Sewing Happiness: A Year of Simple Projects for Living Well

by Sanae Ishida

Create Pinterest-worthy clothing, accessories, and more with this how-to guide and memoir featuring 20 meditative sewing projects, plus inspiring stories that promote creativity, happiness, and fulfillment.   When Sanae Ishida was diagnosed with a chronic illness and lost her corporate job, she felt like her whole life was falling apart. Inspired to succeed at just one thing, Ishida vowed to sew all of her daughter’s clothes—and most of her own—for one full year. In Sewing Happiness, Ishida recounts her incredible journey, reflecting on how sewing helped her survive such a difficult time in her life. Sewing Happiness features twenty simple sewing projects (with variations) organized by season and tied together with a thread of memoir that tells the story Ishida’s unexpected transformation and how sewing brought her profound happiness. Each seasonal project—from Japanese-inspired home goods to children’s and women’s clothing—is specially designed to promote health, creativity, and relationships and to provide gentle inspiration to live your best life. Complete with photos and easy-to-follow steps, Sewing Happiness is at once a guide to the craft of sewing and a guide to enjoying life in all its beautiful imperfections.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sewing, Crafts, Memoir, Reference, Self Help, Quilting

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2016

About the author

Sanae Ishida writes, draws, sews, and takes photos almost every day. In addition to writing and illustrating books for kids, she's written several books on sewing. She lives with her husband and daughter in Seattle, Washington. It's possible that she and her daughter have too many handmade clothes.

Reviews

[Madam Book Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. I like the way she wrote a sewing book but also embedded information about her in the book. I probably won’t make any of the projects because I’m a newbie and the book doesn’t come with patterns but the way she explains the projects seems like the projects can be completed even by a newbie.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A beautiful book, the author's story of how she healed herself and bounced back from sickness and a lay off from a job that took over her life by eating well, exercising and creating was inspiring. She seems like a great person. However the sewing projects at the back of the book don't come with any patterns, we're expected to trace off an existing pair of yoga pants or dress to make these pieces for example. That's much too loosey-goosey for projects that come form a book for me, sorry!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say - I did not make any of the projects in this book and I didn't pay close attention to the details of those projects. But I loved reading Ishida's story. It's so interesting how she dealt with her illness her own way and I think the simplicity of the projects, in fact just the simplicity of the sewing itself, perfectly aligned with her self-treatment.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Not only is the author’s story in the memoir portion great, but she makes sewing very approachable for beginners with simple projects.

[Amy Linton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sewing can save your life -- A memoir about how creativity brought the author back from the brink of physical and mental breakdown. With patterns.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't made anything yet. But I love the essays.

[Verity · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed.
The idea of using sewing and crafting as a means of meditation and getting better resonates with me in a substantial way.
I find myself at the end of the toughest period in my life so far. I too have been feeling depleted, kicked in the ol' balls once too many times and have neglected my health and thyroid condition.
I found the memoir part of the book a pleasure and a huge motivator. I am viewing sewing as a way to relax, a time for myself and a way to balance out the storm around me.
What fell short where the suggested projects. Nothing caught my eye and I regretted that the author didn't continue throughout the book to share her personal experience, maybe choosing fewer projects that had a bigger meaning to her.
Maybe this book can be beneficial for beginner sewers, but then as guides go, I think you can do better. And how many pillows and shopping bags can a sewer be enticed to make before it's just ridiculously repetitive?

[Sarah Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Sanae's writing style, journey, and thoughtful reflection. I also love how she takes simple shapes and turns them into elegant projects, no pattern required.

Not everyone likes this approach. I imagine it appeals more to people who like to wing it, "throw things together" when they cook, etc. I am one of those people. I hate prepping for projects, and cutting out fabric while trying to keep the pattern aligned is my least favorite part of sewing. (And let's not even talk about patterns that have to be printed and assembled!)

Obviously there are times when you do absolutely need a pattern. However, this book is more geared towards sewing as therapy, mindfulness, grounded in simplicity, accepting wobbles, letting go of perfectionism... the "go with the flow" flexibility of the projects perfectly suits the narrative of the book, and I'm looking forward to making some of them. (Just as soon as I finish the three other craft projects I'm in the middle of. 😉)

[Bridgid Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, thoughtful book. It isn't only a sewing book (although the patterns are great); it's also a lovely, thoughtful memoir. I enjoyed reading about Sanae Ishida's path back to her creativity, and look forward to reading more from this author. And, as someone who is a sewing newbie, the patterns were perfect -- simple and inspiring, with easy-to-understand instructions. I now have all sorts of beautiful items (pillow covers! yoga pants! origami-fold bags!) made from this book, and hope to make many more. Highly recommended!

