sisterMAG 68 - Mountain Life by sisterMAG

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Photos: Alex Sutter & Chiara Noack & Kathleen Springer

Editorial MOUNTAIN

LIFE

Co-founder Toni Sutter in sisterMAG Patterns Jacket N°12-2 Straight, cozy jacket with flap pocket

Peak Les Alpes girl‘s funnel neck jumper via BONGENIE GRIEDER

Boots with stocking trouser shaft from ZARA

London Travel Guide 2024 Edition from Seasons Boutique

I recently read an interview* with ex-Open AI manager Zack Kass, who spoke about the future of humans in the emerging age of artificial intelligence (AI). Age because Zack Kass sees AI as not just as one more technological innovation, but as a quantum leap. He expects artificial intelligence to provide the solution to all scientific questions resulting in us all no longer having to work and, in the long term, no longer needing to create economic value at all, as everything will be available in abundance thanks to AI. I asked myself several questions while reading the article: What are we humans going to do with the time we will be gaining? ;-) On an operational level as a magazine maker and content creator, I‘m already asking myself what will happen to us in times of artificial intelligence, where the right prompts at ChatGPT already deliver the complete article plus the corresponding translation for every conceivable topic and the image service Midjourney delivers the matching images. Will we soon just be operators of the artificial machine, inputting the right key points and receiving the finished product?

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The little felt mice from Oh Hedwig - hand-felted, with their own „biography“ and lots of lovely details

DMC vintage wooden cabinet with winter colors

Happy Crackers made from fabric and for „reusing again and again“

And what will this do to human creativity and intelligence? I believe that this is precisely the crucial point that shows what our task will be in the future: We are the ones who created, devised, conceived all the data that is now enabling AI to deliver such extraordinary results. Also, unlike algorithms, we humans are not logical. It is precisely this irrationality and susceptibility to error that has led to new things being created again and again.

the quotes from our four mountain lovers show, this is where you can find the peace and quiet you need to find yourself, recharge your batteries and generate new ideas. Perhaps this is why so many traditional crafts have been created in the mountains. We take you on a tour of crafts through the Alpine republic of „Switzerland“ and introduce you to Thomas Lampert, a traditional craftsman in the Lower Engadine. Of course, we also provide plenty of inspiration to get started yourself. Evi and the sisterMAG Patterns team have developed a variety of modern patterns (without a computer program - still „old-fashioned“ on the dressmaker‘s dummy and with handdrawn patterns) that invite you to sew. We have a whole range of DIYs for all crafters: Marie has created greeting cards, napkins with skiers and small origami mountains to match our main theme of „mountain life“, which are

We at sisterMAG have been concentrating on precisely this „errorprone“ aspect for some time now: Manual work, craftsmanship and doit-yourself. Right now, we don‘t just want to be the operator of a machine, we want to be creative ourselves. In our sisterMAG No. 68 issue, we focused on a place that for many is the exact opposite of the modern, digitized world: the mountains. As sister-mag.com

MOUNTAIN iPhone case model Derby Race from BURGA

The successor to blogging. Anyone who wants interesting, personal articles without an algorithm: • JENNY SAIS QUOI by Jenny Walton • CRAZY. MAD. JOY by Joy Cho • THE LOVE LIST by Jess Graves

LIFE

Rediscovered after years: Pampuschen slippers in Grace check gray

Solange Shoulder Bag Croco Brown from Looks Like Summer

perfect for the Christmas and winter season. If you fancy felt as a mountain material, you will find two Christmas projects. As always, we are looking forward to your reactions to our issue and we would of course also be interested in your thoughts on the topic of AI. Feel free to write to us about this (and all other topics) at mail@sister-mag.com.

Foto: Alex Sutter

Yours, Toni

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MOUNTAIN IMAGERY

At the beginning of our sisterMAG trip to the mountains, we were wondering where we could find the visual worlds that were buzzing around in our heads. Simple stock images from the mountains - HDR constructed and seen a thousand times - were not going to do this issue justice.

So we were all the more pleased when we not only found many wonderful photos and panoramas on sisterMAG founder Alex‘s phone, which you can find throughout the magazine. We also got a fabulous tip from our video team at BOHEI Film. You find photos by Chiara Noack throughout the magazine, who kindly provided us with a whole gallery of beautiful mountain photos. Chiara also sometimes works for sisterMAG Studio on set as director. You can find her pictures on the intermediate pages of this issue.

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We also asked relatives, friends and acquaintances what the mountains mean to them. Everyone seems to get poetic in the face of the heights. Many thanks to Anna, Ati, Ben & Nina for sharing their thoughts with us. Have fun with this issue full of peaks and valleys!

LIFE

Photos: Chiara Noack

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TABLE OF CONTENT MOUNTAIN

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Frosty elegance

The best AppliquéBooks for special projects

The patterns from our cover, the beauty look and behind the scenes

Our favourites

The shirt dress

My Sewing Story with Estelle

Evi Neubauer on the the creation of our new favourite pattern

French sewing blogger Estelle @madeinestel shares her sewing biography

DIY Tour through the Alps

A Canvas in White

We explore the French city of Chambéry and take a tiny tour through South Tyrol

Our new sisterMAG fashion collection with white skirts

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In Focus: Appliqué

On the “lack of connectivity” and the resulting craftsmanship in the mountains

We explore the textile and craft technique “Appliqué“

by Toni Sutter

Floral Corsage A quick DIY project with a big impact: appliqué textile flower

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104

LIFE

144

Traditional crafts in the mountains

Blogger DIY ideas with felt With Darlene Brink and Emily Steffen from oh yay studio

Typical but little-known handicraft techniques in the Alps

152

116

Set the table Alpine and festive DIY-Ideas for our Table of the Month

Portrait of Alpine craft businesses: Schmid Lampert

164

We talk to a Schmid from Fuschina da Guarda

6 8

Gift sets for DIY-Lovers

126

Portrait of Alpine craft businesses: Das Ganze Leben We talk to the carpentry business „Das Ganze Leben“

136

The material felt The origins and uses of a material that we associate with the mountains

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CONTRIBUTORS

TEX T

PH OTO & VIDE O

PROOF & TRA N S LATI ON

Joshua Chiger

Manos Aronis

Joshua Chiger

joshuachiger.myportfolio.com

aronisvisions.com

joshuachiger.myportfolio.com

Evi Neubauer

Darlene Brink

Alex Kords

@neu1bauer

darlanebrink.com

kords.net

Michael Neubauer

Gabriela Morales

Amie McCracken

@dottore.mick

@gabimogo

amiemccracken.com

Alex Sutter

Chiara Noack

Tessa Saville

@sutteralex

@chiara_georgina

Antonia Sutter

Kathleen Springer

@tonneu

kathleenspringer.de

Nadja Wieser

@tonneu

Emily Steffen ohyaystudio.com

M O D EL S

Alex Sutter @sutteralex

D I YS & I LLU S TRATI ON

Nina Engert ninaengert.com

Darlene Brink

Cansu Öksüz

darlenebrink.com

cansu-oek.com

Marie Darme-Rizzo

S TYL IN G

@casa_malo

Evi Neubauer

@neu1bauer

Emily Steffen

Hürriyet Bulan

ohyaystudio.com

botanic-art.de

Thea Wittemann

Joshua Chiger

@thneu

joshuachiger.myportfolio.com

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SEWING PATTERNS

OU R COV E R

68-3 Mini skirt with appliquéed flowers

10-9 Hip pencil skirt with appliqué flowers

67-3 Fleecesweater with attached scarf

14-9 Short flared

68-6 Knit sleeveless shirt with epaulets and pocket

14-5 Bell shirt with

MODEL

Nina Engert OUTFIT Evi Neubauer PHOTOGRAPHER Kathleen Springer

Many thanks to the

with beaded hem

whole team who created

pleats in fronz panel

our beautiful fashion line and our new cover. You can find our cover dress as sewing pattern in the @sistermagpatterns Online Shop.

68-5 Jacket with crochet details

68-8 Straight shirt dress with epaulets

13-4 Short Bomber jacket in quilted or fleece

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COVER SHOOTING

In front of the breathtaking backdrop of the snowy Alps ( in our studio in Berlin ;)), the cover outfit of this sisterMAG issue 68 unfolds as a true winter dream combination. At its center is a short bomber jacket made of quilted fabric in a deep dark green, not only providing protection from the cold but also adding a touch of urban chic to the wintry landscape. In the following pages, we not only want to showcase the outfit and new patterns from sisterMAG Patterns but also share a few words about the cover. Because this cover has a very personal story.

WINTER‘S GRACE

A TALE OF FROSTY ELEGANCE IN GREEN AND WHITE ON THE COVER OF SISTERMAG N°68

Photos: Kathleen Springer

Model: Nina Engert

Dog: Finn

Clothing & Styling: Evi Neubauer

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Discover Our Latest Pattern: The Cozy Short Zip-up Bomber Jacket in Two Variations. A versatile pattern for trendy and comfortable jackets, perfect for showcasing your individual style. Sewing instructions included, suitable for both beginners and advanced sewers. A must-have for your handmade wardrobe!

