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Book Review – The Zenki Way: A Guide to Designing and Enjoying Your Own Creative Softies

April 18, 2021 by Shellie Wilson

 

The Zenki Way:

A Guide to Designing & Enjoying Your Own Creative Softies by Trixi Symonds

 

A perfect sewing project for kids

 

A big part of my work in the last few years has been coming up with sewing projects that are perfect for parents and teachers to sew with young kids and first-time sewers. That means that the project has to be fun, has to engage our kids’ imaginations, and has to be simple enough for kids to complete by themselves in a reasonably short time.

 

I came up with the zenkis.

What are zenkis? Well, first of all, they’re the simplest friendliest softies in the entire known universe. Secondly, they are loyal and faithful friends who’ll always stand by you. Thirdly…well, you’ll find out once you start to sew them…they have an unusual way of developing their own, sometimes quirky, personalities…and if you do make your own zenkis, I take no responsibility for any mischief they get up to!

 

Sewing softies just got simpler

 

Zenkis are softies that require only two pieces of felt, a running stitch around the torso and no fiddly insertions for arms, feet and whatever other bits and pieces they need to express their wonderful, and sometimes headstrong, natures.

 

The zenki design is unique, simple and endlessly adaptable. It maximizes fun, simplicity and creativity while minimizing sewing difficulties and stress.

 

So The Zenki Way: A Guide to Designing & Enjoying Your Own Creative Softies is not just another softie sewing book. It shows a whole new way of creating softies. And it’s perfect for kids.

 

In The Zenki Way I reveal my zenki sewing secrets and more importantly, I lay the foundation for you and your kids to design your own zenki-style softies.

 

So if you are looking for some simple creative softies to make with your kids or students, or for a really good place to start sewing, or even if you’re just looking for a friend, you might like to give the zenkis a chance. They will certainly try their hardest not to disappoint you.

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Have you read?

Easy Cosmetics Bag Sewing Pattern

The bag is simple, uses very little fabric (about 2/3rds of a fat quarter), has no fussy inside pockets (although you can add your own if you like), and takes me well less than 30 minutes to print the pattern, cut out and sew. But quick and simple doesn’t mean it’s not awesome!

It’s the sort of bag that is versatile enough to be used for lots of applications, not just cosmetics and toiletries. Keep all your pens and pencils in order, use it for a small first aid kit for the car, keep it in your desk at work for a few headache pills and other personal supplies.

Make some for yourself, for gifts or to sell.

Categories

Bags and purses Children's Christmas Easter fleece Free Sewing Patterns Girl's Dress Halloween Hats Home Decor No-sew Pillows Refashions Scrap Fabric sewing Sewing Patterns Sewing Techniques Softies T-shirts Women's

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