Customer Reviews

Making Kimono & Japanese Clothes

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

This is a book of wonderful ideas and creative information! It would be suitable for some one who sews and quilts just a bit or one, like me who has been sewing and quilting for years! I recommend it highly! If you'd like a source of antique kimono and fabrics here is my favorite place: [...] the owners are sweet, kind and helpful and they also have a an interesting and informative e-newsletter! and they are in Japan!

Easy to understand... mostly. The writing could use some clarity. In an early section, the author explains the use of body measurements as a basis for generating patterns. However, in the later sections on using those measurements for a specific type of clothing, it's not always clear which measurements are employed. It's not indecipherable, just bulky. Also, it would have been nice to have had a hakama section.

This book has it all! In addition to instruction it provides historical information that helps the reader understand the finer details of kimono construction and how to keep garments closer, than not, to an Asian-influenced design.

although the book is written in english, it is hard to understand the instructions. I wish it had more photos just like typical japanese craft books. I bought it a couple of years ago and completely forgot about it until i saw it today on my amazon "review" list

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.