Anyone read Japanese?

Let me introduce you to my latest obsession: Japanese sewing books. And, yes, they really are written almost entirely in Japanese...no handy dandy English translations to help you out...only illustrations to help guide you along.

I first stumbled across this one, Stylish Girl's Clothes, on Make Something. If I could, I would only dress Abner in clothes just like these. Aren't they adorable? I love the simple lines and non-kiddish colours and fabrics.

Isn't the styling of this book just incredible? Seriously, could I have those floors please?

One thing I really like about this book is the coordinating pages for spring/summer and fall/winter. I don't think assembling complete outfits is my forte so these pages are super helpful for folks like me.

Aren't these little hooded capes cute? And that drop-waist skirt on the facing page, is just so sweet. I picked up some remnant fabric at a friend's place yesterday and already have plans to use it on this skirt.

Here is another new addition to my growing collection. It's called Heart Warming Life Series: Little Girls' Outfits. My brother picked it up for me for Christmas and I absolutely love it! This one has much more detailed pictures with the instructions, so I imagine it's going to be easier to work from. Why there is a picture of a little girl eating a giant cracker on the front, I don't know, but it's still cute.

This vintage-y shirt reminds me of some of the pieces I might have worn when I was little (hello '80s!).

Given our rainy West Coast weather, this sweet little rain coat will be a must-make this spring. Can't you just picture Abner's curls spilling out beneath that sun hat? Seriously...so much cuteness, I just might explode.

OK...I love these shorts. It's actually the detail on the bum of them that I love the most, but it just didn't seem quite right to post a picture specifically of that little girl's back side. Trust me - it's a cute detail and I will definitely attempt to make a pair of these for Abner.

If you would like to pick up your own copies of either book, both were purchased from The Workroom in Toronto. Would love to know if anyone has seen them in the Vancouver area.