Matching set made with Gingham Cotton. Photo by Max Wessely

When I first got asked if I wanted to test the new FS cotton fabric, it was a big HECK YES from me. This might sound extremely silly, over the top and maybe I’ll lose some sympathy points, but I love having stuff nobody else has (yet).
I think I was born with a collector gene. For example, my dad collects anything old to repair it someday – like old coffee mills or lamps. Whenever I move to a new apartment he always says “Oh I think I have a lamp that would fit perfectly in this room” and usually comes back with two! One greater than the other. Or don’t you dare go into the forest with my mum. You won’t just go for a nice walk – hell no. Oh, look, wild blueberries, let’s pick some for a minute… or twenty. Oh, look, chanterelles! Where there is one, there are many!

Matching set made with Gingham Cotton. Photo by Max Wessely

So that’s why I collect a lot. Art prints, vintage furniture, beautifully designed bottles of alcohol I will never open – I even have an old cigarette dispenser! And I don’t even smoke. I think you get the point.
BUT – one thing I’m especially passionate about at the moment is collecting pattern tests and fabric reviews. It’s like a sport – I’m always on the hunt. And to be honest, it’s not as easy as it might sound to simply “grab a good test” – they are rare, and I’m not the only sporty spice in this game.
So when I get asked to test a fabric, it’s like I’ve hit the jackpot. And the best part about it is that I can sew whatever I want with it.

Matching set made with Gingham Cotton. Photo by Max Wessely

I love to be creative and let things flow, but I don’t always give myself the opportunity to really do so. It’s more often an “I need a sweater – I’ll make a sweater” than an “I have images in my head that I want to bring to life even though I will probably never wear any of those things in real life” situation.
For example, I LOVED 2021 white linen contest by FS. More creating, less just making. (Even though there was A LOT of making involved).
So I have to take the chance when I see it.

Matching set made with Gingham Cotton. Photo by Max Wessely

For this review I wanted to create something fairy tale-ish without it being kitschy. And I wanted to include different things I made. Wearable, modern dwarfs…
So I took my Marseille Sweater I had just finished, my son’s hat I had knitted for his first Christmas (both patterns by Petite Knit), and my beret (pattern by My Favourite Things Knitwear) and started playing around. After some time I figured out what I wanted to make.
I made a self-drafted quilted vest for E. using one of his jackets as a guide for the right sizing and the Toril Pants from Tauko Magazine for me. (If you don’t know about Tauko Magazine yet – this is your sign to go check it out!)

Matching set made with Gingham Cotton. Photo by Max Wessely

So go mix and match all your stripes, ginghams and colors and just play around. Just have fun!

Bussis

Sophie

PS: All photos were taken analog by Max Wessely. (thank youuu)

PPS: No dinosaurs were harmed during the photoshoot