Being a fan of Lotta Jansdotter’s work, I’m thrilled to participate in the blog tour for her new book, Lotta Jansdotter’s Everyday Style.
The book itself is a kind of style journal divided by season and taking place not only around Lotta’s life in New York, but also along her travels over the course of a year to Nashville, India and her homeland of Sweden. A very personal feel is gained through the glimpses shared of the people in her life, her sketch-book layouts and the use of her own handwriting and drawings throughout.
The patterns are mostly garment-related, but there are also a few bags and some cute accessories. To bring these ideas to light, Lotta enlisted the help of the massively capable and very talented Alexia Abegg.
What I really like about the patterns is that they are basic–in the classic sense, massively versatile, fast(!) and quite inspiring after seeing them represented in so many ways and on so many different people in the book. It’s also nice to see quilting cotton being used often and working well for many them.
A treat for me was when Lotta invited me to make a project–the patchwork scarf–to be used in the book. (That’s me below, second from the left!)
The scarf project is one of those projects that makes you look at fabric (and your stash) differently. Because of the construction, it works best with two-sided fabrics, meaning I perused my stash in a way that I hadn’t before. Usually, I’m just thinking about one side of the fabric, but this project encouraged me to think about how both sides could be used and viewed. I used many wovens, some lawn, and a little piece of hand-dyed architextures that I’d been holding on to.
Now that I’ve had the book in hand for a couple of weeks, I’ve already made a couple of things from it. First up, are my new Lotta pants (or Owyn, officially) in Lotta fabric. (Paired with my silk Mercer and new Wembley cardigan in this knit.)
I’d originally planned to make a top with the Lotta fabric, but while tracing the pattern pieces, I became enamored and curious with the pants and decided to give them a try. I didn’t make too many alterations other than shortening them a few inches (a very typical alteration for me being a shorty), as well as pulling in the leg width just a smidge.
Here they are again but styled with one of my favorite Lindens and a button-up…
And because I [got distracted by Owyn and] neglected my initial plans to make the Kiomi Top, I gave it a shot with a print from carkai. I LOVE this top. And the fact that I haven’t made more (yet) is reaffirming that I still have some willpower, because I’ve wanted to…and have been thinking about it…but just need to finish up some other things (holiday gifts) first…
(Yes, it’s still warm in Florida.)
It was a no brainer to pair Kiomi with my new Lucky Strike shorts (pattern is Simplicity 3850) and Wembley cardigan (again. I really am wearing this cardigan with everything…). I didn’t make any alterations to the top, except for using the more narrow width that’s supposed to be for the maxi-dress version. I figured the slightly slimmer silhouette would suit me a little better, and it ended up being perfect.
I enjoyed thinking about and making these projects, and I know they’ll both get a lot of wear. Lotta’s Everyday Style is a fun book that I don’t plan to put down anytime soon. In addition to more Kiomi tops, I’d like to try one of the jackets next.
Thank you for stopping by on the tour! Make sure to check out the other participants.
Dec 1 – Lotta
Dec 2 – STC Craft
Dec 3 – Windham
Dec 4 – Noodlehead
Dec 7 – Modern Handcraft
Dec 8 – Sew Scatterbrained
Dec 9 – Crimson Tate
Dec 11 – Groovy Baby & Mama
Dec 14 – City Stitching with Christine Haynes
Dec 15 – Craft Sanity
Dec 16 – Aesthetic Nest
Dec 17 – Sew Mama Sew
Dec 18 – Lish Dorset
Dec 19 – Fancy Tiger Crafts
Dec 21 – Generation Q
Dec 22 – Carolyn Friedlander (me!)
Dec 23 – Crafty Planner
+ AND now, the giveaway–One lucky person will win a copy of the book, some Lotta fabric from Windham, Lotta temporary tattoos and Lotta washi tape. To enter, simply leave a comment below. I’d love to hear about whatever project/fabric/book you’ve been excited about. A winner will be chosen Thursday, Dec 24 at 9am EST.
Wow, your shorts are amazing, and I love the prints together. Cotton and steel is always a favorite.
I’ve been so busy i’m out of the loop and don’t know what’s coming out. Looking at the kiomi top though, i need one so i guess i’m excited about this book
I am very excited about all the sewing. I want to go back to Savor Each Stitch with Carkai fabrics!
