I’d show you snapshots of some of the project instruction pages, but I think I’d really be pushing the fair use for review purposes – you’d be able to make the project from just one page. I’m already a fan of the way Japanese craft books are laid out and the way the instructions are shown; to have it in a language I can read is fantastic. I got my book as a holiday gift (the buyer used Amazon – I haven’t seen it in local bookstores yet).
After recovering from the kawaii!-induced blindness, I’ve taken a closer look at the book, and while I am still so happy with it that I still do a little wiggle-dance of joy when thinking about it, there are a couple of points that I would not have let escape my attention in other publications.
1. Yarn – or rather, lace thread, which is probably why the book is called Lacy Crochet but not all the projects are lace. All of the patterns call for lace thread, which, as it happens, can be found in different thicknesses, fibers, textures, and so on. I cannot find any recommendations in the book for a specific lace thread. Cotton crochet thread, pearl cotton, tatting thread, and fine-gauge yarns are all possible substitutes; I’m thinking that Hemp For Knitting allhemp3 would be a good choice for many of the patterns. If you are looking for the specific thread used in the book projects, you are on your own.
2. Gauge: the lack thereof. Hook sizes are given, but no gauge measurements. You can reverse-engineer gauge for the projects, thanks to the clear photos and schematics. Most of the projects won’t suffer from being a little larger or smaller, though.
3. Notions: where to find. The coin purse calls for a metal purse frame measuring 3″ wide, 1.6″ tall (7.5 x 4 cm), with 26 holes. Lacis.com has similar purse frames, but nothing with those specific dimensions. Baglady.com also has similar purse frames, and a selection of lace thread (specializes in crochet beadwork). UPDATE: Thanks to Cleo in the comments, who posted that the yarn is Olympus Emmy Grande HERBS, which is the equivalent of US size 20 thread. I poked around and the Saucy Louise shop (run by an English speaker living in Japan) carries Olympus Emmy Grande HERBS in several colors. 3Dpatternpaper, an Etsy seller based in Hong Kong, carries 7cm coin purse frames with 24 holes and 8cm frames with 28 holes. I think it might be possible to use either frame and work out a way to sew the purse body on that won’t be just like the instructions but close enough.
On the plus side, though, I have also noted that there is a section showing the symbols used with step-by-step instructions (text and illustrations) for each symbol and the techniques used in the book.
There’s also a good number of projects here, and some of them can be done relatively quickly even though the gauge is fine (the coin purse, for example, and the baby shoes).
Contents:
Part 1: Small Crafts for Interiors
Coasters
Pot Holders
Tissue Box Cover/Placemat
Jar Covers
Baby Shoes 1 Ties
Baby Shoes 2 Straps
Doily 1 Round
Doily 2 Square
Multipurpose Cover
Part 2: Private Time for Favorite Handicrafts
Pincushion
Lace Basket
Scissors Case
Hook Case
Braid 1 Ribbon
Braid 1 Edging
Braid 3 Ringlet
Part 3: Fashionable Items for Everyday Life
Mobile Phone Case
Corsage 1 Gerbera
Corsage 2 Rose
Potpourri Sachet 1 Flowers
Potpourri Sachet 2 Leaves
Coin Purse
Decorative Strings 1 Balls
Decorative Strings 2 Tassels
Mini Bag 1 Petals
Mini Bag 2 Buttons
Pattern Lesson 1
Crocheting Rings of Circles Round Doily
Pattern Lesson 2
Crocheting a Flat Pattern from a Chained Cast-on
Square Doily
Lacy Crochet Techniques
How to Thread Over and Hold a Hook
How to Make the First Stitch
Making Chain Stitches
Cast-on Foundation
Picking Up a Stitch
Stitch Techniques and Symbols/Abbreviations
Using the Symbols/Abbreviations Chart
Chronicle Books, it seems, has taken note of the rising popularity of Japanese craft books – they have published three books of patterns translated into English, and have plans for more (Woolly Embroidery and Fuzzy Felted Friends are will be released later this month). I haven’t had a chance to look through these books, but I recognized the projects on the covers of Lacy Crochet and Amigurumi. The prices are reasonable and I’m putting them on my Amazon wishlist, so hopefully I’ll be able to review these in more depth.
Amazon is still carrying the English translation of Ondori Basic Knit as well.
Crocheting Q&A or Crocheting Question and Answer (Kagibariami Q&A)
ISBN 4-8347-2496-4
Printed in Japan
$12.90 at Hakubundo (prices subject to change)
If you want to learn how to crochet, or are just learning, and do not read Japanese, this isn’t the book for you. If you know how to crochet and understand the basics of crochet symbolcraft and would like a handy reference book for use with Japanese crochet books and patterns, get your hands on this book. Symbols are explained with step-by-step illustrations so that there’s no confusion over whether that “x” symbol means slip-stitch or single crochet to you (ah, the joys of multiple English versions of crochet terms!), and this book also illustrates seaming pieces together, joining motifs, basic edgings, sewing on a button, sewing in a zipper, making a pom-pon, adding fringe, crocheting three kinds of cord, and basic embroidery stitches. If you know how to read Japanese, all the better, but again, illiteracy in this language does not mean that you will not be able to get a lot out of this book.
