Sewing by the book

Sometimes we need some inspiration - well, I seem to need a lot of that commodity. And sometimes we find it through books and magazines.

I've stumbled across a couple of publications which I thought I'd pass on and then I'd search them out for myself too.

The first is a 'real' magazine in that you have to physically go and buy it. Tsk, but it's title was cute so I felt it best to pass on to my dear readers. Sew Hip was launched in 2008 for beginner and intermediate seamstresses (they say 'sewists' which is a step too far for me). Sadly they don't have many pictures to pepper my words with but here's one that will make Claire Montgomerie at montyknits squeek as her rabbit is having a little lie down on the cover!!

Next up is a rather more accessible publication as you can sit in your jammies (ahem) and read all about it. Threads is awash with observations and tips. Part of the appeal to me is that they give little crits of that week's Project Runway so I'm a very happy girl.

Maybe all the people who are asking me about sewing tutorials will get the bug and start (gasp) making their own clothes. Has it ever been done!!?

Lotta Jansdotter

There are many reasons why I wish I could divide my time between the UK and USA and Lotta Jansdotter might come somewhere in my shopping list whilst back there. I remember a lovely freebie from Selvedge magazine some years ago was a notebook or some such thing from Lotta's gorgeous range of print textiles.

I could just blah on about her and I'm sure you won't find it hard to gather lots of lovely images on the web so I'll leave you time to do that. I really just want to alert you to her style.

My Sewing Bee is really a library of my sewing pets (never hates) which we can pick up and be inspired.

The best place to begin is at Lotta's own web site where you can get a feel for her very happy style. Being Finnish, she has that Scandanavian sensibility that I so love, from the colours to the simplicity, it's effortless.

If you're keen to pick up some ideas and run with them yourself, then you can with her book, Lotta Prints. You'll be able to shine both with the sponge and the needle!!! "Textile lovers rejoice! Lotta Jansdotter's new book is full of printing methods for everything from your tote bag to your table runner. She explains each process in detail with beautifully styled how-tos, tips for working with different materials, and a showcase of crafts made with each technique." –Linda Permann, founding craft and decorating editor, Adorn magazine (Sadly no longer in print).

If you want to learn more of her talent, then you could do no better than 'attend' and interview in her studio, courtesy of Etsy.

What better way to spend a happy half-hour. Then go and get the sewing machine out and some paints!!!