Field Trip: Lotta Jansdotter's Studio

Today I had the opportunity to visit Lotta Jansdotter's studio in Brooklyn. It was an exciting experience for me since it was her books, patterns and playful illustrations that inspired me to pick up sewing again. I enjoyed seeing her on-going projects and even got a sneak peek of her new line of fabrics that will be released in November. Can't wait!

After chatting with her I found out that she doesn't yet have a line of dishware, so who knows, perhaps we'll have a chance to collaborate in the future...

Ahoy, it's a boy!

On June 27th (give or take a day), Kari & Brian will welcome Baby Strong into the world. Yay! In the meantime they've been busy settling into their new place and putting the finishing touches on the baby room. I embroidered this whimsical whale scene to help them fill some of the remaining wall space. 

Making a Mark

Popsicle sticks have always reminded me of arts & crafts and glue-covered fingers. But now I look at them and think "plant markers."  To make these I bought a bag of wooden sticks (the tongue-depressor size), carefully cut the bottoms into points and painted them with chalkboard paint. Done!  Or so I thought... I took it one step further and used rubber stamps & a white ink pad to label the plants I'm growing this season.

**Bundled up, the leftover markers make a great little gift for my fellow city gardeners.

Neighborly Love

When I saw that Madewell was coming to 19th and 5th, I literally let out a squeal of delight and started skipping down the street. An unexpected and embarrassing reaction to my love for the store that is a cross between Anthropologie and JCrew.  On opening day, I was one of their first 'customers'. Not that I bought anything, but rather ogled the product, the beautiful displays, and the inventive way they transformed the vacant space where Nine West used to be.

Travelogue

Whether home or abroad, I used to carry a sketchbook with me all the time.  These days I take the time to sketch mostly when I'm traveling. It's the unfamiliar landscapes, people and architecture that inspire me.

I find that when I'm drawing I relate to my surroundings in an intimate and tactile way;  listening to the bells and hushed whispers at Sacré Coeur, breathing the earthy scents on the beach in Goa, feeling the sun beat down on my back in Colonia del Sacramento... in those moments I feel the most present and connected to the space around me.

Sewn Salutation

I really enjoy yoga, but sometimes I get lazy and need a jump start to get myself to class.  I too often find excuses why not to go like  1) I'm hungry  2) there's something good on TV or  3) I don't have a tote for my yoga mat and get the skeevies when I think of borrowing one from the studio.

One night last week (instead of going to yoga) I stayed home and sewed a tote for my mat out of red-striped Yuwa fabric and natural cotton cord. Now one of my best excuses has become my favorite reason to go.

Field Trip: Infinite Variety

Silka and I skipped out of work early on Tuesday to see the "Infinite Variety" exhibit at the Park Avenue Armory. Six hundred fifty red & white quilts from one woman's collection hovered overhead in spiraling formations, seemingly weightless. The sight literally took our breath away. It was impossible to absorb the overwhelming amount of texture and detail, leaving us feeling slightly unsatisfied, yet incredibly inspired.