After keeping the local Library's copy of the first edition of this book out of circulation for long periods of time, I finally got my own copy for Christmas this year! Best gift I've ever gotten. I love the relaxed style of writing and the encouragement to go ahead and make mistakes in the interest of learning. I do lots of learning! Also, I'm very happy to have someone tell me that a machine-quilted piece is just as "authentic" as it's hand-quilted cousin. I still haven't tried all the varieties of machine quilting described clearly and simply in this book and look forward to years of experimentation. After finally figuring out how to cut and piece accurately with Rotary Magic, I found it well-worth the investment in this book to ensure that I don't ruin my quilt top by messing up the quilting!

Robbie Fanning, in this book as in The Complete Book of Machine Embroidery, shows herself a master of simple explanations and of the head slapper. I wouldn't trade my copies of both editions of this book and Machine Embroidery for much of anything! Besides, she is fun to read. And, since she questions any hard and fast rule she comes across, I trust her judgment. Whether you use her directions and suggestions for the purposes for which they were designed, or use them for inspiration for ideas of your own, you will find this book useful in the extreme.

This book covers the subject of machine quilting in every form. While many consider Hargrave to be the number one souce, her book Heirloom Machine Quilting is mainly about free motion quilt designed to look like hand quilting. This book on the other hand covers many, many different way of machine quilting. A must have reference for machine quilters.

"100 Butterflies" begins shortly after 13-year-old Ristyn Anne Ward's father dies of cancer. Separated from her younger sister (Mona), Ristyn is sent to her grandmother's in the Thousand Islands for the summer. (For some reason, Ristyn's mother thought it appropriate for everyone to grieve apart. I never understood this, but I hardly thought about it while I was reading, only when her mother or sister were mentioned.) Here Ristyn becomes friends with a few of the local teens--Paul "Buddy" DePasquale (who is a total creep), DeWit King (aka Mr. King or "Dimwit" by Buddy), the Lemont twins (Eric and Alan), and Heather Wax (Ristyn's homely neighbor). Although Ristyn is having a wonderful time so far attending boat-burning parties and learning how to water-ski with very little adult supervision, everything brightens when her popular older cousin (Shawn Lee Johns) shows up unannounced. She's had a crush on her eccentric cousin for several years, and during his stay, she learns the actual meaning of "kissing cousins". Besides being a distraction for everyone on the island, Shawn Lee also helps Ristyn collect the 100 butterflies she's been assigned to catch by her freshman biology teacher for that fall--thus the title of this book. (By the way, I thought Shawn Lee's method of collecting them was very creative and humane.)

I read this book years ago when I was a kid and had a very difficult time later on trying to find a copy to purchase. (Luckily, I did find one. :) It's really too bad this book is out of print, because it's a fantastic coming-of-age story. It's carefree and funny, and makes you remember exactly what summer was like when you were young. If you like such books, then you'll probably enjoy "100 Butterflies". It's remained one of my favorite books for over 10 years, and I periodically return to it to peruse a chapter or two. Highly recommended for readers age 10+ (about the age I was when I read it).

I loved this book.I first read it as a child for a school project.I read it 25 times after that.I couldn't put it down!! I read it over and over again.It helped me alot as a child.

Nancy Zieman has long been a guru for those of us who sew at home. This was one of her first books and with even a quick read you can tell why she is still tops in the home sewing world. Just this little hints she gives make this book worth what it is priced. Then there are the project guides where she shows step by step how to fit anyone. This is a must have for anyone with any intention of sewing to fit.

Wonderful book -- Nancy shows you not only a quicker way, but a better way to do a few time-eating sewing tasks. I use these techniques on virtually every garment I sew

As always, Ms. Fanning specialises in the head slapper in this book. Every time I go back through it I feel like an idiot for not having thought of some of the simple and (once pointed out) obvious techniques she describes. Whatever sort of embellishment you are planning, chances are there is something in this book to make the process easier and more effective. And when you are not sewing, the book is fun to read! Her explanations are clear and easy to envision. I have never actually made one of the projects in the book, but have used the techniques on countless projects. She even says that's fine with her! A truly useful book brimming with GOOD ideas.

Learn Bearmaking walks every aspiring bearmaker through a clear step-by-step process of bringing their own creation to life. Judi Maddigan did an outstanding job making sure all her bases were covered. The reader will discover not only pattern pieces and sewing directions, but also numerous tips and pictures, illustrating how to make their bear turn out well. I highly recomend this book. If you can use scissors and a sewing machine, Judi's book will successfuly teach you how to make your own bear. I believe you will find that bearmaking is a lot like parenting. You can put everything you know (or don't know) into this little critter (including your heart) and still come up with something entirely unexpected.