Book Review – Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Patterns: easy-sew pieces to mix and match

June 27, 2023 by Shellie Wilson Leave a Comment

I was ecstatic to get my hands on Lotta Jansdotter’s Everyday Patterns. This book is not just a guide to creating your own clothing, but also a journey of self-expression and creativity. Lotta’s unique approach to fashion is both inspiring and relatable, and her Scandinavian-inspired style is something I couldn’t resist.

The book is a step-by-step guide to creating a seven-piece wardrobe with modern elegance and flexibility, with easy-to-sew patterns for basic garments like skirts, shirts, pants, and jackets, as well as unique accessories like a tote bag and bandana. Lotta encourages readers to personalize each piece with trims, pockets, sleeves, and hemlines, and provides ideas on how to mix and match each item to create a variety of looks.

What I love most about this book is Lotta’s sense of humor. From her witty remarks to the photos of her friends and family, the book is a joy to read. I also appreciate the way she showcases how each piece can be worn in different variations, whether it’s for work, play, rest, or travel. It’s a great reminder that fashion is not just about what we wear, but also about how we express ourselves and make memories.

Overall, Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Patterns is an inspiring guide for anyone looking to elevate their sewing skills and create a flexible, stylish wardrobe. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewer, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you in this book.

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DIY Kids Gingerbread House Bag with Free Pattern

I am just smitten with this felt gingerbread house bag. This would make such a sweet special Christmas accessory for a kid. It’s a free pattern at Benzie Design, designed by Gracie from Hello Gracie Makes. It’s packed with adorable gingerbread house details, like swirls and stripes and scallops adoring the doors and windows.

And while all those details might seem like this would be a complicated pattern, it’s actually not. The bag itself is made from felt, which makes finishes edges unnecessary. (All of those scalloped edges are just cut from felt, no edge finishing required.) The strap is super simple, made from rope with knotted ends. And all those details are made with some basic hand embroidery stitches. Sparkle felt makes it extra cute.

The striped scallop roof is actually the top flap of the bag. A magnetic snap makes it a secure closure. The rope straps are attached through felt loops at the side of the bag.

They rate this project as an intermediate level, and it should take about 6 hours to make start to finish. That’s doable for a Saturday project or a couple of evenings. Full color photos step you through the entire process.

The project includes a shopping list for all of your supplies. They’ve got a shop so you can order all of them from Benzie if you like and get exactly the supplies used in the project. I noticed it includes a pair of scallop shears, which makes cutting all the scalloped edges for the roof and around the door a breeze.

Finished dimensions of the little felt gingerbread bag are approximately 6 ½” wide x 7 ½” tall. That’s the perfect size to hold a small book, a small toy, or a notepad and some cute pens.

Go to Benzie Design to get the tutorial and free pattern for the felt gingerbread house bag.

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