Hitomi Shida

Not really a reading book, it's a collection of stitches. I read the introduction, scanned the stitch patterns, and have worked my way through a particular example (in the companion volume). This is going to be a great resource--the patterns are gorgeous, and doable, despite the initial OMG that most of us would feel when we see them for the first time!

Both volumes are structurally identical: it could easily be "Japanese Stitches Volume One and Two".

P.S. If you ever have a chance to take a show more class with Gayle (the translator/introducer) do it, she's wonderful, very good at explaining carefully how to interpret Japanese patterns.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). show less

Not really a reading book, it's a collection of stitches. I read the introduction, scanned the stitch patterns, and have worked my way through a particular example. This is going to be a great resource--the patterns are gorgeous, and doable, despite the initial OMG that most of us would feel when we see them for the first time!

P.S. If you ever have a chance to take a class with Gayle (the translator/introducer) do it, she's wonderful, very good at explaining carefully how to interpret show more Japanese patterns.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). show less

A great resource, all charted so easy to follow. If you struggle to translate the chart, a quick Google will give you the info you need. Unique stitch patterns that you rarely see in traditional Western designs.

Many Japanese knitting patterns are available on Ravelry. They tend to be elegant designs, with innovative stitches, but the garment patterns tend to be available only in very small sizes. With this book it is possible to design your own projects using some beautiful and intricate stitch patterns.