A magnificent and highly complex(!) book about sewing doll-sized medieval kimono, with several shortcuts to make them easier and more foldable in the small size. [return][return]However, the complexity of the book and (I hate to have to say this!) poor design make it difficult in practice. Patterns overlap (trace them onto parchment paper!,) the same item will sometimes have different number codes, and the very-detailed construction instructions are all in complex Japanese, with loads of Chinese characters (but thank God for furigana! some kind-hearted person at least thought to include those!)[return][return]After having this book for about two years, I'm finally starting to make progress... by learning the language and translating the relevant passages and labels word-by-word. And it's still really confusing. [return][return]Kimono Mirai (not an affiliate of mine, although I do follow their flickr) will make the most complex versions from this book for about $300 USD- and honestly, if you have the money, that's probably a better deal than what I'm doing. But, you see, I don't have the cash. :| [return][return]In a nutshell, this really isn't one of those Japanese pattern books that a foreigner can easily use- you can't just wing it by looking at the diagrams and following the numbers. Still, though, if you have the time is awesome.[return][return]Patterns included: [return]Miko costume[return]Bride costume[return]Groom costume[return]layered kosode[return]Junihitoe - karaginu mo[return]Junihitoe - itsutsu ginu kouchiki[return]Variants of junihitoe in slightly different sizes for Jenny (Barbie/Pullip sized) and Licca-chan (Skipper/Dal-sized). The patterns overlap, have confusing numbers and would leave Sherlock Holmes completely stumped.)[return]Maiko costume with tsuke darari obi.[return]Samurai kataginu (for reasons unknown, on the maiko [little girl apprentice geisha] page... with her wearing them. The medieval Japanese military ain't what it used to be.)[return]Several varieties of male Heian costume which I can't tell apart yet; includes the fuzzy-earmuff thing Genji's BFF is usually portrayed as wearing.[return]Various other things, including how to make a tiny little katana and bridal "horn-hider" veil. ( )

A wonderful book with VERY detailed patterns, kitsuke directions, and plenty of full-color photographs showing different ensembles.