Kokoro no Te: Handmade Treasures from the Heart
by Kumiko Sudo
Breckling Press, 2005, 158 pages, list price $27.95

Kokoro no Te is a Japanese phrase that connotes the loving connection of handmade things as gifts from the heart. Every quilter and crafter knows this connection; it is part of the special charm and authenticity of hand-made crafts. Kumiko Sudo has put together another fine book which contains 30 small sewing projects that make unique gifts or keepsakes. Arranged in chapters on purses and totes, fashion pins, sewing kits, and miscellaneous fun stuff (including a miniature kimono), this book is a feast of beautiful things in the Japanese miniature style, many of them based on natural objects.

Printed on fine paper in full color by high-quality Breckling Press, Kokoro no Te is beautiful enough to adorn your coffee table as well as your sewing table. Among my favorite items are an "apple pocket" which makes a charming container for a gift card for a teacher, and a "Kara Lily caddy" which is just the right size for a CD containing family photos. This is a great book for ideas on gifts to make (and it has instructions for all of them) or to give as a gift itself. It's not quite out yet, but is due to be available at the end of October.

Preorder at a discount from Amazon.com

See other great books at the Planet Patchwork quilter's bookstore!