Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

This is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg", offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mahjong, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also as far ranging as Africa to New Zealand. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mahjong and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in the game.

Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mahjong sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing important chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy.

With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer, Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past and today's game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mahjong tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mahjong.

Review:

This book is the perfect addition to any avid player or collector's library. Featuring full color photographs by Michael Arnaud, the vast array of different sets come to vivid life. From bone to bamboo and even soap these gorgeous Mah Jongg tiles make you just itch to feel them under your fingers. Wonderful book! My husband plays the game and he was fascinated looking at the history and variations of the pieces.

5/5

Itty Bitty Crocheted Critters

While the demand for Amigurumi just keeps getting bigger, these incredibly cute crocheted critters have just gotten smaller!

Voodoo Maggie (AKA Erin Clark), the author of Voodoo Maggie's Adorable Amigurumi, has taken her yarn craft to the micro-level and stitched together a new menagerie of mini Amigurmi that are so darn cute—and tiny—that you might not want to part with any of them. Erin's crochet patterns are so easy to follow that you'll be able to make enough to satisfy an obvious demand from your friends and family. Erin even provides instructions on how to display these tiny Japanese crochet creatures in their own crochet-decorated terrarium. Itty Bitty Crocheted Critters features foolproof instructions on how to make twenty of Voodoo Maggie's most popular mini Amigurmi characters, including:
Red Panda
Tusked Narwhal
Otter
Pinkerton Flamingo
Camellia Chameleon
These irresistible little guys are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face. Get ready to "Awwwww!"

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Review:

From the first moment I saw these little critters I fell in love. Small, like uber tiny, they wormed their way into my heart. Easy instructions that left no question in my mind whatsoever, cute pics, small projects perfect for learning and an assortment of critters to warm your heart this book is perfect for anyone who loves to crochet. Even if you are just learning amigurumi, you can do these designs. One tiny hook. A couple of DMC floss pieces and you can rock this book. Christmas may never be the same. 

Did I mention the terrariums? OMG. They are the cutest things since sliced bread. The tiny shrubs, flowers and plants are so adorable. 

If you wanted, you could totally make these in a larger yarn. You would just have to play with sizing, but the smallness is what makes them super cute. Erin Clark has outdone herself with this book and I can't wait to see more like this...maybe food art...I want cupcakes...lol.

***This book was given to me by the publisher for a fair and honest review.

4.5/5

Cute! Adorable! Must have in my collection!!!

Fun with Chinese Knotting

Detailed instructions, clear diagrams and lovely color photographs combine to make Fun with Chinese Knotting both attractive and useful—displaying the many creative uses these decorative knots can have, and the great variety of materials used to make them. This delightful book is sure to be a rich source of inspiration for craftspeople everywhere. The art of Chinese knotting has a surprisingly contemporary appeal, author artist Chen focuses on the decorative uses of Chinese knots to create your own personal fashion accessories which include:
Hair ornaments
Earrings
Necklaces
Pendants
Brooches
Belts
Bracelets and anklets
Accents that may be added to items of clothing
Chinese knots are attractive and alluring along with being an Asian craft that is relatively easy to learn. Used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes—to record events, to fish and hunt, to wrap and tie items, as ornamental works of art, and even to communicate, Fun with Chinese Knotting will allow readers to create something for anyone.

Links:

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Review:

In this lovely book you learn how to do many Chinese knot designs. The illustrations have a regional flair and give examples of many fashion uses for the handwork. Any kind of jewelry with knotwork is available, from belts to brooches with diagrams to denote thread movement. It reminded me of needle tatting in a lot of ways and I am eager to undertake some of the projects for holiday gift giving. They are, quite simply, beautiful.

One of the only opportunities I found with this book was there were a few knots that were not fully explained and in several instances I was not sure exactly how to hold the thread. In future re-printings I hope that some illustrations will be added to this effect. When doing a craft like this, it helps to have pictures like with the Visual series for students to learn just how to secure the piece by showing some step by steps of the basic levels and go from there.

This book was a great resource in the art of Chinese knotwork. From the history of the craft to the diagrams of thread movement and the variety of crafts involved, it is a keeper. I am so glad the publisher sent it to me for review. Now I have something to play with in anticipation of the holidays!

3.5/5

All Things Paper by Ann Martin

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Ann Martin has searched the world over for unique and beautiful paper crafts to feature on her popular website—AllThingsPaper.net. In this book she gathers completely new projects and shows how each is made step-by-step. All of the designs in this book were created by respected paper craft artists, such as Benjamin John Coleman, Patricia Zapata, and Richela Fabian Morgan, who have been making amazing things with paper for many years. Each of the projects, from simple to more complex, has easy-to-follow instructions and detailed photos. These colorful and impressive pieces include art objects to display at home, as well as items with practical uses. All of the projects make wonderful keepsakes or gifts that express the beauty, elegance, and versatility of paper.

