Complete Guide to Needlework by Reader's Digest Reviewed

I have a very extensive craft library in my craft room, but there are a few books that stand out as the very best.  The Complete Guide to Needlework by Reader's Digest is by far the very best craft reference book I own.  I refer to it more often than any other book in my library.

Actually, I use the book for reference, but anyone who wanted to learn basic techniques in embroidery, smocking, quilting, needlepoint, knitting, crochet, tatting, or just about any other needlework technique, will find excellent "how-to" guides for beginners in this book.

Complete Guide to Needlework by Reader's Digest

 Reader's Digest COMPLETE GUIDE TO NEEDLEWORKI know this book was published in 1979, but it is far from outdated.  Basic needlework techniques don't change with time.  As a matter of fact, we need these types of instructional books to ensure the techniques won't be lost in time.

Because I enjoy all of these crafts, I tend to set one aside for a while and pick up another.  Eventually, I go back to the first one and I need to refresh my memory on certain stitches or even reading a pattern.  I pull this book off the shelf, look it up and, voilà, I am ready to stitch again! 

For example, I recently came across "featherstitch" in an embroidery pattern.  I sat staring into space as if the vision of how to make that stitch would miraculously appear before my eyes.  It only "miraculously appeared" when I pulled my Complete Guide to Needlework down and looked it up.  On page 214, I found exactly what I needed.  A verbal description as well as excellent illustrations.  

I have also found that I tend to forget certain crochet pattern abbreviations if I have not used them in a while.  For those of you who crochet, you will laugh when I tell you I recently had to look up what "dec" meant on a pattern.  Yes, I was embarrassed when my trusty book gave me the answer, but amazingly, the pages didn't laugh at me.  Another crocheter would have laughed with reckless abandon.

Patterns in Complete Guide to Needlework

There are also some wonderful patterns in the Complete Guide to Needlework by Reader's Digest.  I tend to forget that those are there.  While flipping through the book today, I came across this awesome pattern for a baby quilt appliqued with baby animals.  The pattern includes the drawn animals and gives the instructions on how to enlarge the animals on a grid.  I love the detail!  It is so wonderful to have a step by step tutorial with the pattern.  

This particular pattern uses several needlework techniques to complete the baby quilt as shown.  Applique, quilting and embroidery are all a part of this fabulous piece, but you could make the quilt based on your own skill level.  Leave off the quilting and the embroidery to simplify it.  It would be an excellent way to learn how to enlarge the pattern with a grid and make a lovely applique baby quilt that would be forever treasured.

There are patterns for many of the needlework techniques.  It truly is a "complete" guide to needlework!

Read More Book Reviews at
ReviewThisBooks.com

Complete Guide to Needlework by Reader's Digest Book Review Written by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Because I said so!

A Review of the Book "But Why Can't I", a book about rules for young children.

 

Available on Amazon

We've all said it at one time or another. Everyone who is a parent says 'because I said so' in answer to a child's WHY in resistance to following a command or rule.  The reason we say it probably stems from a reluctance or an impatience to explain an adult's reasoning in a way a child would understand.  Perhaps the parent feels they shouldn't HAVE to explain why; that their command should simply be obeyed.

Let's look at the child's point of view, and perhaps delve back in our own childhood memories to times we also questioned a parent's command.  Because I said so doesn't answer the  'why' of the situation and tends to leave the child with the feeling that they don't count or are not important enough to be given a proper answer.  This surely is not the parent's intention, but quite often that is how the child perceives it.

Whether it's a small child resisting bedtime or a teenager being refused permission to do something or go somewhere, taking the time to give a simple explanation produces much better results and reduces resentment and resistance.  Try it next time you are tempted to just answer children with 'Because I Said So!'. 

But Why?

Available in Children's Books on Amazon

For smaller children who have trouble understanding an adults' reasoning or explanation about something they are told, this book "But Why Can't I?" might be helpful for both parent and child.  

It's a book about rules from the Our Emotions and Behavior series by Sue Graves and illustrated by Desideria Guicciardin.

Synopsis:

Children sometimes find it hard to follow rules. This encouraging book joins Noah and his babysitter, Jenny, who shows him how rules help keep people safe, healthy, and happy. 

About the Author

Sue Graves is a former teacher and a published author. She writes fiction and nonfiction for children from preschool to high school.

