What's been going on? Vintage Nautical.

For those of you who write blogs some of you know that sometimes it's hard to do. Life gets away. We should make time. I tell myself just schedule a time.  So I decided Monday mornings, Wednesdays and shoot for a third day. Two weeks have gotten away from me. It's frustrating but I have had lot of good things going on.  I work four days out of the week at Purl Soho.  Then I dedicate the other 3 days to designing and creating my own product and designing menswear when a gig comes up. The one line I work on is called Smiths American Workwear. Then in that little amount of free time I also teach sewing. Sometimes I feel like I am not doing a good job at balancing everything. Do you ever feel like that? The past two weeks have been abnormally crazy because we moved into a new home. A full two floors with a back yard and garden I am dying to spend time in. The blog has been on my mind, I think what can I write about that will be interesting. Then I thought well I will tell you I have had a few big things, cool things happening in my professional life.
Right now I am working on an order of aprons for a new restaurant in Nantucket called Cru.  I am very excited about this project because of the inspiration and direction and style! Cru is taking over a location right on the water. If you have been to Nantucket there are not alot of these.

Jane, one of the owners, is the person I have been working with. The style is vintage yacht, leather, antique brass, the staff will be wearing very fashionable yet understated denim for their uniforms and I will be making the aprons for the servers.  I did some brief research to get in the mood.

vintage nautical life rings from http://www.fun-shop.com/03-31065/Vintage-Nautical-Life-Rings.html

found these on a blog called Anthology http://www.the-anthology.com/2009/07/mens-white-shirt/

Seastyle on etsy

  

I love working on projects like this. I showed Jane some fabrics to choose from. We are playing around with stripes, a fabric called essex from Robert Kaufman, canvases and nautical themed trims.
I will report more on this on a later date. I sent some sketches to start with.

essex yarndyed from Robert Kaufman at Purl Soho

These are some swatches from my designs. 

  

These fabrics above are a nice cotton and canvas weight. Essex is great for tea towels, aprons, and a great replacement for anything denim.

Hope I inspired you to go get some nautical for your home, garden or yourself this summer.

Shopping on Nantucket

Nantucket has many cute, cozy and inspirational boutiques.   For many residents this is their second home therefore there are a few furniture and home dec stores.  Every house has an interesting door knocker. My favorite are the whales. The basket below is classic. Nantucket baskets are a symbol of the island.

You can't leave Nantucket without buying a pair of Nantucket Reds. This fabric is a soft red color that fades almost to a terracotta color.  You can purchase these at Murrays Toggery Shop.  http://nantucketreds.com/

Many antique shops to choose from in Nantucket. Be sure to check out Atlantic. This store is absolutely inspirational. Not only nautical and island items but items also for the home. Lots of cool rooster items and I love roosters!

Looking for something nautical? Go to Freedmans on Center St.

Other stores to check out are Manor House Antiques and Stephanies.


When you are done with all this shopping be sure to stop by the Bean. This cafe is a little hidden but it is also on Center St. Very cool coffee pots decorate the shop.
Also free wifi in here.

Be sure to put Nantucket on your list of places to see in your life. You will have a very relaxing time, many beaches to go to, get a bike, eat good food and do some shopping.

ALL THINGS NAUTICAL and MARKET THIS WEEKEND WBASNY

Nautical seems to becoming more and more popular. Especially now that summer is almost here. Etsy sent out a few days ago a whole email showcase called "Hey Sailor". So much cute nautical inspired stuff. Check out this scrimshaw salt and pepper shaker http://www.etsy.com/listing/37630369/salt-pepper-shakers-vintage-ceramic-faux?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Salt+Pepper+Shakers+Scrimshaw&utm_content=etsy_finds_050610&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_050610

I love love love vintage wicker purses. This is not quite the Nantucket Basket purse but it is quite similar. It also is still for sale on ETSY.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/42906495/vintage-50s-etienne-aigner-hand-made?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_050610&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_050610

 So I have been quite busy sewing up a storm for a new market I am in this weekend only, May 21-23. It is the WBASNY, a convention of women professionals from the legal system. It is being held at this gorgeous spa and resort but I won't be doing any relaxing.....I will be sewing my product. New pillows- I love this sailworthy print. It is so simple and clean and a nice heavy weight cotton.  I have made some pillows in it, perfect for that beach house, I also made a nice tote with the fabric as well!
What do you think of this fabric?

If you are going to be at the WBASNY in Ellensville NY stop by my booth and say hello!