Sewing Review: Pattern Runway Kimono Dress

I made a dress using Pattern Runway's short sleeved kimono dress. I used a deep purple fabric with a nice drape to it. I found cutting out the pattern to be one of the more challenging steps because of the slight stretch and slippery nature. 

Overall the pattern was clear and easy to understand. I had a few problem spots like the sleeve facing kept wanting to poke out. I ended up tacking it down in 4 different places trying to be as discrete as possible. Also, at the base of the back closure, I wasn't sure how to keep this area neat. It looks a little weird to me, but I'm sure most people will never notice. 

I love the button closure on the back. I used a black vintage button from my stash. I also love the elastic waste band. It makes for a very comfortable dress. 

I'm so glad to be sewing again. I definitely want to make some more of these dresses.

Artist Spotlight: Scott David Johnson

I enjoy Scott's take on tragic situations. His painting are so skillfully composed and yet they make me feel very uncomfortable. 

Check out more of his work here. 

Floral Pattern Creation: Behind The Scenes

I collected these tiny flower specimens on a walk around my neighborhood. So many pretty things are blooming its hard to to be inspired every time I go outside. After I returned home, I spread the flowers out on paper and started sketching from life. I find drawing from life is quite challenging but enjoyable. It takes an extreme amount of concentration to draw exactly what you see and not what you would expect to see.

I'm hoping to get some small floral prints created from these drawings. So far I haven't come up with any promising, but you have to start somewhere.

Currently Stitching

I'm making a lovely scarf for myself. This pattern was inspired by some brand identity work for a client. While I was playing with different shapes for the logo I found this cool hexagon rotating shape. I took the idea and ran with it.

Artist Feature: Emily Barletta

Emily Barletta is a Brooklyn based textile artist. I'm loving the different textures, patterns, and densities explored throughout this series of embroidery works on paper.

via

DIY clock in the works...

This is a fun little project I've been working on. I realized I didn't have any clocks around the house. And I don't wear a watch, so it was time for me to make one. The clock is laser cut with one of my leafy patterns on birch plywood. I like the overall subtlety of the pattern versus the numbers.

Sneak Peak of CuroiusDoodles Embroidery on Wood Brooches

I want to share some of my latest embroidery designs on wood. I absolutely love stitching into wood. Something very satisfying and tactile about it. The holes are laser cut into the wood which makes it really easy for stitching. I'm thinking of selling these as finished brooches or as a embroidery kit.

Marker Textile Collection by Rita Jardón

I like this raw edgy marker collection by Madrid based designer, Rita Jardón. Just goes to show, you don't need fancy materials to make beautiful things. You just need a beautiful mind.



via pattern observer

Paul Morgan's pattern design

I'm loving the intricate patterns, color, and geometry that go into Paul Morgan's work. So gorgeous. See more here.





via pattern observer

Crafting in a Foreign Country

While I was visiting Kyoto, Japan I had a hankering to make things. I found this perforated faux leather at a sewing store in the neighborhood and I had never seen anything like it. I immediately knew I needed to buy some of this to experiment with it. I ended up making a much needed case for my ipod touch. I had been lugging it around in a sock of all things for 5 months before I finally made a proper case.

I was so inspired my all things shashiko and zakka during my stay in japan. I love this traditional pattern that is found in all the shashiko books, so I decided to give it a try. The design wraps around the front to back. The perforated leather is very easy to embroider into which made it ideal for crafting in a foreign country because all i needed was needle and thread. No sewing machine necessary :) I've been using this pouch for several months and am very pleased with it. It feels good in the hands. The stitching provides a nice texture to hold. I'm thinking about using some of the sides scraps to make a embroidered cuff.

Excuse the poor photo qulity of the last one, but this was a process shot of me working away in my bed in a Kyoto hostel.

Curtis Steiner: 1000 blocks project

The combination of images that can be created from 1000 identical blocks is quite vast. Here are few of my favorite that I saw on Curtis Steiner's website. These blocks are part of the SAM permanent collection. Visitors can play with the blocks and make their own images. I love everything about this project and I'm kind of mad I didn't think of it first :)


You can see an interview with talented Curtis Steiner here.

Perfect Weekend Project

I just saw this free bloomer patternmade by Collete Patterns. Aren't they cute?!


Seen via Outsapop

I want these socks!

These marimekko socks are so perfect for Portland winters. I have extreme design lust for all things marimekko. If only I could afford them...
seen via Design Sponge

Fancy Swimware

I'm loving this number from Burda Style. I'm not sure I could pull off the gold, but the cut looks like it would be really flattering. I guess I'm a sucker for ruffles and rouching. By the way Burda Style just revamped their entire website. It's looking pretty sexy.

Portland Farmers Market

I'm enjoying the colors and patterns of the produce at Portland's farmers market. I especially love the greens and subtle purples in the artichoke hearts. When in doubt, look to mother nature for color inspiration!

It has been soooo hot here that I haven't had the energy to much of anything. That is one of the main reasons I've been neglecting my blog. I'm trying to make it through this week and then I'm headed for the beach to cool off. Hopefully things will be back to normal next week.

Catherine Stack

I'm feeling very inspired by the intricate artwork of Catherine Stack that explores all the little lines that make up our skin. The density of pattern is incredible. I truly admire her patience.

Connecting the Dots

This is a summery light hearted polka dot line structure pattern that I've been exploring in my fused plastic bags and now with a handmade card (for my mom). The dots were made with scrap paper laying around the studio. I'm a bit of a paper whore so I have lots to choose from!

Field Trip Time

I took an afternoon field trip outside to look for inspiration for my 2010 calendar illustrations. I'm hunting for great patterns, textures, and shapes. These are all pictures taken in NW Portland. There are some lovely plants blooming right now.

Deforestation Tee-Shirt

I dig the simple iconic pattern representing our planet's forests. Just a little guilty reminder that happens to look rad as well. The designer is Rick Crane. Check it.

Via Threadless