I've been fantasizing about owning this book since I first saw it in April. I can't believe how patient I've been! It's the sister-book to the
crochet pattern book Alex sent me. And now that I see it again (and it's mine-all-mine) it's even more beautiful than I remember. I ordered it from
Saucylouise on Etsy.
There is something magical about Japanese craft books.* It's more than the photos, the graphic design, the color styling, the patterns, or the choice of projects. Whenever I open these crochet pattern books, I feel like I'm seeing crochet for the first time ... with wonder and curiosity. A gentle wave of inspiration washes over me as I slowly page through all the colors and shapes. I know I'm not the only person that feels this way. People are nut-ball crazy for
Japanese craft books.
The book is full of motifs and edgings. The color mixes are awesome. Just look at that mint / red / orange mix. And the pink / burgundy / light blue combo. Love!
There is also a nice mix of dense, bulky motifs and airy, lacy motifs. Some are tiny, some are huge. There's just about anything you could ever want in the way of crocheted motifs and edgings in here.
They give you a big photo of the motif alone and a detailed photo of four motifs joined. There are also charts for a single motif and charts for the four joined motifs. Included throughout the book are close-up detailed illustrations of finishing techniques for individual motifs and ways to join motifs. How can I not love a book that shows you *exactly* how to weave-in and secure your ends?!
Answer: I can't not love it. I just can't not. :)
* Not all Japanese craft books rock, but of all the craft books that I found that are breath-takingly beautiful, powerfully inspirational, and usefully detailed, the majority seem to be Japanese. I love American Craft books (I really do!), but they just don't measure up to their Japanese counterparts ... yet.