Furoshiki

French author Le Marec tries her hand at explaining an ancient Japanese art. As she points out, furoshiki is the ultimate, ecologically perfect answer to the plastic-bag epidemic, as it advocates reusing or reconstructing fabric into a covering that can often get double or even triple use as a tablecloth, picnic setting, or part of a larger item, like a quilt. An upfront section outlines the history of furoshiki, considerations on becoming green, and options for fabrics, sizes, colours, and patterns. Black-and-white illustrations show the how-tos of different fabric knotting methods within the first few pages and are also embedded in each of the 50-plus projects, along with a quality colour photograph of the finished piece. Across three categories (for carrying, gift wrapping, and decorating), Le Marec showcases practical projects like a laptop bag, flower or bottle wrap, and a ready-to-hug bunny wrap that could encompass a kid's toy. -- Barbara Jacobs * Booklist * Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that's folded to create bags for carrying things. No sewing is involved and you can adapt furoshiki to suit items of all shapes and sizes. With over 50 step-by-step folds explained in detail, help to reduce waste by making furoshiki part of your everyday life! * Machine Knitting Monthly * An inspiring book that teaches the aesthetic, practical and sustainable sides of this ancient art. Furoshiki is an ancient Japanese technique for wrapping with a simple square of fabric. First used in 710 AD, the author touches on the history of Furoshiki as well as the meaning and symbolism of giving a beautifully wrapped gift. She also shares how Furoshiki has become the symbol of Mottainai in Japan (avoiding waste and the philosophy of reduce, reuse and recycle). The art of wrapping is not only creative but is an easy step in saying goodbye to plastic bags and gift wrap and using natural or recycled fabric materials instead. Full of colour photographs and illustrations, the author shows the various knots and takes you step-by-step through over 50 different projects. The beauty of this technique is that there are thousands of possibilities for using Furoshiki in your daily life from wrapping plant pots, creating handbags and carry-alls to wrapping books and bottles, making cushions, and even a guitar case to name a few. I've attached a photo of the laptop carrier I made which proved to be very strong and much prettier than my old laptop bag! Furoshiki is an inspiring and easy to understand book that teaches a craft that is an enduring combination of the aesthetic and the practical with the added benefit of creating a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. -- Kailah Eglington * Amazon Customer Review * We love the concept behind this book, Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese art which uses beautiful reusable cloth to make gift-giving elegant and sustainable. Using just a square of fabric, Aurelie Le Marec teaches the art of folding and knotting to carry all kinds of items. The comprehensive content includes the background to the development of the technique, as well as the history of its use and the ancient customs behind both the art of Furoshiki and the art of giving. Aurelie also highlights that Furoshiki is a very practical way of tackling the excessive use of plastic bags and gift wrapping paper, and explains that at the end of its life the Furoshiki can be recycled. The content is divided into: The Knots, which includes the basic knots as well as more decorative knots and creating adjustable handles. Furoshiki for carrying things, which includes a wide selection of bags, cross-body bag, beach bag, backpacks, book bag, laptop bags, two bottle carriers and even a guitar case. Gift wrap - the nature of fabric means that it is suitable for all sorts of irregular shapes which are often difficult to wrap. The wraps that have been created here are absolutely exquisite and would make a wonderful addition to any gift. Decoration and tableware - Furoshiki can be used to decorate your home, used as simple wall-hangings and other items including a basket wrap, a cutlery wallet, cushion covers, or for children a fun bunny wrap. With full colour photographs, and step-by-step instructions this delightful book is packed with everyday useful solutions and will take your gift giving to a whole new creative level. Highly Recommended. -- Louise and Kaye * Escape, Learn, Create *