Simply Sublime Gifts by Jodi Kahn Book Review

I was eating lunch when I heard a knock at the door.  I jumped and ran for the door because I was hoping it was my copy of Simply Sublime Gifts by Jodi Kahn and it was!!!  I had been waiting for it to arrive and did not set it down even once until I had gone through every single page.  My mother was visiting and I kept saying, oh this is cool and she actually expected me to hand her the book so she could see what I was talking about.  Nope, not until I had gone through the entire book.

I'll start by telling you there are six chapters

• Hostess with the Mostest -Hostess Gifts
• Pretty resents - Gifts for Her
• It's a Guy Thing - Gifts for Him
• Kiddin' Around! -Gifts for Kids
• Heart Attack - Gifts from the Heart
• Holiday Hoopla - Gifts of the Season

You all (ya'all if you are from the south :) know I'm a visual learner so I really like the "icon key" that Jodi had put in her book.  There is an icon next to each project that indicates weather it is  a no-sew, low sew, or hand sewn project.  A project skill level is indicated as well.  Level 1 is for newbies and it goes up to Level 5 for the "Craftalicous!"  There are plenty illustrations that guide the reader through the projects as well. 

Supplies are all indicated right up front so you won't be frustrated when you have chosen a project, you'll know just what you need.  I read through the list and I think there was only one thing that I did not have on hand already.  Most items are what I consider the routine supplies and items from around the house.

I was tickled to find several projects that I had not seen made before along with lots of really fun and surprising ways to make things that you may have seen before but not like this!!! 

It is not a secret that I love pincushions.  One of my customers even sent me a cupcake pincushion that I adore.  Jodi pattern is super easy and you know everyone at your stitching group would love to have one.  What a perfect gift and one that does not cost too much or take too much time.  If you can't stop yourself, feel free to send me a dozen!!! :)  I think it would be fun to make them in every holiday theme don't you?  How about a night to get together with friends to make cupcake pincushions and everyone bring different embellishments.  You could make it a challenge to see who brought the most unique embellishment.  (You know I would bring Spanky Embellished Wonderments aka Just Pins from JABC!!!)

This is the Wink Wink Eyemask .  I like sleeping with an eye mask on because I don't like the light from the nightlight in my eyes.  (Yes I know I could turn off the night light but then the co-workers would scream mommy in the night and this IHAN employee likes her sleep to be dark and quiet!!)  I am tempted to applique bulging eyeballs with red lines going through them instead of the cucumbers.  I might get a really good nights sleep-the boys and Rick would not dare bother me wearing that eye mask!!!  LOL 

These slippers really got my attention.  Do you really want to know what they are made from?  Are you sure?

Can you guess?  Dishtowels....TJ Maxx here I come!!!  When those holiday dish towels go on sale for 80% off, I'm going right over and buying them so I can make slippers.  I imagine you could use any fabric with the pattern but I love the dishtowels.  How about recycling the kids clothing into slippers?  The fun little kid clothes with all the fun pictures on them.....oh that would be neat.  (They also got my attention because you may remember my post about making my own fleece socks.  I have a size 12 foot and the only slippers I can get that fit well are men's....so now I can have really fun and pretty house shoes :)

I can't give away all the secrets from this great book.  I'll just leave you with this very fun photo and I'm not going to even tell you what it is.  I'm sooooo bad.....and sooooo good because I'm not going to spoil all your fun when you get your copy to enjoy for yourself. 

When I e-mailed Jodi to tell her how much I liked her book with all the fun ideas she said this:

"If there is one “main” point about my books, I would say it’s this: HAVE FUN!!!! That’s the point of all of this.  We sew and create because it’s FUN!!!! And, if I can help readers come up with super EASY ways to create things that they can enjoy themselves or give away as gifts --- AND, if those projects look stylish, too — well, then that’s even better!"

IHAN gives Simply Sublime Gifts Two Thumbs Up!!  Thank You Jodi Kahn and Random House -The Crown Publishing Group for sending me this book to review.  The book itself is a Simply Sublime Gift.

Big Smiles,
Kelly

SIMPLY SUBLIME GIFTS by Jodi Kahn Will Be Released Tomorrow!!!

AUGUST 10, 2010

the release of

Simply Sublime GIFTS

by Jodi Kahn

Random House says, Simply Sublime Gifts offers more than thirty fun and imaginative gift ideas to make quickly, inexpensively, and with little to no sewing using clever short-cuts and inventive techniques. You’ll find a well of inspiration for any occasion, including Handy Hand Towels for hostess gifts, fancy Fabric Bangles for her, Tailor-Made photo frames for him, charm necklaces, holiday ornaments, and more. Accompanying eye-catching gift-wrap ideas are sure to complete the perfect present for everyone on your gift list.


With projects that are a snap for beginners—and that provide a fun challenge for experienced crafters—Simply Sublime Gifts is loaded with hints, tips, and tricks of the crafting trade. Many of the gifts are also made from accessible, recycled, or repurposed materials, like the kitschy, cool Wonder-ful Apron created with iconic Wonder Bread® wrappers! Kids, family, teachers, and friends will love the customizable treasures found in this book, and you’ll love giving gifts that are special and meaningful, original and personal.

With author Jodi Kahn’s clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations, in less than a day you’re on your way to creating a gift that is simply sublime.
 
IHAN says, HOT DIGGIDY DOG DIGGIDY!!!   Because a little birdie has told me that I will be getting to review this exciting book and I'm thrilled  Just in time for the holidays too!!!  I'll let everyone know just as soon as it arrives and I'll give you the IHAN scoop!!!
 
Do you remember Jodi's last book, Simply Sublime Bags?
 

Jodi showed us how to make really nice up-scale hand bags so I know her new book, Simply Sublime GIFTS has to be a good one.  I think I'll wait for the mail carrier tomorrow, just in case!! :)

 

 
Anticipatory Smiles,
Kelly