Knit Buddies Japanese Craft Book Library

2009-08-21T16:47:00.001-05:00

flow - fibers journey
by Vanessa Yap Einbund
Published | January 1, 2008
Dimensions | Square 80 pgs
Available on Blurb

2009-05-19T12:02:00.003-05:00

2009-05-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

2009-05-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

2009-05-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

2009-05-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

2009-05-19T10:14:00.000-05:00

2009-04-21T16:02:00.001-05:00

Full Gallery of Books

2009-04-01T16:43:00.000-05:00

Last year a very special book arrived in the mail from a dear friend. V sent me a copy of her very limited run book of photography called Flow. Flow highlights the beauty of both Habu yarns and her amazing photography within the beautiful pages of the cover. It has been setting on my side table of my desk ever sense it arrives. It is one of those books I flip through when I am stuck on a conference call or just need to relax. I doubt that she realizes how much joy her book has brought me over the past year.

Just a couple of weeks ago V, posted on her blog that she was going to make Flow available for purchase at blurb. You can preview the book here.

It really is a must have for the Habu Lovers out there. And on top of that, the proceeds from the book are going to her next secrete project that I truly cannot wait to see.

There have been a couple of reference out there to the book. You may have read about it in the Habu article in Holiday Vogue Knitting 2009. "SPOTLIGHT ON: HABU TEXTILES A fascinating glimpse at a company that specializes in unusual yarns for knitters and weavers." I was so happy for her when the article came out.

flow - fibers journey

Published | January 1, 2008

Dimensions | Square 80 pgs

ColoursKnits

PS... I am also trying to get V to be a guest blogger and talk about her books sometime this week... So Stay tuned!

2009-04-01T16:41:00.000-05:00

flow - fibers journey
by Vanessa Yap Einbund
Published | January 1, 2008
Dimensions | Square 80 pgs
Available on Blurb

I know I alluded to it earlier in the week, but I am very honored to present an interview with the multi-talented Vanessa Yap Einbund from coloursknits and Vanessa Yap Einbund / Photography & Design. I know most of us fell in love with Vanessa's postings about her knitting projects over the years, but her site has evolved too much more than just a knitting site to a blog of beautiful photographic inspiration and design.

And now she is offering to the public her first self-published title : flow - fibers journey.

Hi V, First of all I just want to thank you for stopping by and answering a few questions. It is a rare opportunity to actually get to talk to the photographer about her art. I feel very honored that you agreed to visit the blog for the interview.

Q: Are you a self-taught; photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?

Yes! I am completely self taught, I read all types of articles/books and get all the experience by practicing my shots. I also have had such a wonderful opportunity to make wonderful friends through Flickr and other photography sites. They have been giving me great inspiration and encouragement.

Q:What inspired you the most?

Photographically, what inspires me most is the objects around me... the simple things in life that we don't generally see the beauty in.

Q:Do you rely on lighting (natural, or artificial), or do you rely on dark-room/computer manipulation?

I took most of my photos using natural light. But it's also depends on the situation, sometimes you just can't avoid using studio lighting if the subject or location you're photographing has very poor light source.

Q:Why are a lot of your photos "off center" and have so much empty space in them?

hahah..good question! When I look at a subject, I generally stop and think much about how and what I want to achieve, then I capture it and work on it in the way that feels right to me. The fact that so many photos of mine have an off-center composition isn't something I plan deliberately; it just comes out of what I do by pure feeling... I love the idea of having empty space in my photo...to me it is also a sense freedom and peacefulness I would like to convey through the imagery.

Q:What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?

Everything is beautiful...unattended plants on the sidewalk, little pebbles on the pavement that no one even care to look at, the darkness, everything strange, twigs and leaves...homeless men, crying babies..there are limitless...it's how you see through your lens that's matters.

Q:Before you put your work "out there". Do you have it critiqued by someone else, [o]r do you just go with what your heart tells you is right?

I just go with my heart, pretty much. I have to admit I am the hardest critique for myself. I wouldn't put anything out there unless it was doing what I intended to do... for myself emotionally.

Q: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Running my own cafe that sells yarn, coffee and wine, traveling photographer specialize in food, as a photographer/stylist for martha stewart's/ saveur magazine.

Q: What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Love! I'm just kiddin..I think it's people around me..especially my loving husband whom constantly giving me support. My friends like Olga and Priscilla. Remembering how lucky I am, I should make the most of it and do what I love. And find time to give back at some point.

Q: Do you have any intention to earn a living as a full time photographer?

Aside of my graphic design work...I've never done anything just for money. Photography started out as a primary means of self-expression and it is still is . Except, now I earn part of my living as a freelance photographer. I hope to continue that way and have a balance in life between photography and design.

Thanks so much, everyone! It was fun I hope I didn't do too bad a job answering them, I never know how to talk about these things without sounding completely ridiculous. And of course My preference would be to talk about my photography, I’m not sure that I would be much of an interesting topic! Thank you for having me here and all kinds of wonderful and thoughtful words.

Thanks so much again for stopping by and taking your valuable time for the interview. I can not wait to see your up and coming projects.

Be sure to check our her photos also on Flickr

~photos up above were captured from coloursknits two web site and the cover of her book flow.

2007-01-13T23:28:00.000-05:00

General Japanese Knitting and Crochet Books


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2007-01-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

Weaving


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2007-01-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

Prince of Knitting


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2007-01-13T10:05:00.000-05:00

Japanese Sewing and Embroidery


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2007-01-13T10:01:00.000-05:00

Softies


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2007-01-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

Japanese How to Book for the American Market


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2005-04-28T16:22:00.000-05:00

I am always looking for more resources to find Japanese books, so I thought I would share the list of the place I have been looking: Kinokuniya Book Store, Sasuga Japanese Bookstore, Yes Asia ,Fujisan Japanese Online Super Store, Tezukuritown, and of course Amazon JP.

Another resource to find other books, Crafting Japanese.

This post has been recently updated. Click Here.

2005-04-28T15:48:00.000-05:00

Prince of Knitting
ISBN: 4415100910	The Crochet Techniques book from the Prince of Knitting These two cartoon styled technique books are by far the best technique books I have ever seen. Each technique comes with the graph symbol, a sketch of what the stitch looks like, and then 4 how to photos for the stitch. This one even made me think I could Crochet. Click through
ISBN: 4415100929	The Knitting Technique book from the Prince of Knitting These two cartoon styled technique books are by far the best technique books I have ever seen. Each technique comes with the graph symbol, a sketch of what the stitch looks like, and then 4 how to photos for the stitch. Click through
ISBN: 4529036340	This is the Prince of Knitting's earlier technique book. It was published in 2001 and has really been elaborated on with the two books above that were published in 2004. I purchased the two above prior to ordering this one so maybe I am just disappointed. Click through
ISBN: 4529034372	Click through
ISBN: 4529032922	MeowGirl knows that I am a little obsessed with the Prince of Knitting. This was my very sweet birthday gift this year. (2005) How cool is this. There is even an article where he appeared with Pa Pa Pa Puffy. (I use to watch Pa Pa Pa Puffy faithfully when it was on and was so sad that they decided to end there popular tv series in Japan. For lucky west coasters they are actually on tour.) It is just amazing seeing all of his work. The 3-D patterns have me staring for hours. The graphs look amazingly detailed you almost feel like you could accomplish the design. Thank you so much MeowGirl. It is a great gift. Click through
ISBN:4529037207	Mona, found this one Prince of knitting book at her LYS and picked it up for me. The book mainly concentrates on amazing crochet items. Very little actual knitted items, but sweaters that could easily be used as formal wear. That's if you have the next two years to make them. Mona commented on the fact that his books scare her, on this one I can really understand that comment. Click through
ISBN: 4529035948	Party Knit Click through

2005-04-28T03:34:00.000-05:00

Embroidery and Softies
ISBN: 4277341071	Click through coming soon
	Japanese Hello Kitty xmas craft book . 66 pages Published by Sanrio in December 1999. Oodles of patterns for xmas tree decorations, wreaths, xmas presents for girls and boys including knitted sweaters, purses, pencil cases and of course they all involve Hello Kitty!! There are even ideas for wrapping your presents and recipes for a Hello Kitty cake and cookies!! Really inspiring designs! - description from Kat on Ebay
	Japanese Aranzi Aronzo felt toy book . 39 pages. Published by Benesse Corporation in November 1997. These felt characters are super cute and really fun to make! I have another copy of this book, so I feel ok selling it otherwise I would not. It's too awesome. The graphical instructions mean that you really don't need to know Japanese to make these critters. It's fun to look at all the time. Really inspiring designs! - description from Kat on Ebay
ISBN:4277311474	Click through
ISBN: 4834721256	Click through
ISBN: 4529041719	Click through coming soon
ISBN: 457910921X	Click through coming soon
Sewing
ISBN: 4579107993	Buttons Click through
ISBN: 4579109643	Kimono Skirts Click through
ISBN: 4579109856	Umani Click through
ISBN: 4391622866	Cotton Time Plus

2005-04-28T03:15:00.000-05:00


On My Wish List
ISBN:4391130122	ISBN: 457910921X
ISBN:4387000414	ISBN:4529034429

2005-04-25T00:05:00.000-05:00

USA publication of a Japanese Book

ISBN:0870403893

Basic Crochet and Knit
By Ondori Publishing Company
Ok, so the doll on the cover has to be one of the scariest covers for a craft book I have ever seen. Why on earth would they have that doll on the cover really confuses me. It is cute she is knitting, but there are so many other cute things that could have been used.

This book is amazing. One thing that has always confused me is how to read the charts and what do all the symbols mean for crochet and knitting. This book breaks it down to two columns. The first one is the symbol, the second column is three diagrams how to do the stitch. Simple, clear, and nicely illustrated. Pinku had read several good reviews about the title and I have to agree. It is a great resource for reading charts. She also recommended this site for helping read Japanese patterns. Thanks so much Pinku.

2005-02-24T16:31:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Zimmerman

Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-To-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
By Zimmerman, E.
Author Zimmerman, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac
By Zimmermann, Elizabeth

2005-02-24T16:11:00.000-05:00

Harmony Guide's

Knitting Techniques
By Harmony Guide
Author Harmonygde

450 Knitting Stitches: Includes Knit and Purl Patterns, Rib Patterns, Basic Cables, Edging Patterns, Vol. 2
The Harmony Guides, Harmonygde

440 More Knitting Stitches: Includes Patterns for Texture and Color, Cable Patterns and Panels, Lace Panels, Vol. 3
Harmony Guides, Harmonygde

250 Creative Knitting Stitches - Volume 4 (Harmony Guides)
by Harmony Guide (Editor), Harmonygde (Editor), Collins, Brown

220 Aran Stitches and Patterns: Includes Diamonds, Cables, Twists, Honeycombs, Textures, Panels, Backgrounds, Vol. 5
British Library Catalogue-in-Publication Data, Harmonygde

This book provides a brief history of Aran Knitting. With a brief over view and explanation of the techniques involved in the design of an Aran sweater. What I really found most helpful is the group of the patterns from 2 rows to 52 rows. The instructions are both well written and also charted. I loved the last section where it showed how the patterns were combined. This really has inspired me to set down and start charting my tree of life sweater design.

By far I think this is the best written and layed out of the 5 book collection. I still wish they were all combined into one book, but that is just me. This book is ideal for both beginners and advanced.

2005-02-10T14:23:00.000-05:00

Stitch Guides

Treasury of Knitting Patterns
By Walker, Barbara G.
1998/05 - Schoolhouse Press
0942018168

A Treasury of Knitting Patterns This book is the first of a triology of books on knitting stitches by Barbara Walker. Recently reprinted by Schoolhouse Press (who have reprinted several other titles by Barbara Walker), A Treasury of Knitting Patterns has been long awaited by knitters. Whether your interests are in designing garments, or learning more about knitting stitches as a beginning knitter, this book is an invaluable resource of patterns. The selection of patterns in each section varies from simple ones to more complex stitches and include photographs with the written instructions. Many of the patterns also include suggestions for uses, historical information, references to related or complementary stitches and special notes on how the stitch is done.

There are 301 pages of 500 stitch patterns - knit-purl combinations, ribbings, slip-stitch, fancy texture, yarn-over stitch, eyelet, lace, cable and cable stitch patterns. The knit-purl combinations include reversible patterns like the Vandyke Check Pattern (shown above)- great for scarves; and the simple but elegant King Charles Brocade which is part of a pattern on a garment worn by King Charles in 1649. The chapter on ribbing has lots of ideas for innovative ribs, including several lace and cabled ribs - a great way to edge sweaters and more fun to knit than the usual 'k2 p2' type ribs. Eyelet and lace chapters have patterns for backgrounds, delicate lace panels and allover lace patterns.

Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns
By Walker, Barbara G.
1998/06 - Schoolhouse Press
0942018176

A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns At Last! it's back in print. This book is the second of a trilogy of books on knitting stitches by Barbara Walker. Recently reprinted by Schoolhouse Press (who have reprinted several other titles by Barbara Walker), A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns has been long awaited by knitters. Continuing with the format of the first Treasury, this book is an invaluable resource of patterns for all levels of knitters. The selection of patterns in each section varies from simple ones to more complex stitches and include photographs with the written instructions. Many of the patterns also include suggestions for uses, historical information, references to related or complementary stitches and special notes on how the stitch is done.

There are 700 stitch patterns - knit-purl combinations, slip-stitch, slip stitch colour, fancy color, fancy texture, twist stitch, cable and cable stitch patterns, eyelet, lace, lace panels & insertions, border and edge patterns. The slip stitch patterns include Jewel Cross-Rib, an elegant and easy to work pattern. The chapter on Yarn-Over has an unusual yarn-over/slip-stitch/ribbed pattern (shown beside) called Ornamental Rib, which would look fabulous in socks! The chapter on Lace includes a pattern from Victorian times called Porcupine Stitch which was often used for light headscarves called "clouds"; and a beautiful design from Japan called Lotus Pattern with garter stitch scallops and delicate lace.

Charted Knitting Designs
By Walker, Barbara G.
1998/07 - Schoolhouse Press
0942018184

In this final volume of the Barbara Walker Treasury series, the designs charted are original designs created by the author. Many of the designs were inspired by older traditional designs, created through a process of trying different variations - playing with the shapes and techniques to form new patterns. Charts provide easy to follow visual instructions and also make designing, pattern shaping adjustments, or experimentation with stitches easier than the traditional written patterns - ie you can see what you will be knitting and easily record what you knit.

The 350 patterns include texture, twisted stitch, cable, mosaic, lace and color patterns. The Twist Stitch Chapter has dozens of wonderful patterns from Three Diamonds. There are over 50 cable patterns (which while they look complex, are easy to knit with the charted instructions) including Short Swinging Cable/Long Swinging Cable/Grand Swinging Cable and several unusual cables that enclose textural stitches, plus some inventive cables that form intertwined trees and branches. This book, as with the others in the series, is a wonderful and inspiring resource.

Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns
By Walker, Barbara G.
2001/03 - Schoolhouse Press
0942018206

Knitters were delighted when Barbara Walker's 3 Treasuries of Knitting Patterns were republished 2 years ago, and now there is a Fourth!

Harmony Guide to Knitting Stitches, Vol. 1
By
1988/05 - Lyric Publishing Company
0711100136

An invaluable guide to learning to knit, with large clear illustrations and practical instruction. Some of our favorite topics are basic definitions and aspects of yarn, shaping methods, techniques for joining in new yarn, correcting a mistake and finishing touches. The next best thing to learning from Grandma!

450 Knitting Stitches: Vol. 2
By Harmony Guide Staff
1999/03 - Collins & Brown
1855856298

Welcome to Harmony Guide's fabulous stitch dictionary series! Includes knit and purl patterns, rib patterns, basic cables, edging patterns and more.

440 More Knitting Stitches: Vol. 3
By Harmony Guide Staff
1999/03 - Collins & Brown
1855856301

More from Harmony Guide's fabulous stitch dictionary series. Includes patterns for texture and color, cable patterns and panels, lace panels and more.

50 Creative Knitting Stitches: Vol. 4
By Harmony Guide Staff
1999/03 - Collins & Brown
1855856328

Harmony Guide's fabulous stitch dictionary series continues! Includes slip stitch mosaics, cross stitch patterns and panels, cable panels and more.

220 Aran Stitches and Patterns: Vol. 5
By Harmony Guide Staff
1999/03 - Trafalgar Square
1855856336

Harmony Guide's aran collection, in their fabulous stitch dictionary series! Includes diamonds, cables, twists, honeycombs, textures, panels, backgrounds and more.

