The OTTOBRE design® Blog

Kiitos kyselyymme vastanneille ja onnea voittajille

2012-01-30T22:06:00.000+02:00

Kiitos kaikille teille yli kolmellesadalle upealle naiselle, jotka kävitte vastaamassa kyselyymme tammikuun aikana! Vastauksenne ovat nyt vaatetusalaa opiskeleva Jenni Laavan analysoitavana. Jenni tekee opinnäytetyötään XL-kokoisten naisten vaatetuksesta Mikkelin ammattikorkeakouluun.

Kyselyn tuloksia vaatteiden muodossa pääsemme tutkaileman tarkemmin elokuussa ilmestyvässä naisten talvinumerossamme.

Arvoimme kaikkien nimimerkillä osallistuneiden kesken kaksi upeaa kangas- ja tarvikepakettia, joiden arvo on 50 euroa. Arvonnan tuloksena onnittelemme nimimerkkejä: Kaisa (järjestysluku 37) ja Sara-Juulia (järjestysluku 79)! Otamme voittajiin yhteyttä henkilökohtaisesti sähköpostilla.

Kiitos vielä kaikille osallistuneille!

Kuvassa hieman esimakua seuraavasta naistenlehdestämme 2/2012, joka ilmestyy helmi-maaliskuun vaihteessa. Löydät siitä raikkaan kesälomamalliston kokoihin 34-52 ja runsaasti ihania mekkoja.

OTTOBRE spring issue 1/2012 will arrive soon!

2012-01-10T18:25:00.000+02:00

It has been a while since the last post. We have so much to do and so little time... we are so sorry we have forgotten you all.

So what's going on. We have been moving again – this time we moved our sewing studio from second floor to basement. Oh boy, what a job. (We won't ever move again...I promise.) You can imagine the amount of fabric scraps, patterns, magazines, pins, ribbons and everything what true sewistas hoard. So we needed to dust and reorganize everything. All's well that ends well. We will show you a little video from our new studio, as soon we settle down for a little longer moment.

While we were busy with other things, our spring issue arrived from printers. We are happy to announce you it has been packed and posted to subscribers and resellers during last weekend.

Now all you need to do is start stalking your mailman!

OUR COLORFUL SPRING ISSUE INCLUDES FOLLOWING THEMES

BUTTERFLIES AND BEETLES
The first butterflies emerging from hibernation are definite signs of spring. A velour dress, a tunic, a jersey top, leggings, narrow-leg cargo pants, a poplin coat and a rose-trimmed hat for little girls. Retro-style overalls, sweatpants, a T-shirt and a hooded velour jacket for boys. Sizes 80-134 cm

INDIAN STORIES
Children love hearing intriguing stories about life in bygone times while playing Indians. T-shirts, sweatpants, recycled jeans, a plaid shirt, tunics and hippie-style velveteen pants. Sizes 122-170 cm

SMALL WONDERS
Fresh Scandinavian print patterns are inspiring and just perfect for baby clothes. Bodysuits, coveralls, jersey and velour pants, an apron dress and a jersey jacket. A quilted patchwork play mat and a colorful pennant bunting to pep up the baby’s bedroom. Sizes 50-92 cm

SPRING IN DENIM
Denim looks always trendy and lends itself well to various casual spring clothes. A little denim skirt, recycled jeans and a ruffle skirt plus a polo shirt, two beautiful tunics and a T-shirt. Sizes 128-170 cm

You can take a closer look on it here: http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2012_1/index.html?fi

ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY...

(the one which was supposed to be a quick one, but turned to be slower than ever.)

Thank you all for participating our giveaway. The first closest comment was So Bella's: UNITARD it will be. Unitard costume with long legs and sleeves. You can modify it to dancing or gymnastic costume or role play costume as we did. Unfortunately we were unable to push this pattern on our new spring issue, so we decided to make a separate pattern package of it. You'll hear more about it soon.

Random number generator gave us two other calendar winners :

Comment # 19:
Melissa said...
A leotard for a cat costume! Cutie pies modeling - how sweet!
November 30, 2011 2:35 AM

Comment # 58:
Linda said...
I will!!!
December 1, 2011 7:29 PM

Congratulations for the winners: So Bella, Melissa and Linda. Please choose your favourite color and mail us your name and address a.s.a.p. ottobre@ottobre.fi

You can see the calendars here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84851297/ottobre-design-diary-2012-in-lime

Since it is already January 10. 2012, we sell the rest of the calendars on reduced price >> go shopping if you need one! Wishing you all a very happy new year.

Millainen on hyvä ja toimiva XL-kokoisen naisen vaate?

2011-12-28T14:38:00.000+02:00

Kun lähes seitsemän vuotta sitten aloitimme naisten kaavalehden julkaisemisen, päätimme, että haluamme tarjota inspiraatiota sekä monen kokoisille että monen ikäisille naisille. Naisen vartalo muuttuu eri ikäkausina ja eri elämänvaiheessa muistuttaen meitä elämän kiertokulusta.

Jokaisen nuoren naisen peilistä heijastuu kerran aikuisen ja lopulta vanhenevan naisen kuvajainen. Aika, jota elämme, tarvitsee uudenlaisen kuvan naisesta: todellisen, aidon ja luottamusta herättävän. Meille ei riitä enää naiseuden edustajaksi pelkkä muotikuvassa esiintyvä eteeriseksi stailattu kaunotar. Haluamme, että meistä jokaisella on mahdollisuus ilmaista olemuksemme ja vaatetuksemme kautta se ihana ja persoonallinen ihminen, joka sisällämme asuu.

Nyt tarvitsemme sinun apuasi!

Haluamme on kehittää lehtemme sisältöä asiakkaidemme tarpeita ja toiveita vastaavaksi ja siksi lähestymme sinua pienen asiakaskyselyn muodossa. Kuulut kohderyhmäämme jos olet 25-55 -vuotias ja kokoa 46-52 käyttävä nainen. Kyselyn toteuttaa Mikkelin ammattikorkeakoulussa vaatetusalaa opiskeleva Jenni Laava osana opinnäytetyötään.

Pääset vastaamaan kyselyyn oheisen linkin kautta. Voit vastata kyselyyn nimettömänä, tai nimimerkillä mikäli haluat osallistua arvontaan. Vastaamiseen kuluu aikaa vain 10 minuuttia ja viimeinen vastauspäivä on 22.1.2012.

Arvomme kaikkien nimimerkillä osallistuneiden kesken kaksi upeaa kangas- ja tarvikepakettia, joiden arvo on 50 euroa. Arvonnan tulos julkistetaan blogissamme http://ottobredesign.blogspot.com/ tammikuun 30. päivä.

Vastaamalla kyselyymme annat meille arvokasta tietoa lehtemme kehittämiseksi.

http://www.webropolsurveys.com//S/0FFAF3BF1EEC9634.par

Haluamme kiittää sinua jo etukäteen!

New Fabrics in our Etsy shop!

2011-12-02T13:17:00.001+02:00

I do not know about you, but WE are already so excited about coming festival season! We have a lot of things to do, so we just wanted to inform you about the new jerseys we just got in our shop.

Perfect choices for holiday sewing!

FANTASY FOREST, MUSHROOMS and GNOME FOREST
HAPPY ELEPHANTS, STRIPES and WILD CLOUDS

All new jerseys are 95% organic GOTS sertified cotton 5% elastane

Guess what we are doing - a super quick giveaway!

2011-11-29T23:19:00.000+02:00

Hi Friends!

How are you today? Has anyone seen the snow we have been waiting for a month or so?

I must post you a photo of this lovely TRIO! We had so much fun in the photoshooting on the other day. They are siblings and they were the easiest kids ever to deal with! Thanks Milja, Venla and Hanno -you're the best.

The one of you out there behind the screen who is guessing closest what pattern is included in this photo (and hopefully in next issue), wins our awesome calendar for year 2012. Wink wink - it is not HIS hoodie, he changed to his own clothes so quickly....

Leave your comment now -we have three calendars to share with you! One for the "fortune teller" and two more winners we will choose with random number generator! Competition ends on Friday this week (2nd of December).

Have Fun!

Delight your Little Friend!

2011-11-18T16:55:00.003+02:00

We can send a lovely Moomin-themed advent calendar on your behalf to your friend directly from the homeland of the Moomins and Santa Claus. The calendar has small windows to be opened on each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve.

CHOISE OF TWO DESIGNS

In Search For Christmas

- A front-cover picture in shades of blue, displaying the Moomintroll and his friend Sniff in a forest at night, with stars twinkling in the sky.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride

- A front cover with a white background, displaying Snork Maiden and Little My on a fun-filled sleigh ride pulled by a reindeer.

CHOICE OF TWO SIZES

Postcard-size advent calendar mailed to your friend at EUR 6.50 (including postage).

A4-size wall advent calendar mailed to your friend at EUR 9.50 (including postage).

The calendars can be found in our online shop at http://www.etsy.com/listing/86456643/lovely-moomin-themed-advent-calendar

We will place the calendar in an envelope, stick a nice Moomin-themed postage stamp on it and take it to be postmarked at Santa Claus’ Post Office on the Arctic Circle.

Enter your friend’s name as the recipient of the gift in feedback box!

Place your order without delay, as there is only a limited stock of calendars and it will soon be December!

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Verras Uw kleine vriend!

Wij sturen namens u een schattige Moem adventskalender rechtsreeks vanuit Finland, het land van de Moems en de Kerstman.

De kalender heeft een klein luikje voor elke dag van de maand december tot en met kerstavond!

Wij doen de kaart namens u op de bus, plakken een schattig Moem postzegel op elke kaart en brengen de kaarten naar het postkantoor van de Kerstman op de poolcirkel om daar een speciale poststempel op de zending te krijgen.

Twee verschillende illustraties!

Op zoek naar kerst

- een kaart in blauwtinten waarop Moem samen met zijn vriend Sniff onder de sterrenhemel in een nachtelijk bos op zoektocht is.

Rendiersledetocht

- een witte kaart waarop Snorkmeisje en Mu met hun vrienden op een vrolijke rendiersledetocht zijn.

Twee maten!

Een adventskalender in een ansichtkaart formaat rechtsreeks opgestuurd naar uw vrienden

€6,50 (inclusief verzendkosten)

A4 formaat adventskalender om op de wand te hangen rechtstreeks opgestuurd naar uw vrienden

€9,50 (inclusief verzendkosten)

Deze producten vindt u in onze webwinkel: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86456643/lovely-moomin-themed-advent-calendar

Geef als ontvanger de naam en het adres van uw vriend op!

Wacht niet te lang. Er is slechts een beperkte oplage van de kaarten en het is bijna december.

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Machen Sie Ihren kleinen Freunden eine Freude!

Wir verschicken für Sie einen niedlichen Mumin-Adventskalender direkt aus Finnland, dem Land der Mumins und des Weihnachtsmanns.

Der Kalender hat kleine zu öffnende Türen für jeden Tag des Dezembers bis zum Heiligabend!

Wir verschicken den Kalender für Sie, kleben eine niedliche Mumin-Briefmarke auf den Umschlag und bringen ihn zum Abstempeln zum Postamt des Weihnachtsmanns am Polarkreis.

Wählen Sie zwischen zwei Illustrationen!

Auf der Suche nach Weihnachten

- in Blautönen mit Mumin und seinem Freund Sniff, die im nächtlichen Wald unter leuchtendem Sternenhimmel wandern.

Auf Rentierfahrt

- in weiß, auf der das Snorkfräulein und die Kleine Mü mit ihren Freunden auf einer herrlichen Rentierfahrt sind.

Zwei verschiedene Größen!

In Postkartengröße direkt an Ihren Freund oder Ihre Freundin verschickt.

6.50 EURO (portofrei)

In DIN A4 –Größe direkt an Ihren Freund oder Ihre Freundin verschickt.

9.50 EURO (portofrei)

Sie finden die Adventskalender in unserem Internetshop http://www.etsy.com/listing/86456643/lovely-moomin-themed-advent-calendar

Tragen Sie den Namen Ihres Freunds oder Ihrer Freundin ein.

Bitte beeilen Sie sich, da wir die Kalender nur in einer begrenzten Stückzahl zur Verfügung haben und der Dezember auch schon vor der Tür steht!

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Ilahduta Pientä Ystävää!

Lähetämme puolestasi suloisen Muumiaiheisen adventtikalenterin suoraan Napapiiriltä.

Kalenterissa on pieni avattava luukku jokaiselle joulukuun päivälle jouluaattoon saakka!

Me postitamme kirjeen puolestasi, liimaamme jokaiseen kirjeeseen soman muumiaiheisen postimerkin ja viemme ne leimattavaksi Joulupukin postikonttoriin Napapiirille.

Kaksi eri kuvitusta!

Joulua etsimässä

- sinisävyinen kortti, jossa Muumipeikko taivaltaa ystävänsä Nipsun kanssa öisessä, tähtiä tuikkivassa metsässä.

Poroajelulla

- valkoinen kortti, jossa Niiskuneiti ja Pikku Myy ystävineen ovat riemukkaalla rekiretkellä.

Kaksi eri kokoa!

Postikorttikokoinen adventtikalenteri suoraan Ystävällesi lähetettynä

EUR 6.50 (postikulut sisältyvät hintaan)

A4-kokoisen seinäkalenteri suoraan Ystävällesi lähetettynä

EUR 9.50 (postikulut sisältyvät hintaan)

Tuotteet löytyvät Etsy-kaupastamme: www.etsy.com/shop/ottobredesign
Merkitse lahjan vastaanottajaksi ystäväsi nimi!

Toimi nopeasti, kortteja on rajoitettu määrä ja joulukuu alkaa pian.

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Gläd en liten vän!

Vi skickar en söt Muminadventskalender åt din vän direkt från Finland - landet där både Mumin och Tomten kommer i från.
Kalendern har en liten lucka som man kan öppna för var dag i december fram till julafton!

Vi postar brevet för dig och klistrar ett rart frimärke med muminmotiv på brevet och postar det i från Tomtens postkontor på Polcirkeln.

Två olika illustrationer!

Sökande efter julen
- ett kort i blå toner, med en bild av Mumintrollet på promenad med sin vän Snusmumriken i skymningen under en natthimmel med blinkande stjärnor.

En slädtur med renar
- ett vitt kort med en bild av Snorkfröken och Lilla My på en glad slädtur.

Två olika storlekar!

En adventskalender i postkortsstorlek skickad direkt till din Vän
EUR 6.50 (inkl. postavgift)

En väggkalender i A4-format skickad direkt till din Vän
EUR 9.50 (inkl. postavgift)

Produkterna finner du i vår webbshop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ottobredesign. Fyll i din väns namn och adress så skickas gåvan direkt till han/henne!

