Archive for July, 2006

7.31.06Book of the Week: InStitches By Amy Butler

Amy Butler’s InStitches features nearly 30 sewing projects that are stylish and functional, from a cool kitty tunnel to an awesome patchwork duvet and a CD/desktop organizer.

kitty tunnel

When you first crack open this beautiful book, you have a pocket on the left side (opposite of cover) with all of the patterns that you’ll need to get started on your project. Each project in the book has its own pattern, as well as very detailed instructions and illustrations showing the more complicated steps, plus a photo showing the finished product. All of the photography in this book is stunning, and I love how Amy groups each project by category, i.e. Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom, Office and finally, Personal Style.

The book opens with a discussion on fabric, where Amy dishes about finding fabric, caring for it, using it, trims, notions, etc. The book closes with Simple Techniques And Basic Equipment, which defines the terms used throughout the book, and finally with Resources, which lists all of the retail and online stores that carry not only her fabrics, but many other beautiful lines as well.

* It’s actually a book that includes patterns so it’s an amazing deal! Patterns can add up ($), so to find a book with nearly 30 of them (for $15!) is a total bargain.

* Detailed instructions. Easy to follow. Illustrations for complicated parts.

* Each pattern is brand spankin’ new. If you’re an Amy fan and already have some of her patterns, don’t worry, they aren’t included in this book. All of these patterns and projects are fresh off the press.

* Great variety of projects. Stitch a checkbook cover, bag, scarf, duvet, pillow, laundry bag, etc. All are items that you’ll use frequently. Even something for kitty.

* Suits all levels. I do suggest you learn to sew and have some classes or experience under your belt before taking on this book though, as it can be overwhelming if you don’t have skill (yet). If you do sew, but not often, and find yourself at beginner’s level, start on a project that’s more straight forward without too much detail, like the placemats or dinner napkins. If you are a bit more advanced, you can try the pom pom pillows or bedside organizer. For the pros out there, stitch up the wide leg lounge pants or the patchwork duvet (which is stunning).

Want the book? It’s available right here at Amazon for only $15.74 (list price is $24.95).

(images copyright holly becker decor8 2006)

7.31.06ask decor8: Any Cool Brooklyn Wallpaper Stores?

decor8 reader Maria wrote in this morning, “I just moved to Brooklyn, can you recommend a place where I can find designer wallpaper, kind of Marimekko style? Thanks a lot, Maria.”

Since I don’t live in Brooklyn, I’m not exactly sure who carries what down there, so I can only point you the New York design maven, Apartment Therapy. I recall a few threads about wallpaper over on their site, so these links below should help get you started. Here’s a few that I found especially helpful: Top 10 Wallpaper + Graphics and Where Can I Look for Non-Trad Wallpaper? You can also enter wallpaper under search on their site for more gems from AT.

Of course, I’ve written a lot of wallpaper posts here on decor8, here’s a ton of wallpaper links from past articles.

Here’s a wallpaper post I wrote for 2Modern with some wallpaper links that you may enjoy.

There’s a great Brooklyn store called Matter that also may carry wallpaper.

You are also welcome to look to your right and beneath sponsors, you’ll see shopping links organized by city. Lots of Brooklyn stores that you can check out – perhaps you’ll land on exactly what you’re looking for over there.

Anyone else? Looking for cool wallpaper in Brooklyn – any Brooklyn peeps reading that can chime in here?

7.31.06Fishs Eddy Summer Sale + New Outlet Store in Brooklyn!

(images from fishs eddy)

7.31.06MOS MyOwnSpace: Summer Sale

Unfortunately, some stores leave me feeling very uninspired. I walk away discussing the bittersweet experience and what I would like to change about it with my shopping pals. Do you do this too? I have to admit, I am quite critical of interiors, not in a mean spirited way, but in a constructive sense, and I find myself picking apart commerical spaces more and more these days, especially since I’m writing more about design and find myself constantly in stores to view the products I write about. I’d like to spread my wings a bit in the future and actually work on a few commerical design projects. I think I’d enjoy the mix between residential and commerical, especially since I miss my corporate background where everything is clean cut and always very professional. It’s not easier by any means, but because you’re not in someones home, you tend to not absorb their personal life and issues as much, especially when confined to a commercial environment, like a day spa, design store, gift shop, etc. I’d also like to offer consultations to already operating stores and work with the owners to improve the shopping experience, from the floor plan to addressing flow issues and assisting with displays and overall product placement, lighting, and even the smell and the music. I’d also like to work with them to suggest new products that may improve their sales and draw in more customers. I only have a day spa under my belt so far, and that doesn’t really count since it was family. I certainly need a lot more experience on the commerical front, although I think my years as a professional shopper (wink) have to come into play here, too. (smile).

Do you find that some stores seem to have a void (poor visual displays, music that is too loud or doesn’t fit the experience, or worse, a “total design explosion” – everything just dropped and landed there.)? What do you think works and what doesn’t? I’d love to hear more, if you’d like to comment…

Back to MOS MyOwnSpace. Point is, this is one store that I walked away thinking, “Wow, now there’s a store that really works. There’s nothing about it that I would change.” Even their business cards left an impression. If you are ever in La Jolla, drop by and see for yourself.

You can also shop them online, and there’s no time like the present because Jennifer from MOS told me about their summer sale starting tomorrow, August 1st. The sale will feature select items both in store and online (the in store items include floor models, too.) Visit them first thing in the morning to jump on those sale items before they’re gone – either in person or right here online.

MOS – If you’re reading, we’d love a store tour if you have the time – snap some photos and send them in!

7.31.06Figments – Little Sukie Sale!

Psst: Look what’s in Peggy’s bag!

(images from figments)

7.31.06Rare Device – New!

(images from rare device)

7.31.06TAKBOARD – New from TAK!

Thanks Scott for the tip, or shall I say, tak!

7.31.06coffee + cre8tive {july 31 ’06}

Speaking of Fall, have you checked out Pantone’s color report for Fall fashion? I’ve talked about this before on decor8, how fashion influences interior design trends… So it’s good to check out the palette designers are working from for the coming season, the textures they’re introducing, metals, etc. I found an article/slideshow online this morning, From Fashion Week to Living Room Chic, that I thought you may enjoy from About.

“It should come as no surprise that trends in the apparel industry have a big impact on interior design. In fact, some designers create complete lines of clothes, furniture, and home accessories around new trends and themes.” Continue article…

(image from about)