Linen, Wool, Cotton: 25 Simple Projects to Sew with Natural Fabrics (Make Good: Crafts + Life) [Paperback]

Akiko Mano (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 14, 2009 | Series: Make Good: Crafts + Life

Sewing with all-natural fabrics can make an incredible difference in the quality of the items we make, with a look and feel that provides the ultimate in comfort. The twenty-five simple sewing projects in this book offer home accessories made from linen, wool, and cotton, from durable linen aprons to cozy wool blankets and washable cotton lunch bags.

This book is full of beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instruction, and detailed diagrams that are reflective of the Japanese craft style. All of the projects are perfect for those new to sewing, yet the unsophisticated charm and useful nature of each item will appeal to every sewer.

Make the projects in this book and add a little bit of comfort and style to your home.

Projects include:


   • Linen: Sarong Apron, Handkerchief, Slouch Bag, Hand Towel, Wastebasket Cover, Duvet Cover, Pillow Case, Kitchen Cloth, Fruit Bag, Apron
   • Wool: Muffler, Socks, Room Shoes, Blanket, Bottle  Cover, Lap Blanket, Messenger’s Bag
   • Cotton: Jumper, Wall Pocket, Bath Mat, Small Bag, Sweets Mat, Lingerie Case, Lunch Bag, Parent and Child’s Bag

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Akiko Mano is president of JAMJAM, a brand of handmade children's clothing and accessories. Her unpretentiously styled clothing, made with natural materials, has garnered a great deal of attention, and her creations are often featured at promotional events and in magazines. She lives in Japan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Roost Books; First English Edition edition (April 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590306481
• ISBN-13: 978-1590306482
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Well, if there was an errata page, I would have given it a 5 May 10, 2009

By fibercontent

Format:Paperback

I love the look of this book, but, when I sewed the Slouch Bag, there was something wrong when I got to the handles on Step 4. I looked online for help and found a couple of blogs where others had the same problem. I am an experienced crafter and was able to figure it out for myself, but I think the publisher should have had a page to address the problems.

It is s gorgeous book and I am inspired by the lovely projects. I know I will make more things, but I will be wary.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Pretty but... April 22, 2010

By Jane

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I do wish that Akiko had put as much time and effort in the patterns as the photography. I purchased the book after seeing the picture of the slouch bag on the internet. There is a glaring error involving the attachment of the handles. Step 4 requires sewing on the top bands with a 3/8th inch seam. Step 6 then has you insert the handles between the bands and sew 3/8th of an inch from the edge along the top. Obviously, following the directions would result in the handles not being attached since the handles can only be inserted between the two sewn on bands that already have been sewing on 3/8th of an inch from the top. Unfortunately I followed the directions up to the point of inserting the handles without thinking this through. Now, despite an adjustment, I am not feeling great about the security of the handles for carrying heavier items. In addition, the handles turn out to be too small. I suspected they would, but decided to go with the pattern and hope for the best. I am comparatively small and lean. The handles barely accommodate my shoulder.

Since I have enough sewing experience, I have figured out how to overcome the inadequacies of the band pieces for the next time. I would not suggest a newby attempt this without some assistance in adjusting the pattern. At the very least, line up the handles WITH the top band pieces and sew them on together with a 3/8th seam.

Frankly, had I just created my own pattern and assembly plan from the original picture I saw, it would have been a far easier and more successful experience--and I am NOT a super-experienced sewer.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book December 11, 2009

By Amber

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Lovely simple sewing ideas. I love the instructions to make a handkerchief and kitchen towels. I am always disappointed with kitchen towels bought in local retail stores. Homemade towels make such a difference in absorbency and appearance. There is also patterns for duvet cover, pillowcases, apron and much more.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Simple Ideas February 9, 2011

By P.D.

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I recently purchased this book and have made 3 of the patterns so far: messanger bag, saron apron and lingerie case. Each of the patterns/instructions worked exactly as detailed in the book. I was not certain of this given some other reviews that indicated measurements and instructions were not accurate. I did not find this to be true in the 3 items I have made so far. You do need to combine reading the instructions with understanding the pictures (detailed diagram with measurements) to get the complete idea of the instructions, but for those of us who are visual, this is a nice addition. The patterns are very simple and straight forward but that is the point of the book. The pictures are also very inspiring, like talking with a kindred spirit who likes simple, natural fabric and decor. A great addition to the library of someone who wants to live a simple, natural life.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Clean, plain, simple January 15, 2011

By Puterdame

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had looked at this book in one of my many bookclubs, but the cost thru them was prohibitive. I found it used on Amazon, so bought it. It's a wonderful book, filled with very simple sewing projects that even a novice could tackle with ease. The graceful, simple lines of the items only lend to their desirability. What attracted me was the definite Oriental influence of the garments. Plain, simple, beautiful. The author adds more interest with short essays on different subjects. Wonderful purchase, would recommend to anyone who is interested in sewing projects. Some of these could easily translate into hand made gifts for special occasions.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit too simple September 13, 2010

By Mary M. Green

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book itself is very lovely, the photographs are excellent and the authors style is very nice and simple. The patterns however, are pretty simple, and I think most average crafters could come up with the patterns themselves. I wasn't impressed with the directions for the slouch bag or the jumper, and the other items are really pretty simple, placemats, pillow cases etc. Not things you really need a pattern for. I'm pretty disapointed and I doubt I will use it again. I made the lunch tote and I will make another after I adjust the pattern to be a better size for holding a sandwich box plus a a piece of fruit, it wasn't quite big enough for those things.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Akiko hit the nail on the head! A must buy for any crafter who loves simplicity. April 14, 2009

By Bethany L. Canfield

Format:Paperback

Akiko Mano's soft and subdued style is simple yet outstanding in quality, approach and design. Linen, Wool, Cotton is a dream for the practical person who enjoys crafts that people will actually use. The simplicity of her patterns is so pretty and speaks though its calmness. Akiko Mano's designs will allow even the insure crafter to create things that many will enjoy. The projects range from wool slippers, aprons, a muffler, lightweight fruit bags, a lingerie case, hot water bottle cover, duvet cover and beyond. Linen, Wool, Cotton is sectioned off into chapters by material choice, beginning with Linen, followed by Wool and finally Cotton. Akiko's patterns are easy to follow and minimalist in their approach, and that is a bonus, since that makes them quick to complete as well, having only an average of 4 steps per pattern.

Linen, Wool, Cotton by Akiko Mano is part of the Japanese Crafts Style books also known as Make Good: Crafts + Life, a group of books believing in the goal to simplify life. This approach makes it its goal to take pleasure in the beautiful things that are so perfect in their minimalistic appeal.

So how did I like this book? I loved it. I enjoy being crafty, but I want the things I make to be used and not just dusted. This is a book for a person like me, and I am thrilled that there are so many patterns in Linen, Wool, Cotton that are calling my name (quite loudly I might add). I have already dived in, and created the lunch bags, they were just too cool to not make. I was worried at first because usually patterns seem to have way too many impractical steps and I have a hard time wanting to follow along. I had no problem with listening to Akiko at all. The lunch bag pattern (p. 96) was just perfect and simple and had fluff, just the real stuff.... I know for sure that I am going to make several other patterns, the Sweets Mat (p. 90) looks like the next one I'll try. And the Fruit Bags (p. 37) made out of cheesecloth would be perfect for veggies at the Saturday Farmer's Market as they don't way anything and are completely reusable! Yeah, so anyway I am hooked. I recommend Linen, Wool, Cotton by Akiko Mano with no reservations at all.

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