Yoko Saito's Japanese Taupe Color Theory: A Study Guide

for learning about yoko saito's taupe color use, this is a wonderful guide

I bought this so I could follow along with others who wanted to work through the book on the blog "The Caffeinated Quilter." Keep in mind that the "Notes from the Publisher" in the beginning of the book clearly state that the techniques "might suggest that intermediate or advanced quilters will be more comfortable working on these projects." This is definitely true! This isn't a book for those just beginning to quilt. The author has assumed that the reader who buys this book already has basic skills required for piecing, drafting patterns, quilting, and following directions, and will have needle, thread, and other tools needed to pursue the projects (as an advanced quilter, I appreciated this, as so often most quilt books include introductory pages that I find repetitive). While many people balk at the cost of the book, if you're an experienced quilter, I can assure you that you'll get your money's worth. I have quite a few books in my craft library, but none have given me such challenge, joy, and satisfaction as this one. Many quilt books I buy have one or two projects that I'd like to do, but this one has a storehouse of information and projects. This is the layout of the book: Chapter 1 is "20 Taupe Color Collections: Lessons in pulling together taupe color collections and showcasing them using quilt blocks" and "The 5 Senses and Japanese Taupe Color Theory"; Chapter 2 is "14 Projects: Putting Taupe Color Theory into Practice"; Chapter 3 is "18 Taupe Color Projects to Make: 18 fun color collections reminiscent of favorite things." I have worked through twelve of the twenty color collections thus far, and I can't believe how much I've learned about the taupe color wheel and taupe color theory. I'm also in the midst of finishing one of the bags in the second section of the book. Another thing I like about this book is that most of the initial part of the projects entail hand-sewing and quilting, so it is easy to keep your current project in a basket to pick up when you have time (for those of us who work, this is a huge plus). You can work through each color theory "lesson" at your own pace and then choose other projects from the second part of the book when you want to do something new. This is also a beautiful book to look through (I wish it had the "Look Inside" feature so potential buyers could see some of the pages). I am so glad that Yoko Saito's books are being translated into English, and I hope that eventually all of her books will be translated. There is this lovely aesthetic in Japanese quilters' books that I really appreciate, reflected in diagrams or assumptions that the reader will intuitively know how to construct a purse, for example (though sometimes I wish they would share a few more steps!). Having said that, the challenge to figure things out might be part of the learning process too. I highly recommend this book to advanced quilters. It is a veritable treasure house of information and projects that will keep you busy for years, not just days.

I'm not a quilter but I bought this as a gift for someone who is, along with two other Yoko Saito books. The book is printed on good quality paper - thick, with a nice sheen. I did not read through this one like I did the other two because it arrived so close to Christmas, so I can't speak to how the concepts are presented. The other two books were well written so I'm fairly confident this one would be as well.

The skill and artistry of this author's applique is just stunning! Her subtle use of color is refined, elegant and beautiful. I am in awe of her talent, but she provides such detailed instructions and helpful step-by-step photos, that I am tempted to try my hand. Even if I never make anything from this book, however, it was worth the money for the pleasure of seeing such beautiful work!

If you already have some experience sewing this book will take you to the next level. I am in love with the Japanese esthetic and Yoko Saito's, Taupe Color Theory is a wonderful book for those like me who needed a refresher to inspire some ideas for small quilts or would be great for someone newly interested in Japanese Taupe quilting. The variety of quilt pattern styles as well as the gorgeous projects have really inspired me. I am partway through a lovely bag already. I look forward to creating many more projects inspired by this book.

A good review of Japanese taupes and how to combine them into beautiful projects. This isn't just a pattern book. It is more about taupes -- what they are, how to combine colors -- with a few patterns. I would call it more "educational" that her other books, but it wa just what I was looking for as a research tool before making a queen size taupe quilt.

This is Yoko Saito's best book. While it was not the first one I purchased, it helped me fully understand how to work with Japanese taupe fabrics, which are just luscious! I now own most or all of her books and after buying this one I was able to better understand and appreciate why projects in her subsequent books have such striking appeal.

I have been a quilter for over 20 years and this book helped me see color and fabrics in a whole new way. There is a great deal of detailed information about choosing fabrics and creating subtle color combinations. The projects in the book are stunning and relate directly to the color theory she is teaching. At the same time there is an expectation of a certain level of sewing skills. I would not recommend it to a beginner as I think they would have a difficult time constructing the projects.

Lovely book

buona fornitura

Livre passionnant avec des ouvrages sympa..Dommage que nous ne trouvions pas les tissus en France pour les réaliser....😸😸😸😸😸

This is a beautiful book for all quilters. The way it's laid out, the mouth watering photographs but best of all it is set out so clearly, with good explanations, and excellent instructions for the projects. It made me look at colour in an entirely different way and as I'm a mature student taking my City and Guilds in textiles level 2. I am positive that this book will provide useful and constructive help in understanding and using colour in a better way than I currently do. I thought long and hard about buying this item but I am so glad I went ahead with it and don't have any regrets about the purchase cost as I'm sure I'll be referring to this book for years to come.

Wasn’t sure about this having read other reviews, but was impressed. Subtle and beautiful. Inspiration abounds. Resource and coffee table book.