Shop

S H O RT B O M B E R JAC K E T

SKIRT

65-7 Six Panel Skirt ***

BLOUSE

COMING SOON

Short bomber jacket in 2 variations* JACKET

SHOES NECKTIE EARRINGS

Kurt Geiger Vintage Leather Necktie Swarovski

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The snow-covered Alps are not just a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts but also the stage for fashion statements that blend functionality and elegance. Amidst the winter splendor of the Alps, there‘s a particular allure to donning a quilted outfit in a deep green – a color seamlessly blending into the majestic landscape. The look reminiscent of the elegance of St. Moritz, where tradition and luxury go hand in hand.

The combination of technical quilted fabric and stylish cuts not only creates a harmonious fusion of fashion and nature but also bestows upon the wearer a luxurious sense of warmth and

Shop

S I X PA N E L S K I RT

comfort. Demonstrating the adaptability of even timehonored patterns, we showcase this outfit featuring the SixPanel Skirt, our shop‘s bestseller of the year. Noteworthy is its popularity, having been crafted by us and numerous influencers (e.g. @madeinstel oder @happy_ as_a_bee_). However, this quilted version introduces a novel twist to this beloved classic! sister-mag.com

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„When my mother, Evi, was planning the outfit for our sisterMAG issue in the September months, the question arose for me: What background should accompany it? Can we realize a trip to Switzerland? The answer was: No. Could I find a beautiful image or even an illustration online that captured the mountain theme in the background? Again, the answer was: There are many kitschy motifs online, but none were high-resolution or aesthetically pleasing enough. I had a specific vision in mind for how the cover should look. In a rather sleepless night, I finally pinpointed it: I was thinking of the watercolors by a distant relative that always hung in the living room of my paternal grandparents during my childhood.

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This relative, Karl Winkler, was an architect by profession and my grandmother‘s cousin. Throughout his life, he painted nature, cities, and landscapes both in Saxony and in his later hometown of Kochel am See. One such watercolor was discovered by my cousin, and after having to purchase a scanner, I was able to digitize the watercolor (original size 30 x 20 cm) and print it on fabric thanks to a wonderful printing company in Karlstein. The result turned out even more beautiful than I had imagined – I hope you see it that way too. And by the way: I found the skis and sled on the barn attic of my maternal grandmother this time ;).“ – THEA WITTEMANN

BEHINDTHESCENES 19

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THE BEAUTY Tutorial

BEAUTY LOOK

Dive into the world of frosty elegance with our exclusive beauty look for the cover model of sisterMAG Issue 68. Inspired by the wintry splendor of the Alps and the style of St. Moritz, we show you how to create the ‚Frosty Elegance‘ look yourself. Natural colors, radiant complexion, and a touch of glamour – perfectly suited to the snow-covered backdrop of the cover.

Skin

Cleansing Facial Toner – DR. HAUSCHKA

Before applying makeup, start by cleansing the skin. Then, create a good base with moisturizer. Moisturizer Lait-

Next, use a primer for an even complexion. Then, begin with the base for a beautiful, uniform makeup: Concealer Secret Camouflage

Concealer Nr. 3/5 – L AURA MERCIER

Crème Concentré – EMBRYOLISSE

Primer Pure Canvas

Blurring Primer – L AURA MERCIER

Rouge Cheeks out

Freestyle Cream Blush – Soft Baby Pink – FENT Y BEAUT Y

Foundation

Teint Luminous Silk Nr. 3.5/4 – ARMANI

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Highlighter Shade &

Illuminator Contour Duo Nr. 0.5 – TOM Powder Translucent FORD – L AURA MERCIER

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BEAUTY LOOK sister-mag.com

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Eyes Eyeshadow

Mascara

The Uptown Girl / the sophisticate – CHARLOT TE

Inimitable – CHANEL

TILBURY

Eyeliner

Lippen

Eyebrows

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Nr. 88 & 152 – CHANEL

La Palette Sourcils 01 light – CHANEL 24-Hr Brow Setter – BENEFIT

Lipstick

Nr. 53 Chicness – CHANEL

Lip Treatment

Eight Hour Cream – ELIZABETH ARDEN

Hair

Start by spraying the hair with volumizing spray and lightly shaping it with a curling iron for subtle and gentle waves. For the wet look, use hair oil and sea salt spray – this gives the appearance of moist hair. To add more texture and movement to the hair, you can also apply gel to specific areas. Hair Oil MARO CCANOIL

Curling iron

GHD Curve Creative Curl Volume

Bed Head Spray: Queen for a Day – TIGI

Sea Salt Spray

More Inside – DAVINES

Hair Gel

Krystal Professional Styling Gel – ECO sisterMAG 68 | 2023

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One

LIFE

Three What made you want to

What was your first contact with sewing? Do you come from a family of sewers?

start sewing?

Sewing was a total discovery for me and I didn‘t know where it was going to take me.

My Mom and my godmother were both dressmakers for luxury brands, but I‘d never been interested. I‘ve always loved dressing up. It‘s important to me, so I think it was my love of clothes and materials that led me to couture.

Four What was your first ever selfmade garment?

It was a lovely blouse that I still wear today. It‘s sewn in a beautiful white jacquard.

Two When and how did you

start sewing? Are you self-taught or with a course?

Five What is the next project on your sewing to-do-list?

It was a bit of an adventure by chance, as I‘d never sewn before. I fell in love with a pretty little blouse. I quickly inquired about its provenance and realized that the garment had been made by the person wearing it. I didn‘t think it was possible to sew your own clothes at home, or at least it had never occurred to me... So I set off on my own!

A coat in a gorgeous Tartan wool. I can‘t wait to get started.

@madeinestel

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Six Where do you find inspiration for your sewing projects?

Everything is a source of inspiration! I have to admit that fashion magazines and catwalk shows give me the trends.

Seven What are your favorite sewing channels or accounts?

Instagram and Pinterest are truly super-powered networks that I use extensively to research fashion and style.

Eight

What is your favorite fabric to work with? I love tweed because the interplay of interwoven fibers is so creative! You want to tell us your story and how you started your craft? Send us an email to mail@sister-mag.com

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@madeinestel

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Photo: Chiara Noack

We enjoy the mountains - the tranquility the distinctive smell - the wind rustling

through the pine trees. ATI

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W H I T E

SKIRTS

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S E W I N G P AT T E R N S B Y S I S T E R M A G P AT T E R N S

A CANVAS IN WHITE

C l o t h i n g D e s i g n : E V I N E U B AU E R Model: CANSU ÖKSÜZ P h o t o s : K AT H L E E N S P R I N G E R Vi d e o : M A N O S A RO N I S Produc tion: THEA WIT TEMANN S e t d e s i g n & Po s t Vi d e o : J O S H UA C H I G E R

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Pattern Overview 68-3 Mini skirt with flowers

10-9 Low-rise Pencil Skirt with Appliqué Flowers

67-3 Fleece Sweater with Attached Scarf

14-9 Short Flared

67-9 Longuette Skirt Without Waistband

14-5 Bell Skirt with

Skirt with Beaded Hem sister-mag.com

Pleats in Front Panel

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68-6 Knit Sleeveless Shirt with Epaulets and Pockets

65-7 Pocket & Swinging Six-Panel Skirt

68-5 Transitional Jacket with Crochet Details

68-8 Military Style Shirt Dress

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

68-3

MINI SKIRT WITH FLOWERS BEGINNER

This flamboyant mini skirt is a statement piece that ensures all eyes are on you. What makes this easy mini skirt item truly unique and irresistible are the appliquéd flowers that adorn it, creating a visually appealing ensemble. Each flower is artfully tweaked for the perfect placement, their subtle aesthetic aligned with the latest style trends. This mini skirt is not just about making a fashion statement; it‘s about experiencing the sheer joy of owning a piece of art.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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RECOMMENDED FABRICS: Twill or gabardine made of cotton, blended fabric, or wool. A fabric that is not too thin is recommended. FABRIC REQUIREMENTS: » 0.5 m / 20 inches for a fabric width of 1.40 m / 55 inches » 0.5 m / 20 inches lining fabric » 0.5 m / 20 inches nylon fabric for the flowers

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

10-9

LOW-RISE PENCIL SKIRT WITH APPLIQUÉ FLOWERS

A D VA N C E D

Awaken your inner craftsperson with this stunning low-rise pencil skirt pattern featuring charming appliqué flowers. Ideal for those who adore personalizing their wardrobe and adding a unique touch to their style. The pattern is designed for a low-rise fit; you can wear it with a belt or without. The appliqué flowers provide a delightful flourish, perfect for those who love to flaunt their creativity. With this downloadable pattern, you can craft your own fashionable piece at the comfort of your home. The pattern includes detailed step-by-step instructions to guide you through every stage of the process, from cutting out the pattern to the final stitches. Whether you‘re an experienced sewist or a crafting enthusiast looking to try something new, this pattern is a must-have addition to your collection.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

67-3

FLEECE SWEATER WITH ATTACHED SCARF A D VA N C E D

A warm and stylish fleece sweater with an attached scarf. This model requires little or almost no ironing. Many seamstresses have an overlock machine, so fleece fabrics are easy to work with. The sweater features decorative stitches. The fabrics parts are not sewn right sides together, but on top of each other. The ironing of the seams is therefore omitted.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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RECOMMENDED FABRICS: All types of fleece fabrics such as mouflon, merino fleece, fuller‘s wool. Fabrics that do not need to be serged are best suited. FABRIC REQUIREMENTS: FABRIC WIDTH: 1,4 m | 56 in » Size 36: 1.4 m / 56 in » Size 50: 1.9m / 75 in

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

14-9

SHORT FLARED SKIRT WITH BEADED HEM A D VA N C E D

This flared A-line skirt from sisterMAG issue 14 is ideally made from a cotton fabric with stand. It has an embroidered hem and ends above the knee. It sits on the waist and can be perfectly combined with blouses and high heels, for example. But the skirt is also perfect for everyday wear at the office. And as you can see here: with a thick sweater, the skirt becomes a winter favorite. Don‘t forget thick tights ;)!

