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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

March 31, 2021

March Round-up

Hello, my friends! March zigged and zagged at a furious pace, and here we are. I’m juggling quite a few projects, making the passage of time extra speedy — at the moment, my baby board books are at the press (coming out this fall! more on that soon!), and I’m finalizing my next sewing book which will launch in spring of 2022. The photoshoot is coming up in May and in preparation, I’m sewing like I’m on fire and have also enlisted the expertise of Karen, who is wonderful. In fact, my whole team and everyone involved are phenomenal, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the sewing book elements all come together. I’m also starting on my next books…you know, I sometimes just stand stock still and marvel that this is my life.

I feel like it all started 30 years ago when I began a daily journal habit. I wrote and doodled diligently every single day. Sometimes I only had 10 minutes to spare, sometimes I had hours. I didn’t know where it would lead me, but I decided to believe that if I showed up consistently like I was a writer and illustrator, one day “reality” might catch up. I did the same thing with sewing. I wanted to become someone who could make clothes from scratch, and though my stitches were wonky and embarrassing for a very long time, I kept at it. I don’t take any of my current situation for granted and I do everything that I can to fuel my creative energy.

Some of you have been reading this little blog since the early days when I secretly dreamt of creating books, and I can’t thank you enough for your constant companionship during some very lonely and discouraging periods. I’m convinced that if you don’t give up, even seemingly far-fetched dreams will come true. I think we each have particular desires and dreams because we’re meant to actualize them. I mean, I’ve never wanted to become a professional athlete or an avant-garde performance artist or a politician. My focus inexorably veered towards books and clothes and illustrations.

Moving on! I would be the first to admit that I don’t know how I’m sewing for myself on a weekly basis on top of the other commitments I have going on behind-the-scenes. I have noticed that I’ve become decent at managing my schedule so I don’t ever feel rushed, but even I’m baffled by the amount of stuff coming out of my sewing machine. Granted, I’m not making anything complicated and perhaps that’s the key.

Above are my March makes (clockwise):
Esme Top from Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Style (size L) in cotton
StyleArc Shirley Shrug (size 10) in corduroy knit
Fancy Tiger Crafts Fen Top (size 8) in black with white polka dots rayon/cotton and white windowpane checks linen
Skirt from this Japanese book (one size) – it’s the one on the cover and it can convert to sarouel pants in striped seersucker

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I keep falling more and more in love with watercolors. Here are some of my practice pattern designs from this month (the off-white flowers were originally painted with watercolors, then I digitized them in Adobe Illustrator):

That last image of the moon with a four-leaf clover garland is actually a gif. That was fun to make. I’ve included more info about the patterns and other tidbits on Instagram, if you’d like to check that out (did you know that you don’t actually need the app to view the content on Instagram?).

I didn’t think it could be possible, but April is going to be even more robust schedule-wise. Can I keep up my weekly sewing? We shall see! I’m amazed that I’ve been going strong for three full months. Last week, I recognized that little “click” that I feel when something has become a habit, when it’s harder not to do it than to carve out time to get it done. Weekly sewing has definitely become a habit!

Alright my friends, I’ll catch up with you at the end of April. Until then, have a lovely, lovely month!

 

 

illustration, sewing for me 6 Comments

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Comments

  1. Seattlerain says

    March 31, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    Love the fabric in the Esme top! Really interested in the watercolors of the ladies with the fans. What inspired you? Girls Day? Your blog reminds me to get back to sewing garments!

    Reply
    • sanae says

      March 31, 2021 at 6:04 pm

      Yes! I painted the hina dolls for Girl’s Day, remembering how my mom used to have them strewn around our house all year-round :). It’s the perfect time to get back into sewing!

      Reply
  2. Tammy says

    April 11, 2021 at 10:26 am

    I also really like the Esme top. How amazing is it that you’re building a life that you never would have imagined so long ago? Enjoy the journey.

    Reply
    • sanae says

      April 13, 2021 at 7:56 am

      Thank you, Tammy! Yes, it’s been a wild and wonderful ride!

      Reply
  3. Asmita says

    April 14, 2021 at 9:38 am

    Always love to see what you make, Sanae. And it’s particulary nice that you post her in detail and keep up with the blog. That Fen top in polka dot is just lovely.

    Reply
    • sanae says

      April 15, 2021 at 9:20 am

      Thanks so much, Asmita! It’s been a delight to do a lot of personal projects amid “work” stuff. Keeps the creative juices flowing! 🙂

      Reply

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I’ve been sewing a lot and have noticed that now I’ve been sewing a lot and have noticed that nowadays I sew the way that my husband buys clothes: the same things in different colors. Once I find a pattern that I like, I’ve developed a habit of whipping out multiples. I’ve made a bunch of these simple woven tees (1st 2 images) and about half a dozen knit batwing tops (3rd image — a turquoise one is in the wash right now). I’m now working on several leggings. Soon, though, I’m going to move onto spring dresses! Excited!! #isew #handmadewardeobe
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