Book Description
Potential for creating designs in textiles can be seen even in the physical properties of cloth. The simple fact that cloth tightly compressed into wrinkles or folds resists the penetration of dye is an opportunity-an opportunity to let the pliancy of textiles speak in making designs and
patterns.
People around the world have recognized this opportunity, producing resist designs in textiles by shaping and then securing cloth in various ways before dyeing. Yet in no other country has the creative potential of this basic principle been understood and applied as it has in Japan. Here, in fact,
it has been expanded into a whole family of traditional resist techniques, involving first shaping the cloth by plucking, pinching, twisting, stitching, folding, pleating, and wrapping it, and then securing the shapes thus made by binding, looping, knotting, clamping, and the like. This entire
family of techniques is called shibori.
Designs created with shibori processes all share a softness of outline and spontaneity of effect. Spontaneity is shibori's special magic, made possible by exploiting the beauty of the fortuitous things that happen when dye enters shaped cloth.
Usually it is in response to the fact that a craft is being lost that the need for preserving and documenting it arises. The motivation behind this book is no exception, but the authors have gone far beyond simple documentation. Extensive research and experimentation have led to the revival here of
shibori techniques that were once well known but have now been largely forgotten in Japan. In addition to more conventional techniques, the work of contemporary fiber artists in Japan and abroad in shibori textile art and wearable art is presented, to suggest the extent of the creative innovation
possible.
The 104 color and 298 black-and-white plates include a photographic Gallery of Shibori Examples, based on Japan's largest collection of traditional shibori fabrics. Included also are a detailed guide to basic natural dyes used in Japan, the making and care of an indigo vat, and a list of suppliers
in North America, as well as a glossary and bibliography. Now available in paperback, this full documentation of one of the world's most inventive and exciting dyeing techniques continues as a classic in the textile field.
Customer Reviews:
The Ultimate in shibori instruction and history.......2007-05-14
I knew this was "THE" book to have for shibori technique instructions. However, the very pleasant surprise was all the history of shibori! It would be fascinating even if I wasn't intending to learn the technique. The instructions are very clearly presented. I have already tried a couple of the techniques with very good results and I'm only a beginner!
A must have.......2007-05-13
This is an essential tool and starting point for any shibori artist. Exhaustive history and diagrams and examples. I used this book in my fierarts classes and recently purchased it for home studio use.
Great Overview of a Somewhat Obscure Textile Art.......2007-03-06
Shibori is a wonderful craft and this book gives an excellent history of it. Many wonderful historical and contemporary examples are shown. Techniques are given as well, and are for the most part usable. If you do shibori work, this book is essential for your library.
One of the best Shibori books written.......2006-08-08
Being a member of the Seattle Weavers' Guild, I've been lucky enough to have friends teach Shibori and other resist dyeing in our group. This book is terrific and details the 'how to' very well. I'm very pleased to have this book in my library and I have to say the price was excellent.
A "must have" resource book.......2006-07-10
This is an invaluable resource for any textile arts student. Or any shibori enthusiast. Detailed illustrations and exceptional photos help define and identify ancient techniques and MAY encourage elbow-deep participation among the adventurous. Gambatte!
Book Description
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 yosegire (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.
Customer Reviews:
One of the Best Books.......2007-09-13
Susan Briscoe's Japanese Quilt Blocks book must be one of the top ten quilt design books ever. I had been searching for a long time for a way to make simple elegant 9-inch patches that are not the same old traditional American items.
Briscoe's book has so inspired me on to creating little 9-inch patches that I simply cannot wait to sit at my work table each day to play with further fabric combinations and designs. The extraordinary way she has combined her patches into quilts give me great pleasure and encourage me to do the same. The directions and color photos in the book are excellent. And the rating of each of the 122 designs by difficulty helps, too.
I treasure this book.
Also, it is the first quilting book I have felt inspired to buy in 20 years!
Awesome Book........2007-08-04
This book will get your imaginative juices running. A very detailed book and so easy to design from.Great colour images and templates to use.
A must for any quilter who wants to explore their own skills.
