See's engrossing novel set in remote 19th-century China details the deeply affecting story of lifelong, intimate friends (laotong, or "old sames") Lily and Snow Flower, their imprisonment by rigid codes of conduct for women and their betrayal by pride and love.
Folded Flowers: Fabric Origami with a Twist of Silk Ribbon
With a blend of Eastern and Western influences, Kumiko Sudo reinvents fabric origami with 24 new small quilt designs intertwining silk ribbons, cotton, and other fabrics. Choosing two or three Japanese flowers that bloom in each month of the year, each quilt presents an origami flower, its buds and leaves crafted from fabric and ribbon. Six additional purse designs feature a flower for each season. Step-by-step color drawings help make the projects easy to understand and follow.
Patterns for 24 simple yet stylish projects are included for using the flower origami to create such things as exquisite purses, totes, gift boxes, needle cases, and even a cell phone holder. While some of the designs are enhanced with colorful beads, ribbons, or tiny mother-of-pearl, others require no embellishments at all. Clear directions, step-by-step drawings, and full-size templates for every design make it easy for anyone to re-create the projects to perfection with only novice sewing skills.