220 More Crochet Stitches: Vol. 7
By Harmony
1999/03 - Collins & Brown
1855856352

The Harmony Guides Volume 7 "220 More Crochet Stitches" expands on the basic information provided in Volume 6 "300 Crochet Stitches." They make a comprehensive combination, or can be utilized alone. Harmony Guides Volume 7 "220 More Crochet Stitches" includes all-over patterns, edgings and trimmings, motifs, Irish style crochet plus much more. The Harmony Guides series in renown for it's simple, easy-to-follow approach and is popular with beginners and experienced knitters and crocheters alike.

The Ultimate Stitch Dictionary from the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine
By Malcolm, Trisha
2005/09 - Sixth&Spring Books
1931543771

An essential reference for knitters from novice to expert, this fully illustrated sourcebook is the first of three "stitch dictionaries," to be written by the professionals at "Vogue(R) Knitting. Some 300 stitches are detailed, and hundreds of charts, photographs, and illustrations make it easy to understand how to construct each stitch, as well as the ways they can be used in projects. The experts at "Vogue(R) Knitting demonstrate rib stitches such as brioche, herringbone, chevron, and quilted patterns; traveling patterns like parquet, ripple, and diamond stitches; lace, including daisy and wave patterns; and such unusual stitches as eye of lynx, bobble block, peppercorn, and bamboo. The most complete book of its kind, this is the definitive stitch reference!

365 Knitting Stitches a Year: Perpetual Calendar
By Cook, Tina
2002/06 - Martingale & Company
1564774325

For the first time ever, you can access hundreds of knitting stitches in a perpetual-calendar format! With a different stitch for every day of the year, this clever calendar design makes a valuable addition to every knitter's pattern collection.

* Includes instructions for 365 easy to advanced knitting stitches that you can refer to year after year
* Each day spotlights a beautiful swatch in a full-color, close-up photograph
* Stitches range from simple knit and purl to ribs, cables, laces, and dozens of textured patterns

Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches
By Readerapos
Reader's Digest Editors staff
2003/06 - Reader's Digest Association, Incorporated, The
0762104058

Detailed, step-by-step instructions are included in this guide, which is organized by stitch texture. 900+ vivid photos & illustrations.

Knitting Stitch Bible
By Parry-Jones, Maria
2002/02 - KP Books
0873493583

The ultimate reference for traditional and innovative knitting stitches, this book provides comprehensive instructions and charts to guide beginners and experts through seven varieties of stitches, including knit and purl, ribs, cable and twists, bobbles, and lace knitting. Each stitch sample includes a photograph and an easy-to-read chart. This hardcover spiral bound text includes instructions for 250 knitting stitches.

2005-02-09T13:07:00.000-05:00

General Pattern Books

Loop-d-Loop: More than 40 Novel Designs for Knitters
by Teva Durham, Adrian Buckmaster (Photographer)

Sarah Dallas Knitting
by Sarah Dallas, Catherine Gratwicke (Photographer)

I really am having mixed feelings about this book. It is really lovely and the photography is outstanding. The colour break down is beautiful. I love the chapter with purples and lime greens. This was a colour combination I really didn't appreciate before this book. My problem is I am not sure there are any patterns I will actually make. I can not really see making afghans or pillows for the home. Maybe the cable sock pattern or the yellow and purple tank top. So I am just really not sure about the book.

Folk Socks: The History & Techniques of Handknitted Footwear
By Bush, Nancy

Really this book should have probably been titled differently. The title makes you feel like you are going to be exposed to the traditional techniques involved in the production of the wide variety of beautiful socks from many cultures. For example, most of the historical socks were knit from the toe up while all the socks in Bush's book are knit from the cuff down. She also may have simplified the socks to much. The book is good for learning and seeing different sock designs. The problem is that it doesn't really cover historical techniques. If you want a modern sock with beautiful patterns you will proably love this book.

Hollywood Knits Style
By Cousins, Suss

There are many things about this book that kind of annoy me. I love the pattern designs. I love the hip photos. I adore the barbie outfit that her mother knit for her daughter when she was a little girl. I bought the book and I certainly don't regret buying the book that is for sure, but on the other hand I am not sure I can honestly recommend the book either. I am not sure what it is that really annoys me. The patterns also don't seem that structured. It seems like you need to know a lot about knitting before you even start the simplest pattern. Also if you check her website there are a lot of patterns that have errors that she at least has posted the corrections. It is just annoying to know that you better check for errors first and correct your book before starting to knit. As a hole I have a lot of mixed feeling about the book.

