Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan

I have been waiting months and months for this to become available, and I am not sure any book could be worth such a lengthy wait. However, I am a fan of Kumiko Sudo's, and she could write a book on canned peas and I would happily buy it!!As with her previous publications, this is a beautiful publication, with photos that motivate you to make the projects just so that you can hold these ethereal treasures in your earthly hands.The title refers to small hand-crafted Japanese candies ("sweet little things"), and Kumiko includes several text inserts relating how she was inspired to create the 20 projects for this book. She gets her inspiration from all things in nature, and it is lovely to see how edible treats have led her to this book.Included in the projects are several handbags, fabric "drums" which can become paperweights or pin cushions, a cell-phone case, a few necklaces, a tiny cache to hold a lipstick, a belt, a gorgeous butterfly pin (this will be my first project!!), a handball (much like temari, but different), and adornments such as hair ties and fabric baubles to embellish other objects.What is new here is the addition of Japanese braiding, used primarily for purse handles and necklaces. The results are obtainable and really unique. If you do any beading, you will be inspired to add a bit of this weaving to your other projects. And if you ever did gimp or macrame as a kid at summer camp, you will find Wagashi offers a much more grown-up application of these methods.I think this publication is an improvement over her prior books in that there seem to be more detailed instructions, with more illustrative diagrams. However, some of the projects are a bit flat and primitive, and don't always fire my imagination very much. For instance, the cell phone cozy, the pin cushion, and a couple of the purses look, well, rather dorky and handmade. I understand that the whole idea behind Kumiko's artistry is exactly to BE handmade, but some of these projects are more elemental and plain than I have seen in any of her books.For me, this book (FINALLY!!) arrived at a time when I have been creating my own purse handles and exploring knotting in jewelry. I am thrilled to add this to my collection and am pleased to see how expertly and imaginatively Kumiko Sudo applies braiding to her art.

The items Kumiko Sudo gives you instructions to make in this book are charming, the instructions are easy to follow. My only complaint is that I wish she gave suggestions for materials that would work in these patterns. A lot of my attempts at using bizarre fabric worked - some did not. Sadly that was my error, but a little direction would have been nice.The gifts to make in this book are so charming. You are sure to find a number of little gifts to make, purses, cell phone cozy, pin cushion books, thimbles, etc. I have made a few of the smaller purses for my niece to use in her make beleive play.I also enjoy Kumiko Sudo's other books, specifically Kokoro no Te: Handmade Treasures from the Heart in which she gives you instruction in making little pouches or pockets, small purses in the shapes of animals or flowers. Making these crafts is is just a joyful experience. And stretching your imagination at the items it is possible to make with a little fabric just sort of wakes you up.

although i haven't tried making any of the projects featured in the book, the instructions look very precise and easy to follow. i also like the photos before every project. it loks like i'll be having a fun time doing these.

I'm glad to have chosen "Wagashi: Handcrafted Fashion Art from Japan". it has so many step-by-step projects,, I had practice fabric origami before and now, with this book, I'll complete and improve the technic. Very good book, indeed.

I love all of Kumiko Sudo's books. They are practical as well as beautiful. Sometimes I read them just to get inspired. They are a favorite visual aid at all my classes, both paper and textile.

Beautiful creations

So many ideas, not enough time...my, oh, my! Where do we begin? Elegant embellishments for totes, jewelry, accessories on a sweater, dress...even an evening bag.

great way to use fabric

What an absolutely brilliant book! Beautiful and original makes, clearly explained and illustrated. Kumiko Sudo is an excellent author and a great ambassador for Japanese sewing and crafting. All her ideas can be used anywhere around the world, just apply your own fabrics or papers to the projects to make them your own.

This book has been on my wish list for some time and I eventually bought it myself.I had no idea what it contained but I was not disappointed. The projects are breathtaking although the braiding looks complicated. However, there are very comprehensive instructions so I'm sure I can master them eventually! The book is well thought out, attractive and easy to follow. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for something just a little bit different.

Livre magnifique par sa présentation mais surtout parfaitement expliqué et détaillé. Tout est réalisable. bravo pour nous donnertant de joie à réaliser vos oeuvres et après se lâcher pour en créer soi même

Voilà un livre qui, pour ma part, me servira de "boîte à idées", uniquement.Les modèles ne sont pas vraiment élégants. Je suis habituée à des objets japonais plus "fins", tant à leur aspect qu'à leur fabrication...

Lovely book for inspiration, but a little odd at times with the memories of childhood.