Agera snabbt, det finns endast ett begränsat antal kort och december börjar snart.

October Fun Giveaway Winners

2011-11-01T13:18:00.001+02:00

Hello, hello!

Thank you for all lovely ideas and pattern wishes! You will see the results in our next coming issues. All new wishes are very welcome also in future.

We got 87 comments before deadline 31.10. and used Random number generator at random.com to find out the winners.

And the lucky ones are:
OTTOBRE design kids and woman one year subscription goes to Äiti (comment n:o 21)

OTTOBRE design kids and woman one year subscription goes to Cride (comment n:o 32)

Etsy giftcard (value EUR 50.00) goes to Tiina (comment n:o 65)

Heipä hei!

Kiitos mukavista kommenteista ja ihanista kaavatoiveista! Otamme kaiken palautteen työn alle ja seuraavissa lehdissä saattekin sitten nähdä runsaasti toivekaavojanne.

Saimme kaiken kaikkiaan 75 arvontaan osallistunutta, ajoissa saapunutta kommenttia, kun poistimme omat vastauksemme ja muutaman tuplakommentin. Annoimme Random Number Generatorin tehtä työn puolestamme ja voittajiksi valikoituivat seuraavat lukijat:

OTTOBRE design lasten- ja naistenlehden vuosikerta nimimerkille Äiti (kommentti 21) downinsyndrooma.blogspot.com -blogista.

OTTOBRE design lasten- ja naistenlehden vuosikerta nimimerkille Cride (kommentti 32) kristallinhohtoa.blogspot.com blogista.

Etsy lahjakortti (arvo 50,- euroa) nimimerkille Tiina (kommentti 65) pesapuussa.blogspot.com blogista.

Onnea voittajille!

Pyydämme voittajia ottamaan yhteyttä mahdollisimman pian: ottobre (a) ottobre.fi

Finally OTTOBRE 2012 Diary is published!

2011-10-28T20:24:00.004+03:00

OTTOBRE 2012 DIARY + NOTEBOOK -two-in-one

Handy for the whole year. You simply can't live without it!

The covers of this diary are made of re-cycled leather, which has been made of leather scraps, left over from shoe and bag factories. And look at those beautiful colors: mandarine, lime, lilac and black.

• a two-part A5-size spiral-bound book including a diary section and a 40-page notebook section
• a recycled-leather cover with a printed OTTOBRE logo
• text in English

Contents:
– a weekly planner 2012
– a monthly planner 2012
– a yearly calendar 2012/2013
– international festivals and public holidays
– a page for personal data
– space for personal notes
– plastic pockets for business cards and documents

+ a 40-page notebook section

Go to our Etsy shop to purchase it!

Special price for subscribers. Available in ENGLISH or FINNISH/SWEDISH

+ + + + + + +

Ainutlaatuisen ihana, kysytty
OTTOBRE 2012 vuosikalenteri + muistivihko on täällä taas!

Iloa koko vuodeksi! Kalenterin kannet on tehty kierrätysnahasta, joka taas on valmistettu kenkä- ja laukkutehtaista ylijäämäsuikaleista. NELJÄ UPEAA VÄRIÄ!

• kaksiosainen A5-kokoinen kierreselkäinen kalenteri sisältää kalenteriosan lisäksi erillisen 40-sivuisen vihko-osan
• kalenterin kansi on kierrätysnahkaa, jossa OTTOBRE-painatus
• tekstit suomi/ruotsi tai englanti

Lehden tilaajana saat kalenterin hintaan: 29,50
(hinta sisältää postikulut, norm. hinta 33,00)

Sisältö:
– viikkokalenteri 2012, nimipäivineen
– kuukausikalenteri 2012
– vuosikalenteri 201-2013
– kansainväliset juhla- ja pyhäpäivät
– henkilökohtaiset tiedot
– tilaa muistiinpanoille
– muovitaskuja käyntikorteille ja papereille

+ vihko-osa 40 sivua

Tilaa joko Etsy-kaupastamme tai emaililla ottobre (a) ottobre fi. Maista mainita haluamasi kieli ja väri!

+ + + +

More good news!

Mitten pattern from issue 6/2011 is here - fleecelapasten kaavat löytyvät täältä: http://www.ottobredesign.com/fi/kaavat/pdf/Mittens_6_2011.pdf

And lovely Super soft furry fleeces here - Ja ihanat pörröfleecet täältä:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84847962/super-soft-furry-fleece-with-reindeers

+ + + +

October Fun Giveaway!

2011-10-21T23:48:00.007+03:00

Now all leaves are down and wind whispers in plain trees. All little birds of Lapland escape the coldness to southern countries. Clouds float low on the grey sky and we can feel the coming of winter...

Long grey autumn is sometimes depressing and makes us feel sad. The natural treatment of seasonal depression is to make someone smile. Making other people happy makes you happier too!

We might have told you this before, but we wish to say it again. We are priviledged to have such wonderful readers as you folks are! We wish to thank you for all those lovely letters and photos you have sent us. You really make our days brighter. That’s what inspired us to share some October Fun with you!

We have teamed up with some great people all over the world to bring you these great October Fun -giveaways. To see exactly what you are winning and to be in with a chance of getting your hands on these you just need to choose your nearest or dearest agent or Ottobre fan club and leave you comment on her / their blog or facebook wall.

#EDIT: Those of you, who do not find your agent in the list, but wish to have the change to win one of our giveaways, please write a comment on this posting. Please tell us your country, your pattern wish and either you email address or customer number, so it makes us easier to reach you in case you win! This giveaway is free for all our readers. We will draw the winners on October 31. 2011 #

AUSTRALIA
Lisa and the Crafty Mamas
http://craftymamas.blogspot.com/2011/10/crafty-mamas-7th-birthday-ottobre.html

NORTH AMERICA
Our official US-agent Jan-Marie at Woolythread.com
http://woolythread.blogspot.com

GERMANY
Our official agent Nathalie and Ottobre Fans
http://ottobrefans.de/Drupal6/node/1611
http://www.facebook.com/Ottobrefans

FRANCE
Rébecca at Ottobre Addicts
http://ottobreaddicts.canalblog.com/archives/2011/10/20/22413975.html

UK
Our official agent Lisa at Dots n Stripes
http://dotsnstripes.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dots-n-Stripes/137877089584458

NORGE
Our official agent Venke at Sydilla.no
http://sydilla.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sydillano/370553877684

SWEDEN
Jenny at NeaNobelle.se
http://neanobelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/ottobre-utlottning.html

THE NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM AND LUXEMBURG
Grietje is our agent in BeNeLux countries
You can participate the draw by sending your pattern wishes to: infoottobre@hetnet.nl

RUSSIA
Julia at Hobby-Agent

http://hobby-agent.blogspot.com/2011/10/ottobre.html
http://hobby-agent.ru/

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Syksyn viima vihmoo ja harmaat pilvet raahautuvat pitkin taivaanrantaa. Linnutkin pakenevat kylmyyden tieltä. Talven tulon voi jo melkein haistaa...

Ei anneta syksyn harmauden masentaa, vaan otetaan ilo irti ihan pienistäkin asioista. Olemme varmasti sanoneet tämän jo aiemminkin, mutta kerrataanpa se vielä. Me olemme ylpeitä asiakkaistamme -te olette ihan siis ihan mahtavia! Kiitos siitä. Kiitos myös kaikista hauskoista kirjeistä ja kuvista, joita saamme sähköpostissa ja myös ihanina kirjeinä ja suloisina lasten piirroksina.

Kiitos kuuluu myös teille kaikille upeille paikallisille asiakkaillemme, jotka piipahdatte myymälässämme täällä Rovaniemellä. Iloiset lastenkiljahdukset piristävät työpäiviämme kummasti.

Jotta kiitokset eivät jäisi pelkäksi sanahelinäksi laitetaan hyvä kiertämään. Jätä kommenttina tähän blogipostaukseen kaavatoiveesi ja yhteystietosi (jos et halua jättää sp-osoitettasi, jätä vaikkapa asiakasnumerosi tai linkki blogiisi). Arvomme kaikkien kommenttien jättäneiden kesken kaksi Ottobre design lastenlehden vuosikertaa (4 lehteä) ja kaksi Ottobre woman vuosikertaa (2 lehteä) sekä 50 euron lahjakortin Etsy-kauppaamme.

Arvomme palkinnot 31. lokakuuta. Onnea matkaan!

+ + +

KangasKarkelot Rantavitikalla!

2011-10-20T23:15:00.004+03:00

KangasKarkelot Rovaniemen myymälässämme.

Avaamme myymälän 21.10. perjantaiaamuna klo 10.00 ja Karkelot jatkuvat aina viiteen saakka! Lauantaina palvelemme klo 10-15.00.

Tarjolla on runsain mitoin ihanuuksia alkutalven ompelutöihin: villaneuloksia- ja kankaita, tilkkutyökankaita, puuvillakankaita, fleecejä, lastenkuoseja... ei puhelinvarauksia eikä nettitilauksia aletuotteista, joten paikan päälle ehtivät saavat tällä kertaa parhaat palat.

Runsaasti COMBOJA ja "pakanpäitä".

TERVETULOA KAUEMPAAKIN!

EDIT 22.10.11

Lauantai-illan tervehdys!

KangasKarkelot onnistuivat upeasti, joten kiitos kaikille meillä piipahtaneille. Perjantai oli aamusta alkaen aikamoista hulinaa ja kauniit villa/kashmirkankaat, villaneulokset, cloquet, pöllöfleecet, pehmeät tekoturkikset ja muut herkut löysivät tiensä innokkaiden käsiin ihan ennätysajassa.

Kuuleman mukaan niistä on tulossa ulstereita, duffeleita, liivihameita ja nalleja! Laittakaahan kuvia tulemaan, kun kankaat on ommeltu. Eikös me sovittu, ettei niitä marinoida enää kenenkään kaapeissa :) Jos joku jäi vielä kaavavinkkiä vaille, kiva duffelin kaava aikuiselle naiselle on vaikkapa lehdessä 4/2003. Kurkista sivulle 5: http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2003_4/index.html?fi

Myymme vielä alennustiskeille jääneet kankaat pois alkuviikolla, joten jos joku teistä ei ennättänyt viikonlopun karkeloihin, tervetuloa maanantaista alkaen.

Jos joku teistä PITKÄMATKALAISISTA innostuu, niin vinkkinä vaan, että meillä on vielä muutama metri sekä vihreää, turkoosia että pinkkiä VIIKINKI-interlockia vailla kotia... Kalsareita, T-paitoja, pyjamia...7 euroa/metri. Metrin pala kulkee 2 euron kirjekuoressa minne tahansa maailmassa. Tilaukset sähköpostilla ottobre (a) ottobre.fi, kangasta riittää vain nopeimmille!

Samoin meiltä löytyy mukava erä Anna Maria Hornerin, Sandi Hendersonin ja Tanya Whealanin designerkankaita (100% puuvillaa) alennettuun hintaan (8-11 euroa/m) -tilkkutöihin, lastenvaatteisiin, sisustukseen.... Kuvia ei tähän hätään ole, mutta maanantaina voi olla toivoa.

Joku ehtikin jo kysellä Supersoft-pörröfleecejä, eli niitä suloisia, mistä vauvan haalari ja pikku-Joan porokuvioinen takki uusimmassa lehdessä oli ommeltu. Ne tulivat hetki sitten ja saamme ne Etsy-kauppaan maanantaina. Yksivärisessä väreinä: vaaleanpunainen, beige, viininpunainen ja turkoosi sekä tietysti se porokuvioinen.

Ja nyt viikonlopun viettoon!

Wichtige Mitteilung an unsere Abonnenten in Deutschland und in der Schweiz!

2011-10-20T23:00:00.000+03:00

Wichtige Mitteilung an unsere Abonnenten in Deutschland und in der Schweiz!

Die Zeitschrift Ottobre wird in Finnland gedruckt, auf dem Seeweg nach Mitteleuropa gefördert und weiter an die deutschen und schweizerischen Zustellzentren geleitet. Normalerweise gehen die Zeitschriften donnerstags von Finnland ab und werden über das Wochenende mit der Fähre nach Mitteleuropa transportiert. Auf Grund eines menschlichen Fehlers des Transportunternehmens hat die neueste Ausgabe unserer Zeitschrift die Fähre am letzten Wochenende nicht rechtzeitig erreicht, so dass unsere Leser die Zeitschrift jetzt einige Tage verspätet erhalten werden.

Wir bedauern sehr diese Verspätung.

Die Zeitschrift OTTOBRE design 6/2011 sollte unsere Leser voraussichtlich am Donnerstag oder am Freitag, dem 27. - 28.10.2011 erreichen. Laut Bestätigung der deutschen Post sollte die Zeitschrift spätestens Anfang der KW. 44 bei den Abonnenten sein.

Die finnisch-, schwedisch-, holländisch- und englischsprachigen Ausgaben der Zeitschrift werden die Leser überall in der Welt nach dem normalen Erscheinungstermin erhalten.

Matti Hepola
Verlagsleiter

OTTOBRE's winter magazine is here!

2011-10-13T19:55:00.000+03:00

Hello Dear Friends!
OTTOBRE design® Winter issue 6/2011 is coming soon so you better get ready for winter sewing! Sharpen your scissors and pins, set up your sewing machines and you'll be ready to join us. Our official release date is 21. October 2011.

Take a tour of our website, our online issue is already there: http://www.ottobredesign.com/

WONDROUS WINTER ADVENTURES
Welcome to a magical winter wonderland! Inspired by Tove Jansson’s famous stories, we created a fascinating collection for the winter. Beautiful special-occasion outfits, pinafores and other dresses, shirts and corduroy pants. Fabulous knit jackets, hats and other accessories for winter outdoor activities. Sizes 86-170 cm

SO MUCH TO WONDER AT
Babies need plenty of soft warm clothes for the winter.
An adorable, soft and fluffy coverall, a hooded jacket, a cardigan, a sweet knit dress and lots of other lovely items for babies and toddlers. Sizes 50-92 cm

BUBBLE BATH
Nightwear is something you need every single night, and therefore we designed an ample collection of pajama sets and nightdresses for children. Also various lovely soft bathrobes. Sizes 86-170 cm

Winter breeze - tiny sneak peek for Winter issue 6/2011

2011-09-22T17:58:00.000+03:00

Hi there!

The Autumn wind blows the leaves, but we rather stay inside, busy finishing our next coming winter issue...

We have created a fascinating collection for the winter – fabulous knit jackets, wool sweaters, beanies and other accessories for winter outdoor activities. Much-requested children’s bathrobes plus soft and cozy nightwear are also included... See you in October!

