Best crafts & hobbies books according to redditors

We found 3,851 Reddit comments discussing the best crafts & hobbies books. We ranked the 1,648 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

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Subcategories:

Basket making books
Crafts books for children
Gift decorating books
Farming books
Glass & glassware books
Metal work books
Pottery & ceramic craft books
Crafts & hobbies reference books
Seasonal crafts books
Candle making books
Ham radio books
Soap making books
Scrapbooking books
Polymer clay books
Mixed-media craft books
Flower arranging & floral crafts books
Jewelry & beadwork crafts books
Paper craft & stenciling books
Toy & model crafts books
Wood crafts & carving books
Folk art books
Nature crafts books
Mosaic crafting books
Weaponsmithing books
Puppet crafts books

Top Reddit comments about Crafts & Hobbies:

u/[deleted] · 85 pointsr/science

That can be argued as base motivation for most social behavior. Even in humans. Isn't that why children yearn for their parents? Isn't that why a spouse misses their spouse? It may be true that survival needs drive social behavior on some level, but it does not mean it is not social behavior. One can still desire affection for affection's sake, even if the "desire" for affection (and the behaviors to obtain it) originated as a survival technique.

An example of this that comes to mind is a baby's reflex smile. It elicits affection from parents towards that newborn. The parents then, presumably, are more likely to feed, take care of, and value that child. The baby cannot tell you are smiling at them back, nor does it care. It wants to be taken care of. It wants to be fed. It is like the dog wanting a treat. At some level, a lot of social behaviors have this kind of element to them. But they become more... not in an esoteric sense, but that receiving affection is, in and of itself, a reward and of value.

That social behavior may have a biological basis may make some cynical, but I do not think it should. But if it does, I suggest Unweaving the Rainbow to regain some of the magic that may be lost for you from the universe.

EDIT: Here is Dawkins reading the opening lines.

u/h83r · 34 pointsr/Justrolledintotheshop

Identifying Wood: Accurate Results With Simple Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/0942391047/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_A6FHzbQB5PTDJ

u/berlin-calling · 26 pointsr/bestof

As a player and Dungeon Master, it makes me so happy to see /r/DnD making it to bestof more than once. :)

For those interested, the newest edition being released book by book right now is 5e (previously D&D Next when it was still in the playtesting phase). Player's Handbook (PHB) and Monster Manual (MM) are the only rule books out right now. The main storyline book out right now is Hoard of the Dragon Queen (HotDQ) and soon The Rise of Tiamat (RoT).

What you need to play D&D IRL:

  • D&D Basic Rules for Players and DMs
  • 3-4 players (PCs or player characters) is ideal
  • 1 Dungeon Master (DM), who runs the game
  • Dice (Wiz Dice is a good starting point if nobody has dice. Just buy the big bag.)
  • Paper and pencils
  • Optional: A battle mat (like this one from Chessex)
  • Optional: Miniatures (minis) to represent your PCs, NPCs, and monsters. I use dice to represent monsters in my games, because minis are expensive.

    If you want to play a D&D online tabletop:

  • Roll20.net
  • Use /r/lfg, /r/roll20lfg, or their dedicated LFG function/forums to find other people
  • Roll20 itself has all you need to play the game - character sheets, dice rollers, built in webcam/mic, special view for DMs versus players, music, handouts, macros, etc.


    Shameless plug: My group streams D&D 3.5e (older edition) on Twitch almost every Monday night at 8pm EST. I also play and DM 5e, so I'm happy to answer questions about either edition!
u/amildlyclevercomment · 23 pointsr/IdiotsFightingThings

He needed this.

u/OmegaCenti · 16 pointsr/videos

Hey! one of my times to shine! inaccesible places to tie knots is something people have been perfecting for 100's of years! One of the great ways to to pull out a vehicle is with an axle hitch or in this video. However, what the video doesn't show you is all you need is to get a loop around the axle (can be done with a pole with a hook on it),pull the loop back towards dry land, and the magic part is you can tie all the parts of the knot away from the hazardous area (e.g. the slushy water/ice with the car buried in it).

The logs in this video are being used to keep the pulley contraption from simply pulling the car into the ice and essentially breaking the ice further.

edit: Going to page /u/Dunyvaig so he can take a look at these possibilities as well

Source: I've been a fan of knots for a significant portion of my life, and one of my favorite books of all time would be The Ashley Book of Knots

u/Uncle_Erik · 13 pointsr/Frugal

You don't have too many options. Furniture at big furniture stores is junk. Some of it is very expensive junk, but it is still junk. There are only three ways to get good furniture:

  1. Expensive, boutique builders and commissioned woodworkers. For example, Stickley makes great furniture with great wood and great upholstery, but you will pay for it.

  2. DIY. /r/woodworking is a good resource. There is a learning curve and you need to buy tools, but this will get you very nice furniture at prices lower than the big stores. If you're interested, one of my favorite books is Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking. If you want to know what to look for in good furniture, read this book. He teaches you all of the good joints and methods of construction. If you see these used in furniture, you will know it is of good quality.

  3. Antiques. You will find very well made furniture at the antique shop. they really don't make them like they used to, unless you buy boutique/commissioned as mentioned in #1.

    Me? I bought a lot of furniture 20 years ago when I was a starving grad student. Had no money, so I bought a bunch of broken antiques for dead cheap and learned how to do furniture repair and upholstery. I still have all of it today and it has held up beautifully. I'm also starting to build my own furniture, too, built the same way that boutique and antique furniture is made. Again, skip the big box furniture stores. All that stuff is a lot of money for cheap junk.
u/legitimatemustard · 12 pointsr/Survival

The most useful knot is the one best suited to the task you are trying to accomplish. The strongest knot depends on what type of load you are dealing with. Check out The Ashley Book of Knots. I got this book just after Basic Training, and used to practice knots while on fireguard or CQ.

u/ejchristian86 · 12 pointsr/knitting

I would recommend a book or 2 in addition to YouTube. When learning a new knitting technique, I find it really helpful to look at still images or illustrations first, then watch a video to see it in action.

OP, I learned how to knit though a combination of Debbie Stoller's Stitch n Bitch and knittinghelp.com.

It's definitely possible. Just break it down into manageable chunks and do small swatches as you learn. I was knitting simple scarves the first week and moving on to hats and other things within a month. Soon you'll be making cabled sweaters and fancy blankets and all sorts of crazy knits!

Edit to add: Whatever you do, don't knit your first project with Lion Brand Homespun. For some reason, a lot of new knitters (myself included) reach for that yarn for early projects and it just never works properly. Use a simple soft acrylic or wool-blend. Red Heart Soft is a decent choice and quite affordable.

u/angel14995 · 12 pointsr/dndnext

So for 5e there are a couple of things you can look at getting:

  • Basic Rules: Look at the section for "Free Basic Rules". These PDFs are basically what you need to start playing D&D. The D&D 5e Player's Basic Rules has information about the basics of the game for players. It's got 4 races (Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, and Human) and 4 classes (Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Wizard) and one "subclass" for each class (Life Domain Cleric, Champion Fighter, Thief Rogue, and School of Evocation Wizard). Items, customization, character building, and the general "here's how you play!" are included in this document. Great resource for a simple lookup if you want to introduce someone to the game, since the characters you can build out of it are generally solid characters. The D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Basic Rules is the starting point for your DM. For the most part is bunch of creature/enemy stat blocks with explanations on how to balance encounters to the players' levels, as well as a quick off-hand on how to generate magic items. DMs are the creative source of the campaign, so there isn't much required to actually build a simple campaign.
  • Dungeons & Dragons 5e Starter Set: This is the most basic form of the game you can get with most things included. Looks like it's $13 on Amazon right now, which is pretty good. The box set comes with a 32-page player guide (mini Player's Handbook), a 64-page Dungeon Master's guide (mini Dungeon Master's Guide/Monster Manual), a couple of pre-generated characters, and a few dice. It's good for getting into 5e if you've never played before since the rules are greatly reduced down to levels 1-6 and there are only 8 classes. Most of the content is the same stuff you can find in the Basic Rules, minus the story that comes with the Starter Set. If someone gets this, everyone else can download/print the Basic Rules and should be good. Most of the content is all about how to play the characters that are in the starter set, not about character generation and the like, so make sure to look at the Basic Rules if you want to play a Halfling Fighter for example. See this comment for more explanation.
  • Player's Handbook (Dungeons & Dragons 5e): This is the core of most of your games of 5e at this point. This has all of the basic necessities, like character classes, character races, items, spells, feats, etc. This is exactly what you need if you are a player, since this and some imagination allows you to build some pretty fun characters. If you end up playing 5e a lot, I'd recommend that everyone have somewhat regular access to a PHB, considering that 90% of the characters you make will come in most part from this books.
  • Monster Manual: This is where you'll find the largest collection of all of the "basic" monsters that you can meet in a game of D&D. Enemies in general are in this book, and there is a lot of good explanation into the monsters, their stats, their decision routes, etc. This is super helpful since you can basically do whatever you want with this book and make some awesome fights. Find an enemy you like, but it's too high level? Nerf it somehow, and have your players fight it. I'm actually planning on setting a dragon with her wings clipped and her firebreathing removed, give them a fight, and see how they react.
  • Dungeon Master's Guide: This is basically world building, combat building, enemy building, item building... basically, if it's not covered in the PHB or MM, the creation of object X or something similar will be in the DMG. It's there for the DMs to be able to balance items or enemies against certain requirements, since there is a lot to take into account. Helpful for the DM who doesn't have as much experience.

    So the Basic Rules help out a lot, the Starter Set is basically a physical copy of the basic rules (plus some), and then the core 3 books in order of (my personal opinion of) usefulness are PHB > MM > DMG. I'd say you probably want at least everyone to have a PHB, or access if you guys continue to play.

    Aside from that, most of the other 5e stuff you can pick up from wizards are modules. Modules are pre-created campaigns that have quests, items, locations, enemies (number, size, etc.) already pre-designed for you. Each of the following books has some sort of extra character information (like more subclasses, new races, etc.), but nothing is absolutely required. Generally if one person wants to play something (say, an Half-Elf Bladesinger Wizard) they should pick up the book to help build their character and to provide the GM with references to how the character works, but it's not necessary.

  • Hoard of the Dragon Queen and The Rise of Tiamat are two halves to the same campaign aimed at stopping the biggest baddest dragon of them all, the five-headed chromatic dragon Tiamat.
  • Princes of the Apocalypse is a cool campaign all about cults related to the 4 elements (Air, Water, Earth, Fire) trying to be bad. Pretty well designed, I'm currently running this with my group. They seem to be liking it a lot, but then again, I'm throwing a lot of other things in with it.
  • Out of the Abyss is a campaign set in the Underdark. it sounds really cool, but I haven't looked into it much.
  • Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide isn't a campaign but rather a campaign setting book. It's useful for reading up on how the Sword Coast in Forgotten Realms (the "main" D&D world) works. It's interesting.

    If you need any other help, please feel free to ask!
u/MrPigglesworth · 11 pointsr/Blacksmith

This guy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Weygers
Wrote a book called "The Complete Modern Blacksmith":https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Modern-Blacksmith-Alexander-Weygers/dp/0898158966
It has good information on making wood and stone-working hand tools.

u/volcanomouse · 11 pointsr/femalefashionadvice

For a bit of an oddball approach, learning a bit about sewing and how clothes are made can aid you in your quest for quality, especially if you're doing a lot of your shopping in person. Knowing what a taped zipper, pad stitching, French seams, Hong Kong bindings, or a properly pressed welt pocket looks like can give you hints about a garment's durability and quality, even when the brand is unfamiliar to you.

For example, an unnecessarily deep hem on a skirt might mean that the manufacturer acknowledged that the skirt needs the extra weight to hang prettily or that the buyer might want to lengthen it. Or if there's a grosgrain ribbon sewn on the inside of a skirt's waistband, that's to prevent the waist from stretching out and so the wooly fabric doesn't rub up against your skin or tights. It's these unnecessary little touches that (hopefully!) mean that the rest of the garment was made with such care and forethought. :)

Any sewing book from your library with a chapter on hems and seam finishes can teach you stuff like this-- you don't actually have to learn to sew! For some suggestions, The Colette Sewing Handbook is a very pretty, approachable book that you could browse and digest in an evening. On the other end of the spectrum, Claire Schaeffer's Couture Sewing Techniques contains everything you could possibly want to know about what makes a high-end garment, and I think it's fascinating clothing-porn.

And from even further out of left field, if your style at all inclines towards retro, you'd be the perfect size for vintage skirts and dresses. Your unusually slender waist means there are a ton of lightly-worn or deadstock garments just waiting for you to snatch 'em up! Spending a day browsing a vintage shop or Etsy could be fun. Look for deep hems, metal zippers, and the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union tag for some quality pieces.

u/abnormal_human · 11 pointsr/woodworking

This bench is a poor choice for hand tools--it more of a workbench for a homeowner who needs to organize maintenance supplies, or someone who primarily uses power tools

For hand tools, really want something more traditional. Something that weighs at least 300lbs. Something with tree-trunks for legs that won't rack or walk all over the room when you put some oomph behind a jointer plane. Something that doesn't have a bunch of crud hanging above your head that will fall on you when you are putting your muscle into something.

This DVD from Mike Siemsen walks you through how to build a workbench for very, very limited money--$150-175 is feasible. It's an English design that doesn't require vises for work holding.

This video series from Paul Sellers walks you through building a reasonable workbench with a very limited set of hand tools and inexpensive materials. This is also an under-$200 bench.

This book, and also this one by Chris Schwarz represent a deep dive into workbench design. The books include plans for ten or so different benches, all of which are excellent for hand tool work. I built my bench based on plans in the second book. Schwarz also has a blog which, if you go through past years, contains hundreds of posts on workbench design.

Workbenches don't have to be expensive. You can use 2x8s or 2x10s from the home center and limited tools to build them. The first two benches I linked come in at under $200. Schwarz's have a bit more of a range. In general, if you chose inexpensive lumber and hardware, your bench shouldn't cost more than a few hundred bucks.

One last thing: if you're doing it by hand, use a softwood. One of the stiffer/harder/heavier ones like Douglas-Fir or Southern Yellow Pine. Avoid the mystery SPF/whitewood. Not saying you can't make a hardwood bench completely by hand, but it's a lot more sweat, time, and money, and the bench doesn't really work any better once it's done.

u/gummylick · 10 pointsr/intj
  • bookshelf of classics i read and those i need to.. and an amazon list of thriller trash i can read in a day for funsies.
  • so many instruments. i like stringed instruments, so i have an electric and classical guitar (played for many yrs), but also have other varieties of stringed and percussive instruments (mostly from other countries). Learning materials, speakers...
  • legos, coloring books (with big monsters / big lines but more adultish) - these are things i like to do at a table and side watch a film to
  • my bike (fave in living room, my 2nd in front of garage). its customized and i love it. i don't ride far, but i love planning days biking to where i want to go and relax.
  • my pit and hammock... patio. texas
  • a workout room. if i've had too much with the outside world i want an option at home to do what i want exercise wise.
  • so many language and music papers around. i print and study, move on.
  • random socks. i can't relax with them on
  • photo collages on wall. i put a bunch of my fave personal pics (per theme) and used a program to make a collage. printed and framed. it's the first thing people gravitate to as i'm not a very open person.
u/mongooseondaloose · 10 pointsr/woodworking

These sound like an excellent resource. Thanks for elaborating, OP.

Here's a link to the Amazon page for anyone curious.

u/nayeet · 10 pointsr/neuro

If you're looking for something that's a little less dense then a straight-up anatomy book, I highly recommend The Human Brain Coloring Book.

I spent a lot of time going through advanced neuroanatomy textbooks, but the information didn't stick with me. It took me actually going through the entire coloring book and meticulously coloring every single page.

And for the record, this wasn't some crackpot idea I had, this was the required work of my college neuroscience major's neuroanatomy course.

u/Philo_T_Farnsworth · 10 pointsr/offbeat

This book has been passed around as a meme for a while due to the absurd title and cover photo. Typically with the caption "Yep, it's wood".

u/SmoothOperator89 · 9 pointsr/funny
u/JVonDron · 9 pointsr/Leathercraft

They're 2 different tools and are manufactured very differently.

Pricking irons are not meant to penetrate all the way through the leather - people do it, but they're not designed for that. They're only meant to initially space and angle the stitching holes so you have a good guide to fully puncture the leather with an awl. They "prick" the leather. The points are usually filed and cut very precisely out of high quality steel to last a lifetime - using it improperly as a punch risks bending and breaking a tooth. They generally have 8 or more teeth to lay out long stretches or 2 teeth to go around corners.

Diamond punches are lower quality tools that are stamped and ground to shape. They're meant to go all the way through thinner leathers and into a cutting surface. If you break or bend a tooth, no worries, they're easily replaceable. They can be used as a poor man's pricking iron, but stitching wheels are better for that job. They have 4, 2, or 1 tooth variations, as more teeth would be harder to punch through and remove. The main downside is you get a 1 size fits all big damn hole.

And don't use a lacing chisel for stitching, where the slits line up in the direction you're going. The thread falls into the hole and you'll have an ugly space between every stitch. I see way too many people on this subreddit doing it, and it needs to stop.

Pricking irons were mainly developed in Europe and England, where tight stitches of 8spi and higher were common and prized as quality craftsmanship. Western style leatherworking mainly relied on stitching wheels and awls at 3-8 spi. Saddles have a lot of curves, where a pricking iron would be useless, and larger threads with fewer spi is just as strong if not stronger with heavy leathers. Diamond punches are kind of a recent invention from the crafty side of the trade.

Basically, I sew Western style, with a stitching wheel and a diamond awl. If you want to learn how, there's only one book to get - Al Stohlman's Art of Sewing Leather. With an awl, you can vary stitch length and hole size at will to fit the project, thread size, and leather thicknesses. If the leather is too thin or floppy for an awl, I sit down with a glover's needle and a big damn thimble I made for myself. My punches are rusting somewhere, and if you want them, you can have 'em.

u/Titus142 · 8 pointsr/woodworking

I make this comment a lot here, but nix the pine and get some hardwood. Poplar, maple, oak, whatever you can get. Don't be intimidated. It is actually easier to work than pine. Pine squished and tears. Tools need to be insanely sharp. This album I made demonstrates what I mean. You have a great start, just keep at it. Hardwood will be far less frustrating.

Also Tage Frid's book is an excellent guide. His hand cut dovetail method is spot on and simple using tools you most likely already have. It is also a great reference on all kinds of joinery done simply and effectively.

Also /u/screwikea has some good points about which way the tails go as well.

u/i-like-graphic-tees · 8 pointsr/CurseofStrahd

FYI this is a pretty standard price, it's only a little more than a dollar off the usual amazon price.

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Curse-Strahd-Dungeons-Sourcebook-Supplement/product/0786965983

Books are just more expensive at the local store and it sucks. I want to support my local gaming shop, and I do buy my dice, minis, paints and special-edition books there. But it's a little unreasonable to spend almost double on a standard book because of goodwill. The first of the new waterdeep books is $49.99 at my local shop, but on Amazon BOTH books together costs about $58.

u/RedDeer30 · 7 pointsr/Outlander

If my husband got me the scarf I'd be thrilled. If she likes to cook the cookbook is a great choice. The other book you linked has good reviews, too.

If she has not read the series yet you could throw in the first book. If she likes to read she's going to love the series.

u/AdamAtlas · 7 pointsr/atheism

> It never occurs to skeptics that a sense of wonder is paramount, even for scientists. Especially for scientists. Einstein insisted, in fact, that no great discovery can be made without a sense of awe before the mysteries of the universe.

Others have pointed out that Einstein was himself a skeptic by any measure, so I'd also just point out that Richard Dawkins, whom Chopra cites several times as an example of everything evil about skepticism, has written a whole book about that attitude of wonder at the universe -- in fact, I doubt Dawkins would even disagree with anything in the paragraph I quoted, other than that "[i]t never occurs to skeptics".

But it never occurs to Chopra that the right way to create or feed that sense of awe isn't to just make shit up.

u/gheissenberger · 7 pointsr/casualknitting

Everyone should own a copy of "Stitch n Bitch!"
amazon link

u/bicycle_dreams · 7 pointsr/knitting
u/bloodspot88 · 7 pointsr/dndnext

Rise of Tiamat is the second half of the a 2 book adventure, the first being Hoard of the Dragon Queen: http://www.amazon.com/Hoard-Dragon-Queen-Adventure-Wizards/dp/0786965649/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458181435&sr=8-1&keywords=horde+of+the+dragon+queen

I DM'd all of Horde at a store, it needs a serious overhaul in order to be less of a railroad and to actually make sense. After Horde I DM'd the first 2.5 chapters of Rise of Tiamat which is better, but I would prefer it if PCs actually were able to succeed in the goals presented to them in the campaign. I can't give away more without getting spoilery.

