Zakka, Current trends in Sewing

I've been wanting to do a post on this subject for quite a while. *Zakka*

Definition of zakka from squidoo.com: all the small, various products used in everyday life are commonly called zakka. A term which encompasses household goods, daily necessities and sundries. However, zakka has also come to represent a style of art and craft that is simple, charming, and of Japanese esthetic.

This is definetly a fashion and design phenomenon spreading in the United States. It's not just sewing either, knitting and crochet can be zakka as well.

I, like many others, have been drawn to this style of craft for its simple shapes and geometrics, small delicate details, lovely small touches of color and print, use of linen, and many lovely details known to Japan as well as Americana type patchwork.

These are images taken out of a Japanese craft magazine. The text is mostly in japanese, but the use of diagrams and images makes it unnessesary to know the language if you are mainly a visual learner and crafter. The measurements will be in centimeters and meters. It's super easy just to pick up a measuring tape in these or look on the other side of your measuring tape you use. Most likely it is in centimeters as well. I love these diagrams since it leaves more room in the books/mag for more ideas and patterns!

The photo above shows some patchwork peicing very reminiscent of old americana quilting. Are the japanese finding inspiration from our's? I am starting to believe so, as I am seeing more hexagons and log cabins becoming popular. A simple patchwork piece on a background of soft natural linen like heartlinen 's work and wonderful book, "I Heart Patchwork."

I am loving their collections of handmade clothing for adults and children. Very simple and classic. I would definitly love to sew up the clothes in this book.

Here is a great blog I follow: mairuru. The author is a woman in Japan who only handsews. Her works are very original and inspiring. She has many, many, tutorials of past projects she has completed. Just read through some of her past posts to find her tutorials. One of my favorites is this one, a patchwork pouch.

Mai has a great shop on etsy where she sells her handmade items. She writes tutorials in her blog for almost every item she makes which are completely designed by her. Amazing artist!

Pink Penguin has a great free tutorial for this puffy pouch:

This tute has an option for a frame closure or velcro version for those of us that don't have one of the frames on hand. I love this example of linen with cotton prints here and there. It is the perfect way to use up some small scraps or show off a collection of patterns without them looking "gaudy." A perfectly cute pouch, thankyou Pink Penquin!