OTTOBRE design® winter 6/2007 now REPRINTED!

2011-08-25T17:08:00.000+03:00

While making the winter issue, we wanted to announce you we have been re-publishing OTTOBRE design® winter 6/2007 issue. It is one of our most popular issues, which has been sold out for a while!

You can order it from our websites or from our Etsy shops magazine section. Magazine is in English, but you can download and print Dutch, German, Swedish or Finnish pages from our websites.

If you wish to get this magazine completely FREE OF CHARGE, go to our Etsy shop, purchase fabrics for 35 Euros or more and we'll send it to you with your fabric parcel! This offer is valid till September 10th, 2011. Write code: 6/2007 FREE on your order.

And friends - please, hurry up, we printed only limited edition!

The themes of this issue are:

IN THE SHAMAN'S KINGDOM
Winter is approaching and it is time for wool jackets and coats, duffle coats, warm outdoor pants, quilted vests and knit jackets. Sizes 92–152 cm

NEO ROMANTIC MEETS PRACTICAL AND CHARMING

Special-occasion outfits for boys and girls in Oliver Twist style. Pants with shoulder straps, old-style shirts, charming dresses, puffed-sleeve blouses, balloon skirts, pinafore dresses, shirt blouses and practical clothes made from knits. Sizes 92–146 cm

SWEET AND LOVELY

Babywear made from colorful natural-fiber fabrics: a wraparound bodysuit, a raglan-sleeve jacket and romper, a pinafore dress, overalls, a coverall and a warm jacket. Colorful soft toys and a baby play mat. Clothes also for very small premature babies. Sizes 40–56 cm and 50–92 cm

CAPTURED COLOURS

A duffle coat and corduroy pants for older boys. A beautiful wool-fabric jacket, a tunic, a raglan-sleeve T-shirt and corduroy skinny jeans for school girls. Sizes 134–170 cm

New fabrics in Etsy Shop!

2011-08-16T20:20:00.003+03:00

Hilco has created a fabric collection full of colours for Autumn-Winter 2011-12, inspired by natures cutest animals, combined with always so lovely dots and stripes. Go and take a look at our Etsy Shop!

Jord-Uggla owl print and Tozka Dots, both printed in soft and
cozy sweater knit.

Also do not miss our shop's Autumn Clearance! Click-click!

+ + + +

Suomalaiset asiakkaamme!

Kaikkia Etsy-kaupasta löytyviä kankaita ja alekankaita, voi tilata myös suoraan Rovaniemen myymälästämme. Laita sähköpostia osoitteella: ottobre (at) ottobre.fi , soittele meille puh. 016 4250 850

tai piipahda myymälässämme täällä Rantavitikalla.

Valikoimistamme löytyy lähes kaikki tuoreimmissa lehdissämme näkyvät kankaat ja paljon muutakin ompelemiseen liittyvää.

Olemme paikalla arkisin 10-17 ja lauantaisin 10-15.

OTTOBRE shop

Rantavitikantie 29

96300 Rovaniemi

Tervetuloa!

Sneak Peek OTTOBRE woman 5/2011

2011-08-10T14:39:00.007+03:00

Get inspired. Be creative! Change the color and style according to the situation. Our current collection for the autumn and winter highlights blissful daily life, brilliant festive moments and the relaxed atmosphere of sweet Sunday mornings. Though the items in our collection are on the whole straightforward and easy-going, we have also included a few feminine tidbits.

Magazine will be published on August 26. 2011.

FRESH AUTUMN BREEZE
The autumn brings along a palette of earthy nuances: mole-grey, fir-green, lingonberry-red and eggplant-purple. Both the classic fabrics and the print patterns of knits reflect a yearning for the “good old days”. So discover the great outdoors wrapped in a lovely cardigan or a practical outerwear coat. Or dress for the city in trendy winter shorts or comfortable cropped pants with a pleated front. You’ll also find several beautiful tops, a tunic and a pinafore dress.

DRESS UP FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
Switch your style according to the occasion from a vintage beauty to a classic schoolteacher, a formal office lady or a sensuous belle of the ball. The elegant cut of our
dresses does justice to the shape and material of the garment. Brighten up your everyday life too with dresses!

LAZY WEEKEND
Make the most of your weekends and recharge your batteries by relaxing, pampering yourself or enjoying outdoor activities. For this purpose, we designed a lovely set of nightwear and a dressing gown, a comfortable sports outfit and a warm wool-knit duffle coat.

We wish you a rewarding voyage of discovery of our autumn collection and fabrics!

Ottilia Sews! Velour Sweatpants Tutorial

2011-07-11T16:50:00.001+03:00

Our Ottilia Sews! series for novice sewers continues with this detailed photo tutorial for City Mouse velour sweatpants. The comfortable velour sweatpants have a wide rib waistband and wide bottom-leg cuffs, which help the pants stay in place on a lively child.

You will find the patterns for these pants in our OTTOBRE design® Autumn issue 4/2011 in sizes 62-68-74-80-86-92 cm. Take a look at pages 50-51 and 26 for detailed instructions!

HOW TO SEW CITY MOUSE VELOUR SWEATPANTS

MATERIALS
  - 40-45-45-50-55-60 cm turquoise
   velour knit (CO/PES)
  - 20-35-35-35-35-35 cm green and
   5 cm turquoise ribbing (CO/EL) width 90 cm
  - small piece of interfacing

CUTTING
Cut pants panels from velour knit and cut waistband and bottom-leg cuffs from green ribbing as indicated on list of pattern pieces. Cut also 3.5 cm wide and 70…80 cm long strip from turquoise ribbing for drawstring.

SEWING
Construction techniques: Stitch leg seams with serger or with overedge stretch stitch on regular sewing machine.

Joining: Pin pants front and back panels together and stitch leg inseams.

Stitch crotch seam.

Stitch side seams. Leave pants inside out.

Stitch side edges of each bottom-leg cuff together to form circles. Fold cuffs in half, wrong sides together.

Place cuffs inside pants legs, right sides together, and align their seams with pants inseams. Stitch cuffs to bottom edges of legs.

Waistline: Mark waistband into quarters. Mark placement of buttonholes on waistband. Iron piece of interfacing to wrong side of waistband under buttonhole markings. Stitch buttonholes on waistband.

Stitch side edges of waistband together to form circle. Fold band in half, wrong sides together.

With pants inside out, pin waistband to pants waist edge, right sides together, aligning seam on waistband with pants center-back seam and quarter marks on waistband with pants side and center-front seams.

Stitch waist seam with straight stitch and finish it with serger or zigzag stitch.

Turn pants right side out. Fold waist seam allowances downward and topstitch waist seam using presser foot edge as guide.

Fold and press drawstring strip in three and stitch along the middle of strip with flatlock stitch on serger or with suitable decorative overedge stitch on regular sewing machine (e.g. honeycomb stitch or three-step zigzag).

Insert drawstring into waistband through buttonholes. Pin drawstring to midpoint of center-back seam on waistband and stitch it in place through all layers. Shorten ends of drawstring if necessary. Turn ends of drawstring under, stitch with straight stitch approx. 1 cm from end and trim excess seam allowance off close to stitching.

All done. Congratulations. Pants completed!

Sneak peek on Autumn 4/2011

2011-06-28T19:53:00.000+03:00

Hi Folks!

Soon after hot Summer comes the Autumn, but don't let it disturb your lovely summer vacation. Our Autumn issue is done and almost printed and we will start mailing it on Friday! Those of you, who live close to us in Finland or in Scandinavia, might get it on Monday-Tuesday, but rest of you need to be patient for few more days.

You can take a look on it here!

We have made you some sweet tutorials, but more about them later.

It is still plenty of time to sew some summer dresses and Tees, so please take a look on our new fabrics in our Etsy-shop! Our summer staff is eagerly waiting for your fabric orders. If needed we are happy to make some custom listings of our fabrics.

Hey June!

2011-06-03T15:45:00.000+03:00

Summer is also finally here in Lapland, altought not a hot one yet. Now it is perfect time to sew some fancy T-shirts and tops for kids. We just listed out latest findings to our Etsy shop, lovely T-shirt jerseys for summer sewing!

Look at this super-cute JURASSIC print. The material is soft, leight weight cotton single jersey with a hint of elastane to make it comfy. We love it! The fascinating dinosaur print is designed by talented Swedish textile designer Johanna Ahlard, as well as many other jerseys we have in our shop.

Don't forget the Apes and Elephants!

Suomalaiset asiakkaamme!

Myymme kankaita metritavarana sekä suoraan myymälästämme Rovaniemeltä että myös postitse kaikkialle Suomeen. Postikulut n. metrin palalle vain 2 euroa.
Tiedustelut ja tilaukset sähköpostitse ottobre [at] ottobre.fi tai puhelimella 016 4250 850

OTTOBRE shop avoinna arkisin 10-17 ja lauantaisin 10-1
osoitteessa Rantavitikantie 29, Rovaniemi

Tervetuloa.

Singing in the Rain -with new Rainy Day Trenchcoat!

2011-04-26T22:06:00.000+03:00

We'd like to show you a new edition of an older design. This pattern is the St-Germain Trenchcoat from our last autumn issue 4/2010. Although the pattern is traditional, this turquoise edition is very stylish and modern raincoat for every little girl.

It is definetely brightening up a rainy day! We made it from soft raindrop and wind-proof coated cotton and cut the lining from cotton popeline. Quite a cutie, isn't it :)

We have this lovely material for you in 18 beautiful variations: tiny dots, bigger spots, paintbrush stripes and flower prints. You can find the fabrics from our Etsy Fabric Shop.

Tiny Dots' colors from left to right:
- Strawberry fields (red)
- Raspberry Ice Cream (light pink)
- Fudge (dark sand)
- Mediterranean Sea (turquoise)
- Tropical Chocolate (brown)
- Here comes the Sun (yellow)
- Hot Asphalt (greyish black)

More about these fabrics on our Fabrics and More blog: ottobreshop.blogspot.com

HAVE FUN and LEARN - Traffic Pants

2011-04-15T23:21:00.000+03:00

The T-shirt with a slightly slimmer fit than usual is designed to be sewn from interlock knit. Johanna Ahlard designed the distinctive Monster Car print pattern and you find this nice knit on our Etsy Shop in three colorways. Contrast-color bindings add the finishing touch to the T-shirt.

These “On the Road Again” Bermudas, designed by Ruby Vegter from the Netherlands, were awarded an honorary mention in our design contest. Boys are sure to love them and probably wouldn’t like to take them off even for the night. The innovative traffic-themed pants with their traffic lights and pockets serving as car parks will help the wearer to pass the time for example on a long haul bus journey.

The white road markings are created with pieces of twill tape and the traffic lights are appliquéd using fabric scraps in various colors. The shapes are bonded to the pants by means of double-sided fusible web before stitching. You can print out various traffic signs from our websites and arrange them on the pants together with your child. http://www.ottobredesign.com/fi/kaavat/pdf/TrafficSigns.pdf

To complete our Traffic Theme we designed five different sets of cute and educational pinback buttons. You find these one inch buttons here.

Something else - Bambi DIY-project

2011-04-14T21:54:00.000+03:00

In our summer issue we introduced you a cute soft toy Bambi created by talented Finnish designer Anniina Isokangas from PaaPii Design. She is a mother of two and has recently transformed her previous hobby to a lovely crafting business. Besides creating colorful soft toys and pouches, she designs logos and prints.

Look at her gallery and get inspired!

You can do this cute creature by yourself. We have now added her Bambi DIY-package on our Etsy-shop! It is available in black and in pink. Package includes handprinted cotton sheet with Bambi patterns and sewing instructions. The instructions are in Finnish, but a link to photo tutorial will be included.
Tee se itse = Do it yourself!

Summer pants in Thai fisherman style

2011-04-13T12:43:00.002+03:00

A German customer of ours gave us a hint for designing these cute summer pants. The pattern is based on traditional Thai fisherman style. The pants are constructed from a few straight pieces of fabric and are tied round the waist with a tie string that is attached to the back.

You’ll find the pattern in sizes 110–164 cm together with the instructions in our latest issue, OTTOBRE design® Summer 3/2011.
The snappy dino T-shirt was one of the entries in our design contest. The motif was designed by five-year-old Hannes Kremsler from Germany. He called it “Der schönste Dinosaurier” – the most beautiful dinosaur. Great work, Hannes! The motif is easy to apply to the T-shirt: we embroidered it with a regular straight stitch, using tear-away backing to stabilize the knit during stitching.

Our cheerful model Benjamin demonstrates here how to put the pants on.

Jump into the pants and pull them up high. The tie string hangs free at the back.

Grab the side of the pants with one hand and fold a pleat on the front. Take hold of one end of the tie string with the other hand.

Press the pleat against your waist with the hand holding the tie string and grab the other end of the tie string with your free hand.

Take a deep breath and tie the ends of the strings tight at the waist. Fold the top edge of the pants down over the tie string.

Arrange the pleat nicely – and remember to breathe out again!

Ha, that was easy! You just need to practice a little at first.

Good news - Etsy Fabric Shop opened

2011-04-09T21:11:00.001+03:00

Addicted to fabrics?

We have finally opened a lovely fabric shop on Etsy. We uploaded already few sweet treats from our scandinavian designer collections and few carefully selected matching packages. We'll add more during next week, so stay tuned...

You' re welcome to visit us!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ottobredesign

Just a quick note!

2011-04-07T23:19:00.001+03:00

In case you did not notice yet...

...you can browse the SUMMER ISSUE on our websites:

http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2011_3/index.html?en

We 'll have a busy weekend to get all magazines posted before Monday!

See you soon,

Ottobre staff

Ahoy! Our summer issue is now on the printhouse

2011-03-31T18:51:00.000+03:00

Just a couple of more weeks and it will arrive on your door...

In case your don't have a subscription yet click here to subscribe!

Sneak peek OTTOBRE kids 3/2011 Summer Issue

2011-03-22T09:54:00.000+02:00

Hi Folks!

This has been an extremely busy spring for us! Our third issue for this year is almost done and we may show you some cute pictures of our mermaids, pirates and sailors. Enjoy!

And this little fellow's T-shirt jersey "HappyAnimals" we have already in our shop in two colorways: strawberry red and yellow. ottobreshop.blogspot.com

Official publishing day is 15th of April. See you then!

Sneak peek OTTOBRE woman 2/2011

2011-02-17T13:41:00.000+02:00

OTTOBRE woman 2/2011 Spring/Summer issue is released on 25 th of February.

