Book Description
Winner 1991 Maxwell Medallion
Best Special Volume
ABOUT THE FIRST EDITION
"...the techniques and the case studies here are so interesting that a read will prove rewarding to ordinary trainers and fanciers alike." —Publishers Weekly
From the devastation of the World Trade Center to earthquakes in Central Asia, search and rescue dogs have proven invaluable in helping to find victims of disasters-whether man-made or natural.
First published in 1991 to critical acclaim, this newly expanded and revised edition of Search and Rescue Dogs: Training the K-9 Hero, contains original, updated content. Chapters describe cutting-edge training techniques used for wilderness, disaster, cadaver dogs, and water searches, and by state and federal disaster organizations such as FEMA.
Search and Rescue Dogs: Training the K-9 Hero, 2nd Edition provides:
- Clear, step-by-step lessons on training your dog for a variety of search and rescue operations
- Ways to keep your dog-and yourself-safe in the face of disaster
- Practical information on procedures and equipment for dogs, handlers, and human volunteers
- The ultimate experience of the interdependence of Human and Dog
Extensive photographs illustrate real-life missions, including images of Ground Zero and the Pentagon taken by ARDA volunteers after September 11, 2001.
Customer Reviews:
A logical approach.......2007-09-26
In training any dog, the biggest challenge always is how to 'connect the dots' in the dogs mind for what you want to see repeated and ignore what you don't want repeated. You then move on to giving the dog space to make his own choices based on what you taught him. This book fits perfectly into the philosophy.
I have owned two purebred dogs. Field Springers and Border Collies. Both breeds I had to trust to make their own decisions at one point as both had to ultimately operate off a lead. Establishing that connection is key with any dog to keep them safe, and to keep the enjoyment factor high. I give high marks to this book for making this point.
I disagree with a previous reviewer that this is only about German Shepherds. Certainly the pictures are, but anyone who has ever trained a dog should know that personality, drive, and disposition are all factors in training and that trumps breed every time. If the dog is interested he/she is limited only by his ability to smell.
The strongest part of this book is that it begins with simple puzzles for the dog, then offers more complex puzzles as they gain confidence. Like the writers, I agree that the dog has to want to do this. For my border collie it is now a passion. What I used to call 'hide and seek' with my dog has now jumped to a different level thanks to this book.
I'm grateful to the reviewers of this book who gave this such high marks. It made all the difference in choosing the right one. AND, I chose the right one.
Search and Rescue Dogs: Training the K-9 Hero, 2nd Ed........2006-07-01
An excellent book on the role of dogs in rescue. Differentiates tracking dogs from the wider term rescue. Very well written.
if you like German Shepherds..........2005-12-28
This is a really good book. But, if you don't have a German Shepherd than you still might want to look elsewhere. The book can absolutely teach you a lot but the concentration on GSDs will likely grate on you. The bias is such that there is no mention of the fact that the public tends to be frightened of German Shepherds, and that Labradors and Goldens can do the work just as well without the unfair but widespread stigma of Shepherds. Or that Retrievers excel at this work BECAUSE they are retrievers and because they genuinely adore people! Anyway, it REALLY does have a lot of good information, I just can't give it five stars because there are lots of great breeds in the world, many of which are suitable for SAR work. Why discount and ignore them?
Great Search and Rescue book........2005-01-29
This book was great, it helped me be able to learn how to trian my dog to track using the air scenting method. It gives step by step instructions on how to succeed in training you dog to become certified in Search and Rescue. Published by the ARDA you know that the material it contains is up to date and current. The other great feature in this book is that is specializes in ground tracking, air scent tracking, disaster search, avalance search, cadaver search, and water search and rescues. Can't speak more highly of this book, the only book that compares with this book is Search Dog Training by Sandy Bryson.
Search and Rescue Dogs: Training the K-9 Hero.......2004-08-10
A very well written book on the overview of the selection, training and care of the search and rescue dog. The authors provide addtional information on subjects such as how to form a rescue team (unit) and how to train for an actual incident. Wilderness searches, urban disasters, avalanche and cadaver training, and water rescues are all covered, and the case studies of actual missions make this a very interesting read.
