Customer Reviews

Zakka Style: 24 Projects Stitched with Ease to Give, Use & Enjoy (Design Collective)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Big style in a small package! 24 projects fill the pages -- from totes to potholders, quilts to coasters, sewing cases to frames -- you'll find a ton of inspirtion. Common items are elevated to art form! My favorite project is the nesting boxes: cute storage plus this one would make a great gift. The projects are adaptable and fun. As a bonus, there lots of stash-busting projects. Lots of bang for the buck!

A fabulous book! I pre ordered and was not expecting to receive it until February (living down under has drawbacks)however it arrived in time to bring on holiday, the time I get to sew the most. I am keen to try many of the projects, though I may not always include linen in them. The book is beautifully illustrated with lots of diagrams. I have started to make the tote, and whilst triangles are not my favourite patchwork pursuit, the instructions and digrams are a huge help. I have lots of craft books and I may not make all the items but it is a book that I will enjoy browsing for many years to come and a book I will gain inspiration from.

Author Rashida Coleman-Hale explains that the Japanese term zakka has been loosely translated to mean "miscellaneous goods," "many things," or "sundries." Something with simple charm. Something handmade that is useful yet pleasing.

In Zakka Style, Coleman-Hale showcases 24 projects from as many designers. Despite the many hands that worked on the book, the overall look of the collection is coherent and visually pleasing. There is a consistency of fabric choice and design aesthetic that flows from one page to the next.

This book is built for browsing. There is no index and the table of contents is spartan--just each project title and the name of the designer.

The projects seem easy enough for anyone with basic sewing skills, although I may not be the best judge of this as I have been sewing since Nixon was in the Oval Office! My personal favorites are those that incorporated patchwork. I especially love the Itty Bitty Quilt Block Magnets, Sweet Memories Picture Frame and oh, those fabric Nesting Boxes!

Many could be completed in a short block of time. All are attractive enough to give as a little (or not so little) present. Instructions are clear and well organized with supply list, cutting directions and assembly directions. Photographs and illustrations are numerous and well chosen. Full size patterns are at the back of the book.

I was waiting with baited breath for this book and am so pleased to finally have it in my greedy little hands! The book is comprised of projects completed by different Zakka sewers. Some have their own blogs and others Etsy shops. The sewn items are beautiful and functional... The layout is visually appealing and instructions appear to be clear and easy to follow. Looking forward to getting in to some sewing from this book!

Let me first say, that this is an amazing collection! I was very happy with the book. I will add that I am a bit bias about the talent in this book. Specifically, Julia Bravo, not only are her skills amazing, but she's truly a talented woman.... And might I add my sister. Very proud Julie. Very, very, proud.

Zakka Style is really one of the best project books in a long time. I have made 2 of the projects so far and have had great success. Her inspirational pictures are so current - and the projects are great sizes and leave room for your own creativity. Most of the projects give you a great jumping off place to go ahead and make more with your own twist on them. I just finished my first Tweed Pouch with a zipper installed between the outer fabric and the lining. It is great! I can't wait to make more.

Very nice projects to make with easy to understand instructions. Friends will like to receive gifts you make from this book.

however this sewing book is NOT for beginners. I consider myself at a beginner sewing level. I regret buying this book as most craft book tutorials, 90% of the steps are contextual and there's the 10% with line illustrations. Alot of the materials used, it would be nice to include photos of them, so you know what you need for the project and where to possible get them, wheter online or mentioning a "local craft sewing store". I would wish that the publisher, "stashbooks" would consider photos of step-by-step tutorials instead, like how some of the online sewing blogs currently have. If you look at some of the Japanese written books, especially those that isn't published by an American publisher, most all of them have photo of each steps to achieve your project. Having said that, I do regret paying the money, when I could of learned better online or watching "YouTube" videos. Again, the photography of the products are well done, but little is left for the tutorials.

I didn't find anything I might make in this book. None of the projects were designed by the author/compiler.
Instead, I'd recommend these titles; they have a wider variety of projects with more unique techniques:
Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration
The Feisty Stitcher: Sewing Projects with Attitude