We are proud to present you following content:

ROSE GARDENERS

Welcome the summer with swinging hems! The best summer clothes are easy and inspiring, yet practical and versatile: Our summer collection includes lovely jersey dresses, a linen pinafore dress and a versatile wrap-around jacket. For summer parties you’ll find a full pleated skirt and a quick-to-sew linen tube dress. A tulip-shaped velveteen skirt, a viscose jersey top and a long jersey cardigan are great for daily wear.

URBAN VACATION

You want to dress casually on holiday but still look smart when strolling around downtown. Our linen capri pants can be paired with a sleeveless polo shirt, a voile tunic or a beautiful cotton tunic. An elegant, fitted linen shirt dress will be a real hit for the summer. Last but not least, you’ll find in this issue a fabulous, ultra-trendy vintage-silk blouse with a bow collar as well as a glamorous tankini for wearing on the beach.

You'll see more pictures tomorrow! We hope that our summer collection provides you with wonderfully creative and rewarding sewing!

Renew your kids' warderobe by Scandinavian designer fabrics!

2011-01-29T18:10:00.001+02:00

Now it is perfect time to refresh your kids warderobe with colourful scandinavian designer fabrics. We selected the most popular interlocks and jerseys with lovely colors and playful patterns in our shop's blog:
http://ottobreshop.blogspot.com/

Get inspired!

Our new house and good news - the SUN is back!

2011-01-26T18:15:00.002+02:00

This is the house where we have moved during the last three weeks. Everything is still a little messy, but we try to sort it out in couple of weeks. It takes time, so be patient if you don't get answer in the same minute! We try our best. And then you'll be welcome to say hello or pop in our O-shop.

The house was once a primary school, so that is the reason for those huge windows. It is lovely to have so much natural light inside our studio.

We are also happy to announce you that our SUN is back! In this northern periphery, on the Arctic circle where we are located, we haven't hardly seen the sun for a couple of months. We call the dark time KAAMOS. At the moment we have light hardly four...five hours per day, so you must guess, the sun is nearly unknown object. This photo was taken yesterday at noon. Look at the amazing bright sky!

Olipa se urakka! Olemme muuttaneet keskikaupungilta tänne Rantavitikan rauhaan, melko lähelle jokea. Talo, jossa olemme nyt on vanha kansakoulu ja nuo kuvassa näkyvät ikkunat ovat siis vanhan voimistelusalin ikkunoita. Voi veljet, mikä upea valo tulvii studioomme.

Tavarat ovat vielä vähän vinksin vonksin, mutta järjestelemme niitä vähän kerrallaan. Arvelemme, että helmikuun puolivälissä pääsemme pitämään mukavia O-shopin avajaisia. Jos lupaatte olla ihan hys hys hiljaa, niin voihan meillä toki piipahtaa asoimassa sitä ennenkin. Toimistohan on jo auki ja muu tohina tietysti pitää meidät täällä ainakin tavallisina virka-aikoina. Puhelimitse voi myös tilata kankaita, posti noutaa paketit jokaisena arkipäivänä, joten niiden kanssa ei mene kauaa.

Ja kiitos kysymästä, meiltä löytyy vielä Sydillan ihanaa Keiju-interlockia sekä vihreänä että harmaa-lilana ja myös Znokin Iloinen Elefantti-interlockia mustana, turkoosina että vihreänä valkoisilla elefanttikuvioilla. Laita postia osoitteella ottobre[a]ottobre.fi tai soita suoraan myymäläämme 016 4250 850.

Our new address is - uusi osoitteemme

OTTOBRE design®
Studio Tuumat Oy
Rantavitikantie 29
FI-96300 ROVANIEMI
FINLAND

Stitch by stitch or the quick way to sew embroideries

2011-01-21T21:10:00.000+02:00

As you may have noticed, we love all kinds of embroideries. For the latest issue we sketched a fancy Peacock applique for a regular home sewing machine. We sew it with zigzag and straight stitch and embellished it with the most beautiful buttons and pearls we found from our sewing box. You will find the design on the pattern sheet of the magazine. Sewing a Peacock freehand may take some time and effort but is worth of trying.

Good news for those of you, who own a embroidery machine - this will be fast and easy way to do it! We have just started cooperation with Claire Atwood of Stitch On Time. Claire digitized the Peacock applique and it is for sale on www.stitchontime.com There are two size options available:

http://stitchontime.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=10374
http://stitchontime.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=10375

Thank you Claire! We wish to continue cooperation with you also with other embroideries.

+ + + + +

Let us do some good!

Our part of the money, which comes from sales of these Peacock embroideries, we will donate to support Plan's work. Plan works in 48 developing countries to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty.

Founded over 70 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world. We work in 48 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. Plan works with more than 3,500,000 families and their communities each year. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations.

Plan Finland: http://www.plan.fi
Plan International: http://plan-international.org/

Whatever you give will make a difference. For example, just £8 could provide sight treatment – screening and glasses or medicine – for 2 children in Nepal.

Happy stitching and donating!

And so to the winners...

2011-01-13T22:42:00.003+02:00

Adults and young persons over 15

In general: The winning designs combine fresh ideas and originality with feasibility. The playfulness and child-like spontaneity reflected in these works delighted the jury, though the presentation and visual impression left a bit to be desired.

1st Prize: Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX coverstitch machine

Entry: Liivistä liivihameeksi (From Vest to Pinafore Dress)

Designer: Elina Salmi-Lampila, Finland

Jury’s evaluation: “The pinafore dress consists of a bodice in the style of a sleeveless top that opens at the shoulders and of several different skirts. As the materials for the pinafore dress, the designer suggests woven cotton, velvet, velour knit and knit terry. The design has been beautifully and carefully made. The idea is fresh and innovative, with a dash of retro. The dress is also easy to make and is very transformable. The entry includes ten different alternatives, of which at least six are, in the jury’s opinion, feasible and beautiful. The jury was somewhat skeptical about fastening the skirt to the bodice with a zipper, but otherwise the entry admirably fulfilled the requirements of the specified task and deserves the first prize.”

2nd Prize: Product package valued at EUR 100
Entry: Amima
Designer: Annelies Mertens, Belgium

Jury’s evaluation: “The design is easy, cheerful and timeless, and even beginners will be tempted to make it. Various kinds of materials can be used, including patterned fabrics. The otherwise plain design is spiced up by the delightful pockets and the splash of color provided by the bindings. The entry is well-proportioned and includes a clear, viable design sketch.

3rd Prize: Product package valued at EUR 75
Entry: Muurahaiskarhupaita (Anteater Top)
Designer: Jenni Mäensivu, Finland

Jury’s evaluation: “A vivid and fun jersey top that is equally suitable for boys and girls and will delight every child. One of the sleeves is cut from striped knit and forms the anteater’s snout. The anteater’s ear is cut as a separate piece and inserted in the raglan seam. The jury was especially impressed by the three-dimensionality, child-orientation and well thought-through implementation of the design. This is one of those garments that the child will remember for the rest of his or her life.”

In addition, we wish to award a honorary mention in this category, the winner of which will receive a product package valued at EUR 50.

Entry: On the Road Again
Designer: Ruby Vegter, the Netherlands

Jury’s evaluation: “The funniest boys’ pants in the contest! The black jeans are patterned with streets, parking lots, traffic lights and traffic signs that are printed on the fabric using fabric paints. We can well imagine how a little rascal, bored with waiting, pulls a toy car out of his pocket and starts to race along his thighs! It’s a shame that the photo of the pants is hardly bigger than a postage stamp.”
[Ruby kindly sent us today
a bigger photo of these cute pants she made for her son.]

More about OTTOBRE's 10th anniversary design contest

2011-01-13T22:32:00.000+02:00

We are happy to announce the results of the DESIGN CONTEST that was arranged in honor of our 10th Jubilee Year!

First of all, we warmly thank all the participants. The contest attracted hundreds of enthusiastic designers, the youngest of whom were just a couple of years old. We received a total of 363 entries – 122 of these were for the “Children under 9” category, 53 were for the “Young persons aged 9–14” category, and the rest were for the “Adults and young persons over 15” category. We received entries from all over the world, though most of them came from Finland, Scandinavia and the rest of Europe.

While carefully examining all the entries, we were filled with admiration. Deciding on the winners was no easy task. Since entrants were free to choose their design method, we received a splendid array of works: drawings, paintings, collages, paper dolls, miniature garments, and photos of ready outfits, including patterns for making them. It was pleasing to notice that a considerable amount of imagination had gone into creating these works, and no time or effort was spared.

In evaluating the entries, we paid special attention to the freshness and originality of the ideas. The next important evaluation criteria were the method of presentation, the visual appearance and the feasibility of the design. We were looking for – and indeed we got – lots of new ideas, though there were also lots of romantic “Little House on the Prairie” types of outfits as well as other classic-style items. The jury was delighted by entries that had been designed with recycling principles in mind, though unfortunately none of these quite reached the level of the crème de la crème.

The most cheerful entries appeared in the category for under-9-year-olds, where the innate yearning of young children for color and joy could be seen. Our desks were covered with imaginary creatures and pet animals. The photo shows the works that reached the final stages in the young children’s category.

The works in the category for young persons aged 9–14 were colorful and open-minded. In many of the works the source of inspiration came from various youth subcultures as well as from popular music, with practicality often taking second place. We would have liked there to be more designs of boys’ clothes and of course more boy participants – hopefully next time! The 15 best entries in the young persons category are shown in the photo.

The category for adults and young persons aged over 15 attracted the broadest range of entries. Some of the participants were at the very beginning of their “design careers” while others demonstrated skills close to that of professionals. In addition to design sketches, the entries included illustrations, step-by-step descriptions and material samples. Most of the clothes in this category were designed for girls of various ages, so we received lots of dresses, skirts and jackets. Also in this category our jury would have liked more clothes for boys of different ages, as well as outfits that suit both boys and girls.

Design contest winners are...

2011-01-12T20:15:00.007+02:00

Thank you all for participating our design contest. We promised to announce the result today, so here are the winners in all categories. You will see more photos tomorrow.

Adults and young persons over 15

The task was to design a single garment or an outfit for a child or teenager.
First prize -a splendid Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX coverstitch machine (valued at EUR 950)- goes to Elina Salmi-Lampila (Finland) who sent us the entry "Liivistä liivihameeksi"

Second prize - a product package (valued at EUR 100) goes to Annelies Mertens (Belgium) for her entry " Amima"

Third prize - a product package (valued at EUR 75) will be sent to Jenni Mäensivu (Finland) for her entry "Muurahaiskarhupaita"

An extra prize - a product package (valued at EUR 50) goes to Ruby Vegter (The Netherlands) for her entry "On the road again"
+ + + + +

Young persons aged 9–14

The task for young persons was to design a single garment or an outfit for the entrant her/himself or a for a friend.

First prize goes to Amelie Stauß, 14 yrs, (Germany) for her entry "Schwarz-Weiss-Kombination". She will receive a wonderful “Young Designer” starter kit (valued at EUR 150).

Second prize goes to Lyy Raitala, 11 yrs (Finland) for her entry "Ruskea kukkamekko"

Third prize goes to Rebecka Wagersten, 10 yrs (Sweden) for her entry "Flodhästkläder".

Both Lyy and Rebecka will get drawing and craft material packages (valued at EUR 50).

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Children under 9

The task was to draw or paint an animal or imaginary figure. We will use the figure as an appliqué, embroidery or print motif on a T-shirt.

The ~~three~~ four best designers in this category will receive a T-shirt bearing a motif based on the winner’s own drawing or painting. They will also receive drawing and craft material packages (valued at EUR 50).

And the lucky winning little artists are:

"La méduse de la mer" by Hélène Lecomte, 5 yrs from France

"Blumenwiese" by Mia Reinhardt, 4 yrs from Germany

"Der schönste Dinosaurier" by Hannes Kremsler, 5 yrs from Germany

"Cats with hats" by Eliana Cejudo Kalunka, 5 yrs from Spain

+ + + + +

Thank you for all of your lovely entries. We will write you more about the contest tomorrow. Congratulations to all winners! We will contact you all personally.

# edit: Some photos already here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ottobredesign_editors/

Yours,
OTTOBRE staff

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Ja suomeksi vähän monisanaisemmin....
Juhlavuotemme kunniaksi järjestetty SUUNNITTELUKILPAILU on nyt ratkaistu!
Aivan ensimmäiseksi haluamme kiittää lämpimästi kaikkia kilpailuumme osallistuneita. Kilpailu sai liikkeelle satamäärin innokkaita taiteilijoita, joista nuorimmat olivat vain parin vuoden ikäisiä. Posti kantoi meille kaikkiaan 363 kirjekuorta, joista paljastuvista töistä 122 kpl osallistui alle 9-vuotiaiden sarjaan, 53 työtä 9-14-vuotiaiden nuorten sarjaan ja loput aikuisten ja yli 15-vuotiaiden sarjaan. Kirjeitä tuli tasaisesti ympäri maailmaa, kotimaastamme Suomesta, Skandinaviasta ja Euroopasta toki kaikkein runsaimmin.

Kävimme ihastuksesta huokaillen läpi kaikki työt ja voitte uskoa, että voittajien löytäminen ei ollut kovin helppoa. Koska tehtävän toteutustapa oli vapaa, saimme toinen toistaan upeampia kilpailutöitä: piirroksia, maalauksia, kollaaseja, paperinukkeja, pienoiskokoon ommeltuja vaatekappaleita, valokuvia valmiista asukokonaisuuksista ja jopa kaavoja niiden toteuttamiseen. Oli mukava huomata, että töiden tekemiseen oli käytetty runsaasti mielikuvitusta ja niitä oli tehty aikaa ja vaivaa säästelemättä.

Arvioinnissa kiinnitimme erityistä huomiota ideoiden tuoreuteen ja raikkauteen sekä omaperäisyyteen. Seuraavaksi tärkein arvosteluperuste oli esitystapa ja työn visuaalinen ilme sekä työn toteuttamiskelpoisuus. Me haimme ja saimme paljon uusia ideoita, vaikka mukana oli toki myös runsaasti romanttisia "Pieni talo preerialla"-tyyppisiä ja muita jo klassikoiksi muodostuneita asuja. Kierrätysidean pohjalta suunnitellut asut ilahduttivat raatia, vaikka valitettavasti yksikään niistä ei sellaisenaan ihan yltänyt töiden parhaimmistoon.

Töistä kaikkein riemukkaimmat löytyivät alle 9-vuotiaiden lasten sarjasta, jossa näkyi pikkuisten luontainen kaipuu väreihin ja iloon. Pöytämme täyttyi mielikuvitusolioista ja lemmikkieläimistä. Kuvassa lasten sarjan loppusuoralle selvinneet.

