Customer Reviews

Zakka Sewing: 25 Japanese Projects for the Household (Stc Craft)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

For my birthday, my friend gave me Zakka Sewing. The book is a delight to look at, but in my opinion, not accessible for a beginner.

First off, you get this book, and unless you improvise, you really can't make anything from it right away. Why? Every pattern that I am interested in making requires that it be enlarged 200-250% (depends on the pattern). Furthermore, there are no tips on enlarging the patterns. If you photocopy them, you need paper larger than 8.5x14. I was eager to make the squirrel teapot cozy on the cover, and I had to free hand most of the pattern using my french curve in order to get immediate gratification.

Next, the materials list for the teapot cozy says, "thick wool felt." Well, I used thick wool felt and after completing the pattern as the book instructs, my cozy is floppy and won't stand up, never mind that it doesn't fit on my teapot. I will need to improvise, use interfacing, and I think I will even add batting to insulate. That's all okay, but c'mon, for the hard earned $24.95 that my friend spent, I expect a little more! If the purpose of this book is to make Japanese style patterns more accessible to those who do not read Japanese, why do I feel like I get so much more from the Japanese craft mooks that give me full size patterns and excellent drawn instructions (though, admittedly I can read enough Japanese to help me along) for the same price?

Follow up to other reviewer who commented on what I wrote:

Please note, that the directions in the book say to reproduce the patterns on a photocopier, there are no directions or notes anywhere in the book that suggest tiling pages. Furthermore, the materials list for the tea cozy states, "Thick grey wool felt, 15"x24"". If I am to purchase 1/4" thick grey wool felt, then the directions should state that.

The point of my review was that this book aims to be easily accessible for the English speaking audience; it falls short.

This book is fun and pretty accessible. I agree with other reviewers that the enlarging is a bit of a pain but its doable. I am now borrowing books from Lib prior to committing byng them and this is one of those books that is perfect for that. I was attracted to the cover and possible contents but upon having it, really only 2 things have great interest for me and others are patterns easily found on many sewing blogs.

If you find yourself wanting to make many crafts from this then buy it (after your library time is up) . Directions are actually pretty clear in most projects - if you have a bit (I mean tiny) bit of experience with sewing you should be fine (otherwise go see your local fabric store they can always help out.)

I have sewn before and done a few basic things such as costumes, pillows, and things that aren't necessarily that difficult. I'd stopped sewing out of fear that I wouldn't be able to comprehend some of the more in-depth patterns.
I've fallen in love with the zakka movement, but wasn't entirely sure what it was about, or what was meant by "deep subtext" that is constantly referred to in the definition. This book helped explain common thematic elements and why they're used so often, going a long way to help me understand what zakka "is", and what it is not.
In addition, the instructions were VERY easy, and aside from the pain that would come from enlarging some of the patterns 200%+, it is VERY easy to understand. I enjoy the button rating system within it that tells you you're fine if you're a beginner (one button) up to a project you'll probably want to have a drink with while you're working on it. (3 buttons).
The projects are all very cute, easily explained, and best of all it's very easy to see how they might be adapted to be bigger, smaller, larger, or differently shaped.
If you're looking for a nice book to get in to the whole zakka thing, it's definitely a good one. It explains in detail what supplies you'll need to complete it, and has a picture for every step of the way. If the only thing you've had access to until now are the Japanese craft books, it'll also give you a little insight in to the diagrams within them as well, since sometimes an explanation is nice to go along with the detailed picture.
I'd recommend buying this book to friends who want to start sewing or who love Japanese trends and cute, kitschy things without hesitation.

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

Excellent book! Teaches basics about sewing and is a must buy for any beginner learning to sew!!! The projects are simple and are easy to follow for anybody. I have been taking a few sewing classes and yet this book still teaches me (as well as reminds me) about what steps to take for making certain things. It is worth your money!

The design layout and the photography were the first thing that drew me to this book. I often love Japanese sewing patterns, but they are difficult to find in English. This book has wonderful, clear directions. I love the little snippets on the history of Zakka, Japanese folklore and little household tidbits. The button rating system for project difficulty makes it easy to chose projects in your comfort and skill range. It is easy to feel inspired to make these cute patterns or design your own based on this book. I found some of the projects to lovely twists on the usual sewing project like the Squirrel Tea Cozy, the House Mug for coffee mug and spoon and the Sashiko Placemats are quite elegant. Some of the projects, perhaps because they are beyond my comfort zone for sewing, seem like way too much work and I'd rather buy something on Etsy than go through the trouble, like the House Camera Case and the Bunny Wallet. All in all it a lovely and unique collection and an asset to my craft book collection, though I'm not sure how much I'll use it.

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!

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.

I was looking forward to this book, but it's rather disappointing. None of the projects is especially interesting, and you could figure out how to do any of them without buying the book. I recommend another book, called "Omiyage" which has much more interesting projects, great pictures and good instructions.Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition