Plastic Canvas Goes Japanese!

by Sister-Diane on November 2, 2008

in Craft Books, Plastic Canvas

. . . So there I was, on a birthday trip to Kinokuniya for Japanese craft books. And I ran across this. That’s right, comrades, it’s about plastic canvas. Japanese craft style. Holy Moly.

Now admittedly, that cover bag is a little . . . whackadoodle for me. But inside, lots of interesting ideas. I’d love to know where I can get my hands on these readymade bag forms. AND, I never thought of latch-hooking on this stuff!

Here’s another take – an allover stitch pattern. Functional, and rather cute! I’d totally carry this.

. . . Speaking of shapes – DUDE.

Double DUDE.

There are definitely hits and misses – because plastic canvas is a stern mistress, even in Japan. Still, light-years from what I’ve seen in U.S. books in terms of sophistication. Albeit odd sophistication.

ACK! When was the last time you saw a cigarette case in a craft book?!

It may be an international law to have at least one tissue box cover in every plastic canvas book. But this one’s a champion – the tissues come out all four sides. And it resembles basketweave. FTW!

ISBN 4-579-11037-4, if you’re interested. And, poking around eBay for the pc-shapes, I found another Japanese pc book. So, now you have the post about that to look forward to. :-)

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  • Elizabeth
    OMG!!! This stuff is amazing! I just found a book on eBay that rocks. Too expensive for the moment, but boy I am intrigued.

    I may have to get to SF to look for some of these books!
  • So I've never smoked in my life, but... I might have to take up the habit so I can make this case. :o)
  • Ok - I think you need to sponsor a contest for best use of the word "wackadoodle" in a craft-related sentence.

    To quote you - Best. Word. Ever.
  • I must admit I kinda like the latch hook bag, although the only time I ever made anything with latch hook I swore I'd never do that again.
  • thank you for posting this :) talk about taking plastic canvas to the next level. the top picture is my favorite. I'm going to have to look for this book next time I'm in J town.
  • That amazing. They've been reading your blog, I think. :> Felting on pc is a really interesting idea. And how to they get the tissues to come out four sides?
  • This is amazing. I have to go into SF on Friday and I'm clearly going to Kinokuniya to get this book. In fact I'm calling them today to have them hold it for me.

    Thanks heaps!
  • I really like the white ones with flowers, so pretty. Japanese are so full of creativity it seems!
  • What's it with those Japanese, everything they make is so gorgeous!
  • You are so funny!
    yes, I was talking to Cathie today about PC and your cool work, and she was really impressed. And now that day of the dead celebrations are winding down... don't think there's not a PC 'gingerbread house' project on my drawing board!
  • queenofsheba
    Dude! What about latch hooking strips of recycled plastic bags on plastic canvas for a shag doormat?
  • I'd say the birthday gods were smiling on you BIGTIME. I can't think of a more perfect birthday find for you. :)

    Amazing stuff!!!!!

    P.S. - I love that you use DUDE so much. My husband gives me such hell for using it so much, but - really - in some cases (like this) it's all that'll work. For Real. DUUUUUUUUDE!
  • Seeing this brings back memories! As a child of a military father, we were stationed on Okinawa from 1973-1975. During that time I was 9-11 years old. I learned to crochet with this plastic making really cool purses! But the yarn wasn't yarn. It was some sort of thicker nylon type thread that I've never seen here in the U.S. I think i could still do the stitch after all this time! I made so many purses back then! It was really great to work with the plastic as a base.
  • Okay, I actually dig the whackadoodle bag, although I'm a pretty plain jane person, so I probably wouldn't actually carry it.

    Hail, High PC Priestess!
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