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

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: main panel, neck strap, edge along both sides, Shoe Top, Yoke Back, Top Band (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Objects sewn with all-natural fabrics have an unmistakable look and feel that makes them stand out from the “ordinary.” Natural fabrics are more interesting, almost always more comfortable, and they lend themselves wonderfully to all sorts of homemade projects. The simple sewing projects in this book offer home accessories made from linen, wool, and cotton. From aprons to blankets and lunch bags, each project will add a little bit of warmth and comfort to any home. Through clear instruction and easy-to-follow diagrams, all of these projects are perfect for the novice sewer; yet the sophisticated charmand utile nature of each item will also appeal to the more experienced seamster.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

About the Author

Akiko Mano is president of JAMJAM, a brand of handmade children’s clothing and accessories. When she became a mother, Mano decided that there wasno clothing available that she considered suitable for her child. She devoted herself to studying pattern making and soon began making children’s clothes. Her unpretentiously styled clothing, made with natural materials, has garnered a great deal of attention, and her creations are often featured at promotional eventsand in magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Trumpeter (April 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590306481
• ISBN-13: 978-1590306482
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,928 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #51 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Textile Arts
  #71 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Sewing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 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 (Nashville, Tennessee USA) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 3 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 "B&b ex libris" (Corvallis, OR,USA.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

For my other reviews visit: http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Fabulous, May 5, 2009

By	Ann (Taos, NM) - See all my reviews

Want to use simple, splendid design in the things you make your yourself and others? This is it. I think it's the equivalent of "slow cooking" - breathe, sew wonderful fabric and love doing it. Yes, the linens are expensive but you can find good deals on excellent fabric on-line - also try some of these designs in other fabric. They probably won't be as satisfying to touch but the design is sooo good that you'll love them anyway. Probably should be sold with a book challenging us to slow down enough to consider being kind to ourselves. This is really a gift.