Friday, April 30, 2010

"Create Your Own Blog: 6 Easy Projects To Start Blogging Like A Pro" by Tris Hussey

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When I was given the opportunity to review this book I hoped that it would be interesting, but honestly was not expecting it to be that great. After all I have had a blog for years - but I was hoping to learn something new that I could use to make my blog(s) better. The bottom line is that I have already dog-eared, page marked and underlined lots of great information in this book! It's excellent. I think that the "6 easy projects" part of the title is a bit misleading. To my way of thinking this is a book about how to build a blog - and/or how to build a better blog - I am not seeing the "6 easy projects".
I have already learned so much from this book. In fact I have - within a week of reading this book- changed blog hosts, am trying an off line blog writer software and now understand far more about setting a blog up right. This book is chock full of information that will help you to start a blog from the ground up with some good understanding of what it all means and how it all works. Best of all it is an equally great book for a person like me who has had a blog for some time. I understand much more now - and am all fired up to learn more and make the blogs I have better. I've also subscribed the to the author's blog.

This is a book that will help most any blogger... I highly recommend it and I have to admit that I never thought I would be 'gushy' over a book about blogs!


Note; This book was provided to me for reviewing purposes - no other remuneration was received.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

"A Is For Apron" by Nathalie Mornu

I LOVE aprons and wear them whenever I cook - or craft for that matter too.  Nathalie Mornu has a talent for writing wonderful, well illustrated books and this one is no exception. he book offers a wealth of information about aprons and is plentifully illustrated with photos of wonderful vintage and new aprons. All styles are included: full aprons, half aprons, smock aprons, gardening aprons,5o's-ish aprons that are more fashion than function, aprons for children, flirty aprons - just all kinds of wonderful, wearable aprons!

Included is an excellent instruction section in the front of the book that covers apron construction basics and includes sections such as: making cool bias tape, inserting Rickrack in seams, flouncing, making yo-yos (yes for an apron!),mitering corners, fused applique, transferring designs, hemming, basics on embroidery stitches. Aside from the photographs of vintage quilts there is also an interesting section called "Aprons -A Short and Lively History". I saw some vintage apron patterns that I would love to get my hands on!

Each of the 25 apron projects in the book are very well illustrated and contain complete, easy-to-follow, directions. The back of the book contains the templates for the aprons with measurements and cutting instructions.

If you love aprons like I do this book would be a very welcome addition to your library!