This book is for ages 4 to 8 years. It is a cheerful, brightly illustrated, story designed to help kids understand how their emotions and actions are related—and how they can learn to manage both. At the end of the book there is a two-page series of pictures which invite kids to tell a story in their own words.There is also a special section for adults with discussion questions and ideas to help parents get their children to talk about their feelings.

This book is perhaps a much better solution than just quickly saying "Because I said so".

Coffee Mug for Father's Day Because Father Knows Best!

This mug design is professionally created and permanently inked in South Carolina, USA by Melissa of DrageynDesigns on Etsy.  Melissa also has a similar coffee mug available with -Mom as the signature.  

Each coffee mug is made to order, and is not created beforehand. This is *not* a vinyl decal design. The design is inked and professionally processed with a high heat press to bond permanently with the mug itself, and the design will not crack or peel off. Also, the design will be on both sides of the mug.  

Visit Melissa at Drageyn Designs on Etsy and see the fabulous choices of ceramic coffee mugs and travel coffee mugs, plus beer steins and much more she has created for her shop.  There is sure to be one that is perfect for you. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Why Parents and Teachers Need the Time Timer: A Review

What's Unique about the Time Timer?

The Time Timer is different than other timers I've used. When you set those there is an audible alert -- a ding or a buzz -- when the time is up. The Time Timer has a red disk you set for the time needed. As the time passes, the red disk gets smaller in a clockwise direction. This makes it very easy for a person to see how fast time is passing and how much time is left before time is up. Most models also come with an optional audible alert. 

Is it Time Now? How Much Longer Do I Have?

How many times do parents and teachers hear these questions every day? Sometimes it can appear to children that time is just standing still. Whether it's a preschooler wanting to know how much longer a time-out will last or a student taking a timed test wanting to know when it will be over, children wonder about the passing of time.

Small children have not yet developed the concept of how long a minute is, let alone three of them, or twenty of them. Children practicing an instrument or taking a scholastic achievement test may not have noted a starting time and just want to see quickly how much time they have left to work.

The Time Timer is a helpful visual aid in all these situations and more. It comes in many sizes. Some are audible as well as visual. There is sure to be one to meet your needs as a parent or a teacher. When a normal clock or timer just doesn't communicate clearly to a child, a Time Timer will help.

How much longer do I have to practice?

Ever heard that question?

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

When my children took piano lessons, I heard this question quite often, mostly from Jason, who wasn’t as fond of practicing the piano as Sarah was. It doesn’t matter which instrument it is — violin, tuba, clarinet — most children are resistant to practicing unless they absolutely love their instrument, and even then they sometimes tire of practicing.

Time Timer 8 INCH, 60 minute visual analog timer with flip out legs and optional alert

Enter the Time Timer. I recommend the eight-inch model for this because you can mount it on the wall or let it stand up nearby. Put it where your child can see it easily during practice time and he will always know exactly how much longer his practice time will last. He may also get an idea of how long it takes to play each piece in proportion to his total practice time.

This timer is also used in many school districts and offices for effective time management. It's useful for all ages and abilities. Whereas it can teach children the concept of time passing, workers can see at a glance how much time they have left to work on a task before their next appointment. For those who want to hear when the set time is up, this timer has an optional ding to notify you.

There is a Time Timer for Every Need

People appreciate the 3-inch timer because it's the most portable Time Timer.

The Time Timer Plus is also portable because of its handy handle. It is available in either gray or white. 

Time Timer Audible Countdown Timer - 3 inch - BlackTime Timer PLUS, 60 minute visual analog timer with handle and optional alert, White

The Time Timer Can Help Children Ease into Bedtime

Do you remember when you were young and you had no concept of how much longer it would be before bedtime, even if you knew that bedtime was at 7:00? You judged time by a sequence of events before you could tell time. First came dinner. Then there might be a TV show or story. Then it was bath time. Shortly after bath time might be bedtime. Or maybe not. Whatever the order of events was at your house, you probably wondered just exactly when you would have to go to bed. Just how much longer did you have to play quietly? How long could you stall?

Suppose you had had a Time Timer set about an hour before bedtime so that you could get a better idea of how much time you had and could actually see it disappear? How much better would that have been than just getting interested in an activity only to have a parent whisk you off to bed before you could finish it? I think it would have been better, and it would have been equally helpful to know how long until I needed to help set the table or do some other assigned chore. Along with learning the concept of time, seeing time pass helps a child learn to plan what he can do before his free time is gone. It's a step toward teaching a child time management.

