Crobots Reviews

Crobots“I hadn’t seen Amigurumi animals before I came across the book Crobots by Nelly Pailloux. I couldn’t believe how cute they are, if only I had a little girl we would be making these all the time. These crocheted little mascots have apparently taken Japan by storm and I can understand why.” ––Smudgetikka http://bit.ly/aQo4Am

“The instructions for the Crobot were very easy to follow which was a great way to start something new and potentially daunting.” ––Kim’s Crochet Blog http://knot.krisp.com/2010/01/attack-of-the-amigurumi/

Crobots: 20 Amigurumi Robots to Make by Nelly Pailloux has twenty adorable non-threatening robot patterns to crochet and adorn. From zombie-bot  to the Thinker, each pattern is unique, thoughtful and let’s be honest, CUTE. The patterns throughout this book may cause you to make noises similar to “ooohs”, “aaaaahs” and especially “awwwwwwweee”.” ––SciFi Crafts http://bit.ly/3aokY9

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Run Like a Mother Reviews

Run Like a Mother“The book is written by two runner moms- women, who just like me, decided to embark on their own running journey years ago.  Sarah is the competitor mom, the one who is always racing against herself, trying to improve her times, her distance, her everything.  Dimity (whom I identify with quite well), just wants to finish the race. Each chapter touches on various topics of interest to runner moms:  motivation, mental toughness, injuries, how to keep the spouse happy when you are taking so much time away to run, managing the offspring, pregnancy, racing, nutrition, strength training and MORE! … I absolutely ADORE and LOVE this book.” ––Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans http://shrinkingjeans.net/2010/08/review-giveaway-run-like-a-mother-book/

Simply put, this may be the single best “new runner” book I have ever read.  If you are not a runner, this book should be your first introduction to the sport.  If you are an experienced runner, Dimity and Sarah share enough helpful tips to make it a valuable read.  If your female significant other is a runner, this book will give you tremendous insight (and empathy) to the unique issues and struggles she faces.” ––Jason Robillard, Barefoot Chronicles http://bit.ly/bOX7ZE

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Video: Prudent Advise

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Jurassic Towel Origami Reviews

Jurassic Towel Origami“”Jurassic Towel Origami” offers you the Neanderthal, yet strangely contemporary, opportunity to indulge in a spot of pre-civilization towel folding before bath time. Amaze your house guests and celebrate your ancestors by creating any one of 15 distinctive towel models, from a Brontosaurus to a Stegosaurus, from a woolly mammoth to a soft furnished Stonehenge. Night time is the right time to discover your inner caveman, with prehistoric Towel Origami: the craft that bath time forgot!” ––Books Sculpture http://bssbooks.blogspot.com/2010/08/jurassic-towel-origami.html

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Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats Reviews

Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats“[Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats] is a book I’ll pick up over and over to look at the beautiful animals. This book would make a great gift because animal lovers will enjoy the humorous text and the photographs.” ––Books Photography http://bit.ly/bIqxvL

“The ongoing argument over which are “better” - cats or dogs - has a new book in its arsenal. A self-described “creative misadventurist” and a professional pet photographer have teamed up to settle the debate in their new book, “Why Dogs are Better Than Cats.”" ––Knox News http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/aug/15/hughs-pet-peeves-fuel-book/

“A book with the title Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats may instantly poof up the fur of any feline lover, but anyone who understands the many quirks of both canines AND kitties will appreciate the humor and honestly of author Bradley Trevor Greive. … Greive’s book would make a great addition to any pet lover’s coffee table–the quick wit and gorgeous pictures by Rachael Hale make it an instant conversation-starter when company comes over…just remember to tell all the cat-lovers in your life not too take all the kitty disses TOO seriously.” ––Avenue K9 http://www.avenuek9.com/2010/01/10/review-why-dogs-are-better-than-cats/

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Felties Reviews

Felties“I liked that the patterns in the books are full size (good because I can’t just hop over to Kinko’s), that I have all the supplies–cheap craft felt, embroidery floss, and stuffing–needed to make them, and that they’re completely hand sewn. The book includes 18 patterns.” ––In My Jammies http://mandylikespie.blogspot.com/2010/08/felties.html

“This is a really cool book if you just want to be spoon fed some craft. The instructions come in written steps but also visual step by step diagrams. The clearest I’ve ever come accross so good for kids too.” –Luna Landing http://lunalanding.blogspot.com/2010/02/yay-completed-another-feltie-from-nelly.html

“I love craft books. I might actually have too many. heh I recently picked up Felties by Nelly Pailloux. Felties are great for people who are not very patient and want something quick and easy to make. They can get more challenging as the detail increases but are cute, fun and make a great gift.” ––BrvBrd http://brvbrd.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/craft-felties/

