Addiction: Japanese Craft Books!

We spent a couple of days in San Jose (where my grandparents live) for Christmas, and of course, no visit to a city that *has* a Kinokuniya is complete without a visit to said Kinokuniya! So, with some Christmas $$$ burning a hole in my pocket, I discovered a bunch of new additions to my collection (the gallery has been updated!). Here is some info and pics for each of these new acquisitions. Enjoy!

ISBN 4529040437 Tik Tik is part of the "Heart Warming Life Series" I keep coming across, and although it is technically not a magazine (because it has an ISBN rather than an ISSN number), this is Vol. 5 from 2004 (a bit old, and yet it was still on the stands!). This is the Christmas issue, and projects range from crosstitch to embroidery to sewing to beading. All in all, I probably should have looked through this one a bit more carefully before I bought it; most of the projects are a bit more traditional than my tastes - the cover is what drew me in.

ISBN 4391621878 On the other hand, Handmade Cafe is a fun one. Again, a wide variety of crafts included: felting, sewing, crochet, applique, embroidery, sewing, etc. This one has lots of fun, quirky projects that are really all over the map.

this one's for you Amy!

ISBN 4056041792 I know I'm a bit late on the bandwagon for this one - seems it's been popping up everywhere lately - but Nuigurumi Style is definitely worth it. This is my current favorite Japanese craft book - tons of cute projects, and lots of "studio" photos that are just as inspiring of the projects. If you're looking for a good first book to buy, I would recommend this one.

ISBN 4277171818 This Crochet book is really gorgeous. The projects are atyipical of what I've seen in most other Japanese crochet books - the patterns are more modern, more original, and not so focussed on doilies and potholders. Here's a sampling:

ISBN 4529041735 I probably would have bought this book of Onishi Junko's work just to drool over her amazing fabrics, but the good news is that the projects inside are interesting too. Most of the projects are bags (with some zakka thrown in here and there), but the shapes are very fun and innovative - pleats, ruffles, scallops, creative stitching, etc. And, did I mention the fabrics?!?

ISBN 4893968688 My quilt days is typical of several Japanese patchwork books I have - lots of focus on the quilting in taupes that is so popular in Japan. Projects include bags, sewing kits, wall hangings, and little baskets. It's a cute book, but unless you're interested in lots of detailed patchwork, applique and embroidery, I'd look elsewhere.

ISBN 4893968491 I have no idea what this book is called, but it is focussed on projects with wool felt. What attracted me is that most of the projects are very modern, with clean, simple lines and a sense of humor. Projects include bags and pouches, cup cozies, placemats, tea cozies, a simple sewing kit, dolls, wall hangings, etc.

Phew! Now these ought to last me a while, don't you think?!?

Comments

[myra]

Wow! You always find the best books. Thanks so much for sharing so many pics. I'm really loving that bag in the third photo from the Handmade cafe book.

BTW the felt book is called "Felt no komono" which means small felt objects.

[Adriana]

Wow! Lucky girl!

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely new books, my eyes are doing the happy dance, my pocket not so much... :-)

I think my favourite is the last one, love those cup warmers on the cover.

I can't wait to see what you make out of them all.

[manda]

Well, I guess that's my birthday and christmas presents sorted for the next year! Want, want,want!

[amy k.]

oh so good-thanks so much for the photos!! and too funny, I was staring at the enlarged photo of the chicken bag for so long before I finally scrolled down and saw you mention me! ha!

[Amanda]

Wow, those are great! I'm going to have to get myself to a city with a Kinokuniya! I'm putting a few on my yesasia wish list, thanks for posting them.

[jenn]

I must add these to my very long list...

[Sandrine (alias Didine!)]

It's too much for me ! I can't stand it ! It's too hard !!!! How could I resist ???!!!!!! After all, thanks !!

[bethanie]

awesome finds! Thanks for sharing the ISBN!

[abbyjane]

Oooooh - the last one on working with felt is tempting. Thank you. Not that I need any tempting.

[katie]

Thanks for sharing all the pictures! I was going to mention a few favorites, but I kept forgetting them and liking new pictures as I scrolled through. :)

[tyn]

WOW!!! I love it. Thanks so much for posting books and ISBN. I have been able to order books from AmazonJP because of you! Hey, now that I think of it... maybe that is why the kitchen isn't finished?! hehe Thanks again:)

[Samantha]

Wow - you certainly scored there!

Am so jealous - we just need these to catch on in the UK now.

[Anamaria]

How funny--I just received Nuigurumi Style (I ordered it through Amazon Japan); it's my first Japanese craft book, and I. love. it. Your reviews are right on! Those cats from tar-tan are my favorites, too...

[hannah]

merry christmas to kelly! thanks so much for sharing so many photos! i already have ideas burning in my head!

[michelle]

wow. So cool. I need that book that has the cute little stuffie patterns. So cute, it seems everyone has it, and here in Michigan we have no culture. No cool things like that, must travel for them! I am happy for you, lots of inspiring things!

[Carrie]

Wow - what a haul! I'm coveting that crochet book! Might. Not. Be. Able. To. Resist...

[molly]

Wow! I can see more crafty goodness in this one entry than at my own local bookshop! Looks like you hit the jackpot. I really like the crochet capelet on the cover of that book. Maybe I'll learn to crochet yet!

[Sasha]

Argh! I love that handbaskety looking bag from Handmade Cafe! Hope you had a good visit and I hope your grandad is coming along on the mend.

[scribblesnbits]

Drool! I love Japanese Craft Books! Thanks for taking the time to share all those pictures!

[Japanfever]

Hi there,

I am looking for the craft books are published in Korea, Hong kong or Taiwan. They also share a lot of idea just like theJapanese craft books. Can someone give me any information how and where I could orde them, Thanks.

[Lyn]

Thanks so much for the scans and ISBNs! Has anyone had problems with customs and duty charges when ordering from www.amazon.co.jp? I want to order about 10 books, but I'm not sure if US customs will hit me with a huge bill. Hugs, Lyn

[Lillian]

Hi ,I love Japanese Craft books too, and I bought a lot from Amazon.co.jp
however I couldn't get the Crochet book (ISBN 4277171818 ) They are out of stock now!! I am so disappointed!

[mosaic]

.....wow! ...the designs are gorgeous....i like the designs.....great!!

[mosaic]

.....wow! ...the designs are gorgeous....i like the designs.....great!!

[Phyllis D.Jackson]

These are the prettiest bags/purses I have ever seen. Is there anyway I can buy any of the books/patterns? Thanks for sharing.. Phyllis D. Jackson

I am a retired nurse manager(1997) who still works parttime. Been married 47yrs(yea). 2 grown children. 3 not grown grandchildren. I have sen all my life. Made all our clothes for the family and the house. I now make purses and sell them occasionally. Sewing makes me sane. I frogot to tell you I'm a psychiatric nurse. So being sane is important. Phyllis