Zakka Pouch = Geometric Solids Storage

Karla just posted a great tutorial on how to make a mystery bag out of a basket base. It just so happened that one of my favorite crafting blogs, www.whipup.net, posted a link to another tutorial for a similar item: the Zakka Pouch at Black Dog Designs. Black Dog posts instructions on how to make a pouch with a knitted base as well as with a basket.
This photo really caught my attention - wouldn't an oblong basket zakka pouch work wonders for the storage of the geometric solids? Especially with a really cool geometric fabric. Plus, you wouldn't need an extra scarf to play the "put-your-hand-in-and-tell-me-what-geometric-solid-you-feel" game, for lack of a better name.

So what is zakka? It's not the first time I've heard the term on the crafting blog circuit, so I checked it out on Wikipedia. Here's what they say:

"Zakka (from the Japanese 'zak-ka' or 'many things') is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and outlook."

I understand that zakka are small, useful items - the little details that make life easier and more interesting. Hmm ... seems to me like Montessori classrooms should be filled with zakka!

Anyway, check out Karla's tutorial and this zakka tutorial. You don't even need a sewing machine, and the crafty skill requirement is really minimal. Look for some snazzy fabric at Superbuzzy or Reprodepot, both of which carry lovely Japanese imports.