Raverne at comcast.net
Love the outfits that you have made! I haven’t had much time to sew for myself because of getting ready for Christmas. After I get through the holidays that will change.
Merry Christmas Carolynn, it’s fun following your adventures!
Jean
Wow! As always, your choice of colors and prints really inspires me. I’m just starting to make simple clothes but right now, just for babies…and more specifically, my baby due in March.
This book looks wonderful. Don’t know what I would make first…
Thanks for the giveaway.
You have inspired me to break away from quilting and try my hand at garment making!
Love the pattern mixing! Actually, love everything about this post. 🙂
Hi, I have Lotta’s book on my Christmas list, so fingers crossed either way. I am hoping to get some time to sew over the holidays. I have a Tilly & the buttons Orla top pattern to sew and a trousers pattern from The Avid Seamstress (UK companies). Both with fabric from Cloth House in London – my new find. I am also planning to make the Orla top in Carkai Malibu when I can purchase enough fabric – not easy to get in the UK! But I have enough Carkai fabric for the Ebb quilt I am currently working on. Happy Holidays
Love that top, and I love the carkai range…can’t wait! I’ve also recently indulged in Anna Graham’s book Handmade Style, so I’m looking forward to making from that. And I’m going to try the apparently obligatory Sew Together Bag by Sew Demented. …after Christmas:)
I’m quite new in the sewing atmosphere so still practising a lot (on not-too-expensive fabrics). What I’m extremely looking forward to is to sew with Nani Iro fabrics. I promised myself to buy some of these fabrics whenever I feel comfortable enough.
This book which contains patterns which are not too complicated would help me a lot building further my expertise with sewing.
I am really enjoying the book I just purchased – Handmade Style by Anna Graham.
I would love to make the dress on the cover for myself. The Lotta pants look great on you Carolyn! I would love to win the book.
I’ve been eyeing this book! I love the simplicity & journal-y feel too, like peeking in to someone’s sketchbook. I’m also loving Beyond Cotton by Krista Fleckenstein, and have big plans for some leather goodness after the holiday rush calms down.
I love those pants. I’ve just recently come back to sewing and I love the way that pants fabric looks in everything it’s made with. Like a drawing on the body. I’ve been waiting for Lotta’s new book and the Lucky line of fabric all summer.
Wow, I really need to check out this book!
Yes, kiomi top is perfect for our warm Florida winter.
Beautiful work! My 2016 goal is to increase my me-made wardrobe (currently at 2 garments). This book looks lovely and a great resource. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
With this busy holiday and repeating line of sick kiddos I’m just excited to get back into my studio. I’ve been working on a few secret projects. One for #myquiltgetsafound group and another for a personal swap with the lovely l.bayliss. I am looking forward to getting my hands onto this book ( Lotta’s Everyday Style). I’ve been meaning to make some nice pieces to wear. Just getting up the courage to do so.
I’m a longtime Lotta fan and can’t wait to see the book and try the patterns! I’m also very excited about The Modern Natural Dyer by Kristine Vejar. Mmm Lotta patterns made from naturally dyed (or overdyed) cottons.
for my birthday I treated myself to the cotton + steel “honeymoon” line. I’m a little late to that party, but is had my eye on it a long time. that’s for quilting. but now I’m excited about this book! I want to swing back into apparel sewing, and this looks like a good way to do it. 🙂
Lately, I’ve discovered I love to make modern quilts. So decided that I am going to design my own but a traditional modern quilt. I want it to unique. But it’ll have to wait until after Christmas. ????
I just recently discovered both Carolyn Friedlander and Lotta Jansdotter, and have LOVED the creativity of them (of you) both! I actually just accepted an order for a quilt using the Carkai fabric and coordinates, I’m really looking forward to getting started!
I love your outfit!! Those bottoms are dreamy I’m that fabric! I’m not doing a whole lot of sewing since I finished Christmas gifts, but I am finishing up a pair of boxers for my husband and crocheting myself a hat. 🙂
That top looks beautiful! And your shorts are pretty amazing too 🙂
Would love to make that gorgeous scarf!
Right now I’m most excited about a fabric painting idea I’ve had for a while. Looking into dyeing and painting techniques is at the top of my list for 2016!
