Sewing Happiness: A Year of Simple Projects for Living Well

I loved Sanae's writing style, journey, and thoughtful reflection. I also love how she takes simple shapes and turns them into elegant projects, no pattern required.

Not everyone likes this approach. I imagine it appeals more to people who like to wing it, “throw things together” when they cook, etc. I am one of those people. I hate prepping for projects, and cutting out fabric while trying to keep the pattern aligned is my least favorite part of sewing. (And let's not even talk about patterns that have to be printed and assembled!)

Obviously there are times when you do absolutely need a pattern. However, this book is more geared towards sewing as therapy, mindfulness, grounded in simplicity, accepting wobbles, letting go of perfectionism... the “go with the flow” flexibility of the projects perfectly suits the narrative of the book, and I'm looking forward to making some of them. (Just as soon as I finish the three other craft projects I'm in the middle of.