[Suzette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may reevaluate my rating once I try one of the patterns, but the 'you can beat a disease without medication if you just try harder' attitude was off-putting. I'm glad that's the author's experience, but it reads as a moral failing if you aren't able to get enough sleep, exercise, and eat "better".

[Jessica Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book absolutely gorgeous, Ishida provides sewing projects and instructions that are easy, fun, and precious keepsakes. No other book or resource has gotten me to the sewing machine as confidently and enthusiastically as hers.

[Sandra F]

Seems lovely, and her personal story, which she writes about in this book, is inspiring, but will add a rating after I've actually made things from the book.

[Hélène Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice reminder to be kind to myself. The book felt like a hug.

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sewing Happiness" is part memoir and part crafting guide, complete with sewing projects and patterns. In the first half of the book, Ishida tells the story of how a high-powered corporate job steadily compromised her health, personal life, and relationships--to the point that she became unable to work effectively and was fired from her job. What initially seemed like a devastating setback turned out to be a life-saving shift in focus and priorities. For Ishida, one key element of nurturing herself back to physical and relational health was taking up the practice of sewing. The meditative, step-by-step process of sewing allowed her to fail productively and learn, to reconnect with family and friends through her creations, and to embrace a new, simpler, slower-paced way of being. This memoir portion of the book goes season by season through Ishida's first year after losing her job and offers stories and gorgeous photos of beginner-level projects linked to each season. The second half of the book offers detailed instructions for each project and still more appealing photos.

This is a beautiful book with just the right mix of author story and aesthetic and practical guidance for someone like me, just beginning to learn the magic of both the process and products of sewing. I'm so glad this happened to catch my eye on the library shelf. I'm looking forward to trying my hand at a few of the projects.

[Rachel B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I loved reading Ishida's story of battling chronic illness and how she came to embrace a slower, more satisfying life through sewing. (I also love that she's a reader!)

All of the projects seem very beginner-friendly, and I don't know that an experienced sewist would get much out of the book.

I'm not an experienced sewist, though! I really love her easy-looking design for a "versatile knit dress" and am hoping to make one once I get my sewing machine all set up.

There are 19 projects here (some of them have variations, also): Origami Pillow, Tooth Fairy Pillow, Triangle Eco Bag, Cross-Back (Japanese style) Apron, Yoga Pants, Journal/Book Cover, Sketchbook, Camera Strap, Felt Floral Crown, Starter Dress (child's), Fortune Cookie Advent Calendar, Dopp Kit, Heating Pad, Baby Kimono Top & Bloomers, Color-Block Zip Pouch, Infinity Scarf, Everything Bucket, Sashiko Trivet, Versatile Knit Dress (women's, but could easily make for a child, also)

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This month's reading. I plan to buy this book because I really love how she breaks down sewing projects. I want to try the yoga pants, the bags, and the sashiko patterns. Turning to hand sewing season, it is. Plus, such lovely watercolor paintings.

"Sashiko has a long history and humble origins dating all the way back to the 1600s. In Japan, wives of fishermen would mend tattered clothing using simple running stitches, reinforcing the seams over and over. It's often translated as "little stabs," and though that's not inaccurate, I've always thought of the word "pierce" in translating the word "sasu" from which "sashi" is derived. "Little pierces" has a nicer ring to it, don't you think?"

Yes.

[Danielle]

Full of simple and useful or fun first projects. Sticking with similar fabric choices is key to achieve the looks used - and strong temptation to splurge on Nani Iro fabric.

A good reminder about the importance of actively making an effort to care for your health. It’s nice to know that even baby steps (walking 10 minutes a day, for example) can make a difference.

This book exposed me to “quotidian” for the second time in my life. My first exposure to this word was only last week in Tim Gunn’s book. Did Sanae get it from him? Do people who live in major urban areas use this word all the time?

