Zakka Handmades Blog Tour and Giveaway

We were so excited when the lovely Amy Morinaka from Chick Chick Sewing asked us to be part of her blog tour for her very first book Zakka Handmades. The book is fantastic with a variety of great projects that you can use in your everyday life. We had a lot of trouble narrowing down what we wanted to make as there are such cute ideas. Amy's book is beautifully written and her instructions are very simple to follow. You will want to make lots!

I (Sarah) decided to make the Raindrops tote and couldn't narrow down one idea so decided to make two. 

 I really love the idea of using denim and linen so one bag has a denim base and the other is a red linen with white dots.  I have another plan to make one with natural linen and pastel raindrops. 

 I stuck pretty closely to the pattern except I did a running stitch for the raindrops instead of a back stitch as I wanted to see what it looked like. The bags are a handy size and fit nicely on the shoulder. The are also nice and soft as they are lined with wadding, with a pocket inside.

I think that I will use mine for my sewing when I go to my quilting classes.

I (Rachel) had strict instructions from my daughter that she wanted the Pencil Case, she even chose her fabrics! Lulu's pencil bag is the pink stripe and acqua one! I decided to do the pencil bag as zips are always a challenge for me. Amy's method of inserting zips is a revelation!! So easy! I have no advise for anyone attempting this project as the instrustions are so easy to follow. Of course I couldn't stop at one so I made two and was thinking these bags are great for us sewers to carry our notions around when travelling! 

Anyone who knows me, knows I can never stop at one and of course I had to try my hand at some other gorgeous items in Amy's book. The pencil bags didn't take long so I had time to make a few more things.

I first made the Doily and Linen pouch. Here I did cheat, as I used a handmade, hand dyed doily for the simple reason I can't crochet!!!!! I just had to make one, all the same, as I love love love them, so there is hope for those of us who can't crochet!

Then I couldn't go past the Matryoshka key holder especially considering mine broke so I needed a new one! This is super fun and easy to make. The only fiddly part is the hole at the top where the cord passes through. Make sure you leave it large enough to stitch- mine was a little small but I managed all the same! For this project I used Northern Italian linen and Tirolese trims and love the result. I did add a personal touch with the little felt flower!

As part of the blog tour we have the opportunity to give away a copy of Amy's book to one lucky person (open internationally). To be in the chance to win a copy of Zakka Handmades, simply leave a comment on this post telling us where your favourite inspiration comes from by Friday 19th July and we will randomly draw a winner on Saturday 20th July.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of Zakka Handmades you can find it at the following locations:

• Amazon
• Amazon UK
• Book Depository- Free worldwide shipping
• Fishpond Australia- Free postage for Australians

The blog tour consists of the following schedule so checkout what these other amazingly talented people have made. If you miss out on our giveaway you have one last chance with Anna from Noodlehead.

6/24/13 - Kerry verykerryberry (interview post)

6/26/13  Jeni In Color Order

6/28/13  Sachiko Tea Rose Home

7/1/13 – Amber One Shabby Chick

7/3/13 – Kristen Feeling Stitchy

7/5/13 – Hiromi Harujion Design

7/8/13 – Amy nanaCompany

7/10/13 – Lisa and Sarah A Spoonful of Sugar

7/12/13 – Mette Erleperle

7/15/13 – Sarah and Rachel Roxy Creations
7/17/13 - Anna Noodlehead

In summary Amy's book is fab! We want to thank her for allowing us to participate in the blog tour. It's been great fun and we wish her the best of luck in the future! Buy her book it's great, full of fun projects to make for yourself or as gifts.