OK.  I've tried to write this post intro several times and it's coming out all wrong.  Everything I write sounds over the top and a little maniacal.  

So let's just start with the facts.

Mimi found this Japanese craft book (or maybe it's a magazine?) from 1966.  She gave it to Diane when she was in Portland.  Mimi told Diane that she thought that either Diane or I would really love it.  Diane sent it to me.  I've never met either of them in real life.

Unbelievable, isn't it?  See why I have trouble talking about it without sounding like my head is exploding with happiness, or gushing about how great I think Mimi and Diane are, or generally being über cheerful in the worst possible way?

Well, let's get to it.   There's so much to talk about that I'm going to split it up into several posts this week.

It was very difficult to pick what to take pictures of because the whole damn thing is wonderful.  Every page, every photo, every diagram.  Wonderful.  

I have about 20 bookmarks in it right now for projects I want to try out.  Above is the front and back cover.  Isn't that ad a hoot?!  What in the world is she doing with that yarn?  Where in the world is it going? Is the photographer on a ladder?  Really, what is up with that?

Those of you with Eagle eyes will see the rooster Ondori logo in the top right corner of the cover.  They've been rockin' the craft world for decades!

You are going to notice that they hadn't quite nailed the beautiful aesthetic that many Japanese craft books have now, although it does have it's own charm.  The wonderful thing is that they *did* already have the incredibly easy to understand instructions down pat.  I could make every project in this magazine because the diagrams are so clear.

When projects are made of motifs (like a granny square) they show you how to make every permutation of the motif if they get altered to fit around an armhole or neck hole.  See the A, B, and C versions of the motif above?

They also have detailed instructions for joining motifs and finishing each of the projects.  Many craft books simply say "join side seams" which always irks me.

This diagram is the exception.  I don't even have a clue where that web of chains even starts, let alone what path you're supposed to follow.  It makes me laugh every time I see it.

View all of the posts about this vintage Japanese craft book (once they are all posted).  And, before you even ask, this publication is covered by copyright law, so I can't send you any of the patterns in it.