Wonderful projects! I’ve had my eye on the book by Amy Gibson “For Keeps – Meaningful Patchwork for Everyday Living”… there are a great variety of family oriented projects, and wonderful color in the book.
I’m very excited to get hold of Carkai (I’m tracking my package each morning!) as I’m planning a Noodlehead bag (once I narrow it down to which one to make). I think this book would also get a lot of use with Carkai, great collection 🙂
I am really excited about this book — and I love the kiomi top you made. I’m too afraid to make pants…! I also love the pom-pom scarves — I already picked up some pom poms.
I’m really excited about the Kiomi top and the Esme top!
I love your outfits, adorbs! I’ve been into quilting lately and using ombre fabric!
The pants look comfy, the top is cute and I am so crushing on your Wembley cardi!! A great mix and match wardrobe. I’ve been having fun making little hexie boxes,(@simplelovequilts) for Christmas gifts. Hoping to get some Carkai in my stocking as I think these little boxes would be so cute made up in it.
Love that top!! It’s perfect out of that print! Beautiful work!
I love the garment sewing whenever you write about it, but these are fantastic! Especially the kiomi top!
This looks like a really inspiring and fun book! I have been needle deep in Christmas presents. I am planning a few quilts, but mainly a line of bags for this New Year. I am very excited about them.
Hi Carolyn!!! I haven’t at many books lately but I am diligently working on my Collection Quilt project with Urban Spools. Thanks for sharing your new garments from Lotta’s book. I will have to take a look at it.
I’m generally just trying to sew things that don’t look like pajamas! It’s a great failing of mine, but one I’m working on. 🙂
Love the Bermuda shorts
Could you be any cuter? Just ordered some Carkai – can’t wait for it to come and tell me what it wants to be!
Haven’t tried any garment sewing for a few years, but am getting pumped to try something simple. I dislike the stuff I find at the store but need some additions to my wardrobe.
I have been making some lovely scarves with soft plaid flannel fabric. I like them because they sew up so quickly. I want to try the patchwork scarf in Lotta’s book. I really like the sleeveless top you made. It is warm here in S.C. too!
I am always excited about anything Lotta! One of my WIPs is a baby quilt in LJ fabrics as a test for a Queen in your fabrics. Thanks for the chance!
cute pants! im excited to try a wallet in Anna’s Grahams new book.
I love the top! I am excited by the book “Quilting Modern” by Jacquie Gering @ Katie Pedersen. Can’t wait to get cozy and creative in the upcoming wintery weekends! (I relocated from Northern California recently).
love the blue top – so kewt! ????
i’m knitting leg warmers as a birthday gift for my mom (tomorrow)! hopefully, will complete them in time. ???? thx for the book giveaway opportunity! cheers & happy 2016 to you! ????
I am excited to finally make a Linden! Thanks for the giveaway.
This book looks wonderful!
The fabric honestly that I’ve been most looking forward to is your Carkai line, it looks so versatile for any project i’d have in mind. Whether it’s an outfit, a purse, or a quilt that I want to make, it’ll be fit for all of those projects. The project I want to do next is the Alder shirtdress, which I think would pair wonderfully with the Carkai line.
Oh gosh. What a fun book to win. I love the choices of fabric and pattern that you have chosen. I love this easy style of dressing. I get excited about anything fabric and sewing lol
I am really excited to learn new sewing skills!
I love the shorts and top! So cute and you could even wear them in Pennsylvania for Christmas this year! we’re used to having a little snow for Christmas and this year it’s supposed to be 70 degrees!!!
I’m excited about Lotta’s book and Carkai. I would love to make a few Kiomi tops — one out of the Stitches print in Bone for sure!
I am so excited about finding the wonderful quilting community on Instagram, and joining the Mighty Lucky Quilting Club! Also starting in Jan., making a circle a day with Quiltyfolk! Basically, I’m upping my quilting game in 2016!
Beautiful fabric and patterns, Merry Christmas!
Love the simplicity of Lotta’s patterns. Your fabric choices are great! …;)
I’m excited to have a (relatively) clean quilting slate, entering into the new year. Have a stack of Doe that I’m aching to dive into.
I haven’t made a quilt since I was 12, but I’m determined to figure it out in 2016 and even get good at it. 😉 I also plan to make my first clothes since I have a baby girl now and learning how to make little dresses is a must!
