I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew

by Rashida Coleman-Hale

Offering a modern approach to traditional fabric design, this charming instructional illustrates how to create sophisticated patchwork projects by combining linen and print fabrics using simple quilting procedures. Presenting a diverse collection of projects--many inspired by the Japanese zakka aesthetic--such as a travel sewing kit, sewing machine cover, table runner, apron, eco bag, towels, calendar, lap quilt, tote bag, pillowcase, and shoulder bag, all designs are fun, functional, and easy to master. Combining sewing, applique, quilting, and patchwork techniques with thoughtful advice on how to select, work with, and care for linen, this colorful handbook is brimming with sophisticated and innovative projects to challenge and inspire both beginning and intermediate sewers and quilters.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Quilting, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is based on Zaaka sewing. There are probably only a couple projects I'd do from this. Not really my style of sewing but good information.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like this one a tad more than Zakka Sewing. There are even a couple of projects in it I see myself making. But like Zakka Sewing, I'm glad that my local library has it in their collection.

Mostly eye candy.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using 1/4 inch graph paper to check your 1/4 inch seam allowance is genius! I always just guessed at it, but now I know where it really is on my machine, in case I have a fit of perfection.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very similar feel and aesthetic style as the other sewing books by Japanese authors I have already reviewed ("Patchwork Style," "Zakka Sewing" and "Linen Cotton Wool") - an aesthetic I really like.

This book is a little different because the author is not Japanese but spent some time in Japan studying Zakka sewing. I like the fusion of the natural toned linens with the cheery patchwork. Ms. Coleman-Hale's projects are unique because I feel she neither overdoes the amount of patchworking nor the loudness of the fabrics she patchworks with.

I especially felt that here were some fresh, new project ideas. [Of course, there is the ubiquitous (and seemingly mandatory)apron project and coaster project.:] The ones most striking to me were:

- Little Lamb Softie
- Utensil Basket
- Travel Sewing Kit
- Button Calendar
- Flower Mobile

I also appreciated the layout of this book: intro & techniques in front, great project photography (no blurriness or odd models) followed by project instructions.

A fun little find!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has nicely detailed instructions for bags, dolls, tablerunners and other small projects. The templates only take up two pages. In all, the book oozes perfection, and cuteness. I copied the idea for a zig-zag patter for a placemat I can change to use in a larger quilt. This is a to-buy book if one is interested in those kind of projects.

[Kora]

This was the only Zakka book at my local library, so I borrowed it even though I’m not really into patchwork. I’ve just finished one (small) project, which I'm really happy with :) Instructions and diagrams were crystal clear and the photos were of course very enticing.

[Jessietaylortanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to make most of the things in this book- patchwork in a clean, modern and graphic way.

[Tina W]

I love the way Rashida Coleman-Hale combines linen and beautiful cottons. I've made several of her projects as gifts, one from this book, and they are always well received.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the combining of linen and other materials. Very clean lines

[Jocelynne Broderick]

Way cute things! Still has the print & linen look like the Zakka books, but I like the projects in this one better.

[Arlian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a easy introduction to patchwork, but I wasn't impressed or inspired by the patterns included. Likely aimed at more novice tailors than I.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice book, i loved some of the patterns in there.. i enjoyed reading about designs, if now only i had time to quilt..

[Émilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't as inspired by the projects as other Zakka project books, but was still cute.

[Kate]

Cute, but nothing I want to make at the moment.

[Jaime David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to do every project in this book, but I just got it and haven't done any yet.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute - but nothing here I think I would make.

[Seana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, nothing new but clean design. Plan to make the coaster set