The party starts at level 7 or 8 (depending on where Horde left off and if you are just skipping Horde and starting this fresh). The overarching plot is that a combination of factions need the PCs to act as their agents and stop the resurrection of Tiamat, who is being raised from Hell by a cult of dragons.

Also, I believe the campaign is from 7/8-15, but good luck killing the big T.
Neverwinter isn't exactly central to the story, it's just a 'base' for the party and the factions fighting the cult. This base could really be anywhere, it doesn't have to be Neverwinter. I don't know the lore behind Neverwinter, but apparently Neverwinter needed to be rebuilt and New Neverwinter is where you all are, or something like that? I can't remember, it's been a while.

u/TzarKrispie · 7 pointsr/blacksmithing

Backyard Blacksmith like Raeladar recommended, by Lorelei Sims
http://www.amazon.com/The-Backyard-Blacksmith-Traditional-Techniques/dp/1592532519/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341272167&sr=8-1&keywords=backyard+blacksmith

The Complete Bladesmith by Jim Hrisoulas has a TON of detailed info like forgewelding (important throughout blacksmithing, not just bladesmithing)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Bladesmith-Forging-Perfection/dp/1581606338/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1341272167&sr=8-4&keywords=backyard+blacksmith


and The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander Weygers has good info as well
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Modern-Blacksmith-Alexander-Weygers/dp/0898158966/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c

my library is growing from these books as well as the forge I'm putting together.

u/onandonandonandon · 7 pointsr/hockey
u/valmariedoes · 7 pointsr/sewing

Actually I'm going to tell you NOT to start by altering your own clothes. It is actually easier to make something new than to alter clothing. I suggest you learn to sew from the following books: The Colette Sewing Handbook by Sarai Mitnik, the SEW Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp and Stitch by Stitch. All three of these books come with patterns for all sorts of projects. Once you graduate to some harder things, and especially if you are interested in sewing 1950s-inspired retro clothing, try Gerties New Book for Better Sewing By Gretchen Hirsch. This book has beautiful patterns and also helps with more couture techniques. Happy sewing!

u/highstrungbarbie · 7 pointsr/relationship_advice

I tell people this a lot, and it really depends on the person, but I'll try to make a list! To focus on ourselves basically means to better our confidence and our general well-being. Focusing on ourselves is basically keeping busy while improving ourselves at the same time. Because at the end of the day, we can't rely on others to lift us up. It helps to have people there, but we will always have ourselves. Focusing on ourselves means just living our lives and not worrying about trying to find another person to help fill the empty void in our hearts, but at the same time, while doing our own thing and just living life, this is when we may meet other people or potential future partners along the way. So either way, it's a win-win situation.

  • write, journal, let everything out. Hold nothing back. There's a lot of cool notebooks to choose from out there specifically tailored to give you topics to focus on, like writing prompt journals, or there's gratitude journals as well
  • which leads me to my next point, write out a list of what your grateful for
  • write out a list of your current goals or any improvements you would like to make, then look at it every day or post it somewhere you can easily see in your room
  • Friends have recommended the book "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" (I still haven't read it but I heard it's good)
  • I also heard this book is really good too "You Are a Badass"
  • hike, pick a trail, set a goal to make it to the top of a hill to help build your endurance (I have a friend who also loves to do this while making videos of himself talking to himself and just reflecting on life)
  • go to social events like parties or shows
  • focus on your career and work on that promotion, or if you still don't have one yet or you're unsure, this is the perfect time to figure that out and make a list of what you really love and have passion for
  • remind yourself that you are awesome and deserving of the best, every day or at least once a week
  • remain humble and never cocky
  • depending on your age, go to bars and hang with friends and also depending on where you live, go to a barcade if you like video games or old arcade-style games while drinking
  • hang with friends and have on one one convos with them about life (you really learn a lot)
  • learn how to cook something that you can see yourself enjoying for the rest of your life (cooking is a great skill to have, and many women really love men that know how to cook)
  • get a new hair cut, or buy some new clothes, a new video game, a new anything. Treat yo self
  • become your own best friend (it's really not as lame as you think)
  • pick up a new hobby, whether it's an outdoor or indoor activity, like photography
  • if you're still in school, maybe join any groups or clubs
  • definitely exercise since it helps build muscle, keeps you fit, and helps boost those endorphins making you feel better in the long run
  • if you're the artsy type, go to art galleries, and if you feel so inclined, even invite a female friend to join you
  • take a mini road trip with your friends if possible
  • write a short story
  • Dare yourself to try a new foreign dish for the first time and live life on the "edge"
  • help volunteer somewhere
  • pay a stranger a compliment
  • do one good deed for someone every week or month
  • visit some place you've always wanted to go to

    I know there's so much more you can do, but I hope some of these can help for now! Basically just go out there and live your life and have as much fun as possible.
u/Lsp4thewin · 6 pointsr/littlespace

Amazon here's the link Fucking Adorable - Cute Critters with foul Mouths https://www.amazon.com/dp/1537498649?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

u/Sir_Slaughter33 · 6 pointsr/woodworking

Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use (Popular Woodworking) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1558708405/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ywy4xbWGM2119

This is the go to I believe. It covers both types and is a great read. Just finished it myself ahead of my Roubo build

u/ToxicPoison · 6 pointsr/sailing

Ashley Book of Knots Probably the best resource ever for any sort of knot and the situation they're used for. Check around in your used book stores, they can generally be found cheaper if you don't want to drop $50 on a book, but it's worth every penny in my opinion.

u/TheGuyInAShirtAndTie · 6 pointsr/DnD

A mere 4 months ago I was in your very shoes, having never played DnD but wanting to DM. Now I'm running 3 weekly games [Protip: Don't do this]. Luckily for me I found a couple great resources to help me out:

The Dungeon Master Experience is a collection of articles written by one of the best: Christopher Perkins. He's not only a Senior Designer for DnD, but he's also the DM for a number of groups including Penny Arcade, Robot Chicken, and the other designers over at Wizards of the Coast. This will be your most valuable resource.

New DM Guide Reddit's #1 Resource for new DMs.

So You Want To Be a DM: A great collection of starter tips.

/r/loremasters: A subreddit dedicated to worldbuilding.

/r/dndnext: Like /r/dnd but solely for 5e.

The Angry DM: He can be a bit preachy at times, but Angry DM has a great amount of thought put into everything he writes.

/u/famoushippopotamus If you see him post on something, just read it. He's been DMing longer than most of us have been aware that DnD existed.

DnD Encounters is a weekly event at your friendly local game store. Check it out. It's also a great place to recruit players!

[Your head!](Link Not Found): The only thing you really need to get started is an idea, write it down. You'll learn a lot just putting your thoughts on paper and thinking of how to flesh it out.



I would recommend that you go and pick up the Starter Set (HOLY SHIT GUYS ITS $12 RIGHT NOW. BUY BUY BUY!). It comes with the basic rules, a set of dice, a prewritten adventure, and some characters for the adventure. Get a couple players together and this is all you need to get started. After that you can move onto other prewritten adventures, like Horde of the Dragon Queen, or you can write your own.

It shouldn't be that difficult to find people to play with, some people might care that you've never been a PC, but you don't need to play with them. If you have friends who enjoy gaming see if they're interested. And check out your FLGS (friendly local game store). If none of those work, there are plenty of online options as well.

One last note: In my short time DMing I have to say I did not expect the sheer amount of prepwork that goes into a single session. Players have to inhabit a single character and their mechanics. You need to understand not only the characters at the table, but every NPC, trap, and monster you put in front of them. It can be time consuming. It can be hard. But it is also one of the greatest feelings in the world when you hit that flow state where you and your players are building your world together.

Good luck! And welcome to DnD, where the rules are made up, and the rules don't matter either, as long as what you're doing is awesome.

u/Gamegeneral · 6 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

I play 5th edition and all advice is for that edition. 5E is pretty wallet friendly if you don't get it all at once. Here's a bunch of stuff you can look at to help your decision, though not all of it is mandatory.

  • Number one, the cheapest, is to simply review the (somewhat limited, I'll admit) materials available on Wizards of the coast and start from there.

  • Second is available in the form of the 5th edition starter set. I own one of these and it comes with everything you need for a game with a group of friends. A criticism I have of it though, is that experienced players will probably destroy the module included with it. I'd just forego this option entirely if you plan to buy any other materials, but it's a very low risk purchase.

  • Third is just a player's handbook, which you really should own regardless of anything . The 5th Edition PHB has enough material to easily homebrew your own campaign with, but it will definitely leave you wishing you had more to work off of.

  • Fourth is any of the several available modules for the game out right now. Having only played Hoard of the Dragon queen (And it's direct follow up, Rise of Tiamat), I can say that with the exception of a long, slightly boring segment in the middle, it's a solid adventure all the way through for the players.

  • Fifth is the supplemental Dungeon master's Guide and Monster Manual, additional resources to help you craft better campaigns, but unnecessary until later. The monster manual should definitely be the first of the two purchases, in my opinion. I wouldn't even recommend the sword coast adventurer's guide unless you plan to specifically adventure in Faerun.

    So now that books are out of the way, let's talk figurines. You really don't need them, because ANYTHING can represent things on a board. But they're a fun thing to collect and use. BUT they are a great and fun thing to have. What we do at my table is have everyone acquire their own. I like to buy from Reaper Miniatures, but local comic book and hobby shops might have them as well. Make sure you have bases that are less than an inch wide (A square inch works best), because if you're using miniatures, then you're using a battle grid.

    Speaking of battle grids, they're also not entirely necessary, but they definitely help. This is a very reliable one if you take care of it and don't crease it too much. But the fun thing is, if you have a printer, you can print your own Battle Maps! Just set it to print a grid set to 1-inch increments and have as big or as small as a battle mat as you need. 5E technically uses a hex grid for outdoor maps, but we've always ignored that at our games.

    As for dice, I think it's the players responsibility to acquire their own dice, but on the off chance you just want to buy the things for everyone, I find a lot of enjoyment in picking through a Chessex Pound-o-Dice, or a Wiz Dice 100+ pack just so everyone has some. Plus, you never know when you'll suddenly need 20d6 for maximum fall damage!

    Other than that, just have pencils, paper, and a good way to keep notes handy and you're set.

    This is far from a comprehensive guide, and probably the worst thing you could do is buy everything or nothing right at the start. Consider asking friends or checking libraries for these books (And secondhand bookshops near you!) to save a penny or two.

    So, in summary, if I were starting out DMing and buying anything, it would be a player's handbook, a set of dice, and if I weren't confident in my ability to homebrew, I'd buy a module or a dungeon master's guide. But you can go further or less far if you like.
u/Cubic_C333 · 6 pointsr/DnD

There's all sorts of pre-made campaign modules that have already established worlds and towns and people and adventures. You can find them in game stores or pretty much anywhere online. A few of them include Curse of Strahd, Horde of the Dragon Queen, and Storm King's Thunder.

Best of luck with the DMing!

u/journey333 · 6 pointsr/Blacksmith

Don't get too caught up in buying a London pattern anvil. Remember, the ancients used rocks for anvils. Check out the book "The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander Weygers. In it, he talks about other items that can be used for an anvil. Go to the nearest scrap metal yard--one that will allow you to walk the yard--and see if you can find a large chunk of steel off of old machinery. I currently have a piece of RR track that someone had cut shaped into an andiron. Its not the prettiest, but it works.

The point is to just start pounding hot metal, and add tools as you can.

u/Aari_G · 6 pointsr/sewing

I'm personally a fan of McCunn's How to Make Sewing Patterns and Aldrich's Metric Pattern Cutting series, but as /u/JBJeeves said, everyone has their own way of doing things. It's really a matter of experimenting to find out what you like best; personally I like having books in front of me to follow along, but some people thrive on the creativity that can be had in draping their own patterns from their imagination.

u/Ghigs · 6 pointsr/interestingasfuck

I actually bought the book. Those are pores.

The book says of Balsa:
>Pores: Medium-large, distinct without lens, numerous to moderately few, solitary and in radial multiples of 2-3.

u/sotlite · 6 pointsr/sewing

Colette patterns has a neat entry-level book, which comes with 5 clothing patterns! Their patterns are sized a little differently than regular patterns, but they are known for their clear instructions (usually a big frustration for new seamstresses).

My favorite sewing book ever is a little older, from Reader's Digest, if you believe that. Not the sexiest present, maybe, but super-useful. It shows you how to do everything, and the illustrations are plentiful and very clear.

u/bradleyvoytek · 5 pointsr/neuro

Not dick-waving, just establishing credentials: I taught a neuroanatomy lab at Berkeley for three semesters, two with Marian Diamond, and won a teaching award for my efforts, so at least hear me out.

First, have your students buy the Human Brain Coloring Book. It may sound cheesy but it really does help and Dr. Diamond put together an amazing resource.

Second, have plenty of brain specimen (human if you can get them) on hand to let students do some hands-on dissections or viewings of what a real messy organic brain looks like.

Third, most undergrads learning neuroanatomy will be pre-med, so I like to roll in a lot of case studies with MRI/CT scans, videos, etc. Blumenfeld's clinical book is great for this.

Fourth, connect the anatomy to real research going on right now. Talk about how we now don't really think Broca's area is the actual spot for the motor aspects of speech (a la Dronkers). Show DTI images, etc.

Finally, something I've been doing for public outreach seems to be a great draw and works for a first class lecture: the zombie brain. It gets students thinking about how function and behavior link to the brain using something ridiculous, but not-as-boring (you can see me give a half-drunk lecture to a few hundred people at bar at the bottom of that page... it held their attention for 30 minutes).

Good luck!

u/HotterRod · 5 pointsr/knots

Most working knots are pre-historic or a-historic.

Since natural fibre rope tends to decompose quickly, most knots do not survive for archaeologists to find them (the biggest exception is knots used in Egyptian tombs). By the time people started writing about knots such as in Ancient Greece, most of the key nautical knots were already in widespread use.

Other knots are not mentioned in ancient history, so we can guess that they were developed more recently, but they were invented by sailors who were either illiterate or didn't bother writing them down, but instead passed the knot on to other sailors by direct instruction. Given that sailors tend to travel widely, the most useful knots spread globally (probably rather quickly). Eventually those knots got documented by someone like Clifford Ashley, but the story of their original invention was lost by that point.

The Ashley Book of Knots has a number of cute stories in it although the vast majority of its knots have no history. The History and Science of Knots discusses the methodological problems with determining a history as much as history itself.

As to your particular example, you can figure out the properties of a knot by testing it. People like Ashley and the International Guild of Knot Tyers have extensively tested knots that have come down to us through history. Although many knots work so differently in synthetic fibre that a lot of the knowledge from even the mid 20th Century doesn't apply on a modern ship.

u/And_go · 5 pointsr/knitting

Came here to post exactly this. They make learning rather interesting and fun, and the patterns are more in style than a lot of the books I've read. Amazon link, if anyone is interested.

u/ryonia7311 · 5 pointsr/knitting

I wouldn't say it's just for knitters, but Debbie Stoller of Stitch n Bitch also wrote a book on crochet, in a similar style and format to her book on knitting. I liked it, but I learned knitting and crochet at about the same time, so maybe I didn't think like a knitter yet. Hopefully this helps!

u/Tubbers · 5 pointsr/malefashionadvice

It depends on what you mean by make your own sweater. Do you mean the knitting, or the sewing? Some sweaters involve no sewing whatsoever, as you can knit from one fabric to the other.

IMO it is substantially easier to sew than it is to knit. Not because knitting is difficult, but because it is time consuming. Purchasing knit material and sewing it together is not that difficult. You just need to find a good pattern that fits you. Or, if you're up for it, drafting a pattern from scratch based on your measurements.

I've been teaching myself how to sew for the last ~4 months, and it's definitely useful. Making something from scratch is intensely satisfying, as is self-tailoring items you already own. I definitely think everyone should at least understand the principles of clothing design and creation, if only so they have a better idea of what to ask for when they go to a tailor, and they can better understand how it works.

If you want to learn the basics of pattern drafting, this is a good book How to make Sewing Patterns. If you'd like to learn how to sew, look up some classes in your area, or scour the internet for tutorials. The most important thing is going to be practice.

Edit: To add on to this. Making clothes yourself is a huge investment of time, and money. You need the right machines, and you need knowledge, practice, and skill. If you want to take it up long term, you'll eventually be able to make button up shirts for ~$2-8, blazers for $10-20, and pants for ~$5-10, but in order to get there you'll be dropping a lot of money and enormous amounts of time.

Often times, just knowing how everything is made will help you determine the manufacturing quality, and will allow you to make frugal purchases of items that will last a very long time.

u/SeattleBattles · 5 pointsr/nothingeverhappens

You still have the chance!

You can also by his other work, Understanding Wood, so you know what to do once you identify some.

u/timonandpumba · 5 pointsr/sewing

So should we post recommendations for resources here and now? Because I personally loved The Colette Sewing Handbook and the tutorials at Colette Patterns.

u/adude1451 · 5 pointsr/howto

i think this bench will serve you just fine but if i may make a suggestion for others. looking for bench advice.

i found this book really interesting. If for nothing else click on the look inside. go to page 9 and look at the ten rules.

u/gfixler · 5 pointsr/wood

I have it. It is a really good book. If you can get past the internet joke, it's full of good information. I also have its sibling, Understanding Wood.

u/Aplicado · 5 pointsr/Woodcarving

I recommend R. Bruce Hoadley's "Understanding Wood" (Here's an Amazon link < http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1561583588?pc_redir=1404667512&robot_redir=1 > if you like 99% Invisible or Dan Carlin's podcasts, you can buy it through their sites*)

This is the book we were directed to when asking these types of questions at my Carpentry Trade School. This book will answer all of your questions, and the ones you haven't thought of yet.

u/heliotropedit · 5 pointsr/sewing

Sewing (which includes fitting and some pattern making) is a rewarding skill if you enjoy it but takes some time to develop the skills, especially if you want things not to look homemade. You need to buy a certain amount of tools and fabric is not that cheap so it isn't a money-saving interest unless you make several versions of a pattern. Jeans are an ambitious project and should be put to the side for now, at least if you're talking about a miniature version of adult jeans with the hardware.

I can't give you a rating because I don't know you. Some people are very dexterous, others aren't. Some people are disciplined from the start and will do the practice work and follow all the required steps, others won't.

I suggest hiring a teacher who can advise you on a sewing machine and the basic tools you'll need. There are many excellent sewing books, you'll never go wrong with one of the [Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing] (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Sewing-Step-Step/dp/1606522086/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1MJ9G2MW98BVMKSPFYD9) books. As a first project you could work on a pair of drawstring pants.

u/MDWaxx · 5 pointsr/Leathercraft

I'm just beginning myself, but Al Stohlman's The Art of Hand Sewing Leather is pretty much the go-to resource for learning how to hand stitch.

u/sachagoat · 4 pointsr/Filmmakers

Okay, firstly a bit about me so you know my perspective. I am a 21yo film student in the UK. I came from a more technical schooling environment than creative so I struggled at the idea conception like you do.

My advice is since you like rules familiarise yourself with the do's and don'ts. Once you're comfortable with those, you should and will want to experiment. By these I mean some obvious rules like the 180degree line, rule of thirds, colour composition, MTF scale and contrast. But also screenwriting formulas. None of these are compulsory but understanding the how's and why's will help you eventually understand the occasional why not.

For creative inspiration just try and consistently write. Even without shooting the script try and regularly create a whole short story script. My favourite tool to help spark writing creativity is this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Things-Write-Francisco-Writers-Grotto/dp/1452105448

When it comes to a film crew there are plenty of roles that are more technical than creative. Grip, spark, camera assistant, camera operator, gaffer and once you're working you'll be primarily paid for these jobs for a while before you become a cinematographer so you can develop a creative style and become a jack of all trades and hopefully be a master of one.

And nearly every filmmaker loves the gear and wants the latest and greatest but the truth is that changes and the film craft needs to be good to take advantage of that quality gear.

