Tatting pattern books from Japan are so lavishly photographed and illustrated that it makes me quite envious at times. And this latest new book surpasses all previous ones. It is a collaboration of ten tatting designers. (Similar to Tatting Lace CreAtor 06) It is large in size, 9" x 11.5" or 23 x 30 cm and fully half an inch thick! The 88 pages are all high quality heavy stock paper. Half the book is in full color showcasing the patterns while the other half has black and white detailed illustrations. Although printed in Japanese, the elaborate step by step diagrams make the patterns available to all.

The delicate lace featured on the dust jacket front is by Yusai Shokoin, gentleman tatter and past President of the Japan Tatters Guild. Mr. Shokoin is but one of ten tatting designers whose work appears in this book. He is joined by other tatters from Japan whose work we have enjoyed in the past.

Teiko Fujito and others on the list have published books in recent years with wonderful patterns which are stylish and modern. Whether simple or complicated their tutorial sections are always remarkably well done.





Teiko Fujito book.

Several of the 10 tatting designers are all new names but this sample of their work has me hoping for more. Fumiko Nakayama's Cottage Garden designs resemble candlewicking embroidery with beads substituted for the french knots. Tomoko Yamada's miniature shuttles and doilies would brighten any dollhouse. Kazuko Goi used dark red beads on the stem of her 3-dimensional rose to make the thorns. And Fumiko Hirose's ornately framed tatted basket with ribbon roses would have been welcome in any Victorian parlor. Such lovely items that all tatters will enjoy.









This is a book for any tatter's wish list.



I acquired this book for my personal tatting reference library. - G. Seitz