Book excerpt: Sashiko: the needlework form of both decorative and functional embroidery developed in Japan many centuries ago. With just four key materials needed--needle, thread, thimble and fabric--Sashiko stitches have long been a favorite for quilting and embroidery. Today, the style is popular in the visible mending movement because of its simplicity, efficiency and aesthetic appeal. With Simply Sashiko, you can apply centuries-old Japanese techniques to your home, clothing and accessories in a fun, modern way. This book gives you simple but thorough lessons on the ins and outs (literally) of 36 different sashiko patterns, plus designs for stylish home and personal accessories so you can try them out, including: Decorative pouches Little purses Placemats and napkins Covered brooches and buttons And much more! Step-by-step instructions and detailed color photos show you everything from transferring patterns to perfecting your stitch technique. User-friendly templates help you keep your motifs balanced and even, while color combinations ranging from the traditional white and indigo to multicolored threads on primary colored backgrounds inspire you to get creative with these basic stitches.