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On Amazon
Title: Indigo: The Color that Changed the World
Author: Catherine Legrand
Inspiration: This book inspires interest in indigo dye & fabric by showcasing a stunning visual catalog of indigo textiles from around the world, exploring the rich history, cultural significance, and the beautiful artistry of the dyeing process.
Why Our Pick:
The author compares Japanese indigo to indigo dyeing methods and traditions from various countries, including China, India, Africa, Central America, Laos, and Vietnam. The book offers a fascinating study of old world practices and the history of indigo, showcasing the human story behind the color and exploring varying dyeing methods across these diverse cultures "Indigo: The Color that Changed the World" is a captivating exploration of indigo dyeing techniques and its profound impact across the globe. This book stands as the ultimate reference for anyone fascinated by the rich history and vibrant culture surrounding indigo. Through a stunning collection of indigo textile samples, the author delves into the traditional methods and the artistry behind this mesmerizing blue hue. What makes this book truly exceptional is its comprehensive coverage, from the historical significance of indigo in various cultures to its modern applications in fashion and design. The author's meticulous research and passion for indigo shine through every page, making it not just an informative read but also a visual feast for the eyes. For enthusiasts of textile history, traditional crafts, or simply the color blue, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge.
Author: Catherine Legrand
Inspiration: This book inspires interest in indigo dye & fabric by showcasing a stunning visual catalog of indigo textiles from around the world, exploring the rich history, cultural significance, and the beautiful artistry of the dyeing process.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
The author compares Japanese indigo to indigo dyeing methods and traditions from various countries, including China, India, Africa, Central America, Laos, and Vietnam. The book offers a fascinating study of old world practices and the history of indigo, showcasing the human story behind the color and exploring varying dyeing methods across these diverse cultures "Indigo: The Color that Changed the World" is a captivating exploration of indigo dyeing techniques and its profound impact across the globe. This book stands as the ultimate reference for anyone fascinated by the rich history and vibrant culture surrounding indigo. Through a stunning collection of indigo textile samples, the author delves into the traditional methods and the artistry behind this mesmerizing blue hue. What makes this book truly exceptional is its comprehensive coverage, from the historical significance of indigo in various cultures to its modern applications in fashion and design. The author's meticulous research and passion for indigo shine through every page, making it not just an informative read but also a visual feast for the eyes. For enthusiasts of textile history, traditional crafts, or simply the color blue, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge.
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On Amazon
Title: Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing : Tradition Techniques Innovation
Author: Kellogg Rice & Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada
Inspiration: "Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing" is a classic in the field of textile arts. It is a must-have for anyone interested in shibori, offering a wealth of information and inspiration in a visually stunning format.
Why Our Pick:
This text is a comprehensive guide that dives deep into the traditional Japanese resist dyeing techniques known as shibori. This book is a treasure trove for both beginners and experienced textile artists, offering a wealth of knowledge on various shibori techniques, from plucking and pinching to twisting, stitching, and folding cloth. The authors, Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, Mary Kellogg Rice, and Jane J. Barton, have meticulously documented these techniques, preserving a craft that might otherwise be lost to time. The book goes beyond simple documentation, reviving once well-known but now lesser-known shibori techniques through extensive research and experimentatio. One of the standout features of this book is its visual appeal. With 104 color and 298 black-and-white plates, it offers a rich visual gallery of shibori examples, based on Japan's largest collection of traditional shibori fabrics[2]. This visual feast not only inspires but also provides a practical guide for those looking to create their own shibori designs. The book also includes a detailed guide to basic natural dyes used in Japan, instructions for making and caring for an indigo vat, and a list of suppliers in North America. This makes it a one-stop resource for anyone interested in exploring shibori.
Author: Kellogg Rice & Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada
Inspiration: "Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing" is a classic in the field of textile arts. It is a must-have for anyone interested in shibori, offering a wealth of information and inspiration in a visually stunning format.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
This text is a comprehensive guide that dives deep into the traditional Japanese resist dyeing techniques known as shibori. This book is a treasure trove for both beginners and experienced textile artists, offering a wealth of knowledge on various shibori techniques, from plucking and pinching to twisting, stitching, and folding cloth. The authors, Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, Mary Kellogg Rice, and Jane J. Barton, have meticulously documented these techniques, preserving a craft that might otherwise be lost to time. The book goes beyond simple documentation, reviving once well-known but now lesser-known shibori techniques through extensive research and experimentatio. One of the standout features of this book is its visual appeal. With 104 color and 298 black-and-white plates, it offers a rich visual gallery of shibori examples, based on Japan's largest collection of traditional shibori fabrics[2]. This visual feast not only inspires but also provides a practical guide for those looking to create their own shibori designs. The book also includes a detailed guide to basic natural dyes used in Japan, instructions for making and caring for an indigo vat, and a list of suppliers in North America. This makes it a one-stop resource for anyone interested in exploring shibori.
