Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition [Paperback]

Kumiko Sudo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 11, 2000

Bestselling author Kumiko Sudo creates 45 exquisite handmade gifts in fabric, each with a flair that is uniquely Japanese. Easy-to-follow patterns, beautiful photographs, and colorful step-by-step drawings help the projects come together quickly­­--many in less than an hour. Whether they are created in kimono silks or in contemporary cottons, these tiny boxes, purses, decorative toys, incense pouches, and good luck charms all make delightful gifts.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Omiyage" is the Japanese word for gift. Sudo, author of a number of books on Japanese quilting including Harmonies & Hurricanes: Color & Line in Japanese Quilts and Circles of the East, here turns her attention to small, handmade, fabric gifts requiring only simple hand sewing, colorful fabric scraps, and imagination. Forty-three original designs for gifts such as fabric Temari balls, boxes, pincushions, pockets, pouches, and evening bags are featured. The author also includes a teaching plan for instructors wishing to use the book as a textbook for sewing classes. Notes on techniques and background information on the place of personal gifts in the Japanese calendar throughout the year add to the appeal of this unique volume. Highly recommended for large public libraries and textile collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Before moving to the United States in 1985, Kumiko Sudo was known by quilters throughout Japan for her books and as a crafts expert on television. Sudo's work is in several prestigious public and private collections throughout the United States, including the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Contemporary Books; 1 edition (December 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809229099
• ISBN-13: 978-0809229093
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Handmade items that are easy to make and look incredible!, August 3, 2001

By 

C. Reid "go2yourlibrary" (Bloomington, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition (Paperback)

Omiyage is one of the best books for small handcrafts I have ever seen. It uses my scrap material but the intricate patterns make every project look rich! My 16 year old daughter found the daffofil pocket and has made at least 5 in the last week! Although some of the more difficult patterns seem to leave out a step, the directions are clear, easy to read and easy to follow. The patterns in the back are easy to copy and use and I plan to use this book to make small, quick gifts for my friends' birthdays! I was also interested in the Japanese culture and there is great introductory information on the art of Omiyage in Japan, as well as information on holidays and some folktales. I requested that my library order a copy, but I bought a personal copy for myself! It is a WONDERFUL book!! Kumiko Sudo is a gifted artist.

66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars **Beautifull Handmade SMall Japanese Gifts & Crafts**, March 3, 2004

By 

J.P. (SF Bay Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition (Paperback)

Kumiko's book is beautiully photographed, and well designed, it's a small treasure like crafts you'll find inside. I am a NOVICE sewer, and a very visual right-brained person. I find the instructions, simple and easy to follow, the addition of illustrations, photographs, sewing tips, and patterns (you can photocopy from the back of the book) are indeed helpfull.

At first I was looking for a book on sewing small handbags, like the Sakura or Conpaito. I was delighted to see that this book includes an assortment of ; good luck dolls, hai-hai dolls, oriental style pin cushions, Temari balls, sewing box & thimble, several flowers, butterflies and small animals. Ms. Sudo touches on the point that Omiyage is inspired by origami, and gives tips on the fabric folds, purse hems, making fabric beads, and tying decorative knots.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in making the jump from paper origami to fabric projects, also to those interested in sewing crafts wanting to branch out into small projects (other than stuffed animals), and of course to anyone who enjoys making and giving hand-made gifts.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, Beautiful Art, Shoddy Editing, March 2, 2007

By 

traceyo (Oceanside, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition (Paperback)

Ms. Sudo makes Exceptional gifts and notions, and this book is a Delight to read! Her thoughts on Seasons and Gifts are educational and inspiring, especially to one, such as myself, who has not been steeped in Japanese culture. As an Art book, I would have given it five (5) stars.

Having said that, I've made several of the projects (five to date) and found substantial errors in pattern measurements, inadequate or missing directions, and misleading diagrams. It's such a shame that Ms. Sudo's inspired artwork was giving shoddy treatment! I do agree with "A Reader"'s opinion that the directions must not have been proofread. I muttered more than once "The Editor should be Flogged!"