We translated the cutest Japanese patterns we could find to bring you the appeal of authentic Japanese content with the ease of English instruction. The result is such a treat. With Woolly Embroidery, learn how to add stunning designs to clothes and home accessories using simple crewel, stump work, canvas work, and other embroidery techniques. And it's so easy to pick up. If you can sew a button, you can embroider—it doesn't involve any complicated patterns or grids, just forgivingly freeform stitching. All you need is a needle and some wool thread. Helpful illustrations explain more than 30 decorative stitches so you can follow the instructions and color guides exactly or improvise your own motifs. With dozens of photographs to inspire, you'll want to embellish everything in your world-handbags, couch cushions, a sewing kit case, and so much more.

Kyuuto! = Cute! Savvy crafters know that today's hippest designs hail from Japan. But it's near to impossible to find translated patterns. Or at least it used to be. With Amigurumi, we're proud to present the one of the first two books in our brand new Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts line. Amigurumi features small knit and crocheted creatures so cute you could cry. This book enjoyed huge success on its home shores. The pages burst with quirky color photographs, step-by-step directions, and helpful technical illustrations. At last, the appeal of authentic Japanese content with the ease of English instruction. Stay tuned for more in coming seasons!

Kyuuto! = Cute! Savvy crafters know that today's hippest designs hail from Japan. But it's near to impossible to find translated patterns. Or at least it used to be. With Lacy Crochet, we're proud to present one of the first two books in our brand new Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts line. Lacy Crochet offers 22 patterns for delicate accessories sweetlyrendered for the home and wardrobe. This book enjoyed huge success on its home shores. The pages burst with quirky color photographs, step-by-step directions, and helpful technical illustrations. At last, the appeal of authentic Japanese contentwith the ease of English instruction. Stay tuned for more in coming seasons!

Say hello to your new best pals. These felted friends hail from Japanhomeland of all things cute. Inside this book, you'll find over 25 translated patterns that combine the appeal of authentic Japanese content with the ease of English instruction. Cheerful photographs, step-by-step directions, and helpful how-to illustrations make it easy to whip up both water- and needle-felted projects. There's no knitting involved; simply treat raw wool fibers with either a felting needle or water and detergent to create these little creatures. Cute and cuddly, they're also useful! An elephant cozy warms a teakettle; a whimsical bird mobile adorns a nursery; wee mouse pincushions hold your needles; while piglets, giraffes, zebras, or sheep carry all your gear in handy totes and pouches. Practice with these projects and then adapt the techniques to design your own personal stable of felted friends.

Embrace a simpler approach to stitching with bold one- and two-color embroidery motifs Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia. The task of picking just the right palette for an embroidery project can be overwhelming to beginners and experienced stitchers alike. But when you take away that challenge, a whole world of texture and style becomes available. Here Japanese designer Yumiko Higuchi presents embroidery motifs to be stitched using just one or two colors—creating patterns and designs that are more evocative for their form than for a play of colors. Each embroidery design is paired with a simple craft project, transforming the stitched fabric into a functional object, including pouches, pillows, aprons, and more. With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, Zakka Embroidery will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a delightful experience for those experienced with needle and thread.

Stitch simple and striking embroidery designs with wool, cotton, pearl cotton, and metallic threads. Japanese artist Yumiko Higuchi is celebrated for her embroidery designs with a Scandinavian flair. The motifs and patterns she offers here are true to her trademark zakka style: simple and graphic yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that feels modern and nostalgic all at once. In Embroidered Botanicals, Higuchi offers 39 embroidery projects highlighting the distinctive quality of different threads. With motifs created specifically for different types of thread-wool, cotton, pearl cotton, and metallic-makers will become better versed in the materials available to them. With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, this book will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a fresh and unique offering for those experienced with needle and thread.

According to tradition, students of Japanese embroidery must watch a master at work and 'steal the knowledge'. Here, Julia shares her passion for this exquisite craft, revealing her in-depth knowledge of the skills and symbolism involved. Detailed instructions reveal the intricacies of working with silk thread and silk fabric, and clear step-by-step photographs show how to create beautiful embroideries inspired by the four seasons. Previously published as Beginner's Guide to Japanese Embroidery by Julia D. Gray, ISBN: 978 0 85532 857 3