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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Holiday Crafts Roundup – Ornaments

December 13, 2012

With jingle bells in the air, I've got my crafting on these days, and it's like Santa's workshop around here. K made these beaded snowflake ornaments last year (using this) and they add great sparkle to our tree - aren't they pretty? In a couple of weeks winter break will start, which means loads and loads of extra time with K. I've been gathering a jillion craft and diy ideas and thought I would feature a few of my favorites every week - it'll be an easy reference for me for those moments ... Read more

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Suspended in time

December 12, 2012

This is K when she was about 2. I had made this suspender dress from this book and was thinking about making it again so I unearthed these images. I was then pummeled with nostalgia. Do you see those curls? I loved her curls. Shortly after this photo was taken, her hair started to grow out straighter, pushing the spiral tendrils toward the bottom - business on top, party on the bottom. At age three, we cut off the last remnants of curls and I still mourn that day. Don't get me wrong, she ... Read more

Filed in: life, sewing • by sanae • 8 Comments

More Felties: Li’l Fox and Baby Bear

December 11, 2012

We're getting a little bit of a late start these days. I'm down to the wire for making Christmas gifts and what do I do instead? I make a bear cub and a kit, just because they're so fun to stitch up. Rose and Bob, as you may recall, were in wedding mode last time we saw them. Well, a few years have passed and they are now proud parents to a delightful little girl cub who spends much of her time dressing up in fancy embroidered dresses and playing with her best buddy and neighbor, a clever ... Read more

Filed in: crafts • by sanae • 5 Comments

SMS Giveaway Winner!

December 10, 2012

Good morning! Last week, I participated in the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway event and we have a winner! I used a random number generator and the lucky recipient of the Heather Ross Book and Fabric combo is #157, Jeana S.! Congrats, Jeana and please email me your address. I hope you enjoy the book and fabric - I've got a pretty little package ready to be shipped. I made a little felt flower and the olive leaf ribbon is from Paper Source. I love this ribbon and am having a ribbon and twine moment ... Read more

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Happy Friday + Plaid Tunic

December 7, 2012

Happy Friday! To me, tunics epitomize the Japanese wardrobe aesthetic, and I'm all about the Japanese aesthetic. That loose, boxy silhouette ideally made in linen, layered in neutrals. Inspired by lovelies created like this and this, I sewed up a tunic. It's a linen/cotton blend, and I think it's rather charming with its big ole pockets on the sides (perfect spots for Rose + Bob) and cheerful plaid. With gathers and various panels, I didn't even bother matching up the plaid, but by pure ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 9 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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