This is the first UK edition of the cult darning book by Hikaru Noguchi who has become a guru of visible darning in Japan. With 12 different darning techniques and 63 inspirational examples, this detailed step by step guide makes the methods easy to follow. The stylish photography shows off the artistic and minimalist style of the designer’s work.
Table of Contents:
Contents
Foreword; Darning in England; The repair studio; Vintage darning mushrooms; Original darning mushrooms; Let’s start darning; Darning Technique 1 Seed stitch Darning; Technique 2 The square Darning; Technique 3 Reversible darn; Darning Technique 4 Seed and square; Darning Technique 5 Triangular darns; Darning Technique 6 English darning; Darning Technique 7 Accordion darns; Darning Technique 8 Appliqué Darning; Technique 9 Reverse appliqué.
Chapter 1: Darning in autumn and winter - Shawl; scarf; mittens; gloves; duffel coat; camel coat
Chapter 2 Darning for socks - Socks; tights; five-toe socks
Chapter 3 Darning denim - Jeans; Denim jacket
Inspiration 1- Alternatives to the darning mushroom; Darning Technique 10; Darning Technique 11; Darning Technique 12.
Chapter 4 Darning sweaters - Sweater; vest; cardigan; man’s sweater.
Chapter 5 Darning shirts - Blouse; cotton shirt; linen shirt
Chapter 6 Darning dresses - Cotton dress; black dress; silk dress
Inspiration 2 The links between craft and science
Chapter 7 Darning T-shirts - Tank top; T-shirt; polo shirt
Chapter 8 Darning children’s clothes - T-shirt;sweatshirt; down jacket; overalls
Chapter 9 Darning for interiors - Blanket; rug; tablecloth; chair; cushion
Chapter 10 Darning accessories - Fine shawl; sunhat; bags
Choosing a yarn for darning; Combining yarns and fabric ➊ Wool or cashmere sweater Combining yarns and fabric ➋ Woven fabrics such as shirts and chinos Combining yarns and fabric ➌ Polo shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts Combining yarns and fabric ➍ Denim
Collection of patterns
Afterword
About the Author :
Hikaru Noguchi moved to England from Japan in 1989 to study constructed textiles, specialising in knit, having previously taken a degree in graphic design at Musashino Art University in her native Tokyo. Finding a measure of artistic freedom and stimulation in England which she had not found in Japan, she stayed on after completing her studies at Middlesex University to take up knitted textile design work, developing new and innovative textiles for furnishings, scarves, bags and garments.
This direction has led to her collaboration with a number of British designers including Tom Dixon, Top Shop and projects for Barneys, Browns, Paul Smith women, Takashimaya New York and many other stores.
Her work has developed to mix texture, colour and hand knit qualities. With influences from traditional knit patterns and techniques, such as fair- isle, Aran, embroidery and stripe. Sources of inspiration are diverse, from flea markets all over the world to paintings of De Chirico. She seeks a look that is both sophisticated and quirky, achieved through unusual juxtapositions of colour and texture. Throughout, her fundamental theme is one of joie de vivre.
Hikaru has participated in many shows and exhibitions all over the world, and her work is sold in boutiques and department stores in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, and elsewhere.
Review :
Repair, Make, Mend–it’s a philosophy, and a good one, if you’re a knitter or a crafter of any kind. It’s also the subtitle of Hikaru Noguchi’s Darning book, now available in an English language edition. Published by Hawthorne Press, the book is a visual stunner, stocked with full color photographs of garments–and other fabrics–that have been given a second chance ...
Aside from sweaters, socks, and mittens, Darning demonstrates how to mend denim, upholstery, pillows, shirts, and coats. It’s playful, thoughtful, and incredibly easy to follow. Alongside the specific darning techniques, Hikaru also includes some sample projects and photo galleries of various darning techniques on different fabrics to help you choose what’s right for the task ahead of you. And, if that’s not enough, the book also includes some terrific inspiration in cases where darning might become an embroidered enhancement.
Image-rich with informative anecdotes, this book is a must-have for anyone keen to explore a range of methods for extending the active life of their clothing.
