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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Happy Friday + 2016 Advent Calendar

December 9, 2016

  Happy Friday! We're 9 days deep into the Advent Calendar and as always, I went with the handmade option. I was tempted to simply use the faux leather fortune cookie version I made for Sewing Happiness: And though they're super cute and would have made this year's start of the holidays a snap, for reasons beyond rationality, I felt compelled to create something new. I don't know, using the already made fortune cookies seemed like cheating somehow. Maybe I'll be singing a different ... Read more

Filed in: crafts • by sanae • 10 Comments

Happy Friday + Drop Top!

December 2, 2016

Happy Friday! Has it really been over four months since I posted something I made for myself?? Whoo-boy, it's been a long time. Well, I'm bursting at the seams to tell you all about the Drop Top by Madeit Patterns today -- I've already worn my Drop top multiple times and can't wait to make more. In fact, I've made two versions already and they've been lifesavers for Thanksgiving dinner and a book event. It's just the right blend of elevated casual with loads of ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway, sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 21 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!!

November 24, 2016

Hello! I'm wrapping up the week with this quick little post. I have much to be thankful for and as 2016 is coming to a close, I also have much to reflect upon. This has been what M and I are calling a "life-changing" year and I've had to relearn a lot of lessons...we're dealing with unexpected health issues in our family that I won't go into and it's been topsy turvy all around. Right now, at this very moment, however, we are all well. Thank YOU for continuing to visit my little space, as ... Read more

Filed in: illustration, watercolor • by sanae • 18 Comments

Petit a Petit Block Party: Tip Top

November 20, 2016

Had it been entirely up to me, this Tip Top dress would have been sewn in a sophisticated indigo linen with perhaps some Sashiko stitching along the sleeve edges. Or, I might have just simply copied Celina's version and made it out of buffalo checks. Those days when K was a pliable, acquiescing dress-up doll? GONE. There are two things that ensure K will wear something I make: It's made out of stretchy fabric It's tight (sigh, this does not bode well for upcoming teenage years) I ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for K • by sanae • 11 Comments

Happy Friday + Making Magazine

November 18, 2016

Happy Friday! This image was shot by the amazingly talented Carrie Hoge of Madder Made and Making Magazine. Don't you just love the neutral calmness of it all? Carrie and I are completely on the same page aesthetically, and when she asked if I would contribute to FAUNA, the second issue of Making... well, the answer was obvious. Just look at this stunning cover: I just received my copy of the magazine and it's beautiful and charming and full of inspiring and accessible projects. Love it. ... Read more

Filed in: crafts, sewing • by sanae • 2 Comments

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I’ve been spending less time around here — the I’ve been spending less time around here — the landscape has been feeling dark and murky and I wish I had a magical luminous flower like this bunny to light the way…#procreatewatercolorfun
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