Linen kimono cowl robe

Linen substrate is one of my favorite textile substrates and ever since designing fabrics, I wanted to make a simple print with simple design on raw linen. And after 20+ collections, I finally did it.

Actually, I did something like that before, after Art Gallery Fabrics included linen as one of their substrates, within my Blithe fabric collection.

Anyway, this Sensescape Raw print in linen is my favorite print from my newest Mindscape fabric collection and I simply had to create something with it. 

Making a bag or a pillow seemed just a bit "straight forward" as a project, so I was looking to find a wearable project that would use more of the fabric. I searched for different kimono types and this one really draw my attention. So I started looking for the available patterns and found this Dolman coat that is not like a real pattern, but the instructions are clear and it's really such an easy project, so it doesn't require a really cut and collate pattern. 

Another very useful video tutorial is this one and after absorbing all the provided info, I finally made mine.

I used 3 1/2 yds of the my Sensescape Linen fabric that is 56/57" wide, and that width is the most important thing that defines the kimono's length. If using fabrics that are 42-44" wide you will obtain the kimono that will be barely knee length (for adults).

Cutting was extremely easy to do and sewing was consisting of only shoulder-upper arm seam.

The other 2 things to do are: wrist finishing (arm opening holes) and neckline/front opening.

I finished both of them with the selvage that I cut from the fabric itself, because I loved it so much, especially the fringe edge. I used it as a trim with adding the piping cord in dark purple as contrasting accent.

Another thing that I did was sewing a simple belt, so that it could be gathered more easily.

I hope that feel inspired and will make it for yourself or someone special in your ife. I think that using some sort of silky material, like rayon or similar would look even more luscious and could be great for hot summer days.

Katarina

Mindscape fabric collection

The Mindscape collection was inspired with treasured memories spent along the Adriatic coast, enriched with some Easter traditions. When I was a little girl, until my teen age, I used to spend Easter Holidays with my family in a little house that we used to have in Croatia by the sea. That was my favorite place and holds such a special space in my heart. Even if we don't have a house there anymore, we like to visit that place and my friends that live there, often.

And whenever I feel like I need an escape from a busy daily routine or some problems, I like to evoke those moments and feelings of pure serendipity and happiness, caused by simplest things, like feelings of sand beneath the feet and sounds of waves crashing on rocks.

 

Also, when I started working on this collection, the war in Ukraine started and it reminded me of a war that happened here, where I live, in Belgrade in 1999. So I felt absolutely heartbroken and terrified and my mindset was completely there, with hopes that Easter that was coming will bring peace.
That was probably the main reason for having the color palette a bit more neutral, restricted, soft and subdued. Actually, the working title of the collection was "Dove" and here are some of the initial sketches.

Starting with doves, I then added some small animals that symbolize Easter along with some flowers and twigs, that would embody this Holiday as well- starting with Palm Sunday. 

Rabbits are featured in not just Foraged Fauna print, but also in Abundance prints (in Nectar and Cloud), and I wasn't t even aware that this year is the Year of the rabbit when I created these drawings and prints, so I can only call it a happy coincidence;).

Easter usually occurs towards the beginning of spring, as a season when plants bloom and animals give birth. and eggs in particular are a clear symbol of rebirth and fertility. So it may not seem surprising that Easter eggs are often associated with Easter.

Here, in Serbia where I live, we celebrate Easter with very important family tradition: dyeing eggs in onion skins bath with different herbs and flowers that in the dyeing process will leave the non colored spots, which is very similar to dyeing the batik and other fabrics. 

So, the prints called  Sensescape (in sky, sand and raw linen-below) can be associated with this tradition of picking beautiful leaves and flowers to be used in this process.

And finally the moment of gathering the family around the table to celebrate this beautiful Holiday could be celebrated with the Seaside tiles print-that can not only be a recollection of that retro tiles in a grandma kitchen, but also a beautiful tablecloth that would also have some treasured embroidery motifs along the borders....

Apricot print was the final print that was added to the collection, but I thought that it would nicely contribute to the Fruitfulness aspect of the group, and to serve as another main print that would provide great sewing usage and possibilities.

Also, another amazing thing is that my first ever collection of blenders is also just launched and available!

It's called Seedling, and it's going beautifully together with Mindscape. 

It actually complements it in a magical way, adding more neutral tones and possibilities that are just perfect for quilts and quilt related projects, but not only....

But it certainly deserves to have a post on it's own, so it's already in the works;) 

I hope that Mindscape can take you to carefree escape from everyday life, with heartfelt feelings of unity, vitality and serendipity.

Happy almost Spring everyone!

xx

Katarina

 

Origami Hearts quilt pattern

My Origami Hearts quilt pattern is finally here and I couldn't wait to post about it. 

I challenged myself with making a very simple, heart shape quilt block created with one intact piece of main fabric and Origami Heart quilt block is born.

The possibilities are endless, but there is one special feature: there is like a hidden space within the central triangle (Prairie point) to insert something small (like a small, Valentine message maybe?). 

This brilliant idea was suggested by my amazing quilty friend Barbara Opett and I felt immediately obsessed brainstorming about some very romantic possibilities 💌

I always like to have an exclusive Instagram quilt pattern giveaway when releasing new quilt pattern and this one is no exception. 

It's open till Monday, so it's a nice possibility for getting the pattern 😊

This pattern includes 2 options regarding quilt block sizes: 8.5”x 8.5” or 10" x 10"

and includes fabric requirements and instructions for different quilt sizes:

- baby : 32.5” x 40.5” or 38.5" x 48"
- throw : 48.5” x 56.5" or 57.5" x 67"
- bed: 80.5” x 96.5” or 95.5" x 114.5"

 

 

There is also the You Tube video link available within the pattern, which is always making me a bit intimidated regarding my English accent, but I hope that the visual is worth understanding the process. You can watch it HERE.

I am also so excited to see that my newest fabric collections: Mindscape and Seedling are shipping to stores! I am eagerly waiting for my yardage to arrive and start sewing with these new fabrics! 

Happy February,

K.