Fabled Flowers

The artist includes stories along with the instructions and templates. This book is both beautiful and instructive. Read it for enjoyment, then make very pretty flowers.

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

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.

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 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.

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!