Great Book ! Well Organized & Beautifully Presented.......2007-07-10
I just received this book and I'm really impressed with it! The blocks are beautiful and well presented. Some of the piecing procedures can be done a little easier than is shown, but basically this book is a real find! I love Japanese motifs and have done a bit of sashiko so this book is a real inspriation for me!
Gorgeous book.......2007-05-25
Susan Briscoe has produced a gorgeous book, full of unique designs and patterns. Many of the patterns are simple; others, especially the appliques, a complex. The photos are beautiful and show how Japanese fabrics can be utilized in striking ways. In addition, Briscoe offers plenty of tips on color, block construction, design, piecing, sashiko stitching, etc. If you have any Japanese fabrics in your stash (or even if you don't), you'll enjoy this book.
Japanese blocks to make are..........2007-04-11
The book,Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match, is beautifull illustrated.The instructions are clear and instructive. The applique patterns are truely unique, ranging from easy to more advanced.There are also pieced patterns and Sashiko patterns.The book gives instruction in Sashiko.I rated this book 4 stars. It lost a point because all of the applique patterns have to be enlarged 200%. Since my preference leans toward applique ,I find it frustration to have to wait untill I can get to Staples to have the patterns enlarged. That aside,this hard covered,color- illustrated book is a must if you have or want to have a keen interest in quilting Japanese blocks.
Book Description
This unique design treasury, consisting of lavish full-color pictures of a vibrant array of kimonos, is reproduced directly from two rare and costly original portfolios. Devotees of fashion, art, and Asian culture will appreciate this beautiful book and its tribute to the elegance and refinement of Japanese art.
Customer Reviews:
Another great pick...........2007-08-26
I looked at many other books on Kimono, some very expensive,beautiful hardcover volumes in fact...(I confess, if I see a book I like in a bookstore, I go directly to Amazon, the prices are so much better...)
I was satisfied with this book, it had enough imagery and variety in it for me,should I wish to design my own Kimono.Its great as an artist's reference book, the price is good too. If you want a book with more historical facts, with meanings of colors and symbols, seasonal kimono styles,etc,there are books out there that are really loaded with all kinds of fascinating info. I wish I could afford one of those, but this one does the job for my purposes.
Book Description
Any dressmaker, quilter, or embroiderer who has ever felt inspired by the elegant design of Japanese clothes will find everything needed to start stitching in this comprehensive and luxurious sourcebook. In addition to colorful photos and illustrations that provide a history of the kimono and other Japanese garments, there are patterns, practical diagrams, and instructions for assembly. Each style receives loving attention, with something for everyone: kimonos for men, women, and children; mompe, the traditional trousers worn by both sexes; the short versions of kimono known as hippari and jimbei; and waistcoats, including a child's chan-chanko. The information on decorative stitching, adding motifs, dying the fabric, silk painting, and the Japanese sense of aesthetics provide invaluable guidance in constructing the final piece.
Customer Reviews:
Kimono.......2007-08-02
I always sew lots and I got this book to help me understand kimono more. It helps me much and I am using it lots.
Rather Dissapointing.......2007-07-27
I currently use this book as a way to keep kittens from digging through things. The cover is gorgeous and has several nice images of traditional kimono. It is also useful for a basic jist of patterns. What this book is most useful for is making American Kimona or kimono inspired wear. It does not offer much in the way of history or in the making of traditional formal wear. I would recommend making yukata from this book, but I could not recommend using this book, especially not exclusively to make traditional kosode or furisode. A very useful book for Japanese inspired clothing. I think this book would have been much better billed for what it is and what it is good at, rather than displaying a cover and title giving the impression that it will help you make something that beautiful rather than something earthy and crafty.
Offers little guidance on "Japanese-y" clothing.......2006-12-23
It was too brief, too cursory, with just an overview of colors, motifs, design strategies. It was a helpful how-to for sashiko embroidery decorations, hanten and hippari (the more "folksy" traditional garments in Japan), but not helpful for instructions on how to re-line my haori. The author barely mentions adding a lining in passing, without really going into depth on how to do it, not even a "repeat steps 3-6 with lining fabric and sew on the reverse". And her section on making an "obi" was pathetic (and that's being kind) for something that resembles a heavyweight wrestler's championship belt. It's good for the beginner who is completely unfamiliar with Japanese garments, but you will soon crave more depth after reading it.
