Japanese Quilting & Fabric Books – See All Purchasing Options Inside –

- Japanese Quilting & Fabric Books  –

Fabric Dyeing For Beginners Paperback – Illustrated, January 30, 2003 $14.99!

For the many people who love hand-dyed fabrics but think they are too difficult to make, Vimala McClure presents an easy to do technique that is convenient and gentle on the pocketbook. The author says, 'I use methods that are simple to understand and that can be broken down into steps to be completed on separate days.' Because her dyeing process is done in small batches, there is minimal mess to clean up. Worked in small jars or a plastic bin, luminous fabrics with exciting patterns can be made in a total of two to three hours. Using widely available dye products, which are listed in the resources section, the author provides dye recipes for mixing batches of 12 different colors or, for more variety, 24 colors. She shows how to make intriguing color mixtures, single-color gradations and multiple color gradations. With a cookbook approach and step by step photos, the author demonstrates tie dyeing, Shibori-like dyeing, fold dyeing, and overdyeing, each method illustrated with examples of wonderful fabric swatches and quilt blocks. She also describes how to make simple stencils for sponging or spraying to add pizzazz to any fabric.

Japanese Design Motifs: 4,260 Illustrations of Japanese Crests Paperback – June 1, 1972 $12.99!

This collection presents more than 4,000 individual designs in the 900-year-old tradition of Japanese family crests. Through constant variation and invention over the centuries, this has become one of the richest graphic art traditions in the world.

Most of these motifs are circular, and they can all be fitted into a square. Within those limitations is a seemingly endless range of designs, beginning with the dozens and dozens of root motifs — rice plant, gingko, scallop, lightning, anchor, spool, raft, candle, scissors, fern, saki bottle, lotus blossom, mountain arrow, pine, wisteria, ship, rabbit, and scores of others. Practically every kind of plant, bird, animal, natural phenomenon, and manufactured object of Japanese culture was at one time or another included in a family crest. In addition, each of the root designs was treated to dozens of imaginative variations — they were reproduced bilaterally, in triangles, diamonds, five- and six-pointed stars, in spirals, were built up in series, made to overlap, combined with each other, and so on. Some of these are classic and recognizable designs, like the yin-yang, linked rings, and treasure knot. Many of the others have rarely been seen in the West.

Graphic artists, textile designers, pattern-makers, advertisers, and other commercial artists looking for an untapped source of novel, appealing designs will find a wealth of material here. Some of these motifs can be used to suggest an exotic flavor, and others are universal and can be used almost anywhere.

Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match by Briscoe, Susan (2007) Hardcover Hardcover – 1900 $19.99!

Modern Japanese quilting blends Eastern and Western techniques to create quilts of extraordinary style and beauty. Using designs borrowed from a rich decorative arts heritage, and often incorporating traditional kimono fabrics, Japanese quilters have developed a distinctive style based on unusual motifs and striking color combinations. With Japanese Quilted Blocks to Mix and Match, any quilter can create exquisite and unique works of patchwork art in the Japanese tradition.

The book presents more than 125 different block patterns, each with complete instructions and a color photograph, representing a variety of pattern sources: kamon (family crests), Hakone yosegi (parquetry) and traditional textiles, such as kasuri weave. Each 9-inch block includes a full cutting guide and fabric palette; suggestions for use, either mixing and matching or adapting to an all-over design; and icons indicating techniques and skill level. The blocks on each spread are related in design and technique.

In addition to the Block Directory, Japanese Quilted Blocks to Mix and Match features an Inspiration Gallery, showcasing examples of finished quilts from leading quilters. Using these examples, author Susan Briscoe explores such topics as color ideas from traditional Japanese textiles and quilts, motifs, and recommendations for combining fabric patterns and block designs. An extensive section on technique, as well as several pages about the fabrics themselves and a listing of suppliers and organizations make this volume as practical and informative as it is beautiful.

Japanese Taupe Quilts: 125 Blocks in Calm and Neutral Colors Hardcover – October 15, 2010 $19.99!

With their beautiful, soft sepia color range, contemporary Japanese quilts stand out for their sophisticated reinvention of patchwork and appliqué blocks. These cool, calm quilts are as much at home in modern country style as they are in chic, urban settings. The harmonious fabrics are easily combined, often with accents of brick red, olive green, or yellow ocher, to create a new yet nostalgic style that resonates with quilters all over the world.

In Japanese Taupe Quilts, acclaimed textile artist Susan Briscoe offers a wealth of tips, techniques, and ideas for both the beginner and the experienced quilter. The block patterns have been drafted from a variety of traditional block sources, including Japanese fabric, paper and architectural designs, and kamon family crests. For each block there is a photograph, a clear instructional diagram or template, fabric palette and cutting guide, as well as detailed instructions for making the block. At-a-glance icons indicate skill level and techniques used. Patchwork, appliqué, embellishment, and quilting techniques are clearly explained with step-by-step photographs, from cutting out to finishing off.

The blocks can be mixed and matched, tessellated for allover patterns, or combined into sampler quilts. Combination ideas are supplied throughout the block directory, together with six simple projects -- a pillow, lap quilt, tote bag, table runner, wall hanging and satchel handbag -- to inspire readers to create exquisite quilts in the distinctive Japanese taupe style.

