Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing

I should start out by saying that I love Lotta Jansdotter’s fabrics.  Her style is reminiscent of  those wonderfully creative drawings little kids make, but she brings that free creative style into a more modern, even urban look that is chic yet playful, with elements of both simplicity and sophistication.  Her sewing patterns offer that same sense of style and versatility.  For that reason this is the book I find myself reaching for and flipping through, over and over again, when I sit down to plan my future sewing projects.

Part of the appeal, for me, is that Simple Sewing (Chronicle Books, 2007) is filled with patterns that create something useful rather than just pretty.  I can picture myself using each of the 24 finished projects, and good style combined with high functionality always wins good marks from me.  I also love that the pattern pieces are included in a pocket behind the front cover of the book; there are no photocopies to make, no drawings to enlarge.  You can simply cut the patterns, cut your fabric, and get sewing.

My first project from Simple Sewing is still one of my favorite and most-used patterns, the simple tote.  I have made it at least ten times now, in varying shapes and sizes and fabrics, for gifts and for myself.  Made large it makes the perfect bag for library books, a more petite version works well for a lunch bag.

Another favorite is the all-day tote.  With a pocket for my newspaper or magazine, a cup holder (great for stashing errant sippy cups), interior pocket for my cell, and a loop to clip my keys to it is decidedly my favorite bag to carry.  I loved it so much that I made another one for a friend and by changing a few of the details around I was able to make it into a knitting bag, to better suit her favorite hobby.

The most body flattering apron I have ever worn was made from the reversible apron pattern in Simple Sewing.  The curved edges are just a little flirty and the fact that I can turn the apron around if I spill (or if it matches my outfit better on one side than the other) is brilliant!

With projects like the reversible apron, all-day tote, picnic placemat, sun hat, curtain with pockets, wall organizer, tool roll, simple tote, and magazine holder there is truly something for everyone in this book.

Simple Sewing can be found at Amazon.com.