Zakka is
a Japanese term which encompasses the type of handmade items
that enhance the home and make one feel good. It borrows from
the idea of kitsch and 50s-70s décor but adds in an
Asian style that is very contemporary. There are sixteen lovely
projects in this book that are sure to enhance your home or
that of anybody you gift them to.
I love the simple, practical, and modern
appearance of these items. You don’t need to rush out
and purchase any fancy kit; just your basic sewing tools and
materials are all you require. Most of the items are not very
large, either so using up leftovers from other projects makes
them a very green way of having fun and making something new.
This is also a great book for beginner sewists as each project
is explained in step by step photographs, and there are many
useful skills in here that will stand you in good stead throughout
your sewing life. Some basic embroidery stitches, how to work
with felt, basic quilting, putting in a zipper, appliqué,
and more. In keeping with the zakka concept, this is a spaciously
laid out book with a fresh, bright appearance. Each project
has at least one large photograph of the item in situ, sometimes
showing other options and different views, such as what it
looks like inside. There is a list of tools and materials
(all measurements in imperial), a handy cutting list, and
the staged photographs with the instructions. Things to make
include coasters with cute houses, macaroon shaped pincushions,
scooter pillow, roll cake pencil case, patchwork basket and
many bags and purses. Make one for your library books, evening
clutch purse, travel organizer, zipper pouch, and shopping
tote. These are the type of projects that make ideal gifts
and don’t take too long to make or cost too much. There
are also many ways of customizing them to make them truly
yours, and scope for using up even the tiniest scraps of fabric.
This is one of those books destined for my keeper shelf, and
ideal for just about any level of sewist apart from total
beginners
If
you cannot find a good range of fabric and sewing notions
locally, try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
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