We're in the middle of a little Wednesday series here on Wild Olive...and it's all about Japanese craft books in my collection. Today's book is in English, but it's from a Japanese company. It's also kinda vintage. And awesome. But if you're a fan of embroidery, you can probably tell that from the cover. In fact, I wish I had about 100 books like this, because I'd be in embroidery heaven.
Before I show you all of the lovely that's inside, here are the details on this title, which you can still get your hands on. The ISBN is 9780870407383, and right now there are several copies on Amazon, which is where I ordered mine for around $4.
And now, on to the embroidery goodness!
A variety of styles are represented in this book, ranging from sweet and simple, to sophisticated and artistic, to just plain cute. Some of the designs have an 80s feel, which is when the book came out, but I'd say that 75-80% of the book is pretty timeless.
There is a lot of fill stitching used, and there are different techniques and types of stitches used for this. Helpful for a person like me who is never satisfied with the look of her fill stitches. (Yes, it's true...which is why you don't see me filling things very often!)
The photos above give you a look at how the designs and patterns are presented. It's really easy to follow these! (One complaint: there are some finished embroideries that didn't have a pattern in the book! Sadness!)
There are also some project instructions included. These flowers and ladybug go on the corner of a sweet little burp cloth! You might also recognize those circles...they are where I got the polka dot stitch from! But look below and you'll see their instructions for the stitch, which didn't work for me. No matter...I still found a way to make the stitch happen!
Oooh! More fill stitch ideas!
This spread is probably my favorite in the book. Applique, embroidery, and cute little animals in their homes!
Do you have any favorite vintage embroidery books, Japanese or otherwise?
I don't but after looking at yours I need some to pour over!
ReplyDeleteI love this book...so now there is about 5 left on Amazon since I ordered one right away! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMaria
The price now:
ReplyDeleteAvailable from these sellers.
4 used from $28.56
It's hard to believe someone is selling this for that price. Hopefully some more will turn up at the lower prices again!
DeleteI wasn't even a year old when this book came out.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly lovely!
Are you trying to make me feel old? Just kidding. '87 was a good year...my sister was born!
Deletethis is so cute! love the book very much :)
ReplyDeleteI got to get that book! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's too cute! :)
Oh no! Starting price $28?? Bum-mer! You couldn't...um...scan that last page for me or anything...could you? ;) I'm in love!
ReplyDeleteI get mine here kinokuniya.com I live near the Costa Mesa store and they have many embroidery books! The $28 price would actually be a normal price for one!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this book! Amazing techniques!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book!! Love all the designs!! I don't have a book, but love vintage Vogart, and Aunt Martha's embroidery patterns!! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteOh my word. I love those applique pages!! I've been looking for more embroidery books...maybe the price will come back down one of these days.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, this is sweetest book! I love the little underground home! i need this in my life xx cree
ReplyDeleteNow there's only one left and it's selling for $98. Such a bummer. :(
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kimberly! I have been searching and ordering everywhere (except the $98.00 one!) only to be told that it's out of stock. If you hear of anyone who has one to sell, I would really like to buy it!
ReplyDeleteI agreen with Kimberly! I have been searching and ordering everywhere (except the $98 one) just to be told that it's out of stock. If you ever happen to hear of someone who wants to sell one, please let me know.
ReplyDelete