My book review Japanese Quilting, piece by piece, 29 stitched projects by Yoko Saito
This book is full of projects with a contemporary look using neutral coloured fabrics. I loved the detailed construction techniques of all the bag designs. They have been written clearly enough for a beginner like me to tackle.
Along with bags, there are several quilt patterns but they are not for the faint hearted. The quilts in the book are very intricately pieced or appliquéd projects, all gorgeous challenging pieces of work.
The only down side is the availability of the fabrics she uses in her designs. To have the variety required to complete some of the patterns would be quite expensive and hard to acquire in Australia. The best selection of these fabrics can be found on www.quilthreads.com. While she did have other websites listed at the back of the book, their selections were limited or the site was no longer active.
I am going to attempt the Orange Blossom Bag myself but using batiks. I will have to a more careful with my bag as batik fabric is more delicate and not as hard wearing as her lovely japanese linens.
Cheers Karen