Book Review: Pattern Magic Vol 1 and 2
I’ve been meaning to post about these books forever: Pattern Magic Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, which I purchased from the always wonderful Kinokuniya in San Francisco.
I’ve been working a lot on pattern making lately, and I can’t tell you how inspiring these books are. They’re laid out like many other Japanese mooks, with large clear shots of the finished garments and a section of detailed, heavily illustrated instructions. The designs are complex and sculputral and very very Japanese. Looking at the photos, it’s sometimes difficult to imagine how a piece of two dimensional fabric was used to create such three dimensional sculpture.
Then you come to the layouts and instructions, which you can study to understand the process. It really tests your spatial abilities, but more than that, it’s a great lesson in constructing 3D shapes from fabric.
Ok, it’s a bit intimidating at first, but the copious illustrations mean you really don’t need to understand Japanese to figure out what’s going on. It’s not for the novice, but if you want to dig into pattern construction, these books are an incredible resource. I really enjoyed studying the images, trying to figure out how it was done, then examining the diagrams. But maybe I’m just nerdy like that.
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Yes, I have both books and have been meaning to post some of my favorite pix from them, too. So far, I have only looked at them and dreamed of projects. Where will I get the time?
Have you made any of them?
Nope, I haven’t made any of them yet, and it’ll probably be a while before I do!
I agree, I love these books though I haven’t dared to sew anything from them…
Oh, I’ve wanted those books forever! So inspiring…
wow. delicious books. I thought it was just me interested in this stuff, til I discovered the creative net world!
a more prosaic question… do you recommend any reference basics for knitting? I read a few recommendations last year (Southern Hemisphere winter) but can’t find them now… so I”m asking net people who knit!
Jenny, are you just learning how to knit and want some technique instruction? Or are you looking for a reference for different kinds of stitches? Or something else?
If it’s the first one, I definitely recommend the Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts. It’s the book I learned to knit from, and while it’s not a knitting book per se (it covers many needlecrafts), I found the extensive photographs invaluable. It also has several stitch pattern, including laces and cables. Overall, a great book!
Hi! Found your site from Googling about the books. There’s a flickr group called Pattern Magic you want to peek at. I agree, the books are so fun to figure out! (Kinokinuya soooo fun now that they’ve expanded!)
hi
just found your website - and it is very inspiring.
I too have just bought the pattern magic books and cant wait to get started on them.
Been making clothes, like yourself since i was a child! sadly over the last couple of years just not had the time - apart from sewing some of my wedding dress last year.
I am hoping that Nakamichi Tomoko will bring my mojo back!
will send you some pics once i get started!
How do I buy these books??? I couldn’t figure out the Kinokuniya website!
Katie: I just wrote a post about buying Japanese books, maybe it will help you?
I, too, wrote about buying Japanese books. If you live in LA, then go to Sanseido Books in Torrance. Last Sunday, August 24, 2008, they had two copies each of Pattern Magic and Pattern Magic 2 in stock. Alas, they were sold out on the current Mrs. Stylebook.
Even if they are sold out, they will special order the books for you. Don’t forget to sign up for their frequent buyer discount card!
Thank you for your help!!!
Yes this book is an amazing find. I found it at a store in LA when I visited a friend there. Finally after months I made a tunic with a twisted knot that was taken from this book. It’s called “Kolam Kurta” in the winter collection on my website…
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