A Lot Like Lotta

If you were to ask me who were some of my sewing and craft inspirations are, one of them, I would reply, would emphatically be Lotta Jansdotter. I first came across her first sewing book, Simple Sewing, more than 10 years ago browsing the craft section at Barnes & Noble. Ever since that discovery (and purchase), I’ve been a huge fan! Lotta is from Aland, Scandinavia, but currently lives with her husband and son in New York. She has a delightful shoppe and studio there that someday I hope to visit. 

For those of you who know my love for all things IKEA, this will all make perfect sense. Ikea style is Scandanavian…. Lotta is from there…now you get it, right?  Her designs are simple, but bold, delicate and practical.  She prints on linen, and has greatly influenced my designs in the home stenciling projects I’ve done. I’ve sewn practically everything out of her baby sewing book, Simple Sewing For Baby, and last fall came across her more recent release:

I spent many hours in my quiet, mommy hide-out time, to enjoy all the beautiful sights that this book of Lotta’s had to offer. It’s definitely a world of design that I can easily and freely get lost in. I kept renewing it so many times from the library that I just ended up purchasing my own copy off of Amazon. And I’m glad I did. 

Here’s a sneak peak at the enjoyment inside:

Yeah, now I’m sure you’ll want to check out or buy the book too. There are even Swedish recipes in the back!

Out of all that creativity I was motivated to use some of Lotta’s inspirations to make some new things for our home that reflected our style. And here’s what I’ve done so far (spread out, that is, over the last 4 months)…

1. Lotta’s homemade quilted bedspread (photo: above, top center).

my quilted bedspread (finally completed!!!):

Ahh, but more to come on this bedspread in a short while, I promise.

2. Lotta’s tray holder sling (above, top right corner).

 Instructions for making the sling are in her book, pictured above.

  3. And one of Lotta’s special food treats to make for having “Fika” time with a friend:

Chocolate Slices (my baking pictured)! And these don’t even begin to describe “delicious” for the chocolate freak that I am…sooo YUMMY!

So, when I’m getting inspired to keep crafting, to keep thinking outside the box in my creativity and in my sewing, I appreciate the reminder to just:

Keep It Simple. 

~ Some Joy2Sew News ~

Steven and I found out that Nathan will be having a baby brother! We are very excited, and a little relieved, I think. No need to buy anything new (or make too much new…I think). 

Thank you to my so-far Sofia the First Dress pattern testers that I have emailed my first pattern draft too! I so appreciate their help in making my pattern usable for all (and certainly more understandable)! If you’d still like to be a tester before July 20, please click HERE. 

I’ve been sewing an extra lot this week, and have a whole lot of new things to show you soon! I’m very excited! 

Hope you and your families are having a great summer so far!