Customer Reviews

Fabled Flowers: Innovative Quilt Patterns Inspired by Japanese Sashiko and Origami Traditions

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I love this book. I wanted to do something floral, I did want to do some applique, but didn't want to do a Baltimore album style quilt. This was the answer. It's beautiful, less work than regular applique, and very unique and visually interesing. I'm working on the hydrangea block.

The blocks are big (mine is 17 inches) and 3 dimentional. Some of the folded shapes are tacked down.

In this book, Kumiko has included the most fantastic flowers for applique based on origami, unique designs, and sushiko quilting designs. There is enough variety for even beginners, and several designs that are advanced or intermediate too. Her fabric choices are very artistic. With each design, Kumiko also includes her inspiration for the piece in the form of poetry or a story. This helps one to really feel a part of the design. There is room for much creativity. One can make a single square or a small quilt, or even full size if desired.

From the lyrical title "Fabled Flowers" to the elegant designs displayed, Kumiko Sudo has demonstrated artistry and exquisite taste.

Combining techniques first used for paper origami the author/artist employs every trick using cloth & stitching to create divine quilt patches which are enhanced with the Japanese quilting technique known as Sashiko.

Sashiko quilting began as a means of reinforcing work wear, and also stitching layers of padding for the cloth armor of the Samurai. It evolved into an intricate and breathtaking art of fabric enhancement and is employed herein for detailing on the small squares constructed by Kumiko for this book.

30 quilt blocks are featured, in gorgeous colour and detail deliciously folded fabric in different flower folds from complicated Hydrangea to glorious Pomegranate and sweet Morning Glory. I lament only the lack of Peonies, as a personal favorite.

The guides for folding the origami effect flowers are realtively simple and easy to follow, while the detailing on the Sashiko quilting is heavenly inspiration!

All necessary templates are included at end of book as well as clear instructions for assembly.

These quilt patterns are much more applique than patchwork although some is included in the design - a little bit of everything for everyone.

Great inspirational book and definately worth the price.

As a extra snippet, a cute fable is included with every flower.

kotori May'2005

Kumiko Sudo has other books available, and they are unique and beautiful, however, this one is the most inspirational. The photographs of the colorful work are outstanding, and the directions seem clear and well thought out. Full sized patterns are included. The idea of a 3-D approach to quilting is not new, but Ms Sudo's product combines original methods of applique with the charm of traditional fabrics and designs.

In addition to the How-to directions each design is accompanied by a fable. These charming folk style stories would be great for mothers and grand mothers to read to children, and who knows, maybe inspire another generation to create fine fiber art!

I shared my copy with my medical doctor, and now she wants me to get a copy for her. That's how beautiful this book is!

The life-experience fables that accompany the creative expression of this fabric/quilt artist add to the wonderful texture of the final product. This book opens up new dimensions and levels of creativity using fabric as a vehicle and providing a serene pleasue for even the casual quilter. The directions are easy to understand. The patterns are complete. The process is great fun.

I love the simple artistic designs. I am currently very interested in the arts and crafts movement, I find these flowers very reminiscent of those simple designs. I have done the dandelion and am planning to do the thistle next. Love the texture.

The Japanese really know about flowers, and they know about colour and balance. This is a must for anyone who is fascinated by threading a needle, and making something beautiful. The instructions are visual and written, so they're really easy to understand. All the templates are there to be copied, for making up the various pieces, and although this was originally a way of using up kimono silks, this book aims at beautiful colourful cottons. I can truthfully say that I have never before had a book that has fascinated and pleased me so much.

Wonderful book with lots of ideas and patterns to make out of the ordinary quilted wall hangings and other projects . Applications for these flower designs are not the normal applique. Great reference book for any floral project. This is a truly unique book for those who want to use their creativity to make something beautiful and different and are interested in Japanese and Origami designs.

Another excellent book from Kumiko. Clear, precise directions and diagrams. The coloured pictures are worth buying the book for.