Projects include:

Candle Luminaries
Citrus Slice Coasters
Silhouette Portrait Art
Mysterious Stationery Box
Everyday Tote Bag
Silver Orb Pendant
Fine Paper Yarn Necklace
Perfect Journey Journal

Review:

This book takes everything from wearable paper art to items for the home. I have often marveled at the curled paper and quilled projects I had seen during the holidays and now Ann Martin has given us some step by step visual aids to make projects that will wow your friends and family. The key pendant and the orb pendant made me want to rush out and buy all the parts. The Crepe Paper Lilacs project was simply amazing. The flowers looked so life like and I wouldn't have to worry about killing them. Each piece is lovingly made and put together in a step by step fashion that is as easy as it is visually appealing. The candle luminaries was delightful and I could even do it!

This book made me want to delve more into the art of paper craft. There is something for everyone here--from the beginner to the skilled crafter. This is one book you will want in your library for the sheer amount of different projects--a few designs I did not care for, but the process to craft your own designs is there ready and waiting to explore.

4/5

Knitting Architecture

INTERWEAVE-Knitting Architecture. Explore twenty patterns that reveal the foundations of knitting design: form following function; details of construction; and the special relationship between raw materials and a finished product. There are many parallels between knitting a sweater and constructing a building: both of these processes rely on an idea; a blueprint or schematic; math; materials; and a little bit of inspiration. Choices made in constructing a garment; such as creating yokes; shaping; and hems; mimic the choices made as a building is constructed. In both cases; these elements come together for a striking effect. Author: Tanis Gray. Softcover; 160 pages. Published 2013. Imported.

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Tanis Gray has done some incredible work with this book. Inspired from art and history, these patterns are in themselves art with form and function. The King's College Pullover with vaults, buttresses and archways screams Gothic architecture. Cabled knits and a ribbed collar pull this piece by Mari Muinonen together. It is lovely.

The Beaux Arts Cardigan by Cecily Glowik MacDonald is a stellar construction of lace panels, I-cord edging with slight waist shaping, some pretty ornate panels and buttons that match the color scheme. The simple stockinette stitch comprises a good deal of the piece and shows just how a few pieces of elegant stitchery and a good old standard stitch can work wonders. 

The Hotel Tassel Wrap has to be my favorite piece from the book. Lace and cables make up this Art Nouveau inspired wrap by Asa Tricosa. Lace, mesh, garter edge detail and a cabled motif follows the style of Victor Horta and his Hotel Tassel. The green lace weight yarn is glorious and the pattern is both written and charted out for ease of use.

This book is a must for all art and architecture lovers.

4/5

Metropolitan Knits

Big city. Big style. Discover knitting that's fashionable yet timeless.

Knit for uptown or downtown with a trend-setting New York City designer. With these 20 polished, sophisticated projects, knitwear designer Melissa Wehrle has created a collection that perfectly reflects the rhythm, flavor, and drama of city life.

From a chunky cabled sweater and hat to a beautiful tunic and gossamer cardigan, Melissa's designs are beautifully shaped, expertly finished, and ready to be shown off on the street. They feature a variety of construction and finishing techniques, including knit-in pockets, tabs, button details, slip-stitch edgings, and small slits and pleats.

Projects are divided along three themes: Heart of the City- Designed for those who enjoy sleek midtown in mind. Urban Bohemia- The downtown bohemian goddess will love these looks. City Gardens- Made to inspire a sense of tranquility. These three looks balance out a complete picture of the modern woman. What more could a city knitter need?

·         Amazon: amzn.to/13L29zD

·         Barnes & Noble: bit.ly/ZMDX0h

·         Interweave: bit.ly/14AToux

Review:

This book was lovely. The projects within are a wide array of stylish designs that would be flattering to a number of body sizes and styles. With clean lines and creative patterns, this book has a ton of ideas for finishing and some unique styles that really caught my eye.  It is easy to see that this designer really knows her stuff and has crafted each piece with loving care and attention to detail. The patterns are clearly marked, letting you know how many stitches you are shooting for at the end of the row (thank goodness!) and the color pictures are simply lovely. For those who need some knitting reminders, there is an excellent how to section at the back of the book.

The Secret Garden Tank is gorgeous. The light green yarn that was used on the front portion is very mellow and soothing. When you flip it around, the back portion splits toward the bottom, revealing an ecru lacy panel. Simply divine. 

The Museum Sweater is  done in a lovely olive green with an arched pattern that is truly lovely. The turtleneck cowl look is drape like and adds an elegance to the piece that is inspirational.

For those (like me) who are more comfortable with smaller projects, the Opera Mitts and Uptown Scarf are divine. The scarf is done in a grey yarn that goes with anything and the opera gloves have a finely tuned sense of detail befitting their name.

All in all, this book has some wonderful pieces that are both classic and modern at the same time. The polish and sophistication of these designs are very chic and urban and make me itch to pick up my needles and give them a try. Great pics, good directions (written) and totals at the end of the rows make for a great and informative set of projects.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

4/5

About the author:

Melissa Wehrle studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she majored in Fashion Design, and for nearly a decade worked as a knitwear designer for the fashion industry. Melissa's hand-knit designs have been featured in Interweave Knits, Knitscene, and Yarn Forward. She is also the Creative Director for One Planet Yarn and Fiber. You can find her online at neoknits.com.