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

LONGUETTE SKIRT WITHOUT WAISTBAND BEGINNER

This skirt is an absolute silhouette flatterer. Have you ever wondered why elegant pencil skirts with a „simple“ pattern never quite look like the ones in our favorite shows like Suits or Mad Men? It‘s because of the cut. Our 67-9 longuette skirt without a waistband will serve you well with a super elegant silhouette.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

14-5

BELL SKIRT WITH PLEATS IN FRONT PANEL

BEGINNER

Create your own stylish skirt with pleats in the front panel. Perfect for any season and any occasion, this skirt will quickly become a go-to in your wardrobe. Do it yourself and add a unique flair to your wardrobe. With the Bell Skirt, you can choose any fabric of your choice, add any embellishments you desire, and customize it to fit you perfectly. For this season, we embellished it with handmade white flowers that are attached with push buttons for easy washing.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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RECOMMENDED FABRICS: All fabrics that do not fall flowing are suitable. FABRIC REQUIREMENTS: » 1.8 m / 0.7 in outer fabric for a fabric width of 1.5 m / 0.6 in

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

68-6

KNIT SLEEVELESS SHIRT WITH EPAULETS AND POCKET BEGINNER

The design features a chic sleeveless shirt, constructed of two types of jersey knit for ultimate comfort and style. The shirt‘s chest pocket adds a touch of utility to the overall style, while its fitted silhouette compliments every figure. For an extra stylish twist, we‘ve included striking epaulettes. This shirt is stretchy enough to move with you, ensuring your comfort all day long. What‘s more, the laid-back design allows for easy dressing up or down, making it a versatile addition to any outfit.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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RECOMMENDED FABRICS: Stretch knit fabrics such as jersey, fleece, knitwear. Ribbing (1.4 m fabric width or as tubular goods). FABRIC REQUIREMENTS: FABRIC WIDTH 1.4 M | 56 IN » Size 34: 60 cm | 23 in jersey knit + 20 cm | 8 in ribbing » Size 50: 65 cm | 26 in jersey knit + 20 cm | 8 in ribbing

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

65-7

SWINGING SIXPANEL SKIRT BEGINNER

A favorite of the team and of YOU! Our bestseller of the year is the six-panel skirt, and rightly so! Six identical panels form a skirt without a waistband. In this version made of wool fabric, the panels are decorated with piping seams along the center. This creates the illusion of 12 panels. Whether made from fine silk or a woolly fabric, this skirt creates a wonderful waistline and is also relatively quick to sew! Win-win-sparkle, so to speak!

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

68-8

STRAIGHT SHIRT DRESS WITH EPAULETS A D VA N C E D

It‘s modern, it‘s chic, and just super comfortable. The poplin dress embraces the concept of a straight uniform, giving a very elegant and graceful touch to a pragmatic garment. Stylish lines and a super straight silhouette are embellished by unexpected details such as the flower corsage, the epaulets, and different flap pockets. The pattern can be done in three different versions: sleeveless, short or long sleeves.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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RECOMMENDED FABRICS: Cotton fabric with a small amount of elastane FABRIC REQUIREMENTS: Fabric width 1,4m | 56 in » Size 36: 2,1 m | 83 in » Size 42: 2,45 m | 96.5 in » Size 50: 2,80 m | 111 in

S H O P PAT T E R N

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SIZES 34-50 (EU) | 4-20 (US)

68-5

TRANSITIONAL JACKET WITH CROCHET DETAILS MEDIUM

You‘ll be one step ahead of this season‘s fashion with this transitional jacket that seamlessly combines style and comfort. The jacket has a straight cut and a sophisticated loose fit thanks to the three-button fastening. The crocheted lapel collar and crocheted pockets add a touch of cozy chic to the overall style. But the real highlight is the lapel collar, which you can easily turn up to create a new look. The structured silhouette is completed with shoulder pads that are reminiscent of 80s fashion.

S H O P PAT T E R N

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RECOMMENDED FABRICS: Robust cotton woven fabrics, leather, wool fabrics, and mixed fabrics with stand

S H O P PAT T E R N 71

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INTRO Hochzeitskleid von Kaviar Gauche

And Other Stories

Appliqué Blumen für Rock 68-3 sisterMAG Pattern

And Other Stories

Villa Laetitia in Rom

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Text: ANTONIA SUTTER

White and gray skirts with floral appliqués dominated the Prada FW23 collection. It was also the first time I had consciously heard the term „appliqué“ and since then I found it everywhere. Reason enough to take a closer look at this handmade technique. So, first of all:

What is APPLIQUÉ? A quick Internet research shows the

the first place through the Prada

following definition:

collection.

Appliqué is ornamental needlework

You can also make your own „appliqué“

in which pieces or patches of fabric

with our DIYs and sewing projects.

in different shapes and patterns are

Take a look at our 68-9 Floral Cloth

sewn or stuck onto a larger piece of

Corsage or the 68-3 Mini skirt with

fabric. The technique is accomplished

appliqueed flowers.

either by hand stitching or machine. Appliqué is commonly practised with textiles, but the term may be applied to similar techniques used on different materials. In the context of .com

ceramics, for example, an appliqué

Prada Fall/Winter 2023 | catwalkpictures

is a separate piece of clay added to the primary work, generally for the purpose of decoration. Since

then,

found

examples

everywhere. Especially in the white form, which aroused my interest in

*Quelle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appliqu%C3%A9

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DIY FLORAL

BROOCH

APPLIQUÉ

USE CODE 0“ „ F LOW E R 1 0 E TO GET TH OR P AT T E R N F FREE

sisterMAG Patterns

// IDEA: Evi Neubauer // PHOTOS: Gabriela Morales GO TO SHOP

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Inspired by the runways of the world, here comes the sisterMAG Floral Corsage Flower that we‘ve been wearing as an appliqué on skirts, blouses, or dresses in recent weeks. It bears a slight resemblance to a bellflower or even brings to mind a tie with pointed leaves. Would you like to make one too? Nothing easier than that!

You can find the pattern for this blosW AT C H THE VIDEO

som in our shop. In the video on the left, you can also see exactly how the flower is made. For all sisterMAG readers, we have a code „FLOWER100“ that you can use to receive the pattern for free. You‘ll need fabric scraps, beads, a pin for sewing, and pearl cotton for this.

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Tutorial Place the two cut-outs „large flower“ right sides together and sew all around, leaving out an opening as marked. Cut back seam allowance at the tips at an angle. Turn the piece, shape the edges and press. Sew the opening closed by hand. Mark the starting point for the small flowers (*). Place flower stems lengthwise, right sides together, and top stitch close to edge. Use a crochet hook to turn the stems. Cut beading thread twice the length of each stem. Pull through the flower stalks with a needle, thread a bead and pull the thread back through the stalk. The bead forms the end of the flower stem. Place the cut pieces for the small flowers around one flower stem at a time, (*) the pearl should be visible. Sew in place at the top using the sewing machine, leaving the sewing threads very long and wrapping them around the end of the flower stem. Hide with a needle. Wrap the resulting small flowers in the large petal, (*) note. Place the petal parts right sides together and sew the sides together close to the edge. Turn-over. Pull the calyx over the stems. At the top end, machine stitch again and wrap with the long sewing threads, hide. Sew a pin to the back of the calyx. FINISHED

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INCREDIBLE APPLIQUÉ BOOKS TO MAKE YOUR

CREATIONS STAND OUT

Whether you‘re an experienced stitcher or just getting started, you want to make sure you have the right materials to perfect your appliqué projects. To make things easier, we have rounded up the best books for appliqué that will take your needlework to a whole new level. From essential techniques to eye-catching designs, these guides will provide you with all the inspiration and instruction you need to create stunning works of fabric art. You‘ll learn about the basics of appliqué, pick up helpful tips for working with fabrics and threads, discover creative ideas to dress up a variety of materials, and explore techniques for giving your projects a professional touch. With the useful information found in these books, you‘ll be able to make anything from quilts and clothes to handbags and home decoration. So grab your needles and let‘s get started!

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138 Original Appliqué Designs Yoko Saito is a famous designer who has created a book with 138 amazing appliqué designs! The designs come in all kinds of sizes, so they‘re great for both kids and grown-ups. Plus, there are 20 fun projects to make, like bags, pouches, and even a special eyeglasses case. Each project combines appliqué, patchwork,

FOR BEGINNERS

and embroidery.

Appliqué: The Basics & Beyond This book has 144 pages full of pictures and information to help you learn about appliqué. It has tips to teach a beginner or help an experienced appliqué artist. There are chapters about the supplies you need, getting ready to appliqué, stitching, decorating and projects. At the end of the book, you can use the included fullsize template to make seven projects and practice your appliqué techniques.

