My Designs: The Birth of a Bathing Suit

May 7, 2012May 10, 2012Leave a comment

One of my all-time favorite things to do is roll out of bed early in the morning on any given weekend and hit the studio for some sewing. It’s when my brain is freshest, my eyes sharpest, and the light is just right.

With a steaming homemade latte in one hand, and a sharp pair of fabric scissors in the other, I indulge in the stillness of a morning by cut cut cutting through textiles. The photo above documents one such dawn as I hand craft a custom order bathing suit. A delicate endeavor, each curve must be done with absolute precision to ensure a perfect fit for the wearer. And what better time to embark on such a project as a crisp cool Sunday morn.

Press: Hot this Month

May 2, 2012April 30, 20121 Comment

I (or rather my derierre) was featured in Monday’s Etsy Finds with the theme “Hot this Month.” Talk about putting a gal in the spotlight – what will my mother say?!

Item of the Week: Never Never Land

April 20, 2012April 21, 2012Leave a comment

Peter pan collars are uber popular these days – so it must have been a stroke of genius or ESP when I debuted the Never Never Land design last year. These tops take cotton t-shirts and transform them into cinched comfy tunics. I then screen print the shape of a vintage collar around the necklines for a flirty retro look. Easy to wear and wash – they’re one of my all-time favorite designs.

Events: Eco Etsy Earth Day Auction

April 11, 2012April 10, 2012Leave a comment

Every year the Eco Etsy team puts together an online auction to celebrate both Earth Day and all the lovely Etsy artisans who run sustainable businesses.

This year the auction is separated into various categories with corresponding bid dates with all of the proceeds benefiting the National Park Foundation. Everything from baby items to household goodies can be found in the generous donations made by my fellow Eco Etsy team members.

So if you’re itching to update your wardrobe for Spring, or are looking to stock up on natural pampering products, check out the event which runs until Earth Day.

Item of the Week: Sir Cycle

April 10, 2012April 10, 20122 Comments

Spring is in full swing in Chicago – which can only mean one thing – nutty weather! That’s why having lots of layer-ables is key in the windy city this time of year. The Sir Cycle design was created with this kind of versatility in mind.

I crafted this particular men’s cut after receiving a convo from a Pierogi Picnic fan, asking if I had any hooded sweatshirts for guys, which I didn’t. She specifically wanted something that her boyfriend could wear while biking – which meant it would have to be comfortable, convertible and warm – all at once.

And that’s how the “Sir Cycle” design was born! With her help, I crafted a soft yet stretchy men’s piece that can be used with a hood, cowl, or none of the above when unbuttoned. It’s now one of my favorite pieces to custom create, and my own biking hubby can attest to it’s style and function.

Meet the Models: Katie

April 9, 2012April 10, 2012Leave a comment

Katie is one special lady. Not only is she a kind-hearted, compassionate individual who works with special needs children, she’s also my younger brother’s fiance – earning her a special place in my heart. Driven and active, Katie is passionate about serving others and teaching. She believes this is God’s calling for her life and knows how instrumental she can be in making a positive impact in peoples’ lives.

When Katie’s not busy working with kids or spending time with loved ones, you can find her stalking Pinterest, planning her wedding or cuddling with her sister’s dog. Something many people don’t know about Katie is that she is driven to scrap booking during thunderstorms. All that thunder and lightning ignites her creativity and we’re happy to see its results!

Yolo Paints

March 26, 2012January 19, 20161 Comment

I have an infatuation with color but am also incredibly indecisive. So when planning out the hues for my new apartment walls I am faced with a dilemma: I have to find something that’s easy on the eyes and on my body for the long haul.

That’s why I love Yolo! Born out of a need for “healthier paint and better color,” the team behind these beautiful shades guarantee zero VOC emissions and palettes to swoon over. Our current apartment dons some impressive hues from the collection. From a pumpkin orange and saturated teal, to a soft grey and delicate blue, the paints dry quickly, are easy to clean and have a nice matte finish.

So when having to choose which brand to go with for the new place, the choice was easy. The hard part though, was finalizing our colors. Even with a list in hand, once we arrived at the Yolo vendor’s store David and I still haggled between each other on final decisions. With lots of hemming and hawing, we finally committed to several shades.

Here is our color palette (see the inspirations and corresponding shades above) for the new digs: Nourish 03, Nourish 02, Dream 04, and Thrive 05.