Book Description
An extensive and in-depth study of the non-military and civilian toy figures made by Britains, covering the early mechanical toys of the 1880s through to the final hollow cast toys from 1966. During the inter-war period, the British toy-buying public rejected war-like/military toys, providing Britains with the opportunity to introduce their Farm, Zoo and Circus lines all of which in some way reflected the social history of the time in the United Kingdom. Prolific in their output, Britains were quick to realize the potential of the huge U.S. market and exported vast numbers of toys via a number of importers in the eastern and mid-western states. Included are 970 color photographs of toys including Miniature Garden, Civilian Vehicles, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Salvation Army and Cowboys and Indians, etc., along with British Royalty figures. Together with Football/Soccer and Famous Horse Racing Colors and their Jockeys, this book provides colorful insight into the hobby of collecting these hollow cast lead toys. A guide to current values is included in the captions.
Book Description
This book is the culmination of over thirty years researching the history, production, and identification of hollow lead civilian toys. It carefully documents the civilian toy figures produced by over 75 companies between 1900 and 1966. A number of Britains civilian items have also been included for comparison. Easy to use, the book is organized by themes, ranging from Art Work to Zoo figures, with Christmas, farm, garden, and many more in between. Illustrated with over 1,500 full color photos, it includes current pricing, and provides a history of the toys, as well as the a social history. Examples from Argentina, France, Germany, Japan, and the U.S.A. join the many figures produced in England. The most significant book on civilian hollow cast figures since The Great Book of Hollow-Cast Figures, published by Norman Joplin in 1993, this new book, combining the knowledge and skill of two renowned experts, is sure to be the "new testament" for collectors and toy aficionados around the world.
Book Description
When it's time to knit a new sweater, start at the TOP! With this collection of comfy, cozy sweaters, you can start at the neck; then try on projects as you knit to make the bust, length, and sleeves fit to a T.
* Try the clever top down technique in 15 easy knit-and-purl designs
* Keep these versatile sweaters casual with jeans, or dress them up for stylish workday wear
* Knit most projects in the round for minimal seaming and finishing work
Customer Reviews:
Top down Sweaters.......2007-07-10
These are some ugly sweaters.
The sleeves would look like bags on normal people because there is no armhole shaping and the knit fabric bulges at the armhole. Even on the model who is trying to hide this fact in the photos by posing with her arms close to the body.
The one sweater I am considering doing is the cover modular one with a yoke where this problem with the sleeves is not as bad. It might look nice in a Noro Silkgarden yarn that self stripes and the contrast color yarn could make it attractive instead of sweater where the colors are downright tragic.
I would not recommend this book.
Nothing startling new in construction, some attractive textured sweaters...........2007-06-02
As previous reviews have noted, most of the sweaters in this book are of the simple drop shoulder type. The author uses a provisional cast-on at the shoulder for the back, knitting downward. Then when its time to do the front, the provisional cast-on is undone and stitches picked up to knit downward for the front piece. This leaves a sweater with no shoulder seams, which may not be a good thing if the sweater is a weighty one, increases the stretching out potential. It is puzzling that all the drop shoulder styles are done this way since in the beginning section which is a kind of glossary of techniques, the 3-needle bind-off which would be a superior seamless shoulder joining technique in terms of stability IS described. Just never mentioned in specific patterns.
Here is a breakdown of the 15 patterns by sleeve type or type of pattern:
8 Drop shoulder
2 Raglan
3 Modular
2 Ponchos.
A comment about the other reviewers questioning about the model used. I think it is no accident, drop shoulders look best on this particular model's figure type, wide shoulders and no hips!
I am keeping the book for the attractive knit-purl textures that the author employs (similar to her previous Saturday Sweaters book) but I intend on making some changes: 3-needle bind off at the shoulders and modified drop shoulder style, perhaps some body shaping.
Disappointing.......2007-05-10
If what you want is a book of top-down sweaters, aka sweaters knit from the top down in 1 piece, then you will be VERY disappointed in this book. There is only ONE sweater knit in one piece. All the rest are pieced with all kinds of seams and therefore the advantage of knitting top down is lost. There is even a poncho pattern...like who cares? Top Down Sweaters is a book that is needed but this book is a SORE DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
great patterns.......2007-05-02
I love the patterns in this book and like the size range. I started one sweater as soon as I got the book and can't wait to see how it turns out. Patterns are very nice and use a variety of yarns, also everything is not on size 15 needles, which I hate, these patterns are much more flattering.
Nice addition to my "top-down" collection.......2007-04-18
I am addicted to top-down sweaters. I think I have every book ever written on the subject. Alas, I have yet to find the "perfect" book. Some of the books that tell you how to design your own are often too vague (like Barbara Walker), and others just have patterns for you to follow blindly.
What I like about this book is that most of the sweaters are NOT raglans. This is the first time I've seen drop shoulder sweaters mentioned from the top down since Barbara Walker's book. Most people do raglans, so the drop-shoulder garments are a breath of fresh air.
