crafting japanese-a

I have found myself so intrigued by japanese crafting - so many charming softies and unique ideas. I have had an ongoing adventure - in search of - a specific book and wanted to share all of the things I found on my journey.

I totally blame blogland for this fascination- Molly Chicken has so many darling projects with a link for all of her japanese specific craft books. Then there is a whole site dedicated to Crafting Japanese. You can find a libray of book s plus the ISBN numbers to search for them - which is especially handy since I cannot read a single title. Superbuzzy has many gifts, fabric and books related to japanese crafting - it's fun just to take a peek. buzzville is a blog related to the shop - there is another great collections of ISBN's here.

I have seen charming little bits all over the net and until I found blogland, did not realize the japanese influence. I was looking at Three Pink Trees, she was having a de-stash of her books and I saw this one...

Cozy Handbags and Pouches

Of course, she had sold hers and the book was out of print and totally unavailable. I tried to order it used from Amazon Japan but no one would ship to the US. Then I found Kinokuniya. This is a book store that I believe is found primarily along the West Coast in the US - I read about people getting the book from here in the past so I sat down and e-mailed every store and several had it. A clerk, Meg, from the Cosa Mesa store was so sweet. They had the book and now, I have it. Who says persistance does not pay? Now, I know I will probably sit on this book awhile...I just want to make this cute little bird purse - all of the hoopla for a bird pouch - I have been so excited by the zippered wristlets I have made, I want to try a bird. The power of the zipper.



Another cute blog with japanese influence is wee wonderfuls, Hillary Lang makes the most darling softie dolls, patterns and "stitchettes". Her blog and projects have such a sweet vintage feel.

Etsy is also loaded with nifty things - these two stores carry many japanese crafts books: Saucylouise and chocolateswirl. I contacted both of these sellers as well, and they did try to find it for me - they were both very kind. I have bought heart and flower yo-yo makers from Saucylousie - very cool and I think you can get them domestically now too. Round yo-yo's? fuggetaboutit. And this seller has created some knit and crochet Amigurumi critters patterns. sweet. She even has a collection that will be published by Leisure Arts soon.

One last sidenote unrelated to my search...

aren't these too cute. Susie linked to the NY Times article on her blog and I just had to giggle - so wanted to pass it on to anyone who missed out. Can you think of anything more silly? I'd love to hear! Being totally serious - aren't they so impractical you just want one? I think it's the crisp cotton that is hypnotizing me, I'm intoxicated by the impracticality. too cute not to share. Thanks Susie!