I thought that my fascination with Japanese crochet had begun and ended with tawashi.  No such luck.  While enjoying Lucy’s Attic24 blog, I saw some beautiful photos of a Japanese crochet book that she had purchased, and, of course……………….I had to have it!  When I told little a about my new book, which, by the way, was shipped directly from Japan :o), she told me about a Japanese book store in Manhattan, called Kinokuniya.  So.  Guess where I went this past weekend?

Wow!  What a treat!  We headed straight downstairs and found the largest, most colorful, collection of knitting, crocheting, felting, quilting, sewing, beading, etc… books that just thrilled the senses.  My heart was pounding.

My purchases….

Pretty Color Crochet and Knit Goods (you probably knew that by reading the cover 🙂

And…

One look at those itty-bitty cakes on the cover, and I knew this book would be mine.  Inside, there are a ton of the cutest edging motifs! (cupcakes, little piggies, ice cream cones, flowers, bunnies, sushi, you name it!  even bacon and eggs!)

I LOVE these books.  All three of them!  Really.  There are so many beautiful photographs and delightful projects.  See for yourself:

Who couldn’t use a pretty throw pillow??

Would I actually carry this tote?  No.  But you have to admit that it’s cute!  If you would carry this tote, let me know.  You may be on my holiday gift list.  If you’re not, I’ll teach you how to crochet.

And just look at these sweet little hankies!  Almost as cute as the ones grandma used to tat.  (not my Grandma.  she made pizza)

How about this afghan crocheted with a hexagon motif?  Just had to give this one a try!

So far, this single motif is all I have to show for myself.

Okay.  Here’s the joke.  With the exception of maybe three words, these books are written entirely in Japanese.  As I’m turning the pages, I feel as though I’m reading one of those children’s books that shows only illustrations, and you make up the story as you go.  I say things like, “and here we have a lovely little teapot warmer with some matching coasters…a perfect housewarming gift!”  (Not very creative.  I know.)

So, unless you read Japanese (which would impress the heck out of me), you’ll have to rely on the pattern charts and “universal” symbols.  I’m looking into Rosetta Stone Japanese for beginners.  I’m also looking into Adult Ed programs that teach Japanese 101.

Better yet, I’m looking into using the crochet books in my extensive personal library that are all written in Queen’s English.  How ’bout that!

“A”

All photographs (with the exception of my hexagon motif) were taken of the actual books.  If I could replicate the symbols, I’d give the author proper credit.

0 thoughts on “I can crochet in Japanese