Motifs of Crocheting www.boutique-sha.co.jp
ISBN 4-8347-2331-3
Barcode 1: 9784834723311
Barcode 2: 1929476009432
Printed in Japan
I went to Hakubundo on a lunch break and came back with this book. One of my co-workers asked if I could read Japanese, and when I said I couldn’t, she asked me why I’d purchased a Japanese book and then spent the next few minutes probably wishing she hadn’t said anything as I extolled the layout, the use of symbolcraft, and the Japanese symbolcraft standards. My illiteracy does limit my use of the book in a couple of respects (I had to get someone else to translate the title for me, for starters), but the hurdles are easily overcome.
The sections are organized by motif shape (circle, square, hexagon, triangle, and floral), with an illustrated tutorial at the beginning of each section which presumably gives tips and explanations (the illustrations are easy to follow; the text accompanying it is, due to my Latinate-centric education, impossible for me to follow). Each motif is shown in four variations using different yarn textures and colors, from fuzzy mohair to shiny ribbon to smooth cottons and wools, although the yarns used vary from motif to motif (not every motif will be shown in different yarns; some are shown only in different colors). Every pattern is given in symbolcraft, with the sort of added detail that delights me: each row or round of the pattern is in a different color and clearly numbered. Swoon! The sections begin with photos showing projects made using motifs, including handbags, scarves, and shawls, with instructions for the projects given at the end of the book (between the photos and the illustrations, even the Japanese illiterate can manage them). The projects are generally simple and rather conservative, although yarn and color choices could make a big difference – for example, there’s a fringed mesh shawl on page 23 which could be appropriate for my former art school girl of doom self, or for my practical mother who would want something warm that goes with most of her wardrobe (more on this here). There are no people in the photos, just the items, sometimes shown on a wooden mannequin. I like this – it’s easier for me to not delude myself into thinking that a hat strongly resembling a crumpled brown paper sack will look just as cute on me as it does on the kawaiiiiiiii model (please note that no such hat is in this particular book).
Additionally, the book includes a section with step-by-step illustrations explaining each symbol used, removing any confusion that would arise with text-based patterns (such as the US single crochet vs. the UK single crochet), and illustrated instructions for joining motifs.
The book is about the size of a standard magazine, so it fits neatly into my messenger bag. I’ll probably take this to a print shop to have the spine replaced with a spiral binding. $17.35 at Hakubundo.
For more on Japanese craft books and links with information on the symbols used, etc., please check out my earlier post on Japanese Craft Books.
Ondori Basic Knit Full Color Illustrated
Ondorisha Publishers Ltd.
ISBN 0-87040-745-7
Regular readers may recall that I’ve been on the lookout for a Japanese knit book which includes the symbols used, explained with the handy step-by-step images I’ve seen used in Natural Taste. What if I told you there is indeed such a book, it’s readily available at a low price, and printed in English? Not to mention, sitting right under my nose at the local Japanese bookstore? While browsing through a sale table at Hakubundo, I came across Basic Knit. I’ve seen it before, but this was the first time I had the presence of mind to check and see if it included a symbol chart. Yep. It covers the basics as well, with the same clearly illustrated diagrams and helpful notes I expect from a Japanese knit publication. The section on grafting is particularly helpful for me, as it shows where the needles are (something lacking in most illustrations for grafting that I’ve seen). Overall, a good basic Japanese learn-to-knit book (in English!).
There is also a book on learning to both knit and crochet; however, I haven’t had a chance to go through this one yet.
For more on Japanese craft books and links with information on the symbols used, etc., please check out my earlier post on Japanese Craft Books.
Natural Taste
Lady Boutique Series no. 2416
ISBN 4-8347-2416-6
Barcode 1: 9784834724165
Barcode 2: 1929476009050 www.boutique-sha.co.jp
As usual, it gives the kawaiiiiii meter a good whack. The patterns look to be in the beginner/intermediate range, and are mostly bags and little containers, with a few accessories to wear (motif scarf, shrug, hats). The tipping point for me was that this book also has a few pages in the back, showing each crochet symbol accompanied by illustrations showing you how to do the stitch(es) the symbol stands for (I am on the lookout for a Japanese knitting book that does the same – if you know of one, please let me know in the comments).
You have probably noticed by now that I have a special place in my heart for crafty projects with a domestic bent. Occasionally I wonder if I take it too far…and then something like this happens: I walk into Hakubundo just to look around, and find these books. It’s an excuse to call amigurumi practical! As with all the other Japanese craft books I’ve found, all the patterns are charted and have schematics – these combine the chart and schematic in a way that’s just brilliant – very visual and intuitive. Added bonus? They didn’t cost too much – about $8.00 US each at Hakubundo. Hakubundo does mail order over the telephone and their staff is fluent in both English and Japanese.
