Book Review – Happy Homemade: Sew Chic: 20 Simple Everyday Designs

March 20, 2024 by Shellie Wilson Leave a Comment

As an avid DIY sewer with a penchant for Japanese fashion, “Happy Homemade: Sew Chic” is a revelation. Authored by the esteemed Yoshiko Tsukiori, renowned Japanese fashion designer and creator of “The Stylish Dress Book,” this book presents 20 stunning sewing patterns that effortlessly fuse Japanese style with timeless elegance.

What sets this book apart is its simplicity and versatility. The designs featured range from pants and tops to dresses and skirts, all crafted with clean lines and understated sophistication. Each pattern is accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and concise diagrams, ensuring that sewers of all skill levels can create beautiful garments with confidence.

One of the highlights of “Happy Homemade: Sew Chic” is its inclusion of western-sized sewing patterns, making it accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, the flexibility of the designs allows for customization to fit individual body forms, ensuring a perfect fit every time.

From the charming Tunic Dress with Lace to the effortlessly chic Box Tunic, each sewing design exudes Japanese flair and modern simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned sewing maven or a novice enthusiast, this book offers an array of stylish options to elevate your wardrobe.

“Happy Homemade: Sew Chic” is a must-have addition to any sewing library. With its impeccable designs, clear instructions, and timeless appeal, it’s the ultimate guide for transforming fabric into fabulous fashion statements.

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DIY Kids Gingerbread House Bag with Free Pattern

I am just smitten with this felt gingerbread house bag. This would make such a sweet special Christmas accessory for a kid. It’s a free pattern at Benzie Design, designed by Gracie from Hello Gracie Makes. It’s packed with adorable gingerbread house details, like swirls and stripes and scallops adoring the doors and windows.

And while all those details might seem like this would be a complicated pattern, it’s actually not. The bag itself is made from felt, which makes finishes edges unnecessary. (All of those scalloped edges are just cut from felt, no edge finishing required.) The strap is super simple, made from rope with knotted ends. And all those details are made with some basic hand embroidery stitches. Sparkle felt makes it extra cute.

The striped scallop roof is actually the top flap of the bag. A magnetic snap makes it a secure closure. The rope straps are attached through felt loops at the side of the bag.

They rate this project as an intermediate level, and it should take about 6 hours to make start to finish. That’s doable for a Saturday project or a couple of evenings. Full color photos step you through the entire process.

The project includes a shopping list for all of your supplies. They’ve got a shop so you can order all of them from Benzie if you like and get exactly the supplies used in the project. I noticed it includes a pair of scallop shears, which makes cutting all the scalloped edges for the roof and around the door a breeze.

Finished dimensions of the little felt gingerbread bag are approximately 6 ½” wide x 7 ½” tall. That’s the perfect size to hold a small book, a small toy, or a notepad and some cute pens.

Go to Benzie Design to get the tutorial and free pattern for the felt gingerbread house bag.

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