I was excited for the launch of TAUKO Magazine from the moment the introductory email from co-founder Mila Moisio landed in my inbox back in May 2021.
Described as "a pioneering independent print publication for home sewists and design-oriented crafters around the world" I knew instantly that this new, quarterly sewing magazine, was going to be a perfect fit with The Draper's Daughter.
Mila Moisio and Kaisa Rissanen are the founders of this beautiful new magazine, with headquarters in both in Helsinki and Berlin. Previously they owned and ran an award winning sustainable fashion brand, also named TAUKO, during which time they become very familiar with design, pattern making, collection presentation and international fashion weeks.
TAUKO stands for a break or a pause in Finnish. It describes a strong, silent, and still movement that is almost impossible to notice.
In March 2021 they started planning a new kind of international craft and lifestyle magazine and in November, the first issue of TAUKO Magazine was launched in more than 20 different countries.
Each issue will feature at least 10 sewing pattern designs created by celebrities and newcomers from the sewing community. A carefully curated selection which makes designed clothing accessible to anyone willing to try out sewing and learn new skills.
With actual-size paper patterns, easy guidelines, agile images, and illustrations, they wish to make the sewing experience empowering, exciting and fun.
As well as the patterns, the magazine explores topics including crafts, culture, and climate which are featured in interviews, columns, articles, tips, and recommendations by their international contributors.
You can view both the First and Second Issues by clicking here.
The top version of the Wilder Gown was the first style that I made by Friday Pattern Company. I've seen so many gorgeous versions of this style over on Instagram that I simply had to make one for myself.
I decided on the top for my first make of this lovely style and chose to use a Nani Iro tencel fabric with this lovely painterly border detail.
It might not look like it but this style really is very easy to make. The instructions are really clear and very easy to follow, with helpful step by step illustrations.
The raglan sleeves don't need to be set in so are very simple, and the channel for the bow comes together really nicely.
I didn't make any modifications to my top and in terms of sizing I'm a UK size 8 and I made the XS size which fits me perfectly.
This style works really well in plain fabrics but would work equally well in a pattern, florals in both small and large scale, stripes, ginghams and spots all look great.
I'll definitely be making this again, I'd like to make a long sleeved version of the top, for this I'm thinking the Eglantine et Zoe Zebra print in Khaki. I'll also be making a short sleeve dress for summer, it looks great in plain linen I'm going to use one of the Merchant and Mills Laundered Linens, most likely the Scuttle Black however other colours would look equally good.
Most of all, what I really love about the top is that it really does elevate an outfit and I always feel really good when I wear it, and as I mentioned just now I'll definitely be making more...
As you can see, it really wasn't long before I made another top. It really is such an easy style to make and is a joy to wear, next for me will be the dress.
With Christmas fast approaching I've added some lovely sewing related gift items to our online store. I thought I'd share a few of these with you here to give you some gift inspiration for the "sewist" or "stitcher" in your life... or perhaps even as a treat for yourself... I know I've got my eye on one or two f these...
We have new embroidery stitch kits from Stitch Happy, I love the modern botanical themes, these great kits are suitable for all skill levels and make a great project for winter evenings. I've recently started on the Botanical Tattoos Kit and I'm really enjoying the processes involved.
The launch edition of TAUKO Magazine would make a fabulous gift for any sewing enthusiast. With 12 modern designs by international designers complete with step by step sewing instructions and actual size paper patterns, a 128-page collectable magazine with a modern aesthetic.
Mend your way to a more sustainable wardrobe with these beautifully tactile, hand-turned solid wood darning eggs by Socko. The eggs are beautiful simply as an object, they're really tactile and lovely to hold. The egg comes with a small length of darning yarn, a darning needle and needle threader, together with darning instructions.
The Label Collectors Tins together with packs of Woven Labels by Kylie and the Machine also make a great gift. We've lots of fun packs of labels and you can easily tailor this gift to suit your budget.
The beautiful wooden sewing tools and buttons Arrow Mountain make lovely gifts. Handmade by Ho-mei the wooden sewing tools in particular are not only very giftable but really useful for all your sewing projects.
To finish off your gifts we've these fun Cross Stitch Gift Tags, pictured below. They're available in both kraft and cream. You can stitch your own motif and they're a lovely way of adding a handmade touch to your gift wrapping.
Finally, if you're not sure what to get then our E-Gift Card, is the perfect solution. Starting at just £5 and available in denominations up to £100, the lucky recipient can then choose their perfect sewing gift at their leisure.
If you're still unsure, please do feel free to email us via the Contact Page and we'll try our best to help you find the perfect gift for the creative in your life!
Please find below the recommended dates from Royal Mail for posting to guarantee delivery in time for this Christmas. However, as was the case last year, I'd strongly recommend that you place your orders asap.
For reference, please find below are the Royal Mail recommended dates:
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND: Monday 6th December
ASIA & FAR EAST: Wednesday 8th December
USA & CANADA: Monday 13th December
EUROPE: Thursday 16th December, however please note that unfortunately at this time we're still unable to ship to our lovely EU customers
UK 1ST CLASS DELIVERY: Friday 17th December 12PM
UK EXPRESS DELIVERY: Friday 17th December 12PM
Please note that Friday 17th is the last date that we'll be sending out orders... any orders placed after 12PM on Friday 17th will be sent out when we return to work on Monday 10th January 2022.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all very much for your custom, and for supporting my small business throughout 2021.
I know that times are still strange, however I'd like to wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and here's to life getting back to some sort of normality in the New Year.
All the very best,
Karen xx