Stitch Tokyo
Stitch Tokyo
Yumi Hoops
Batsford
The author
Self-taught, imagine the marriage of Japanese graphic novels x embroidery. This author describes the illustrations in a stitch mannerism. Her website provides a space for her art, her ‘designs’ and brands she has worked with. I can see how her work could lend itself to even brand advertising due to its distinct stylisation. Manga? I loved it growing up. What’s evident is this lady has a depth of love of her duo of subject - Japan and Embroidery.
In one sentence she embroiders a story.
The feel
The book is square, a plush paperback with a double folded cover. It sits at just over a 100 pages long. Honestly I wouldn’t want it any longer as so much detail is prescribed in the pages too much would be too much mind handling - it’s got a perfect balance.
The feel to me, also has a different meaning - it is young, attractive, there for those who love the Japanese culture and those who love embroidery. You do not have to like both to appreciate it.
Theme
Japan culture - taken into a comic strip style art form - in embroidery.
Layout
Fifteen projects, intro usual sections which are really interesting to read due to the theme of this book. I am so used to reading books about embroidery stitches, but nothing as different or as risky as this one. Why risky? Because you will be interested or not. You will be enthusiastic or you will lift your eyes to the next shelf. Let me tell you though, this book has so much more potential markets than the usual published art/textiles book. This book could be led into comic book shops, made famous in Japan its ‘home’, be a way for younger aspiring artists to ready themselves. It could sit in modern art galleries, those a little out there. It could be in tattoo shops too?
The materials section is really well illustrated and looks tempting, I love the paint image page 19.
It is not all flat projects - many are more 3D or at least textured.
The back pages host the designs needed for the projects.
What’s niche
The subject obviously, but also the writing. It feels like a trip and education into Japan as well as a teaching project led book.
Would I buy it?
Yes. I love its bright cute young feel, it does not matter that it is on a subject not all will be attracted to, its the presentation, the layout, the imagery. It just works and it is one of those where you need to experience it in order to give your opinion - no judgement.
Fun, adorable…what is not to love? So get your bubble pink lucky cat vibes and give this one a spy over.
