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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

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

Monday Outfit: Le Chat Part 1

July 15, 2013

Good morning friends! How was your weekend? We've been basking in unbelievable weather and we're having my favorite kind of summer: very little scheduling, lots of impromptu social activities involving friends and outdoor activities. So it's KCW this week. I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do this time... The very first time I joined last fall, I just wanted to see what the buzz was all about and I was floored by the whole new world of kid sewing that opened up. Then for KCW ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 29 Comments

Happy Friday + Randomness + Giveaway Winner

July 12, 2013

Happy Friday! Have I told you that pretty packaging makes me weak at the knees? I'm one of those annoying people who will decant detergent from its original ugly jug into a much more visually pleasing glass container. So yes, beautiful products and well-designed packaging will always captivate me. Case in point: these Merchant & Mills sewing paraphernalia are right up my alley with their minimalistic and simple, yet graphic look. The vintage touch is also pulling at my heart strings. In ... Read more

Filed in: life, sewing resources • by sanae • 12 Comments

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So so thrilled that my book SHIBUI: THE JAPANESE A So so thrilled that my book SHIBUI: THE JAPANESE ART OF FINDING BEAUTY IN AGING is now available in Dutch and German! And it’s currently getting translated into several more languages - surreal! Please share with all your Dutch- and German-reading friends 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 #shibuibook
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