Lagom is a Swedish word that means “just right”.
It is all about achieving a good balance in life and part
of this is being self-sufficient. Making useful, practical
items with what you already have that make life easier is
a good place to start.
Anybody who sews will already have a stash of fabric they
can use and a spot of decluttering is very much in the spirit
of lagom. Add in the basics of sewing and you probably already
have most of what you need to start right away. I like the
way the author tells you not only what to buy but why you
need it. There are lots of tips on how to get the best out
of tools and supplies and all told in a chatty style as though
she was talking to you, a nice touch. Although this book is
not aimed at the total beginner it is suitable for somebody
with some basic experience under their belt who wants to progress
to the next stage. To that end there are clear diagrams of
simple stitches and sections on topics like appliqué,
making your own bias binding, putting on a pocket and basic
freestyle quilting. Armed with this knowledge the projects
themselves dispense with staged photographs and merely have
a list of written steps, plus lists of materials and tools
and several useful tips. Turn to the back and there is a pocket
containing the full-sized patterns plus a glossary of all
the Swedish terms used. The projects include practical items
like a tea cozy, fabric basket, placemats, coasters, mug hug
and pin cushion, as well as wall hangings, decorations and
bunting. Traditional Scandinavian motifs such as elk, Dala
horse, tomte, birds etc are featured and there is an emphasis
on homespun charm. Fans of all things Nordic will enjoy making
these appealing items and filling their home with the essence
of lagom.
If you cannot find a good range of fabric and sewing materials
locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
|