I'm willing to answer any further questions. As I mentioned I don't have the greatest experience but being in a position similar to yours 5years ago I feel my words have some value.

u/p2p_editor · 4 pointsr/woodworking

Heh. Just send him here. :)

What he needs and how he ought to set it up depends very strongly on what kind of woodworking he wants to do (cabinetry? furniture? chip-carving? bowl turning? hand tools vs. power tools?), and simple personal preference.

Without knowing any of that, it's hard to give much good advice. But if you're looking for a good book that will serve any beginner, you could get him Chris Schwartz' book on building your own workbench:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558708405/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1AFA3F624Y2S9N986GSR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846

It's something of a rite of passage for every woodworker to start out building their own bench, and that book ought to give your man all the information he needs to figure out what kind of bench is going to work for him.

u/tambor333 · 4 pointsr/woodworking

well for the saws, bench and mortise chisels there is a lot of information on youtube and forums like www.finewoodworking.com. Numerous books on the subject. Much of this subreddit likes these books by Tage Frid

the gouges, well I am starting to look at resources, /u/Gfilter below referenced a book on carving. Also I did not show the 6 books on wood carving and one on tool sharpening that were also included.

u/friend_in_rome · 4 pointsr/woodworking

Back in the day when books were made of paper, this was the bible for a lot of people. It's a little dated but not bad.

But it depends what you're into. There's books on dovetails, on cabinetmaking, on finishing. For joinery I like this.

u/XTsQdMQhthfTqSv · 4 pointsr/BeginnerWoodWorking

R. Bruce Hoadley's Understanding Wood should be required reading, and not just for woodworkers.

For anything else, especially anything specific to joinery, I've found it's basically six of one, half a dozen of the other. A solid foundation of how wood behaves (which you'll get from Understanding Wood) will let you filter out almost all of the bad information yourself, and every book will have bad information. There's value in almost any book that looks like it has value.

The one set of books I'd recommend you definitely not get is Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking; that one is consistently garbage and guaranteed to end in personal injury. Unfortunately, it's also a set that gets recommended in threads like these in a lot of places, because Tage Frid was associated with Fine Woodworking (the magazine, not the practice) for almost three decades and therefore has a lot of visibility.

u/Jon3laze · 4 pointsr/woodworking
u/Tetracyclic · 4 pointsr/Tools

[Understanding Wood](Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1561583588/) is a terrific book for a woodworker who wants to... wait for it... understand wood.

The book starts with an applied look at the biology and life cycle of trees, explaining how this effects the material and goes through many chapters on specific properties of timber and how to apply the knowledge to woodworking. This is the kind of information that in my opinion is often much better presented in book form than what is available through YouTube, which is great for imparting technique, but not so much for providing a rigorous understanding of a subject.

Highly recommended for anyone who works with wood.

u/KillerWhaleShark · 4 pointsr/sewing

To figure out the stitches and construction, get a good sewing book.

Try a vintage machine for a cheap workhorse.

Hit up thrift stores for cheap fabric to start with.

Edit to add a link for a good book.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Sewing-Step-Step/dp/1606522086/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?

u/stay_at_home_daddy · 4 pointsr/Leathercraft

That is why I always suggest people pickup a copy of The Art of Hand Sewing Leather. If you're going to do it you might as well do it right.

u/Giving_In · 4 pointsr/Leathercraft

First I'll list what I bought and then I'll discuss what I have or what I'd have done differently.

Not listed are an xacto blade/utility knife, cork-backed ruler, and steel square. These were purchased at Harbor Freight.

Awl Haft

Diamond Awl Blade

The awl haft and diamond blade (E42) are great. I like the combo I bought. The handle has a chuck instead of some I saw which need the blade pressed in to the chuck.

Channel Groover

The channel groover I bought is nice. The chuck, similar to the awl haft, is very convenient for quick adjustments.

Overstitch Wheel

Doing it again, I probably would have bought some diamond chisels over the overstitch wheel, but so far it's worked alright. I will be buying the chisels eventually.

Edge Beveling Kit

I had no idea what edge beveler to buy with so many sizes and never having touched leather, so I'm really happy with the one I bought. It comes with 5 sizes.

Harness Needles

I bought 3 sizes of harness needles. Probably overkill but they were $3 a pack and I didn't know what size I needed. I've been using the medium ones and they are working well with the thread I got.

Cutting Mat

The cutting mat is nice. It's a bit thicker than the ones I found locally at Michaels.

Lacing Pony

The lacing pony is probably my biggest regret that I was forced to buy. I don't have access to any woodworking tools so I was stuck purchasing one. I should have had a coworker do it for me in his shop at 1/5 of the cost. It comes in two pieces and the holes in mine didn't line up at all. I ended up having to drill a hole for the screw.

Art of Hand Sewing

The book comes highly recommended from everyone. I've flipped through it but I learned my basic technique from youtube videos. As I try to do more I'm sure I'll reference it.

Thread

I bought .035" waxed cord from Maine Thread. I have nothing to compare it to but it seems to work okay.

Leather

And finally the leather. I'm still not sure if I made the right purchase, although buying a shoulder of leather seems to be a popular beginner suggestion. Already I'd like to have more variety, but I think I'm going to a Tandy Leather this weekend so maybe I'll pick up some other random stuff.

Things I didn't buy that I should have:

Contact Cement

Gum Trag

Burnishing Tool

Hammer/Maul

Leather finish


I actually made a decent stitch I was happy with on my second try. I didn't buy these items because I planned on doing lots of practice on scraps but because I feel good about my initial work I'd like to try to make something. Without those few items I'm kinda stuck for the moment.

u/hard_truth_hurts · 4 pointsr/preppers

> low investment

Hah! Yeah sure, until one day you wake up and realize you have like a mile of paracord and 100 pounds of beads, buckles, and other accessories.

Also to add to this, beyond just knots is macrame and all kinds of useful and decorative stuff. If you look around you can find a PDF of the Ashley Book of Knots. I don't think I have ever been into a Half-Priced Books store that did not have at least a dozen knot books. Look in the section where the boat books are.

u/stackednerd · 4 pointsr/suggestmeabook

Fellow fan of series here! Let me see...

Young Adult
Percy Jackson series is fun (and finished, too, I think).
Artemis Fowl series isn't quite as good as Percy Jackson IMHO, but it's got a following.

Fantasy
Harry Dresden series This is one of my favorites. Harry is Chicago's only professional wizard. There are a ton of these books and they are still going strong.
Game of Thrones These are great...but unfinished. If you watch the show, reading the books does help you get even more out of the story, I think.
Wheel of Time Another good series. There is a LOT of this series and it's finished. (Thank you, Brandon Sanderson!)
Mistborn Speaking of Brandon Sanderson... This one is very good. I highly recommend reading the Mistborn books before trying the Stormlight Archive, but only because as good as Mistborn is, Stormlight Archive is even better.
Stormlight Archive Amazing. Man, these are good. The series isn't finished, but the two books that are available are some of my favorites ever.
Kingkiller Chronicles I loved the first book. I could not freakin' believe I enjoyed the second one even more. The third one is still pending.
Temeraire Dragons in Napoleonic times. Super cool premise! This one is not finished (I don't think, anyway).
Gentlemen Bastards Con men in a fantasy realm. It's pretty light on the fantasy elements. Very light, I'd say. I'd also say that it has some of the very best swearing that I've ever come across. :D

Scifi
Old Man's War I'm almost finished this one--it's amazing!

Horror/Thriller
Passage Trilogy I've heard these described as vampire books...maybe zombie books... It's apocalyptic for sure. Great books!

Mysteries
Amelia Peabody Egyptology + murder mysteries. Super fun, but trust me...go with the audiobooks for these. They are best when they are performed.
Stephanie Plum Total popcorn reads. If that's your thing, shut off your brain and just enjoy.
Walt Longmire These get particularly good as it goes along. The main character is a sheriff in modern day Wyoming. (Side note: The TV show is also great--just don't expect them to stick to the books.)

Graphic Novels (Everything recommended can be gotten in a "book" format instead of only in comic form, in case that matters. I've gotten most of these from my local library.)
Locke & Key Eerie as crap. Love the art! This one is on-going.
Y: The Last Man All the men on the planet drop dead in a day...except for Yorrick. REALLY good. This is the series that got me reading graphic novels. Plus, it's finished!
Walking Dead I am not a zombie fan...but I like these. They're not done, but I've read up through volume 22 and am still enjoying them.

Other
OutlanderI have no idea how to categorize these or even give a description that does them justice. I refused to pick it up for AGES because it sounded like a bodice-ripper romance and that's not my bag. But these are good!

I hope there's something in there that'll do for you. Have fun and read on!

Edit: Apparently, I need to practice formatting. :/
Edit 2: I forgot to add the Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentlemen Bastards #1).

u/DyrimSpeaks · 4 pointsr/knitting

Stitch n’ Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook
Thought I’d include a link for reference 🧶

u/themodernvictorian · 4 pointsr/knitting

I taught myself to knit from Stitch 'n Bitch. After that it was all practice and experimentation. I really enjoyed practicing knitting things from The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches.

u/_donotforget_ · 4 pointsr/woodworking

I'd also highly recommend Tage Frid teaches Woodworking. Vol 1 goes over joinery- it can get expensive for the first editions online, but libraries- especially ones in a college with a design program- might have a copy. I got mine for $2 used. Additionally this is a durable book that I keep in the toolbox for quick reference in the shop

I also have a PDF link for 'basic' Japanese timber framing techniques kickin' around, but it's definitely not simple, lol.

u/BmpBlast · 4 pointsr/DnD

Awesome! Glad to see another person interested, smithing is fun! Getting started is actually pretty easy as long as long as you aren't planning on crafting gorgeous blades right off the get-go. You really only need a few things:

  • A forge (these can be built surprisingly cheap if you are inclined)
  • Coal or charcoal to fire the forge (not bricket charcoal)
  • A smithing hammer
  • An anvil (can be as simple as a piece of railroad)
  • Steel (I recommend starting with 1095, railroad spikes, or rebar).
  • A bucket of oil or water (depending on the steel) to quench the blade in.
  • A magnet. Those ones on the long extending stick are the best. (This is for checking the heat of the steel when tempering it)

    An anvil can be pricey, even used, if you get a real one but a piece of railroad can be obtained pretty cheaply though not always easily. Don't pay more than $2-4 a pound for an anvil if you buy a used one. The heavier, the better but starting out it should at least weigh 60+ lbs, preferably 150+. Don't try to use a jeweler's anvil or a cast iron anvil. There's some good videos covering types of anvils and where to find them. Everything else will be easy and cheap to obtain.

    You can find all the info you need to get started by searching YouTube for knife making or knife smithing. Walter Sorrells in particular has a good channel with some high quality videos. He focuses more on making knives from steel blanks than on forging, but he does have a couple of good forge videos and happens to have spent some time studying under Japanese smiths so he has some decent info on forging Japanese swords and knives if you are interested. Honestly, for a normal knife/sword the forging isn't that hard, it's the finishing part that takes all the time, effort, and skill. (Not to downplay the skills of most medieval smiths, they had to be much more precise in their smithing than we do today because we have power sanders and grinders to quickly fix mistakes). Most YouTube channels will focus on smithing knives instead of swords and I recommend you start with the same even though swords are awesome. It's the same techniques and process, but knives are cheaper to practice on and swords are more difficult to get right.

    If you want or prefer a book, there are a few good ones for sale on Amazon. The Backyard Blacksmith, The Complete Modern Blacksmith, The $50 Knife Shop, How to Make Knives, and The Wonder of Knife Making are all great beginner books (only the last two deal with actually making knives). When you get some practice under your belt, Jim Hrisoulas has a couple of books on bladesmithing that are designed for experienced smiths who want to build better blades and deals with swords specifically.
u/warlock1111 · 4 pointsr/sewing

As a no longer novice, straight male who doesn't give a damn for stereotypes, and will from now on only refer to himself as a seamstress within the confines of this subreddit, I salute you for taking the step that seems to be so polarized in your life!

Now to the question at hand, I don't have time to do a full blown search, and you will find that the number of men's patterns available that are not period styled (victorian, civil war, etc.) is very limited. The reason would appear to be that men's clothes in general are limited, but that is a topic for another day. I found a standard jacket with multi-pocket pattern here and it is quite pricey, in my opinion, but I think will serve your purpose. Don't put the extra pockets on it, of course, and for the top right pocket, find a tutorial on how to make various types of pockets and work from there.

As you learn, make sure you follow every step, if it says to sew a 3" seam and then press that seam, get the iron out and press it before you move on. Practice sewing straight lines, and then move to curves, get a feel for the way fabric moves, and never be afraid to rip out a seam if it looks poor and do it again! Finally, I cannot recommend "How to Make Sewing Patterns" enough. I swear by this book, and when I can't find a pattern, or want to try something on my own, this book contains most of the options and method's you will use in creating a pattern to make it happen!

u/djpocketacos · 3 pointsr/AcademicPsychology

It's a little silly but I really loved the coloring book version: http://www.amazon.com/The-Human-Brain-Coloring-Book/dp/0064603067

u/LordGothington · 3 pointsr/sailing

https://www.animatedknots.com/boating-knots

​

In addition to showing how to tie the knots, there is a lot of information about when and when not to use each knot.

​

And, unlike The Ashley Book of Knots, there is a reasonable number of knots.

​

Animated Knots would suggest that the halyard hitch might be what you are looking for,

​

https://www.animatedknots.com/halyard-hitch-knot

u/oishishou · 3 pointsr/sailing

I like that mug! Great handle.

I didn't include a link to the book because there are so many re-printings. I've got a nice hardcover that also could make a good coffee table book. This is it. Had to go find it, again.

u/mswas · 3 pointsr/booksuggestions

I recommend Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. It's now a TV series on Starz. Some bill it as romance, but I think of it more as a time-travel adventure. There are eight books in the series, so if she likes the first, she'll have a lot of reading to do.

http://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0440212561

u/lerin · 3 pointsr/PolishGauntlet
  • I have not been well. Sickness and death and other bad things. But hey, New Girl started tonight, and it's Sons of Anarchy night, so that's nice.

  • I've been drooling over ILNP's Homecoming.

  • How about some lotion bars?

  • The Dune series is one of my all time favorites, and I've been reading the Outlander series recently.

  • Mani! Here's a better picture.

  • Happy anniversary!! I hope you two have a great day. :)

    Thanks for hosting!!
u/fnredditacct · 3 pointsr/AskWomen

For outright erotica literotica is hard to beat. Everything is nicely categorized, rated, it's easy to find something you'll like. Some are short pieces, some long, some in between.

I'm a BDSM/kinkster and/or into pretty dark stuff, so I don't have any other good sexy book recommendations that seem like they'll suit you.

But Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is so freaking good. There are lots of ways to describe the books, amazon will do a better job than I can right now.

u/wifofoo · 3 pointsr/Fantasy

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Honestly, it's often dubbed as romance, which it has, but there is so much more to it.

u/Dem0s · 3 pointsr/atheism

I would suggest Unweaving the Rainbow: Science, Delusion and the Appetite for Wonder as a good starting point and maybe move on to The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution, but that is just one author. He can be a little condescending to the faithful at times and call them "history deniers" but the second one is pure science and only just touches on religion.

u/uniquelikeyou · 3 pointsr/tabc

I've heard Dawkin's book [Unweaving the Rainbow] (http://www.amazon.com/Unweaving-Rainbow-Science-Delusion-Appetite/dp/0618056734/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335024410&sr=1-1) is also a must read. I haven't gotten around to it myself yet

And I think C.S. Lewis has a lot of books that influence modern christian thinking.

Also a The Man who was Thursday is a novel by G.K. Chesterton that also comes from the other side of the debate i.e. it's a christian book.

u/spbink · 3 pointsr/harrypotter

I really really love crocheting. Knitting I could take or leave.

I'd say generally if you're more interested in things like dolls and toys, learn crochet and if you're more interested in clothes and scarves, learn knitting. You can do both with either but I think crochet has a strength in shaping things and knitting has a strength in a smooth look which makes clothing decorations like cables look better.

If you do decide on knitting, I highly recommend the book Stitch n Bitch to get you started. It's really clear and has some nice beginners patterns. https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

u/tricksy_trixie · 3 pointsr/knitting

This is when it's helpful to knit with other people - while it's definitely possible to teach yourself how to knit on your own, it's way easier if you have a person that can actually show you what to do! I taught myself to knit using YouTube videos and books. For books, this is one that I know some people like. This book is also a popular option. The website www.knittinghelp.com has a lot of good videos for basics.

u/ProvidenceMojo · 3 pointsr/knitting

There’s a great illusion scarf pattern in the beginner’s knitting book Stitch and Bitch. It was one of my first successful knits — highly recommend!

https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

u/fatpinkchicken · 3 pointsr/knitting

http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-The-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

That was the beginner book I was given and it was very helpful and fun.

u/gogogogogg · 3 pointsr/knitting

Also, try your local library for knitting books. (Mine is excellent.) Videos normally concentrate on one topic, without much talking around the topic. Books develop stage by stage, and have time to tell you why things are done that way and what alternatives you could use -- making it much easier to learn to do your own thing.

Libraries (or bookshops) let you compare books to see which style you like. These two are often recommended: Teach yourself Visually Knitting and the Stitch 'n Bitch Knitter's Handbook. These two also seem good: Debbie Bliss Knitter's Book of Knowledge and Knitting in Plain English.

u/sleepytotoro · 3 pointsr/knitting

I started with the book Stitch n Bitch which is a great intro. I soon realized that I don't learn well from diagrams, so I would watch Youtube videos while reading. The first thing I knit was a garter stitch scarf from that book.

Then I joined Ravelry. Ravelry is like an entire Reddit just for knitting/crocheting, with every resource you could want. There are thousands of great free patterns. It was overwhelming to me at first, so I picked the most popular easy patterns, like the Honey Cowl and Barley Hat.

Happy knitting :)

u/sarahgwynne · 3 pointsr/crochet

Get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-Crochet-Happy-Hooker/dp/0761139850

It is fantastic at explaining everything from the most basic stitches to reading patterns. Don't try to look at patterns online till you get a good explanation about how to read patterns and how to do the basic stitches. YouTube is also pretty good at showing different stitches, but I though it was easier to start with the book.

Also start out out with a medium or large crochet hook and a equally medium or large yarn. Just look around at your local craft or fabric store at the options and you'll see what I mean about sizes. That's about all you need to get started.

Last spend a little extra money on yarn that isn't super cheap and rough. It's more pleasant to work with.

u/Rabbit81586 · 3 pointsr/woodworking

Here’s a great book for joinery. I use it constantly

u/V2Blast · 3 pointsr/dndnext

Looks like HOTDQ and Rise of Tiamat are also on sale for around $20:

u/malachias · 3 pointsr/criticalrole

Also, if you don't want to have to create everything from scratch the pre-packaged adventure books are great. Whether you follow them, or whether you rip ideas from them, they are an amazing resource that can save you a ton of time.

  • If you liked CR's Underdark arc, check out Out of the Abyss for a fantastic trek through the Underdark
  • If you liked CR's Briarwoods arc, check out The Curse of Strahd for a sophisticated "Count Vampire" adventure

    The great thing about these books (and others) is you can take as much or as little from them as you like.

    Re: other comments about having friends, make new ones! I got into playing IRL D&D by posting on my local /r/[city] saying I was looking for a D&D group, and that I'd be happy to host. Had a weekly group going two days later. Playing D&D is a great way to become friends with people.
u/ashlacon · 3 pointsr/DnD

A link? Amazon and its on sale for $30.

As for the background? Strahd is a spooky, scary vampire trying to make a woman (who looks like his long lost love) love him.

u/Zaorish9 · 3 pointsr/DnD

The current best module that's out is Curse of Strahd . Storm king's thunder is also good. All the other ones will require a lot of prep work from the DM.

There is also a new one coming out later this month called Dungeon of the Mad Mage which seems like it's fully mapped.

My biggest complaint about 5e is that most of the official campaigns are missing a lot of maps and expect the DM to draw them.

u/sticky-bit · 3 pointsr/videos

Was it this one?

Yep, but a solid iron anvil and a iron hammer with a bit of hardened steel forge-welded on to the face is much better than a big stone bolder and a stone hammer, as it was abandoned as soon as possible.

Think of a light anvil of maybe 50 pounds of iron. Now think how much work it took to make less than an ounce of iron.

u/deftly · 3 pointsr/blacksmithing

I am by no means an experienced blacksmith, but I found this book to be fairly enlightening when I was first getting into it: The Complete Modern Blacksmith.

