Japanese Book Review: Motifs of Crocheting

Motifs of Crocheting
www.boutique-sha.co.jp
ISBN 4-8347-2331-3
Barcode 1: 9784834723311
Barcode 2: 1929476009432
Printed in Japan

I went to Hakubundo on a lunch break and came back with this book.  One of my co-workers asked if I could read Japanese, and when I said I couldn’t, she asked me why I’d purchased a Japanese book and then spent the next few minutes probably wishing she hadn’t said anything as I extolled the layout, the use of symbolcraft, and the Japanese symbolcraft standards.  My illiteracy does limit my use of the book in a couple of respects (I had to get someone else to translate the title for me, for starters), but the hurdles are easily overcome.

The sections are organized by motif shape (circle, square, hexagon, triangle, and floral), with an illustrated tutorial at the beginning of each section which presumably gives tips and explanations (the illustrations are easy to follow; the text accompanying it is, due to my Latinate-centric education, impossible for me to follow).  Each motif is shown in four variations using different yarn textures and colors, from fuzzy mohair to shiny ribbon to smooth cottons and wools, although the yarns used vary from motif to motif (not every motif will be shown in different yarns; some are shown only in different colors).  Every pattern is given in symbolcraft, with the sort of added detail that delights me: each row or round of the pattern is in a different color and clearly numbered.  Swoon!  The sections begin with photos showing projects made using motifs, including handbags, scarves, and shawls, with instructions for the projects given at the end of the book (between the photos and the illustrations, even the Japanese illiterate can manage them).  The projects are generally simple and rather conservative, although yarn and color choices could make a big difference - for example, there's a fringed mesh shawl on page 23 which could be appropriate for my former art school girl of doom self, or for my practical mother who would want something warm that goes with most of her wardrobe (more on this here).  There are no people in the photos, just the items, sometimes shown on a wooden mannequin.  I like this - it's easier for me to not delude myself into thinking that a hat strongly resembling a crumpled brown paper sack will look just as cute on me as it does on the kawaiiiiiiii model (please note that no such hat is in this particular book).

Additionally, the book includes a section with step-by-step illustrations explaining each symbol used, removing any confusion that would arise with text-based patterns (such as the US single crochet vs. the UK single crochet), and illustrated instructions for joining motifs. 

The book is about the size of a standard magazine, so it fits neatly into my messenger bag.  I'll probably take this to a print shop to have the spine replaced with a spiral binding.  $17.35 at Hakubundo.

For more on Japanese craft books and links with information on the symbols used, etc., please check out my earlier post on Japanese Craft Books.

Comments

[Dawn]

I bought two japanese books recently and get the same response....how do you cope! But it is so easy, and they are so great! The only thing I have a little problem is with the knitting, because you are use to being told how many stitches to cast on etc....so I've not tried them yet....but I love the embroidery and the other craft book I bought...think the one you show here is going on my wish list!!! (PS found your blog on 52 projects.)

[Dawn]

PS...could you post the ISBN???? That way I can find it on amazon.jp easier.....Thanks!

[wendi]

Another excellent review. I'm into making things with crocheted motifs so will consider looking up this book. Thanks!

[Donna]

I too bought a Japanese crochet book, which, in English, is called right on its cover "My Favorite Doll Book". There are other bits in English, but not much. Anyhow, I know I could make the items if I knew symbolcraft. I have searched online and found some. Might you have a link to a site with extensive symbols in symbolcraft? I'm assuming also these are International (except for English) and usable in Japanese. Thanks, Donna C

[nichan]

my crochet and craft books mostly are in japanese. I love them and i learn quickly because of them especially crochet. Very helpful. They have encouraged me to be creative beyond what i could have thought before...