Sewing Green Book Review

I've had Betz White's Sewing Green on my desk for several weeks now, its woolly autumn-like cover taunting me. You have to understand, I live in West Texas where it's not uncommon for the mercury to hit the triple digits on a normal summer's day. But for the last several days it's been deliciously fall-ish around here. I'm sipping pumpkin spice coffee and sporting a light sweater in the mornings. I even bought a miniature pumpkin at the store today. I'll probably give him a jaunty little face with my Copic markers tomorrow.

Will you look at that scarf? Isn't that the cutest? Not only are the instructions super easy but it's made from recycled wool. Maybe your kids have some outgrown sweaters you can felt up in the washing machine or if you happened to let your husband or boyfriend do the laundry last winter you might have some of your own sweaters already felted for you. ;) If not, hunt some down at yard sales or thrift stores. After a good hot wash with some laundry soap, they'll be perfect for this project. Imagine it in reds and oranges, too!

And this draft pillow? Be still my heart! I live in a 1950's home with hardwood floors so there's always a little bit of chilly breeze beneath a door somewhere. This is not only just the thing utility-wise but adorable as all get out. There is even bracket fungi on the side. When's the last time you heard that said as a positive thing? :)


Go ahead. Guess. What's this bag made from? Tyvek shipping envelopes. Yep, my response was pretty much "No way!", too. Betz even recycles the envelopes she receives packages in. These would make great shopping bags for the grocery store. You can bet you'll have everyone asking where you got them.


If you're related to me you can bet you're gonna see one of these neck pillows under your Christmas tree this year. So cozy, so warm, so easy to make. This would also make a great sales item for those fall/winter bazaars.

I have at least twice this many more projects bookmarked as favorites. But, hey, if I spend all my time telling you about them I won't have time for sewing! So run out and get your own copy of this great book. I promise this is one you'll use over and over through the years.

Zakka Sewing 25 Japanese Projects for the Household by Therese Laskey and Chika Mori

I just received Zakka Sewingfrom Therese Laskey in a giveaway this past week and I already have many projects dogeared to make as soon as possible. The room shoes/slippers will make the top of my list. After that, I believe I will make several things as gifts for loved ones.

The book begins with basic terminology and techniques, both about Japanese trends and sewing. It also explains some common fabrics and materials used in the book. The patterns can be enlarged and printed, tiled, on regular paper. You can use those as the pattern pieces or if you find that too stiff, trace them onto tissue paper from there.

I found that several of the projects were perfect for my 16 year old daughter who has only been sewing for about 6 months. And yet there were projects that were nicely challenging for me, someone who has been sewing for 20 years or so. Conveniently, each of the projects is rated one to three buttons based on difficulty so you don't find yourself in over your head.

The household goods and personal items included are both functional and beautiful. How lovely would the covered tape measure be in a gift basket of sewing supplies for a seamstress? Perhaps with a copy of this book. :)