Patchwork Style: 35 Simple Projects for a Cozy and Colorful Life

by Suzuko Koseki

The tradition of patchwork and quilted items goes back hundreds of years and most often conveys a sense of warmth and comfort. While the bold and bright designs in this book are meant for the modern crafter, that inherent sense of warmth is still expressed in these unique and stunning projects. Created in the distinctive Japanese craft style—and published in English for the first time—the projects in this book offer a look that is minimal, yet vibrant and full of life.

Explore the techniques of patchwork sewing, appliqué, and machine quilting through thirty-five simple and stunning projects. With beautiful photographs, step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, the pouches and handbags, quilts and pillowcases, tissue cases and pot holders are perfect projects for beginner and intermediate sewers. 

Make the projects in this book and add a little bit of warmth and patchwork style to your life.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Quilting, Adult

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received this book in the mail, and I am totally enamoured with pretty much all of the projects. I think this book might just get me out of my sewing funk...or lack-of-sewing funk that has loomed far too long. check it out!!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too sure what to think of this book. The use of the red haired girl model is kind of creepy/sort of a turn off for me because she has her eyes closed, averted, is looking down or just not in a typical pose for most of the photos of the project. This gives the finished pieces she is posing with just as odd a feel, I believe.

Secondly, the layout of the book is odd because the first 58 pages is just photo after photo of the finished pieces; the next 90 pages or so are the "how -to" pages. I find it more inspiring to have the photography next to the instructions.

What I do like about this book are the fabrics Sukuko Koseki chose for the patchworks: mixing florals with fabrics with words printed on them; lots of blues throughout, lots of applique and quilting. I also like the How to Sew a Log Cabin instructions on page 61 where he teaches you to basically build your own piece of fabric out of some scraps.

I like the aesthetic to this book much better than Pretty Little Patchwork. However, the odd layout and modeling turns me off from this book.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Japanese craft perspective. The photography was beautiful and simple (with a very scandinavian model). The projects were unique (lots of bags plus a floor mat, curtains, a tray, potholders and tissue cases). I liked the artist's comments and the ability to personalize the projects or reuse things. Directions included lots of visuals!

Patchwork Style

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it hard to get beyond the busyness of the patchwork in this book, but there are very solid instructions for making the projects, and if you are a visual person who has trouble following written instructions, this could be a good choice for you, because there are a lot of drawings to go along with the written instructions, and the bags especially are nice.

[Carmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patchwork must make you tired...very, very tired. Why else would the model be standing there with her eyes shut in half the photos. Standing with a lovely patchwork bag, eyes shut, sniffing an apple. standing with a small patchwork blanket over her head, eyes closed. Sitting in front of a patchwork curtain, eyes shut, sniffing a donut. Leaning against a wall holding a flower in an odd vase, eyes closed.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

The projects in here are cute enough, but I’m not sure I’d make any of them. I wasn’t crazy about how the patterns and instructions are laid out, and I’m not sure I am up to deciphering them. I also don’t like it when the picture and the project instructions aren’t together, as is the case here. Not my favorite book. The pictures are great, though.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is oddly alluring. I am not personally drawn to the colors used for the projects, but I found the images beautiful. I was not drawn to jump up and create when reading it, it was more like an editorial fashion piece in Vogue. Beautiful to look at but out of my realm. Very inspirational. The projects actually are very utilitarian and nice ideas, it is an odd juxtaposition.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really nicely done. The problem is that it's mostly bag patterns and not enough variety.

[Mikkles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous colors

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, so this is not exactly a book to read in the traditional sense but it really has great ideas of things for me to make for the girls.... If and when I ever get time that is....

[Phobean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read? More like enjoyed the photos of projects and noted how I'll never attempt a single one. For me, these types of books are inspiration, not instruction.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the pictures and ideas but way out of my sewing expertise. Would have liked the instructions to be with the project and not at the end of the book.

[Polly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very whimsical book. (Why else would a young woman be eating from an apple with a spoon?) The projects are something a teenager might like (to make or receive).

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the simplicity. Had to buy a copy after checking it out from the library.

[Lain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly photos, poor instructions for a newbie seamstress.