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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Uncomfortable

October 31, 2021

Happy Halloween, my friends! If it's a thing in your area, are you dressing up and/or trick-or-treating? That very abstract inky image right above is actually my living room wall when sunshine suddenly burst through the clouds and cast a murky, Halloween-y shadow pattern. Although I want to get more into the spirit of things, my Hallow's Eve zest has been distracted by surreal events happening throughout the month. I've been very, very uncomfortable. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone, as it ... Read more

Filed in: illustration, life, Teaching • by sanae • 6 Comments

A simple offer can lead to so many things

September 30, 2021

Way back in 2014, back when sewing blogs felt a little different from the current vibe, I was approached by a marketing person at Tuttle Publishing about reviewing a couple of Japanese sewing books that had been freshly translated into English. I said yes, of course. As I was corresponding back and forth with the marketing person, I offhandedly mentioned that if they ever needed another translator, I was happy to help out. A single sentence in a short email. A few months later, an editor from ... Read more

Filed in: book • by sanae • 2 Comments

SUMO books giveaway [CLOSED]

September 7, 2021

Today is the birthday for my newest book babies SUMO COUNTING and SUMO OPPOSITES! I’m doing a little giveaway on Instagram, but in case you’re not on the ‘gram, I’m offering up the chance to win a set of these darling sumo books here on the blog. These bright, cheery board books are ideal for babies, toddlers and beyond! I loved every moment of creating them. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment and I’ll select a winner this Friday, September 10th. On IG, I asked about favorite ... Read more

Filed in: book, giveaway • by sanae •

SUMO COUNTING + SUMO OPPOSITES!

August 31, 2021

Wow, August just vaporized and I'm reeling from the fact that September will be upon us in a matter of hours. How are you, my friends? I'm doing a quick check-in today for a couple of reasons: I wanted to say hello - August has been somewhat rough for me and my monthly ritual of updating my blog has a helpful, grounding effect. Though I've been pretty overwhelmed especially in the last week, there's a chance that life will calm down very soon. Whew. My favorite autumnal season is just ... Read more

Filed in: book, download, illustration • by sanae • 2 Comments

And time ambles on…

July 30, 2021

Hello, hello! How are you? I've been taking an Instagram break for the last month, so I've been feeling extra disconnected from the online world. As I've stayed offline as much as possible, we've packed other activities into July. It's been good. Better than good, really, and much, much needed. We've been spending time with family and friends. Traveled. I've read so many books. Wrapped up quite a few deadlines. A couple of days ago, I read this thoughtful post by Rebecca Green, an ... Read more

Filed in: life • by sanae • 2 Comments

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The word that incites terror in most newbie sewing The word that incites terror in most newbie sewing enthusiasts: zippers. Now that I have a few years of sewing under my belt I’m less cowed by them, but there’s something about long, separating zippers that still makes me nervous. I powered through, however, and made this versatile twill hooded jacket originating from a @patterncouture_ zip-up hoodie pattern meant for knit fabrics that I modified a lot. I blogged about it! Link in bio if you’d like to see the different versions I created. 

To skip zippers altogether and make a truly summery garment, swipe and check out my NEW @creativebug Tiered Dress class (link also in bio!). Back to sewing more hot weather stuff because I’m going to Japan for a special trip next week! 🇯🇵🇯🇵
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