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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Monday Outfit: Floral Summer Dresses

July 22, 2013

Good morning! Thank you for all the lovely comments and emails last week - we were all very touched and are holding dear the memories of M's grandmother. I think K is so lucky to have actually known her wonderful great-grandma. So today is Monday, and I almost didn't have anything to share. K and I seem to have come down with a mild bug so I didn't actually have a whole lot of energy for sewing this weekend, but I do have floral goodness that took minimal effort. I wanted to wrap up KCW ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 23 Comments

Remembrance

July 19, 2013

We received news that M's grandmother passed away. Hers was an incredibly long, full and beloved life -- for today, just a photo of K and her great-grandma in remembrance. I didn't feel right trying to come up with silly haikus and not paying tribute to someone so wonderful. M told K yesterday, "She was a very, very happy person. The happiest person I've ever known." What a beautiful way to be remembered. Wishing you all a weekend filled with loved ones. ... Read more

Filed in: life • by sanae • 16 Comments

Sewing for Me: Indigo Ikat Dress

July 18, 2013

This week marked an additional one year anniversary for me aside from my blogiversary - it's been a whole twelve months since I've purchased any clothes for me or K. Isn't that crazy? The last time I shelled out cash for a garment was at H&M, where I got myself a pretty pleated tank top in the palest blush. I think it was $10. In some ways, it seems nuts that I'm attempting to make all my clothes now, because quite frankly, it's generally not cheaper when you figure in the labor involved ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 50 Comments

KCW Summer: Debbie Birthday Dresses

July 17, 2013

A few weeks ago, when the very lovely Suz and I were emailing back and forth about her "When We Were Young" series, she asked if I'd like to test her upcoming Debbie Birthday Dress digital pattern, which was inspired by this sweet book. The answer was a swift yes, of course, and I'll show you my first DBD in a little bit. For now, I want to talk about this color-blocked wonder that K designed. She calls it the "Rainbow Dress", and I love it. I created the stripes from left over linen and ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 53 Comments

KCW Summer: Le Chat Part 2

July 16, 2013

Here it is, my (much more) subtle version of a cat-outfit. I felt that K's version was a bit in-your-face, and wanted a quieter, less shout-y interpretation. I've been wanting to try this adorable "apron dress" from this book for quite some time. I think it's a great blend of nostalgic and kid-friendly, and of course, when you make it in a charcoal grey striped linen blend as I did, it's very Japanese. I'm pretty sure the fabric is from JoAnn's, but don't hold me to it. I paired the ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 16 Comments

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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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