It covers stuff like the forge /u/ColinDavies outlined.. and gives a very good intro into the "bootstraping" nature of blacksmithing (IMO :D)!

u/blandarchy · 3 pointsr/sewing

Me too. How to Make Sewing Patterns helped a lot.

u/corgonin · 3 pointsr/pics

It was $35.95, compared to amazon's $26.37

u/simuove · 3 pointsr/woodworking

You may want to consider this book.

u/thiswastillavailable · 3 pointsr/guns

> wood type

This should help.

u/dreamreclamation · 3 pointsr/woodworking

Regardless of whether you take an apprenticeship or attend a college program, I would highly recommend expanding your knowledge on woodworking. There are five basic books I could not have survived without.

"Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking" by Tage Frid - This is for a box set of Tage Frid's three books. I bought them separate, but one link was easier than three links. You can buy these off of Amazon or eBay for quite cheap if you're a smart shopper.

"Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology" by R. Bruce Hoadley Edit: Recommended for a better understanding of the materials you're working with.

"Identifying Wood: Accurate Results With Simple Tools" by R. Bruce Hoadley Edit: Recommended because as a carpenter or woodworker, you should be able to identify most common wood types.

If you're just beginning and don't want to spend the $100ish it would cost for all of these, start with Tage's first book. "Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking: Joinery: Tools and Techniques". It will teach A LOT about design and wood in general, which will help you when applying for apprenticeships and/or carpentry/cabinet-making school.

It should be noted, these are textbooks for the most part and as such, read like one. If you're fresh out of high school, it should be easy to resume an old studying routine; if not, I suggest coffee, a chair that's comfortable and a notebook for note-taking. Seriously.

u/gardenvarietybitch · 3 pointsr/sewing

Hey, check out the Colette Patterns book, and website, respectively here and [here] (http://www.colettepatterns.com/). There are similar garments to the ones you posted in a sequential, made-for-learning book (so you make the first project, and then build on those skills for the second and then the same for the third, etc.) and it comes with the patterns.

u/vallary · 3 pointsr/TheGirlSurvivalGuide

I'd recommend picking up a sewing book that comes with patterns, like the Colette sewing Handbook or BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

I have both. The Colette book is laid out kind of like a lesson plan where you sew all the projects in order, and they gradually introduce new techniques. They cover a lot on fitting, but not a ton on modifying the pattern to look different.

The BurdaStyle book is laid out in a more "traditional" way, so all the reference stuff is at the front, then they move onto the patterns. The book has great details and ideas on changing up the patterns to suit your preference.

I also picked up Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing recently, which if you're into vintage style clothing, I'd recommend you pickup later on. (it's a more intermediate-level book, so I would recommend working on other patterns first.)

u/fotbr · 3 pointsr/woodworking

Also consider getting (or borrowing) Chris Schwarz's two books on workbenches: The Workbench Design Book and Workbenches: From Design and Theory to Construction and Use

u/anotherisanother · 3 pointsr/woodworking

A few downsides to a trough:

It collects dust and wood shavings and is harder to keep clean, hiding the tools you placed there. The nicer ones have sloped or open sides so shavings can be swept out easily.

Eventually it'll get filled up with your tools, when you really should be working cleaner and putting tools back in their place. This depends on your personality.

Harder to add holdfast holes in the back of your bench, which could be good for things like battens which help with hand planing.

It makes your bench lighter. Yes the other comment said this was a benefit, but it can also be a drawback. Some people like a heavy bench so it has less tendency to move when hand planing or general bashing.

One issue however that is a non issue I think is that you need a solid surface in the back for hammering or doing other operations. I find that you tend to do 99% of work at the front 12 inches of a bench.

For further reading on workbenches, I suggest Chris Schwarz's Workbench book. The blue one.

u/NoCleverNickname · 3 pointsr/woodworking

I second the previous recommendations for Roy Underhill's "Woodwright Shop" (there are 107 full episodes streaming and free!) and Renaissance Woodworker.

Chris Schwarz is another guy worth reading. His book on workbench design is worth a look, especially if you're going to be more hand tool-centric.

u/vjarnot · 3 pointsr/woodworking

Buy this: http://www.amazon.com/Tage-Teaches-Woodworking-step-step/dp/1561580686 ; Tage Frid was the Sagan of woodworking.

Then buy whichever of these Taunton books pique your interest: http://store.finewoodworking.com/series/cig-series.html

Then you need a project... you can't effectively learn woodworking without doing it.

u/t2231 · 3 pointsr/woodworking

Check out Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking. Can probably get it from your local library - either off the shelves of via interlibrary loan.

u/LongUsername · 3 pointsr/woodworking

One of the biggest mistakes I see is trying to use too small of plane for the job. The bigger the boards, the bigger the plane.

Most people use a #4 Smooth plane as their starter plane. It's a good overall plane, but if you're trying to get something large flat it's workable but not great.

I usually use a #5 Jack or #7 Jointer plane. I've also replaced most of my irons and chipbreakers with Hocks. This is not a route to take if you don't find hand planing to be a "religious" experience.

Most people think that Hand tools are the "Cheap" way to do it. You can get a cheap #4 hand plane and it will work, but a good quality hand plane will be much more expensive new. See if you can find a Stanley Bailey #4 for a much better plane at a reasonable price. If you find you absolutely love hand planing, I've heard good things about Veritas and using my instructor's bronze Lie Nieson was an amazing experience.

Used planes are hit-and-miss if you don't know what you're looking for. Lots of them are in pretty poor shape, and then you're competing with collectors who want them for decoration. Stanley #4 planes are pretty common on the used market and pretty cheap but anything else gets harder to find quickly (except for Ebay, but then you can't inspect it yourself before buying so it's a gamble). I've found a couple of #5's in decent shape, and I'll occasionally run into something else, but usually too expensive or not in good shape.

Note that you could probably find a decent 4" bench power jointer on craigslist in most areas for less than $100 (usually Craftsman)

If you want to learn how to do lots of traditional woodworking stuff, I'd recommend picking up a copy of Tage Fried Teaches Woodworking. I'm pretty sure he covers planing stock, including winding sticks in there.

u/EarnestNoMeta · 3 pointsr/BeginnerWoodWorking

I agree with what much of u/hoffbaker has said already with a couple notes. If your shopping through craigslist and pawnshops for tools (and you SHOULD) I would recommend a corded drill unless you find a barely used cordless. It will likely be cheaper and certainly more reliable. Mallets are cheap, but if you dont want to buy one right away you can always us a sacrificial board to protect your work.

Additions: Hand rasps and files, a few ratchet straps, miter box (make it yourself). Finally grab a copy of Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking (there are 3 books in the series)

https://www.amazon.com/Teaches-Woodworking-Joinery-Veneering-Finishing/dp/1561580686

u/jellywerker · 3 pointsr/woodworking

Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking.

This three piece set (the last is frequently left out because it's mostly plans for his furniture, but there's excellent info in it as well) is a comprehensive guide to woodworking, in no-nonsense fashion, from the ground up. Tage goes over hand tools, sharpening, power tools, etc...

The guy was an editor at Fine Woodworking for years, as well as being a professional craftsman, as well as a teacher for many years. He knows his stuff, articulates it in a legible fashion, and doesn't get caught up in hand tool vs power tool trends, etc...

http://www.amazon.com/Tage-Frid-Teaches-Woodworking-Step-By-Step/dp/1561580686

u/thatkenyan · 3 pointsr/pics

The second edition is actually Understanding Wood. No joke. This guy is the wood master.

u/derpetydog · 3 pointsr/woodworking

Your coasters are a prime example of wood shrinkage, there is nothing you can do except watch the crack get bigger and smaller according to the relative humidity. The size of the crack will change every day. See the cover of this book

u/velcommen · 3 pointsr/woodworking

This one's kinda dry: http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-Craftsmans-Guide-Technology/dp/1561583588 but contains tons of useful stuff. A few things I've learned:

  • How wood & glue work. E.g. roughing up the surface doesn't help.
  • Dimensional variation in longitudinal, radial, tangential wood dimensions, and how to design for these changes.
  • How to more accurately identify wood species. E.g. just looking eyeballing a piece is not sufficient, even 'experts' will sometimes misidentify.
u/Lyric-Girl · 3 pointsr/sewing
u/nibor513 · 3 pointsr/femalefashionadvice

I bought myself a machine, some fabric, these two books, scissors, and some other miscellaneous supplies.

The Reader's Digest book is a really good idea since the back has a decent section on tailoring, and is full of useful information on everything else you'll need to know. There are probably also some books specifically on tailoring; check your local library.

Practice making straight lines on a piece of lined paper before you start on cloth. Getting your lines straight is super important.

Everything after that is just practicing.

u/SweetAndVicious · 3 pointsr/sewing

I was self taught and couldn't have done it without a good reference book like this

New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories
by Editors of Reader's Digest
Link: http://amzn.com/1606522086

u/silly_alligator · 2 pointsr/littlespace

I got it from amazon! :)

u/RaisingCain2016 · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I find coloring very therapeutic. Especially when it's cute animals that swear.

F*cking Adorable - Cute Critters with foul Mouths https://www.amazon.com/dp/1537498649/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VdlBCbQ19FTVC

u/crunkal · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I pick this one.
Slightly [nsfw]

Fucking Adorable - Cute Critters with foul Mouths https://www.amazon.com/dp/1537498649/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5vm3DbQMHPK8F

u/faerylin · 2 pointsr/Wishlist

Bullet journaling is very therapeutic and requires very few items. (Bullet journal, stencils, pens/colors, and stickers) all can be bought on amazon for under $20 or can get most of the supplies at dollar tree. Amazon has many great bullet journals for under $6. It helps you get your thoughts together and can feel empowering as it gets you more in tune with your thoughts and habits. my bullet journal but if you search bullet journals they have them with so many different pretty covers. This is also the size of a regular notebook as I like to make my things big.
journal stickers these stickers are my favorite as they are empowering and cheap. But I also buy stickers from dollar tree and michaels (michaels has washi tape for .33 each and sales on the tape and stickers all the time)

Cross stitch or crochet is another great craft to learn that doesn’t cost a lot or need a ton of supplies.

Diamond painting kits look like fun and get great reviews.

Scrapbooking can be a lot of fun and remind you of happy times but is more costly and uses more materials than the others.

Adult coloring books are my favorite art stress reliever; you can get a cute book for under $7 and then whatever coloring medium you prefer (I love crayons) my favorite coloring book

2nd favorite coloring book

I hope these ideas help and ask any questions you may have. 💕💕💕

u/BScatterplot · 2 pointsr/woodworking

This book is awesome:

https://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483726386&sr=8-1&keywords=workbenches+from+design+and+theory

It's not step-by-step newbie friendly, but it should get you there. I learned a TON about benches from it. I haven't made a bench yet but plan to once I get enough time and space, and it's helped tremendously to understand different features on different benches. I doubt I'd ever buy a standard bench after learning about the different styles unless it was one made like OP's, which is a very good design.

Edit: revised edition here-

https://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Revised-Design-Theory-Construction/dp/1440343128

u/blue_chalk · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Yep there are! There is I similar, slightly easier to build bench in Chris Schwarz's workbenches book

This exact bench hardware and full size plans are sold by Benchcrafted

u/mradtke66 · 2 pointsr/woodworking

That's quite neat, but I seriously doubt that would be strong enough. Maybe for a coffee table.

I strongly urge you to read "Workbench: From Design. . . ." by Chris Schwarz before you make any many of woodworking workbench. http://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405

u/sleepydad · 2 pointsr/AskReddit

you will need to a decent workbench.
Start here
http://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405
Christopher Schwarz does a great job of laying it out. He studies old texts. His 18th century joiner's design hailing from France is outstanding. I made one a couple of years ago and it’s awesome. I also just recently read his book on hand planes and it’s also excellent.
The popular woodworking blog is also a good place to find stuff
http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/editorsblog/
also try
http://www.lostartpress.com/
the fine woodworking forums also have excellent hand tool neanderthal section.
http://www.finewoodworking.com/
also try
http://www.cianperez.com/Wood/WoodDocs/Wood_How_To/INDEX_How_To.htm
I could go on and on but that should give you something to think about?



u/SwellsInMoisture · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Are you working with hand tools or power tools, primarily? Or, I should say, what will you be using on this bench?

For hand tools, you typically want a bench much lower, allowing you to keep your arms locked out and get the power from your body weight and legs. The rule of thumb is "the rule of your thumb." Stand with your arms at your sides. Stick your thumb straight forward. This is the height of your table. 30.5" for me.

For power tools, you don't have to worry about that sort of thing, and instead should have the workpiece closer to you for better visibility. 36" height is common.

Before you buy or build anything, do yourself a favor and pick up Chris Schwarz's Workbenches book. You're pretty much describing the English workbench in your post, and Chris goes into it in great detail, along with accompanying build plans.

u/jdecock · 2 pointsr/woodworking

If you're looking for workbench info, in addition to the Paul Sellers video that has been linked, I highly recommend Chris Schwarz's book on workbenches. I linked to the copy on Amazon, but my local library has it so maybe check yours as well.

He talks about a ton of different aspects of workbenches and runs down the pros/cons to a lot of different types of vises and designs. I found it super interesting.

u/CrownBee · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Depending on your area, rift sawn white oak can be quite expensive. I'd highly reccomend making your first bench out of southern yellow pine / doug fir, depending on what region you are in. It will often end up 1/2 price or less. If you really like the look of the oak, or can pick it up super cheap, it will make a great bench.

Even if you decide to make your bench out of SYP / DF, oak is a great accent wood for your vice chop (if you go for a leg vice) deadman, or endcaps. I think the Paul Sellers bench as designed doesn't use any of those features, so maybe that's not super useful for you. Check out Chris Shwarz's workbench book for more ideas and a comprehensive review of woods and their use for workbenches.

u/abbbbbba · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Chris Schwarz wrote a book - might be worth giving a read just so any advice you get, you can put into context.

https://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405

u/somethingfortoday · 2 pointsr/woodworking

From everything I understand, this is probably your best resource: Chris Swarz

There's also a video series that Paul Sellers did on making his workbench. Start here and work your way through all 10 parts. There is a ton of useful information on working with hand tools in this particular video series.

u/kapone3047 · 2 pointsr/BeginnerWoodWorking

If old timey wood working rocks your boat, I highly recommend following Chris Schwarz. He has done a lot to popularize the Roubo bench and other older tools and methods. He also wrote two of the best books on workbenches (https://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405).

There's also a good video about the Roubo workbench at http://www.popularwoodworking.com/video/roubo_workbench_tour

You can follow Chris at:

u/kjh9121 · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Yeah I love this book. I have his "blue" book too https://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405

There are 9 or 10 bench plans in the red book and some extra material about workholding and other related topics. /u/IneffableMF mentioned below that this book is a 'free' kindle book for prime members.

u/With_which_I_will_no · 2 pointsr/woodworking

http://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405

Slow down.

Get this book. Read it cover to cover if possible. Reconsider your design. IMO it’s totally worth you reading this book before you invest your time and money into a bench.

I have no idea what kind of work you do? This will dictate what kind of bench you are going to want.

I honestly think there are some major flaws with the design you show. The top is way to thin. The legs are not flush with the top. How are you going to work on wide edge board surfaces? How are things clamped down, across.

People were wood working for thousands of years and the book is a good culmination of what we know about those old school benches.

Ask yourself this question “Is it really possible that I have more insight into designing workbenches than all the other people who have used workbenches for the past 2000+ years?” the answer might be yes… but if you’re like the rest of us then the answer is probably no.

u/Clay_Statue · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Clamps. Buy more clamps. When you think you have enough then get more still.

Buy this book. The workbench is the most often overlooked tool that people don't think about. The workbench is essentially one giant clamping station.

u/hrbna · 2 pointsr/woodworking

I would recommend reading Chris Scwarz's Workbench book if you haven't already.

http://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405

u/eyesonlybob · 2 pointsr/woodworking

You could be fine with pine. If you're using the cheapest stuff you can find, it will no doubt have knots right? that stuff will most likely not be flat and tends to warp bad - especially if you get it from a home center like home depot. You would have better luck with the select pine from HD but that stuff isn't as cheap. Also, check out the Janka scale. It is referred to in the book workbenches when choosing a wood.

I went with a planer at the time because I had other needs that a jointer couldn't handle. I plan to eventually purchase a jointer as well.

u/Moumar · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking: A Step-By-Step Guide to Essential Woodworking Techniques is a great book for learning techniques. It's a three book set. The first book covers basic techniques and joinery, the second book covers more advance techniques like veneering, shaping and inlay and the third book has some step by step guides for some projects.

You can get the first two books in a combined paper back version. There is also a hardcover box set that includes all three books and DVD but it's more expensive. You only really need the first two books as the third book only covers specific projects.

If you want some more book ideas do a search for "books" here. There has been a few good threads on books here.

u/penaltyornot · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Tage Frid's book has very detailed instructions for machine and hand tools for all the basic techniques, from dimensioning/squaring the wood to joints etc. (There's 3 parts, some editions have all, some editions have only 1 part, all the most important information is in book 2: joinery).

I don't really have any other books to compare it with, but I found it very useful.

u/stalemunchies · 2 pointsr/woodworking

The complete guide to jointmaking is a pretty basic place to start. You can then move onto Tage frid's joinery book. This one is a little more in depth.

With that being said, in the case of a table and table top you will first want to construct the legs to have aprons so they are not free standing legs. This will help some with racking. You can then use a biscuit cutter or table saw and table top fasteners to attach the leg/apron assembly to the top.

u/banthur · 2 pointsr/woodworking

http://www.amazon.com/Tage-Frid-Teaches-Woodworking-Step-By-Step/dp/1561580686/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376626146&sr=8-1&keywords=TAGE+FRID

If you buy anything with a blade, google/youtube search "<name of bladed item> safety" before you buy it.

Used stuff is cool and all but if you get a table saw make sure you get one with modern safety features (I'm looking at you, riving knife).

Nothing you do in the shop will ever be worth losing flesh and blood.

u/HChianski · 2 pointsr/ThingsCutInHalfPorn

If a picture is worth a thousand words then you just abridged Bruce Hoardley's [Identifying Wood] (https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-Craftsmans-Guide-Technology/dp/1561583588) I wish more people understood that thin tangential cuts like the one above best illuminate the anatomical cellular structures necessary for accurate wood identification.

u/szer0 · 2 pointsr/Design

Wood technology student here.

Wood consists of millions of microscopic cells bound together by natural glues like lignin and cellulose. Wood also varies in density from one part to another, for example sapwood and heartwood. If you are going to do these experiments you should know that the results may vary by a great degree depending on what species or part of the tree you end up using. Balsa for example is one of the lowest density species and feels almost like Styrofoam. Ebony on the other hand is extremely dense. There is also a big difference between hard and softwood.

You could try contacting your local wood supplier and ask for a sample kit of different species, it will cost some money but it might be worth it.

If you are interested in buying litterature on the subject, I would recommend 'Understanding Wood' by R. Bruce Hoadlay.

Good luck with your wood torture!

u/JoshMonroe · 2 pointsr/woodworking

I learned through the book Understanding Wood by Bruce Hoadley. This author is famous for the "Yep, it's wood!" meme. There is a lot of good info for free online, but a solid, trusted, and researched book like this one deserves the inch of space it takes up on your shelf.

The more you know about the material science of wood, the better your projects will be. Good luck!

u/tenthjuror · 2 pointsr/woodworking

I do have a copy of Bruce Hoadley's excellent [book] (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-Craftsmans-Guide-Technology/dp/1561583588/) on wood, but this online tool is quick and easy once you understand how it works. I have even used it successfully to demonstrate to customers that the reason their doors are "defective" is because they humidity in their house in Alaska in winter is less than 20% and there is nothing I can do to eliminate the wood movement.

u/InSasquatchCountry · 2 pointsr/funny

I used to have the same problem. R. Bruce Hoadley has a great book on the topic that really helped me when I was board.

u/DarthVaderLovesU · 2 pointsr/woodworking
u/prayforariot · 2 pointsr/sewing

I always recommend the Reader's Digest Guide and Vogue Sewing to anyone looking to start a sewing library. They cover very similar ground, so take a look inside each. I prefer Vogue most of the time, but it all depends on how she learns best.

u/catalot · 2 pointsr/sewing

Looks like a nice easy first project to me. A heavy weight woolen would do you well, but you can use polyester that imitates a woolen if you want.