I also liked the fact that these garments have a more relaxed fit. Everyone is on the fitted, waist-shaping bandwagon lately, and let's face it, some of us don't want attention drawn to our waists!
I love the texture in these sweaters, too. They're so lovely.
Now for the reasons I didn't give it more stars. I was disappointed that there weren't any other sleeve styles. I'm interested in set-in sleeves from the top. Barbara Walker explains it in such a way that I'm lost and confused, and I haven't run into any patterns that have that technique. I'd also like to have seen some modified drops, too. But that's a small thing. It was such a breath of fresh air not to see all raglans that I'm not too worked up about it. After all, we all need to specialize in something, and I think Doreen is doing a great job of mastering the top-down drop-shoulder sweater.
Another problem I had with the book was that there was only one model featured, and she had such broad shoulders! At first, I thought that there was something wrong with the sweaters because they all looked so funny. But when I examined the schematics, I realized they were perfectly normal, drop-shoulder sweaters. Then I realized it was the model. So, I'm going to assume that these sweaters would fit like a drop-shoulder sweater would fit me, but it was disappointing to have to analyze the book so much. And I have to wonder, is this model related to the author or what? Is there a reason they had to use her and only her? Are they telling me that of all the people who had a part in creating this book that not one person noticed the model had freakishly broad shoulders and looked like a line backer in those sweaters?
All that being said, I do like the book and since I've never done a drop-shoulder sweater from the top, I will certainly attempt some of the sweaters in this book. This would be a nice addition to a top-down sweater book collection because of the focus on drop-shoulder sweaters. It doesn't have any design information, so if you're looking for a how-to book, this isn't it. It's just patterns. But I think it is well worth the money to round out a collection of top-down pattern books.
I'm editing this review. I'd like to add another star (although something is wrong and it's not letting me.) After perusing the book some more, it has grown on me, and I am really wanting to make even more of the sweaters. The Modular Garter-Stitch Jacket pictured on the cover is absolutely gorgeous, and the construction is very unique! I can't wait to blow my whole paycheck on Noro yarn to make it.
I would like to give this book 4 stars. I'm really glad I bought it.
Book Description
Sweaters are the ultimate showcase for knitters—but most patterns require complicated piecing that can be a little tricky. These don’t…and they look fantastic, too! The seamless, top-down knitting method eliminates challenging construction, allowing knitters to focus instead on the individual details that make each sweater special. Not only does this guide thoroughly explain how the technique works—with information on reading patterns and understanding sizing—but it also teaches beginners how to design their own generic patterns for pullovers and cardigans in different yarn gauges. All the sweaters are organized by yarn weight, and the projects include an elegant rolled-collar pullover, dramatic capelet, and Asian-inspired top.
Customer Reviews:
Pros and Cons.......2007-09-20
Cons: I definitely didn't get this book for the sweater patterns. From all of the sweaters there are maybe 3 that I would consider knitting and wearing. The sweaters are unattractive and the some of the photographs of the models are unflattering.
Pros: What I do like about this book is the section on "Elements of a Sweater," especially the part on necklines and collars. It provides a good way for you to modify the patterns to create your own style (which are much needed considering the outdated sweaters in this book!).
Confusing & misleading.......2007-08-30
This book is really disappointing to me. I have been knitting for 20+ years, I have been teaching for 4+ years, I am a big fan of one-piece sweaters and in fact favor the top down approach (as opposed to bottom up) - but I know this book will confuse & frustrate a lot of knitters trying to make a nice sweater. I've read through it twice so far and I have found several things wrong or unappealing, from styling (a matter of opinion) to technique (a matter of experience) to plain ol' math (simple fact).
1) Math errors in the initial, basic explanations (30/2 = 10?) which make it hard to follow.
I also found one reference to a "psso" (pass slipped st over) where there isn't a preceding st that was slipped - any knitter, novice or experienced, will be brought up short at that one. I think what they meant, and what they should have written, was "bind off one st".
2a) The only decrease technique used is k2tog; nowhere have I found a mention of using paired decreases (i.e. using left-leaning decs, such as ssk or skp, to mirror the right-leaning k2tog). This is a relatively basic technique.
2b) The author apparently has not learned how to correctly do short rows, and she makes it sound like a difficult and tricky technique to explain why she doesn't use it. This is in fact the most elegant shaping solution for issues such as raising the back neck of a sweater, or adding extra fullness required at the bust. I have successfully taught many knitters the short-row technique in a single 2-hour class session.