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On Amazon
Title: Daydream Journals: Memories, Ideas And Inspiration In Stitch, Cloth & Threads
Author: Tilly Rose
Inspiration: This book invites you to create your own unique journal, filled with personal memories, dreams, and creative expressions through the art of stitching.
Why Our Pick:
A delightful and inspiring book for anyone who loves textile arts and embroidery. Rose's writing style is warm and engaging, making the book a joy to read. She shares her own experiences and insights, encouraging readers to explore their own stories and emotions through the tactile and therapeutic process of embroidery. The book is beautifully illustrated with vibrant photographs showcasing a variety of stitching techniques, from simple running stitches to intricate embroidery designs. Rose provides clear instructions and guidance, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced stitchers. One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on using everyday materials and found objects to create unique and meaningful journal pages. Rose encourages readers to incorporate fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and other personal mementos into their stitched creations, adding depth and personal significance to each piece.
Author: Tilly Rose
Inspiration: This book invites you to create your own unique journal, filled with personal memories, dreams, and creative expressions through the art of stitching.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
A delightful and inspiring book for anyone who loves textile arts and embroidery. Rose's writing style is warm and engaging, making the book a joy to read. She shares her own experiences and insights, encouraging readers to explore their own stories and emotions through the tactile and therapeutic process of embroidery. The book is beautifully illustrated with vibrant photographs showcasing a variety of stitching techniques, from simple running stitches to intricate embroidery designs. Rose provides clear instructions and guidance, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced stitchers. One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on using everyday materials and found objects to create unique and meaningful journal pages. Rose encourages readers to incorporate fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and other personal mementos into their stitched creations, adding depth and personal significance to each piece.
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On Amazon
Title: A Year of Embroidery: A Month-to-Month Collection of Motifs for
Seasonal Stitching
Author: Yumiko Higuchi
Inspiration: Thirty-eight modern yet organic designs, offering a creative journey through the seasons with colorful motifs and versatile projects that encourage embroiderers to celebrate each month with unique, hand-stitched art.
Why Our Pick:
"A Year of Embroidery" by Yumiko Higuchi is a delightful journey through the seasons with needle and thread. Higuchi, a Tama Art University graduate and former handbag designer, turned her creative talents to embroidery in 2008, and her expertise shines in this collection. The book is a treasure trove of contemporary motifs that celebrate the beauty of each month, offering a fresh embroidery project to match the changing seasons. With its beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, the book is both a visual treat and a practical guide. Higuchi's unique aesthetic sense is evident in the dynamic designs that are sure to inspire both novice and experienced embroiderers. The seasonal designs encourage readers to try new techniques and appreciate the natural world's offerings. Whether you're looking to embellish a blouse, bag, or create portrait-worthy pieces, this book has something for everyone. It's a perfect companion for those who enjoy adding a personal touch to their crafts and an excellent resource for anyone looking to expand their embroidery repertoire.
Author: Yumiko Higuchi
Inspiration: Thirty-eight modern yet organic designs, offering a creative journey through the seasons with colorful motifs and versatile projects that encourage embroiderers to celebrate each month with unique, hand-stitched art.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
"A Year of Embroidery" by Yumiko Higuchi is a delightful journey through the seasons with needle and thread. Higuchi, a Tama Art University graduate and former handbag designer, turned her creative talents to embroidery in 2008, and her expertise shines in this collection. The book is a treasure trove of contemporary motifs that celebrate the beauty of each month, offering a fresh embroidery project to match the changing seasons. With its beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, the book is both a visual treat and a practical guide. Higuchi's unique aesthetic sense is evident in the dynamic designs that are sure to inspire both novice and experienced embroiderers. The seasonal designs encourage readers to try new techniques and appreciate the natural world's offerings. Whether you're looking to embellish a blouse, bag, or create portrait-worthy pieces, this book has something for everyone. It's a perfect companion for those who enjoy adding a personal touch to their crafts and an excellent resource for anyone looking to expand their embroidery repertoire.
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On Amazon
Title: Embroidered Wild Flowers: Patterns Inspired by Field and Forest
Author: Kazuko Aoki
Inspiration: Thirty-eight modern yet organic designs, offering a creative journey through the seasons with colorful motifs and versatile projects that encourage embroiderers to celebrate each month with unique, hand-stitched art.