Nuorten 9-14-vuotiaiden sarjan työt olivat värikkäitä ja ennakkoluulottomia. Useissa töissä inspiraation lähteenä oli nuorisokultturin eri alalajit ja viihdemusiikki, käytännöllisyyden jäädessä hieman taustalle. Kaipasimme nuorten sarjaan enemmän poikien vaatteita ja tietysti myös poikia osallistujiksi, mutta ensi kerralla sitten! Kuvassa on nuorten sarjan 15 parasta työtä.

Yli 15- vuotiaiden ja aikuisten sarjassa kilpailutöiden kirjo oli kaikkein laajin. Osa sarjaan osallistuvista oli vasta "suunnittelijan uransa" alkumetreillä ja osassa töistä näkyi jo lähes ammattimainen ote. Mallipiirrosten lisäksi töissä oli käytetty sekä kuvituskuvia, työselostuksia että materiaalinäytteitä. Suuri osa tämän sarjan vaatteista oli suunniteltu eri-ikäisille tytöille, joten saimme paljon mekkoja, hameita ja takkeja. Myös tähän sarjaan raatimme kaipasi lisää eri-ikäisten poikien vaatteita sekä asuja, jotka sopivat sekä tytöille että pojille.

Ja sitten voittajiin. Kirjaamme kunkin voittajatyön jälkeen muutaman sanan raatimme arvioinnista:

Aikuiset ja 15-vuotiaat nuoret

Yleistä: Voittajatöissä yhdistyivät tuoreet raikkaat ideat ja omaperäisyys sekä myös vaatteiden toteuttamiskelpoisuus. Voittajatöiden leikkimielisyys ja lapsenomaisuus ilahduttivat raatia, vaikka esitystavan ja visuaalisuuden suhteen töissä olikin hieman toivottavaa.

1. palkinto: Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX-peitetikkikone
Työ: Liivistä liivihameeksi
Suunnittelija: Elina Salmi-Lampila, Suomi
Näin raati arvioi työtä: "Liivihame koostuu toppimaisesta, olalta avattavasta yläosasta ja useasta erilaisesta helmaosasta. Materiaaleiksi liivihameeseen suunnittelija ehdottaa puuvillakangasta, samettia, velouria ja froteeta. Työ on kauniisti ja huolellisesti toteutettu. Idea on raikas ja tuore, vaikka siinä onkin mukana ripaus retrohenkeä. Vaate on myös helppo toteuttaa ja se on varsin muuntautumiskelpoinen. Kilpailutyössä on kuvattuna kymmenen eri vaihtoehtoja, joista raadin mielestä ainakin kuusi on varsin käyttökelpoista ja kaunista. Helmaosan ja yläosan yhdistämiseen vetoketjulla raati suhtautui hieman epäilevästi, mutta muutoin työ täytti mainiosti tehtävänannon ja ansaitsee ensimmäisen palkinnon."

2. palkinto: 100 euron arvoinen tuotepaketti
Työ: Amima
Suunnittelija: Annelies Mertens, Belgia
Raadin arvio: " Työ on helppo, hauska, ajaton ja houkuttelee myös aloittelijan ompelemaan. Malli soveltuu monenlaisille kankaille, myös kuviollisille. Hauska taskuidea ja väriläiskinä toimivat kanttaukset piristävät muuten pelkistettyä mallia. Työssä on selkeä, suoraan toteuttamiskelpoinen mallikuva ja hyvät mittasuhteet."

3. palkinto: 75 euron arvoinen tuotepaketti
Työ: Muurahaiskarhupaita
Suunnittelija: Jenni Mäensivu, Suomi
Raadin arvio: " Hauska ilmeikäs trikoopaita, joka sopii sekä tytölle että pojalle ja ilahduttaa varmasti jokaista pientä. Paidan toinen hiha leikataan raidallisesta neuloksesta ja se muodostaa muurahaiskarhun kuonon. Muurahaiskarhun korva on erillinen kappale, joka ommellaan raglansauman. Raati ilahtui erityisesti mallin kolmiuloitteisuudesta. lapsilähtöisyydestä ja loppuun asti mietitystä toteutustavasta. Tämä on niitä vaatteita, joita jokainen lapsi muistaa koko ikänsä."

Lisäksi haluamme antaa yhden kunniamaininnan, jonka voittaja saa 50 euron arvoisen tuotepaketin.

Työ: On the road again
Suunnittelija: Ruby Vegter, Hollanti
Raadin arvio: "Kilpailun hauskimmat housut pojalle! Mustiin farkkuihin oli toteutettu painoväreillä teitä, parkkipaikkoja, liikennevaloja ja -merkkejä. Voimme sielumme silmin nähdä kuinka odottamiseen pitkästynyt viikari kaivaa taskustaan pikkuauton ja ryhtyy huristelemaan pitkin polviaan. Harmi, että kuva housuista oli hädin tuskin postimerkkiä suurempi."

+ + + +

Nuoret 9-14-vuotta

1. palkinto: Young Designer aloituspaketti nuorelle suunnittelijalle
Työ: Schwarz-Weiss-Kombination
Suunnittelija: Amelie Stauß,14 vuotta, Saksa
Raadin arvio: "Raikas ja trendikäs kokonaisuus, jossa peruskuoseilla on saatu aikaan näyttävä asu. Tällä nuorella suunnittelijalla on hyvä ote vaatetussuunnittelun maailmaan! Työ on tehty huolellisesti ja oivaltavasti tarkkoine materiaaliselostuksineen. Asu on toteuttamiskelpoinen sellaisenaan."

2. palkinto: piirustus- ja askartelutarvikepaketti
Työ: Ruskea kukkamekko
Suunnittelija: Lyy Raitala, 11 vuotta, Suomi
Raadin arvio: "Linjakas ja mittasuhteiltaan asukokonaisuus, jossa mukavat yksityiskohdat ja erittäin kaunis värimaailma. Työ on tehty huolellisesti ja se on toteuttamiskelpoinen sellaisenaan."

3. palkinto: piirustus- ja askartelutarvikepaketti
Työ: Flodhästkläder (Virtahepo-asukokonaisuus)
Suunnittelija: Rebecka Wagersten, 10 vuotta, Ruotsi
Raadin arvio: "Upea, tarkkaan mietitty rooliasu, johon kuuluu puku, tossut ja kintaat. Asukokonaisuus, joka sopii eri-ikäisille lapsille sekä tytöille että pojille. Yksityiskohdat oli sekä piirretty että selostettu huolellisesti eri suunnista katsottuna. Tekijällä on oivallinen havainnointikyky ja mielikuvitus!"

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Lapset, alle 9 vuotta

Alkuperäisestä suunnitelmasta poiketen, palkitsemme lasten sarjassa kolmen sijasta neljä onnellista pientä taiteilijaa T-paidalla, johon heidän oma piirroksensa on toteutettu. Lisäksi he saavat mukavat piirustus- ja askartelutarvikepaketit (arvo 50 EUR).

Voittajatyöt ja niiden pienet taiteilijat:

Työ "La méduse de la mer", taitelija Hélène Lecomte, 5 vuotta, Ranska
Työ "Blumenwiese", taitelija Mia Reinhardt, 4 vuotta, Saksa
Työ "Der schönste Dinosaurier", taiteilija Hannes Kremsler, 5 vuotta, Saksa
Työ "Cats with hats", taiteilija Eliana Cejudo Kalunka, 5 vuotta, Espanja

Janome peitetikkikoneen, tuotepalkinnot ja askartelutarvikepaketit postitamme voittajille lähipäivinä. T-paidat lasten sarjan voittajille toteutamme helmikuun aikana, kunhan olemme selvittäneet kunkin pienen taiteilijan vaatekoot ja muut tarkemmat toiveet.

Onnittelut voittajille ja suurkiitos kaikille muille osallistujille upeista töistänne! Tuloksia saatte nähdä alkaneen vuoden seuraavissa lehdissä. Lisää kuvia kilpailuun osalistuneista töistä löydätte blogistamme lähipäivinä.

Sneak Peek OTTOBRE kids 1/2011 Spring Issue

2011-01-04T14:30:00.001+02:00

OTTOBRE design ® kids fashion Spring Issue 1/2011 came from printing house yesterday, so it is time to show you some cute pieces. The official publishing date is on January 14, 2011, so be patient. Our staff works very hard all weekend to get every single white big envelope to our readers all over the world.

Our themes are following:

BOHO BABIES

Bohemian babies delight in the circus theme. Harem pants, a long-sleeve bodysuit, a knit-terry vest, velour overalls and a hooded sweat jacket. Lovely styles and patterns, cute appliqués, surprising colors.

Sizes 56-92 cm

BUTTON SHOP KIDS

Browsing around a button shop is great fun. Tunics, ruffle skirts, two nice pairs of pants, jackets and T-shirts. Comfortable designs with a touch of sailor style and lots of lovely buttons.

Sizes 92-170 cm

DRESS UP WITH ATTITUDE

Boys’ own collection that oozes attitude. Various pairs of pants, a sweater-knit jacket, a fleece jacket, striped T-shirts, a plaid shirt and a hoodie.

Sizes 92-170 cm

CHARMING LIGHTNESS

The light and airy fabrics of the spring season give inspiration to designs with lots of gathering, soft pleats, bows… Tunics, dresses and pants for girls.

Sizes 92-170 cm

We all wish you a happy new year. Enjoy sewing with us!

Alternative Gift - Vaihtoehtoinen Lahja

2010-12-24T15:16:00.001+02:00

Hyvät Ystävät ja Yhteistyökumppanit

Tänä Jouluna käytimme joululahjoihinne tarkoitetut varat Vaihtoehtoisiin Lahjoihin. Antamalla lahjaksi ammatin tuemme naisten aseman parantamista kehitysmaissa.

Naiset ja tytöt ovat yhteiskunnallisen kehityksen hyödyntämätön voimavara. Naisten aseman ja toimeentulon parantaminen on keskeistä köyhyyden poistamisessa ja elintason parantamisessa. Tukemalla naisia, autamme myös heidän perheitään ja usein koko kyläyhteisöä.

Alternative Gift - Bringing joy to many

This year we have bought ethical gifts that helps people in developing countries. Finn Church Aid aims to change the world through actions for human dignity. We dream of a world where everybody can enjoy human rights and have the opportunity to live a dignified life.

This donation that has been made on your behalf helps us to make that dream come true.

+ + +
Finn Church Aid is one of Finland’s biggest humanitarian and development organizations. We work with people in the weakest positions in society, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnicity, political convictions or gender.

For more information:
http://www.naistenpankki.fi

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Hyvää ja armorikasta Joulua!
Merry Christmas!

OTTOBRE team

Holiday Greetings

2010-12-22T17:03:00.001+02:00

Wishing you all a merry holiday season. May peace, love and prosperity follow you always.

Greetings, your Ottobre team

Ps. On this video Hans On The Bass from Porvoo, Southern Finland is performing The day we're calling Christmas. You can buy their new album Scandinavian Breakfast from iTunes.

You can't live without our new OTTOBRE calendar 2011

2010-11-10T22:08:00.005+02:00

As every year we have published a new Ottobre diary for coming year 2011. Our fabulous calendar is a two part A5-size spiral-bound book including a diary section and a 40-page notebook section. The recycled-card cover has a lovely OTTOBRE print on it. This time our illustrator is young and talented graphic designer student Suvi Suitiala from Lapland University's art faculty. More Suvi's cute illustrations were seen on our latest issue's baby theme.

Order now the distinctive OTTOBRE calendar -handy for whole year!

You can choose your diary either with English or Finnish/Swedish text. The calendar is available to our subscribers for 28.50 Euros (incl. postage all over the world / normal price 32.00 Euros).

Contents:

- a weekly planner 2011

- a monthly planner 2011

- a yearly calendar 2011/2012 (begins from November 18th 2010)

- international festivals and public holidays

- a page for personal data

- space for your personal notes

- plastic pockets for business cards and documents

+ a 40-page notebook section

ORDER NOW!

Tilaa nyt upea kalenterimme – siitä riittää iloa koko vuodeksi!
Voit valita joko englanninkielisen tai suomen- ja ruotsinkielisen kalenterin. OTTOBRE kalenterissa on varsinaisen kalenteriosan lisäksi 40-sivuinen vihko-osa muistiinpanoille ja muovitaskuja käyntikorteille. Perinteisten nimipäivien lisäksi kalenterissa on runsaasti muuta hyödyllistä tietoa! Sisältää mm. viikkokalenterin, kuukausikalenterin, vuosisuunnitelmaosan, infosivuja, tehtäväluettelon ja muistiinpanotilaa. Kestotilaajan hinta 28.50 euroa (sis. postikulut, norm. hinta 32.00)

Beställ en unik OTTOBRE 2011 årskalender -till glädje för hela året!
Kalendern i A5-storlek har spiralrygg samt en tjock anteckningsdel på 40 sidor. Pärmen är av returkartong och har ett kul OTTOBRE tryck. På svenska/finska eller på engelska! Som prenumerant får du kalendern till priset 28.50 EUR. Pristet inkluderar postkostnader, norm. pris 32.00 EUR)

Games to Fight Boredom on Winter Days

2010-11-01T10:48:00.001+02:00

In my childhood we used to play a game where you had to balance a bean bag on your head and walk along a line that we had drawn on the ground. If you dropped the bag you were out. The lucky one whose bean bag stayed on the head until the end of the game was the winner. When we were a little older, we used to sit in a circle, taking turns to toss a bean bag randomly to each other and ask funny questions. I also remember those happy afternoons when the whole family played bean bag tag!

Such games are real fun and cost hardly anything even today. Therefore we would like to encourage families to spend time together and play. You can start off by making cheerful bean bags. Our bean bag takes the shape of a frog. Bean bag frogs are suitable as toys and playthings for all children over three years of age.

You can fill the frog with dried beans, peas or rice. If you wish to make a washable toy, use plastic granules for filling. If the toy is intended for a baby, fill it with polyester batting for safety and
washability.

HOW TO SEW A BEAN BAG FROG

Download and print out the instructions and patterns for the BEAN BAG FROG from the link below.

Download Bean Bag Frog in PDF format (1,2Mb)

MATERIALS
- colorful scraps of cotton fabric or velour knit for body and legs
- polka-dot fabric for eyes
- interfacing, Vlieseline H 180
- sewing thread

For filling:
- dried beans, peas or rice OR plastic granules OR polyester batting

Note! You can fill the frog with dried beans, peas or rice. If you wishto make a washable toy, use plastic granules for filling. If the toy isintended for a baby, fill it with polyester batting for safety andwashability.

Preparation:
Cut pattern pieces out from pattern sheet. Pattern pieces do not include seam allowances.

