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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?

15 Dog Poop Bag Carriers You Can Sew For Your Dog

If you’re a dog owner, then you know the inevitable truth — what goes in, must come out. And in my house, that truth has a name: Aloo, our lovable, curly-coated Labradoodle who has made it his mission to poop like a champion. Seriously, this dog is a pooping machine.

In our area, not picking up after your dog isn’t just frowned upon — it’s illegal. So, being a responsible (and poop-weary) pet parent, I quickly realized we needed a poop bag holder that was not only practical but also cute and handmade. That’s when I went down the rabbit hole (pun intended?) of DIY dog poop bag holders — and now I’m sharing my favorite 15 free sewing patterns and tutorials with you!

Whether you’re after something sleek and minimalist or a treat-pocket combo pouch for walkies, this list has something for every type of sewist and pup. Bonus: most of these projects are total scrap busters too!

Dog Poop Waste Bag Holder – learncreatesew

DIY Dog Waste Bag Dispenser, Dog Poop Bag Holder Sewing Pattern

How to Make A Dog Poop Bag Holder ? A Rose Tinted World 

DIY Fabric Walkies Bone Poo Bag Pouch Sewing Pattern

Leather Dog Poop Bag Holder / Dispenser : 6 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

Free Sewing Tutorial || Dog Waste Bag Holder (With Treat Pocket)

Dog Waste Bag Holder Free Sewing Pattern | FaveCrafts.com

Dog Poop Bag Dispenser FREE Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

DIY Dog Poop Bag Holder – see kate sew 

DIY Doo-Doo Bag Holder- You Can Do-Do This in No Time! – Best Fabric Store Blog 

DIY Training Treat Bag Pouch + PRINTABLE SEWING PATTERN (STEP BY STEP SEWING PROJECT)

DIY:How to sew easy dog poop bag holder- FREE PATTERN 

Learn How to Sew a Dog Waste Bag Holder – WeAllSew

DIY Dog Poop Bag Holder | Easy Scrap Buster Project 

DIY Dog Poop Bag Holder

So, whether your furry friend is a casual stroller or a serial pooper like my dear Aloo, having a poop bag holder that’s handy, stylish, and easy to refill is a total game changer. You can clip them to a leash, toss one in your car, or make a few to keep near every exit — trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

And hey, why settle for boring store-bought holders when you can sew your own in under an hour? Let me know which one you’re going to try — and give your four-legged pal a belly rub from me and Aloo!

Categories

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