hissingpotatoes's reviews
1364 reviews

Carry Me by Yuka Koshizen

3.5

I love the very detailed step-by-step diagrams that clearly indicate things like which side should be facing where. The book is for experienced sewists. The projects are organized into 10 collections of 2 complementary projects each (e.g. a bag and clutch, a bag and a book cover). Several projects seem to be just variations on a tote bag, so there isn't a huge amount of variety. 

Bags: Sew 18 Stylish Bags for Every Occasion by Anna Alicia

2.5

The projects aren't too varied in style/function. The author includes a section of step-by-step illustrated instructions for common methods (e.g. adding a zipper) separate from the projects, which helps but there aren't many diagrams for the other project steps. I'm not impressed overall. 

Best of Stitch: Bags to Sew by Tricia Waddell

3.0

I like that there are included templates and pages about specific techniques interspersed throughout. The designs seem unique compared to other bag sewing books I've read; I especially like the clever gadget messenger bag (which includes space for a USB hub to plug in all the necessary laptop accessories). However, there are very few diagrams/photos for the step-by-step instructions, making it difficult to follow. This book is suitable for experienced sewists. 

Amy Butler's Style Stitches: 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags by Amy Butler

2.5

I like that there are included patterns. This book is definitely not for beginners because it includes only 2 pages of basic information (which is fine, just know that going in depending on your skill level). It also has no photos for the step-by-step instructions and barely any diagrams, without which I know I won't be able to follow along successfully. The 12 projects look fine (ignore the "26 bags" part; those are just different dimensions of the same patterns). 

Artist's Journal Workshop: Creating Your Life in Words and Pictures by Cathy Johnson

3.0

I like that the book has tons of journal page examples, includes some specific recommendations for materials, outlines different reasons for keeping journals, and encourages readers to just dive into keeping their own journal. However, the examples are all done by talented artists, which is a bit intimidating for those of us who can barely draw a stick figure let alone a realistic panda. Much of the text was repetitive and generic. 

Making and Keeping Creative Journals by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott

3.0

The designs are nice with thorough coverage of many journal-making techniques. The layout of the book is technical and heavy on text, sometimes bloated. I would have liked more photos of the finished projects. Some of the fonts are very small and/or almost illegible, making things difficult to read. 

Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun

2.5

Eh. A quick, mispell-laden adventure through friendship and life. It felt cursory and didn't really resonate with me. 

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag

3.5

Cute and meaningful without being over the top about it. There isn't too much depth, but there's a lot of heart. The artwork is full of wonderful details. 

The Sight by David Clement-Davies

2.0

The description is beautiful, but there's no hook and it's slow. Not for me. 

Gothikana by RuNyx
Did not finish book.

1.5

I would have devoured this book as a teenager. It suffocates you in stereotypical gothic vibes. The man is a dangerous enigma, the woman is a young mystery, and the author reminds you of these things in every weakly written paragraph. I DNFed when the two main characters are alone in a forest together, he asks if she's scared (of him), and she asks if she should be "even as a part of her wanted to...blush furiously at the singular masculine attention from a very masculine male." 🤢