Cut two body pieces from fabrics or knits (= back and belly). Fuse pieces of interfacing to wrong side of body pieces.

Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric for each leg, making them slightly bigger than legs. Fuse pieces of interfacing to wrong side of rectangular leg pieces.

Cut eyes from polka-dot fabric and attach them to frog back piece either by hand-stitching or by zigzagging close to edge.

Pin rectangular back-leg pieces together in pairs, right sides facing. Pin pattern piece for back leg on top of one pair of leg pieces and stitch with straight stitch along outline of pattern piece, leaving edge to be attached to body open. Use short stitch length and stitch twice around each leg to make the seams durable.

Make the other back leg a mirror image of the first one. Stitch front legs in the same way. Cut legs out with approx. 6 mm seam allowances. Clip seam allowances to stitching at corners.

Fill legs with desired filling. Machine-baste openings on legs closed.

Mark placement of legs on frog back piece using pattern piece as guide. Pin and machine-baste legs in place.

Pin and stitch back and belly pieces together, right sides facing and with legs in between. Leave small opening for turning. Stitch around frog body twice to make the seam durable.

Turn frog right side out and fill it with desired filling.

Close opening carefully by hand-stitching. All set for playing!

Have fun!

Design Contest for Our Readers

2010-10-22T10:19:00.001+03:00

Participate and win a Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX coverstitch machine!

Our contest has three categories for readers of various ages so that everybody can take part. We invite readers to design an outfit for a child or teenager, and we will publish all winning entries and patterns for them in Ottobre design issues of year 2011.

Get started!

Print out the entry form, contest instructions and evaluation criteria from a link below:

CONTEST RULES
WEDSTRIJDREGELS
TÄVLINGSANVISNINGAR
WETTBEWERBSREGELN
KILPAILUOHJEET

Be quick!

All entries mailed to us as and postmarked by December 10, 2010 will take part in the contest. The jury comprises, in addition to our own design team, representatives of our readers and of a local vocational school.

The winners will be announced on January 12, 2011 in our blog. All winners will also be contacted personally.

Good luck for the contest!

We wish to thank our generous sponsor Janome. OTTOBRE has cooperated with Janome quite a while now and we have always been very satisfied with Janome's sewing machines and coverlocks.

For further information and international distributors, please visit Janome 's International Website.

We would also like thank ZNOK DESIGN for the fresh and cheerful knit fabrics. Patterns used for the pictured clothes are designs number 17 and 18 from the recent issue of OTTOBRE kids 6/2010.

Sneak Peek OTTOBRE kids 6/2010 Winter Issue

2010-10-15T15:24:00.003+03:00

Our magazine has been coming out for ten years already, so this is a perfect time to pause for a moment and celebrate!

OTTOBRE design® kids fashion Winter issue 6/2010 came from printing house today! Our staff is working intensively to get all big white envelopes sent during the weekend. The official publishing date is on October 22, 2010.
This issue includes forty (40) designs for kids in sizes 56-170 cm.

The themes are:

SCANDINAVIAN KIDS
Bright materials and straightforward designs tempt even novice sewers. Comfortable underwear, soft and cozy playwear plus lots of attractive gift ideas.
Sizes 86–170 cm

WASH YOUR FACE WITH ORANGE JUICE
In celebration of our 10th anniversary, we designed a funny yet sweet collection of special-occasion outfits. Dresses, a tunic, pants and a blouse for girls. Skinny corduroys, a gingham-checked shirt, two vests and a sweater-knit jacket for boys.
Sizes 86–170 cm

ARCTIC BABIES
A cute penguin coverall, bootees, a hat, mittens, a footed one-piece and a warm baby bunting. In response to our readers’ request: a bamboo-knit fitted cloth diaper and a diaper cover sewn from recycled materials. Sizes 56–92 cm

ENCHANTED FOREST
Winter outerwear displays the magic of a fairytale forest. A beautiful tulip-shaped coat and a velour knit dress for girls. A classic double-breasted wool jacket for boys. An easy reversible coat and a scarf for little girls.
Sizes 86–170 cm

We wish you nice sewing sessions with us!

OTTOBRE Sewing Stories: Alexandra R.

2010-10-15T15:12:00.003+03:00

OTTOBRE Sewing Stories is a series introducing our readers from around the world to each other. We aim to give you interesting ideas and insights about sewing, fashion and everyday life. Be inspired by others and inspire your fellow readers.

***

Our third storyteller is a truly inspiring artist. Alexandra Rasmussen is a stay at home mother from Germany, living in Japan. Apart from her own sewings, knittings, crochetings and quiltings, she still finds time to teach these skills in her 7 year old daughter's elementary school.

"I do all kind of crafts but usually I am making things we actually need. So, although seriously bitten by the knitting bug I am always returning to sewing, to make new dresses when my daughter has outgrown the old ones. Also I do patchwork and like to make little whimsy things for playing or decorating the house. Or it could useful things like coasters, luncheon mats or bags. I love to surround my family with handmade items to make every moment in life special."

And Alexandra's work seems to be special. Her blog Moonstitches has lots and lots of followers. Our readers also fell in love with a dress she made for a strawberry themed sew-along a couple of years ago.

Strawberry dress is a perfect example of creative way of choosing fabrics.
Pattern: OTTOBRE 1/2001

"I remembered that pattern from one of my OTTOBRE magazines and thought it was looking just like one giant strawberry if the fabrics were chosen in a certain way.The dress was never meant to be worn - and it has not, for about a year or so after I made it. It was only when a Halloween party was coming up and we were in need for a costume.The following year it got a second outing, but for the rest of its time it was only sitting in the closet, occasionally worn for dressing up when playing. It's so funny that this dress became so popular over on Flickr while almost never being worn.

Slow and simple

As Alexandra does so many different kinds of crafts, it is hard to name the favourite.

"There are times to knit, times to stitch and times to sew. I like to get my sewing machines out when there is the need for new dresses for my daughter. Then the sweaters get too small or worn and I must knit again. Whatever I am making at a time I do enjoy most because there is a purpose for what I am making."

Alexandra tells that also her favourite projects have been the ones most loved.

"My daughter plays with these owls all the time, arrangin and re-arrangin them constantly. You can spell the words with them."

The owls are made to play with all woolen scraps Alexandra had been collecting.

To find best parts of crafting might come in time. And sometimes less really is more.

"When I started crafting I did too many items of one kind, simply because it was so addictive and fun trying out new techniques and crafts. Now I slowed down and make only things we actually need. I do like the slow and simple life and love getting lost in slow crafting projects."

Inspiring Japan

Nowadays there are loads of wonderful blogs, online photo albums and sites where to look for inspiration. Alexandra also has some ways to inspire herself.

"I think that inspiration is to be found everywhere. In nature, the different seasons, materials, patterns or textures I encounter. Movies I see, French ones or old ones. And Astrid Lindgren movies constantly make me want to sew or knit."

The cutest details are being born when you don't have enough material to sew or knit exactly according to a pattern. Pattern: OTTOBRE Autumn 2005

Living in Japan is inspiring for German-born Alexandra as well.

"Japan really is the country if you are a fabric lover. Japanese pattern books are to my liking too. The Japanese clothes never overwhelm the child wearing the clothes. I love when the children's rosy cheeks are still to be seen and not vanishing behind a festival of colours and patterns. Less is more and simple is the best. I think my perception has become quite Japanese over the years and I prefer simple design for children now more than ever."

Alexandra's blog:
http://moonstitches.typepad.com/

Alexandra's favourite sites:
Bloesem Kids: http://bkids.typepad.com
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/

***

This series is written by our long-term editorial assistant, Anni Kokko. If you feel like you or someone you know could inspire fellow readers, please send an e-mail to ottobre@ottobre.fi and include links to your recent work. Our storytellers will be rewarded!

Can you keep a secret....

2010-10-11T18:18:00.000+03:00

It is coming soon...

our winter issue 6/2010 with a great design contest!

And the Mildred Wrap Winners Are…

2010-09-10T15:52:00.000+03:00

Our Mildred wrap prize draw proved to be extremely popular. We wish to express our warmest thanks for your comments and new ideas! Thank you all also for participating in the draw.

We worked out the winners by first printing out all the comments and then numbering them as draw tickets. Those who had linked the draw to their own blog received two numbered tickets. And the lucky winners are:

- Dana (August 27, 2010 9:24 PM): Congratulations! You have won a tunic made to your own measurements plus a matching wrap.

- ett tu tre (August 30, 2010 1:00 PM) and Christie (August 31, 2010 5:02 AM): Congratulations to you both! You have each won a wrap made to your own measurements.

All winners, please let us know your favorite color as well as your size and address by emailing to ottobre [at] ottobre.fi and we will send your prizes to you. You can choose from the following colors: black, blueberry blue, lilac, beige, dark brown and deep red.

And your favorite wrap is…

The wrap style displayed in picture 7, with two wraps of different colors worn together, proved to be the most popular. The first wrap is draped diagonally over one shoulder. The second is twisted into a figure of eight. One arm is pushed through one of the loops and the other loop is pulled onto the shoulder.

The wrap in picture 4, sewn from the same knit as the tunic that is worn under it, came in a strong second. The wrap adds a luxurious touch to a straightforward outfit. If the wrap tends to slip off your shoulder, you can pin and stitch a few soft pleats along its longer side seam, or secure it in place with a striking brooch. The choice of the knit also plays a central role: a wrap sewn from heavy viscose/wool jersey drapes well and also stays in place well.

The third popular wrap style was the one displayed in picture 8. Two wraps of the same color are worn together, one round the neck and the other round the shoulders. This is a wonderful idea for the autumn when you start feeling the chill in the air!

Best regards from Lapland with its glorious riot of autumn colors!

Shaping Pants by Pressing

2010-09-02T11:50:00.000+03:00

The purpose of shaping the pants panels by pressing is to create a fit that follows the contours of the body. You can download and print out detailed instructions for shaping pants from the link below.

Download Shaping Pants by Pressing in PDF format (500kb)

Autumn/Winter Tunic

2010-09-02T11:46:00.000+03:00

The pattern for the black knit tunic was modified from the popular Women’s Best Tops pattern (Creative Workshop 303). We sewed the tunic from lovely viscose/wool jersey (available for example in the autumn collections of Hilco and Toptex). To make the tunic warm and versatile, we added length both to the sleeves and bottom hem. The front and back panels were made 25 cm longer and cut in a slightly A-line style. The 5 cm of extra length on the sleeves makes the sleeve edges fall into soft gathers at the wrists.

The black tunic's neck edge is turned a good 1 cm under and the hem is stitched with a serger coverstitch or with a decorative overedge stitch (e.g. honeycomb) on a regular sewing machine. Sewn from printed viscose jersey, the tunic goes well with jeans or corduroy pants. We made the neckline deeper and finished it with a narrow strip of self fabric.

We used the pattern for design no. 13 in issue 5/2010 to sew this stripy tunic. Switching the material from wool knit to cozy viscose jersey gave the tunic a totally different look. This stripy double-face knit is from Toptex's collection and available in our fabric shop in four different mélange colors: fuchsia/grey, moss-green/grey, off-white/grey and light-grey/dark-grey.

Gorgeous Autumn Prize Draw! Mildred Multi-Use Wrap

2010-08-27T15:57:00.001+03:00

As the autumn draws in and the days get cooler, nice and warm accessories come in handy again. This autumn we are especially proud of our simplest item, a knit wrap. In addition to only requiring one pattern piece, it is easy to sew and fun to wear. And what’s more, it suits any figure!

The wrap can be worn as a short cape, folded in a double loop for a neck scarf, or pulled over the head as a hood. You can even slip two wraps on at the same time. Worn as a pelerine round the shoulders, the wrap keeps the chill off on cool days. It also transforms a basic top or tunic into elegant office wear.

You can secure the wrap in position with a large kilt pin or a striking brooch. For a truly distinctive effect, you can drop the wrap down to the hips for a miniskirt, or wear it over just one shoulder like a toga. Your imagination is the only limit!

The best material for the wrap is soft, lightweight and well-draping single jersey – either in viscose, cotton or a warm viscose/wool blend.
You can order viscose/wool single jersey from our online shop.

Take part in a draw for lovely prizes! Tell us which of the wraps displayed in the photos, or which of the ways it is worn, appeals to you most. Post your opinion by writing it in the Comment field and you will be entered in a draw for a wrap and tunic made to your own measurements as well as for two viscose/wool wraps. All winners can choose the size of the wrap as well as its color from the range of the knits stocked in our shop.

The draw will take place September 8, 2010.

If you wish to enter with two draw tickets, publish the front cover of our latest issue on your blog and link it to our draw. Remember to include your blog address in the comment!

UPDATE: The draw has ended and the winners will be published shortly.

Sneak Peek OTTOBRE woman 5/2010 Autumn/Winter Issue

2010-08-18T16:32:00.000+03:00

OTTOBRE design® woman Autumn/Winter issue 5/2010 will be published on August 27, 2010.
This issue includes 20 designs for women in sizes 34-52.

The themes are:

AUTUMNAL COLOR IMPRESSIONS
The delicious wool fabrics and knits of this season give inspiration to new sewing projects. We designed stylish wool coats, jersey tops, a lovely wool-knit dress and elegant pants for professional women. The fabulous multi-use knit wrap is easy to make and can be used to create a different look for your outfit on every day of the week.
Sizes 34-46, 44-52 and 34-52

FINDING JOY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Meeting up with a friend for a cup of coffee brightens up the daily routine. Besides practical jersey tops and tunics, you can complement your wardrobe with a luxurious silk blouse, a folklore-style skirt and various pants. For sporty women we designed a softshell hoodie, a double-layer sports top and gym pants.
Sizes 34-46, 40-52 and 34-52

We wish you nice sewing sessions with us!

Paris Scarf from Velour Knit and Striped Knit

2010-08-13T13:10:00.004+03:00

Enthusiastic sewers accumulate lots of fabric scraps in various colors and sizes in their stash. Don’t throw them away as they can be made use of in various easy projects.

The cheerful scarf is sewn from scraps of velour knit and striped jersey. Really easy to make, it is also perfect as a child’s first sewing project!

Preshrink the knits before starting by washing. Choose scraps in delicious autumn colors or go for a black and white combination. The pattern for this scarf fits a child aged 4–12 but the pattern pieces can easily be made longer and wider for an adult’s scarf.

Cord pants from OTTOBRE design 4/2010 in sizes 110-146 cm and T-shirt from Creative Workshop 301 in sizes 92-170 cm.

