Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan [Paperback]

Kumiko Sudo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2007

Patterns for 20 handcrafted projects, each an exquisite accessory and a tiny work of art, are provided in this step-by-step guide. The centerpiece of the handbook is a range of stunning fabric jewelry—necklaces, bracelets, and earrings—crafted from silks or cottons complemented by a colorful decorative cord that is woven or knotted into unique designs, called kumihimo. Instructions are provided for several unusual craft techniques including Japanese knotwork, Delica beading, and fabric origami, each with color drawings and step-by-step directions. Projects are accompanied by color photographs evocative of contemporary Japanese style, and every chapter opens with a wonderful original watercolor by the author, as well as text providing reflections on Japanese life and art.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kumiko Sudo's fingers make fabric magic."  —McCall's Quilting

About the Author

Kumiko Sudo is an internationally acclaimed quilt and fiber artist whose work is featured in the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City. She is the author of East Quilts West, Fabled Flowers, Flower Origami, Folded Flowers, and Omiyage. She lives in Eugene, Oregon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Breckling Press (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933308141
• ISBN-13: 978-1933308142
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #684,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Sweet Little Treats" for your imagination to nibble upon!!, October 31, 2007

By 

S. L. Smith "SansSerif" (Back Home Again, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan (Paperback)

I have been waiting months and months for this to become available, and I am not sure any book could be worth such a lengthy wait. However, I am a fan of Kumiko Sudo's, and she could write a book on canned peas and I would happily buy it!!

As with her previous publications, this is a beautiful publication, with photos that motivate you to make the projects just so that you can hold these ethereal treasures in your earthly hands.

The title refers to small hand-crafted Japanese candies ("sweet little things"), and Kumiko includes several text inserts relating how she was inspired to create the 20 projects for this book. She gets her inspiration from all things in nature, and it is lovely to see how edible treats have led her to this book.

Included in the projects are several handbags, fabric "drums" which can become paperweights or pin cushions, a cell-phone case, a few necklaces, a tiny cache to hold a lipstick, a belt, a gorgeous butterfly pin (this will be my first project!!), a handball (much like temari, but different), and adornments such as hair ties and fabric baubles to embellish other objects.

What is new here is the addition of Japanese braiding, used primarily for purse handles and necklaces. The results are obtainable and really unique. If you do any beading, you will be inspired to add a bit of this weaving to your other projects. And if you ever did gimp or macrame as a kid at summer camp, you will find Wagashi offers a much more grown-up application of these methods.

I think this publication is an improvement over her prior books in that there seem to be more detailed instructions, with more illustrative diagrams. However, some of the projects are a bit flat and primitive, and don't always fire my imagination very much. For instance, the cell phone cozy, the pin cushion, and a couple of the purses look, well, rather dorky and handmade. I understand that the whole idea behind Kumiko's artistry is exactly to BE handmade, but some of these projects are more elemental and plain than I have seen in any of her books.

For me, this book (FINALLY!!) arrived at a time when I have been creating my own purse handles and exploring knotting in jewelry. I am thrilled to add this to my collection and am pleased to see how expertly and imaginatively Kumiko Sudo applies braiding to her art.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful but..., March 10, 2008

By 

Calico Hat (Round Rock, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan (Paperback)

This book is filled with beautiful projects and lively fabric combinations that are inspriational. I've had this book a little over a week and have been busy making a number of projects. I have made three flowers so far and none of them look like the ones shown on the cover. I used a different fabric for each one and I'm still not sure why her's looks so much better than mine. Perhaps a discription of suitable fabrics would be useful(I've learned what doesn't work). I'm making the Protea purse and I'm pleased with the way it is turning out but it is very labor intensive as it is all hand stiched. If you enjoy working on small intricate pieces, are able to improvise and do not get too frustrated when things don't turn out; this book could be a joy to you.

46 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wagashi, January 19, 2008

By 

Dorit Kasper - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan (Paperback)

"Wagashi" by Kumiko Sudo is yet another beautifully made book to inspire the wanna-be crafts person buying it. But if you are really into textile arts and crafts, my advise is, don't buy it!
The photographs may be tempting, the layout sensational, but try the projects and your frustration may be just as big as your first impression of the book.
For example: Sew a little purse, just to find, not even a kid could stick its hand into the opening! (You'll need long handled pliers to retrieve your goods.)
Sad enough, Kumiko Sudo's folding, embellishment, and braiding techniques stay within a rather simple beginners stage, so if you have any experience with these, don't expect anything new.
Also: Be prepared this book really means "handmade". That is, "sewn by hand". So if you have endless iddle time commuting, or sitting in a rocking chair, looking out of the window, you may enjoy Kumiko Sudo's sewing ideas. I wonder though, if the invention of the sewing machine has passed the author?
Last but worst: Instructions on each piece will take you criss-crossing throughout the book. You will be holding your fabric in your left, your threaded needle in your right and try to turn to the page with the instructions with your third hand. To me, this is the final indicator of a book made to enjoy looking at, but it doesn't belong in the "instructional" arts & crafts category.