3) The method the author suggests to get around doing short rows is to place (a LOT of) additional fabric on the front of the sweater. This may be fine for busty gals - I personally wouldn't know! - but makes for a poor-fitting sweater for anyone else. You will have to make the yoke much longer in order for the back of the sweater to be big enough across, and you will end up with wads of extra fabric under the arms. Take a close look at the pics and you'll see almost every one shows a model with her arms down, or else with baggy underarms.
I also thought the layout of the book in 3 columns made for choppy sentences which made the instructions that much harder to follow.
The saving graces are:
1) The section on collars looks pretty complete and is nice to show the variety of collar types (though I am leery of the instructions at this point).
2) A nice use of details, such as bows and other embellishments, plus some good examples of yarn combinations.
Too many knitting publishers are now trying to take advantage of the popularity of the sport, and are flooding the market with substandard books. No repercussions occur to them - but I imagine the poor knitter who spends hours of work, and cries tears of frustration - and it makes me angry.
You're far better off with Barbara Walker's old standard - it doesn't have glossy pictures but the information is the best.
This was sooo inspirational and just what I needed, I wrote a letter to the author (and I have NEVER done this before!).......2007-05-28
..."I just wanted to take a moment to let you know just how much I love this book. I ordered it from Crafter's Choice and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. I have not had the best of luck with their books. Yours, however, is everything I had hoped for and more. I have only been knitting for about a year now, and I am self-taught. Actually, if you count watching Vickie Howell's "Knitty Gritty" on DIY, then I guess you could say I had some lessons. Your book, the way you have written your ideas and the pictures, along with the patterns written out so that I can create my own designs, all I can say is, "WOW" and "THANK YOU!" I feel so inspired that I plan on going to the store in the morning to get colored pencils and more 16" circulars, as well as more cables and points for my Boye needles. I just knew when I started buying those on sale it was going to pay off!"
After I wrote this to the author, I went to Amazon to try to find 16 inch circulars. I ended up spending $84 on ebay and got 3 complete sets of 0-11 bamboo circular needles. (that was a little over $2 per needle instead of the $7.50 plus shipping from here or $7.99 plus tax at JoAnns. Then I went to JoAnns and purchased my colored pencils, then to the Dollar Tree for paper and now I am trying to get the right image out of my head onto paper so that I can go and buy the yarn and start knitting. I really have to thank this author again for her inspiration.
Get this book and see if you are equally as inspired as I am!!
Good in theory..........2007-04-18
I compulsively buy every top-down sweater book I can find. I was hoping this would be a good addition to my collection, but there is very little benefit to be gained by owning this book.
First, what I liked about the book: the section on necklines and collars was good. I get tired of the old crew neck sweater, and this book has given me the idea to try a polo neck. Some of the sweaters are pretty and I think they can be used as inspiration.
What I didn't like: everything else. The author claims her way of starting at the collar and avoiding any shaping of the neck is revolutionary. It's not. It's simplistic and makes a garment lie funny. Putting more stitches on the front than on the back couldn't possibly make up for no neck shaping. I myself do not mind going back and picking up stitches around the neck to make the collar. It gives a more polished look. You can tell by looking at the photographs that some of the models have the front of the sweater riding up on their necks. I want to tug down the front of my own sweater just looking at them! The sweaters with wider, deeper necklines look OK without any shaping.
And the armpits on the sweaters are very deep. One reason for making top-down sweaters is so that you can try it on as you go. If you're already at the underam and you still don't have the required number of stitches, don't keep knitting! Just cast on the extra stitches at the underarms.
I wouldn't waste my money on this book. There are only a few sweaters that are attractive enough to even use as inspiration, and the design information given leaves a lot to be desired.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Top Down Knitting.......2007-04-03
It's all here, everything you need to know to successfully knit custom-fitting sweaters from the top down. From reading patterns to doing the math to designing your own sweaters, Carron takes you step by step from collar to cuffs. And if you just want to knit, there are plenty of patterns. With six sweaters in each of four different yarn weights including pullovers, cardigans, and long- and short-sleeved styles, there's sure to be one that's just right for you. The book could have used a more careful copyedit and I was tripped up by some of the abbreviations in the text, but once you get past that the information is sound.
