Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects

by Lotta Jansdotter, Meiko Arquillos (Photographer)

Internationally celebrated designer Lotta Jansdotter collects 24 of her most popular sewing patterns into one irresistible collection. Our innovative packaging makes for easy use reusable pattern sheets are neatly tucked into a folder inside this full-color, lay-flat spiral bound book. Lotta has included patterns for handy tote bags, smart aprons, chic bed linens, and much more. Each project is paired with step-by-step instructions, charming photographs, inspiring design ideas, and helpful, hand-drawn how-to illustrations everything you need to make whimsical pieces for the home and beyond. Best of all, there's nothing complicated about the projects. Never has simplicity looked so sophisticated.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Adult, Reference, How To, Art

144 pages, Spiral-bound

First published March 8, 2007

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lotta has such a distinctive style and this book definitely shows it off. I love the little hand-drawings, to say nothing of the way she mixes different kinds of fabrics. The photography is lovely. I've had this book for two years, though, and have yet to make any of the projects. That's not exactly because they don't seem useful or fun--the chopstick placemat, for example, is both easy to make and functional--but just because none of the patterns seem very . . . unusual? I guess what I'm saying is that this is a pretty expensive book that's full of a lot of patterns you can find for free online (placemats, napkins, tote bags, etc.) or make up on your own.

If you love Lotta's design style, then get this book and enjoy it. If you are a beginner sewer and are looking for some great handmade gift ideas that won't eat up tons of fabric and make you curse your machine, then get this book. The photos are delightful and give a great sense of how she pairs and contrasts colors and shapes. But if you are looking for really interesting sewing projects, I'd look elsewhere.

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for it's projects. It has projects appropriate for beginner's to get used to their machines (place mats), projects to help you expand your sewing skills (tote bags), projects that allow you to get used to using patterns (a sun hat), and more advanced projects (gardening tote).

A true beginner will need some assistance (she gives brief explanations of techniques, but a real novice will probably be slightly confused). But after you understand your machine and the basics of sewing a straight line and reading sewing instructions (a skill unto itself), this book will give you plenty of projects to play with and evolve your skills naturally!

[Tandie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. These designs are so simple, you hardly need a pattern. They’re just very unappealing projects. Boring and well...ugly.

[Britt Fechtman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic beginner book! It got me to get my machine out and start and finish a project all in one day! I haven't touched a machine in nearly 10 years and I needed a quick project to get me back into it. I made a placemat with chopstick holders and it turned out great! The instructions were easy to follow!

[eb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another disappointing Lotta Jansdotter book. This one earns an extra star for actually having projects and patterns that are usable (unlike Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Style), but to be honest the projects are so simple that the patterns are a joke. Simple sewing books are great, but the sophistication of Jansdotter's fabric designs are likely to attract readers who will be disappointed with this book, as I was. Readers looking for clean design and simple projects would be much better off with a book like Zakka Sewing: 25 Japanese Projects for the Household, which puts its projects in context and explains the Japanese tradition of hand-making home goods and switching them out with the seasons. Lotta Jansdotter lived in Japan and clearly was influenced by zakka, but fails to pull of anything new or interesting here.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Last year[June 01 - Sept. 28, 2010] I took some classes and progressed to an advanced novice sewer. Then life happened and so I had to shelve my enthusiasm until things settled.**

I have an eye on a few projects to complete from this book and now with my home studio almost set up the way I want it, I'm just a couple of weeks away to starting up again. I'm stoked!
----
I've just finished reading the technical steps to every project, and my conclusion is it's not for the absolute beginner. I felt that there was plenty that could be misinterpreted and some steps which would make tasks easier to achieve have been left out or not explained clearly enough.

The projects themselves however are inspiring and fun!!

[LG · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book up based on the good reviews. The projects in this book work because the fabric is fabulous. You may want to pick it up for the list of websites in the back. (Oh, forget it. Three of the websites are no longer active.) As for the actual projects, most struck me as things that I don't want to make. However, those projects that I do want - place mates, I am better off using place mats that I like and using them as a guide. If you want a book to help that process, this book may be for you.

[KJ]

I was not totally inspired by this book. Actually I am looking to gift it to someone else. There is nothing wrong with this book...The projects are just not my style. They are cute and kitchy with no bad-ass mixed in. I, however, ran with her idea for making "draft snakes" for single-paned windows. I did not have to use her instructions and pattern for the project...Even as a totally novice seamstress I was able to put it togehter!

[Heather Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who finds sewing with a machine very intimidating I am so thankful I found this book. The levels make sense for the projects and her justification for why certain projects are certain levels is helpful. The book is very beautiful on design and the hand drawn pictures are easier to follow and understand than many photos tend to be. Excited to start sewing with this book as my companion.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

The projects in this book are so simple that they need a sophisticated fabric otherwise the finished projects really look homemade, as opposed to crafted or made by hand - a subtle but important difference. I did flag two projects I wanted to have as references (hat, backpack). This is a good book to get inspiration.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting ideas that I applied in my own way to sewing projects. Some of the projects were way too simple (does anyone really need a pattern for napkins?), but I liked her more novel ideas. I particularly liked the bedside pockets for storage, which I adapted to make personalised smaller pockets appropriate for eyeglasses and iPhone storage.

[Rosemary Bagley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good instructions. The projects are basic and easy. Good book for someone learning to sew.

