I had some spare time before meeting a friend for drinks on Friday night, so I popped into Okadaya in Shinjuku. If you are looking for Japanese craft books, they have a great selection. Another recommendation for craft books is Book 1st in Shibuya. I promise you won't leave empty handed unless you have superforce strength willpower.
I usually avoid Shinjuku as much as possible because the place gives me the biggest headache, but I realized on Friday night that it's super fun to venture out into the BIG, BIG city every now and again because you can see lots of crazy and fun things like this guy who was headbanging along with a few groupies.
Most of the new knitting books came out in September and I have to admit I was a little disappointed - many featured patterns that seemed very similar to last year. Finally I found a few books on Friday night that I wanted. I limited myself to three since I didn't want to carry around anymore. I took some blurry photos this morning while still half asleep - sorry 'bout that. These photos have also convinced me that we really do need a new camera.
The first is a book about felt - it's colourful, inspirational and oh so cute. (click here to view book on Amazon Japan)
Here's a couple of images from the books:
felt brooch
I also bought a small knitting book dedicated to room shoes (aka slippers), which was released by Nihon Vogue last week. It's hot off the presses!! These make great presents for people and also make for quick fun knitting!!
I love the mary jane slippers on the front, and the ones in the photo below. Actually I pretty much like all of the patterns, but most of the photos I took were too blurry....note to self - need new camera!!!!
the rug pattern is also in the book
The last book I bought is from the very cheap Ondori series of Japanese craft books and is about macrame. (click to view book on Amazon Japan) Lately I have been thinking about how my mum used to do macrame when I was little and thought I'd check it out. There are a couple of cute bag patterns in there and the book only cost 280 yen!! They'll look great in some really brightly coloured hemp yarn.
So there are a few more photos from inside the books on my flickr so check 'em out!!!!
That slipper book looks adoreable!
Posted by: jen | October 31, 2006 at 05:49 PM
Thanks for sharing images from those craft books. I am inspired by that felt brooch!
Posted by: Becky | October 31, 2006 at 05:58 PM
Hi Kat,
I love the felt book, i think my mum would love it, but can she read it? are the instructions in japanese?
Posted by: prue | October 31, 2006 at 10:52 PM
ooooh, i want the room shoes book! :) of course.
Posted by: gleek | October 31, 2006 at 11:10 PM
OH.MY.GOODNESS. that slipper book is just to die for. what an awesome book haul!
Posted by: joy | November 01, 2006 at 08:13 AM
oh those knitted mary janes are too cute! thanks for sharing. Love that felt book too.
Posted by: vanessa | November 01, 2006 at 08:59 AM
lovely page. smooty life, colorfull life. :)
Posted by: lina | July 13, 2007 at 01:25 PM