a list of the patterns. The patterns are listed in an appendix at the back.

The knitting patterns are varied. All the standards are included- afghans, hats, mittens, scarves, shawls, socks, sweaters and vests. Other patterns include a dog sweater and collar, Ipod holder, purses, wire jewelry, and purses.

I think crochet has become a hot craft, and the authors seem to agree. The crochet patterns are interesting and modern. Even though the arm warmers done in a fuzzy yarn look like hairy arms. And the Santa's stocking is rainbow-striped and has individual toes... I liked all the rest very much. The baby clothes look cute and probably work up quickly. The patterns also include hats, ponchos, purses, sweaters, tops, a backpack, pillow, shawl, and a jacket to name a few. The beach cover-up was stylish, and the crochet trim for a store-bought top was different.

The embroidery instructions are comprehensive. Many types of stitches along with bead embroidery, ribbon embroidery and hardanger are illustrated. Most of the projects are embellishments for pre-made items. They range from elegant to quirky and fun. Embroidered jeans and beaded tops are popular now and both are covered here. Many types of items go under the needle - mittens, napkins, pillows, purses, paper, sweaters, towels, and tote bags. A few of the purses are handmade, with the patterns included. The embroidered greeting card and scrapbook embellishments add dimension to your papercrafts.

The Michaels Book of Needlecrafts - Knitting, Crochet & Embroidery is a very solid and worthwhile book for your library. If you're already involved in one of the crafts, it's a great way to learn the others, while getting a good set of patterns.