[Leslie A Ferrell]

Great book for accessory sewing

[Jessica Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me realize I am not as novice a sewer as I tend to think. I would dare say that at least 50% of the projects are so easy that it shouldn't qualify as one of the 24, and require little more than a rolled hem and sewing a straight line.

On the other hand, the fact that she breaks super easy projects into even super easier steps really helps motivate you to tackle the projects if you're the sort that requires more motivation than most (as I most certainly am). She supplies some fantastic resources for fabrics & supplies & inspiration(in addition to your local JoAnn's). Additionally, you get the satisfaction of having made something special yourself, either for yourself or as a nice unique, hand-made, cost-effective gift.

After doing the super simple pillowcases (they are a bit nicer though b/c they have the nice fold over that hides the pillow and keeps it tucked into the case), I decided to challenge myself to her most difficult level 4 project, the garden bag. It's just challenging enough to keep my attention and enthusiasm without frustrating me into putting the project down indefinitely.

That said, some of the steps are vague, but with a little determination and some common sense they can be worked out. I wish she would put out a book of all level 4 type projects: Simple Sewing for the Intermediate Sewer pretty please?

[Lana. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple Sewing offers exactly just that: 24 easy projects that are charmingly simple and functional. Pleasantly soothing photographs, show projects fitting instantly into one of the more rustic IKEA showrooms, while at the same time hint at green / eco friendliness tendencies.

However, because simple lines and elegance are key, there lacks the punch and edge that catch the eye. As the books description indicates, this is definitely chic – as in understated style – and also comfortable.

Will definitely consider some of the projects when I need something to get the job done, and doesn’t need extra bells, whistles or ruffles.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to make every single thing in this book. So, so pretty I can't even stand it. Once again, I haven't actually made anything in here yet (but I've been eyeing that curtain with pockets deal since I first saw it)and my understanding is the patterns can be...uh...challenging and maybe not so "simple." Maybe not for beginnners but if you've got a brain, a calculator, and basic sewing skills you'll most likely be fine.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made my first project from the book--the reversible apron--and was very pleased with the outcome. The instructions were easy to follow, the pattern well-designed, and the finished apron turned out so pretty. I know my way around a sewing machine and found this pattern to be a great project to turn out in a few days. I imagine this project would provide the right amount of challenge for a motivated beginner as well. I can't wait to try out the other patterns!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple, appealing projects. I like that finished dimensions are given for projects. Problem: some of the patterns/directions are a touch incomplete (e.g. the tote bag). I also think that some of the projects are almost too simple--I'd prefer my placemats to be a little more substantial than simply a hemmed rectangle of fabric. That being said, this is a fantastic beginner book, and the projects are easy to "run with"--to embellish, expand, etc.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Jansdotter released her first fabric line this year and it is lovely. Clean modern prints in trendy colors like mustard and grey. Love it! She keeps her projects extremely simple so this is a great book for the beginner. She has some fun organizing stuff in here and some easy patterns for simple bags. My favorite is the pattern for a duvet cover in K, Q and Twin--it's so nice she's figured out the proportions for you! I could update my bedding every other year!

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't say these patterns are easy. I'm a beginner and the book immediately intimidated me. The blankets and some of the other patterns are beautiful. I would like to try a few out. I like that the patterns are in the book. I checked it out fron the library and was pleasantly surprised they were there.

[Maria Serafini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un ottimo libro per chi è alle prime armi, e vuole cimentarsi con modelli semplici come la borsa per la spesa, tovaglie, sacco per materassino ecc.

Non contiene istruzioni generiche, ma solo spiegazioni dei modelli allegati, tranne per qualche spiegazione veloce nel glossario.

Contiene invece un'utilissima lista di siti dove comprare o trovare stoffe resistenti e da arredamento!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to sit down and eventually make every single project in this book. Even an apron, and I don't wear aprons! Even a doorstop, and none of my doors need stopping. It's fresh and clean and simple.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to make every single thing in this book but I only managed to make the pot holders. Simple, funky and cute patterns. The patterns are written clearly enough so even a newbie like me can understand.

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an AWESOME sewing book. The author speaks in plain, down to earth language and gives great advice about sewing supplies and fabrics. Projects are stylishly simple and absolutely do-able for a beginner or someone getting back into sewing after a long hiatus.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The projects look like they came out of an Urban Outfitter's catalog. Cute and trendy and simple. However, I never actually follow the instructions or use the patterns, so I can't rate how easy they are. Projects include handbags, magazine racks, and a yoga mat/art print tote.

[Inder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm finally gettting my money's worth out of this book by using the tote bag pattern. In general, wonderful, tasteful, minimalist designs that aren't nearly funky enough for my tastes or difficult enough to warrant the price tag for me (however, good for real beginners).

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The projects are simple and fun. The book is informative and accessible. It's also very attractively designed. It would be a great resource for someone embarking on sewing for the first time. I especially liked the list of resources at the back of the book.

[crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best sewing books i've seen. great for beginners, simple projects. also includes some more advanced projects for those who are a little more advanced. the reversible apron is the best! includes patterns.

[Jenn/Yana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear instructions, excellent for a beginning seamster. Modern Euro-style designs without being too trendy. Nice selection of patterns, includes paper patterns in front pocket of book. Good duvet pattern that I will probably use.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a few of the projects in here are so basic I didn't need to buy the book...but there are two great bag patterns in here that I really love. The backpack pattern though needs a much longer strap that indicated, otherwise it looks like it was made for a child.