Kokoro-no-te: Handmade Treasures from the Heart by Sudo, Kumiko (2005) Paperback $19.99!

Kokoro no Te, translated into English as "handmade from the heart," is the philosophy behind this enchanting collection of small, high-fashion craft projects that have a distinctive Japanese flair. Featuring purses, pins, sewing accoutrements, and the author's amazing temari balls, the 30 original hand-sewn designs combine surprisingly simple techniques with exquisite colors and fabrics, allowing sewers to create lavish objets d'art easily and inexpensively. A delightful and original array of fashion pins, brooches, purses, and keepsake pouches creatively combine silks, cottons, and soft felts with delicate beading and embroidery. A pattern for a doll-sized kimono is included along with designs for pin cushions, thimbles, and a needle cache. The sensational color photographs and line drawings show multiple points of view for each project and show precisely how each artful, stylish, and charming piece comes together.

Omiyage: Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition by Kumiko Sudo (Dec 11 1998) Paperback $29.99

Bestselling author Kumiko Sudo creates 45 exquisite handmade gifts in fabric, each with a flair that is uniquely Japanese. Easy-to-follow patterns, beautiful photographs, and colorful step-by-step drawings help the projects come together quickly­­--many in less than an hour. Whether they are created in kimono silks or in contemporary cottons, these tiny boxes, purses, decorative toys, incense pouches, and good luck charms all make delightful gifts.

Quilting with Japanese Fabrics Paperback – March 23, 2011 $25.99!

The stunning beauty of Japanese fabrics inspired award-winning quiltmaker Kitty Pippen to immerse her quilts in Japanese elegance and style. Now Kitty shares her dazzling creations in eight exquisite patterns that illustrate how quilters of all skill levels can play with these dramatic fabrics in their quilts. Includes patterns ranging from simple mosaics and Japanese octagonal designs to Crazy patchwork, plus over 40 photos of glorious Japanese-style quilts. Provides a comprehensive introduction to Japanese textiles, such as indigo, kasuri, yukata, shibori, and aizome. Features a section on using sashiko quilting to add richness to any pieced quilt. Draws on common quilting techniques, such as traditional machine piecing, paper piecing, and appliqué.

Sashiko: Easy & Elegant Designs for Decorative Japanese Machine Stitching Paperback – February 1, 2002 $6.99!

“Thoughtful and well-ordered introduction...twenty-five projects range from a sampler table runner to decorative screen panels...more than 100 stitch patterns....A mouth-watering ‘gotta try’ wealth of designs and information.”—Booklist. “Provides fairly easy projects. A good selection... on a topic of increasing interest.”—Library Journal.

Shibori: A Beginner's Guide to Creating Color & Texture on Fabric Hardcover – August 1, 2006 $29.99!

Shibori - or Japanese tie-dye - is a patterned three-dimensional form created by a unique process of folding, crumpling, stitching, plaiting, plucking and twisting material. The result is gorgeous, soft-edged patterns that will delight sewers and fabric lovers alike. This appealing, modern take on a traditional art takes the intimidation out of a versatile craft and allows anyone to create beautiful items. Each chapter focuses on a specific method, from arashi (pole-wrapping) and stitching and gathering to using bleach to remove colour. The eighteen exquisite projects are embellished with detailed photos and easy-to-follow instructions throughout.

The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirations by Susan Briscoe (May 27 2005) Paperback $14.99!

Sashiko, the traditional Japanese technique of needlework quilting, uses simple running stitch to create beautifully decorative patterns ideal for patchwork, quilting and embroidery. Sashiko (pronounced shash-ko) means 'stab stitch' and refers to the small running stitch that is worked to build up distinctive decorative patterns, of which there are hundreds. The book begins by exploring the origins of the technique to strengthen clothes and to make them warmer. Getting Started describes everything you need to begin stitching, including selecting suitable fabrics and threads, marking out patterns on the fabric, as well as the stitching technique itself. Ten project chapters show how easy it is to use sashiko patterns to make beautiful items for the home. The sashiko patterns are described in step-by-step detail in the pattern library, showing you exactly how to achieve each individual pattern with ease. Finally a gallery of work by contemporary Japanese textile artists provides extra inspiration.

Thread Duets: Looking at Quilts from Both Sides - Paperback – by Barbara Shapel - $19.99!

Follow along as Barbara walks you through how she creates one of her award-winning, two-sided fiber art quilts. This invaluable reference guide also includes: A Discussion of the Divine Proportion and why every artist should use it in their work; Learn how to incorporate the quilted line into the overall design of your fiber art pieces; Discover how Barbara one side of her quilt to another – with no match involved; A feference table is included that defines the needle you should use, along with any comments or hints, for most threads currently being used today; A step-by-step guide for how Barbara creates her elegant invisible sleeve to hang two-sided quilts; A gallery of work from her first, humble sampler quilt to the award-winning fiber art pieces she creates today.

Off-The-Shelf Fabric Painting: 30 Simple Recipes for Gourmet Results Paperback – by Sue Beevers – April 1, 2004 $19.99!

In this work, fiber artist Sue Beevers shows you how to create one-of-a-kind painted fabrics in your own kitchen. Techniques rely on water-based paints used in conjunction with convenient tools and supplies, such as oatmeal, yoghurt containers, and file folders.