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The Big Book of Pretty & Playful Appliqué Carol Armstrong has come up with a new way to appliqué. In her book, she has gathered 162 full-size patterns of pretty flowers, soaring birds, and cuddly pets, like cats and dogs. With her light box appliqué technique, you can bring the creatures to life with twinkling eyes, delicate wings and wiggly whiskers - and it‘s easy to do, even if you‘re a beginner!

Simple Appliqué: Approachable Techniques, Easy Methods, Beautiful Results! Find out how best-selling author Kim Diehl creates her unique style! In this helpful guide, she reveals the techniques she uses, such as invisible machine-appliqué, wool-appliqué, needle-turn and fusible techniques. Learn how to make your projects look just like Kim‘s!

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William Morris in Appliqué Create something beautiful with William Morris‘ designs! Mix and match over 50 appliqué motifs to make quilts, cushions, and wall hangings. Get creative and capture the glory of Morris‘ designs!

Appliqué Takes Wing: Exquisite Designs for Birds, Butterflies and More Create amazing designs with appliqué artist Jane Townswick! Her new book has 12 block patterns with unique ideas, like adding sparkly fabric. Jane also shares her tips for perfect stitches and free-form shapes. You can make a hummingbird, dragonfly, monarch butterfly, and more. Get your wings ready and get creative!

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Bowl Me over: A Bounty of Tiny Pillows to Enjoy Every Day Stitch up sweet little pillows with just scraps of fabric, bits of thread, fiberfill stuffing, and embellishments! Debbie’s easy wool-appliqué techniques, embroidery stitches, and finishing steps make it easy to make 30 petite bowl fillers for your home. Use them to welcome guests, delight family and friends, or as pincushions filled with crushed walnut shells. With a folk-art flair that encourages creativity, you’ll love the heartwarming results!

Zakka Wool Appliqué: 60+ Sweetly Stitched Designs, Useful Projects for Joyful Living Minki Kim has designed some amazing illustrations that you can make with a sewing machine. And if you‘re new to sewing, she has 63 colorful designs perfect for hand stitching. You can also use them to make six fun items, like a purse, some coasters, and a sewing case. Finally, you can turn your work into presents for family and friends, or just use it to brighten up your room.

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TEXT & DESIGN by Evi Neubauer PHOTOS by Thea Wittemann sister-mag.com

Foto: catwalkpictures.com

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What you don‘t realize just by looking at the patterns in our shop: Each design is the result of many thoughts and considerations by our designer (and mom) Evi. That‘s why we‘d like to share some of them with you for pattern 68-8.

»Always a bit boring and unimaginative, that‘s what I used to think about shirt dresses. Memories of my grandma‘s nylon and perlon pinafores came to mind. I also remembered the cotton aprons, lavishly embroidered, adorned with piping, or made from beautifully patterned fabrics in creative cuts.

She used to wear them before those oh-so-practical perlon aprons became a part of her daily life. I managed to save a few of those. But now, shirt dresses have taken over social media. Particularly beautiful ones come from Carolina Herrera and, of course, Prada.

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Incorporating style elements like epaulets, ties, polo closures, high collars, and pockets in unconventional places within a simple design makes it intriguing for me to sew a shirt dress. Yet, it‘s not quite as simple as it seems. Once again, I wonder, why do these dresses not appear the least bit dull or frumpy? Is it the cut, the fabrics, or just the accessories? Everything intertwined. The challenge of creating a pattern that is slimming (who doesn‘t need that), allows for freedom of movement, and has an unusual silhouette is exactly why sewing still gives me so much joy. The prototype was finished at some point. I was satisfied. Now Toni and Thea will each get a variation. The pattern will then be graded for sisterMAG Patterns and will hopefully find a few seamstresses who dare to sew and wear this somewhat different shirt dress.«

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This dress is available as a pattern in the sisterMAG Patterns Shop. Find three different variations:

68-8 without sleeves

68-8 short sleeves

68-8 long sleeves

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Toni wears the version with short sleeves, Evi with long sleeves and Thea without sleeves. If you dare to try the pattern, you can show off many sewing techniques: a long polo closure at the front, flap pockets or the classic skirt slit are integrated in the pattern and partly explained with videos.

The pattern was sewn by some testers of the #sisterMAG68 tester campaign and you can see their results under the hashtag of the pattern #sisterMAGpattern688

G O TO SHOP

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Recommended fabrics: Cotton fabric with a small amount of elastane

Fabric consumption

for a fabric width of 1,4 m | 56 in Size 36: 2,1 m | 83 in Size 42: 2,45 m | 96.5 in Size 50: 2,80 m | 111 in If fabric with a different width is used or a special pattern has to be observed, the fabric consumption will change accordingly.

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Photo: Chiara Noack

Mountains are unconditional. A haven for me. A place of intense emotion, feeling alive, and discovery. A place of refuge, a place where I can run further and higher than ever before. A place that anchors me and keeps me grounded. They create peace, clarity, and gratitude in my life. NINA

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MOUNTA I N LIFE Photo: Chiara Noack

and traditional crafts

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The fascinating world in the mountains has always exerted a unique attraction. But for a long time, life among these majestic peaks was strenuous and arduous, characterized by loneliness, the forces of nature and seclusion. It was only with the possibilities of modernity that the mountain world „opened up“ to the outside world.

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are still an integral part of the region‘s architecture. But it‘s not just the traditional crafts, but also many new ones that build on traditions from the Alps. Due to a lack of connectivity, the focus is on the essentials: the craftsmanship that has been cultivated in the mountains for generations, further developed for the modern age. In our interviews, we introduce you to Thomas Lampert, who covers a broad spectrum in his forge from knives to railings and for whom online sale all over the world is the most important channel or and the furniture brand „Das ganze Leben“, which designs and manufactures furniture for life.

This special situation has given rise to a great deal of creativity and craftsmanship in the past. We would like to show you a few of these traditional crafts using Switzerland as an example. Many are only kept alive by a few, mainly in museums, while others, such as the sgraffito art from the Engadin,

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Handmade Lover‘s Tour through Chambéry and South Tyrol

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Welcome to the Alps, not only an impressive retreat for nature lovers but also a source of endless creative possibilities for DIY enthusiasts! Amidst majestic mountain peaks and idyllic mountain villages, a fascinating world of doit-yourself shops and inspiring places is hidden, connecting Alpine culture and the passion for craftsmanship. The Alps are renowned not only for their imposing beauty but also for a vibrant DIY scene that seamlessly blends with the traditional craftsmanship of the region. From rustic workshops in the valleys to modern creative hubs in the mountain towns, there is a variety of stores that cater to everything a DIY enthusiast desires. As the Alpine world is vast and diverse, in this feature, we‘ll initially focus on two regions: the town of Chambéry in France and South Tyrol in Italy. However, we will steadily expand our map (here), so send us your tips!

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Chambéry, located in the AuvergneRhône-Alpes is not simply a city steeped in history, but a true paradise for nature lovers! The largest natural lake in France, Lake Bourget, is located to the north, and the Coteaux de la Combe de Savoie Vineyards located to the south; an incredible sight for anyone interested in wine and nature, however, that is not the only thing the region has to offer: Several nature parks in Chambéry’s immediate vicinity delight visitors

nks a h t y n Ma from e n n A to for y r é b m Cha ps i t t a e r the g

from all over the world, from hiking trail adventures to shaded forests, and panoramic views, the nature parks offer unforgettable naturelover experiences.

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When you think of Chambéry and the AuvergneRhône-Alpes, you should not simply think of its unique nature but also of the city- and region’s long history. The first settlements were founded here more than two millennia ago. Even today, Chambéry is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, quaint little streets, and inviting shops. Our reader, Anne, lives in Chambéry and has compiled a few of her favorite shops and places for self-guided tour aficionados. Views of Chambéry

(1) La Mercerie Café Créatif Centrally located, just 2 steps away from the famous Place des Éléphants, the symbol of the city of Chambéry.

La Mercerie Café Créatif @lamercerie cafecreatif

A place with numerous workshops to learn new creative techniques and engage in artistic exchanges. Excellent guidance and high-quality materials available at affordable prices.

(2) Sudocoud

Sudocoud

For original fabrics, haberdashery, and the charming shop located in one

@sudocoud

of the oldest streets in the city: Rue Juiverie.

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Tissus du Viviers A little out of town, but easy to reach by car with parking and easy

Tissus du Viviers in Le Viviers du Lac @tissusdeviviers

access: large selection of fabrics, haberdashery and accessories at affordable prices.

Alplaine Located a bit outside, easily accessible by car with parking facilities and

Alplaine in Drumettaz-Clarafond @alplaine

straightforward access. Offers a wide selection of fabrics at affordable prices, along with a diverse range of haberdashery and accessories.

MORE TIPS Cely Boutique

(3) Cely Boutique The boutique collaborates with artisans

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from Morocco and sells decorations such as wooden bowls, clothing, felted slippers, carpets, and much more.

Microcosme

(4) Microcosme A boutique that combines the two passions of

microcosme.store its founder, Jacques: interior decoration and plants. In his shop, you can not only purchase the microcosms of his plant creations but also find many decorative items and gifts.