There Are So Many Ways to Use the Time Timer

• Timed tests
• Practice time
• Time-outs
• Independent reading time
• Free time before a chore needs to be done
• Time before bedtime
• Time before a lesson starts
• Time to leave for an appointment
• Time to take a medication
• Time to dress and be ready for breakfast
• Time to get ready to leave for church

How Will You Use the Time Timer in Your Home, Classroom, or Office?

Bedtime Photo Credit: Pixabay

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Flowtron Bug Zapper Reviewed

Environmentally Friendly Way To Control Mosquitoes

Mosquito Image from Pixabay.com

In my neck of the woods and I'm sure in yours too, it is insect season. I would like to review a bug zapper for you today that I have used for about 25 years. 

Just recently I discovered that my trusty little bug light had finally zapped its last mosquito. I was disappointed until I thought back to how long it had guarded my yard from those pesky mosquitoes every year. I'm thinking 25 years of service is pretty darned excellent. So, I will be purchasing another one and I do not see any reason to get a different brand since this one worked so well.

I don't know about you but as far as I'm concerned the only good mosquito is a dead one. That is a bit of an unusual statement for me because when it comes to critters I usually am on the side of the little creature and want them to live a healthy life as a part of the eco system. I can't say that for the mosquito, though. I don't see that they do much good at all except for transmitting diseases and uncomfortable bites to our bodies. We already have reports of West Nile Virus in our area this year and I just heard about a young mother who has contacted encephalitis from a recent mosquito bite. So, I don't have any qualms at all about zapping those little blood suckers with a bug light. 

Bug Zapping Light

I like that I am not putting harmful chemicals in the ground or the air that my family and I are breathing by using a bug light. It might seem like cruel and unusual punishment to get electrocuted if you are the mosquito but at least it is quick and complete. The other good thing is that the spiders and some birds will feed on the dead bodies of the "skeeters" without getting sick from some toxic substance.

We have always hung our bug zapper in a tree and turn it on about dusk in the evening. It doesn't do much good to have it on in the daylight. As the evening gets dark, the black light attracts those little pests in and zap boom bang those suckers are fried. Hundreds if not thousands meet their doom every night. As heinous as that might make me sound, it is a good thing in my mind!

One year an industrious spider spun a huge web between the tree trunk and the bug light. It was quite clever on her part! As some of the mosquitoes were flying towards the light, they were captured in her web! I couldn't help but think of Charlotte!

So, if you have a mosquito problem (I can't imagine an area that wouldn't); I highly recommend the Flowtron Bug Zapper to help eliminate many of them.  

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Books Reviewed on Review This Reviews

Treasures from the Archives of Review This Reviews!

Over the years, lots of wonderful books have been reviewed on Review This Reviews!  Our contributors are not limited to specific themes or categories.  The genres that have been reviewed are quite varied. You will find mystery, romance, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, children's books, craft books, cookbooks, photography books, resource books for writers, and more reviewed on Review This Reviews!  

Our contributors review books they have actually read themselves.  We do not rely on word of month or book awards.  Review This Reviews! readers can expect first hand opinions and recommendations about the book being reviewed.

The easiest way to see our book review collection is on our Pinterest board.   Many of us are drawn to a book by it's cover.  I'm sure you will see several books you would like to read on our board of recommendations.  

We invite you to start by reading the review of the actual book shown by simply clicking the image of the book below.  Pinterest will automatically redirect you to the published review.  If it sounds like a book you want to read, then click the book's link in the review to buy the book for your own library or Kindle.

Review This Reviews! is the very best resource for exceptional book reviews on the web!


Welcome to Our Library!

A Preview of the Pinterest Board - Book Reviews 

There are over 150 books reviewed on Review This Reviews! This small board features the most recent 50 reviews.
Click through to Pinterest to see all of the books that have been reviewed on Review This Reviews!

Books Reviewed on Review This Reviews!

For a written list of the books reviewed on Review This Reviews, please visit our Site Directory and select "Books" from the "Fast Click" category tabs on that page.



Read More Book Reviews at
ReviewThisBooks.com

---

Note to Book Authors:  Review This Reviews Contributors are not for hire.   However, if you would like to send us your book, a contributor will voluntarily read it.  We cannot guarantee a review of your book will be published.  Please contact us via the contact form box in our footer.

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: