Craft book review – Japon au point de croix

February 10, 2010 | Category: Craft books

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I have a passion for craft books, maybe even an addiction. When I’m traveling or visiting a city, I can’t rest before I have bought at least one craft book from the local bookstore. This book, ‘Japon au point de croix’ I bought in Paris last October. My eye caught it because of the style of pictures, the subject is Japan and because I love French cross stitch and embroidery books in general.  (Please reference my other blog posts, here, here and here)

I haven’t started a project yet, I only take the time to stitch when I have a long vacation. For me stitching is a ’slow’ craft, so only do-able when I’m relaxed and have a lot of time available. Other times I’m more opting for the little-time-great-result projects, like sewing and crocheting flowers.

I can show show you my favorites from the book though, I think this summer I will sure start one of those. Like the carp or maybe a lucky charm cat.

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There’s also a Japanese stitching technique, sashiko. In may 2008 I traveled trough Japan with M. In the open air museum near Takayama, this lady was patiently working on her sashiko stitching. She reminded me of my grandmother, she looked like her, and my grandmother loved the domestic arts as well.

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(Picture by Maarten Boerma, please see his blog for more Japan photo’s)

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15 Comments

  1. MelanieO
    on February 10th, 2010
    1

    Oooo, I love Japanese craft books! That looks like a good one. I love the stitching diagrams :)

  2. frauheuberg
    on February 10th, 2010
    2

    i find it very exciting…i want to have this book…and this is a good sign, or?…no, really…lovley shots…great infos…you make the reader curious about the book and this is perfect…for me, well done…;)…cheers ines

  3. Ana Burmester Baptista
    on February 10th, 2010
    3

    Hi Petra! I loved your post and thank you for letting us know about the book. I didn’t know it and now I’m eager to get it!

  4. Gosia
    on February 10th, 2010
    4

    a lovely image illustrating this post!

  5. Lisa
    on February 11th, 2010
    5

    Hi Petra –
    I, too, love your first photo – very nicely styled. I’m also addicted to craft books (well, books in general, really) – So, what do I look for in a review? Well, now that you ask, here are a few things I think would be great to include in a review –

    * An overall description of the book – it’s subject and general aesthetic
    * What the projects are like – are they appealing? At what level of craftsperson are they aimed?
    * Are the directions well written and easy to follow?
    * Are there source lists?

  6. Petra
    on February 11th, 2010
    6

    Thanks everyone for your uplifting comments, they help me to keep going on my blog.

    @Lisa That’s very useful feedback, it will help me to give my review more structure next time, thanks so much!

  7. hayley Blease
    on February 11th, 2010
    7

    what a beautiful book! I love craft and I too am a slow crafter when it comes to sewing!

  8. Leslie Shewring
    on February 11th, 2010
    8

    I have a passion/addiction for craft books too!
    I like how you shot this -looks really good. I like Lisa’s suggestions for the post (if you have time). I especially enjoy the tiled image at the end.

  9. Meredith from Penelope Loves Lists
    on February 12th, 2010
    9

    I love that you’re including a post that was inspired by Week 2’s homework.

    Also, your photography here looks and works really great for the content.

  10. Sandra
    on February 12th, 2010
    10

    Hy, I also love these book’s I’m addict! Great blog and lovely photos. Hug’s from Portugal

  11. Thea
    on February 13th, 2010
    11

    I love how you styled your book shoot with the extra thread accessories. I realize that you didn’t have time to try any of the projects but I would include your own experience in making one in future reviews. Cheers from another BYW classmate.

  12. maartje
    on February 14th, 2010
    12

    Good idea! I always love to read reviews of ‘normal’ people, instead of reviews from publishers. And nice photo’s too!

  13. wini
    on February 16th, 2010
    13

    Hi Petra, What a lovely craft book!! I think you’ve done a great job with the photos, and I like how you’ve added sewing materials with the book. I also really like the last image where you’ve combined the three photos. Wini (BYW)

  14. nik
    on February 26th, 2010
    14

    I also love craft books. Japanese craft books are my favorites. Probably because everything looks so different. Inspiring to have new ideas. The photo of the old lady is wonderful. nik

  15. Mònica
    on February 13th, 2011
    15

    Hello!
    I love the japanese world. And now, my aunt will be make a cross-stitch tablecloth for me as a gift. Obviously, I would prefer a tablecloth with japanese patterns and these photos are the perfect option to come my dream true. I live in Spain and I don’t know where I can buy or obtain these patterns. Can you help me? Thank you in advance.

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