I would start though by buying a book like this: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Sewing-Step---Step/dp/1606522086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318847844&sr=8-1

And becoming familiar with techniques like seams, hems, and how to deal with corners (for the hood). You'll want to consider how the seams are going to be 'finished' as there are lots of seam finishes that can be used. Lining the cloak is another option, but not necessary for this project.

And if you want some visual instruction, just search youtube, ie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-jIFZD3mxQ&feature=related

u/youve_got_red_on_you · 2 pointsr/malefashionadvice

I swear by this one. And this for tailoring.

u/Stevieboy7 · 2 pointsr/Leathercraft

If you're at all interested in handsewing leather, this is literally the handsewing + beginning leatherwork bible

u/PrancingPudu · 2 pointsr/DIY

I haven't had the chance to start my own project yet, but I purchased this book and think it's an AWESOME reference. The internet is a great resource, but I'm a really visual person and like to flip through a book instead of clicking on a screen when I'm working on a project. This one is very useful too, though it has more details on working with fur.

u/GrumpysWorkshop · 2 pointsr/Leathercraft

Double sided belts are usually just 2 pieces of leather, 8-9oz sewn back to back. Adding a third layer would add bulk, but almost no strength, and it might cause unsightly buckling as the outside leathers aren't as thick. If all you need is a belt, single thickness belts of 12oz+ would be much easier, and you can still opt to sew up the working end for some practice. Generally, it's advised to start with smaller projects like card holders, so you can get the practice and it's not a big deal if you screw up. Backed belts are hundreds of stitches, so unless you're really determined, it's not a starter project.

When it comes to stitching, Al Stohlman's Art of Hand Sewing Leather has all you need to know about western saddle stitch. No chisels, just 2 needles and an awl. You'll get decent results just fine with a bit of practice.

Other things you'll need:

  • Diamond awl
  • Groover
  • Oversticher/ spacemarker
  • Harness Needles
  • Thread
  • Beeswax
  • Contact cement

    SLC has a decent starter kit, but other recommendations are out there too. For thread, I use Barbours Linen 6 Cord and wax it myself. You'll need a pony or sewing clam, but I made mine, so I can't help you there. I only use a punch when I'm hand sewing very thin or flimsy leathers.
u/TwoToedTerror · 2 pointsr/Leatherworking

The Art of Hand Sewing Leather by Al Stohlman is a superb guide from beginner to expert. Depending on the projects you are looking into starting, you won't need any other reference for a long time.

u/Landholder · 2 pointsr/Leathercraft

The art of hand sewing leather says that if you're stopping one section of stitches due to running out of thread, you tie an overhand knot around the outside of the work, and start sewing the next length of cord back a stitch or two (so you're sewing atop the existing stitches) and cut the thread at the awl hole once the new stitching has passed the overhead stitching.

When I'm sewing linen, I'll usually end my stitching by backstitching a few holes, then passing my needle and thread between the two layers and cutting it off below the level of the leather.

If I'm sewing with nylon, I just backstitch a few holes, cut the threads on the backside and melt the ends of the cords with a lighter, then mash the molten nylon down with my thumb.

TLDR: Saddle stitch is a very strong stitch and you don't really need to tie it off to keep it from unraveling.

u/artearth · 2 pointsr/Leathercraft

The Art of Hand Sewing Leather by Al Stohlman has directions for building a stitching pony. I haven't built one but it seems to be well regarded. If you don't have the $11 to buy the book (also well regarded) you may be able to find the plans out in the webs.

No plans, but there is a walkthrough of a guy building a variation on Stohlman's pony.

Edit: also found these plans in an older book. A little hard to read, and I'm guessing they require some skill as a carpenter.

u/Dr_Gage · 2 pointsr/medicine

I did the same for neuroanatomy, I used this book, some of my classmates thought I was stupid for using it, but it's really helpful and easy. Coloring the structures while repeating the name as Buddhist monks pray really helped.

u/StillWeCarryOn · 2 pointsr/quityourbullshit

I was talking about the Pearson coloring books. This is the book we used for assignments in my freshman biology class and This is the book we used in my Anatomy and Physiology class. I actually asked for this one for my birthday not realizing it was the same line of books.

u/Zephryl · 2 pointsr/Neuropsychology

Blumenfeld's Neuroanatomy Through Clinical Cases is the classic text, and deservedly so.

The Human Brain Coloring Book is a fun, but surprisingly educational and detailed, resource.

u/A_Manslayer · 2 pointsr/fffffffuuuuuuuuuuuu

Got abook similiar to this fine thing for university. Best Textbook, I ever bought.

u/Shanoony · 2 pointsr/Neuropsychology

There are a few coloring books that do this pretty well if you’re into that. This is a pretty popular one.

u/trimeta · 2 pointsr/AdviceAnimals

Actually, in certain areas of biology, coloring is considered an essential part of college-level courses. Many classes in the following fields at top universities will require the linked coloring books as textbooks:

u/IronPatriot049 · 2 pointsr/paracord

https://www.amazon.com/Ashley-Book-Knots-Clifford-W/dp/0385040253/ref=pd_sbs_14_8?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0385040253&pd_rd_r=e0ab9849-0e7d-4ba9-a032-9a9d01f9ee48&pd_rd_w=DsijS&pd_rd_wg=En3yr&pf_rd_p=1c11b7ff-9ffb-4ba6-8036-be1b0afa79bb&pf_rd_r=PE3RHZF1NQ3W6QAF2VF8&psc=1&refRID=PE3RHZF1NQ3W6QAF2VF8

That one is the holy grail of ropeworking books. I have yet to get my hands on it so I have never seen it but everyone serious about the hobby loves it.

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Ropecraft-Stuart-Grainger/dp/1574092480/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=creative+ropecraft&qid=1566544712&s=books&sr=1-1

That is the creative ropecraft. The illustrations can be a bit difficult but its a great beginner book.

https://www.amazon.com/Pawsons-Knot-Craft-Rope-Mats/dp/1472922786/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/136-7070516-4175455?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1472922786&pd_rd_r=2e8898cd-24a4-48de-a09f-b99388849af1&pd_rd_w=rUDOx&pd_rd_wg=zQIMo&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=CTJM8EXWXXN8V6FQH32G&psc=1&refRID=CTJM8EXWXXN8V6FQH32G

This is one of Des Pawson's books. I borrowed it from a friend once, tons of info. I had to give it back though. ><

https://www.amazon.com/Marlinspike-Sailor-Hervey-Garrett-Smith/dp/0070592187/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3/136-7070516-4175455?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0070592187&pd_rd_r=2e8898cd-24a4-48de-a09f-b99388849af1&pd_rd_w=rUDOx&pd_rd_wg=zQIMo&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=CTJM8EXWXXN8V6FQH32G&psc=1&refRID=CTJM8EXWXXN8V6FQH32G

This is a nice cheap book too, I have never seen it myself but it is one that is recommended a lot on various youtube ropecraft channels.

u/Islanduniverse · 2 pointsr/reddit.com

Yeah, the "Boss's Job" one is something I would never buy, and I would encourage people not to. It literally says "Dirty tricks" so there is no question in my mind that there is some unethical shit going on. I am not against all how-to books though, this is the kind of how-to book I can support.

u/CharkBot · 2 pointsr/howto

Yeah, I immediately noticed that with his first bowline. Although subsequent bowlines had the tail on the inside. I was also taught to always have the tail on the inside. However, Animated Knots mentions the alternative with the tail on the outside of the loop and remarks:
>The left handed version performs satisfactorily and withstands ring-tension (a distending force applied either side) better than the standard bowline. However, the tail end is more likely to catch an adjacent rope or spar.

I had missed the sheet bend error. But you are correct. From Animated Knots structure section of the sheet bend article.
>When correctly tied the two tails lie on the same side of the knot. The alternative version - with the tails on opposite sides - is less reliable.

For anyone interested in knots but not familiar with Animated Knots, I highly recomend it. For more in depth one could use the Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK)

u/Corydoras · 2 pointsr/Frugal

>Btw, before knotfags jump my ass, I'm sure this isn't the perfect or most safe way to tie a truckers hitch but wtf it works for simple/small loads.

As a "knotfag" I can assure you that that wasn't even close to a Truckers or Carters hitch.

I'm pretty fucking sure Ashley had something to say about clotheslines.

:)

u/greybeard45 · 2 pointsr/witchcraft

First, learn ordinary knots. The Ashley Book of Knots is the standard reference guide.

When you have learned regular knots you can begin doing magic knots. One handy guide book is Cord Magic: simple spells for beginners to witchcraft by Raven Willow.

​

u/0OKM9IJN8UHB7 · 2 pointsr/madlads

https://www.animatedknots.com/basic-knots

Or if you want to know everything, this book.

u/JackleBee · 2 pointsr/videos

What you posted is not a noose knot. You posted a slip knot.

Source: I'm a knot guy.

Edit: just pulled out my copy of The Ashley Book of Knots. Looks like /u/CaptMerka is correct and I was taught incorrectly. Turns out I am not a knot guy.

u/mstibbs13 · 2 pointsr/booksuggestions

I am not a huge fan of romance novels but Outlander by Gabaldon has lots of romance and a great story to boot. http://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0440212561

u/PitaPityParty · 2 pointsr/LowLibidoCommunity

There is a lot of crap erotica out there, for sure. Finding good ones are hit or miss.

I tried a regency romance once. Super cheesy and cliche. Not for me.

I like Literotica because there are lots of stories to browse. There good stories and there are a lot of bad stories. Sometimes I will open a story, read a paragraph or two, and go right back to searching for a new one.

I've been trying to find good erotica books and series. Every other book is a Shades of grey clone. There are times in most of them where I end up rolling my eyes at some of the dialogue and descriptions. Sometimes, I will skip over parts if I'm just not into it.

A lot of erotica on Amazon for the kindle is free. It will often be the first book in a series to try to convince you to continue reading the rest. I read lots of these free ones and if I like the author/style then I will consider reading more. I haven't found any I like enough yet but I keep trying. Sometimes I can read enough of a bad erotica to do the trick. There are definitely some that I just quit reading.

Not erotica but I will also /r/gonewildstories. Nothing like stories that can actually happen.

The best erotica I have read is the Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A. N. Roquelaure, which is a pseudonym for for Anne Rice. But be warned, this is very, very heavy BDSM. It might be too much for many and at times it was a little heavy for me and I consider myself to be relatively kinky.

The best romance novel I have read was Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. It is a time-travel, historical romance to be exact. From what I remember it was actually a pretty good read. If you are going to read a romance, I think this is a good one to start with.

Though not erotica, Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey is a fantasy novel with some romance/erotic elements. I read it several years ago before my libido bottomed out but I'm pretty sure it turned me on. Interesting read as well. Definitely has a theme of sado-masochism, but compared to the Sleeping Beauty Trilogy it is nothing. If you already enjoy fantasy novels you should give it a go.

Hope that helps. You really have to dig to find anything good. That being said, often the act of searching alone is enough to get my engines revving.

u/QBCtheFucknificent · 2 pointsr/todayilearned

Oh, interesting. :) I'm always on the lookout for new reading material. I've not heard of Outlander. I shall have to look into it. GOOGLE!

Dis? http://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0440212561

u/natlach · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I would really like a used copy of Outlander. My friend recommend it to me earlier this year as I have a soft spot for Historical Fiction and haven't read a good romance story in awhile.

It's listed on my books WL as well.

Thanks for the contest!

u/wildcatz311 · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Outlander first book in the AMAZING series :)

u/booberkitty · 2 pointsr/atheism

I had similar feelings after I realized that I was an atheist. For me, it seemed that without some kind of mystery, the world seemed somewhat sterile.

One book that helped me regain my sense of wonder about the universe was Unweaving the Rainbow by Richard Dawkins. Though, if she finds Dawkins off-putting, she may not want to read that.

u/DMitri221 · 2 pointsr/atheism

I suggest reading the source this came from, Unweaving the Rainbow. Great book.

Here's another, which I love, from the same book:

>Fling your arms wide in an expansive gesture to span all of evolution from its origin at your left fingertip to today at your right fingertip. All the way across your midline to well past your right shoulder, life consists of nothing but bacteria. Many-celled, invertebrate life flowers somewhere around your right elbow. The dinosaurs originate in the middle of your right palm, and go extinct around your last finger joint. The whole story of Homo sapiens and our predecessor Homo erectus is contained in the thickness of one nail-clipping. As for recorded history; as for the Sumerians, the Babylonians, the Jewish patriarchs, the dynasties of Pharaohs, the legions of Rome, the Christian Fathers, the Laws of the Medes and Persians which never change; as for Troy and the Greeks, Helen and Achilles and Agamemnon dead; as for Napoleon and Hitler, the Beatles and Bill Clinton, they and everyone that knew them are blown away in the dust from one light stroke of a nail-file.

u/AlSweigart · 2 pointsr/atheism

"The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. Dawkins doesn't really go into anything new or original, but the strength of the book is that is a great, concise summary of all the beginning arguments for atheism.

http://www.amazon.com/God-Delusion-Richard-Dawkins/dp/0618680004

I'd follow it with Daniel Dennett's "Breaking the Spell", also a good recommendation. Same goes for Carl Sagan's "A Demon Haunted World"

http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Spell-Religion-Natural-Phenomenon/dp/0143038338

http://www.amazon.com/Demon-Haunted-World-Science-Candle-Dark/dp/0345409469/

Christopher Hitchens is a bit vitriolic for some, but "God is not Great" has some nuggets in it.

http://www.amazon.com/God-Not-Great-Religion-Everything/dp/0446579807/

I personally didn't like Sam Harris' "End of Faith" but I did like his "Letter to a Christian Nation".

http://www.amazon.com/Letter-Christian-Nation-Vintage-Harris/dp/0307278778/

For the topic of evolution, Talk Origins is great (and free) http://toarchive.org/
Dawkin's "The Selfish Gene" is also a good read (and short). Not so short but also good are Dawkins' "Blind Watchmaker", "Climbing Mount Improbable" and "Unweaving the Rainbow"

http://www.amazon.com/Selfish-Gene-Anniversary-Introduction/dp/0199291152/

http://www.amazon.com/Blind-Watchmaker-Evidence-Evolution-Universe/dp/0393315703/

http://www.amazon.com/Climbing-Mount-Improbable-Richard-Dawkins/dp/0393316823/

http://www.amazon.com/Unweaving-Rainbow-Science-Delusion-Appetite/dp/0618056734/

u/Athegnostistian · 2 pointsr/atheism

I think I know how you feel. It took a much longer time until my ex-girlfriend was deconverted or even seriously started to question the very foundations of her faith. But she ended up an atheist, and of course there were tears involved in the process.

If you want to give him something uplifting, show him The most astounding fact or get him The Magic of Reality or Unweaving the Rainbow for Christmas (or winter solstice). It's money well spent.

Consider getting it at your local bookstore instead of Amazon. Amazon is evil. ;)

u/privacy_philo · 2 pointsr/exmuslim

Do yourself a favour and read a book which gives a good overview of what we know from science, before you do more harm to yourself. "Unweaving the Rainbow" would probably be a good choice.

Then come back and see if you could tell people with a straight face that your religion -- or any religion -- contains much which is actually useful (and true) in comparison.

u/in_time_for_supper_x · 2 pointsr/DebateReligion

> We have eye witness testimonies.

We supposedly have eye witness testimonies, because almost none of the witnesses (besides the apostles) are named, nor are they alive, and their "testimonies" were recorded many decades after Christ's supposed ascension. Besides that, witness testimonies are not enough to prove that supernatural events are even possible.

> There was a detective who works cold cases, and would convict people of crimes based on people's testimonies. He was an Atheist investigating the case for Christ. He found that the people's testimonies lined up, and he would consider them as viable evidence in court, and he came to the conclusion that it was all real.

There are many authors like this one, who think they have the silver bullet that will prove their religion, be it Christianity or Islam, who eventually engage in all sorts of fallacies and provide nothing of substance. I haven't read this guy's book to be honest (Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels), but I have read other books by Christians who claim that they can prove the "truth" of Christianity. Short summary: they haven't.

The fact of the matter is that these books do not stand to scrutiny. Have you ever read anything written by Bart Ehrman, or other real scholars? They would vehemently disagree with that guy's conclusions.

Bart Denton Ehrman is an American professor and scholar, currently the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is one of North America's leading scholars in his field, having written and edited 30 books, including three college textbooks. He has also achieved acclaim at the popular level, authoring five New York Times bestsellers. Ehrman's work focuses on textual criticism of the New Testament, the historical Jesus, and the development of early Christianity.

-- from WikiPedia

You should also read stuff by:

  • Richard Dawkins (i.e. The God Delusion, The Greatest Show On Earth, Unweaving the rainbow, etc.),

  • Lawrence Krauss (i.e. A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather than Nothing),

  • Sean Caroll

    and other scientists if you want to see what science actually has to say about reality and about how grossly wrong the Bible is when it tries to make pronouncements on our physical reality.

    > Why do you not believe in the gospel accounts? They were hand written accounts by people who witnessed an event, or people who spoke to those people.

    That's the claim, not the evidence. It's people claiming to have witnessed supernatural events for which they have no evidence, and even more than that, all these witnesses are long dead. We have nothing but third hand accounts of people from 2000 years ago claiming to have seen or heard wildly fantastical things for which we don't have any evidence that they are even possible.

    Heck, we literally have millions of people still alive who swear that they have encountered aliens or have been abducted by aliens - this is a much better evidence than your supposed witnesses who are long dead by now - and it's still not nearly enough to prove that these aliens actually exist and that they have indeed been abducting people.

    > Some of the things Jesus spoke about is verifiable today. As I have pointed out about the Holy Spirit guiding people, and people being able to heal and cast out demons in Jesus' name.

    Many of Buddha's teachings are verifiable and valid today, yet that does nothing to prove Buddha's claims of the supernatural. Besides, you first have to demonstrate that there are such things as demons before even making a claim of being able to cast them out. Bring one of these "demons" into a research facility and then we'll talk. Otherwise, you're no different than the alien abduction people or the Bigfoot hunters.
u/rusrslythatdumb · 2 pointsr/TheGirlSurvivalGuide

Have you tried knitting? I taught myself with books and YouTube videos about ten years ago. I just finished this a couple days ago! (It looks like this, I made it to take with me to the movie theater in the summer when I'm always cold.) I know it seems like an old lady hobby, but I started when I was 22, and my goes and scarves and sweaters are nicer, warmer, and hold up much longer than the acrylic junk you buy at Target and Walmart.

This book is what finally made it click for me, as well as the site knittinghelp.com. Another excellent resource is [Ravelry] (http://www.ravelry.com) which is like your own online knitting notebook, pattern search, and forums in one. And it's free!

u/missmisfit · 2 pointsr/knitting

I taught myself using this book:http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-The-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

Also some yarn shops will teach you if you purchase your supplies from them, or they may have classes

u/historygirl82 · 2 pointsr/childfree

Check out the Stitch 'n Bitch book - http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464321120&sr=8-1&keywords=stitch+n+bitch
I basically taught myself a few basic types of stitches with this (and a little bit of guidance from my bff, although this is where Youtube can fill in some gaps!). And really, a cheap pair of plastic needles and yarn from somewhere like Michael's won't set you back more than $20-30 tops. It can be an expensive hobby once you really get into it, but it doesn't have to be.

u/Mishiiee · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon
  1. This book, so I can learn how to knit. Because I really need a hobby.
  2. Allegiant is my most wanted e-book right now, I've read the first two in the series, and I would really love to finish the series. :D I wanna know what happens! lol.
  3. If I were a book, I hope that I'd be a great one.
u/legs2yaya · 2 pointsr/knitting

There are some good books out there! I like the Stitch 'n Bitch ones (the patterns are so dated, though) and the Knitter's Companion (I think the illustrations are pretty clear in this one). I found this one called The Knitting Answer Book in a Sam's Club I don't know how long ago. I'm not sure how great it is because I've been able to find answers in the others and online. These books + Youtube are how I taught myself.

u/catsloveyarn · 2 pointsr/knitting

I learned from reading Stitch 'n Bitch. My first projects were dishcloths: Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth and Andalutheean Dishcloth.

u/Closet_Geek_ · 2 pointsr/knitting

If your wife has a sense of humor, this was my favorite book when I was starting out. Has great illustrations and straight forward patterns. My first sweater was a pattern out of there, and I managed just fine.

u/thymeonmyside · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Oooh! I highly recommend the book Stitch 'n Bitch for knitting. It taught me how to knit and it's awesome and funny!

u/KitKatKnitter · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I hope so! Going to be a tad iffy on getting the chocolate melted since we've only got a microwave at our disposal, but we'll figure something out.