Why Our Pick:
"Embroidered Wild Flowers: Patterns Inspired by Field and Forest" is a delightful exploration of nature's beauty through the art of embroidery. The author, Kazuko Aoki, is a renowned Japanese textile artist whose love for the botanical world shines through in this beautifully illustrated guide. Aoki's expertise in embroidery is matched by her passion for the natural environment, making this book a perfect blend of craft and homage to the outdoors. The book offers a variety of patterns that capture the essence of wildflowers and the serenity of the forest. Aoki's instructions are clear and accessible, inviting both novice and experienced embroiderers to create their own floral masterpieces. Her commentary on Japanese mending adds a layer of depth to the craft, emphasizing the value of repairing and cherishing textiles as a reflection of our respect for materials and the environment. With its charming designs and thoughtful approach to embroidery, this book is not just a crafting manual but a celebration of the intricate beauty found in the wild. It's a testament to Aoki's belief in the therapeutic power of stitching and her commitment to preserving the elegance of the natural world through needlework.
Author: Kazuko Aoki
Inspiration: Thirty-eight modern yet organic designs, offering a creative journey through the seasons with colorful motifs and versatile projects that encourage embroiderers to celebrate each month with unique, hand-stitched art.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
"Embroidered Wild Flowers: Patterns Inspired by Field and Forest" is a delightful exploration of nature's beauty through the art of embroidery. The author, Kazuko Aoki, is a renowned Japanese textile artist whose love for the botanical world shines through in this beautifully illustrated guide. Aoki's expertise in embroidery is matched by her passion for the natural environment, making this book a perfect blend of craft and homage to the outdoors. The book offers a variety of patterns that capture the essence of wildflowers and the serenity of the forest. Aoki's instructions are clear and accessible, inviting both novice and experienced embroiderers to create their own floral masterpieces. Her commentary on Japanese mending adds a layer of depth to the craft, emphasizing the value of repairing and cherishing textiles as a reflection of our respect for materials and the environment. With its charming designs and thoughtful approach to embroidery, this book is not just a crafting manual but a celebration of the intricate beauty found in the wild. It's a testament to Aoki's belief in the therapeutic power of stitching and her commitment to preserving the elegance of the natural world through needlework.
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On Amazon
Title: Embroidered Garden Flowers: Botanical Motifs for Needle and
Thread
Author: Kazuko Aoki
Inspiration: This book inspires people to embroider by offering a whimsical field guide with examples of a wonderful variety embroidered flowers.
Why Our Pick:
The author presents a delightful exploration into the world of embroidery, offering readers a whimsical field guide to creating their own embroidered flowers. Spanning a full growing season from spring to autumn, the book presents sixty-three flower varieties with clear, step-by-step instructions, making it accessible to embroiderers of all skill levels. The author, an expert in the field of embroidery, brings a unique perspective to the craft by incorporating elements of Japanese mending techniques, emphasizing the beauty and significance of repair as an art form in itself. This approach not only celebrates the aesthetic of visible mending but also resonates with the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life. Through this book, readers will not only learn to create beautiful botanical motifs but also gain an appreciation for the art of mending, making it a perfect blend of craft and philosophy.
Author: Kazuko Aoki
Inspiration: This book inspires people to embroider by offering a whimsical field guide with examples of a wonderful variety embroidered flowers.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
The author presents a delightful exploration into the world of embroidery, offering readers a whimsical field guide to creating their own embroidered flowers. Spanning a full growing season from spring to autumn, the book presents sixty-three flower varieties with clear, step-by-step instructions, making it accessible to embroiderers of all skill levels. The author, an expert in the field of embroidery, brings a unique perspective to the craft by incorporating elements of Japanese mending techniques, emphasizing the beauty and significance of repair as an art form in itself. This approach not only celebrates the aesthetic of visible mending but also resonates with the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life. Through this book, readers will not only learn to create beautiful botanical motifs but also gain an appreciation for the art of mending, making it a perfect blend of craft and philosophy.
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On Amazon
Title: Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns
Author: Hitomi Shida
Inspiration: This book inspires people to embroider by offering a whimsical field guide with examples of a wonderful variety embroidered flowers.
Why Our Pick:
This book is a must-have for any knitter looking to delve into the intricate world of Japanese knitting. Hitomi Shida, a renowned knitting designer, brings her expertise and creativity to the forefront, offering a collection of 260 stunning patterns that range from simple to complex. This book is not just a pattern guide; it's an exploration of the artistry behind Japanese knitting, showcasing Shida's deep appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship. While the book doesn't specifically focus on mending, the precision and care in Shida's patterns echo the broader Japanese ethos of valuing and rejuvenating what we own, a sentiment deeply rooted in practices like sashiko mending. Shida's work encourages knitters to create beautiful, lasting pieces, embodying the spirit of mindfulness and sustainability. Whether you're an experienced knitter or someone looking to challenge themselves with new techniques, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration and beauty."
