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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Criticism and How I Got a Book Deal

March 4, 2014

I started and stopped several light and easy posts for today, but I've been stuck on this idea of criticisms so I decided to just go with it even though it's neither light nor easy. It's also not a short read, so I've inserted random illustrations I've been painting these days to break up the text. When I was in my early twenties, I quietly mentioned to someone I respected -- a much older woman -- that I might want to be a writer or a "creative" of some sort. She leveled her world-weary eyes ... Read more

Filed in: gouache, illustration, writing • by sanae • 42 Comments

Monday Outfit: Geometric Knit Cardi + Improved Khaki Pants

March 3, 2014

Good morning! Skateboarding was awesome. K rocked the skater girl look with a black tee, black shorts, black tights and even after two solid, sweaty hours, she couldn't wait to go back for more. It was all very civilized, really. The youngsters get outfitted with pads galore for knees and elbows, helmets are provided (though K insisted on wearing her neon yellow bike helmet) and the first hour is devoted to a very hands-on lesson by hipster instructors. After a light snack, the second hour is ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for K • by sanae • 14 Comments

Happy Friday + Randomness

February 28, 2014

Happy Friday! This painting above was not done by me, though I wish it was. It's one of the countless charming things about Seattle. One minute you're rounding the corner onto an unfamiliar street, then the next minute you're met with an expertly painted elephant (Bell Boy? Doorman?) on the side of a building. And the trunk is a drain pipe! People's creativity always amaze me. I wish I knew who the artist is so I can credit him/her properly. It's been a productive week! I met my first big ... Read more

Filed in: life • by sanae • 15 Comments

Baby Sleep Sack

February 27, 2014

A couple of days ago, I had coffee with one of my funnest (and funniest) friends and hung out with her four-month-old cutie pie son. Babies! It's been so long since I've held a tiny baby. The little guy was as mellow as can be and happily let me bounce him on my knee while my friend and I nearly spurted coffee everywhere from excessive laughing. We got quite a few askance looks from the other coffee shop patrons. I had been planning on gifting this wee baby sleep sack I started designing for ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 20 Comments

The Quest for Healthy Eating: Soups + Baked Bananas

February 26, 2014

My health is still a little touch and go these days, though positively on the mend. Combined with K's orthodontic situation, soups have been my go-to meals. I used to be so intimidated by soups back in my singleton days of living in a tiny studio apartment. I rarely cooked at home, and I remember being in awe when my neighbor told me about all the soups she liked to make. Despite her claims otherwise, I imagined having to slave over the stove for hours, endlessly tweaking and adding ... Read more

Filed in: cooking • by sanae • 6 Comments

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I just realized that this week marks 10 years sinc I just realized that this week marks 10 years since my first craft book Sewing Happiness was published. I’ve sewn literally thousands of garments and other textile projects in the last decade! I included a Sashiko primer in the book, and I’m delighted that this humble Japanese embroidery practice has stood the test of time - if anything, I’ve noticed that there’s an ever growing enthusiasm for hand stitching. Fun news: I’ll be teaching a virtual Sashiko workshop for @tatterbluelibrary on Thursday, April 30th at noon ET. Link in profile! Would love to see you there! 💙💙💙💙💙
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