[Joanne]

This book delivers on its promise to offer a year of sewing projects and goes beyond. The projects are all stylish in a classic, clean lines way; something everyone would wear or use.

Threaded throughout the book is a narrative describing the loss of a job that led her to sewing. That is what makes this book a special gem learning how to use sewing to improve your life as well as your wardrobe. The job was for a start up that became all consuming to the detriment of the author's health and personal relationships. Two for the price of one, great projects and a good story.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanae Ishida rediscovered her love of sewing and creative work after losing a high-powered job and being diagnosed with a chronic illness. The opening essays tell the seasons of her attempt to regain herself and a level of health, followed by instructions for 20 simple sewing projects. I have marked this as quilting even though sashiko stitching is the only quilt-related bit. Engaging writing, clear simple instructions, and encouragement for listening to one's own body and living a creative happy life.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book from the library on a whim, as I had left the list of sewing books I wanted to check out in the car (and was way too lazy to walk back out there to get it). I loved the set up to this book, it's divided into seasons with photos of the projects and stories to go along with them. At the back of the book, it has the instructions for each project. I am excited and invigorated by Sanae's storytelling and giving us all permission to sew without perfection.

[Maegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several sewing books this year. I haven't been totally pleased until now! I must have put this on hold and forgot about it, I started reading it when it was auto downloaded for my kindle. I think I was interested in the embroidery specifically... And I LOVED the description of "less correct" rather than "wrong". What a positive and helpful way to learn. There was more writing than I felt absolutely necessary, but its a cute book.

[Jacque Darragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely sewing book

Love this sweet little sewing book. The pattern for the origami pillows would be worth the cost of the book alone. However her story is a blessing to read. I haven’t seen anything for a long while, and this has brought me a gift I hadn’t expected. Simple, easy to follow, and magnificent in its simplicity. Wish I could post my photos for the origami pillows— they are fabulous and so easy!

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tricky book to rate because while I enjoyed Ishida's story and perspective, none of the projects listed in the book appealed to me.

I enjoyed following Ishida on her journey and hearing about how sewing changed her life. Some of the projects that she includes in the book are really cute, just not for me. The patterns and instructions she includes are helpful if you want to make them yourself.

Overall not for me, but a cute read.

[Hulean Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sewer. I enjoy seeing what others are doing so I can improve my skills or create something new.
I did learn some new styling ideas. Best of all I enjoyed reading her story about discovery of her own abilities and teaching her daughter the importance of believing in her own capabilities to survive when the world believes other wise. Each piece of clothing came about become of need but also because beauty warns the heart.
Definitely worth a read!

[Giselle Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good read and it also has some great patterns and ideas for sewing. I've been having some work/life balance struggles and reading this helps me remember that it's ok to take care of my own mental health and well being. The position I'm in may not be the right one for me anymore and it's time to move on.
Sometimes it's so HARD to follow God's leading and timing. This read was perfect timing for me and I look forward to trying some of the projects that the author has for us.

[Katy Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m learning to sew using my MIL’s ancient Kenmore. It makes more sense to me now than it did when I was a kid in home ec or learning from my mom. Picked this up because the memoir/healing journey/crafting piece felt right for me right now and I am so glad I did. Definitely going to make the toiletry kit and try some sashiko mending on a summer dress I love that has a massive stain that needs visible mending.

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was actually a decent collection of beginning sewing projects, framed around one of those "I saved my [health/family/career/life] with [crafting/veganism/DIY body products]" stories we are so familiar with from blogs nowadays. Probably only useful for super beginner sewists, but worth a gander if you fit the bill.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was different from any other sewing book I've ever read - the first half was a narrative memoir of a corporate job breakdown and how she used sewing to rebuild her mental health, mixed with photos. The second half was the project instructions. Usually sewing books are just project photos and instructions.

I liked the memoir part, and the projects were good too.

[Dorothy Mora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that is part life story and lessons learned, saving oneself with 🧵 🪡 and with projects scattered throughout. The second part is how Tod for those projects including some simple drafting. Never imagined being a pattern maker but I can kind of see it happening ( and taking me back to another book that seemed overwhelming, after this).

[Colleenish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful fabrics. A couple of things I would like to make.

This book centers around the author getting sick with the same thyroid condition I just developed, so that was relevant to me. Also it's the second book I'm reading about someone changing their lifestyle because of sickness.