About the Author

Rashida Coleman-Hale has been making things ever since she can remember. Sewing is a gift passed on to her by her mother, grandmother, and grandfather, who was a tailor. Rashida studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Not sure if fashion was her calling, she traded her sewing machine for a computer and worked as a freelance graphic designer. Her passion for sewing was rekindled in 2006 after the arrival of her first child, and she began the blog I Heart Linen to document her re-born creative life and her life as a stay-at-home mommy.

Rashida spent much of her youth in Tokyo, Japan, where her love of linen began. Her experiences there have completely influenced her work and its style. Her work has been featured in SewNews, Stitch, SewHip!, ReadyMade, Burda Style, and Quilting Arts magazines, as well as on popular blogs such as Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, Decor8, Craftzine, Sew, Mama, Sew, and True Up. Her first book, I Love Patchwork, was published in 2009.

Rashida lives in Atlanta with her husband and their three children.

Reviews

If Scandinavian design doesn't appeal, perhaps you'll find this collection of projects in Japanese style more enticing. The term 'zakka' has been loosely translated to mean 'miscellaneous goods' or sundries.' but in the craft world it has become synonymous with a kind of simple charm and uniqueness-something handmade that is useful and pleasing. 24 designers have each contributed a project, and they include a pincushion, pencil case, mug rug, messenger bag, pot holder, bookmark, coin purse and pillowcase. The instructions seem quite detailed and they're illustrated with diagrams and close-up photographs, as required. This book is another wonderful source for gift ideas and sweet little kinck-knacks to make 'just because.' Australian Homespun Magazine, 09/20/12 Zakka, a Japanese term meaning 'many things' or 'miscellaneous goods,' has evolved into a universal design style that embodies simple charm and a homemade aesthetic. This book showcases projects by fiber artists from around the globe who share this zakka style. The 24 projects comprise bags and totes in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as simple and sweet items like a pencil case, sewing kit, pincushion, patchwork ribbon, and picture frames. Coleman-Hale, who also writes the blog 'I Heart Linen,' demonstrates her affection for linen and the role it plays in Zakka Style: all the projects incorporate the natural fabric and exude an organic, homemade feel true to zakka. -- Christine French International Quilt Festival - Quilt Scene, Winter 2012/2013