Ugh. Haven't had any that bad, but had one yesterday because of having to pay an overdue electric bill. Got the money out of the bank fine, but just thinking about having to go over to the one place PPL will do in-store payments through... Forget it. And I'm not big on having to make calls, either, or cold-FB messaging places that I need to if I want to get the interviews set up for the YT channel series I want to do.

Holy balls. Mom's mom had one and used it to make a couple sweaters for her that she still has and wants me to handknit replicas of. If I can get most of the stash either de-stashed or worked up, I need take her up on that.

As for knitting lessons, there's Craftsy, Youtube, and Amazon has a decent selection of books to choose from. I'm partial to either Teach Yourself Visually Knitting or Stitch & Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller. The second has some errata in the patterns from what I've read in the reviews, but I haven't tried knitting the patterns yet.

u/foxish49 · 2 pointsr/waiting_to_try

I don't thinks so, really! There are lots of great books for beginners, the one I learned from is Stitch 'n Bitch, along with help from my dad. The Yarn Harlot is another great resource - I really love everything she writes.

If you know somebody who knits, they're usually thrilled to help somebody learn. You can also see if you've got a yarn store nearby that does classes, or rec centers will do classes sometimes too.

u/labeille87 · 2 pointsr/crochet

The book that really helped me was stitch n bitch the happy hooker. As for tension it's going to be off for a little while so don't sweat that!

u/oomps62 · 2 pointsr/crochet

I recommend the book Stitch 'n Bitch: The happy hooker. The beginning part will answer questions about increases, decreases, and terminology. It provides information about shaping garments. Then there are multiple patterns in the book for wearable items... The first part of the books gives you all of the tools to make any of the patterns in the book.

Check to see if your library has it before buying it!

u/magicmerlion · 2 pointsr/crochet

This is the book I used to learn. I found it very helpful - lots of diagrams. And the entire second half is a wide variety of patterns.

u/amaltheas2 · 2 pointsr/crochet

My grandma taught me to do a sc, but I taught myself the rest from books and youtube videos. Two of my favorite books for learning was Debbie Stroller's The Happy Hooker & Get Hooked. The latter book is directed towards a younger audience, but it was perfect for learning ... everything was simplified! Basic patterns like "working in the round" or a basic Double-Crochet scarf; both have wonderful illustrations & great 'beginner' patterns.

Others suggested that you learn from others ... but that's so overrated! ;-) To this day, I don't know anyone else who crochets ... so it's all me!

u/arhoglenTFAB · 2 pointsr/TryingForABaby

Crochet is actually really easy. You can easily teach yourself, and there are plenty of internet resources to help you. /r/crochet is a really great community too.

I am self taught from this book: The Happy Hooker.

and if you want more help than that, here is the "beginner" page from my crochet blog

u/LOWERCASEmurder · 2 pointsr/Hobbies

Needle felting is pretty fun, it’s a good lap project. You can make little animals and plants or appliqué onto any number of things. The price of admission is relatively low if you start with a kit. Also, there’s a lot of stabbing involved, which feels really satisfying.

Has cross stitch burned you out in the needle and thread department? I don’t care for it myself but I really enjoy embroidery. The books age well and are easy to follow. You can continuously add new stitches to your repertoire with practice.

Last one: crochet. The Happy Hooker is a great book for beginners.

May your treatment be uneventful and your recovery swift.

u/funktopus · 2 pointsr/BeginnerWoodWorking

The joint book is what your looking for. I just picked it up and am itching for chisels so I can start to play.

u/liserdarts · 2 pointsr/woodworking

I have a book titled "The Joint Book" that includes a really useful table of what glues can do what.

Amazon lets you preview that exact page. Just click on the image and find page 20.

u/Tr8rJ · 2 pointsr/woodworking

The Joint Book has great images and techniques.

u/OSUTechie · 2 pointsr/BeginnerWoodWorking

I've enjoyed Woodworking Basics - Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship - An Integrated Approach With Hand and Power tools. I've also heard great reviews The Complete Manual of Woodworking: A Detailed Guide to Design, Techniques, and Tools for the Beginner and Expert and The Joint Book: The Complete Guide to Wood Joinery.

As for tools, I would hold off buying tools for him until he knows he wants to really get into. From personal experience, I know when it comes to buying gifts for people just starting out with a new hobby, there is always the off chance that they might not continue with it.

u/davidpglass · 2 pointsr/woodworking

There definitely won't be a single best book, but I don't think The Joint Book would be money wasted.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785822275/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_F5.wybN6CVPXM

u/Maximum_Ordinate · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Congrats on your first piece! The process of learning is a little daunting (I am still learning)--but if you have any interest in other joinery methods you should give this book a read: Joint Book: The Complete Guide to Wood Joinery https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785822275/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_wx-JwbT9T23NP

u/Ryngard · 2 pointsr/DnD
u/SomeGuy565 · 2 pointsr/loremasters

There aren't a lot out there specifically for 5e (assuming you're playing 5e, don't remember if you mentioned it) yet. In fact the only ones I'm aware of are of the campaign variety (a string of 'adventures') and there's nothing wrong with any of them. I've run Hoard of the Dragon Queen, The Rise of Tiamat, Princes of the Apocalypse and I'm currently running Out of the Abyss..

You can always take a module from an older version of the game (or from a completely different game even) but you'll have to do some work to get it ready. The stats for the monsters will be different - you'll need to look up the same or similar monsters in the Monster Manual and have the stats ready. Other than that though the plot, maps and the rest can be used as-is.

DriveThruRPG has some modules that don't cost too much. You get them as a pdf instead of a physical book, but everything you need is there. Again, if you use one from an older version of the game you'll have to do some prep work.

You can find them on EBay as well. Some of the most famous ones are Tomb of Horrors (really though - don't do it. Your players will hate you), Ravenloft (my personal favorite module of all time which a Redditor has converted to 5e) and here's a list that I largely agree with.

u/Zanmechty · 2 pointsr/mattcolville

If you're looking for an adventure to adapt that's set in the Astral Sea there's Hunt for the Heretic in Dungeon #203 http://www.dmsguild.com/product/155343/Dungeon-203-4e

The upshot is that there's a pirate ship that's been raiding the world from the Astral Sea and the authorities want to bring that to an end. It's geared toward players around level 14 or something like that so you'll need to pull the numbers back quite a bit, but the bones of it might make for a fun adventure--you might even make whole different encounters with different, more level appropriate threats.

Another suggestion if you want to go with a published adventure would be Horde of the Dragon Queen. At the end of that adventure you end up teleporting to a somewhat unusual location to face off against the main villain. That final battle could just as well be on the Astral Sea, at which point the PCs might find themselves having that place to themselves, as in they have a stronghold (ehem and potentially a dragon friend) to enact their Skyrim fantasies as they fly around IN THE ASTRAL SEA!

Here's that one on Amazon if you're interested:
https://www.amazon.com/Hoard-Dragon-Queen-Adventure-Wizards/dp/0786965649/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506588515&sr=8-1&keywords=Horde+of+the+Dragon+Queen

u/thelegitcelery · 2 pointsr/DnD

(5e) New DM (just finished the 5e starter pack). I plan on running Tyranny of Dragons soon and I just bought the adventure book (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786965649/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Will I need any additional books ( I.e the monster manual or dungeon guide?)

u/OneCritWonder · 2 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

You can buy official prewritten modules that are ready to play straight out of the book. You can also check out the Dungeon Master's Guild website to get free or paid adventures.

The core D&D books themselves do not have an adventure in them but there are plenty of things out there to get that are already made or you could make up your own.

The Starter Set has an adventure that lasts about six sessions, Storm King's Thunder is an adventure for levels 1-14, Princes of the Apocalypse is an adventure for levels 1-11, Curse of Strahd is a great adventure.

If you want to start writing your own adventures at some point, you should pick up the Dungeon Master's Guide and the Monster Manual.

u/Socratov · 2 pointsr/DNDNL

amazon schijnt ze te hebben vanaf 15 maart.

u/kibitzello · 2 pointsr/homestead

I'm a bit of a generalist. I always have lots of projects going on at once, each in a different state of completion. The books I have listed I do own, and read and pick through the most often.

The first two are generalist books. I say that because they both have such a breadth of information it's hard to describe them. The third is more specialist in that it covers only a single subject, but does so in such detail and in a recipe type format that it's easy to follow along. It starts with how to build a blacksmith shop, what tools you need, and how to use tools you make to build bigger tools to help build other, bigger tools.

https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-40th-Anniversary/dp/1570618402

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Sufficient-Life-How-Live/dp/0756654505/ref=pd_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FR7BRBKJ9CA3XRWW1N8H

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Modern-Blacksmith-Alexander-Weygers/dp/0898158966/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473081102&sr=1-15&keywords=blacksmithing

u/chunky_bacon · 2 pointsr/metalworking

Start with this book. It's cheap, and perhaps the best smithing book available.

u/Independent · 2 pointsr/knives

Get, read and absorb the following:

u/Hello_Zech · 2 pointsr/Blacksmith

Anvilfire.com
Iforgeiron.com
hammertyme.com
reddit.com/r/blacksmith
/r/blacksmithing
/r/bladesmith
/r/metalworking
http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Blacksmithing-Alex-Bealer/dp/0785803955
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Modern-Blacksmith-Alexander-Weygers/dp/0898158966
http://www.anvilfire.com/bookrev/
Those are just a few to get you started.
ALSO. Start learning metallurgy as soon as possible.

u/Dietzgen17 · 2 pointsr/sewing

I'm not familiar with the Lo book, so I can't say. Read the reviews. You will find that every pattern making book has similarities and differences. I'm taking a pattern making class now taught by a professional pattern maker and while some aspects are quite familiar I can't use a book as a reference because her method differs in certain respects and if I followed a book it would throw me off. I hope that after the end of the class I'll be able to use any book. But it is important to understand one method first, and there are lots of subtleties that I would have missed but for having taken a class. I showed the teacher a sloper book I own but never used and she said it was good. It has a companion book for developing patterns, but she liked the sloper book better.

Getting the sloper right is essential. It's the foundation for the patterns you develop from it. In my once-a-week basic class, we spent about five weeks measuring the form, drafting the back and front bodice and skirt slopers and the sleeve sloper, fitting, correcting, re-fitting, etc. It's a big class and first the teacher does a demonstration but my point is you shouldn't think that you should be able to bang out a perfectly fitting sloper in two hours.

We next did dart manipulation exercises using the pivot and slash and spread methods, then princess style line conversions, then facings. Now we're doing collars.

Most methods use letters to refer to points. They are completely arbitrary: Point "J" in one system is not going to be the same point in another.

If you're interested in pattern making, I recommend Kathleen Fasanella's Fashion-Incubator blog. She's a pattern maker who advises small sewing businesses and bought a small factory. Here's a post in which she explains how she reviews pattern making books.

For a high-level introduction, you might want to read How Patterns Work. It's more the general theory of pattern making, not the nitty-gritty of how to true lines.

I bought this book a while ago and have never used it. I've read it's not that good because the author does not have formal pattern making training.

If it were I and taking a class was impossible, I would try the University of Fashion videos on pattern making. There's a free trial video on drafting a straight sleeve sloper. The tools are listed, every step is shown, and there's a transcript on the site. I think the method shown is very clear and it's similar to others I've seen but it wasn't the method my teacher used. For one thing, we didn't use a chart with standard measurements: we took the measurements from the armscye (armhole) of the drafted bodice. Our elbow line measurement was taken from the waist of our bodice because the elbow of a well-proportioned person falls at the waist. We drew a center line with an L square as a starting point, not a fold. Just these three little things can result in a different sleeve, which is why it's important to use a consistent method at least until you have a lot of experience and understand which parts are transferrable.

u/optimizedMediocrity · 2 pointsr/sewing

I have been using How to Make Sewing Patterns by Don McCunn. I have successfully made skinny pants from the pant sloper. I do not think skinny pants were in style as they are now, so it took some additional internet research to achieve the exact fit I wanted.

While I have not used it to make skirts or bodices yet, the instructions are much more thorough in the bodice and skirt sections.

I found it at my local used book store for ~$10 usd. I think it is worth a try, if you are looking for a lower entry pattern book. It is targeting home sewers as opposed to fashion design textbooks on the subject.

u/annaqua · 2 pointsr/sewing

I was recommended this book but have yet to order it. I've heard really good things about it and plan on ordering it soon!

u/adolfox · 2 pointsr/lgbt

Have you tried making your own? Sewing is not that hard. I'm a guy and am in the process of learning.

There's a lot of youtube videos that show you the basics. It's also good if can take a crash course. I live in Austin and there's about five different places that offer sewing classes for around $60 to $90. All it takes is usually one class to learn how to setup your sewing machine and the basics on how to sew straight, backstitching, etc.

I recommend this book on how to make your own patters. It describes exactly how to custom make petterns for skirts. It shows you how to fit it so that it fits perfectly.

Good luck.

u/kasittig · 2 pointsr/sewing

Yeah, it's pretty easy to alter. I have this book which is pretty good, but it's a little low on pictures. This is the Burda tutorial and it links to a bunch of ways to modify the block - this one on converting it to princess seams will probably be useful. I totally thought that they had a halter top tutorial but they apparently don't. I also have this Google book bookmarked because it's nicely laid out.

I'd also recommend making your base bodice block out of cardboard and then tracing it onto paper to alter your patterns - it'll save you time in the long run. Good luck! Sundresses were my first introduction to patternmaking too :)

u/no-mad · 2 pointsr/Carpentry

Carpenters often use distinct smells and grain patterns to tell woods aoart. Pine, cedar, oak, douglas-fir, hemlock, popular, ash, maple. After you have cut oak flooring for a room you will always know the smell. Most people can tell pine from cedar by smell. Same with other wood.


Wood Identification is tricky with less common woods. They use the end-grain samples from the tree to tell them apart.

u/vacuous_comment · 2 pointsr/whatisthisthing

Your library might have this.

u/underthesun · 2 pointsr/nintype

Done, also reckon if we can get enough content, I'll hire someone to "bookify" it and make a PDF, and maybe make a physical copy, just for laughs. Can't be too expensive with all the custom printing services these days eh?

Something like this : http://www.amazon.com/Identifying-Wood-Accurate-Results-Simple/dp/0942391047

u/That_guy_Creid · 2 pointsr/botany

I have a really awesome book that was used as the textbook for my wood science class. http://smile.amazon.com/Identifying-Wood-Accurate-Results-Simple/dp/0942391047/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419218805&sr=8-1&keywords=identifying+wood
Basically, it is a cane, which is a grass, not a wood. It has similar characteristics. I would type up the main points of the book, but I didn't bring it home with me...

u/konnektion · 2 pointsr/Quebec

Achète-lui ce livre

C'est un mème, mais ça permet d'identifier pour vrai les essences et ainsi identifier la bonne technique de restoration.

u/victorstanciu · 2 pointsr/science

This book better have a chapter on this

u/Merk2 · 2 pointsr/OkCupid
u/fishtardo · 2 pointsr/sewing

I can't believe no one mentioned sewing books yet. There are so many kick-ass introduction to sewing books out there now!
Most of these talk you through setting up your machine all the way to making some pretty nice garments. They are a must have. I'd go for love at first stitch if she's into quirky younger fashion and the collette book if she's a little more conservative. Both include a few patterns to start her off.

http://www.amazon.com/Love-First-Stitch-Demystifying-Dressmaking/dp/1611802342/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418696695&sr=8-1&keywords=love+at+first+stitch

http://www.amazon.com/Colette-Sewing-Handbook-Techniques-Seamstress/dp/1440215456/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418696786&sr=8-2&keywords=colette&pebp=1418696800367

u/FRE802 · 2 pointsr/sewing

I would definitely recommend getting some beginner sewing books to start too. It will set you up so much better, so you're making beautiful things from the beginning, and will help you build skills. A lot of times I think beginners get over ambitious, try to make a fancy dress with a difficult (or inappropriate - quilting cottons are for quilting not dressmaking) fabric, get frustrated with fit issues and complicated techniques, and then give up. I think the Colette Sewing Handbook is great, although I think a lot of people on this sub don't like it for whatever reason. Tilly & the Button is more popular and is also fine. Both have blogs and sell patterns which you can use in addition to what's in the books. There are also tons of how-to's online, fitting books, other blogs, and more advanced books once you get into it.

Edit to add: I'm sure you can find these books or similar at the library too, and estate and garage sales are an excellent place to find cheap sewing machines, patterns, fabric, and things like thread and zippers.

u/zefirose · 2 pointsr/sewing

These are very basic suggestions:

Colette's Beginner Book
Very nice, focuses on sewing clothing, comes with patterns.

[Fabric Reference] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/089689536X/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00)
Tons of information on fabrics.

Reader's Digest Guide
Lots of sewing techniques and information. You can get the new edition but the old ones are cheap!

Gertie's suggestions
Most, if not all, of these books came from Gertie. Just Google "building a sewing library" or something along those lines and you will get great information. Don't neglect blogs! The internet is a vast sewing resource. Good luck. :)

u/adelajoy · 2 pointsr/sewing

I've heard really good things about The Sewtionary. It's a dictionary-styled book, so it's just techniques and how to do them, all in alphabetical order.

If you want something that you can work through and learn a lot at the same time, there is the Colette Sewing Handbook and Tilly and the Buttons' Love at First Stitch. They both have a handful of patterns and the book walks you through them, getting slowly more difficult, and teaching techniques as you go.

Note: I don't own any of these books, but they're all highly-reviewed.

u/mylnxlppy · 2 pointsr/writing

You may want to look into the 642 Things to Write About series. I've pasted a link to the original book as well as a couple that are advertised as being for young writers:

https://www.amazon.com/Things-Write-Francisco-Writers-Grotto/dp/1452105448/

https://www.amazon.com/642-Things-Write-About-Writers/dp/1452127840/

https://www.amazon.com/642-Big-Things-Write-About/dp/1452154759/

u/homunculus001 · 1 pointr/neuro

brain coloring book This is where I started. You may laugh, but it helped.

u/finnoulafire · 1 pointr/neuroscience

If you're struggling with basic brain anatomy, I cannot recommend enough The Human Brain Coloring Book. This is human anatomy, not sheep or the more common rat or mouse, but still extremely, extremely useful.

The other main suggestion I have for studying neuro concepts that others haven't mentioned yet is drawing. Draw neural circuits with excitatory and inhibitory connections marked (or glutamate and GABA-ergic, etc). Draw a circle with the sequence of events that occur during an action potential. Make tables or charts or whatever is appropriate for the material. Work from memory each time, then check back whether it matched the textbook or handout - this is sometimes called active review, and is much better at reinforcing information than the passive review of reading over notes multiple times. Combine this with anki-type SRS flashcards and you'll be unstoppable.

u/syvelior · 1 pointr/AcademicPsychology
u/doctormink · 1 pointr/Psychiatry

There's a few colouring books out there that help familiarize folks with the anatomy of the brain. This one is a classic.

u/MrSmithIsIn · 1 pointr/GetStudying

There is a colouring book that might help. No, seriously.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0064603067

u/virgilatx83 · 1 pointr/sailing

For all knots and uses there is a book called Ashley's book of knot's it has all the knots you need to know and more

Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Ashley-Book-Knots-Clifford-W/dp/0385040253

u/bplipschitz · 1 pointr/Homebrewing

All you need is some rope and some knowhow

u/messijoez · 1 pointr/Hammocks

A nice list of hitches, animations of how to tie them, and detailed descriptions, uses, advantages, and disadvantages.

This is the best site for learning how to tie knots I've found. This coupled with my Ashley's book of knots keeps me busy.

If I need something really tight, I generally use a trucker's hitch with an alpine butterfly loop and a bowline. Goes up fast, takes down fast, and doesn't bind too much.

u/zxcvcxz · 1 pointr/AskReddit

The Ashley book of Knots will teach you more about knots and knot tying that you would ever learn in boyscouts.

And if you're interesting in "scouting" check out Scouting on two continents by the scout of all scouts. Seriously cool book. It might make you way more interested in scouting and woodcraft than you were before, and give you ideas what specific areas you want to look into.

u/weedeater64 · 1 pointr/Hammocks

Don't be intimidated by one of the most rewarding parts of camping, ie.. playing around with rope and stuff.