PS: If you have trouble finding it you might want to check either of these links: new - used

Stitch 'n Bitch Nation
By Stoller, Debbie

So who isn't talking about Stitch 'n Bitch? I just picked up Stitch 'n Bitch Nation over the weekend and I love it. So many fun hip projects. Also if nothing else I wanted to help support the growing movement. I really wish there was an SB group here in Columbus. The thought of millions across the world just getting together to knit really makes me happy. I so long to go to the knit out in London at the V&A. I think Meow needs some dragon slippers, kitty hat, and the lap top bag. For me.... hmmmm. I think I need the Union Jack sweater, the cell phone case, and maybe the fuzzy dice.

PS: If you have trouble finding it you might want to check either of these links: new - used

Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet
By Allen, Pam

What an amazing book and truly inspirational for this time of year. 30 cool scarves and a turtleneck shrug. I feel in love with so many of the scarves inside the book, I just had to pick it up for my library. Someday I am determined to make the scarf of many colours. I just don't think I have enough yarn scraps at this point to start it. Though I haven't actually knit anything from the book I have spent countless hours reading the patterns and thinking about how these projects would fit into my knitting line up.

I think it is so cool that someone started a knit along for the book.

PS: If you have trouble finding it you might want to check either of these links: new - used

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
By Hoverson, Joelle
Photographer Williams, Anna

Maggie's Ireland: Designer Knits on Location by Maggie Jackson, Alexis Xenakis (Photographer)

Check out the designs and yarns for Maggi Books

Ohh looks like she will be in ohio for TNNA, OH 10 June 2005 - 13 June 2005

Now if I just knew what that was?

2004-12-30T17:59:00.000-05:00

General Pattern Design Books

Designing Knitwear
by Deborah Newton

2004-12-13T18:04:00.000-05:00

General Techniques Books

Basic Crochet and Knit
By Ondori Publishing Company

Ok, so the doll on the cover has to be one of the scariest covers for a craft book I have ever seen. Why on earth would they have that doll on the cover really confuses me. It is cute she is knitting, but there are so many other cute things that could have been used.

PS: If you have trouble finding it you might want to check either of these links:new - used

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques
By Wiseman, Nancie M.

I found out about this book from Becky on Fluffa. There were several titles that she recommended to learn and apply techniques. This book is so nice and small it will easily fit in my knitting bag. A good general reference that is straight forward. I think we all want our projects to look neat and professional and be like Fluffa when we grow up. I still haven't finished reading the book, but I have already learned so much more than I knew before. Thanks Fluffa.

PS: If you have trouble finding it you might want to check either of these links:new - used

Vogue Knitting the Ultimate Knitting Book
By Cogue Knitting Magazine

I kept picking this book up at all the knitting shops and bookstores when ever I went in to fondle yarn. I just was really hesitant about picking it up. I rembered that my mom had an earlier version of the book when I was much younger and I didn't rember her using it that much. She usually used the readers digest one that I still can not find as a resource.

I used the help of other bloggers to help me to decide that I really did need this in my library. It is a excellent resource for techniques and overviews I must admit. The thing that I have found most useful is that all the info is in one place. The downside is that it won't fit in my knitting bag so it will be more work to just pull it out to look up something quick. We will see if I pull it out or just hop on the net to find the answer.
PS: If you have trouble finding it you might want to check either of these links:new - used

2004-11-01T22:54:00.000-05:00

Theatrical Costume Designs

From the Neck Up
by Denise Dreher

This has to be one of the best resources for costume/millinery projects. I was really shocked an upset when I found out that it was out of print. I picked mine up years ago and am very thankful. It gives clear examples of different period hats, material to use, and problems that you will probably run into when making the hat. It is the only source I know of that shows step by step examples of how to sew on ribbon to a straw hat.

Corsets and Crinolines
by Norah Waugh

Well, I enjoyed the cover of the book probably more than the content of the book. The book is poorly organized. It is a good resource, but not a book to buy if your want to set up a corset shop or think it will answer all those troublesome questions about period corset construction.

Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women's Dress, 1800-1909
by Jean Hunnisett, Janette Haslam

Wow all of my old college textbooks seem to be going out of print. This was required for several of the design classes that I took at the theatre department when I was at OSU. This book was mainly used for teaching how to draw period costumes. My professor was a stickler that what you draw you have to be able to explain how to make the pattern.

