Hey, look, I can read Dutch!

You know what kinda ticks me off? Every time I go hunt the worldwidewebs that Al Gore invented, I can never find a tutorial for something I actually need or want to make.

Now, what is up with that? Have you ever noticed all sewing tutorials online are for things you could figure out how to make yourself, and they're all the same? I know, it's probably way easier that way, and rectangles make for easy sewing, but come on. Where are the tutorials for lining an unlined piece? I don't need another explanation of shirring with elastic thread. Or how to make a drawstring bag. I want to know how to draft the perfect pair of pants. And how to lose ten pounds with no effort. I have a feeling a sloper is in my future and that is not exactly good news.

It also seems like in the crafty blogosphere, imitation is the greatest compliment. So many tutorials for making flag garlands. And drawstring bags, have I mentioned that?

I've found some adorable Japanese patterns to download. Only, I can't read Japanese, and Babel Fish doesn't translate PDF files so I'm screwed.

In my searches this evening, I found a sewing magazine from the Netherlands called Knippie. Knippie is the kids' version, and Knipmode is for women. Super cute things, totally different from anything I can get my hands on here, so of course I must have a subscription right now because patience is a virtue but it's someone else's virtue, not mine.

Hmm. Small problem. The site is in Dutch. Babel Fish is handy in translating foreign sites, yes? Here's the magazine description after translation:

For all creative mothers and granny: Knippie. The illustrated magazine full inspiration for the nicest market booth gifts, hippe children's clothes (in half-measure 50-164) and ideas for the child chamber. Easy to make and always unique!

Huh. I haven't yet called my kids' rooms the "child chamber" but I guess anything's possible. There's a link called Thus it itself makes you. I wonder what that means? And under the Leathers Knitting section (wha?), this: Do want gladly learn knitting do you? These small films help you on gone!

So I think that means if I want to learn to knit with leather, they have some dirty Dutch movies that might help?

Wow, the Dutch really seem like hip people. I'll be sure to share my Knippie finds when the mag makes its way to my house. I've been getting Marie Claire idees from France for a while and the pictures are lovely. One of these days I'll get around to sharing the Fronch luuuuv.

- H