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japanese embroidery books

Japanese Embroidery Book

If you pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice in Japanese, I'm guessing that for most of you reading this, it wouldn't be a very interesting read. I know that it wouldn't mean much to me! But craft books are different. Embroidery books are are different. These books can be very easily enjoyed...and even understood...in Japanese.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and it's really true with Japanese craft books! I have a growing collection of these books, and I don't see my habit ending soon. Sometimes I buy these from the bookstore at the Japanese market near me, but these came from a fantastic Etsy shop. And I love them! They have such a unique style (one even has several unique styles within it!), as do many crafting books from Japan.

Take a look at my latest additions...

Japanese Embroidery Book
Japanese Embroidery BookJapanese Embroidery Book

This first book is actually a combination of two books. One is a book that I've looked at and wanted many times, and it just worked out that it was in this title! It has lots of little patterns with plenty of fill stitches (something I really want to do more of), but it also has lot of embroidery with applique incorporated.

Japanese Embroidery Book
Japanese Embroidery Book
Japanese Embroidery Book

See what I mean about the different styles? All of those are from the same book, so for one price, I got plenty of variety! So much sweetness!

The second book doesn't have as many patterns, but each one is super precious. SUPER precious!

Japanese Embroidery Book
Japanese Embroidery Book
Japanese Embroidery Book

This book has a pull out section with all of the motifs. Well, it might have more than that...I haven't opened it all up yet! Unlike the first book, here we find more projects.

Japanese Embroidery Book
Japanese Embroidery Book

This is where not reading Japanese does have its downside. The projects are pretty simple, but as far as I can tell, most don't have instructions for making them. At least, not the illustrated instructions that you usually find in Japanese crafting books. There are some with graphics (see below), but the projects serve more as inspiration. Great inspiration...because just look at this glasses pouch:

Japanese Embroidery Book
Japanese Embroidery Book

If you've never looked into books like this before, I highly recommend that you do. They cost a bit more than buying something from Amazon, but it's worth it! To get started, try searching for "Japanese Embroidery Book" on Etsy. Good luck, and get ready to be tempted into many new purchases!

15 comments:

  1. Oh wow, these are darling! There are so many cute little patterns!

    -Becca
    Ladyface Blog

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  2. Anonymous11:35 AM

    I love Japanese craft books! I wish they were more readily available in the States. Thanks for sharing. -Sarah

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  3. These look beautiful! x

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  4. These are awesome! I've never heard of them before. I should try to get a couple. They would be wonderful on my foreign books bookshelf.

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  5. I love the little purse with the faces on it! Super cute! I always wondered about these books because I've seen others use Japanese or Chinese quilting books and wondered. Thanks for the review!

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  6. These two are in my Japanese embeoidery book collection as well ;-), ...love Hiroko Ishii "Cahier" designs! She has a main page; http://cahier.main.jp/ , just in case you would like to take a peek ;-).

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  7. This is so neat! I had a japanese beading book ages ago and it was so neat! Easy enough to translate too.

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  8. Absolutely adorable! I have a couple of Japanese craft books that I really love - even if I can't read a word of it :).

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  9. I just adore Japanese craft books! I have gotten basketweaving, needle felting, drawing and crochet books... and the instructions are so well illustrated, that I only find not speaking Japanese a little problem :)

    For those of you in a big city, Kinokuniya (a Japanese book store in a few cities in the US) carries an AMAZING selection of Japanese craft books.

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  10. I've been wanting to get into Japanese sewing books (and haven't had the chance (or guts) to go to the city and pick one up...but now I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for Japanese embroidery books as well!!!

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  11. Nooooooooo - I don't neeeeeeeeed another obsession! I had to quit reading a Japanese blog because I was getting all carried away with all these Japanese! I love these patterns. [mutters] must. resist. must. not. look. at. etsy. nor. eBay.

    :) I'm fine, really I am...

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  12. Have you ever been to the Japanese grocery store in Arlington Heights, Mitsuwa? They have a bookstore with all kinds of craft books! Plus all sorts of magazines and such. It's a little bit of a trip, but sooooo worth it!

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    Replies
    1. Yes! I love that store so much!

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  13. Japanese books are always my favorite. They have a great and unique designs which no other books have.

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