Book Description
The lovely images in this rare collection comprise one of the most comprehensive surveys of mid-19th-century Japanese art and ornamentation. Included are graceful details from landscapes, floral motifs, abstracts, illustratons of sea life, and other subjects-ideal for use in a host of art and craft projects. Over 300 figures on 65 plates.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource.......2005-08-12
This is the type of book you want to own if you are involved with design. It's great for those times when you need to create something that relates to this school of design - it is also pure inspiration. Surprisingly for a design book, this comes with a text part that contains a refresher on Japanese design.
Geetesh Bajaj/Indezine.com
Book Description
Nearly 200 serene, stylized images display the Japanese knack for artfully turning design elements into subtle and classically beautiful patterns. Abstracts, florals, insects, geometrics, and other images — in single and repeat patterns — are resplendently reproduced in full color from the finest Japanese textiles. 187 full-color illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Pricing.......2007-02-07
I'm sorry but the price that you pay offered by sellers vs. what you could pay for at a regular book or Amazon.com is selfexplanetory. If you've ever gotten this book from from the Library & seen the price at the lower left-hand corner of the book, it's @ three less(@ [...] in regular stores) than the price [...]that the sellers are offering.
I know that times may be hard, but if you wanna sell something quickly like this, you price the item at either the cost of the book or less. Otherwise, you'll have a tough time selling it at all. I can find it cheaper on ebay or halfpricedbooks than here.
at last.......2000-10-05
After waiting some time for the release of this book I was both presently surprised and at the same time slightly disappointed.I would definately recommend this book to a beginner of braiding as the reading is interesting and the diagrams easy to follow. The only disappointment is that more than half of the braids pictured are for looking at only. No instructions!!!!How frustrating. None of the braids on the front and back covers are included in the instructions. The basic braiding techniques for all are obviously in the book but if I could work out for myself how to achieve them why would I have sent half way round the world for a book???
great.......2000-05-12
this is a very helpful book. I just started kumihimo, and i found this very easy to understand!
Book Description
Paris is renowned as the greatest fashion capital in the world. It has a rigid and tightly controlled system that non-western designers have difficulty penetrating. Yet a number of the most influential Japanese designers have broken into this scene and made a major impact. How? Kawamura shows how French fashion has been both disturbed and strengthened by the addition of "outside" forces such as Kenzo Takada, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo, and Hanae Mori. She considers many other key questions the fashion industry should be asking itself. Does the system facilitate or inhibit creativity? Has it become preoccupied with the commercial projection of "product images" rather than with the clothing itself? And what direction will French fashion take without Saint Laurent, Miyake and Kenzo? This is the first in-depth study of the Japanese revolution in Paris fashion and raises provocative questions for the future of the industry.
Books:
- Shotokan's Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins
- Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories: A Crafter's Guide to Fashioning Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & More
- Six Thinking Hats
- Snow Country: Mountain Homes and Rustic Retreats
- Successful Manager's Handbook: Develop Yourself, Coach Others
- Textile Designs: Two Hundred Years of European and American Patterns Organized by Motif, Style, Color, Layout, and Period
- The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order
- The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
- The Devil Wears Prada: A Novel
- The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Thanks For The Memories ... The Truth Has Set Me Free! The Memoirs of Bob Hope's and Henry Kissinge
- History: Fiction or Science
- God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
- Hardcase
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
- Injection Molding Handbook
- John Paul II For Dummies
- Oxford Illustrated Encyclopedia: Volume 5: The Arts
- Eat Your Genes: How Genetically Modified Food Is Entering Our Diet, Revised and Updated Edition
- The Curious World of Carnivorous Plants: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Biology and Cultivation
Textile & Costume
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Memory on Cloth: Shibori Now
Shibori: Creating Color and Texture on Silk (Crafts Highlights)
The Surface Designer's Handbook: Dyeing, Printing, Painting, and Creating Resists on Fabric
Color by Accident: Low-Water Immersion Dyeing
Shibori: A Beginner's Guide to Creating Color & Texture on Fabric (Diy Network)
