A concern we hear from many sewers is regarding the lack of patterns available for boys and men. We agree! Think about your last visit to a website or pattern book. How many unique or fashionable garments did you see for the guys?
Sure, you can usually find the old button up and possibly a traditional suit… but who makes (or wears) those anymore?
A few months ago I was on the look out for some new resources for boys’ fashions that I could make. There are lots of boys on my shopping lists – two teens, a husband, and a toddler. I like to sew for all of them but I also want to make them things they will wear and not just hang in their closets!
In my searches I found Ottobre design, a company in Finland that caters to subscribers worldwide. I really like their take on fashionable kids’ clothes. The boys’ clothing is current without looking too trendy. I also love that the magazine provides resources for the fabrics they used to create the samples! In a recent blog post they revealed that they will be launching an online fabric store so that we can get our hands on the fabrics they use in their samples! The blog is fabulous. You can download free patterns, subscribe to the magazine, and even preview issues before ordering!
The attention to detail is what really makes these patterns unique. Each piece has a unique detailed pocket or closure. The patterns come folded in the center of the magazine. Each pattern is printed in a different color and gets traced (I use butcher paper) then cut out. This is great… you can reuse the patterns over and over and also trace several sizes of one garment.
Right away I subscribed to the magazine and received a free women’s magazine with my order of four children’s issues. When the first magazine arrived, I hurried to make a little bunting for Rex (my toddler) to wear in the cold weather. The directions in the magazine are short and to the point. I didn’t find it difficult to follow along but, a beginner should expect to need a little help. General knowledge of garment construction will be necessary. The finished product was adorable. Unfortunately Rex grew so quickly… I don’t think I even got a chance to photograph him in his cute little bunting. Oh, well, better get my sewing machine ready for some spring weather sewing!
I’ll fill you in on what I found in menswear later this week!
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