A little elephant

24 Sep

Way back at the beginning of April the Zakka Style sew along began;

new book - Zakka Style

enthusiastically I joined in completing a few projects before other things took priority:

Zakka Style Sew Along

I actually thought I’d joined in more than it appears from the photo’s above but the reality is there for all to see! The projects were mostly fun to make and I was pleased with all of them. Some took much longer like the ZigZag tote and others such as the Rain Cloud Mug Rug were quick to complete. One of my favourites was the Patchwork Pencil Case, I made 2 during that particular week of the sew along and then I made 9 for end of year teacher gifts.  These are quite quick and easy to make and easy to personalise:

Back of zakka style pencil case

But once I’d fallen off the Zakka wagon it was nigh on impossible for me to get back on, some of the projects didn’t appeal or I didn’t have the time.

But my eldest daughter had taken an interest in a few of the projects so the other day we found a little time to sew together. To say she loves to read is an understatement, she devours books and is often found reading in bed just finishing a book before sleep.

So it seemed appropriate that we had a go at making An Elephant Never Forgets Bookmark by Kat Mew. Bethan picked out the fabric from the scrap boxes that she wanted to use, chose some ric-rac and we got cutting and sewing. The instructions for this were clear to me, we opted out of crocheting a bow (I can’t crochet being the simple reason for that!)

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It didn’t take long to make and it’s been put to good use as long as she doesn’t read her book in one sitting!

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One word of caution about the book Zakka Style is that there are a number of errors in the current issue.  Please check the  Zakka Style Sew Along flickr group for a list of errors and corrections that may help you significantly if you decide to sew any of the projects.  Rashida Coleman-Hale who compiled the book also contributes to the discussion there, hopefully it will be a part of a catalyst for change and all patterns/books will be tested before publication.  If you want to read more about the craft book process there is a really interesting article here.  It has certainly made me think twice about buying a craft book unless I know it’s been tested.

I’m linking up with:

Craft Book Month at Craft Buds

 

Sew Happy Geek

Fresh Poppy Design

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9 Replies to “A little elephant

  1. That elephant is just perfect!
    I really enjoyed making the Zakka projects I did, but I only got a handful done! But its definitely a great book to dip into for present ideas.

  2. What a cute Nellie! I dread ladies bringing in pattern books to my classes and asking me to help them make sense of them! Most are poorly written with badly explained instructions. Definitely room for improvement in that whole field! Jxo

  3. I’m not sure which is cuter, your daughter or the elephant. Thanks for the heads up regarding the errors in the book. I’ve been wanting it but might wait to see if they release a different edition.

  4. I am so glad you posted on my blog because I really really love your blog. I love everything you’ve made from the Zakka book and although I have it I’ve made nothing from it. After our holiday I will do something from it.
    Love
    P xxx

  5. Those wee ellies are so cute, aren’t they? I also fell off the bandwagon, but I did make one of these to send in the frame purse swap after FQR :oD

    PS, we pattern testers support your requirement 😉

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