About the Author

Minki Kim discovered sewing as a creative outlet after formal training as a sculptor. A pattern and fabric designer with a whimsical style, she has designed several collections for Riley Blake Designs. Originally from Korea, she lives in Southern California. For more information visit www.minkikim.com.

Reviews

In her signature whimsical style, Minki Kim presents a book of charming crafts to add a little handmade warmth to your home (or to make as a thoughtful gift for someone else's). You'll learn a variety of different techniques, from quilting and embroidery to wool applique, with projects including pillows, coasters, clutches and more.
*Simply Sewing*

Steadily growing in popularity, zakka is a Japanese term for handmade items created to improve one's lifestyle and home, so the 16 whimsical crafts in this delightful project book are guaranteed to brighten up your day! The projects use a variety of techniques, from quilting and appliqué to embroidery, and make the most perfect gifts.
*Sew*

Zakka is a Japanese term which encompasses the type of handmade items that enhance the home and make one feel good. It borrows from the idea of kitsch and 50s-70s décor but adds in an Asian style that is very contemporary. There are 16 lovely projects in this book that are sure to enhance your home or that of anybody you gift them to. I love the simple, practical, and modern appearance of these items. You don’t need to rush out and purchase any fancy kit; just your basic sewing tools and materials are all you require. Most of the items are not very large, either so using up leftovers from other projects makes them a very green way of having fun and making something new. This is also a great book for beginner sewists as each project is explained in step-by-step photographs, and there are many useful skills in here that will stand you in good stead throughout your sewing life. Some basic embroidery stitches, how to work with felt, basic quilting, putting in a zipper, appliqué, and more. In keeping with the zakka concept, this is a spaciously laid out book with a fresh, bright appearance. Each project has at least one large photograph of the item in situ, sometimes showing other options and different views, such as what it looks like inside. There is a list of tools and materials (all measurements in imperial), a handy cutting list, and the staged photographs with the instructions. Things to make include coasters with cute houses, macaroon shaped pincushions, scooter pillow, roll cake pencil case, patchwork basket and many bags and purses. Make one for your library books, evening clutch purse, travel organizer, zipper pouch, and shopping tote. These are the type of projects that make ideal gifts and don’t take too long to make or cost too much. There are also many ways of customizing them to make them truly yours, and scope for using up even the tiniest scraps of fabric. This is one of those books destined for my keeper shelf, and ideal for just about any level of sewist apart from total beginners.
*MyShelf.com*

From purses to pouches and quilting to wool appliqué and embroidery, this book has something for everyone to sew. We learn to add zips , bag handles and hardware and the handmade items are ideal for gifting and perfect for keeping!
*Machine Knitting Monthly*

There's no better way to put off completing your many unfinished projects than by starting some new ones-16 to be exact! Ever since Minki received her first handmade gift, a bag that was lovingly stitched by her parents, she's been on a mission to share charming and practical projects that can be passed on to loved ones.
*Sew*