MAKING KIMONO AND JAPANESE CLOTHES Hardcover – Illustrated, 31 Aug. 2004

With lovely photography and some great illustrations of antique kimono (including the one on the cover) this book seems promising, but the approach to sewing kimono is not authentic - the entire construction of the lined kimono is non traditional, for example (perhaps to try to make it easier for machine sewing?) The author's knowledge of kimono also seems a little shaky in parts (such as labelling one example of haori as a child's kimono). A large amount of the book is taken up with Japanese workwear and seems to be trying to cover much of the same ground as John Marshall did in "Make your own Japanese Clothes"; indeed, some of the non-traditional sewing "shortcuts" that are used in his book but not in genuine Japanese sewing (such as sleeve linings being made 100% separate from the sleeve and only attached at the cuff and back) seem to be copied here. Probably more for the quilter, embroiderer or dyer who wants to make a Japanese style garment than for true kimono afficionados, for whom Marshall's book would be the better buy.

Cannot wait to have a go. Enlarging the patterns seem a bit daunting but I think the end result will be worth the effort.

An interesting book, and with a little inspiration it is easy to create new versions of this comfortable and elegant clothing that never dates. Beautiful photographs.

Lovely book with beautiful pictures. I look forward to using it's patterns.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the construction of Japanese clothing. I especially like the child's jacket. The photographs are of a good quality and the diagrams are helpful. The westernised versions of garments were of less interest to me, but worth having anyway

This is a beautiful book, and I can not wait to make a Kimono or jacket, I just need to decide on which one first!

Nice book

The review is for the kindle edition rather than the content. The patterns are replicated in a tiny scale, and the measurements are impossible to read. As it is not possible to zoom in, the pattern section, for which I primarily got the book (and opted for the kindle version as I wanted it immediately), is useless.The pictures are likewise tiny, and all the details are wasted.What was worse, the sample showed a detail of a fabric in picture, so it was not possible to judge how tiny the reproductions were in the actual book.The kindle edition is a waste of money, as it is. Better to wait a few days and buy the printed edition, if you consider buying.

El libro habla desde una breve historia del kimono hasta cómo están hechos detalles de los bordados, tipos de agujas que se utilizan, desglose de diferentes prendas y sus partes e incluso patrones al final del libro.Muy recomendable para quienes ya saben coser y quieren empezar a crear sus propios kimonos.

Ce livre explique comment se fabrique un kimono. Il est vrai que les explications sont un peu sommaires, mais il permet de fabriquer un kimono et quelques autres vêtements japonais traditionnels. À la fin du livre donne des patrons en taille réduite. Bon livre, je n'ai pas trouvé d'autre qui explique comment faire les vêtements traditionnels japonais.

Hate de my mettre ce livre à lair genial !

In addtion to photos of beautiful fabrics, the section with measurements was exactly what I wanted.

This is a fine book for those who enjoy knowing more about and actually planning to construct Japanese clothing. It is well written, beautifully illustrated with fine photography, and finely detailed in the basic elements of all the parts to finishing a traditionally styled garment.

This book arrived sooner than stated👍. Although I bought it as a “used” book it was in perfect condition. It has everything I was looking for. Thank you!

Excellent, informative, and educational literature on Japanese clothes making.

I really like this book. It has gorgeous photos of interesting kimonos of all kinds and great directions on how to make them!

This is an excellent book for anyone wishing to start making Kimonos. Has an explanation for how to make "That" sleeve. Also good history on the kimono and other cloths.

The designs a very interesting and fairly simple to follow and make. Have yet to undertake any of these projects.

although the book is written in english, it is hard to understand the instructions. I wish it had more photos just like typical japanese craft books. I bought it a couple of years ago and completely forgot about it until i saw it today on my amazon "review" list

I always sew lots and I got this book to help me understand kimono more. It helps me much and I am using it lots.