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A little throwback to the days when I first started sewing. I didn't know much, but I learned very quickly. My kids were always so happy to have new outfits when they woke up in the morning. And I was happy to stay up until the wee hours making them. My skills have greatly improved (especially in the photography department). I have learned a vast amount of sewing knowledge since these days. I'm sure I made several mistakes while sewing these lovely clothing items, but I also learned plenty in the process.
All of the outfits made in this collage were sewn from Ottobre Design magazine. This is a European sewing magazine that is put out 6 times per year--4 kid issues and 2 women issues. Each issue contains several sewing patterns that cover a wide variety of sizes. These patterns are done so professionally, and that helped my sewing skills really rocket to more advanced levels. They also helped me to step way outside my sewing comfort zone. I began sewing with knit fabrics because of these patterns, and along the way I learned correct ways to insert zippers and different finishing techniques. You can see many more of the Ottobre projects that I made on my Flickr page.
The patterns all come printed on a few pattern sheets that are then inserted in the magazine. Each design marked is in a different color with sizes marked by dotted lines. The seamstress (sewer?) then traces out the correct size for the item needing to be made and adds seam allowances. At first this was very challenging to me, but really it helped me to see how patterns were drafted and why certain marking were placed in specific spots. My typical method for adding seam allowances was really simple. I taped 2 pencils together and traced along the original line, then used the second pencil marking as my cut line, which added a quarter inch seam allowance to my pattern pieces.
Some steps are illustrated in the magazine sewing instructions, but for the great majority of the patterns, the instructions are simply written out for you to follow step by step. This is another component of Ottobre patterns that really helped me to visualize the sewing process in my head while reading the instructions. I was also able to quickly familiarize myself with correct sewing terminology.
If you haven't given Ottobre sewing patterns a try, you can preview all of the past and current issues online at the Ottobre Design website where you can also conveniently order a subscription or a single issue. There are also several patterns that you can print for free, which will give you an idea of what the magazine instructions and patterns are like. The Wooly Thread is an American supplier for Ottobre Design, so if you don't want to wait for an overseas shipment, you can also order through them.
I'd love to hear about your experience with sewing any of these patterns!
Looking back to 2008 shortly after I began sewing--and before I got some photography skills. This was one of the first sewing contests that I entered. We were challenged to sew a wardrobe for one of your children (or yourself) called Sewing With A Purpose--SWAP. I came in second place among all the entries, so it felt pretty good to do so well in the early stages of my sewing. Even though it wasn't first place, I still feel like I won because my daughter got a brand new wardrobe in the process, plus it really challenged me to make functional pieces that all went together not just random pieces.
I made these sweet little mix and max pieces for Alivia's 5th birthday. Her favorites were the flare pants and the skirt. All of the patterns, with the exception of the striped t-shirt, were sewn from Farbenmix sewing patterns. The t-shirt was a Japanese pattern, the first and only one I have ever sewn. I adore Farbenmix sewing patterns. They have such a whimsical design to them and the fit is amazing. I love the European flare added to things and happened to obtain quite an impressive collection of these patterns. It's a shame that kids have to grow up and grow out of such adorable styles. One of my favorite sewing collection books of all times is called Sewing Clothes Kids Love, also written by the same designers of the Farbenmix and Studio Tantrum lines of European sewing patterns.
