I loved this book! It's a collection of essays by a woman who moved to the woods of Maine in the seventies, with the intent of returning to the land and living simply. As time goes on, she and her husband adjust, grow, adapt, and accept some technological advancement, without losing sight of the core reasons for their decision. If you're wondering how you can possibly give up your second iPod or third car (or even if you're just interested in sustainable living), give this book a read to see how simplifying is done.
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(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
I have a lot of cookbooks, but most of them I use only as jumping off points to create my own dishes. This book is an exception, because it's exceptional! I've prepared about half of the recipes (so far) and not one of them has been a dud. Everything is delicious, the recipes are easy to follow, and Moskowitz includes many helpful hints for everything from how to slice a mango to substitutions. The baked goods are divine, and no one in my office even hesitates to accept a vegan cupcake now.
Vegan food has a bad rep for tasting too... health-foody. While I believe there's a time and place for a heap of quinoa mixed with some edamame and not much else, I think that more people would choose to go meat-free if they only knew how much delicious food was out there! Moskowitz brings it with this cookbook. If you're interested in trying some vegan dishes, or trying to show someone that vegan food doesn't have to taste like it was dug out of the ground yesterday, you can do no better than this book! (Though the Veganomicon comes in a close second!)
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(4 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
This is my goto book when I know what I want to make, but can't find the right pattern. The only section I haven't used is the section on socks, and that's only because I have so many books about socks!
Not only does this book include guidelines for basic garments, but it also has information about technique (the diagram for M1 increases has been indispensable), edgings, and advice for fit.
I do find the sweater section a bit lacking, as it gives guidelines for only one type of sweater (which I've used several times for children's sweaters). If you are most interested in sweaters, I would recommend the Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, also by Ann Budd. I have both. Since I personally most often make sweaters for myself from written patterns, I use the general pattern book much more often.
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(4 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
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Marlena Clark has commented on (3) products.
Carrying Water As a Way of Life by Linda Tatelbaum
Marlena Clark, April 7, 2009
I loved this book! It's a collection of essays by a woman who moved to the woods of Maine in the seventies, with the intent of returning to the land and living simply. As time goes on, she and her husband adjust, grow, adapt, and accept some technological advancement, without losing sight of the core reasons for their decision. If you're wondering how you can possibly give up your second iPod or third car (or even if you're just interested in sustainable living), give this book a read to see how simplifying is done.(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Vegan with a Vengeance: Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipies That Rock by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Marlena Clark, October 14, 2008
I have a lot of cookbooks, but most of them I use only as jumping off points to create my own dishes. This book is an exception, because it's exceptional! I've prepared about half of the recipes (so far) and not one of them has been a dud. Everything is delicious, the recipes are easy to follow, and Moskowitz includes many helpful hints for everything from how to slice a mango to substitutions. The baked goods are divine, and no one in my office even hesitates to accept a vegan cupcake now.Vegan food has a bad rep for tasting too... health-foody. While I believe there's a time and place for a heap of quinoa mixed with some edamame and not much else, I think that more people would choose to go meat-free if they only knew how much delicious food was out there! Moskowitz brings it with this cookbook. If you're interested in trying some vegan dishes, or trying to show someone that vegan food doesn't have to taste like it was dug out of the ground yesterday, you can do no better than this book! (Though the Veganomicon comes in a close second!)
(4 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges by Ann Budd
Marlena Clark, March 12, 2007
This is my goto book when I know what I want to make, but can't find the right pattern. The only section I haven't used is the section on socks, and that's only because I have so many books about socks!Not only does this book include guidelines for basic garments, but it also has information about technique (the diagram for M1 increases has been indispensable), edgings, and advice for fit.
I do find the sweater section a bit lacking, as it gives guidelines for only one type of sweater (which I've used several times for children's sweaters). If you are most interested in sweaters, I would recommend the Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, also by Ann Budd. I have both. Since I personally most often make sweaters for myself from written patterns, I use the general pattern book much more often.
(4 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)