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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Archives for February 2013

Japanese Pattern Books – Part 1

February 28, 2013

So, I have a lot of Japanese pattern books. A lot. Today, I thought it might be fun to show you my library of beloved kids' pattern books (I also have a lot of pattern books for grown-ups...an intervention may be in order).  I've gotten quite a few requests for recommendations, and though I can't claim to be any sort of expert, I have sewn a fair amount from most of these and have my faves (which I've shared with you at the very bottom). I plan on doing a more elaborate review that ... Read more

Filed in: sewing resources • by sanae • 19 Comments

Sewing Inspiration

February 27, 2013

  I get inspiration for the clothes I sew for K all over the place: my Pinterest boards are out of control, I look through my Japanese pattern books all the time, and I seem to get about a dozen catalogs in the mail every week (Anthropologie, Mini Boden and JCrew get the most attention). And don't get me started on all the blogs! But I am most inspired by people I see in passing. I can barely remember what I cooked for dinner the night before, but I rarely forget outfits. I've ... Read more

Filed in: gouache, illustration • by sanae • 5 Comments

Quinoa Salad

February 26, 2013

This past weekend I had a rare girl's night out and had an opportunity to sample the amazing food at Poppy, where they serve all their meals in "thali" form. The word means "plate" in Hindi, and is a style in which a variety of dishes are served at once, kind of like tapas. I got the vegetarian version, and the tiny ceramic plates and bowls made me coo with happiness because I'm all about mini things. Four hours and thirty delicious miniature dishes later (we each had 10), my friends and I ... Read more

Filed in: cooking • by sanae • 2 Comments

Monday Outfit: Red Knit Henley + Wool Suspender Skirt

February 25, 2013

Good morning, friends! Did you watch the Oscars? I didn't, though I was rooting for Lincoln, which happens to be the only nominated movie that I've seen this past year. In a former life, I actually got paid to create "best-of" celebrity photo galleries for various award ceremonies (crazy, right?). The Teen's Choice Awards were always good for some eyebrow-raising outfits and the Oscars were eternally glamorous, but the Grammys were the best, especially when Lady Gaga was involved. I had ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 12 Comments

Happy Friday + Bouquets for you

February 22, 2013

Happy Friday! I know they're silly, but I like writing haikus so they will be my little Friday ritual...you know how I cherish routines. I saw the white anemones at the grocery store (!) and they were so pretty I couldn't resist. These black-centered anemones are apparently popular wedding flowers, and I can see why. I am a big fan of chic and minimal. I noticed that I had an unwitting theme of multiple versions going on this week: two tunics and half-leggings, a cupcake-off, different ... Read more

Filed in: crafts • by sanae • 2 Comments

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New @creativebug class dropping July 23rd! This wa New @creativebug class dropping July 23rd! This was SUCH a fun class to design and teach. I have a huge soft spot for felt play food and spent hours and hours enjoying pretend feasts with little ones when my daughter was a toddler. Check out all my Creativebug classes (link in bio) for delightfully simple and satisfying summer sewing projects! 💕💕💕💕💕
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