Weekend Review: Making Clothes for Your Dog

 

Making Clothes for Your Dog / Jisu Lee
trans. from the Korean by New Design Originals Corp.
East Petersburg, PA: Fox Chapel, 2013, c2010.
142 p.

This is a funny little book for anyone who loves their small dogs. I'll admit, I don't have a dog and have no plans for one, but couldn't resist taking a look at this cheery craft book by a Korean author. 

It includes both sewn and knitted outfits for dogs (all small dogs). There are a variety of styles, from knitted capes to bridal wear. There are t-shirts, button down shirts, and a sweet apron and bandana combo. My favourite outfit is the traditional Hanbok for a one year birthday -- they are absolutely adorable, and the idea of having a birthday party for your dog made me laugh too. 

If you are into this kind of thing there are tons of ideas here. The book starts with an outline of supplies needed, and also gives a page of 'bios' of all the dog models in costume. Each project is outlined as a concept and with pattern sketches, and then has a series of step by step instructions with lots of photos to accompany it. Any actual patterns needed are included in an envelope in the back of the book. 

There are also many cute dog pictures so if you just want to look at it for entertainment, it works well that way too! I'm never going to sew for a dog but still enjoyed this book. It's interesting to see the perspective of a young Korean craft blogger; you get a sense of that part of the world through the projects she chooses and how she shares them, and via her intro of course. A delightful little book!

Weekend Review: Bojagi

 

Bojagi / Sara Cook
London: Batsford, c2019
128 p.

I love Batsford books; they are tactile and lovely, with nice fuzzy covers and lots of great photos inside. This one is no exception. It's a look at Bojagi, a traditional Korean textile art. Written by a British woman, her authenticity to write about this subject is addressed in a foreword by a renowned Korean artist, who vouches for Cook's study of the technique with Korean teachers and her skill at using it. 

The book is beautiful, for sure. And it's full of very specific instruction and technique for you to learn the ropes yourself. It shares traditional techniques, from whole cloth to patchwork to embroidery to household goods. And it also shares beautiful images of how these techniques have been used in contemporary textile art. 

The book is broken up into chapters that logically follow on from one another; from history to technique, with projects showing you how to try things out yourself. 

Something I found really interesting was a bit on Jewel Pattern, what we in the West know as Cathedral Windows. She notes that the first documented appearance of this pattern in the US was at the 1933 World's Fair, but that the pattern appeared in Korea already in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) There is a project for this pattern if you haven't tried it before.

And the book talks about more than simply the patchwork style that we often think of when talking about bojagi -- she also delves into seam treatments, embellishments (like knots and folded points of fabric), & quilting styles. There is history and  cultural context, illustrated with many wonderful images. From clothing and household uses to art pieces, these techniques are used for everything. 

Traditional household items - cloth covering and caddy

I really loved how detailed this book is, sharing so many techniques and explaining, with examples,  both former and current usage. And there is such a depth of knowledge and respect for the cultural source of all these styles. It's a really dense read, with each page full of interest. From the history to the craft to the bright, large images, this is one to pore over. I really loved it and could go on and on but it would be best for you to check it out yourself :) 

Modern bojagi inspired pieces

This was a book that I found surprisingly compelling - it's so full of information that I could read it numerous times. And the structure and progression of the chapters is really well done. Plus I can't say enough about the quality and number of clear, bright photos. This was a big hit for me. Recommended.