Download Paris Scarf from Velour Knit and Striped Knit in PDF format (428kb)

Frilled Neckline and “Love” Embroidery

2010-07-27T13:35:00.000+03:00

A girly version of the basic T-shirt

The T-shirt is a great invention from the early 20th century. A T-shirt is usually a jersey shirt with no collar or buttons that is put on by pulling it over the head. A T-shirt has short or long sleeves. Its neckline is round or V-shaped.

Originally worn as underwear, the T-shirt is today a popular garment among people of all ages and sizes. Since 2000, we have published various T-shirt patterns for children and women in our magazines. We have even included a couple of patterns for men’s T-shirts (Ottobre design issues 3/2005 and 4/2005).

The basic pattern for a T-shirt is relatively timeless, with the fit varying from snug to loose depending on the fashion trends. The length of the T-shirt as well as the width of its sleeves may also vary. In order to save space on the pattern sheets in the magazine for entirely new designs, we decided in 2006 to publish the best basic T-shirt patterns for children and women as two separate Creative Workshop pattern sheets.

The Creative Workshop 301 package includes patterns for children’s T-shirts in sizes 92–170 cm. The girls’ design is slightly fitted whereas the boys’ design is straight-cut. The best tops for women can be found on the Creative Workshop 303 pattern sheet. The women’s patterns are in sizes 34–52 (US 4–22 / UK 6–24). You can order both pattern packages on our website at https://www.ottobredesign.com/subscription/other.php?lang=en

Frilled neckline for T-shirt

We modified the CW 301 T-shirt pattern into two new and fresh girly versions for issue 4/2010. The lovely old-rose-pink viscose jersey T-shirt is detailed with a frilled neckline and a keyhole slit at the back neckline.

Download Frilled Neckline for T-Shirt in PDF format (512kb)

"Love" appliqué for T-shirt

The striped T-shirt is generously long and its front is embellished with the embroidered word “Love”. It has contrast-color coverstitching at the neckline, bottom hem and sleeve edges. You can use the same instructions for modifying the basic women’s T-shirt pattern.

Download "Love" Appliqué for T-Shirt in PDF format (1.1Mb)

Soft Bunnies and Letters

2010-07-26T20:31:00.002+03:00

Cute baby toys

Soft toys are easy to make and you can usually find suitable materials for them at home. Babies are attracted by bright colors and interesting shapes such as familiar animals or letters that make up the baby’s name.

In issue 4/2010 we promised to provide the patterns and instructions for soft bunnies as well as for soft letters that can be hung across the front of a baby carriage hood. Use safe, clean and colorfast materials for the toys because they often end up in the baby’s mouth.

You can use various scraps of fabric that have been left over from other sewing projects for these toys. Before starting, it’s worth preshrinking the fabrics by washing them.

Download and print out the instructions for the SOFT BUNNIES and for the SOFT LETTERS (edit: Added the missing link) from the links below. Note that you only need to print out the section of the instructions document that is in your desired language (Dutch, English, Finnish, German or Swedish) plus the pattern sheet.

Download Soft Bunnies in PDF format (780kb)

Download Soft Letters in PDF format (308kb)

Ottilia Sews! Hooded Sweat Jacket Tutorial

2010-07-23T13:45:00.000+03:00

As another installment of "Ottilia Sews!" series for novice sewers, we created this photo tutorial to supplement the cutting layout and especially detailed instructions for "Montparnasse" Hooded Sweat Jacket.

You will find the patterns for this hooded sweat jacket in our autumn issue 4/2010 in sizes 116-122-128-134-140-146 cm. Take a look at pages 14-15, 60-61 and 39 for detailed instructions!

HOW TO SEW A SIMPLE "MONTPARNASSE" HOODED SWEAT JACKET

MATERIALS
- 80-80-90-95-115-120 cm stretchy sweater knit
- 35 cm striped cotton single jersey (CO/EA) for hood lining
- separating zipper, length 27-29-32-34-37-40 cm
- 60 cm stretch grosgrain ribbon, width 10 mm
- 80…110 cm stay tape, Vlieseline® Formband
- 54…60 cm elastic, width 10 mm

CUTTING
Cut hood lining from cotton single jersey and other garment pieces from sweater knit as indicated on list of pattern pieces. *Pattern piece for binding for opening edge of pocket includes seam allowances.

SEWING
Construction techniques: Stitch seams with straight stitch and finish them with serger or zigzag stitch. Sew topstitching using presser-foot edge as guide unless otherwise instructed.

Stabilizing: Cut pieces of stay tape for center-front edges on front panels and for shoulder edges on back panel (measure required lengths on pattern pieces and add seam allowances). Fuse tapes to wrong side of seam allowances.

Pockets: Sew gathering stitches at opening edges of pockets as marked on pattern and gather edges.

Finish opening edges of pockets with binding.

Pin front edges of pockets to center-front edges of front panels as marked on pattern, turn seam allowances on other pocket edges to wrong side and stitch pockets to front panels close to edge.

Hood: Pin outer hood panels as well as hood lining panels together and stitch them together. Topstitch seam on outer hood.

Pin hood sections together, right sides facing, and stitch their face edges together.

Understitch seam allowances to hood lining close to seamline.

Place hood sections within one another and pin face edge in position. Sew row of stitching 15 mm away from face edge (=casing). Insert elastic into casing and stitch its ends to seam allowances on neckline edge of hood. Stitch neckline edges of hood sections together.

Stitch shoulder seams, fold seam allowances toward back panels and top-stitch seams.

Stitch sleeves to armholes and topstitch seams.

Stitch sleeve under-arm seams and side seams. Finish raw center-front and bottom-hem edges.

Pin and stitch hood to garment’s neckline, right sides together, aligning neckline corners of hood with center-front seamlines.

Trim neckline seam allowances.

Pin and stitch one edge of grosgrain ribbon to neckline seam allowance on hood lining side.

Pin and stitch other edge of grosgrain ribbon to neckline, concealing neckline seam allowances.

Open zipper. Pin zipper tapes to garment’s front edges right sides together, aligning bottom end of zipper with bottom-hem foldline and concealing finished center-front edges under zipper tapes. Stitch zipper in place close to its teeth. Close zipper and check that top edges of pockets are aligned.

Fold hem allowance at each bottom-hem corner to right side over ends of zipper and stitch center-front edges of hem allowance to garment. Fold top ends of zipper tapes over neck edge to wrong side, fold and pin zipper tapes right way up and topstitch garment’s front edges, placing stitching close to outer edge of zipper tape.

Fold up bottom hem and sleeve-edge hems and stitch them with serger coverstitch or with twin needle on regular sewing machine.
Cut piece of grosgrain ribbon and stitch it as embellishment at garment’s bottom hem as shown in design sketch.

All done. Congratulations!

OTTOBRE Sewing Stories: Katja M

2010-07-22T09:44:00.000+03:00

OTTOBRE Sewing Stories is a new series introducing our readers from around the world to each other. We aim to give you interesting ideas and insights about sewing, fashion and everyday life. Be inspired by others and inspire your fellow readers.

***

Our second storyteller is Katja M, who is 30 years old, was born in Minnesota and lives in Washington state. She is a stay-at-home mother of three boys, aged 7, 4 and 2. She sews for her whole family: herself, her sons and occasionally for her husband.

Bat T-shirt, Summer short sweatpants and Turtle romper from OTTOBRE design 3/2008

"Also, we make most of our birthday and Christmas gifts and items for around the house. I love to make something special for a child that they may not have otherwise, a wool coat in their favorite color with a dragon lining or a Luke Skywalker costume in black linen for a boy who wanted a very 'authentic' costume."

Early projects

Katja started her career in sewing by cross-stitching when she was just 4 years old. As many of our readers she was taught by her mother, who first of all let her take pins out while sewing. She also has scars from her first sewing projects.

"I remember ironing doll clothes on a chair because I couldn't reach the ironing board, and I still have a burn across my fingers from spreading out dolly dress pleats to iron them flat!"

Also Katja's mother remembers well their moments together, while her little girl was sitting on her lap testing a sewing machine for the first time.

"My mother said I made a little soft heart pillow for my new baby brother when I was five that said 'I love you' in embroidery stitches. She thinks that was my first finished project."

Her mother used to be also a very keen sewer, who even entered competitions with self-made garments.

"My favorite was the 'Little House on the Prairie' set my mother made for me at nine with calico dress, white pantaloons and apron. I wore it constantly and by the time she entered it in the county fair, I had almost worn out the seams. She won the Grand Prize purple ribbon that year! Later as a teenager I also entered a dress I had made for myself at the county fair and won a red ribbon for finishing the seams using French seams."

Casual coat from OTTOBRE woman 2/2007 – now a raincoat, made with cotton laminate and lined with green stretch poplin!

Time to sew!

Katja is kept very busy by her three sons. In her everyday life there are special things she wants to share with other sewers.

"Today my oldest son received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. He is very high functioning and I think knowing what's behind the behavior will help us get the help he needs both in school and the world. But it is tough to hear it, instead of just wondering. On the other hand summer break just started for my first born and I am looking forward to a summer of laidback days and no hustle and bustle! Plenty of time for all of us to craft and play and read!"

Like other busy mothers, she tries to find at least a little time for sewing almost every day.

"It gives me something to look forward to each day in the small snippets of time that I carve out for sewing. I like waking up each morning, thinking: What will I sew today?"

What will she sew?

Katja often user our more basic patterns as she is a relatively new OTTOBRE reader.

"I found OTTOBRE a year ago and I especially like patterns which use the same basic pattern pieces to make different styles. You could make a little boy a whole set of school pants with just one pattern set. Even though I love tracing patterns, I only choose ones which I can use at least twice. This saves me time and money."

Ottobre tank top (free pattern, pdf),
shorts and hat from OTTOBRE design 3/2009

These days Katja sews almost all of the garments in her household.

"I love that I haven't had to go to the shopping mall for over 1 year. 'We only go for shoes' my husband says!"

***

Katja's favorite blogs and sites:

http://www.soulemama.com/
http://www.purlbee.com/
http://www.oliverands.com/

Katja's favorite fabric shops:

http://www.chezami.com
http://www.sewbaby.com
http://www.janeas-world.com

All photos used in this article are ©violetvata (aka Katja M), all rights reserved. Used with permission. You can view more of Katja's OTTOBRE projects on her Flickr set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37884656@N03/sets/72157618920185194/

***

This series is written by our long-term editorial assistant, Anni Kokko. If you feel like you or someone you know could inspire fellow readers, please send an e-mail to ottobre@ottobre.fi and include links to your recent work. Our storytellers will be rewarded!

Like Real Princesses - DIY Crown Kits Available for Order

2010-07-19T09:07:00.002+03:00

I recall happy childhood memories of lovely summer days when we were frolicking in meadows in our princess outfits. We wore lacy underskirts and chiffon scarves borrowed from mom’s wardrobe and toy crowns that our auntie had brought us as souvenirs from Sweden. Sweden has a real royal family, and we found the thought of princes and princesses really fascinating.

Role play promotes children’s development in various ways

Role play has throughout the ages been one of the most popular forms of children’s play. Role play involves a lot of talking, fantasy and creativity. It offers the child the opportunity to explore various emotions and adopt any imaginary role. Role play is highly interactive and takes more and more intricate forms as the child grows. At its best, role play is great fun with plenty of humor.

Adults can help the child to build a world of play, just as they help the child in daily life. An adult not only acquires the playthings but plays a central role as a storyteller and initiator of play. Children love to play, especially when the topic of play is interesting, exciting and perhaps even a little mysterious. An adult is not only a playmate but an enhancer of play as well as a communicator who gently guides the play in a sensible direction. It is also important to allow for spontaneity, to immerse oneself in play and to detach oneself from one’s role as an adult.

Let’s create a world of play together

When children and adults play together, it often also involves making things together, and this is something children are usually very keen on. During the summer holidays it’s possible to find time for this. Princess play can easily be initiated by making princess crowns together with the children.

Order craft kits for princess crowns

To save you time in running from store to store, we promised in our summer issue to put together craft kits for princess crowns. We have finally received all the lovely materials for the prious crowns from our supplier: silver-plated metal wire, French wire, various seed beads and beautifully shiny glass beads.

The kit includes all materials for TWO PRINCESS CROWNS plus the instructions in Dutch, English, Finnish, German and Swedish. You can choose a kit for two pink or two turquoise crowns or a kit for two crowns, one in each color.
The price of the kit is 11.50 euros, including postage anywhere in the world. You can order the kit online at https://www.ottobredesign.com/subscription/other.php.

Enjoy rewarding role play!

P.S. Don’t forget your little princes and courageous knights! You’ll find the patterns and instructions for a prince’s or knight’s cape, a prince’s crown, a knight’s shield and many other role-play costumes in issue 4/2004. You can browse through the issue online. You can also order a copy of the issue.

Readers' Creations: Nicole from Australia

2010-07-15T13:27:00.002+03:00

We got mail from one of our readers. Nicole is a mom and a photographer from Australia and this is what she wrote to us:

"Just wanted to share with you, my first Ottobre Woman creation!

This is Journal tunic and dress from Issue 2/2010, page 26. I've used a light stretch cotton for the dress and the tunic is a heavy stretch. It's so lovely to wear.

I love it's flattering shape and people ask me where I got my outfit everywhere I go. Thanks for such a great magazine, I only discovered it 2 issues ago through a friend and I love it!"

Thank you Nicole for sharing your stunning creation with all our readers. It is wonderful to see how people around the world use our patterns.

Nicole's blog: http://www.nicolefinlayson.typepad.com/

You can submit your photos to ottobre@ottobre.fi. Please let us know if we are allowed to publish them on the blog.

Sneak Peek OTTOBRE design 4/2010 Kids Fashion Autumn Issue

2010-06-24T14:03:00.002+03:00

OTTOBRE design® kids fashion Autumn issue 4/2010 will be published on July 9, 2010. This issue includes forty (40) designs for kids in sizes 62-170 cm.

The themes are:

ANIMAL ALPHABET
Fairytale-forest folk busy with their autumn chores. A skirt, two jackets, a blouse and a romper for girls. Outerwear pants, a corduroy jacket, sweatpants, a raglan T-shirt and two hoodies for boys.
Sizes 98-128 cm

MY FIRST LETTERS
Little schoolchildren visit a big city. Tunics, pants, skirts, hooded jackets and a trenchcoat for girls. Corduroy pants, a raglan T-shirt and a recycled shirt for boys.
Sizes 98-146 cm

BABY BLOCKS
Bunny gymnastics and car racing. Fresh autumn wear for babies and toddlers: T-shirts, overalls, outerwear pants, a sweat jacket and an anorak. Two hooded sweaters and soft denim pants with rib cuffs.
Sizes 62-92 cm

LITERARY ADVENTURES
Schoolkids discover the fascinating world of books. A skirt, a hooded sweat jacket, velour pants and a gingham tunic for girls. Two pairs of pants, a raglan T-shirt and a sweat jacket for boys.
Sizes 128-170 cm

OTTOBRE Sewing Stories: Annika from RuttuNuttu blog

2010-06-10T18:42:00.003+03:00

***

Our first storyteller is Annika N. from Oulu. Oulu is where OTTOBRE design originated and is located on the seaside of Northern Finland. Annika is a mother of four; she mainly sews for her kids, but occasionally for herself as well.