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All photos: @adrienmadelon for @letoiledesalpes

L‘Étoile des Alpes

(5) L’Étoile des Alpes Products, items, and food from the Alps – in

letoiledesalpes

a charming red-and-white ambiance. The brand‘s principle is to highlight the expertise of artisans, producers, and merchants from the Alps (French or not), especially through exclusive collaborations that can be ordered online.

Côté Naturel

(6) Côté Naturel A beautiful florist in the heart of Chambéry.

fleuriste cotenaturel

As is customary when stepping into true florists, one immediately feels the urge to adorn their home with wreaths, garlands, and bouquets, making this shop always

All photos: @nadinecourtphotographe for @fleuristecotenaturel

worth a visit!

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Let‘s continue our journey in the enchanting region of South Tyrol, where breathtaking nature meets fascinating history. Places like Glurns, Bozen, Meran, and Lana are renowned not only for their picturesque landscapes but also for their rich cultural diversity. South

Tyrol

offers

diverse

opportunities for DIY enthusiasts to unleash their crafting skills and bring creative projects to life. Whether in the historic setting of Glurns, the urban vibes of Bozen, or the rural tranquility of

nks a h t y n Ma rom f e n n o to I v for l o r y T South tips t a e r g the

Lana – South Tyrol is the perfect destination for DIY lovers.

(1) Spinnradl Traditional craftsmanship since 1948 in St. Leonhard in Passeier. Spinnradl is renowned for tailored ‚PsairerSarner‘ jackets made from South Tyrolean mountain sheep‘s wool. These jackets are not only practical but also beautifully crafted, available in a variety of stunning colors.

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Spinnradl @spinnradl_ suedtirol

Photos (2+3): @benjaminpfitscher

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South Tyrolean views (Photos: Daniel Schwarz)

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Das Himmelblaue Gartenhaus Wollraum

Fili in Libertà – Nadia Izzo Traditional wool spinning – Nadia

Nadia Izzo

Izzo offers courses to learn this ageold craft.

(2) Das Himmelblaue Gartenhaus

Das Himmelblaue Gartenhaus

Offers a wide range of fabrics, yarn, sewing accessories, as well as knitting courses and knitting retreats.

@dashimmelblauegartenhaus

(3) Nähcito A sewing school in South Tyrol offering sewing, knitting, crocheting, mending, tailoring, pattern-making, patchwork, upcycling, and fashion drawing courses in South Tyrol. Nähcito

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(4) Punto e Trapunto Quilt Shop di Sabina Moretti A store in Bozen dedicated to quilting. Here,

quilting

and

patchwork

enthusiasts can find everything they need. Punto e Trapunto

@puntoetrapunto

(5) Tessil meranese Haberdashery store in Meran: In addition to all the accessories needed

for sewing and embroidery, there is also a wide selection of Italian and Tyrolean fabrics. Tessil meranese

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C M S

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Text: Michael Neubauer

CRAFTSTraditional M A N S H I P by Artists and Experts

If we look back, especially over the past 150-to-200 years, we can see that they have been characterized by constant searching, researching, trying, and testing, as we looked for increasingly more ways and ideas to make life easier, more beautiful, or bring in new things. Today, we circumvent the world at 180 km/h (111 mph) and traverse the globe, and the digital world’s latest achievements, including artificial intelligence, are not even recognizable given their original objectives. Of course, all these advances have also affected traditional activities in the trade, administration, and communication sectors, and yet, curiously, there is a desire among people not to forget the old, and even keep it alive.

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This desire is particularly widespread in the craft sector. There are two trends here: On the one hand, there is a demand for traditional craftsmanship because antiques need to be repaired, or precious old buildings can only be preserved using these methods, for example, thatch roofs by the ocean or shingle roofs and walls seen in the mountains - this includes the processing of all metal and wood using old methods to produce folklorist treasures - I am thinking of carving, wood turning, and blacksmithing. On the other hand, some techniques are simply a joy to learn and encourage people to do as the ancients did; these include ceramics, sewing, embroidery, and crocheting. And it is hard to believe that the trend toward making things yourself, with your own two hands, is greater than ever, not because you must, but because you want to.

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SWITZERLAND

Every country has its characteristics, depending on its history, geographical location, and general economic conditions, of course. As the cold season is just around the corner, and our fall/winter issue focuses on mountain worlds, our journey today takes us to Switzerland, where traditional craftsmanship is highly cherished.

Who would be surprised? People lived remotely in desolate valleys, dominated by large mountains that made it difficult to get around in the cold, dark season. Long, dark winter nights could only be endured at home in front of the warm stove, so, the house had to be prepared and there was plenty of wood to cover the roof and walls with shingles, so, people sat around the reasonably well-lit family table, painting, carving, making pottery or knitting a warm hat to fill the long Winter evenings.

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More toward the north of Eastern Switzerland and south of St. Gallen, the people of Appenzell and Toggenburg have been painting their furniture since the 16th century, often in the traditional form of rustic „peasant painting.“ Even today, ambition knows no bounds, whether it be personal motifs or typical pictures of cows and Appenzell farmhouses, the furniture is decorated just like in the olden days.

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You should now head west to reach the beautifully situated lakes of Brienz and Thun. The Swiss Woodcarving Museum is on the eastern shore of Lake Brienz in Brienz. It was founded because woodcarvers have been at home here since the beginning of the 19th century. The „School for Woodcarvers“ trains woodcarvers, as well as wood turners, basket weavers, and coopers.

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After three quarters of an hour‘s drive on the A8, along the shores of both lakes, we reach Thun on the western shore of Lake Thun. The Thun-HeimbergLangenau area is the Swiss center for handmade pottery. Small family businesses produce the popular peasant ceramics using „engobe painting“, which involves applying slip (a viscous mixture of water and minerals) to the pottery with a brush.

If you want to see houses with original wooden shingles on the walls and roof, drive southwest from Thun to the foothills of the Alps in Fribourg and Vaud, close to Lake Geneva. The shingle makers take spruce wood, split it with „feel“ and then cut out the shingle. It has become a rare trade, but a house fitted with these can last over 100 years.

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So-called Poya pictures can be found in the same area. Usually in black and white, they show the animals moving up to the mountain pastures and proudly adorn livestock farms. They are still made today, and in Bulle, there is the „le Musée gruérien.“ Switzerland is renowned for its masterful watchmaking skills. A „Fabrique“ in the SaintGervais district of Geneva is home to all the expertise of watchmakers, goldsmiths, and jewelers. In addition to watches, precious metals are also skillfully crafted here. World-famous and coveted luxury items such as the „Boules de Genève“ (Geneva balls) made of gold or „Émaux de Genève“ (Geneva Enamel) with artistic paintings enchant everyone. On the other hand, the „Poinçon de Genève“ (Geneva Seal) is a legally protected certificate of quality and origin for mechanical watches built and regulated in the canton of Geneva.

To the west of Bern lies Neuchâtel on the lake by the same name. It was here where women came together in the 17th century and founded a lace-making industry that attracted worldwide attention. They used linen and silk with a specific, characteristic pattern that was protected. The motifs changed with the fashion trends, first Mechlin lace, then Valenciennes lace, then Binche lace. Production ceased as early as 1830, as lace could be manufactured more cheaply using machines. Today, the people of Neuchâtel only make lace in their spare time. Museums in the area preserve examples of these old lace-making achievements.

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The art of paper cutting was, and is still is, widespread throughout Switzerland, especially in the Saanenland, the Simmental (between Interlaken and Lake Geneva), and in the canton of Fribourg. The most amazing works of art can be created with paper, in black and white or in color, using only scissors and a cutter. From scenes of alpine parades and cheese-making, flower patterns or typical local wooden houses to modern abstract motifs, this tradition has been preserved to this day. There is even a „Swiss Association of Friends of Silhouettes.“ Silk ribbon and ribbon weaving was at home in the Basel, Aargau, and Solothurn regions until 2004. Silk ribbon weaving was introduced to the Basel region in the 16th century by Italian and French religious refugees, and led to a widespread cottage industry. It left a lasting mark on the country. The information brochure „Living Traditions of Switzerland“ reports:

„Homework is still present in the architecture of the villages in Basel. The typical Posamenter houses are small farmhouses with a small utility area next to the large living area. In the stately houses, two to three families lived in condominium ownership; on each floor there was at least one loom in the parlor. The houses were characterized by large windows, through which a lot of light entered the rooms. You had to be able to see the smallest details when working on a loom with thousands of fine silk threads.“

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Weaves are preserved in museums by trained museum weavers. A trip to the Graubünden region, Engadin, Bergell, or Val Müstair is especially worthwhile, as the houses here are adorned with sgraffito ornaments. Patterns are scratched out of a damp layer of plaster, covered with a light coat of lime paint, using pens and knives, revealing the darker lime mortar underneath. In the 17th and 18th centuries, in particular, houses were finished in this way, establishing the Bündner Heimatstil. Finally, a craft that everyone can do at home: straw weaving! The Swiss in Freiamt, south of Zurich near Lucerne, learned this technique from the Italians in the 16th century. First, as home weaving, later hats, brooches, stars, and trimmings were woven on an industrial scale, but

here, too, the straw industry came to a standstill at the end of the 19th century. Today, braiding is a hobby for individual enthusiasts in Sw i t z e r l a n d . Tessa AG in Villmergen in the canton of Aargau is the only company still producing high-quality braids. These are exported worldwide for further processing.

