Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Patterns: easy-sew pieces to mix and match

by Lotta Jansdotter

An inspiring guide to creating a flexible, seven-piece wardrobe with modern Scandinavian elegance, from style icon Lotta JansdotterWhen Jansdotter wears one of her signature clothing looks, fans frequently ask, “Did you make that?” Lotta’s answer is, “Yes, and so can you!” With that in mind, she has created her second book of easy-to-sew pieces that can be layered to create a variety of looks. Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Patterns is all about flexible, customizable garments to wear in your nest and in your neighborhood, and easy, fun ways to alter each one as the season—or your mood—changes. The book includes sewing instruction and patterns for basic garments (skirt, shirt, shirt dress, tunic, pants, jacket, and robe) and unique accessories (tote bag, bandana, and more). For each garment, Jansdotter offers ideas for trims, pockets, sleeves, and hemlines to encourage readers to personalize and add details. And once more, she includes the sources of her inspiration and how she and her friends and family wear key pieces in different variations while working, playing, resting, and traveling.  

Genres: Sewing

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Marty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm very surprised to be giving such a bad review for a Lotta Jansdotter book. I have two of her previous sewing books and I love them. This book, not so much. The styles are mostly shapeless, which is not to my taste but does work for many people so that's not a reason to give a bad review.

I'm mostly upset by the LARGE number of errors in the patterns themselves. Please check Abrams Books website for the errata. Almost every pattern has serious errors. It's only because I'm a very experienced seamstress that I ever figured out the Rickie skirt. I have only traced it off and cut it out but it took hours because it made no sense. I should have checked the errata sooner.

You can print every pattern from the Abrams Books website if you send it to a large paper copyshop. However this will end up costing much more than the price of the book. Personally, I don't think the designs in this book are worth the $30+ for the book and another $50-$70 to have correct pattern pieces printed out.

I will say that the Pym pants have become a favorite of mine. I made them a couple of months ago and they are in constant rotation. With this pattern I had to lengthen the waistband several inches even though my waist measurement is within the size range I picked. Another error?

Hopefully my Rickie skirt will turn out! It looks great in the pictures.

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of sewing books written by talented designers, and this book is one is one of my favorites.

The author's warm and welcoming writing tone invites readers to follow her on a creative journey that includes some of her friends and family members. As much as I enjoyed the patterns/projects in this book, my favorite element were the interviews with other sewists. They offered valuable insight into creating along with sharing tips from their experiences with fabrics. The photography is delightful!

I borrowed this book from the local public library.

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[Dodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had planned to review this book after I had constructed one of the patterns. (The patterns are included in the book.) I found tracing the pattern I selected very difficult; after reading other reviews claiming the garments didn't fit properly, I didn't want to waste time or fabric. If I do make this pattern, I will edit my review.
That being said, I've long admired Lotta Jansdotter. I enjoyed reading about her artistic process and seeing finished projects. If for nothing else, the book is valuable for that.

[Christina Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these designs... will keep in mind for when I have time for side projects again