“In Felties: How to Make 18 Cute and Fuzzy Friends from Felt, crafters and artists alike get the goods on how to make the cutest of the cute using felt and fun embellishments. With only the most basic of sewing skills, crafters can fashion their own Feltie friends with an average construction time of only 15 minutes per pattern. Each Feltie design includes a full-color photograph of the Feltie project at hand, as well as an illustrated instructional overview, pattern diagrams, and a convenient list of every item you will need to complete the project located in a handy sidebar reference section.” ––Pop Culture Junkie http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/2009/11/felties-by-nelly-pailloux.html

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Zombie Felties Reviews

zombie felties Zombie Felties Reviews“The book is a wonderful step by step guide to making all sorts of cute undead things, from ducks to puppies, surfers to bunnies, Día de los Muertos zombies and proper creepy undead lil guys who may look at little like Michael Jackson in “Thriller” but not enough to sue. … For those of you of a crafty/geeky bent, this is a must purchase.” ––Moviegrrl Reviews http://moviegrrlreviews.wordpress.com/2010/08/10/zombie-felties/

“With only the most basic of sewing skills, crafters can raise their own macabre multitude of Zombie Feltie creations from the undead with an average construction time of less than one hour per pattern. Each design includes a full-color photograph of the finished project, as well as an illustrated, instructional overview, pattern diagrams, and a convenient list of everything needed to complete the project. Zombie Feltie friends can be customized with limitless embellishments and they make great Halloween decorations, party favors, finger puppets, key rings, and even mobile phone mascots. Get ready to shudder as you stitch!” ––Buy Zombie http://www.buyzombie.com/2010/08/06/zombie-books/zombie-felties-how-to-raise-16-gruesome-felt-creatures-from-the-undead/

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The Kitchen Linens Book Reviews

The Kitchen Linens Book“I bought this fabulous book … No I don’t sew, crochet, cross stitch or embroider … but I think I’m going to.  Saw this, thumbed through it … and I had to have it.  The Kitchen Linens Book: Using, Sharing, and Cherishing the Fabrics of Our Daily Lives by EllynAnne Geisel. This is a book after my own heart. What could be better than great vintage table linens? For me, the answer is not much! These are truly adorable patterns that remind my of the pillowcases and hand towels in my closet that my grandmother made me.  Not only does this book stir up memories, but it makes you want to create memories too!” ––Get Go Retro http://bit.ly/clpGiI

“[The Kitchen Linens Book] is a combination of vintage linens, history, memories and plain fun! [Author EllynAnne Geisel] shares many memories of her linens, why she chose the linens she has and how to pair them together when entertaining. She gives entertaining tidbits and some recipes. She also explains the different linens and weaves of the material and stuff like that. She has lots of photos of linens, aprons, and pictures of her using her linens through the years. Mrs. Geisel is fun and witty as she talks about her passion. The book is easy to read and informative” ––Missy’s Cakes and Aprons http://bit.ly/b8FVZy

“I have found a kindred spirit in EllynAnne Geisel. I reviewed The Apron Book a few months back and loved it…as much as I loved the first book, if I could only own one (thankfully, I own both, lol), I’d choose The Kitchen Linens Book.” ––Faithfulness Farm http://faithfulnessfarm.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-review-kitchen-linens-book.html

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Zombie Felties

zombie felties Zombie FeltiesCRAFTS AND CADAVERS: A DEAD-ON COMBINATION

Making felties is a fun way to bring fuzzy friends to life, but now you can bring them back from the dead, too, with Zombie Felties: How to Raise 16 Gruesome Felt Creatures from the Undead by Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman.

More do-it-yourself than Dark Arts, each of these cringeworthy (but cute) creatures takes two hours or less to make, and the book covers all the simple stitches, supplies, and step-by-step instructions needed for even the most squeamish sewer to craft 16 different fearsome felties, such as:

Zombie Puppy: This putrid pooch might look a little ghoulish, but he’s a real softie at the core. Just don’t take away his bone.

Thrilla: This undead king of pop with all the right moves pays tribute to the late, great Michael Jackson.

Zombie Bride: This beauty from beyond the grave isn’t about to let death stand in the way of her special day.

Each feltie is rated on a difficulty scale of 1 to 4 skulls, guaranteeing plenty of bone-chilling challenge and fun for sewing novices and veterans alike, and full color photos for each finished project let you check your undead creation. Perfect for those with a taste for the macabre or who are just plain crafty, Zombie Felties is a great way to add spooky and silly to your sewing repertoire.

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