Product Description

This is a practical and inspirational book for dressmakers, quilters and embroiderers who have long coveted the style of Japanese clothes, in particular the kimono. Expert dressmaker and quilter Jenni Dobson takes you through the techniques for making Japanese clothes with simple step-by-step processes, but goes further, covering details on Japanese design and the various techniques for embellishing Japanese clothes. Colourfully illustrated with images of finished garments as well as practical diagrams and patterns for dressmaking, the author has deliberately made all the garments accessible even for those with limited experience of dressmaking, but there are plenty of ideas to inspire those more accomplished readers.It is a practical and inspirational book for dressmakers, quilters and embroiderers. It includes step-by-step processes, as well as practical diagrams and patterns. It is colourfully illustrated throughout with finished garments. It is suitable for novices, as well as more experienced readers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #106253 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
"Beautifully illustrated throughout, it contains a brief history of Japanese dress along with a guide to Japanese design. This is an ideal book for those who love the timeless appeal of these beautiful garments." --Sewing World

About the Author
Jenni Dobson is a quilter, teacher and writer. She teaches a number of workshops on both quilting and kimono-making. She is the author of several books on quilting, including Reader's Digest Patchwork, Quilting and Applique. She also writes articles for several magazines and wrote the pamphlet Sewing a Kimono for Euro Japan Links Ltd (suppliers of Japanese materials). She lives in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Customer Reviews

Timeless Japanese style
I have long loved Japanese clothes and the elegant Kimono. This book is a practical sourcebook explaining the difference in style and technique of making various Japanese clothes, that you could be forgiven for putting under one umbrella and thinking they were all 'kimono'. This guide includes examples, patterns that need to be enlarged and step-by-step instructions for piecing together garments to create a timeless, elegant way of dressing.
General sewing advice and a short history of the kimono and the symbolism of Japanese design offer a background that complements the patterns. Learn how to make kimono, mompe, waistcoats, hippari, jimbei, hanten, haori, mock obi and a child's chan-chanko. Patterns are included for women, men and children of all sizes. Learn how to embellish, quilt or embroider garments. Techniques discussed include Sashiko, shibori, applique and silk painting.
The simple shapes will appeal to beginner dressmakers and experienced alike. Japanese garments and techniques have been interpreted here for the modern dressmaker. The author does not feel that you must use authentic materials, although she does show how to achieve a real Japanese look in embroidery techniques. The basic methods will inspire you to experiment with your own ideas.
Clear diagrams and photographs bring the patterns to life in this 128 page guide. I would, however, have liked to have seen more examples of kimonos, both from the past and contemporary designs. Nevertheless this book gives you patterns and the know-how to go ahead and create Japanese style clothes with flair.

Making Kimono and Japanese Clothes
This is a beautiful book, and I can not wait to make a Kimono or jacket, I just need to decide on which one first!