Sommer Designs

Sometimes, less is more.

Thanks for the inspiration - have a great weekend!

Unlikely fabric sources

Ikea, of all places. I knew they had fabric, I just never considered it. Colin & I were there on Saturday and as we were following the floor arrows, I looked up, and wouldn't you know it, my cart completely veered to the right. On its' own, I might add.

It's a little more contemporary then what I am usually interested in, but as I said, I'm coming out of a Toile stage, and why not go in the complete opposite direction?

The funky red/orange combo is a large print that will most likely become pillows for the family room sometime in the next two years (trying to be realistic); and the blue, well, the blue is something I'm going to try to work with. Hopefully sooner.

Believe it or not, I was in The Zone.

I have a wee confession to make: I've been in the most fantastic slump since the end of December. You might have noticed, but then again, maybe not. It seems to happen every year after a season of shows and events, and invoicing and packing, and then January & February happen, and I flat out don't want any part of anything to do with business. And then I freak out.

I still keep working, because somehow, miraculously, January & February are busy [somewhat], but deep down I'm worrying about my next move. And I go about my day feeling uninspired and lazy, and with the Internet and all your wonderful, creative blogs out there, I begin to feel totally inadequate and ready to quit.

So, on Thursday, when I had the most unbelievable surge of creative energy, I couldn't let it fester and I couldn't be bothered to interrupt it. I figured you'd understand. Besides, this little blog isn't all that important in the whole scheme of things, and there are many more interesting ones out there in blogland.

I got a whole lot done! New wine bags, for one thing. Is anyone else getting a little bored with Toile (*gasp!*)? I can't believe I said that! Well, what happened was - I ordered a small portion of this fabric because I loved the color (it's Green, Gromet!), but when it arrived, it was darker and the background was a little more linen-colored than I anticipated. I still wanted to use it, so it became (several) Catalina Wine Bags. Which inspired me greatly!  Now, I want to revamp my whole Catalina line with fun fabrics, which is a huge "DUH!" on my part!

I suppose we can call this 'Accidental Inspiration'. But I'm all for it. I'll be tunneling deep into my fabric stash/archives to see what else I can come up.

I can't take credit for the production of these 85 Lavender Liner skeletons (thank you Estella!), but I do have to stuff them, sew them shut, roll & tie them, tag & package them. I just hope I have enough lavender!

I'm hoping everyone had a fabulous weekend - the weather was so gorgeous, and I could swear when I got up on Saturday and went outside to pick up the paper, I could smell spring.

Procrastinating on Candy Colored Needles

I've made tremendous headway on my desk this week, but since I have the attention span of a gnat, headway is interrupted by amazing bouts of energy destined to derail my efforts.

I wish I could take credit for this idea, it's simply fabulous. During [just] one of my [many] moments of distraction, I clicked on Suzan Mischer's blog (owner of The Knit Cafe - where I am dying to take a field trip to!), and she had just uploaded pictures and a post about her knitting needles. She paints the tops with NAIL POLISH!

Hello? Is this not genius? Instead of picking through each similarly sized needle for the matching one, you just have to look for the matching color! Of course, I set out immediately to paint each and every one of my knitting needles.*

Obviously, this works well with Clover bamboo, with their naked tops and all. I used two coats and then a generous clear top coat.

I don't have time to paint my toes, but I'll make time to paint my needles. How whacked is that?

*All the nail polish was in my cabinet, with the exception of purple & green. I'm just not that adventurous.

*Dream*

Are you tired of all the resolutions posts yet? I've been taking it easy, like everyone else, and while sitting on my duff, watching some very bad tv and some good movies, clicking away, I can't help but fall into some sort of reflection on the past year and what is ahead.

I don't make resolutions, per se. They make me feel a bit nervous and then disappointed if they aren't accomplished.

Instead, I have dreams that I keep close to me.

Dreams are wishes that I believe if you visualize enough, can happen. In other words, if you see them as already accomplished, the goal doesn't seem so high and difficult, because in your dreams, you are already there.

And as long as you incorporate forward movement to your life, or your business, you are working toward those dreams.

It's all about NOT making a mountain out of molehill.

It's all about living fully and applying yourself completely in everything you do.

It's about shooting for the stars, but taking baby steps so as to not overwhelm yourself.

It's about putting yourself out there, no matter how hard it is, and stepping out of your comfort zone for something you really want.

And, most importantly, it's about giving gratitude for all you have received no matter how small.

Thank you for reading my blog this past year and following my journey, both professional and personal. Thank you for inspiring me to continue to put myself out there and follow my dreams. Thank you for a wonderful and fulfilling 2007.

I wish you all miraculous things for 2008 - dream big.

Mid-week favorite inspiration

I almost didn't blog today. Not that I didn't have anything to say (which sometimes does happen, believe it or not), but I'm busy. And quite possibly getting sick. I have chills, but I can't go lay down because Edie is currently putting my house back together because I neglect everything all the time.

Just a bit ago, after I finished an order for Nest, and got it ready to go, I decided to check Flickrland; and here I am, feeling better already. Did you notice all the yarn up there? That speaks volumes about me lately.

Kelley and I knitted yesterday, and I thought I was ready to wrap things up with Number One, but not just yet, according to the Knit Gurus. A little longer, they said. As it is, it's more like a wrap, which is okay with me since it's so wide. But still, a little longer. I just do what they tell me. So I bought more yarn.

