OTTOBRE design® spring / summer 2/2021

Hi our dear Readers, During the past year people all over the world have had to get used to keeping to themselves and staying at home. However, every cloud has a silver lining. Even though for some people life has turned into an arduous struggle to survive and find peace of mind, others have discovered totally new aspects of themselves, such as the ability to cope and to learn new things. Consequently, sewing machines have been whirring away, knitting pins have been clicking and kitchens have been filled with the smell of freshly baked bread more than ever before. All of us are naturally looking forward to returning to the “old normal” as soon as possible. While waiting for that to happen, we can dream about the coming summer and start planning our clothes for it. Open your wardrobe and go through the clothes from previous summers. Save your favorites and take the not-so-successful purchases stuffed to the back of the shelves to be recycled, thus combining utility and pleasure. As you clear your wardrobe, you clear your thinking, and choosing new sewing patterns and fabrics becomes a lot easier. Since travelling abroad is still out of the question, the imaginary settings for presenting our spring and summer collection in this magazine were designed to be located close to home. The past year has made us realize that our home can be a base for enjoying small daily “adventures”, such as a trip to a nearby park or forest, or a morning walk in a side street. Or the adventure can involve submerging oneself into the world of an addictive book or movie, or savoring music that one likes. Learning and practicing a new sewing technique, or exploring new colors, sewing patterns and clothing items can also be an adventure. We have learned that the most important thing in life is to be present in the moment. We need to keep our eyes and ears open, to be aware of what we do and to put our heart into everything we do. To be mindful of the moment, whether alone or with others. Wishing you a bright and creative spring, Your OTTOBRE design Team