If you enjoy sewing by hand, or want to learn how, this book provides
sophisticated, useful, chic and beautiful tiny projects. They can be made for
gifts, or your guest room, or simply to please your feminine side. Each item is
small and portable. One-eighth yard is enough for most of the projects. Kumiko uses Japanese-figured silks and cottons, threads, beads and
felt. No special
tools are needed. In total, there are 30
projects.
Kumiko writes that most can be made in less than 4 hours, but they don’t look
like it.
 I
have rarely seen so many different types of pincushions and sewing kits in one
project book. Many styles reflect sewing tools made in the 19th century, especially
the late Victorian era . Using Japanese fabrics and brighter colors, they look entirely
different.
Filling the book are beautiful photographs, viewing the tiny
items close up. You can easily see beading, edging, pom-poms and other three-dimensional
features Kumiko adds to them. Kumiko uses the highly patterned
Japanese prints in interesting ways which make it look like more piecing was
needed to make the item.
Simple shapes are used to make the items. The patterns to trace are at the end of the
book. Located by the item in the text are instructions and illustrations. They are
easy to follow and the drawings definitely help, not hinder, the accomplishment
of the project. Most of them appear to be very simple but a challenge, because
they are small. As seen in Kumiko's other books, she brings three-dimensional
shapes to the American quiltmaker. The beading,
threadwork, and fabrics make the piece look rich and chic. Although small, they make a big impression.
The
projects she has chosen are functional as pouches, pockets, pincushions,
bags, balls, s ewing kits, and pins.
The pins can be used for hats, lapels, shoes (see photo at
end), quilts, barrettes and pony tail holders. These handmade treasures
are delicate to look at but can carry soaps, sewing, cosmetics, dried flowers
and coins.
Kumiko combines her Japanese heritage aesthetics with contemporary American
fashion sensibility and flair. If batiks is your thing, or reproduction fabrics,
use those and get an entirely different look, but just as graceful. The more
traditional patterns she makes are
 Temari
Balls and small kimonos that hang from wooden stands.
One of the items is a traditional Japanese thimble. They are soft and fit down
on your finger, not over it like American thimbles. They are thick with felt and
threadwork decorates them. If made larger they could be a ring or bracelet.
This book would be a wonderful gift for someone who loves to do handwork. Breckling
Press Publishing is known for their colorful ,well made, attractive and stylish books. It retails for $27.95.
Check Amazon’s price
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