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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Happy Friday + Sewing for Me: Really, More Grey?

April 11, 2014

Happy Friday! To the question, "Just how many grey dresses do you need?" I respond, "You can never have too many grey dresses". This is dress "q" from the book that I'm giving away (there's still time!), and it's unusual in that it is fully-lined. Most Japanese patterns do away with linings for some reason, and it's always been a mystery to me. This is the same charcoal chambray I used for my first Tova, and for this somewhat vintage-y dress, I cut the size 11 without any modifications. ... Read more

Filed in: life, sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 20 Comments

Monday Outfit: “Artist” blouse + Cargo half-pants

April 7, 2014

Good morning! We hit a milestone this weekend! K had her very first non-relatives sleep over, and it was a roaring success. My friend and wonderful neighbor took it upon herself to entertain five girls on Saturday night and generously offered to captain K's maiden voyage into the land of sleepovers. Since they live only two doors down, I fully expected a call or knock in the middle of the night, but nope. K made it! You could see the confidence brimming in her when she returned ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for K • by sanae • 15 Comments

Monday Outfit: Necessities

March 31, 2014

Good morning! I hope you had a delightful weekend - ours was busy but happy. What you see above is a small segment of K's wardrobe, "small" being the operative word here. There is a dresser stuffed with more knits and pants/shorts/skirts, and at least one large basket brimming with K's outfits, waiting to be laundered. It's becoming a situation. A quasi-problematic one. I'm all for slow fashion, but I have a feeling that I'm slapping that whole concept in the face and upside the head (have ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for K • by sanae • 18 Comments

Sewing for Me: The Easiest Top

March 27, 2014

Picasso and Mondrian would be proud of me for my abundant usage of blue and color-blocking. I'm calling this the easiest top ever because it's literally four rectangles plus two ties. This top was part of my pre-spring plan, and hey, it's solidly spring now and I'm finally ratcheting up my sewing mojo to make the plan a reality. After all that body-hugging business with the Lady Skater dress, I'm back in my comfort zone and frolicking in loose, hospital/maternity garb. Here's what the top ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 18 Comments

Monday Outfit: Oliver + S Garden Party Dress

March 24, 2014

Good morning! Since this new spring pattern from Oliver + S is called "Garden Party Dress", it seemed necessary to find some kind of floral fabric. I'm trying to challenge myself more these days, so I ventured into my bin labeled "silk and silk-like stuff". As soon as I saw these bright orange poppies, it was a done deal. Back in the days before I was trying to bust my impossible stash and when I used to buy fabric (a trickle of nostalgic tears here), I would take K with me to one ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for K • by sanae • 32 Comments

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Happy almost Valentine’s Day! I designed some pr Happy almost Valentine’s Day! I designed some printables for @creativebug that are free for members. I love these little foldable cards and boxes that are fun for non-V-Day occasions too!
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