Zakka Sewing: 25 Japanese Projects for the Household

I love this book and the patterns are very simple. The tea cozy is amazingly beautiful.

If you have a lot of linen, and you do not plan on making clothes with it-- this is a nice book to have..I have made four linen baskets and a bunny pencil case. People smile when they see them. The instructions are clear. Now back to sewing! The bird pillow is next!

I just received Zakka Sewing this past week and I already have many projects dogeared to make as soon as possible. The room shoes/slippers were mentioned by another reader and I think those will make the top of my list. After that, I believe I will make several things as gifts for loved ones. The book begins with basic terminology and techniques, both about Japanese trends and sewing. It also explains some common fabrics and materials used in the book. The "problems" that were mentioned in an earlier review can be easily fixed. The patterns can be enlarged and printed, tiled, on regular paper. You can use those as the pattern pieces or if you find that too stiff, trace them onto tissue paper from there. And as for the matter with the thick wool felt, it is possible to buy a stiff wool felt that is 1/4" thick and plenty suitable for the tea cozy. I found that several of the projects were perfect for my 16 year old daughter who has only been sewing for about 6 months. And yet there were projects that were nicely challenging for me, someone who has been sewing for 20 years or so. Conveniently, each of the projects is rated one to three buttons based on difficulty so you don't find yourself in over your head. The household goods and personal items included are both functional and beautiful. I believe the covered tape measure was also mentioned but its necessity was called into question. How lovely would it be in a gift basket of sewing supplies for a seamstress? Perhaps with a copy of this book. :) Mar 2009

Full of great sewing projects that are unique, well explained and useful. I found several that I look forward to making, including the bunny wallet and bunny pencil case. Very unique, high quality projects.

If you are addicted to those adorable Japanese Craft Magazines, but find yourself frustrated by their lack of instructions in English, then you should check out this book. There are 25 projects here - from the very simple such as potholders and book covers to the more complicated such as comfy room shoes. The book is beginner friendly with a section on simple sewing techniques, and descriptions of tools & materials needed. A person with more advanced skills may find some of the projects too simple. And some may wonder about the necessity of projects like covered tape measures or corsage pincushions. Still, other projects hit home. For me, the slippers are a must-do. These are nearly impossible to make if you have to rely solely on Japanese instructions. Other favorites of mine are the sashiko projects and the bird pillow. There is a list of helpful resources in the back. Cute! I hope this is the first of many more English language zakka books to come.