I just love it when an overarching design principle is expressed within a craft, which is exactly what happens in "I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew" by Rashida Coleman Hale.
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"I Love Patchwork" by
Rashida Coleman Hale |
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Zakka is a Japanese word meaning "many things," but more than a word--it's a fashion and design movement that started in Japan and has erupted throughout Asia. It has to do with anything that enhances your living space or wardrobe, even your life. You'll find zakka stores throughout Asia, fillled with clever takes on kitschy Western household items, mid-century Japanese home goods and even Scandinavian design influences.
Author Rashida Coleman Hale grew up in Japan, where she started her love affair with linen, and is intimately familiar with zakka design principles. She brings that charming and eccentric sensibility to the many patchwork and linen projects that fill her book. They include a sweet travel sewing kit for you, a darling patchwork ball for baby, a flowerpot cover for your favorite plant, to name a few. The book is divided into zakka-esque sections: Kitchen, Dining, Around the House, For the Wee Ones, and more.
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Little Lamb Softie from "I Love
Patchwork." |
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The great thing about zakka is that it revels in its imperfections and mundanity, so you don't have to be an expert sewist to make these projects. Far from it---the zakka projects in her books let you bask in domestic bliss, leaving the perfectionistic pressures of the outside world at the door. You don't even need to be able to sew a straight seam! And that's a good thing in zakka world!
You can download the eBook version of I Love Patchwork in the Sew Daily shop, along with many other great books.
Are you familiar with zakka? Share how you bring zakka to your life on the Sew Daily blog.
Happy stitching!