Japanese Kimekomi

The fun and easy Japanese craft of Kimekomi (pronounced kee-may-ko-mee)-the making of decorative fabric balls-dates back to the early 1700s with the making of cloth-covered wooden dolls. Today it has evolved into the artful covering of balls with cloth and ribbon and cord. In Japanese Kimekomi: Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Fabric Handballs authors Barbara Suess and Kathleen Hewitt have collected 16 colorful designs that are fun and easy to make. The book includes step-by-step drawings and color photos, full-size cutting templates, and easy-to-follow directions. The art requires no sewing skills, just some fabric, styrofoam balls, and a couple of hours. Begin with making simple but beautiful handballs and progress with the authors to creating new, unique designs. Nothing could be more charming as a gift, Christmas or Easter ornament, or party tokens.