Customer Reviews

Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

"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.

Wagashi is another absolutely delightful work of art from Kumiko! The book is filled with charming and unusual projects crafted in refreshing colors. I am inspired by her love of nature and her stories of childhood to search through my own collections of saved treasures and stash of fabrics to create something sweet and beautiful. Purses, belts, bookmarks, thimbles, pin cushions and jewelry - all distinctive with very good directions. My only problem is which one to choose first!

The items Kumiko Sudo gives you instructions to make in this book are charming, the instructions are easy to follow. My only complaint is that I wish she gave suggestions for materials that would work in these patterns. A lot of my attempts at using bizarre fabric worked - some did not. Sadly that was my error, but a little direction would have been nice.

The gifts to make in this book are so charming. You are sure to find a number of little gifts to make, purses, cell phone cozy, pin cushion books, thimbles, etc. I have made a few of the smaller purses for my niece to use in her make beleive play.

I also enjoy Kumiko Sudo's other books, specifically Kokoro no Te: Handmade Treasures from the Heart in which she gives you instruction in making little pouches or pockets, small purses in the shapes of animals or flowers. Making these crafts is is just a joyful experience. And stretching your imagination at the items it is possible to make with a little fabric just sort of wakes you up.

I'm glad to have chosen "Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan". it has so many step-by-step projects,, I had practice fabric origami before and now, with this book, I'll complete and improve the technic. Very good book, indeed.

So many ideas, not enough time...my, oh, my! Where do we begin? Elegant embellishments for totes, jewelry, accessories on a sweater, dress...even an evening bag.

This book has very pretty projects and wonderful pictures. I actually got the book from the library before I decided to purchase it here.

This is the 8th book by Kumiko sudo and the best.Directions great,and when done its quite like one of Kumiko sudos own. ALMOST. i await more of her books.

Her books are always well presented. Have enjoyed several of them. Very detailed illustrations. Always Great info! Inspiring