Customer Reviews:
Some intriguing sweater constructions........2001-01-03
I obtained this out-of-print book based on the one Amazon.com customer review. If you are one of those knitters who lives in a temperate climate, such that wool sweaters are too heavy for most days, I would definitely try to find an inexpensive copy of this book. The thing I liked the best about the book is that there are two or three VERY unusually constructed sweaters, including one that I loved, knit all in ONE piece, which included front, back and cap sleeves - all that's left to do after knitting is to sew up the side seams. What I found disappointing about the book was the lack of specifics about how cotton knitting differs from wool knitting. Wool is a favorite choice for knitters because, of course, wool yarn has that natural elastic quality, something that cotton yarn has less of, though, as a natural fiber, it still has some elasticity. There is also the question about testing swatches for shrinkage, color-fastness, blocking, washing and caring for cotton knits about which the book didn't go into much detail - also disappointing. Basically, the book is a gallery of sweater designs with patterns, line-by-line knitting directions, line drawings and color charts provided. The sweaters are photographed on professional models. I personally found the colors used and knit-in designs rather too bright and flashy, but that is easily changed to suit personal taste. The close-up photos of the patterned swatches are very good and will be a help to the knitter. Although the book doesn't say it, cotton knitting, though challenging, can be quite lovely in some designs. Some lace patterns knit up quite well in cotton, although I have found that cotton yarn does not hold up too well in very intricate twisted stitches - it tends to fray and look battered right away. I also wish the book had explained the differences between cotton yarns, mercerized vs. non-mercerized, for example. However, given the fact that there are few books available for cotton knitters, I think this book is well worth your time and attention.
A Beautiful Collection.......2000-07-10
I can't imagine why this book is out of print. I found it at my local library and instantly wanted it for my own collection. The designs are timeless as well as gorgeous. Even though it was written in 1987, the designs are classically up-to-date. And each design is shown with variations of color combinations. The book is filled with full color photos of every design and the instructions are clear and concise. There are over 30 designs from simple to complex and include vests, long sleeve, sleeveless and even a tank top! What a find!
Average customer rating:
- Somewhat disappointing....
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Tops with a Twist: A Special Publication from Spin-Off magazine
PieceWork Magazine
Manufacturer: Interweave Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Crocheting
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Knitting
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Weaving
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1883010756 |
Customer Reviews:
Somewhat disappointing...........2003-07-19
Out of 18 patterns, only about 3-4 are interesting or unusual enough to want to knit as written. Some of the patterns have some elements that can be incorporated into other hats, but as hats in this book they are boring. Homespun, Handknit by Linda Ligon has better hats, imho.
I expected more from this book. Maybe what they should have done is had a contest for the best spun yarn (since this was from Spin-Off magazine), and had other knitters do the hat designs. Or maybe the really good and unusual patterns were reserved for another use--like future magazine projects.
I'm keeping it, but glad I bought it at the Amazon.com price and not the full price.
Average customer rating:
- Confusing from traditional Feng Shui
|
Essential Feng Shui: Your Practical Guide to Health, Wealth and Happiness
Simon G. Brown
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Decorating
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Self-Help
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Occult
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Feng Shui
| Stress
| Personal Health
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0706378547 |
Book Description
Promote good relationships, business, and health through inspired interior design. This lavishly illustrated, full-color guide teaches the fundamental Feng Shui principles and how to apply them on a room-by-room basis. Identify the five element Ch'i energies, their locations, and their associated shapes, colors, and materials. Make changes to the décor to improve your fortunes-everything from choosing color schemes and situating furniture to placing light sources and selecting houseplants and decorative accessories can lead to success!
Customer Reviews:
Confusing from traditional Feng Shui.......2000-07-11
I bought this book because it was "pretty". It has lots of wonderful pictures and looked like just the thing to get a visual understanding of Feng Shui, particularly when using the North-South orientation instead of the front door orientation that most other books use. The trouble was, when I got it home and studied it, I found that it recommended colors for each of the areas of the bagua to be quite different from the traditional view by most authors I have read. Perhaps there is merit to this change from tradition, but for someone who isn't an expert, this leads to extreme confusion in trying to utilize this book as a supplement to other books. I certainly don't recommend it as a first book on Feng Shui either, there are so many other books that offer greater detail for beginners (Check out author Lilian Too, for one).
Books:
- Shiba Inus (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
- Siberian Huskies Complete Owner's Manual
- Successful Dog Breeding: The Complete Handbook of Canine Midwifery (Howell Reference Books)
- Taking Up Riding as an Adult (Horse-Wise Guides Series)
- The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility
- The Birdie Treats Cookbook
- The Brussels Griffon: An Owner's Guideto aHappy Healthy Pet
- The Canary Handbook
- The Companion Species Manifesto: Dogs, People, and Significant Otherness
- The Complete Book of Saltwater Fishing
Books Index
Books Home
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Guide to Search and Rescue Dogs
Tracking Dog: Theory & Methods
Scent and the Scenting Dog
Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods (Howell Reference Books)
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