Just get some and start practicing knots, it's big fun and a very useful skill to have.

Check out this site for some decent instructions on setting things up, and even how to make some stuff your self and save gobs of cash.

Two books on knots I can recommend that aren't prohibitively expensive are this and this. That 60 dollar price is wrong, I don't know what's up with that, but that books should be around 16-20 bucks.

Of course this is the 'bible' of knots, though a bit pricier. I don't own it, but wish I'd gotten it instead of those other two.. meh.

A word of warning.. If you start asking about hammocks, someone is going to point you toward the hammock forums. I won't tell you to avoid that forum, but be careful there. There are some dubious characters there, and the forum as a whole will steer you in the wrong direction for sure.

Pick and choose, especially if you have more time than money.

I wouldn't buy anything from any of the members, or any of the 'cottage industries' often linked there. Their ethics being questionable, at best.

u/diegojones4 · 1 pointr/todayilearned

I lived on a sail boat for three years and I had The Ashley Book of Knots No TV, no internet, lots of free time and a book about knots. I think I know a bit. Especially when your life depends on that knot.

u/hazelowl · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Frank and Beans!

I'd love to read this book, since I hear so many people talking about it and it looks up my alley.

Used books are fine, I just prefer they be in good shape since I am one of those people who babies their books :)

u/Ginger_Libra · 1 pointr/AskMen

I can’t speak for every woman on the planet but I had a somewhat similar situation when I broke my back a few months before I was supposed to start my MBA. Major financial worries about delaying, GMAT, etc.

Initially I think you just need to be there to listen. Gently remind her it took you two attempts to pass the bar. My biggest comfort is the daily act of spooning with my husband every night where he rubs my back. Not like a massage but gently running his hands over my back with no expectation of sex.

If money is a concern, then look where you can be generous. Some of the best gifts are the ones we think are too expensive or we think are unnecessary for ourselves.

Somethings she would probably really appreciate: a day at a spa, like a Korean day spa where you can soak all day, get some treatments, journal etc. In the Seattle area there is one called The Olympus Day Spa that is amazing, in case you happen to randomly live there. Most major cities have places like that.

Lacking that, a long massage, at least 90 minutes where she can really relax. Bonus if she can get a facial. Reflexology and foot rubs are always winners for most women I know. Either pick her up and drop her off or pay for an Uber/Lyft so she doesn’t have to drive. Then, movies and chill.

If you can afford it, take a long weekend and go somewhere really chill. The opposite of Vegas. Her nervous system needs a reset. Think hot springs if you live any near those. Snow. Cabin. No wifi or cell service. Hot springs. That would be idea.

Other things: one of the things that sounds so ridiculous but really bites about financial issues is not being able to afford the makeup and things that make you feel beautiful. If your confidence is shot from something like failing the boards, then not having the money to replace your makeup stocks or get your hair done feels rotten. I hardly wear makeup, but what I do wear is not cheap. If she gets her makeup from Sephora or Nordstrom, a gift card there would be nice.


Also, it would be natural to jump into studying again, but see if you can encourage her to take a break. Let her brain rest. Let her nervous system reset.


I struggled with cognitive function and have experimented a bit with smart drugs. I really, really like nicotine. Not tobacco. I don’t smoke, but I use the lozenges sparingly when I really need to focus. More about it here. I got the lowest dose possible on Amazon.

Also, I’ve had great luck with GABA for anxiety.

I also really like Brain Power line from Bulletproof.

I know lots of people who love Qualia. Gave me awful headaches but I have friends that love it.

Experiment with these long before it’s test taking time. But they can really help with focus and calming.


It’s late and speaking of running out of brain power....I am. But one last thought. A good book with nothing to do with anything related to nursing wouldn’t go amiss if she likes to read.

Two suggestions. For something smart and witty but not dark or deep, every person I have ever recommend the Parasol Protectorate to has loved it.

And Outlander. The main female character is nurse and there are a lot of great medical story lines in there. It’s a huge series and easy to get lost in.

It’s lovely of you to think of how you can support her. Good work.

u/adorabledork · 1 pointr/books

There are a lot of amazing suggestions over at /r/fantasy. And more often than not the authors pop in to say hi.

As for my own suggestions:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is probably my favorite book/series. It's light and romancy, but has time travel and historical fiction mixed in.

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind is another great book. It is part of a series (which can get pretty heavy in the later books). But as a standalone book, its quite entertaining.

The Sword of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks is a really fun read. Warlocks, druids, elves, magical trees... I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy, as well as the author's other books. This one would probably be where I'd start if you're looking at getting in to true fantasy.

Hope you enjoy! Good luck :)

u/pencilears · 1 pointr/TwoXChromosomes

For recommendations I'm not sure I can help you, oddly enough the fics that get me off are usually (but not always) written terribly. the erotic equivalent of a Tijuana bible done by a mouth breathing 16 yr old virgin with a loose idea of what a tit looks like. I usually find them on literotica, fanfic.net or deviantART and then click away from them away in disgust afterwards. but I'm sure there are decently written ones for people who get off on grammar, punctuation and spelling on there too.

my grammar natzi friend who reads romance novels has recommended the Outlander series and although they didn't do much for me they were pretty well written, I did quite like the emphasis on brawny historical Scotsmen. DarthAmmonite is pretty good ( and writes in a manner suspiciously similarly to Ursulav's stories ) as is her far more prolific friend incandescens also I do enjoy r/ladyboners and occasionally the new tab on r/gonewild

I find it helps me to just be really, really, open about these things. constant "I'll be in my bunk" jokes and talking about sex all the damn time with my friends helps me not worry if anybody can hear me. besides that, considering how well I can hear the downstairs neighbors going at it, anybody who can hear me can just deal with it.

u/PhutuqKusi · 1 pointr/JUSTNOMIL

Off the top of my head:

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander

Sarum, by Edward Rutherford: Sarum

Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, by Allen Gurganus: Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All

​

Blessings to you!

​

u/Celt42 · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I've got a few suggestions actually! Some are exactly like you describe, non-fiction but presented as a novel. Others incorporate accurate history, but the main characters are fictional.

First,Follow the River. This one is a true story presented as a novel. Great read, it's one of the first books that inspired my interest in what's actually edible in the wild.

Centennial is another great read. Pretty much any Michner is. You do have to get past the first few chapters though. He likes to start his books with a history of the area, which he goes all the way back to the crust of the earth cooling. Once you get past that though, he takes you through the history through the eyes of multiple people through generations. The people are fictional, but the history he covers is the real deal. For instance, did you know that camelids originated in what we call Alaska now?

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I think they've made a T.V. show from this one. It has science fiction/fantasy tones to it as it involves time travel, but the coverage of the history is accurate and fascinating. And told from the perspective of someone who was born and raised in WWII era.

And finally, let's go WAY back. Clan of the Cave Bear. The first three books in this series are fantastic. I wouldn't bother going further though. The author traveled to all sorts of digs and painted caves and the picture she brings to life of pre-history is wonderful. Bit of a Mary Sue as a main character, but I happen to like Mary Sues. =) AVOID THE MOVIE! I like a lot of book to movies, understand that they need leeway. They ruined this book on screen.

I can probably come up with a few more if you're interested at all. Reading is a bit of my hobby.

u/fatalis_vox · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

OH MY GOD YOU DIDN'T? Add this to your wishlist in any format you prefer. I am buying this for you right the hell now.

u/Candroth · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

For (currently) free Kindle books, David Weber's On Basilisk Station is the first book in the space-opera Honor Harrington series. The second book The Honor of the Queen, is one of my favorites in the entire series. Eric Flint's 1632 turned into a massive and awesome alternate-history series. If you'd like to delve into Alaskan-based murder mysteries, give Dana Stabenow's A Cold Day For Murder a try as the first in the some eighteen book Kate Shugak series.

For paid Kindle books, there's Hugh Howey's Wool Omnibus is the beginning of the dystopian Silo series; the followup Shift Omnibus is actually a prequel trilogy that I haven't gotten yet but is very readable. Naomi Novik's first novel in the alt-history Temeraire series, His Majesty's Dragon, is currently $.99.

In print, Elizabeth Moon's military fantasy The Deed of Paksenarrion is available used for a very affordable price and is an epic series. The Cage was my introduction to a fantasy universe written by SM Stirling, Shirley Meier, and Karen Wehrstein. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander is a sort of alternate history/light romance series set in Scotland that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Brent Weeks' assassin-based (excuse me, wetboy) fantasy Night Angel Trilogy was recently released as an omnibus edition. Empire from the Ashes collects Weber's Dahak sci-fi trilogy into an omnibus edition. Weber and John Ringo co-wrote March Upcountry and the other three novels in the sci-fi Prince Roger quadrilogy. If you haven't tried Harry Turtledove's alt-history sci-fi WW2 'Worldwar' series, In the Balance starts off a little slow plot-wise but picks up good speed. EE Knight's sci-fi/futuristic fantasy Vampire Earth starts off with Way of the Wolf. Mercedes Lackey wrote the modern-fantasy Born to Run with Larry Dixon, and the rest of the SERRAted Edge books with various other authors. Neal Stephenson's cyberpunk and slightly dystopian Snow Crash is hilarious and awesome. Maggie Furey's Aurian is the first of a fantasy quadrilogy that I enjoyed many years ago.

If you're at all familiar with the Warhammer 40k universe, the Eisenhorn Omnibus is Dan Abnett's wonderful look into the life of an Imperial Inquisitor. He's also written a popular series about the Tanith First-and-Only Imperial Guard regiment starting with The Founding Omnibus. He also wrote the first book in the Horus Heresy series, Horus Rising (I highly recommend reading the first three novels together as a trilogy and then cherry-picking the rest).

... and if you've read all that already, I'll be impressed.

Edit: Why yes, I do read a lot. Why do you ask?

u/zendak · 1 pointr/AskReddit

The Magic of Reality: How we know what's really true. Explains some key scientific concepts in a way that leaves no room for pseudo-scientific or mystical crap, suitable for lay people and even kids.

Edit:

> Also I think one book was called rainbow something something...

Might be Unweaving the Rainbow: Science, Delusion and the Appetite for Wonder

u/markjaquith · 1 pointr/atheism

That's a good bunch of books! I'd additionally recommend the following two:

u/arrangementscanbemad · 1 pointr/westworld

I sincerely recommend the book Unweaving The Rainbow that delves into the subject. Here's a quote from it:
>
> “There is an anaesthetic of familiarity, a sedative of ordinariness which dulls the senses and hides the wonder of existence. For those of us not gifted in poetry, it is at least worth while from time to time making an effort to shake off the anaesthetic. What is the best way of countering the sluggish habitutation brought about by our gradual crawl from babyhood? We can't actually fly to another planet. But we can recapture that sense of having just tumbled out to life on a new world by looking at our own world in unfamiliar ways.”

u/blodulv · 1 pointr/AskReddit

I read Better Never to Have Been (which is not pro-suicide but rather anti-natal, but comes across as bleak if you haven't encountered the argument before) and immediately afterward picked up Dawkins' Unweaving the Rainbow. It was the perfect emotional counterpoint, if not a perfect logical one (to Benatar's argument at least).

u/Bhrunhilda · 1 pointr/knitting

Stich n Bitch was my book of choice. I taught myself to knit with that and the Knitting Answer Book. I keep the latter on hand in my knitting bag in case I forget how to do something.

https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483985552&sr=8-1&keywords=stitch+n+bitch

https://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Answer-Book-Solutions-Question/dp/1580175996

u/iheartmyname · 1 pointr/Frugal

Yeah, it definitely is. Barring a teacher though, I recommend taking a look at knittinghelp.com as they have lots of videos and tutorials on all things knitting. The Stitch n' Bitch book also has very good instructions - it's hell to learn from a book, but I know several people who have learned successfully from this one, lots of cute patterns too.

A frugal lesson tip is to try putting up a craigslist ad to trade something you could teach for knitting lessons. For instance, I've put up a few in my day to trade me teaching knitting lessons for Spanish lessons, and it was fun.

u/balsamic_kitten · 1 pointr/knitting

Welcome to knitting!

I'm still fairly beginner too. I just bought this book - recommended on this sub -and I'm finding it super helpful for all of that knowledge on picking yarn/needles, basic stitches, how to fix mistakes, etc. I wish I'd had it when I first got started.

http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-The-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

Good luck, and have fun!

u/zomboi · 1 pointr/knitting

You are not the only guy that knits. Plenty of men knit. I knit and as far as I know I am a guy, have been knitting for over a decade. I would suggest signing up for a Ravelry account, there is a bunch of male knitters there and thousands of very cool free patterns.

To begin: I would suggest getting the Stitch n Bitch book, it begins out very very basic and the patterns gradually get harder. If you don't understand how to do something youtube or knittinghelp to see a person actually do it. If you still cannot understand how to do it drop into a yarn shop or go to a knitting group (you should be able to find a local one close to you on ravelry or yahoo or meetup.org).

Congrats on being manly enough to knit.

u/gal-crispy · 1 pointr/knitting

You could get a book like Stitch n Bitch, and maybe pick a pattern from it and get the supplies for it. I learned from this book and it was pretty good for the basics. Some of the patterns seem nicer too.

u/StringOfLights · 1 pointr/knitting

When I learned to knit way back in the day (before YouTube existed), I used Stitch 'n Bitch and liked it a lot. I didn't go crazy with those included patterns, but I made a few of them. I mostly used the book for a reference.

For me it clicked when I understood how the stitches worked. It wasn't so much pattern acronyms or how to use the needles, it was knowing the construction of knit and purl stitches. Then the more complicated stuff fell into place. I think Stitch 'n Bitch actually goes through that.

I also really love Knitty. I ate that place up, especially before Ravelry existed. The site can be a little annoying to navigate, but they have a good selection of articles explaining different techniques. I love how their patterns are sorted by difficulty.

I'm sure Ravelry and YouTube are also amazing for learning, but I haven't used them!

u/TheNargrath · 1 pointr/todayilearned

Why not? They make such lovely afghans and doilies.

u/IguanaGrrl · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Yep, your best bet would be to buy the cheapest set of crochet hooks you can find, like these, and then some cheapie worsted weight yarn, preferably in a lighter color like this but I bet you could find it cheaper locally.

YouTube has a lot of great tutorials that really nail it down, but there are also good books out there for beginners, like Happy Hooker that not only has patterns, but also instruction on how to do a number of different types of stitches.

Everything I do uses only slip stitch, chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet, so if you can learn those, you're golden. :D

u/krq316 · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

The title of this made me laugh out loud. I thought you might appreciate it too.

I would love love love a pair of these to keep cozy this winter.

Just for good measure...Oh yay another hang up!!

u/quick_quip_whip · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
The title was funny, and I'll just assume you don't have it.

i confess I don't actually know what a single skein is, and etsy didn't seem to have any results. What is it?

Anyway, just focus on the positives of the bad job. Just like you said earlier - you'll get through it. And you do have good coworkers, so that's something. Make a game out of it maybe; how many callers in a row will hang up on me, and is it close to what I guessed ahead of time?

u/Bufo_Stupefacio · 1 pointr/woodworking

Some basic information on joinery types. Most common for furniture building would probably be mitered joints, mortise and tenon, dovetailing, and dadoes - depending on the type of furniture.

If you wanted to learn more about joinery, I found this book to be good for beginners. Another good beginner book for all things woodworking, not just joinery, is this one

I just started making a few things last summer and getting some of the more expensive power tools. Feeling like you need to learn everything all at once can be intimidating - even for a med student, I imagine - but if you just look at each step individually it is much less daunting.

One more thing to help out a fellow beginner - this is the website of an awesome woodworking TV show that has free to download step by step plans. The show itself may or may not be available where you are at - I lucked out in that it is based in the town I live in - but the plans themselves are very helpful (and there is a modular bookcase plan you can alter to fit your needs).

edit - I forgot to answer your first question. More advanced woodworker do tend to avoid using nails or screws when avoidable because it joinery techniques are usually both stronger and more appealing to the eye. But, when just starting out, do what you can. To generalize, screws > nails in most (but not all) circumstances.

u/darkehawk14 · 1 pointr/woodworking

I have this book and love it. If he does other woodworking besides tables, he might like this too.

u/Ellistann · 1 pointr/woodworking

Edited the post above so that you can see exactly what I was talking about.

Some of the other stuff I didn't mention will be listed below.

Tried this as my marking knife , rather than the narex at first. Didn't sharpen easily for me, so I got the Narex Marking Knife.

Needed a coping saw so I could start doing dovetails easier. This is the one I have chosen. Does the job well enough, nothing to write home about.

The Glu-bot Sure you could use a mustard bottle, but I'll be damned if this little thing wasn't a bit useful. Being able to squeeze glue in any direction is very useful. This is one of those 'you mock the crap out of it until you try it yourself' items. Remember 6 of these gives you 96 oz of glue, but is the same cost as a full gallon and the cost of the gluebot together.

For sharpening: use one of these. Yes, freehand sharpening is fairly easy and quick. But at first using training wheels is both easy and convenient. It gets you a sharp blade everytime because it takes that pesky human error out of the equation.

After I did a long bit of youtube videos and making my own projects, i ran into this book. It solidified my understanding of a lot of woodworking knowledge. I don't know if it is a beginner type resource, but it definitely helped me out.

u/pchess3 · 1 pointr/woodworking

Honestly a book would probably be best for a beginner. It is great for reference later on down the road as it is all kept nice and neat in one central location rather than bookmarking things and/or printing them out. I have this book and it is awesome. It has everything you want and even stuff you didn't know you wanted. Only 16 bucks NEW or even cheaper used. Then if you want JOINTS this one is pretty good.

NINJA EDIT: But yes, as noclevernickname said, the FAQ is a great place to start for those things as well!

u/kuhzoo · 1 pointr/chicago

You can pick out an Adventure (like this one and have one of your friends read through it and run the adventure for the rest of you. Adventures like that take much of the creation work off of the DM and typically provide a sort of stepping stone into play.

If you're open to trying other games:
Fiasco is a pretty good role-playing game you and your friends can play. It's much easier to learn and gives you a shot to try out role-playing with. Fiasco also lends itself very well to playing one session of it, then moving on. Most RPGs, D&D, Dungeon World and Fate included, tend to reward multi-session play.
I'm more interested in playing/running Fate Core or Fate Accelerated myself. As a game, it's more focused on narrative and player-characters doing cool stuff than D&D.
Dungeon World plays and feels similar to D&D, only it's far simpler to pick up and play. There are also a number of other games very similar to Dungeon World customized to different settings/genres, like Apocalypse World (post-apocalypse), Sprawl (Cyberpunk), Blades in the Dark (If you've ever played the video-game Dishonored, you'll see parallels in Duskwall), and probably more that I don't feel like looking up at the moment.

I'd be happy to introduce you to Fiasco or Fate, schedules willing. I've played and run both.
I have, but have never played or run Sprawl, Blades in the Dark and Dungeon World; if any of those sound like more fun and you don't mind me learning along with you, they're also an option.
While I've played and run D&D before, I don't find it fun anymore and would rather play/run other role-playing games.

u/zovix · 1 pointr/dndnext

There is a new adventure coming up soon called Hoard of the Dragon Queen which is designed as the starting point for player made characters and not specifically the Pre-generated ones in the Starter Set. Although there is nothing stopping you from using those as well. Since this adventure is coming out when the PHB does, expect to see some things in there that are not available in the Starter Set or free DnD Basic Rules.

u/Chance4e · 1 pointr/DnD

It takes a lot of time to design a campaign. The one I'm running now, I started penning two years before I even met these players. And it's just a heroic tier setting, for levels one through ten.

If I were you, I'd pick up Hoard of the Dragon Queen. I think this was the first full-sized adventure for 5e, apart from the starter kit. It should have plenty of material for you guys to enjoy.

u/Iamfivebears · 1 pointr/DnD

Hoard of the Dragon Queen is not a free module. You can buy it on Amazon or at your FLGS.

u/bondlegolas · 1 pointr/DnD

http://www.amazon.com/Hoard-Dragon-Queen-Adventure-Wizards/dp/0786965649/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425978484&sr=1-2&keywords=rise+of+tiamat

Not pdf form but it's cheap enough on amazon that you can try it and see how you enjoy it. There's also a second book to this specific campaign and between the two takes the characters from level 1(? not sure) to around 15. Also keep in mind most of these are made for 4 person parties

u/DavefaceFMS · 1 pointr/DnD

A bit of advice among other things for new DMs here, for your specifics, though I always recommend Curse of Strahd. I'm actually running it now and it's a beautifully written adventure but it does lead to the longer side at maybe 60-100 hours depending on your party but damn, what an antagonist. You could run death House first to get a feel for how your party like that atmosphere.


