Patchwork, Please!: Colorful Zakka Projects to Stitch and Give [ペーパーバック]

Zakka means more or less in Japanese "many things" but I think you could translate it "this and that." These are small projects done in patchwork, and they are the sorts of things you can enjoy making from bits and pieces of fabric, fat quarters and scraps. And if you like to sew, you probably wonder, what to do with all the tempting small pieces of fabric in the stash. There are a LOT of great ideas here.

What kind of machine do you need? "Basic", says the author, who uses a Janome DC4030*. But if your machine can do straight stitch with adjustable stitch length and zig-zag, you're in. And that would be just about any sewing machine, vintage or new. As to specialized presser feet, just a walking foot is the most exotic, as you will be quilting. You will need a rotary cutter and mat, and a few other items but this is basic sewing and quilting.

The projects just jumped off the page at me. I had been wanting to make a bucket bag with a drawstring top, to carry knitting projects, and lo, there was just the perfect bag on page 107. It's actually a shopping or market bag, a lined tote with a thinner, drawstring top. But that's exactly what I want, because the bottom part of the tote will sit up as I knit, and the drawstring will hold everything inside when I carry it.

There are a lot of other small bags, such as pencil cases and makeup bags. Of course there are bibs, aprons, coasters, towels, small fabric covered boxes, and a wall hanging doubling as a mail sorter. And pin cushions. These little projects make great gifts and they are satisfying as useful home items, like place mats and baby hats (there is a cute dragon hat, for example.)

The fabrics the author uses are "Forties", "Fifties" and "Sixties" retro, which I love. But if you have a different aesthetic, you certainly will be able to adapt these patterns to your own tastes.

In addition to the photos, there are well-drawn diagrams and templates for applique and quilt pieces. The techniques (piecing, hand stitching, applique, etc) are demonstrated and the projects show the progress of assembly. The list of items you need is broken down into "must haves" and "nice to haves" which I found helpful to judge what was essential, really, to buy.

If you need a small gift and you have fabric, you're sure to find something delightful to make with this book. I found so many projects I want to make ASAP. I just love this book.

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* Re the Janome DC4030. This is actually a fairly basic, electronic machine with 30 decorative stitches and was the "Pink Ribbon" edition. This machine is a platform for a lot of Janome's limited edition 30-stitch machines like the "Threadbanger",and similar to the Magnolia 7330. If your machine does basic decorative stitches, you'll be fully able to do every project in the book.

This book is adorable! I love Ayumi's blog, Pink Penguin, and the book reflects her style so well. It is broken down by category and I found that to be so helpful. I love that there is a project to be made for everyone, from adults to babies. Ayumi uses fabrics in such an inspiring way, that the book is as useful for eye candy as it is for the projects. The instructions are easy to follow and well written. A great addition for those who love zakka craft books or for anyone who likes to make useful little projects.

There is a sew along using this book, it can be found here: [...]

pre-ordered this, and I love all the functional projects that I can make with it. Zakka style sewing, and its great for the beginner quilter.