Kinokuniya and japanese craft books

I love Kinokuniya and I love japanese craft books. My collection is ‘healthy’ but I must admit I’ve had almost a year off buying books from the store. Trying to get some time to myself in Kinokuniya is almost impossible these days. Just getting to the city is an achievment in itself. But an hour in there on the weekend was just the inspiration I needed. For the uninitiated, Kinokuniya is a big japanese book store in the city. Most of the store is devoted to english books but as you walk through the store you’ll find  the japanese books, magazines and some chinese magazines and books too. I’ve been to their stores in Singapore and also Tokyo. Yes I am a fan.

For me it’s all about the japanese craft books. I could live in the japanese craft book section of that store. It’s like heaven for a crafter. And their overall craft book section is huge and has just about every craft book that is out on the market that you won’t find at other stores.

And I thought it would be fun to show you my purchases. This will keep me going for a good year and there is so much inspiration to get me at the sewing machine. First up two quilting books. The first one (ISBN978-4-529-04903-0) has 36 quilt blocks and very easy photos, numbers and diagrams to help you put them all together. This book came in at $23.88

I love the fabrics and styling and because I’m quite a visual person and like to follow pictures and diagrams rather than the words so they really work for me. No, I don’t speak japanese. I actually get a bit cranky when I follow a pattern and the words just aren’t making sense and there is no clear diagram or picture of the step. I often wing it. But a picture, I get a picture. I can see what they are trying to do. And it gets easier the more books you’ve used.

the book also includes a couple of cute projects to put those blocks to use.

And because I’m in a quilting mood at the moment I picked up another book that took my fancy (ISBN978-4-391-62952-1). I just loved the reproduction prints and the gorgeous combinations of print and little dots.

I adore this quilt. Oh it’s perfect.

again there are lots of pictures and diagrams to follow. You just follow the numbers and steps and you’re on your way.

I love to grab a pile of my craft books and just sit and flick through them. Getting some ideas, a good dose of inspiration and ways to use up the fabric stash. Don’t be afraid to give the books a go. If you don’t live near Kinokuniya then try etsy, ebay and yes asia (the trick is to go japanese books, lifestyle, home arts to find the craft books).

If you’ve got a question just ask and if you’ve got a favourite place to buy yours or a favourite book then do tell. I must share more of my books online. I just love the little library I have going on here. I’ll be back tomorrow with a giveaway of a copy of the latest issue of Cotton Time my favourite japanese craft magazine.