I hear Deep Carbon Observatory is about that length but I've not played it myself. Maybe not so high on the RP level but you can re-work it as needed. Hoard of the Dragon Queen would be a bit over that, maybe 30 hours I think.

u/ninemiletree · 1 pointr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

Also if this is your first time I really recommend you use one of the prewritten adventures.

Curse of Strahd is a great one.

This will give you all the pre-drawn maps, established story, encounters, etc that you will need. Takes a lot of the work out of crafting an entirely unique adventure and allows you to focus on DMing.

u/stoicismSavedMe · 1 pointr/Philippines

A DnD Adventure Module The Curse of Strahd

My SO already ran a module in that book, which almost killed us all hahaha

u/NonPlayerCharacter78 · 1 pointr/DungeonsAndDragons


Curse of Strahd

> Under raging storm clouds, the vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of Castle Ravenloft. Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind’s howling increases as he turns his gaze down toward the village of Barovia. Far below, yet not beyond his keen eyesight, a party of adventurers has just entered his domain. Strahd’s face forms the barest hint of a smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they came — all according to his plan. A lightning flash rips through the darkness, but Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind fills the midnight air. The master of Castle Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are invited.



http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Strahd-Dungeons-Sourcebook-Supplement/dp/0786965983/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453061504&sr=1-1&refinements=p_27%3AWizards+RPG+Team

u/KeepingTrack · 1 pointr/IWantToLearn

A book by Alexander Weygers, "The Complete Modern Blacksmith" is good. I've read it and use it as a guide to get started. For a cheap start, I'd buy some stock and coal locally, building my own easy forge with materials I have on hand or can get cheaply. Instructables has some good stuff too and there is some to-do-for gas forge gear sold on eBay. Personally when I have some money I'll go there. Getting used equipment on eBay is possible, but there will be competition, especially by people collecting "old" equipment as decorative or collecting items. I'd buy a few hammers online or in local stores depending on which was cheaper and more convenient, buy your first pair of tongs and make some of the rest. I don't have any pictures of my work but I'd be glad to share some of my metalsmithing results if you're interested. Don't buy an anvil online... shipping is killer. Also, as far as I know the anvils sold at say, harbor freight are pieces of crap that won't last very long. Try to find a farrier locally to buy an anvil from. Craigslist usually has an anvil or twenty for sale depending on your area.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Modern-Blacksmith-Alexander-Weygers/dp/0898158966

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Weygers

u/JoeDaddio · 1 pointr/blacksmithing

As well as buying that book, i also bought this book from Amazon.

The Sims book is a great resource for getting started. She walks you through the very beginnings and I loved her photos.

The Weygers book is just insane in terms of what you come to understand a qualified blacksmith is actually capable of creating. It's not as polished, but I think that you could pretty much maintain a small society with the information in that book and the proper skills. He has a special focus on tool making (he's a wood carver and looks to have made each of his tools) as well.

u/GoorillaInTheRing · 1 pointr/IWantToLearn

Thanks! I'll see if I can find it online.

Edit: Here it is!

u/aconitine- · 1 pointr/mildlyinteresting

I believe you need this book in your life !

u/btgeekboy · 1 pointr/pics

I have just the book for you. Better hurry though, only 18 left in stock.

u/kippot · 1 pointr/movies

i feel similarly ! btw, very little is altered from the existing book here

u/Smith-Corona · 1 pointr/turning

Get a copy of R. Bruce Hoadley’s book, Identifying Wood by Taunton Press.

https://www.amazon.com/Identifying-Wood-Accurate-Results-Simple/dp/0942391047

He’s got extensive photos of wood endgrain, the acid test for identifying wood. Face grain can be deceptive but endgrain is like the fingerprint of trees.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61RPEMNvt7L.jpg

u/dankostecki · 1 pointr/woodworking
u/solust · 1 pointr/reddit.com

Quick, someone send the scientists this!

u/understandunderstand · 1 pointr/gamecollecting

I know a good book.

u/vikktor · 1 pointr/croatia
u/gerp · 1 pointr/reddit.com

no. it's wood, just wood.

u/nilhilustfrederi · 1 pointr/gaming

Some reading material for OP.

u/DangerMacAwesome · 1 pointr/BossfightUniverse

You all have it wrong! It's related to this book, and combines the two most necessary tools into one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0942391047/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_apa_i_zCK6Ab1545YYZ

u/MirrorLake · 1 pointr/pics

It's making fun of this book.

u/aphrael · 1 pointr/bayarea

The best way to learn is to try :) I can highly recommend the Colette Sewing Handbook for lots of information and some great beginner patterns! And if there's anything you need a hand with, I'm happy to help out :)

u/-claudine- · 1 pointr/sewing

I love the Readers Digest Guide and Vogue Sewing. Both books are packed with very useful information, but maybe she would like a more stylish-looking book to start out with. The Burdastyle Sewing Handbook or The Colette Sewing Handbook might be more inspirational.

u/foobobby · 1 pointr/sewhelp

Both Vogue and Readers Digest have pretty good books that cover a majority of techniques. That will cover the basics, but if you think she would like something a little more fun and less textbook-y, you could try this and this. The authors both have blogs that I follow, and I really like them!

u/orata · 1 pointr/sewing

This is a fun challenge! And I can't stay away from this thread, apparently. I went back and looked for some more matches. I hope you make some of these and post pics! :)

Simplicity (also McCall's and Butterick) have great sales but I love the aesthetic and design of Colette patterns--you should check out her book if you haven't already; includes a bunch of dress patterns along with sewing guidance. A great deal. Colette Macaron might be a good starting point for Fury and Coulson (maybe better not to do strapless dresses for a work wardrobe but the contrast/sheer top could be acceptable?) Hazel would be perfect for Captain America--the seaming may not be obvious from the main pic, but click on the one with stripes and you'll see what I mean.

I think for Loki you could probably make a dress with a green top (maybe start from Colette Pastille from the Sewing Handbook, which has the little cap sleeves) and then sort of a belt/corset overlay out of strips of black fabric--sew three strips with finished edges (fold in half, sew along long end, turn inside out, press) then fold them into a V-shape, overlap them, and topstitch everything with matching thread to hold them in place in the desired shape. Trim the edges straight and finish with bias tape. After fitting the regular bodice, attach the corset dealy to the regular dress top with hand stitching or stitching in the ditch of the existing overlay seams.

I'm working on a dress using McCall's 5800 that would be perfect for Hulk--just sew some decorative buttons up the front. You could start with the same basic pattern for Hawkeye and draw in a square neckline instead of a V-neck, and just sew ribbon or something over the seams to make the contrast stripes.

u/MrsLangley · 1 pointr/CasualConversation
u/Killerzeit · 1 pointr/LongDistance

I'm born and raised Los Angeles/Orange County, so it's a little weird at times. I hope you don't mind I kinda skimmed your comments really quick, but I see you're from Oakland. I feel that it would probably be a way bigger adjustment for you than me as far as the pace of life is concerned, southern CA is pretty relaxed in a lot of areas. And I've visited San Francisco/Oakland quite a few times as I have a lot of friends up there, and can see how you're feeling underwhelmed with it.

I remember a few days ago my SO and I went out and, like, went to Toys R Us, the comic book store, and a few other places and I said, "What now?" because I was having a nice day out with him, and he was like, "There's nothing else, really."

The lack of options of things to do is obviously a little foreign to me, so I noticed we're getting into some different hobbies together to enjoy our time at home like building Legos and watching TV series together and filling out this book and this book I brought. I probably spend more time inside here than I did while I was back in Orange County. I'm doing okay right now and I honestly think it can go either way over time - either I start working and get out more and feel more functioning and I'll make friends (maybe), or I actually will just end up being bored, I don't know yet. It's hard to tell!

u/JumpWithSigmaAndPhi · 1 pointr/JournalingIsArt

Thank you for the link, it is really handy and I already found some inspiring lists inside. I'm new here so I don't know it has already been talked about but I also recommend this book: 642 Things to Write About It's full of prompts of all sort inciting you to write short stories about anything. It may be more directed toward authors, professional or not, but I think it can also come in handy for anyone who don't know what to put in their journal.
There is also 642 Things to Draw and recently 712 More Things to Write About.

u/MotherofUnicorns01 · 1 pointr/writing

I like this one: 642 Things to Write About

u/insanefool · 1 pointr/WritingPrompts

I picked up a book a little while back that I haven't used as much as I should:

642 Things to Write About

u/zavado329 · 1 pointr/AskReddit

Here's a few: A nice pair of earbuds (not those crappy Skullcandies), this great book called 642 Things to write. It really does help with writing and it's super fun! Can also help you get to know yourself better.

u/PirateSpokesman · 1 pointr/writing

You already have! You wrote this post yourself, right? If so, congrats - you're off to a great start.

Think about all the stuff you already write every day: notes, emails, tweets, Reddit posts. Re-thinking writing as something you already do makes it easier to dive deeper.

So continue writing. Write consistently and with intention. Set aside half an hour each day to do nothing but write. If you're feeling uninspired, writing prompts are very useful. There are plenty of resources out there.

Just as importantly: read a lot. Particularly the type of writing you wish to do. If you want to write books, read more books. If you want to write articles, read more articles (and also books). And then actually write them.

TL;DR - You're already writing, so just keep on writing. Set aside time to write each day, use writing prompts, and read what you want to write. Have fun!

u/MarvelSyrin · 1 pointr/randomactsofamazon

Well I am doing more writing and journaling as part of my anxiety management & dealing with stress, so this writing prompt book would be really helpful for me: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1452105448/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_10?colid=3CRZNQGOYT91N&coliid=IX93IXTMEYIAO

u/Krzymuffin · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon
u/0pensecrets · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Second this. When I was in outpatient therapy coloring was very helpful to keep focus. I have this coloring book that a friend gave me and it was very therapeutic LOL

u/jassykangaroo · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Let's be real, who doesn't need this

u/SteveBro89 · 1 pointr/woodworking

I used Chris Schwartz's book, found here on amazon.

Great book, and an interesting read. Includes schematics and some very helpful step-by-step information.

u/ChedaChayz · 1 pointr/woodworking

I didn't really follow plans, per se, but I did read Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use and The Workbench Design Book Both by Christopher Schwarz. After studying these, I had all the design elements in mind and worked it out as I went along...which worked out for the most part, but I had a few hiccups due to lack of planning along the way.

The hardware is Benchcrafted, and they have plans too, which are popular, but I didn't use them.

u/AMillionMonkeys · 1 pointr/woodworking

Chris Schwarz, who's one of the contemporary popularizers of hand tool woodworking, wrote a book where he tried to figure out the minimal kit he needed: The Anarchist's Tool Chest. He also wrote a popular book about benches which contains instructions for two different models. You'll need a decent bench and one of those is a sensible first project if you're really committed. If you don't want to make something that big to start off with the book has lots of good info on what features a bench needs so you can modify what you already have.

u/Gurneydragger · 1 pointr/woodworking

You could build a nice, sturdy, useful bench from lumber at Lowes for less than those benches. Plus you'll actually will do woodwork when you build it! Do some research and look around a little. Remember you are building a fixture to hold pieces of wood and to clamp wood. When you decide to build a split top roubo out of southern yellow pine, post pics!

This guys workbench is all you need, I would have wanted the legs flush to the table top. http://lumberjocks.com/projects/108012

I am currently in the research and development phase of my bench building right now. This book has been a great resource to set you thinking in the right direction.

u/eadsm · 1 pointr/woodworking

This book is a classic. It's my favorite. For all the up to date techniques as well as traditional methods of work, books put out by the Taunton Press are the best. They also publish Fine Woodworking, the best periodical on woodworking. If I could choose a gift certificate for me, it would be for Woodcraft or Rockler.

u/tpodr · 1 pointr/woodworking

Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking (Joinery / Shaping, Veneering, Finishing) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1561580686
(Books 1 and 2 in a single volume)

This is a classic. For most techniques he shows both hand tool and power tool versions.

u/tigermaple · 1 pointr/woodworking

Nothing wrong with books! I see someone has already said, "Forget it just go to YouTube", but I think there's something to be said for reading a book too.

Peter Korn's book, Woodworking Basics, is a pretty good, project oriented overview including both hand tool and machine basics- it was kind of the semi-required text my first semester at community college.

Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking is the classic that comes to mind.

u/mmcc73 · 1 pointr/DIY

Are you wanting to learn craftsman type woodworking, or mostly wanting to do around the house carpentry / home improvement type projects? If the former, I'd recommend the set of books by Tage Frid called Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking (http://www.amazon.com/Tage-Frid-Teaches-Woodworking-Step-By-Step/dp/1561580686) to learn the basics and a subscription to Fine Woodworking magazine if just to see some of the interesting stuff that people are doing.

For those power tools, as has been mentioned below but I shall say again, learn about safety. The skin graft on my thumb concurs.

You don't mention hand tools in your list, so I'd recommend getting some decent chisels and planes (made in England or the US, old is better if they aren't too mangled) and learn how to sharpen them well. Using hand tools helps teach you how wood works, the better for you to work wood.

Have fun, be safe, and make stuff.

u/OutsideTheSilo · 1 pointr/woodworking

Hey, I’ll try to offer up some knowledge.

For tools, I agree with another poster about figuring out what your next project is, then figure out if you need a new tool. I actually don’t have a table saw so I have to get creative with execution. My router and miter saws are my best friends. I also have a No. 4 LN smoothing plane that I use constantly. It’s extremely versatile and it’s very meditative (is that the right word here) and relaxing to use! I find myself reaching for it almost every project, but it may not be as useful on large outdoor projects. Some decent chisels are useful. Lastly, a good, solid work bench or work surface with a vise that doesn’t wobble is very helpful in woodworking.

For cutting tips, first make sure everything is square and aligned on your saws. Next, develop a consistent cutting and marking system so it becomes second nature and you become confident in your marks. My method for marking is that I use a pencil to mark my cut line. I mark in a way so I draw the line on the waste side and cut on the pencil mark. What I mean is that I know in my head to keep cutting slivers off until there is no pencil visible on the piece I’m cutting then I know I’m done.

For joinery techniques, this book below is really good. It discusses the cuts for almost every joint and very easy to follow and understand with plenty of diagrams. It’s definitely dated, especially when it talks about tools and glue, as it’s an older book, but the fundamentals of joinery haven’t changed.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1561580686/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_14_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ATDVGMTHCWW9DYHKH0YW&dpPl=1&dpID=51aWxssSgnL
I don’t know why it can be so expensive sometimes but find a cheap used copy online. This is definitely beginner friendly in my opinion.

I don’t have a lot of knowledge on outside wood, but I know cedar is good and have heard teak is as well.

u/lobster_johnson · 1 pointr/mildlyinteresting

Jokes and memes aside, it's actually a great book. It's literally about the microscopic structure of wood. The author also has another classic, Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology, which has a few chapters on it. Great gift for woodworkers.

u/Karmonauta · 1 pointr/woodworking

I would start by reading something like [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-Craftsmans-Guide-Technology/dp/1561583588)

Then buy some small quantity of different varieties of wood available where you live, a few different finishing products and experiment.
This way you would have samples to show your prospective clients and a personal database of wood/finish combinations.

u/Ivaras · 1 pointr/sewing
u/KashmirKnitter · 1 pointr/Frugal

You seem to have a lot of advice already about machines so I'll just say that a good place to get some basic knowledge is sewing.org. They have some free projects on there but check out their guidelines, there's 1-3 page synopses on how to do just about everything a beginning sewer needs to learn. It's a fantastic resource. I also recommend this book that has very clear diagrams and instructions on tons of techniques.

u/fivesecondrule · 1 pointr/sewing

I would think you don't need the buttons down the front, they will only make it more complicated/get lost in the gathers. I've never made a skirt like that but I would add enough fabric at the waist to be able to turn under the raw edge then fold it again to be able to encase an elastic. You may also want to research half circle and full circle skirts. Also, you can make a prototype out of cheap fabric or a light muslin to see what happens. I learn a lot through trial and error...Also you could add pockets if you're up for it...everybody loves pockets!
edit: half and full circle skirts won't have as much gathering at the waist so maybe your rectangle will work better
edit 2: sorry for getting long but it looks like the elastic might be stitched down a half inch from the top to give it that look:) I would really recommend this book for sewing: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Sewing-Step---Step/dp/1606522086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449794192&sr=8-1&keywords=readers+digest+complete+guide+to+sewing (I have the old version)

u/IslandVivi · 1 pointr/sewing
  1. Older machines have a good reputation, generally, because they tend to be more metal than plastic the older they are. Do you have the manual?

  2. If you don't want to take your machine to a professional, here's a helpful video: https://youtu.be/FmfWu83I0ZI

  3. I always recommend in-person classes. I'm assuming you're in the US? In any case, look around you, fabric stores, community colleges, sewing lounges, all offer beginner sewing classes.

    If that is not possible, a good vlog is Colleen G. Lea of FBSTV channel. Unfortunately, her playlists are not the best so look around, she even teaches how to thread a needle!!! https://www.youtube.com/user/FashionSewingBlogTV/videos

    Also: https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/collection/learn-sew-fun US sleeve patterns go on sale regularly at chain stores like Joann's and Hobby Lobby. Since it's Thanksgiving, I susptect there is a $2 sale going on right now.

    As a rule, you need to a) know how to use your sewing machine b) know how to sew straight seams and c) know how to sew curved seams. The rest is variations on those skills.

    If you intend to sew clothing for yourself, see if you can borrow this book from the library, it's supposed to be based on the curriculum of a Fancy Design School: https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Fashion-Sewing-4th/dp/1563674505/ref=nav_signin?crid=ZYH8KIICFOAN&keywords=connie+crawford+books&qid=1574865107&sprefix=connie+crawfor%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-2& (sorry, couldn't get the shorter link to work).

    You will also need a good reference book like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1606522086/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_NMO3Db0YYHHR5
u/doomsday_solforge · 1 pointr/knifemaking

Not to endorse a specific vendor, but I just ordered this:
http://www.amazon.com/Scrap-Leather-Medium-Brown-Cowhide/dp/B006UUHUDO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
and made a sheath from it today.

Having done this a few times, my best recommendation to you is to get 6-7 oz leather of whatever color floats your boat.

What kind of stitching do you do? I use an awl with two needles, per the instructions in this book: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Hand-Sewing-Leather/dp/1892214911/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1464597294&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=hand+stiching+leather

u/halfmoonleather · 1 pointr/Leathercraft

Its hard to really judge since the leather and the thread are the same color, but the thread looks too thick IMO. Keep working at it and if you stitch in a contrasting color you will really be able to see your mistakes, helping you improve.

Sewing just takes practice, keep at it and watch this vid if you haven't already

This is also a really good book

u/barwaleathercraft · 1 pointr/Leathercraft

Depends on what you want to do.

I like Valerie Michael

On stitching leather, get Al Stohlman

u/Clickercounter · 1 pointr/Leathercraft

I read The Art of Hand Stitching Leather and this saved me a ton of time. I built the horse mostly to the specifications in the book and it is really helpful. Hand stitching takes about a third of the time for me now. A good awl and good technique in punching the leather made a huge difference in the quality of my stitches as well.

u/Ihadsumthin4this · 0 pointsr/writing

https://www.amazon.com/Things-Write-Francisco-Writers-Grotto/dp/1452105448/ref=la_B00VSA6ECE_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487390211&sr=1-1

This book and their whole project is a gift for anyone who LOVES to write (by our very natures!) and can use some genuine inspo.

Look into.

"-)

u/kipkoan · 0 pointsr/askphilosophy

> I love life, love love, love relationships, love the good things.

I love chocolate. I love a good book or movie. I love playing with my puppy.

Those things matter to me. And life, love, relationships, and good things matter to you (and me too).

I recommend the book "Unweaving The Rainbow" by Richard Dawkins.

"Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?"
— Douglas Adams

u/flipapeno · 0 pointsr/crochet
u/strolls · 0 pointsr/woodworking

Is this a joke?

u/StoneTigerRodeo · -1 pointsr/funny

Indeed I can. Partially thanks to the boyscouts and partially thanks to Clifford W. Ashley