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Thomas Lampert and his forge „Fuschina da Guarda“ in the Lower Engadine Interview: ALEX SUTTER Photos: MAYK WENDT

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MR. LAMPERT

Alex Sutter (AS): Dear Mr. Lampert: Why did you originally choose a trade and why — despite other options you had in the meantime, with your physics degree and with your humanitarian stay in Kosovo — did it end up being a trade? sister-mag.com

Thomas Lampert (TL): I originally imagined the whole story to be a bit simpler than it turned out to be. I actually always thought that I would be able to do a bit of practical work in the trades — alongside my main job — and then I realized quite quickly that that wouldn‘t be possible, and then in the end I really decided on the trades. I was also a bit fed up with the first educational path and school. I enjoyed working and then it was kind of obvious. 118

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AS: And your parents, were they also already craft-oriented or did you come from a completely different kind of household? TL: No, there are connections. The thing with the steel, with the iron, that comes a bit from my father; he sold it. Because I was relatively good at drawing, my father said, „Yes, give it a try, go and have a look, get a taste of an apprenticeship.“ AS: So the parents rather encouraged it back then and didn‘t veto it and tell you to become a doctor or something? TL: No, not at all, on the contrary. That‘s great! AS: And how did you end up with your forge in the mountains? I know that you‘ve had it since 2002. But how did you end up in the mountains from the Basel region, from the lowlands, as they say in Switzerland? Was it your

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wish to go to the Oberland — to the mountains? TL: No, my desire is more to do something that not everyone does. That‘s always the case. And at the time I was really looking for selfemployment as a blacksmith. First of all, I looked for an old workshop in the Basel region. And then I heard that Guarda up here was looking for someone to take over this old smithy. And then I finally took the plunge. AS: What role does this mountain world that surrounds you play for you as a craftsman and entrepreneur? Does it have an influence on your attitude to life or your work? TL: Yes, you probably have a bit more peace and quiet. Otherwise, not so extreme. I just like it here. That‘s actually the main point. And perhaps one more thing: of course you have an advantage for

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certain products, namely tourism. You have to say that. People practically run into your business. Somewhere in an industrial or commercial district, somewhere in Switzerland or Germany, that wouldn‘t be the case. That‘s an advantage that I make full use of. AS: We‘ll come back to tourism and your customers in a moment. But first, perhaps in general terms: what is nice about your job and what is not? What sometimes or even often gets on your nerves? TL: Well...what gets on my nerves is almost easier to answer: sometimes it‘s King Customer when he doesn‘t behave quite so royally *laughs*. But mainly it‘s the hectic pace. The hectic pace because we work a lot in the construction industry. I‘ve been doing it for 35 years now, and you can actually say it‘s getting worse every year and that‘s because of digitalization. I‘m convinced of that. When I started my apprenticeship, nobody had a cell phone and we couldn‘t talk to each other the way we do now. It was much easier back then. Somehow you planned better or further ahead. Everything wasn‘t at such short notice and less was forgotten. That often gets on my nerves.

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And the nice thing is the creative side, that we still have a certain amount of freedom in many things that we can shape ourselves.

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AS: So would you say that digitalization is also changing a lot in the trades and construction industry, especially in terms of communication, and that this is having a negative impact on the quality of workmanship? TL: It‘s not necessarily at the expense of quality, but at the expense of health. People are simply more stressed these days.

AS: You also provide training. Do you have problems finding enough and, above all, enough good employees? TL: Yes and no. I am very well served with my employees because three of them have already completed their apprenticeship with me. They left somehow and then came back, they obviously like it here. And in the forging sector, if you need someone at short notice, there are still journeymen on the road that you can fall back on.

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I don‘t know exactly how the vocational training system in Germany is structured in our industry. In our case, our apprentices are learning to be metalworkers specializing in blacksmithing — and metalworkers already have a huge problem. Nobody wants to get their hands dirty anymore. However, blacksmiths still have a certain advantage over other tradespeople. There are still plenty of young people who are a bit, shall I say, freaky, who think it‘s great. And yes, the few that we train, we always find the right ones. AS: How dangerous is your job? Because you have a lot to do with steel and edges and heat and fire. TL: Yes, but that‘s the only dangerous thing. There are certain machines where you just have to be a bit careful.

But nowadays, it‘s nothing compared to 35 years ago, now there‘s safety built in here and safety built in there. So I wouldn‘t say that we have a really dangerous profession. AS: Which of your products, you make very different things, from knives to stair railings...which of your products is closest to your heart and why? TL: Yes, I‘m almost not allowed to say. Yes, I always say it openly: Grave crosses or tombstones. Because there is a lot of creative freedom and you can also work in a modern way. You can somehow respond to transience. And yes, it is then a monument... it is a monument that is not necessarily, how should I put it, time-related. It can also cost a bit more and the conversation with the customer about what kind of person the deceased was, what suits them and so on, that‘s actually almost the most interesting thing. AS: That‘s an exciting answer. And who buys your products? What kind of people are they? TL: In the case of kitchen products, for example, it‘s the entire middle class who enjoy such a handcrafted product that they can also use. It‘s not just a decorative product, it‘s a commodity. But basically, customers range from

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farmers who need an appliance repaired as quickly and cheaply as possible to luxury products for a villa. AS: And which customers are more demanding or more difficult? Those who need an agricultural appliance quickly and cheaply... TL: You can imagine. I don‘t have to spend ages answering that. AS: Do your customers tend to be men on the whole? Metal, knives and so on, that‘s more of a topic for men, isn‘t it? TL: I thought so too. We actually slipped into knife production like that. I thought it would be something for the markets here in the Engadin. I had noticed at these markets that they are mainly for women, that there are mainly items for women, silkpainted scarves or ceramics. And I

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noticed that the men were walking behind. And then I thought to myself, yes, if you make knives, then the men have something to look at too! But that was actually a mistake. Because the knives are now actually bought 50/50 by men and women.

AS: That fits perfectly, because our sisterMAG target group is almost exclusively women! Which of your professional achievements are you particularly proud of? Is there anything? TL: That‘s extremely difficult. Perhaps having shown the doubters that it is possible after all. Ninety-five percent of the people around me think that sounds crazy, Thomas is a master blacksmith and then he goes to the last village in the remote Engadin? And the people up here were also skeptical as to whether it could work. And the fact that it is now working after all is perhaps what brings a certain pride. But otherwise, pride in a specific product, no, I don‘t feel that.

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AS: How do you want things to continue now — you‘ve already achieved a lot, you‘ve also expanded spatially with the great forge here in Giarsun. What goals do you still have? You‘re still a young man... it‘ll take a while before you retire! TL: Yes, yes, 14 years to go — or 13? I already have ideas, but I can‘t tell you anything about them yet. I‘d need more space, for example. We‘ve used every square meter here and I‘m not allowed to build any bigger. AS: Would it be a craft goal then? You are already thinking outside the box and are now also a restaurateur in your beautiful smithy. TL: Yes, that‘s me. That‘s actually my wife. But there has always been a connection between the blacksmith and the catering trade because in the past the farmer would come to the blacksmith to either shoe the ox or the horse or to have a repair done. The blacksmith would do that and the farmer would go to the blacksmith‘s wife and get something to drink in the meantime. And that‘s how these restaurants developed, which are still called „Zur Schmiede“ or „Schmiedestube“ today. So here in Switzerland, this combination was and is not so strange. AS: From the past back to the present and future: you also have an online store. What role does the internet sister-mag.com

play for you as a sales or marketing channel? TL: Yes, it plays a huge role, it‘s just the way the world works these days. We have even had to reduce the size of our own online store enormously. This means that we only ship very specific products ourselves because we were totally overwhelmed. We are not a

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DA G mail order company where you click on a button and place a quick order and the goods then arrive from China almost automatically. We produce here and also handle the logistics. It quickly became too much. But it‘s quite clear that online is the biggest business for us. I‘ve already collected all the big Christmas orders from our regular customers and partners who sell our products online. That‘s the

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most important part of the business for us. AS: I wouldn‘t have thought that, interesting. I would have thought that the most important part would be the customers who actually visit you, whether they are tourists or locals.

HINA lampert-guarda.ch

GUARDA TL: Direct sales, that‘s maybe 10 percent of all the products we make, not even that. We make around 3,000 hand-forged knives a year, and we sell 300 of them here ourselves. Yes, that could work out. AS: Great — then digitalization isn’t only disadvantageous! Thank you very much, Mr. Lampert, and I wish you all the best for the future! 125

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F U R N I T O F C H

Interview: TONI SUTTER

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T U R E F U L L A R A C T E R dasganzeleben.it The South Tyrolean furniture company „Das ganze Leben“ pursues the philosophy of functional minimalism, both in terms of design and functionality. Inspired by the simple life in alpine landscapes, „Das ganze Leben“ strives with its furniture to provide familiarity and stability in a constantly changing, increasingly dynamic world. We spoke to Lorenz Sternbach, one of the founders and owners, and asked him about the origins and philosophy of „Das ganze Leben“, what the carpentry craft means to them and what influence the alpine environment plays in this.