As a historical reference, it is lacking in my opinion, but it does show clear examples of how to create the patterns and what is the minimum undergarments necessary to support the outfit. It is designed for modern costume makers and this is how it should be treated. My problem is that my background is historical preservation so the corners that it wants to cut bother me a great deal.

As a theatrical costume reference it is a must and a good challenge even for the modern dress maker.

The Costume Technician's Handbook: A Complete Guide for Amateur and Professional Costume Technicians
by Rosemary Ingham, Liz Covey

This too was a college textbook for me at OSU. It includes sewing tips for saving money and time for theatrical costumes. It also explains how to use common day goods as alternatives for classical materials. Most costume shops use the text everyday. The authors instructions for sewing, altering, and making flat pattern are some of the clearest and most concise. One of my best friend always keeps this text in her back pack even though she has been working in a college costume shop for years.

Stage Costume Step-By-Step: The Complete Guide to Designing and Making Stage Costumes for All Major Drama Periods and Genres from Classical Through the Twentieth Century
by Mary T. Kidd

I didn't pick this title up when I saw it in the stores. I wasn't to impressed with what it offered. It seemed to promise a lot and didn't seem to offer that much. Maybe if you can pick it up cheaply used it would be useful.

Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915
by Katherine Strand Holkeboer

I have the original printing of this text so I am not really sure how much it has changed or been updated. It has several nice resources for different shapes of sleeves, hems, decoration. The patterns are very simplistic with very simple details. They cover general instruction on construction and function. The cuts are fairly authentic to achieve the intended specific period. Each pattern is shown in three sizes.

This is a great resource for people who have an imagination and is a great resource. It even covers some specialty costumes; fantasy, asian, animals, religious, and undergarments.

Patterns of Fashion: 1660-1860 (Patterns of Fashion)
by Janet Arnold

There are not enough nice things one can say about both of Janet Arnolds books. She is the mother of historically accurate patterns which make her books indispensable. Each pattern includes the historical reference for the original garment, the original materials that were used and all the embellishments that were used in the original garment. The patterns are very easy to increase the scale even though they are very small.

This is a great resource for restoration as well. We would pour over the three books for hours when were working on garments.

Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C.1860-1940 (Patterns of Fashion 2)
by Janet Arnold

Costume in Detail
by Nancy Bradfield

This is a really charming book. All of the illustrations are done in pen and ink drawings and a great resource for illustration classes. It is composed of hundreds of line drawings of articles of clothing that are far to fragile to ever photograph. A great resource for any student that is studying 18th or 19th century costume. Some of the costumes in the book can be found photographed in "The Art of Dress."

Pick up this title for illustration of design and pick up Janet Arnolds book on how to construct the garments.

The world has suffered a tragic lost with the death of both Bradfield and Arnold. Fortunately we will always have these text as a reminder of there greatness in the field of historical textile preservation.

The Cut of Women's Clothes, 1600-1930
by Norah Waugh

This book really isn't for the casual sewer. The patterns are very useable but you really need a solid background in drafting to attempt making these patterns. I would consider this as more a reading text then a sewing resource. The glossary is probably one of the most useful aspects of this book and the quotations of contemporary sources. This is one of those great resources to have have for the collector.

The Evolution of Fashion: Pattern and Cut from 1066 to 1930
by Margot Hamilton Hill, Peter A. Bucknell

I have never had the fortune of actually seeing a copy of this text. It dates from the '60s and I have read many references over the years to this title.

Knit Buddies Japanese Craft Book Library

Elizabeth Zimmerman

Harmony Guide's

General Pattern Books

Stitch 'n Bitch Nation By Stoller, Debbie

Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet By Allen, Pam

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts By Hoverson, Joelle Photographer Williams, Anna

General Pattern Design Books

General Techniques Books

Basic Crochet and Knit By Ondori Publishing Company

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques By Wiseman, Nancie M.

Vogue Knitting the Ultimate Knitting Book By Cogue Knitting Magazine

Theatrical Costume Designs

Stitch 'n Bitch Nation
By Stoller, Debbie

Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet
By Allen, Pam

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
By Hoverson, Joelle
Photographer Williams, Anna

Basic Crochet and Knit
By Ondori Publishing Company

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques
By Wiseman, Nancie M.

Vogue Knitting the Ultimate Knitting Book
By Cogue Knitting Magazine