Pattern from OTTOBRE design 3/2007. Appliqués by Annika

"I also sew some interior decorations, but my hobby originated from my love of beautiful and unique children’s clothing. When my last born was a baby I decided to buy an overlocking machine and after that I realised how simple it was to create beautiful kids' fashion."

Annika explains that she started sewing in her childhood. The first garment she sewed was a shirt for her Barbie doll.

"My grandmother taught me two things: how to drink coffee with milk and how to sew by hand. Apart from crafts lessons in elementary school I haven't studied sewing; I have learnt everything by trial and error. Even today I try to avoid reading detailed instructions. Thinking a project over and finally understanding it adds a lovely spice to sewing! It's wonderful to suddenly realise how something was supposed to be done and how laboriously I had done it before."

Annika also describes her favourite and least favourite parts of sewing.

"Stitching appliqués is definitely my favourite part of sewing. It is so miraculous to create something new stitch by stitch. It's also wonderful when a garment is ready and you see from your child's face that right now this piece of clothing is the most lovable and fine thing in their world. On the other hand, drawing patterns is a bit boring.

My least favourite part is when I am at a crucial moment of a project and just then I realise that time is out. After all, there are only 24 hours in a day. I wish I could be beautifully creative all the time!"

Free hat pattern from www.ottobredesign.com. Pattern modification and prints by Annika.

Favourites and inspirations

We asked Annika who her favourite designers and brands are at the moment.

"My favourite designers are all the everyday sewers who make different creations from their passion for sewing and love of handiwork. They are a real source of inspiration."

A big part of Annika's sewing hobby is updating her blog. In her blog she shares ideas, photos and hints. She also wants to advise other sewers as much as she can.

"Almost every day someone asks about sewing zippers or hoods, or for advice on how to finish edges with rib knits. I think it would be useful if the OTTOBRE blog would cover these sorts of simple instructions even more. It would be wonderful if the blog could also give hints about how to use sewing machines or overlockers efficiently."

Annika would also like to see more links to nice fabric shops.

"I buy lots of fabrics on the Internet. I also visit local shops regularly. Most of my creations are made of velour or tricot and I wish that there were better and more versatile supplies of those fabrics. Because of a lack of nice fabrics, I started to make my own prints when I was on maternity leave. Unfortunately, now that I'm back at work, I don’t have enough time to print."

Apart from sewing and her children, Annika enjoys the simple things in life itself.

"Today the sun is shining and my aunt from Sweden sent me a parcel of fabrics which I was able to pick up from the post office after work. These two things make me feel very lucky."

***

Annika's blog (in Finnish):
http://ruttu-nuttu.blogspot.com/

Annika's favourite fabric shops:
http://www.sampsukka.com/
http://www.ikasyr.fi/

***

This series is written by our long-term editorial assistant, Anni Kokko. If you feel like you or someone you know could inspire fellow readers, please send an e-mail to ottobre@ottobre.fi and include links to your recent work. Our storytellers are rewarded!

Herbie Hat Draw: Winners

2010-05-10T12:30:00.001+03:00

Thank you all for the charming, adorable and nice hat photos you have sent us! Your kids are so cute and the lovely hats make them look so happy. Judging by the photos the summer out there somewhere seems to be much earlier than here in Lapland. We still have some snow :)

Although every photo we have received would have been worthy of a prize, we have drawn ten winners for ten wonderful product packages. The rest of the photo senders will get a randomly selected free OTTOBRE design magazine.

Each product pack includes:

- 50 cm Vlieseline® Stickvlies Tear-away backing
- 50 cm Vlieseline® Vliesofix Double-sided fusible web
- 2 m black and 2 m white Vlieseline® Formband
- 20 buttons in summerlike colours
- a gorgeous selection of ribbons and trimmings: gingham, woven, rick-rack, grossgrain... 10 m - together
- 4 spools of Gutermann's sew-all sewing thread in vintage metal box
- 3 lovely OTTOBRE pin-back buttons
- Creative workshop 301 Best T-shirts pattern in sizes 92-170 cm

And our lottery generator picked up following ten lucky winners:

Erica A.
Cécile T.
Jennifer R.
Sabyne
Pam B.
Vineta J.
Glenda T.
An Van D.
Gitte J.
Erika K.

Congratulations! We will contact each winner by email to get the snail mail addresses to ship the prizes to.

We wish you lovely spring days and creative sewing sessions with us!

Yours,
Ottobre Team

Herbie Hat Draw Deadline Extended

2010-04-30T15:55:00.001+03:00

We've decided to to extend the deadline for submitting Herbie hats for the draw announced in the previous post.

The new deadline for submissions is May 10. The draw will happen at noon 12:00 on the very same day.

Ottilia Sews! Herbie Brimmed Hat ...and a Prize Draw!

2010-04-23T13:23:00.002+03:00

This summer little gentlemen – and trendy young ladies too – add a finishing touch to their outfits with a Borsalino-style (fedora) hat. Our hat is sewn from tightly-woven cotton fabric and stiffened with interfacing to help it keep its shape. The illustrated step-by-step instructions will guide you through making it.

Lots of hats of this style have recently appeared on the catwalks of children’s fashion shows. Take up our invitation to sew a hat for your child and post a photo of it to us. All those who send photos of hats will be entered in a draw for ten wonderful product prizes! Please let us also know whether we may publish your photo on our blog.

UPDATE: Please send your submissions to ottobre@ottobre.fi.

The draw will take place on May 1 at 12:00 noon (Finnish time). ANOTHER UPDATE: The deadline has been extended until May 10.

Herbie brimmed hat for little gentlemen, head circumference 50-52-54-56 cm

The pattern for the hat appeared in issue 3/2010. You’ll find pictures of the hat on pages 14–15 and 18–19 and the sewing instructions on pages 44–45.

HOW TO SEW A "HERBIE" BRIMMED HAT

CUTTING

Crown: Cut exterior crown top and side panels from cotton fabric as indicated on list of pattern pieces. Add 7 mm seam allowances to all edges of panels. Cut crown top and side panels of lining with 5 mm seam allowances.

Brim: Cut curved outer and inner edges of upper brim panels (brim front and back) with 5 mm seam allowances and straight edges with 7 mm seam allowances. Cut lower brim panels (brim front and back) with 7 mm seam allowances.

Label the hat panels by sticking pieces of painter’s tape to their right side, with the name of the panel written on the tape. Copy the pattern markings on the hat panels using notches (notch = a 3 mm deep clip into the fabric edge, placed within the seam allowance). *Note that the pattern piece for the binding strip includes seam allowances and that it is cut on the bias.

SEWING

Construction techniques: Stitch seams with straight stitch. Stitch all seams with 7 mm seam allowances; thus the lining and upper brim will be slightly smaller and the hat will take its shape more easily. Press seams open and topstitch them on both sides of seamline, placing stitching close to seamline, unless otherwise instructed.

Stabilizing: Cut interfacings for areas shaded in grey on small-scale patterns and fuse them to exterior hat panels (cut interfacings with 5 mm seam allowances).

Joining crown exterior: Pin and stitch side panels together, right sides facing. Press seams open and topstitch them on both sides of seamline. Pin and stitch crown top to side panels, right sides together and aligning center-front and center-back marks. Topstitch seam as above.

Joining crown lining: Stitch side panels together, right sides facing, and press seams open. Stitch crown top panel to side panels, right sides together. Fold seam allowances toward side panels and topstitch seam.

Brim: Pin and stitch upper and lower brim panels together in pairs (brim front + brim back). Press seams open and top-stitch them on both sides of seamline. Pin brim halves together, wrong sides facing, and machine-baste their outer and inner edges together, placing stitching close to edge.

Stitch ends of binding strips together to form circle. Pin binding to outer edge of brim, placing it right sides together with lower brim half and aligning its seams with side seams on brim. Stitch binding in place, stretching it slightly as you sew. Trim seam allowance on outer edge of brim even (to width of 5 mm). Fold binding over to upper brim side. Turn seam allowance on free edge of binding under, pin turned-under edge to brim and stitch it in place close to edge.

Joining crown and brim: Turn exterior crown right side out and crown lining inside out. Place lining within exterior, wrong sides together, and pin them together carefully (if necessary, trim seam allowance on bottom edge of lining to make it fit within exterior). Machine-baste bottom edges of crown sections together. Pin and machine-baste brim to crown, with upper brim and crown exterior right sides together and aligning center-front and center-back marks. Finish seam allowances together with zigzag stitch or serger.

Finishing: Stitch ends of grosgrain ribbon together, right sides facing. Fold brim up against crown. Pin and stitch longer edge of grosgrain ribbon over seam allowance on bottom edge of crown, placing edge of ribbon along stitching line that attaches brim and aligning seam on ribbon with center-back mark. Attach top edge of grosgrain ribbon to center-front and center-back seams with a few hand stitches.

Turn hat right way out and give it final shaping by steaming it over a hat block (or over a cushion shaped into a ball).

Sulo Letters Appliqué

2010-04-22T16:21:00.005+03:00

Appliqué is a fun and easy way to spice up everyday clothes. Using the lettering appliqué we used on the Sulo raglan-sleeve t-shirt in OTTOBRE design® 3/2010 kids, you too can easily personalize your child's clothing. The entire alphabet is available for download from the link below, so why not have a go at it yourself?

UPDATE: Be sure to get the fixed version of the PDF with the mirrored letters!

Here's how to do it: Trace motifs from pattern sheet on paper backing of double-sided fusible web. Iron pieces of fusible web onto wrong side of scraps of jersey and cut shapes out along their outlines. Re-move paper backing, arrange shapes on front panel and fuse them in place. Pin piece of tear-away backing to wrong side of front panel under appliqué motif. Stitch appliqué shapes in place close to edge with straight stitch, stitching around each shape twice. Remove tear-away backing.

Download Sulo Letters Applique (Updated April 23rd) in PDF format (550kb)

Delivery delays - volcanic ash cloud halts airmail

2010-04-20T13:08:00.003+03:00

Volcanic ash from the Icelandic eruption has delayed all airmail from Finland. For countries near Finland (Scandinavia, Northern Europe and Russia) magazines are being taken over ground with 3-4 days delay to our normal schedule.

No landings or takeoffs have been possible for civilian aircraft in most of northern and central European countries, so all our airmail is waiting here in Finland for the next possible flight to USA, South Korea, UK, Japan, eastern parts of Russia, Israel...

Finnish post Itella is as unable as everyone else to tell how long this will last, so we don’t yet know when this will be sorted out. We will keep you as informed as we can.

Thanks for your patience everybody.

OTTOBRE customer service

Reprint of OTTOBRE design® spring issue 1/2008

2010-04-01T14:39:00.005+03:00

The children’s issue published in spring 2008 was full of designs that were both funny and functional. The Bedouin-style pants sewn from linen chambray raised quite a bit of laughter and were nicknamed as “MC Hammer”. Nevertheless, pants made with this easy pattern have since frequently appeared on various blogs.

The Maya blouse, the Nirunaru pinafore dress and the Susette sash pants are also amongst some of the most popular designs of the issue. Since we constantly receive requests for these patterns, we decided to run a small reprint of the issue.

You can browse the magazine here

http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2008_1/index.html?en

The spring issue 1/2008 contains the following:

JAPANESE INFLUENCE

Comfortable basic styles, sewn from soft cotton and linen fabrics, that are also suitable for novice sewers. Blouses, pinafore dresses, pants, and a boy’s shirt and pants.

Sizes 62-128 cm

FROGGY TRICKS

A spring collection featuring fresh colors for little boys. Lots of appliqués, great details and prints. Hooded jackets, sweatshirts, and corduroy and denim pants.

Sizes 62-122 cm

PRETTY IN DOTS

A girly collection of outfits for spring parties. Blouses, dresses, tunics, pants and pinafore dresses.
Sizes 62-128 cm

YOUNG NERDS AND ELEGANT GIRLS

The collection for schoolchildren was designed on the basis of ideas and requests from our readers. Carefree and comfortable sweatpants, a sweatshirt, a hooded sweat jacket and basic jeans for boys. Skirts, knickerbockers, a blouse with frills, T-shirts and a vest for girls.

Sizes 110-170 cm

A copy of the issue can be ordered from our website at www.ottobredesign.com. It is in English but we include the instruction pages in Finnish, Swedish, Dutch or German.

We’ll start mailing the issue as from April 9, but since the reprint is limited, it is advisable to order a copy straight away to make sure that you get yours!

https://www.ottobredesign.com/subscription/single.php?lang=en

Sneak Peek OTTOBRE design 3/2010 Kids Fashion Summer Issue

2010-03-30T15:15:00.002+03:00

Our jubilee year has got off to a flying start. Looking ahead, ten years may seem like an eternity, whereas looking back, time has really flown by. Our next issue will be published after Easter on April 16, 2010.

Summer issue includes forty designs for kids in sizes 50-170 cm.

The themes are:

OTTOBRE LITTLE LULLABY
A practical yet beautiful collection of summer basics for babies and toddlers. A tunic, leggings, a bodysuit, a romper, a dress and bloomers.
Sizes 50-92 cm

OTTOBRE GOES CLASSIC
Celebrate with us! For girls: a poplin dress, a princess’s crown and special-occasion dress, and a voile skirt and blouse. For boys: jodhpur pants, dress shirts just like daddy’s, a gentleman’s vest and a brimmed hat.
Sizes 74-170 cm

OTTOBRE ROCKS
Relaxed holiday wear for toddlers and preschoolers: T-shirts, Bermudas, dresses and a bolero. Headwear for sunny days.
Sizes 92-140 cm

OTTOBRE HIP & FUNK
Cool and trendy summer clothes for teenagers. For boys: Bermudas, T-shirts, a sweat jacket and a windbreaker. For girls: a voile tunic, linen shorts, T-shirts, a skirt and a vest.
Sizes 116-170 cm

OTTOBRE Welcomes You to Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts Fair

2010-02-26T10:38:00.003+02:00

If you happen to be around Glasgow, Scotland next weekend, please take a visit to Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts fair. We will be represented by Nicole Doig of Dots N Stripes, so you can give her a pull on the sleeve for anything OTTOBRE related.