I went to Kinokuniya today with my mother and discovered that they have expanded the Japanese craft book section from two bookcases to FOUR, yet I only purchased one book, thank you.
The book contains one-piece dresses and skirts. I can’t explain why I selected this book over any others. As many of you know, it’s nearly impossible to make decisions when faced with a big wall of Japanese craft books.
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Guess I’d better get to sewing now!
I have flipped through this book a few times. The style is quite simple but has some really nice twists (like the skirt on the cover).
So funny, I went to Kinokuniya last week and felt like I should get a medal or something because I bought nothing! Not one single book. But for me, I don’t think it was due as much to self-restraint as it was due to frustration with my whining, struggling, impatient kiddos! And my husband didn’t even thank me for not buying the 10 books I liked at first glance. I really must go back there one day *by myself*.
Very nice styles in the book. Hmm, Kinokinuya must be in the air – I went (SF) today and bought just one! book too. It’s a handbag book w. six basic shapes to embellish on. And I did notice a big increase in the number of craft books crammed into the two areas. Of course a trip afterward to the supermarket nearby was in order – must have my yakisoba….
I love the dress on the botton right. I went to Seattle’s Kinokuniya over the holidays when I was visiting my parents and spent a sick amount of money. The reason I could almost justify it was b/c I’m (fortunately) only near a good Japanese bookstore once or twice a year.
I bought a really great book of embroidery stitches there last time I was there and a kids craft book, but I’m scared of Japanese (aka small) sizing.
Mariko, I want to thank you for your recomendation of Hakatomen (I think that’s close.) We ate there before Christmas and it was so good! The udon was delicious and my daughter really loved the HUGENESS of the salmon sushi.
I thought it was cute on how you only bought one book. I probably would have used the expansion excuse to buy more! The patterns are simple, but with stylish twists. Seeing them makes me want to pull out my sewing machine and get it tuned up for work! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
=:8
Looks like a great book. I am jealous! I can’t wait to go to SanFrancisco during the kid’s spring break….I am going to Kinokuniya in the Japan Center by MYSELF (well, maybe with my SIL!) I visited in July and bought 2 books…now I wish I purchased more!
OOH I love that book – I hope you didn’t get the one that I flipped through and drooled on! just kidding. I saw it at the Kinokuniya in NYC. Sew up something pretty and post it so we can see!
That dress is super cute!
I am not sure what exactly it is about Japanese sewing books that makes me want to just snatch them up. Is it the photography? The photographs are fantastic. The diagrams are wonderful. It is not that the clothing is crazy or super fashion forward or anything like that – I think it is just the presentation in the books that attracts me. What do you think?
Thanks for the link to Kinokuniya. My mother is Japanese and doesn’t read English. I’ve been going through gyrations trying to get books for her (I don’t speak Japanese.) I hadn’t thought about Kinokuniya! This could be the start of something great for her (if my sublings can convince her to sit in front of a computer.)