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Lorenz: We develop and produce multifunctional furniture that accompanies you throughout your life in the various situations and phases. The adaptability of the furniture means that you can take it with you when you move and expand it again and again. Hence the name „Das ganze Leben = The whole life“. There are two of us in the company: Georg Agostini is a carpenter and manages production and I, Lorenz Sternbach, manage the showroom in Bruneck and am responsible for sales. We are both designers and creators of ideas for our furniture. The partnership started ten years ago. At the time, I was looking for a carpenter who was a bit more forward thinking and with whom I could implement my ideas and plans. We then started to work together on custom-made customer projects and gradually developed our own

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products. Three years ago, we merged our companies and founded our own label „Das ganze Leben – Furniture full of character“. sisterMAG: Did you always want to become a craftsman or did you have alternative career aspirations? Lorenz: We both always wanted to learn the carpentry trade. Georg started earlier and stuck with it. I did my A-levels first and then started studying. But I didn‘t like it because I always wanted to be a carpenter, which I only really realized during my studies. That‘s why I started my carpentry apprenticeship late, then took my journeyman‘s exam and worked as a carpenter for a few years. I liked that a lot. At some point, I wanted to expand my skills to go more into interior design. So I did a two-year course in design and furniture construction in Austria.

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sisterMAG: How close are you still to the original plan for „Das ganze Leben“? Lorenz: We didn‘t really have an initial plan for „Das ganze Leben“. It developed on its own. Georg is a great carpenter and can implement things quickly. In 2017, we developed the „EVA“ kitchen into a product based on customer requirements. That was a milestone. With EVA, you have a modular kitchen. If you move to another home and your living situation changes, you can take the modules with you, rearrange, and expand them. sisterMAG: You call your design approach timeless and sustainable – what does that mean in concrete terms? What aspects and details reflect this in your products? Lorenz: The materials play a major role here. The modules simply have to be robust if you want to move or relocate them. I move everything in the store once a month, including the kitchens, and we always make sure that it works well and that nothing breaks. sisterMAG: What material do you mainly use for your furniture?

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Lorenz: We started with birch plywood because it is extremely hard and stable. This means you can also make great things from thin sheets. Due to material shortages and the associated price increases, we were forced to look further afield and then came across the company Nordpan, which produces spruce panels just a few kilometers away from us – using spruce from South Tyrol, Germany and Austria! The spruce is a little softer than birch, but works great.

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sisterMAG: What are your next plans? Lorenz: We constantly have new ideas. However, as a small company, we are at the moment limited in our ability to implement them due to the problems of finding good employees. EVA is still a very important product. GUSTAV, the convertible multifunctional wall, has also become very important. And our next project, which we

hope to finalize soon, is a complete children‘s range in which you can hang the crib and changing table. Later you turn the table around and it becomes a desk. So GUSTAV also accompanies you throughout your life. sisterMAG: How do you sell your products? Do most people come to your showroom in Bruneck? Lorenz: We currently sell our products directly. We have

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various dealers in Germany and Austria. We are looking for specialist stores and dealers who appreciate our furniture and know what we are about. Thanks to the high quality, durability and multifunctionality, we are still cheaper than other, cheaper furniture that has to be replaced every 4-5 years.

always been the case. Sustainability and the sensible use of resources, especially the forest, have always been normal for us. That‘s probably why we became carpenters!

sisterMAG: What role does the alpine mountain world that surrounds you play for you as an entrepreneur and craftsman, to what extent is it important for your attitude to life? Lorenz: It‘s not so easy to say because we don‘t know what it would be like to live in the Po Valley. But the alpine, the mountain world, of course shapes us. We are surrounded by forests and nature and we learn from an early age how to deal with it and how to preserve it. And that has actually

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enden in Alle Veranstaltungen beginnen und mitteln ehrs Verk Abstimmung mit den öffentl.

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CHRISTMAS CAFE If you‘re in the area in the run-up to Christmas, you should definitely make a detour to the Christmas café in the „Das ganze Leben“ joinery. In addition to tasty treats, the show kitchen demonstrates how more sustainability can also find its way into the kitchen.

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Photo: Chiara Noack

Mountains are the most varied and diverse landscape imaginable. They allow me to become reinvigorated, escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, get physically active, or solely enjoy the view. BEN

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What do we think of FELT? The History of Felt, its Production and Use

What do you think of when you hear the word Felt? Felt slippers, felt boots or maybe even childhood arts and crafts? The mind might then stray to thoughts of matted hair, and in fact in Germany the term ‘felted’ has come to be synonymous with the word ‘corrupt’ because felt is so opaque, it’s the very opposite of transparency.

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In Germany, after the 15th century, the word for felt (‘Filz’) became an insult akin to ‘boorish,’ ‘course,’ or ‘clumsy.’ They were ‘course felt,’ ruffians. Frugal, stingy people were referred to as ‘meagre felt.’ The word ‘felt farmer’ also comes from times gone by and it meant ‘rough farmer’ because they protected themselves from the cold with rough, felt clothing. sister-mag.com

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You can understand why the two concepts can be compared. You only have to take one look at the felt itself. The animal fibers aren’t woven in a structured way. All of the fibers are entangled together like interwoven power relations. Thanks to the external scales that wool fibers have and a huge amount of external pressure, they are pressed together into a solid, flat textile that’s not as distinctive as knitted or crocheted fabrics. Felt isn’t a woven fabric, it’s more like a Fleece. The angular warp and weft that you typically find in woven fabrics is not found in felt. You can only wonder what’s really going on in there and what secrets it might be hiding.

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Felt has been around for such a long time because it has a whole host of good characteristics. It’s warm, it’s water repellent and durable, absorbent, it can protect both the head and the body, it’s insulating, and is even used in fashion for decorative purposes. Felt is made from sheep’s wool or other animal hair and it’s often mixed with synthetic fibers during manufacturing. The following process leads from the historical ‘wet felting’ process to the product we know today: mechanical pressure combined with steam and soapy water presses the fibers together, as well as repeatedly introducing moisture, and finally,

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dye. This is followed by mechanical ‘fulling’ to make the fibers and scales mix and wedge together by kneading, pressing, and pulling. This type of manufacturing is quite old. All of these steps could, and still can, be carried out by hand. Felt can also be made by ‘dry felting.’ That is where the dry material is made into a certain shape with felting needles. Nowadays, that’s how felt is made, or, even more innovatively, with a pulsed water jet. Felt is easy to care for because the dense structure of the fibers makes it difficult for dirt or liquid to get through. Vacuuming, brushing, or washing with different detergents

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can help, depending on how much cleaning it needs. You can also iron or dry clean it. But felt also has a natural enemy: the moth! Moths will create really annoying holes in the fabric if you let them. Felt-like fabric was found in Turkey that was likely manufactured as early as 2600 BC.

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Felt was then used throughout time and spread far and wide as evidenced by discoveries in Pompeii, Mongolia and in the high peaks of Tibet. As well as for clothing, felt was used to create yurts and tents. Over the years, felt became a tried and tested textile, especially when it came to keeping warm. Its versatility led to its range of uses expanding rapidly. It was used for clothing, hats, scarves, traditional clothing, boots, slippers, and bags as well as technical applications. No matter whether used as insulation against cold or noise, lubricant, sealant, as a gas filter, or even as polishing felt, felt is indispensable in manufacturing. Felt is also popular as a table decoration such as for a dinner set or a table runner. This means there are so many different possibilities for creative, individual ideas for crafting with felt.

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Bags, coasters, patches, or egg cozies - with patience, practice, and love, you can make almost anything out of felt. Here www.filzshop24.de you can order small quantities of felt in all kinds of shapes and colors. You can find crafting ideas HERE. Art is more within reach than you think. None other than Joseph Beuys (1921 - 1986) who, on the subject, famously said, “Every human being is an artist,” not only wore his trademark felt hat, but he also used it as an artistic medium.

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Its use in fashion is almost more important and significant. There is almost no type of clothing that cannot be made from felt - it’s modern, comes in all colors and is comfortable to wear. Felt is also important in fashion accessories. At the moment, skirts are trimmed with floral patterns made of silk, jacquard, batiste, English leather, satin, percale, taffeta or even felt. Felt patches, neutral and bold, have been around for some time, as have felt bags, mobile phone covers or muffs.

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This begs the question, “What is more versatile than felt?”. But the fact that it has served people well for thousands of years answers this question with a confident “Next to nothing!”

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»According to a legend that is difficult to verify, St. Clement I of Rome (the second or third successor to Peter the Apostle) invented felt. Farmers gave him sheep’s wool as he fled his native city, which he used to line his shoes. Through the heat from his feet and the pressure of his bodyweight, the friction from walking and the perspiration from his skin came together to create what we now know as felt today.« from the CAIRO Newsletter ... but felt-like fabrics had been found much earlier than this! Shame, it’s a legend we’d have liked to have believed.

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DIY

L AND

TABLE

GAR-

FELT // DIY & Photos: Darlene Brink

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Supplies Ƿ Eight Sheets of Felt Ƿ Cutting Mat Ƿ Rotary Cutter Ƿ Omni Grid (or Ruler) Ƿ Glue Gun Ƿ Scissors Ƿ Sewing Machine (optional)

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut 8 strips from one and a half of

2. Cut various sizes of leaves. Once I

the felt sheets. The strips can be 1

found a few sizes that I liked I would

1/2 to 2 inches wide. Using a rotary

use them for a pattern to cut more

cutter and a cutting mat makes the

from. Cut around 90 leaves.

process quicker and the cutting lines straighter. Making a cut against the side of an Omni grid (clear ruler in various sizes often used for quilting makes it easy for cutting with a rotary cutter).