Magic Scrubber Part 2
ISBN 4-8347-6402-8
Barcode 1: 9784834764024
Barcode 2: 1929476005007 www.boutique-sha.co.jp
back cover
turtle scrubbies (click on image for larger view)
whale scrubbies (click on image for larger view)
slipper scrubbies (click on image for larger view)
Hakubundo didn’t have the full series, just Part 2 and Part 7. I thought Part 2 was adorable, and then I picked up Part 7 and one of my back teeth fell out.
Magic Scrubber Part 7
ISBN 4-8347-6420-6
Barcode 1: 9784834764208
Barcode 2: 19294760040000 www.boutique-sha.co.jp
back cover
puppets or scrubbies? (click on image for larger view)
Wildlife Scrubbers: elephant, giraffe, hippo, alligator
(click on image for larger view)
For more on Japanese craft books and links with information on the symbols used, etc., please check out my earlier post on Japanese Craft Books.
Amigurumi means “knit and wrap” in Japanese. Nuigurumi means “stuffed animal” but the more literal translation is “sew and wrap” (but it would not be used for, say, making a pillow – it’s assumed that you are talking about a toy). “Ami” = knit, “Nui” = sew, “gurumi” = to wrap. “Kagi” is crochet. “Bari” is added on to mean “needle” as in “ami-bari” = knitting needles and “kagi-bari” = crochet hook.
bendi de kyuuto na komonotachi (many useful and cute things)
Ondori
ISBN 4-277-17164-8
Barcode 4943309171643 www.diakeito.co.jp
I don’t know how useful many of the projects in this book are, besides being cute. As usual, though, the projects are so clearly diagrammed that being completely illiterate in Japanese isn’t a problem.
cheesai nuigurumi (small stuffies)
“Petit boutique series”
ISBN 4-8347-6348-X
Two barcodes given:
9784834763485
1929476004000
scottie dog
lion and hippo
elephant and giraffe
babies!
My Lovable Dogs (The Dogs Which I Love)
ISBN: 4-89396-792-4
barcode: 9784893967923
barcode: 1929476009333
This is intended for those with experience making stuffies. The patterns are for realistic dog stuffies, so there are more pattern pieces, more sewing, and some internal structure features that allow the head to turn. Patterns are also included for a t-shirt and raincoat to fit the stuffies. The instructions are step-by-step photographs, and diagrams for how to lay the pattern pieces out on the fabric are included. The patterns are printed at actual size in a pullout.
First-Time Stuffed Animals (rabbit, cat, dog, and bear)
ISBN 529-03901-3
barcode:9784529039017
barcode:1929477006904
This is a beginners book for stuffies, with a minimum of pattern pieces and instructions that are written (in Japanese), illustrated, and photographed every step of the way. Even if you can’t read Japanese, that’s fine – I can’t, and these patterns are easy to follow. The materials needed are photographed too, so you can just take the book to the store with you when you purchase your supplies. All patterns are included at actual size in the book; you can either trace or photocopy them to transfer them to fabric.
All the projects are made of felt, and are a great introduction to handsewing. The patterns are easy to follow, and ideas for how to use them (decorations for handbags, mobile phones, etc.) are included in the photos. All patterns are included at actual size; you can either trace or photocopy them.
Babies Soft Cloth Toys and Cloth Books, 0-3 years old
ISBN: 4-8347-2097-7
barcode: 9784834720976
barcode: 1929476009005
This book makes my ovaries and back teeth ache. Just adorable. Most of the projects are for portable items, great for travel or going to the park. The patterns are printed at actual size in a pullout. Too sweet.
Stuffed Amigurumi Animals
ISBN 4-529-03140-3
barcode: 9784529031400
barcode: 1925077007907
barcode: 4955275157781
Takamori Tomoko 1998
66 pages
printed in Japan
A rough translation of the title is “Stuffed Amigurumi Animal: from mini mascot to huggable unique bear, true size big picture presentation.” All the patterns in this book are crochet. “True size big picture presentation” = the photos in the book show the finished stuffies at actual size, ranging from weeny palm of the hand to about 2 apples high.
I bought all of these at Hakubundo by Ala Moana. The webpage has a typo in the address; it is the Pan Am building, as in the defunct airline. Hakubundo
Pan Am Building
1600 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 121
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Phone: (808) 947-5503 / Fax: (808) 947-5602
The staff is Japanese/English bilingual, and most of the staff I’ve dealt with speak English as a first language. I usually walk over, so I don’t know how parking is – there’s a paid parking lot in the building and some metered street parking in the area. It’s on some of the bus lines that go to/from Waikiki and Ala Moana Center. The stock changes frequently, which is great if you are always on the lookout for something new, not so great if you saw something there a month ago and want to buy it now.
