Linen, Wool, Cotton: 25 Simple Projects to Sew with Natural Fabrics

by Akiko Mano

Sewing with all-natural fabrics can make an incredible difference in the quality of the items we make, with a look and feel that provides the ultimate in comfort. The twenty-five simple sewing projects in this book offer home accessories made from linen, wool, and cotton, from durable linen aprons to cozy wool blankets and washable cotton lunch bags.

This book is full of beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instruction, and detailed diagrams that are reflective of the Japanese craft style. All of the projects are perfect for those new to sewing, yet the unsophisticated charm and useful nature of each item will appeal to every sewer.

Make the projects in this book and add a little bit of comfort and style to your home.

Projects


   •  Sarong Apron, Handkerchief, Slouch Bag, Hand Towel, Wastebasket Cover, Duvet Cover, Pillow Case, Kitchen Cloth, Fruit Bag, Apron
   •  Muffler, Socks, Room Shoes, Blanket, Bottle  Cover, Lap Blanket, Messenger’s Bag
   •  Jumper, Wall Pocket, Bath Mat, Small Bag, Sweets Mat, Lingerie Case, Lunch Bag, Parent and Child’s Bag

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, How To

112 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2009

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always liked Shambala Publications, and every book I have read, so far, by their artsy imprint, Trumpeter Books (e.g. The Creative Family) I have liked.

This book is no exception. I, like the author, love linen, cotton, and wool. They are ancient, ancient fabrics and sewing and working with them ties us back to ancient Egypt, long ago Scotland, and early America, respectively.

The photos are very zen, very light, and airy. If a sewing book has poor photography, buy beware, say I!

I love her little essays thrown in for fun:
- Why I am attacted to antiques
- White, Undyed, and Stamped
- Inspiration from Foreign Books

This is a book that is more pleasing to me on an aesthetic level than I book I am going to go out and buy bunches of linen, cotton, and wool fabric to make the projects with. Although I would like to try and make:
- wool Mary Jane slippers
- Parent and Child's Bags (cotton)

I also like her notes on sewing, especially her use of a magnetic seam guide. Very clever!

I also like her

[Mary Baumer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book I would normally pick up. It was a mystery wrapped book at my local library. I enjoyed it and just wish I sewed.

[Tonileg · Rating 3 out of 5]

25 Simple projects to sew with natural fabrics by Akiko Mano.
List of possible projects in the book is the follow:
Linen: Sarong Apron, Handkerchief, slouch Bag, hand towel, wastebasket Cover, Duvet cover, pillowcases, dish towels, fruit bag, apron.
Wool: Muffler, socks, Mary Jane slippers, blanket, hot water bottle cover, lap blanket and Messenger bag.
Cotton: Jumper, hanging Pockets, Floor mat, small bag, sweets mat, lingerie case, lunch bag, parent/child bags.
Plus there is a simple guide to cross-stiching to personalize all the projects.
3stars for some decent ideas for Christmas/Holiday gifts.

[Lauren G · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone else said in their review this book is more aesthetically pleasing than something I am actually going to sew the patterns from.

It feels clean, minimalist, and very zen. I love the color pallet and the hand drawn illustrations for the step by step. It's everything I want in a craft book except I probably wont actually make anything! It mostly made me want to make delicate tone on tone embroidered handkerchiefs.

[Phobean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful, soothing sense of mood and tone. The essays, though interesting as a concept, were rather dry and I wasn't sure their purpose. I haven't yet tried a project -I suspect, as a non-experienced-sewer, I won't find the projects as quite as easy as they appear. We shall see!

[Clover · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is beautiful, though the one thing I wanted to make has a mistake in the instructions! If you try to make the carryall bag as well, watch out for the length of the straps. They are not 13"! You'll have to make them longer than the top band of the bag in order for it to fit properly.

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book. The projects are simple and elegant and the short essays throughout inspiring. I have done many of the projects and have always been happy. The images are beautiful too. Sometimes i just flip through it. Would highly recommend it.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty, simple patterns. I see a few that I would attempt at some point.

[Kweli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this book. Just started sewing again, and this book has introduced me to the use of natural fabrics and the "upcycling" of re-purposing quailty garments I already own.

[Eling · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely book, full of inspiration. not enough words for me to really count as a book read, but a great reference.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited about this book until I saw that the only thing I cared to recreate was the Mary Jane slippers.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple patterns. Like choice of fabrics

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love these Japanese influenced designs. Now I have to find time to make them!

[Amy]

One of the best basic sewing books out there.