Customer Reviews

Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!"

This book is truly unique, and unbelievably special. The author mentions many traditions, legends, and childhood experiences which make certain projects all the more special. There are numerous types of dolls (many with legends behind them), many types of fabric containers, etc. -- all of which would make splendid gifts or favors. (There is even a fabric cicada with an inspiration legend behind it, a sparrow purse, etc.) Each of these projects is wholly unique and strikingly beautiful -- although the temari ball is of the type that children played with, rather than the intricate threaded sorts popular for Christmas tree ornaments. Although I have not yet had time to make any of the projects, the directions and diagrams appear very clear, and I can't wait to get rolling. These are definitely not "same old, same old" -- each is unique, and incredibly special.

I found this book to be very inspiring, with its lovely photos that show off the projects, which are made of beautiful fabrics (I *want* those fabrics!). Ms. Sudo's instructions are very clearly written and illustrated, although I had a moment of confusion when she discussed the "hem" for the pouches (a lot of the projects in this book are cleverly designed pouches), then I realized she was referring to the casings for the drawstrings.

She also discusses, briefly, the custom of "omiyage", of gift-giving, in the Japanese culture, and shares some of her reminisces of her girlhood in Japan.

I have already made the "Chinese Bellflower" (shown on the cover of the book), it features a tiny pouch in the back of it. I ended up giving it to my best friend who admired it as I made it! Many of the projects take so little fabric, just scraps really, although she does give generous yardage suggestions. As I mentioned before, there are many clever little pouches, as well as some boxes and little fabric temari balls. She also covers instructions for teaching classes using her book. All the patterns needed for the projects are located at the back, where they can be traced off or photocopied, and there are some "general" instructions in the beginning of the book (for the pouch "hems" as well as fabric beads) that the reader is referred to instead of having to re-print them over and over for each project.

All in all, I really enjoy this book, and I'm looking forward to making the other projects featured in it.

Don't hesitate to buy this book!! It is not only beautifully done, but all the projects can be hand sewn which may be very appealing to some who like take-along projects. I have looked through and read it several times before I could even begin to pick the first three projects I will be making. Can hardly wait to share it with my friends. I am a bead artist and these beautiful "presentation" masterpieces will be the perfect addition to giving a most special gift inside as well as out.

I was delighted to find this book is not only beautifully written but the projects are also easy to make. I whipped my first project up in about two hours.

This book is just wonderful - full of pictures, detailed instructions, and the little gifts to make are just adorable. And such a variety! Most have little pockets for hiding a little surprise or a lipstick. Great for little evening bags or prom purses, or as wrapping for a small present. There are flowers, birds, little purses, balls, fabric covered boxes and lots more.

I love this book. I like reading about and looking at needlework and this book is very enjoyable. I received two beautiful little hand made silk perfume bags from a Japanese friend, so when I saw this book I bought it to see how they are made. I believe anyone could follow the instructions and produce these wonderful little silk origami projects, if they could find the silk! Some of the projects are made with cotton and other easy to find fabrics, and some with beautiful silk scraps from kimonos. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in fine needlework.

This has been a refreshing change from so many 'craft' sewing books. It was easy to follow and is based on a genuine Japanese craft. The items I have made turned out beautifully and are admired by the receipients. I have made several little bags and adapted others for pincushions. Toatly enjoy this book!