Stitch Zakka

Today's coolest crafters use beautiful COSMO embroidery thread to bring a fresh perspective to the centuries-old technique of embroidery. This charming collection features embroidery patterns for 22 contemporary projects including an iPad sleeve, e-reader holder, pillow, tote, baby bib, softies, and so much more. Each project is fully explained with simple instructions, helpful hints, colour photographs, and plenty of creative inspiration.

Embrace a simpler approach to stitching with bold one- and two-color embroidery motifs Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia. The task of picking just the right palette for an embroidery project can be overwhelming to beginners and experienced stitchers alike. But when you take away that challenge, a whole world of texture and style becomes available. Here Japanese designer Yumiko Higuchi presents embroidery motifs to be stitched using just one or two colors—creating patterns and designs that are more evocative for their form than for a play of colors. Each embroidery design is paired with a simple craft project, transforming the stitched fabric into a functional object, including pouches, pillows, aprons, and more. With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, Zakka Embroidery will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a delightful experience for those experienced with needle and thread.

• 22 small embroidered projects with simple step-by-step instructions—ideal for beginner and intermediate sewists • Learn 26 basic embroidery stitches and how to transfer embroidery patterns to fabric • Full-size embroidery designs with instructions for color and stitch placement Today’s coolest crafters use beautiful COSMO embroidery thread to bring a fresh perspective to the centuries-old technique of embroidery in this charming collection. Featuring 22 projects with a contemporary flair, you’ll find embroidery patterns for an iPad sleeve, e-reader holder, pillow, tote, baby bib, softies, and so much more. Each project is fully explained with simple instructions, helpful hints, color photographs, and plenty of creative inspiration.

Get fresh inspiration with 19 quick and colorful projects! In Patchwork, Please!, Stitch magazine contributor Ayumi Takahashi has created playful and practical patchwork projects for the home and the people who live in it. Sewing should be fun, and Ayumi Takahashi's patchwork projects embody that happy, playful approach. Known for both her distinctive combination of patterned fabrics and her quirky interpretations of vintage style, Ayumi brings this signature approach to 19 sewing projects. The book begins with basic techniques in patchwork, paper piecing, raw-edged applique, and machine and hand embroidery. Then it's straight into an appealing assortment of projects for the kitchen, home, family, and friends.

Create charming fabric crafts inspired by the Japanese design movement that you can use to brighten up your home or give as gifts to friends. Discover the hottest new trend in fabric crafting—Zakka! These clever, modern projects are a cinch to sew using basic patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery. It’s scrap-friendly and fun for all sewing skill levels. Rashida Coleman-Hale has gathered talented designers from around the world to bring you 24 delightful Zakka projects. Zakka, a Japanese term meaning “many things,” is all about all the little things that improve your home and appearance. Create a one-of-a-kind picture frame, a stylish bread bag, a whimsical bookmark, a chic tote, and so much more. You’ll love these bright, imaginative designs-make them for yourself and everyone you know! Featuring contributions by Amanda Jennings, Amy Sinibaldi, Ayumi Takahashi, Christie Fowler, Holly Keller, Julia Bravo, Karyn Valino, Kat Mew, Katrien Van Deuren, Kim Kruzich, Larissa Holland, Laurraine Yuyama, Leslie Good, Lisa Billings, Masko Jefferson, Meg Spaeth, Melody Miller, Mette Robl, Nova Flitter, Pascal Mestdagh, Rachel Roxburgh, Shannon Dreval, Sonia Cantie, and Theresia Cookson. Award-Winner in the Crafts/Hobbies/How-To category of the 2012 International Book Awards Praise for Zakka Style “The term “zakka” . . . has become synonymous with a kind of simple charm and uniqueness—something handmade that is useful and pleasing. . . . This book is another wonderful source for gift ideas and sweet little knick-knacks to make ‘just because.’” —Australian Homespun Magazine

Learn how to sew simple, clever things that organize your home and help with daily tasks with Zakka Handmades! These incredibly useful projects include pouches and bags, small toys and baby items, and handy kitchen accessories. Some of the author’s sewn items also incorporate simple crochet. In Japanese, zakka means “household goods,” referring to items for domestic use—tableware, kitchenware, containers of various kinds, even simple clothing. What all the items have in common is a simple, fresh, handmade aesthetic; a subtle, clever wit; and absolute usefulness and practicality.

In Garden Stitch Life, embroidery artist Kazuko Aoki invites you into her enchanting world of garden-themed embroidery. You'll get a glimpse into her creative process, from sketching and selecting thread colors to stitching tips and techniques, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at her atelier, garden, and other inspiring locales. In addition to dozens of botanical motifs, you'll also find designs based on the author's favorite things in life: food, travel, and design. Projects include samplers, collages, patches, bags, table linens, and more!

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.