Six floors of craft

Yesterday I sought out Yuzawaya, after reading Suzy's post on her blog Floating World Views. Yuzawaya is about 6 floors of craft supplies. It has some wonderful Japanese stationery on one of the floors, oodles of fabric, and everything else in between. I could have spent hours marvelling over the cupcake baking equipment but I had a twitchy husband with me (who hates craft stores).

The quilting fabric collection was very extensive, with all the Japanese lines I recognise from home. Their fat quarters were rather impressively displayed in little, orderly drawers.

See Suzy's very concise directions on how to find it. I didn't take them with me so wasted much time looking for a shop that was only labelled in Japanese characters. This is a great one stop shop for any crafting supplies you might need.

Pocket guide

Tentative discussions about a quick trip to Tokyo before the end of the year have arisen in our house.



If I get there, I'll be sure to pack Marceline's little A6 guide to all the cute shops she found her way to in Tokyo. Her guide covers craft, fabric and sewing supplies, stationery, print Gocco, kawaii, toys and homewares. Directions are included, as well as some images. Marceline details what she found in each store and her overall impressions of each store - helpful information indeed.

You can pick up a copy of Marceline's guide at her web shop.

(Above image from this book - one of my faves.)

this is a great book. a great basic bag  book. with bags of various shapes and sizes. there are 34 projects. 34 great projects. 

i've been wanting to make this tote bag. forever. and i finally had a chance. thanks to my friend's birthday. i don't usually follow patterns. but decided to this time. and i am so glad i did. the bag turned out super cute. i even made the bias tape. crazy. i know. 

the pattern was easy to follow. and the diagrams with numbered steps was so helpful. since i don't read japanese. this was super helpful. it helps to have a bit of sewing experience though. for sure. 

this bag is next on my list. a super cute eco bag. i need to find some more free time. or wait until another friend's birthday though. dang it. 

you can find this bag. over in my little shop. if you are interested. 

isbn 978-4-415-10656-4

sashiko - part 2

This book takes a more contemporary approach to sashiko, applying it to zakka items (projects for the home). Again published by Ondori ISBN 4-277-34107-1

This is a great little book and really demonstrates how a line of running stitch can enhance the most simple of projects.

It contains a picture heavy 'how to' as well as clear instruction and patterns for the numerous projects.

But what really sold be on this one was the inspiration it provides for embellishing ready made items. Like a couple of lines of running stitch on a knee of a pair of kids jeans or a simple flower in the corner of a tea towel.

It's amazing how a outline of running stitch can add texture and pull a project from being pretty ordinary to something extraordinary.

Stylish Dress Book

With the weather turning warmer here in Australia all I can think of is cute summer dresses so I pulled out my favourite Japanese womenswear book purchased recently.....its called Stylish Dress Book (ISBN 978-4-57911185-5).


Its full of cute tunic tops and dresses all photographed beautifully and brought to you by the same people of girly style wardrobe


designs range from simple tunics to wear with jeans or leggings to the fancy tunic dress


pattern sheets are included at the back of the book and come in sizes 7, 9, 11 and 13 with all patterns designed for a height of 160cm which suits my 157cm stature perfectly. The size 13 has a bust measurement of 93cm, waist 74cm, hips 98cm to give you an idea of measurements which I think is about an australian size 10 but please correct me if I'm wrong as I'm just going by what I wear and measure (i.e. currently larger than this but normally a 10). But these aren't figure hugging designs and I'll be adding a few cms here and there and come back to you with the results.

zakka sewing

At last a craft book on Japanese zakka with english instructions!
All 25 projects have been designed and made by well known Japanese zakka crafters living in Japan.

The book was styled by Yuki Matsuo and photographed by Yoko Inoue both Japanese living in New york. They have done a beautiful job, the book is visually stunning!

Each of the charming projects are accompanied by plenty of photos as well as step by step instructions. I particularly love the inclusion of the zakka fact, which offers an insight into Japanese culture and inspiration behind each of the projects.

There is also a great 'how to' in the front of the book which makes this book perfect for the beginner crafter. With tips on transferring patterns, basic sewing techinques and embroidery stitches.

You will also find each of the crafters credited along side their project as well as information on their websites. There you'll find more eye candy and a whole new world of blogs to discover.


Most of the projects use natural fibres like linen, wool and wool felt. If you have difficulty sourcing the supplies you need, you will find an extensive list of online stockists in the back of the book. As well as where to shop zakka in Japan.

I got my copy from the book depository but it's also available over at Amazon. For more photos of the projects and free instructions for the squirrel tea cozy. Check out the books website at zakka home.

Some of the designers

Sayaka Suzuki

Kui Hazuki

Massimo

kabott

sashiko - part 1

Sashiko embroidery is essentially a running stitch with a proportion of 3:2 with the largest stitch showing on the right side. Over the next few posts I will be sharing some of my books on the subject showcasing both traditional and contemporary patterns.

This particular book is published by Ondori ISBN 978-277-31159-5

It has quite a clear 'how to' showing you both technique, the materials you will need and how to trace the patterns onto your cloth.

There are full page patterns of the more traditional patterns ready for you to trace.

As well as instructions for projects that you can make using your embroidered cloth, such as coasters, napkins and book covers.

Tote bags and sweet clutch purses.

As well as Zipper box shaped pouches and drawstring bags.

More translation assistance

For more translation of Japanese sewing terms you may like to look to Jennifer's Moving Hands blog or to Korallin's posts on the blog Label Free.



Construction methods for garments are fairly universal, so I also find my favourite English patterns give the helpful instruction needed to whip up those favourite Japanese designs with more confidence.

Too good to use

Even beyond craft blogging circles I heard many mentions of the famous Ito-ya stationery store in Ginza. It was high on my list of places to visit in Tokyo. Who could resist a stationery store that takes up 3 buildings over several floors?

The store was wonderful and I spent more than an hour there filling my shopping basket with an assortment of cards, sticky notes, mini notepads. All of it is almost too good to use.

This is a photo of the much smaller store in Marunouchi (just near the Peninsula Hotel which is an easy landmark to spot).

If you find yourself in Ginza though, just look for the giant red paperclip. It's hard to miss and worth seeking out.

traditional tie-dyed fabric.

this last weekend h-kun and i visited arimatsu. a town near nagoya. where shibori originated. the traditional technique used to tie-dye fabric. started 400 years ago and is still carried on today.
the fabric is used for kimono. yukata. and many modern day items such as cloths, placemats, scarves, etc. and there are over 100 patterns.
to get to arimatsu take the meitetsu line from nagoya station to arimatsu. it takes about 30 minutes. you can pick up a map of the area at most of the local shops. near the station is a street that is lined with shibori shops as well as the above building. which has an english video explaining the history of shibori and various techniques. there are also a couple of women demonstrating the hand tying there. and if you speak a little japanese then you will be entertained as well.
the craft is carried out mostly by older women. who are full of patience. it's simply amazing. amazing. it will take them 4 to 6 months to finish a piece of cloth for one kimono. patience. and consistency. the whole process is a wonderful one. full of tradition. passed down from generation to generation.