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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Happy Friday + Drop Top!

December 2, 2016

Happy Friday! Has it really been over four months since I posted something I made for myself?? Whoo-boy, it's been a long time. Well, I'm bursting at the seams to tell you all about the Drop Top by Madeit Patterns today -- I've already worn my Drop top multiple times and can't wait to make more. In fact, I've made two versions already and they've been lifesavers for Thanksgiving dinner and a book event. It's just the right blend of elevated casual with loads of ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway, sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 21 Comments

Happy Friday + Giveaway! [CLOSED]

October 14, 2016

Happy Friday, my friends! I'm becoming comfortable with my new routines. I like posting just once a week, and maybe in a few months, the urge to post more will surface but for now, this feels just right. K's school time has shifted significantly this year, which means that we have to wake up almost 2 hours earlier and that's been a major adjustment. 5 weeks in, however, I'm starting to enjoy the early kick-off each weekday. I have books to work on for the foreseeable future and with each ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway, life • by sanae •

Happy Friday + Giveaway! [CLOSED]

September 16, 2016

Great Scott! I'm not usually one to go around exclaiming "Great Scott!" but I feel like the occasion warrants it. I did it, my friends! I finished all the interior illustrations for my third book, and though I still have to wrap up the cover, for all intents and purposes, I'm done with the hardest part. I'm not supposed to talk much about it right now, but wow, it feels great to cross that off of my list. As you may have noticed, I put everything else on hold to get the illustrations done in ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway • by sanae •

Happy Friday + Giveaway! [CLOSED]

July 29, 2016

Happy Friday! This giveaway is all cuteness, my friends. Tuttle Publishing sent me this darling book: 501 Enchanting Embroidery Designs, and I was very, very tempted to keep this for myself. Normally I would have requested two copies (one for me, one for a giveaway), but these days I'm delving deeply into the minimalistic approach of letting go of things that I know I won't get around to anytime soon. When the moment comes when I'm ready for some ridiculously adorable embroidery, I'll purchase ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway • by sanae •

FOUR YEARS!!! (+ a giveaway bundle) [CLOSED]

July 15, 2016

Well, well, well. If you traverse all the way back to the beginning of this little online notebook/sketchbook of mine, you will see that I started to record my thoughts and projects on July 16, 2012. Which means that tomorrow, this blog turns 4 years old. FOUR. I powered through the clumsiness of the newborn stage filled to bursting with love, uncertainty and awkwardness. Then I dug my heels in for the toddler phase and touch-and-go twos. Finally, I observed with somewhat flagging energy and a ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway • by sanae •

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Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones! I’m spending time with family in the Midwest and there is much to be grateful for, not the least of which is the slower pace this week. Sending big hugs to you! 🧡🧡🧡🧡 Incidentally, this ikebana floral arrangement is one of the illustrations that didn’t make it into my book SHIBUI — I painted a lot of extra illos!

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