Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo [Spiral-bound]

Jacqui Carey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2009

The traditional Japanese craft of Kumihimo is clearly explained in this hands-on resource that is suitable for beginners but also offers enough complexity for seasoned braiders. Kumihimo braids are made of silk threads and were originally used as ties, cording, and belts for clothing and closures for Samurai warriors. Detailed step-by-step photographs present six projects to make a variety of braids, and tips on equipment and advice for developing the projects are included. By using a variety of patterns, colors, and textures, more than 70 other braids can be used to make a range of stunning necklaces, bracelets, cords, and other fashion accessories.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"First published as Beginner's Guide to Braiding—The Craft of Kumihimo back in 1997, here is a brand new reprint with a user-friendly spiral spine so the book opens flat."  —MyShelf.com

"This book will give you an excellent introduction and allow you to explore further with confidence."  —Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers

"The clear step by step photographs were easy to follow and descriptions of equipment needed was straightforward, with homemade variations available for those who may wish to experiment without the necessity of buying traditional equipment."  —West Country Embroiderer's

About the Author

Jacqui Carey is the author of Beginner's Guide to Braiding and The Braider's Bible.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 96 pages
• Publisher: Search Press; Spi edition (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844484262
• ISBN-13: 978-1844484263
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars If you own the "Beginner's guide to Braiding, The Craft of Kumihimo" 1997, then skip this one....., April 8, 2009

By 

K. Jennings (Central Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo (Spiral-bound)

Unless you absolutely NEED a spiral bound copy of the book, don't bother. It's an almost exact copy (some images are moved about for space on the pages and the numbers don't EXACTLY correspond ie-pg. 30 is not the same in both books) of the "Beginner's guide to Braiding, The Craft of Kumihimo" Beginner's Guide to Braiding: The craft of Kumihimo published in 1997 in Britain and later in the US.

The reviews listed below the book now, were NOT there when this book became available for preorder (I placed my preorder in January 2009). Had they been, I could have surmised that this book was a reprint of a 1997 edition based on the ages of the reviews.. I really dislike the fact that the book has been retitled, giving no indication of its previous title, nor any reference to the other ISBN.

When I placed my preorder on this book, Ms. Carey had NO information about this incarnation of this edition, no mention that this was a reprinted/rebound copy of an earlier book, on her website. I -love- her books, they're outstanding, but how many copies of one book do I REALLY require on my shelf or on my workbench? In addition, Amazon did not have any further information indicating it was a reprint either.

Ms. Carey has done this with another book as well "200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop or Weave" (published in the US in 2007, Interweave Press 200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave) and "The Braider's Bible" (published in Britain in 2007, Search Press Ltd.The Braider's Bible).

Not at all fun to realize that the book you purchased, believing it was a UK-Only edition, is actually a copy of what you already had on the shelf. And because it came from the UK, I cannot easily return it (I'd end up spending enough to purchase the book between the original shipping and return shipping).

While I understand that Amazon may not know that these are the exact same books, I do expect the publisher and ESPECIALLY the author, to note that they are exact copies of each book, just rebound with a DIFFERENT TITLE, ISBN and different cover.

The book is beautiful, and if you find that you need a spiral copy of "Beginner's guide to Braiding, The Craft of Kumihimo" 1997, great! At least go into this and spend your money on something knowing what it was originally packaged as. It gets a 1-star for lack of disclosure and reference to a prior edition.

PLEASE NOTE: I rated the spiral bound edition of Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo, but because they've now linked BOTH titles, it shows up as a bad review of the Beginner's Guide to Braiding: The craft of Kumihimo, which was absolutely NOT my intent. My review ONLY concerns the spiral-bound, newly retitled and newly re-released copy of Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kumihimo Texts, February 6, 2010

By 

Gary W. Ammerman "Teacher Man" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo (Spiral-bound)

This book is a very good example of the various methods of working with kumihimo, the Japanese form of braiding. The procedures are well explained with excellent photos to accompany the explanations.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kumihimo, August 7, 2009

By 

N. Witham "weaver1" (Sanbornton, NH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo (Spiral-bound)

Excellent book. Good, basic instructions, easy to follow. The best part is the spiral bound and small size. Makes it easier to deal with while using a marudi.