I'm going to go ship some orders, and then I'm going to finish the day knitting. Mid-week interruption...a little break. Because I just can't get sick right now.

A motherload of inspiration.

A couple of weeks ago I won two auctions for two amazing lots of crochet trim and doily's. Yesterday, they both arrived. I am beside myself.

The first one contained a bunch of vintage doily's, and lace trims. Several of them are actually attached in-the-round, making me think they were removed from some vintage pillowcases. I can only wonder what those cases looked like? Did they have some beautiful embroidery, like so many vintage crochet-edged pillowcases have?

There are various colors, and I love that one up there that also has the ric-rack sewn on. You can also just make out one with a sweet blue edge.

I am in love with this green-edged scalloped trim! The work alone that went into all this astounds me. Some, I'm sure, is machine made, but I really, truly believe the majority is handmade.

The seller also threw in a valance that was stained (3 yards!). She suggested maybe dying it.

Obviously, she has never heard of Retro Clean. This will have a good soak - I'm sure it can be salvaged.

The other lot was mainly lace trims - most still on the spool.

Everything seems to be in such great condition - I don't know if anything is stained yet. I can't imagine that I could ever possibly use everything here, so when things slow down, and the events and shows are over, I think I might put together some more scrap packs and include some of this goodness. Seriously, I could never use this all!

My head is exploding with ideas and possiblities for all this! I just read yesterday that Wardrobe Refashion has opened up sign-ups again. I keep considering it, but you have to swear off shopping for whatever time-slot you sign up for, and I just don't know if I can do that! According to the rules, you can still thrift - so I might be able to swing it. So much to think about right now - and I have sewing to do! But the inspiration is there, and that will count for everything today. And tomorrow. And....

A little hanging...a little business...a lotta fun

Yesterday Kelley and I went to the Los Angeles Textile Show - the twice-yearly destination for fabric nirvana. We were both sourcing, her more than me. I quickly got done what I went there for, and then tagged along with her as she sourced Fall/Winter 2008. Or was it Spring/Summer 2009? I am so thankful I am not a garment designer, because really, who can think that far ahead?! (Kelley, that's who!)

There wasn't a whole lot of new stuff from my usual sources - which was probably a good thing, because I didn't spend any money. And this time, I was sourcing a completely new and different idea, and decided to tread lightly and not jump without a plan. It served me well, as my credit card and credentials stayed where they should. I still fell in love with plenty...

*sigh*

We had a yummy lunch right in the California Mart at a little sushi restaurant called Zen, I think. Or, Zen Garden? Can't remember - but the Ahi Avacado Salad and green tea were perfect. Fun stuff - sourcing with a friend.

Today, Jen Wallace of Indie Fixx is featuring an interview of me! Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask! Not really - but she did a great job and you should check it out! Thanks Jen!

Mosaic Monday...and, W-Remix.

Because I have really nothing of value to add to the blogosphere today, here are my recent favorites. The weekend is a blur of nothingness, fatigue and attempts to sew. I accomplished all.

And, because I was determined that this be a fresh start to a new week, I made an effort to put together something other than jeans. Well, damn if I'm still wearing 'em!

For Wardrobe Remix:

Trying to figure out if I can pull off the whole dress over jeans look...not sure. Maybe if I were taller and skinnier (if...if...if)

Dress: Gap
Cami: Banana Republic
Jeans: Levis 577, via eBay
Shoes: Nine West via Marshalls
Necklace: Vintage via eBay
Earrings: Bonnin Designs (dang, you can't see them! But they're CUTE! Edit: detail here)

Aren't those side chairs radical? That's one of two - the other one is on the other side of that sideboard. We inherited them from Scott's grandparents, who had the most amazing mid-century house in Palos Verdes Estates. It was filled with mid-century furniture, because that's when it was built, and that was the style, and they never threw anything away! I brought them home about 6 years ago after his grandfather died (at 103!), and Scott was horrified. He has since come around, and I have been planning on reupholstering them for years - I just keep changing my mind on the fabric!

Friday Favorites...August 31, 2007

It was high time for a Friday Flickr Favorite, don't you think? Always filled with my favorite things...flowers, yarn, fabric, doggies - Flickr never ceases to amaze and inspire me. Thank you!

It's 8:15 a.m. and my A/C just clicked on. I know I should turn it back off...I know I should, I know I should...but, jeez. It's hot!

Before I forget (like I did yesterday), I want to say a huge thanks to Jenny Ryan for blogging about my reworked Lands' End cardigan on the Craft Zine blog! That was so nice and I so appreciate it! If you don't know Jenny (and who doesn't? She's a craft powerhouse and the driving force behind the ever-so-popular Felt Club), please check out her website, Sew Darn Cute! Besides being, SEW DARN CUTE, she's closing her virtual doors after 5 years in business. This always makes me sad, but as someone in business, I can certainly relate to the time and energy it takes to keep things running. I know we haven't heard the last of Miss Jenny - she'll still be around!

Oh, and, I am still cleaning out my studio and just uploaded a bunch of jacquard ribbon to my Etsy! Most of it is brand new and unused. I only opened the shrink wrap to take the photos! Good deals!