New modern prints by Swanky Swell

Monday, August 23, 2010
Swanky Swell Read more ...

Art by the Yard: Women Design Mid-Century Britain

Friday, July 02, 2010

The Textile Museum in Washington DC has launched a new exhibit called Art by the Yard: Women Design Mid-Century Britain, now through Sept. 12 2010. The exhibit looks at post-war textile design in Great Britain, focusing on Lucienne Day (1917- 2010), Jacqueline Groag (1903-1985) and Marian Mahler (1911-1983). A tour through the exhibit would be a great way to learn more about the origins of mid-century modern. Many of their bold, abstract designs are still very popular.  Read more ...

Dwell on Design this weekend

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Dwell Magazine is hosting their annual Dwell on Design conference this weekend in Los Angeles. I won't be able to attend this year, but there are plenty of ideas and inspiration on their website for armchair attendees like me.  Read more ...

Hemp yarn is ideal for summer knitting

Monday, April 26, 2010

I've been eagerly awaiting the new crop of spring/summer knitting magazines and emails promoting new patterns for warmer weather. Lacy, airy designs are perfect for knitting with hemp!  Read more ...

Knitting pattern books have arrived!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I'm a total pattern addict – there, I admitted it! – so I could barely contain myself when this first box of pattern books arrived. I found a quiet corner and took the time to look through each book, letting the inspiration flood over me. Even better than a fabulous yarn is a fabulous designer's patterns AND a pile of yarn – I always feel like I have a personal coach helping me create something that fits me well and expresses my own style. Read more ...

Dangerous Japanese bookstore in SF

Friday, February 05, 2010

This place should come with a warning label. Caution! Leave your wallet at home!

I finally made it over to Kinokuniya in San Francisco. Oh my, what a crafty-book-lover's paradise! I won't say how much I spent, but suffice it to say I spent a good 2 hours salivating in the design and sewing sections. Read more ...

New pattern for napkins, using printed hemp fabric

Friday, January 15, 2010

Here's a sweet, simple pattern for a set of napkins. It's a great gift idea, and a good way to practice a new technique. This pattern uses frayed edges and a zig-zag stitch detail. Use it as a jumping-off point to create your own design! Read more ...

Hemp skirt with raw edges

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I'm even more in love with the finished product than I was with the pattern. This is a Vogue skirt (V8296) made in lovely berry-colored hemp/soy linen. It's cut on the bias to show off the lovely drape of this fabric. My favorite part: the raw edges of the fabric, lapped rather than seamed, which will fray and soften over time.  Read more ...

Picky eco-shoppers are no fun

Friday, November 13, 2009

Shopping is no fun anymore.

Last weekend I paid a visit to a new discount chain department store in town, to pick up some can't-make-it-myself staples (tights and sunglasses, to be exact). Read more ...

"Organic" as a design aesthetic

Thursday, October 22, 2009

When you think "organic" in the context of clothing or home accessories, does a particular image come to mind? What does that object look like, and feel like? How colorful is it? How embellished? Read more ...