Author: Hitomi Shida
Inspiration: This book inspires people to embroider by offering a whimsical field guide with examples of a wonderful variety embroidered flowers.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
This book is a must-have for any knitter looking to delve into the intricate world of Japanese knitting. Hitomi Shida, a renowned knitting designer, brings her expertise and creativity to the forefront, offering a collection of 260 stunning patterns that range from simple to complex. This book is not just a pattern guide; it's an exploration of the artistry behind Japanese knitting, showcasing Shida's deep appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship. While the book doesn't specifically focus on mending, the precision and care in Shida's patterns echo the broader Japanese ethos of valuing and rejuvenating what we own, a sentiment deeply rooted in practices like sashiko mending. Shida's work encourages knitters to create beautiful, lasting pieces, embodying the spirit of mindfulness and sustainability. Whether you're an experienced knitter or someone looking to challenge themselves with new techniques, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration and beauty."
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On Amazon
Title: Matsuri!: Japanese Festival Arts (Garments)
Author: Gloria Gonick (Editor)
Inspiration: This book Japanese exposes the reader to matsuri garments by highlighting the unique aesthetics and special significance of the textiles worn during Japan's holy days, offering a deep dive into the vibrant world of festival arts.
Why Our Pick:
This fascinating book dives into the vibrant world of Japan's festival culture, showcasing the unique textiles that come alive during these sacred celebrations. Authored by Gloria Gonick, a scholar with a deep appreciation for cultural textiles, this book offers readers a window into the aesthetic beauty and significance of festival garments and decorations. Gonick's expertise and passion for Japanese arts shine through each page, making this not just a book, but a journey through Japan's rich festival traditions. With stunning photographs and insightful commentary, Gonick captures the essence of Matsuri, bringing the reader closer to understanding the cultural depth and artistic intricacy of these events. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a cultural scholar, or simply curious about Japanese festivals, this book is a captivating exploration of a world where textiles tell stories of celebration, tradition, and community.
Author: Gloria Gonick (Editor)
Inspiration: This book Japanese exposes the reader to matsuri garments by highlighting the unique aesthetics and special significance of the textiles worn during Japan's holy days, offering a deep dive into the vibrant world of festival arts.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
This fascinating book dives into the vibrant world of Japan's festival culture, showcasing the unique textiles that come alive during these sacred celebrations. Authored by Gloria Gonick, a scholar with a deep appreciation for cultural textiles, this book offers readers a window into the aesthetic beauty and significance of festival garments and decorations. Gonick's expertise and passion for Japanese arts shine through each page, making this not just a book, but a journey through Japan's rich festival traditions. With stunning photographs and insightful commentary, Gonick captures the essence of Matsuri, bringing the reader closer to understanding the cultural depth and artistic intricacy of these events. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a cultural scholar, or simply curious about Japanese festivals, this book is a captivating exploration of a world where textiles tell stories of celebration, tradition, and community.
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On Amazon
Title: Weaving Japanese Sakiori: A Modern Guide for Rag
Weaving
Author: Amanda Robinette
Inspiration: Overall, this guide to Japanese sakiori weaving stands out for its engaging tone and practical advice, making this special weaving technique accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience.
Why Our Pick:
This instruction book on Japanese Sakiori weaving is a thorough and captivating resource for enthusiasts of the traditional Japanese craft of weaving with rags or cloth scraps. It's structured in a way that welcomes beginners and enriches seasoned weavers alike. The guide starts with the historical roots of sakiori in Japan, offering readers a deep appreciation for its cultural importance. It then moves into the hands-on aspects, with clear instructions on various weaving techniques and patterns, supported by vivid illustrations and photos to aid understanding. A highlight of the guide is its focus on sustainability, advocating for the recycling of textiles into beautiful and functional items. This eco-friendly message is likely to inspire readers to view their textile waste differently. Additionally, it addresses common weaving challenges and offers advice on adapting sakiori methods for Western looms, broadening its appeal.
Author: Amanda Robinette
Inspiration: Overall, this guide to Japanese sakiori weaving stands out for its engaging tone and practical advice, making this special weaving technique accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience.
Why Our Pick:
★
★
★
★
★
This instruction book on Japanese Sakiori weaving is a thorough and captivating resource for enthusiasts of the traditional Japanese craft of weaving with rags or cloth scraps. It's structured in a way that welcomes beginners and enriches seasoned weavers alike. The guide starts with the historical roots of sakiori in Japan, offering readers a deep appreciation for its cultural importance. It then moves into the hands-on aspects, with clear instructions on various weaving techniques and patterns, supported by vivid illustrations and photos to aid understanding. A highlight of the guide is its focus on sustainability, advocating for the recycling of textiles into beautiful and functional items. This eco-friendly message is likely to inspire readers to view their textile waste differently. Additionally, it addresses common weaving challenges and offers advice on adapting sakiori methods for Western looms, broadening its appeal.
