Dear friends,

We are often asked how we can manage to find the ideas and enthusiasm for such fast-pace work -a new pattern magazine six times per year. The best source of inspiration and motivation at least for me is our charming young models and their families. It’s lovely to watch the children have fun during fitting sessions and photoshoot. They are often a little nervous to begin with because the big sewing machines look frightening and the ceiling of the studio seems so high. We ask the children about their wishes and favorite clothes and colors. Quite soon, after we describe the clothes that are going to be made for them, we manage to establish a good rapport with them. Taking children’s body measurements is easy while chatting with them, and the pins that are used when the clothes are tried on are not scary when children are encouraged to arrange them on the pin cushion by color.

Quite frequently, children come up with their own ideas for the photoshoot. They might like to play prince and princess games or ballet school, or to just frolic around. Sometimes we together make up a storyline to fit the magazine theme, which the child can then act. After all, role play in general strongly supports a child’s development. It also offers an excellent opportunity for us adults to indulge in playing.

Another source of enthusiasm is the joy and bliss of do-it-yourself, which we wish to share with you. Self-made clothes are ecological and ethical. Sewn from high-quality fabrics, they are durable and can well be passed on to younger wearers once your own children grow out of them. When the clothes eventually come to the end of their life, natural-fiber fabrics can be composted, or used for making doll clothes, for example. However, before composting clothes featured in this magazine, remove the tulle skirt from the ballet princess dress and use it again on some other garment. The rest of the dress is compostable. The motif made with diamantes on the ballet prince’s T-shirt should also be cut out. It can easily be appliquéd onto another shirt. Recycling and reusing is rewarding and gives you a clear conscience. Perhaps you would like to give it a try?

Wishing you a wonderful winter,
OTTOBRE design® team

MUSIC: STAR CLUSTER BY CHRIS WARNER FROM ALBUM "WONDERS OF THE COSMOS"

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