You really are inspiring making so many of your own clothes.. I must…thank you and congratulations on your new fabric, the colours are beautiful
Love your makes. I’d really like to try a simple garment.
What a great giveaway! I love what I’ve seen from this book so far!
I’d love to make one of those cool scarves….maybe everyone will get one for a birthday gift next year!
eager to make something to wear other than a bag – so many great patterns & fabrics. love what you’ve dine.
Your projects look lovely.
These new pieces you sewed are super adorable. I can see why you want to make more of that top, so nice! I am looking forward to making a wool Woodland Cape by Liesl & Co. Patterns before the winter is out. As for new books, I have been curious about Lotta’s as I would love to develop a capsule wardrobe of basics I have sewn. Thank you for the giveaway.
The outfits turned out great. I love this fabric.
I’m excited about my first quilt- a hexagon quilt with a 3D cube effect (hopefully!)
I think this book would really help me. I love your top; the pattern would be great to have!
I really like your “Lotta pants”. I’d like to make a pair along with a Linden since I recently bought that pattern. Hope to get some Carkai soon, too!
Love Lotta’s ‘simple’ style – evidence of good drafting and clean lines. Currently working with Kaffe Fassett mad fabrics paired with mid grey for a simple quilt. Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas from Australia.
I am a total beginner and I love sewing books. Recently I am attracted by japanese pattern books and by Alabama Chanin designs. Simple easy patterns to make are the best! Thanks for the giveaway!
Love Lotta’s style. I would definitely start with the bag.
Merry Christmas to you all!
I am most excited about a year long project for 2016, a Castle Wall quilt for myself. I have been setting aside fabrics for this quilt for nearly two years and I can not wait to get started. First time doing y-seams but am not going to allow them to intimidate me!
This book looks amazing! I’m looking forward to finally getting to some personal sewing over the holiday break.
Well, being a novice seamstress i believe this book is made for me.Pants are a challenge for me so i guess i would try the pants projects first.
Love the Kiomi top… so many things to make out of this book!
Even though it’s been out for a while, I just got Anna Graham’s book Handmade Style, so I’m excited about trying out a bag or tote. And if I can get my sewing mojo back after the crazy holidays, I’m toying with the idea of joining in the Mighty Lucky Club. I love that you can go month by month if you want.
Excited about this giveaway too 🙂
Would love to win this one! I took a workshop with Lotta at the first QuiltCon and have been trying ever since to come up with some simple designs to stamp or stencil. Doesn’t come so easy to me as it does to her!
The pants look great,
I was just visiting Seattle and bought a couple of yards of a WA state toile fabric at Dry Goods Design which I’m pretty excited about.
I like your shorts – I love everything Lotta!
I’ve kind of had my head down focusing on just a few work projects which have left me very little time to dream about the new stuff. That being said, I’m super excited about Carkai (and I’m not just saying that to suck up!) – I love the colors, especially the blues and greens.
This quilter is evolving into clothing construction. Love the process!
I’m hoping we’ll sell our house soon so I can unpack and work on anything! 🙂 I’d love to get crafty again.
I am a shortie too so I love the pants you made! Really excited about Carkai and I may have just bought some as a Christmas present to myself:)
Love the outfits you’ve made! I’ve been excited about making pjs for my husband and son for the holidays and I’ve been excited about this new Lotta book and the one by Anna Graham I picked up recently.
So glad you featured the pants–very nice. I was hoping that would be a great pattern, because I need some to wear with the tops I’m knitting. Can hardly wait to get started!
Great look at the projects….the top from your fabric is a definite favorite!
Loving the Owyn pants. I adore Lotta’s Scandinavian inspired design as well as am still crushing hard on the low volume trend. Carlao is just beautiful. Thank you for this lovely lovely lovely giveaway. Crossing my fingers and toes and everything in between!
I am excited about making a Wren dress by Colette during the winter break! I love the top you made from Lotta’s book.
Your scarf is gorgeous. I would love to have my own copy of the book.
Hi! I love the way your kiomi top turned out! I’m trying to make one, but I am not a sewing pro and now that I’ve cut the pattern, I realized the back piece is shorter than the front! What did you do?! I’m so confused since the front and back won’t match.
It looks like a WONDERFUL book!
It’s a good one!