August Community Meeting: The Story of the HIUTALE Dress

Thank you for everyone who joined at our August Community Meeting yesterday! I had the chance to share something very close to my heart: the process of designing and making the HIUTALE dress.

The dress began as a special gift for my mother-in-law Bernhild’s 80th birthday. Instead of surprising her with a finished garment, I invited her to co-design it with me. She shared her inspiration images and wishes, and together we explored different ideas. Some of them we quickly let go of, others we worked on longer, but in the end we arrived at the final version, one that was simple, timeless, and just right for her. And something that works as a sewing pattern for everyone else!

During the meeting, I also shared my process of the pattern development, constriction, and gave a peek behind the scenes of how I created the tutorial video. There is now a list of to do’s and don’ts for the ones who are planning on documenting and sharing their process. This meeting was truly focused on the many turns of the design process, and what it means to create something meaningful for someone you love.

If you missed the live session, you can watch the full recording here .

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The HIUTALE dress is featured in Issue No.16, and is also available as a single PDF pattern. It is a beginner-friendly pattern with some detailed, super-cool finishes. I have also made a tutorial video showing how to make the dress step by step. Don't forget to check out the community makes either — you'll be amazed at what you can achieve with just one pattern! Go and take a look, get inspired, and start sewing!

— Mila Moisio

ps. Our next community meeting takes place in September and you can sing up HERE