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3. Use a sewing machine to stitch the strips for the base together.

4. Using the glue gun, place a dab of glue at the base of the leaf then pinched it together to get a 3D effect. Then, glue one side of the leaf to the long base. To give a fuller effect to the felt leaf garland, glue leaves on both sides of the felt base.

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DIY TOE

MISTLE-

PATTERN

FELT // DIY & Photos: Emily Steffen - oh yay studio

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Materials Ƿ Green felt (in as many colors as you’d like to create depth…I used 2) Ƿ Sharp scissors Ƿ Ribbon or string for hanging Ƿ Hot glue or fabric glue Ƿ Jewelry wire or thin wire Ƿ optional white pom poms for berries :) Ƿ PDF pattern of mistletoe shapes

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cut out at least 3 sets (2 of the same shape) of the mistletoe from green felt. I used 2 colors and cut out 3 sets of big ones and 2 sets of small ones (2 of each to make a “set”).

2. With your wire, begin to cut out smaller pieces to glue between the 2 layers of felt. Start with cutting a big piece that goes down the middle and then as many small pieces to go down from the center to the other “arms” of the mistletoe. Then with your hot glue or fabric glue begin to put small dots off glue on your mistletoe to hold the wire in place. Allow to fully dry.

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3. Then layer another piece of the same size mistletoe over top of your wire to make a “sandwich” of felt-wire pieces glued in-felt.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 with as many pieces as desired! :)

5. Then line up the top stem area and with a piece of string, tie the mistletoe pieces together. You can use a dab of glue if necessary to hold together in place. Then hang in your fave mistletoe and/or smooching spot in your house :)

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DIYS: MARIE DARME & THEA WITTEMANN | Photos: GABRIELA MORALES |

Florals: HÜRRIYET BULAN / Botanic Art

Deck‘ the halls Festive DIY ideas from our enchanting sisterMAG team that will not only add a festive glow to any table, but will also give guests a warm feeling and make the holidays a very special experience.

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Evenings with friends and family in the dark season of the year invite you to set the table and decorate it with lovely details. This is not only an aesthetic feast for the eyes, but also a precious gift - it not only emphasizes the culinary enjoyment, but also creates an atmosphere that makes the get-together an unforgettable experience. Each DIY that we show you on the following pages reflects this appreciation for the time spent together.

Check List (1) THE RIGHT COLORS:

Choose a harmonious color palette that suits the occasion and the season.

(2) CREATE A CENTERPIECE: Choose a centerpiece for the table - whether a flower vase, candle arrangement or a decorative object. It forms the centerpiece of the table decoration.

(3) DETAILS: Pay attention to small details such as name cards, napkin

rings or the napkins that give the table a personal touch - you will find lots of inspiration for this on the following pages.

(4) LIGHT: Playing with light effects - candles, fairy lights or table lamps makes every decoration perfect and creates a cozy atmosphere.

(5) FUNCTIONALITY: Even

the most beautiful table decoration will get on your guests‘ nerves if it compromises functionality. All guests should have enough space for food and drinks and be able to look and talk across the table - the balance between aesthetics and practicality is crucial.

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Overview of projects

Embroidered napkins with little skiers

Napkin rings made from paper flowers

Invitation or greeting cards with mountain relief

Origami boxes in mountain shape

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„

The mountains call, the snow answers, and freedom dances on the ski. sister-mag.com

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SKI-CRAFTING ELEGANCE Unfold Slope Style with Skieriffic Napkin Designs! Embroidered napkins with little skiers.

DOWNLOAD PATTERN

Materials »

Printed template

Embroidery thread

Embroidery hoop

Finished cotton napkins or cotton fabric

How-to Download the template and print it out. Trace the lines with an ironing pen and then attach the napkins to the fabric in the embroidery hoop using an iron. Pull a little on all sides to ensure that the fabric is clamped, starting with the body and legs. These are embroidered with satin stitch. Embroider the bobble of the hat with a knot stitch. Embroider the skis with stem stitch using 2 threads and the ski poles with just 1 thread and finish the napkins using letter corners (instructions can be found in the download template).

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SNOW BLOSSOMS Unfolding Winter Whimsy with Paper Petals on Napkins! Super easy and even doable with kids. The flower is made from many small rectangles.

Materials »

Firm paper, cut into rectangles of sizes 3,5cmx3,5cm + 5 cm round circle for base

Hot glue gun

Velvet ribbon for binding

How-to First cut out a 5 cm circle as the base of the flower. Cut out approx. 38-40 rectangles in a diamond/ rhombus shape. It is better not to use squares, but the shape on this page or in the template. To make the paper easier to work with, pull the

paper over a folding bone or ruler, then glue the small bags together and glue them together at points A. Now place the bags in a circle on the base to check the positioning. They should be evenly distributed. Glue on the first row. To do this, press the flowers together slightly at the bottom. Now glue the next bags into the spaces between the first row. Continue in this way until you have reached the middle.

DOWNLOAD PATTERN sister-mag.com

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Flowers in the snow, a silent poem of nature that continues the poetry of life in winter. 159

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PEAK YOUR INTEREST Paper Mountains as Invitations – Summit Special Moments! The most beautiful invitation card or greetings for dear friends on our mountainous cards with matching envelopes. DOWNLOAD PATTERN

Cards

Envelopes

3 A4 sheet

1 A4 sheet with a pattern

Printed template

1 A4 sheet plain

Glue

Scissors

Glue

Folding leg

How-to

Print the template for the mountains on the 3 A4 sheets and cut along the contour, glue the 3 mountain reliefs together with glue (templates are numbered). For the cover, print the 2 templates on the desired paper and cut them out. Mark and crease the edges with the folding bone. Glue the templates together at the marked points and glue the envelope. Done!

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ORIGAMI PEAKS Unfold Your Creativity with Mini Mountain Boxes – Where Folds Reach New Heights! The mountains can become name cards or contain a little surprise in the form of a sweet - the fortune cookie for the Christmas or New Year‘s Eve table! DOWNLOAD PATTERN

Materials »

19 x 19 cm colored paper

A4 white paper

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How-to Fold the 19x19cm paper into a small mountain according to the folding instructions in this video. Print out and cut out the template from sisterMAG for the snow and place or glue it on the top of the mountain. Done!

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„

The silence of the mountain peaks in the snow - a poem written by nature. 163

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GIFT IDEAS F O R D I Y LO V E R S :

PHOTOS: GABRIELA MORALES PRODUCTION & STYLING: JOSHUA CHIGER

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DIY SETS WITH THE MOST I M P O RTA N T AC C E S S O R I E S FOR APPLIQUÉ, PUNCHNEEDLING & LINO PRINTING 164

DIY Are you still looking for a great gift idea for DIY enthusiasts? Or would you like to learn a new craft technique? Then we‘ve got you covered! Inspired by three of the craft techniques presented in the last sisterMAG issues, we have put together 3 starter sets for appliqué, punchneedling and lino printing. You’ll find the order links for each lovingly compiled set so that you can order everything quickly and easily.

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01. APPLIQUÉ PATCHWORK

Appliqué is the focus topic of the current issue of sisterMAG after we already looked at the associated technique of patchworking in sisterMAG No. 66. Find out all about the history, the best books for patchworking and appliqué and lots of great DIY projects in the two issues.

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Fixing spray

Hand Scissors

Double-sidediron-on tape

Fabric scissors & yarn scissors

Pencil

Fabric

Needles

Folding Knife

Pins

Household Scissors

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02. PUNCH NEEDLING Our second craft technique even made it onto the cover of sisterMAG No. 61: punchneedling. If you fancy making the most beautiful patterns from thousands of threads, you‘ll find how-tos and lots of interesting projects in the issue.

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DIY-SET Monk material Embroidery hoop Punch Needle Wool Needles Household Scissors

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03. LINO PRINTING In sisterMAG No. 63, everything revolved around the topic of „rubber“. Of course, the creative technique „lino printing“, where you can transfer any motif onto a rubber stamp and decorate paper or fabric with it, was also included.

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Lino printing inks Linoleum panels Rubber roller for lino printing Linoleum knife set, 7 pcs Clear acrylic painting panel

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We have put together the links for all 3 DIY sets in a shopping list that you can download here.

Download Shopping list

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And finally, a great surprise:

We are gifting the 3 sets! Our DIY set giveaway provides you with the chance to win a lovingly put together set for appliqué, punch needle or lino printing. Whether you‘re just starting to discover how creative you can be or you‘re already an experienced artist, our kits are suitable for everyone. Just follow us on Instagram @sister_mag. We will post the terms and conditions of the competition there starting now.

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MOUNTAIN

LIFE

Photo: Chiara Noack

For me, the

mountains’ beauty manifests

itself in the

harmony of silence and the sublime splendor of nature. ANNA

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MOUNTAIN

LIFE

FO L LOW U S ON INSTAGRA M TO D I SC OV ER MORE!

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