Customer Reviews

Simply Napkins: Fast Folds, Finishes & Festive Flourishes

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Gail's first napkin book, "Quick Napkin Creations" changed the way our family eats dinner -- for the better -- and we haven't used a paper napkin since! Now "Simply Napkins" has raised the bar. It's really different from anything on the market, or previously published. Not just napkin folding (although the folds are uniquely easy, even for those of us with two left thumbs), but innovative. I love the affordable rings for any occasion, the fast, fun finishing techniques, the fabulous fashions and furnishings, and the all-new "Quilt-Lovers" section (who knew you could do so much with little fabric squares)? Also worth the price of the book are the napkin care and stain removal tips. So helpful. If you don't do anything else today, buy this book. You'll love it for the beautiful color pages and the clever and imaginative table settings -- it may change how you and your family eat dinner, too!

Simply Napkins is a very informative book. What a simple way to dress up your table and very creative ideas to embelish napkins. As I do not entertain formally very often - the reference guides for table settings is a very nice touch. That will help me feel more confident on the occasions I do entertain formally. I especially liked the chapter entitled "Napkins As Gifts and Decor". Very neat ideas - even for people who don't sew. I would recommend this book to anyone.

The first thing I noticed about this book was the stunning photography. Every single page is chock-full of the most beautiful table settings. Of course, the point is the NAPKINS...but I loved the china, the place mats, the silverware, the flowers. I recommend reading this book the first time just by looking at every single picture.

The chapter for Quilt lovers is perfect for those of us with stacks of fat quarters. I never would have thought about making foundation strip napkins. What a great way to use even the smallest pieces of precious quilt fabric. The directions for quick "snowball" corners are exceptional. Every project is explained in excellent detail through hundreds of colorful illustrations.

This book refers to napkins as "accessible elegance". I never thought about it that way, but it's true. Nothing elevates a table more quickly than the addition of cloth napkins.

With the help of this book -- macaroni and cheese could very well remember better than it ate. Hey -- it's worth a shot!

I just completed sewing eight lined and reversible napkins found on page 54. They turned out great, and the directions were easy to follow. I had planned to give these as a gift, but I can't part with them! The photography in this book is incredible; not only do you get a great visual of how the napkins will look, but ideas for table setting, etc. Even beginner sewers will be a success with the clear, step-by-step
directions and straight stitching. This is a MUST HAVE for those who sew, entertain, give gifts or love beautiful books!

Great book! Between the clear sketches and photos you can actually do these napkin folds. The use of colors is really effective - a good lesson to learn.

This book has it all! Innovative patterns with beautiful fabrics used to illustrate them, exquisite color photography showcasing finished napkins against a background of both vintage and contemporary linens, tableware, and glasses; and best of all, directions and diagrams simple enough for even a beginning sewer. In fact, I would highly recommend this book to beginners since any of the patterns would be a perfect first-time project.

I was especially impressed with the step-by-step directions on folding napkins to best complement a particular table setting, as well as advice on the best type and weight of material to achieve the desired look. I practiced a few folds and found it surprisingly easy to match exactly the photos in the book.

In short, the authors have once again outdone themselves in presenting an outstandingly user-friendly book written with great clarity and occasional humor. I'm very impressed with it and rate it at 5 stars without hesitation.

The photography in this book is simply spectacular. Yes, the instructions are well-written and clear, but the reader can extract all sorts of ideas just by flipping through the beautiful pages. This book makes a great gift -- I've stocked up on 15 of them, just for that purpose.
Karen Brown, Seattle, Washington

This book does exactly what it says, and for a bargain price.

But it does a lot more: it shows how to show how to sew.

In 25 years studying and teaching tailoring and design I found this book most exceptional in how clear it shows what to do.

The authors did a great job of presenting a tough subject in a basic application -- make napkins then make clothes.

SIMPLY NAPKINS...SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL...a book I couldn't put down. The photographs, colors, ideas and instructions are incredible. It's a beauty!
Having just become the owner of a serger and SIMPLY NAPKINS, I look forward to sewing newly-inspired designer napkins and upgrading my "tired" napkins with creative appliques and napkin rings.
Thank you Gail and Mary for your wonderful and exciting new venture into "Simply Napkins"! It's a winner!

Rarely do you find a book that presents instruction with such elegance and beauty. The authors take you step by step, and each napkin is accompanied by vivid drawings and photos. I am so impressed by this book I have even given it to my non-sewing friends, and now I see them trying the many folds and napkin ideas. Simply Napkins is Simply Wonderful!