Monday, December 31, 2007

New Year's Eve

These black and white polka dots will be lovely accents for a black tie wedding.

We made this glamorous collection of four clutches for couple who is tying the knot tonight at the Smith Tower here in Seattle.

I love the pop of watermelon bengaline that creates a bright surprise when the bag is unzipped.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

A Tribute to Violet

Now that the gifts have been unwrapped and the holiday has passed, we can show you pictures of some of our favorite Christmas 2007 projects.

We made this collection of clutches for a local woman who wanted a special gift to commemorate a treasured family member named Violet. We made one for each of her female relatives.

We paired silk tweed with violet silk dupioni, and topped each Luxe Clutch with a unique vintage glass button.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Christmas Circa 1975

I still feel like I did thirty years ago when looking at the magical Christmas tree and all of the beautiful boxes.

Best wishes to friends and family far and wide. xoxox - Laura

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

This is Ambica Bhushal

She's a dressmaker and tailor in Nepal, and the first person to whom I've loaned money as part of Kiva. Have you heard about this website? It is an amazing micro-loan venue. You can loan money in $25 increments to entrepreneurs all over the world. I was thrilled to find a woman-owned business that needs money to buy fabric. How perfect. To learn more about Ambica, visit her page on Kiva.org.

Edited to say:
I also loaned $25 to Yean Chay, a silk weaver in Cambodia. Learn more about her here.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Christmas Decorations

These Christmas votives were a gift a few years back. A kind customer gave me a set of three as a Thank You for rushing a photo bag so that she could give it on Christmas day. I think that the best part about getting out the holiday decorations is remembering the story behind each sparkly item. It's a way to mark time and to be thankful for all of those small kindnesses.

On our tree-shopping excursion we made a pit stop at our favorite thrift shop. I found this box of vintage ornaments for a mere $1.50. I love the proud Made in the USA on the original box.

As Jeff and I searched for the perfect live tree today, I realized that I've had much more time and energy to enjoy the season this year. The store has been truly busy, but everything is much more organized and solid now than in past years. I am so thankful.

Here's a Christmas music tip: Darlene Love's album It's Christmas of Course.

Fabric Library

On dreary winter days, our customers enjoy playing with bright, bold fabric.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Cute Blue Dish

Since I'm not much of a cook, I decided to use this Pyrex dish to hold these little gift cards from Letterspace Paper. I bought it at Goodwill for about a dollar. I guess that's called 'repurposing,' a term that I've heard quite a bit lately. I'm not sure if I like that word; it may grow on me. I do, however, find it fun to think of new uses for charming old items.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Button Thursday: Little Wagon

"What's that yer haulin' in that wagon?" one curious chipmunk asks another.

"Why, it's a white button for my winter pantry!"

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

His Fans Have Spoken

Never one to make conservative sartorial choices, Otis enjoys mixing plaids and stripes.

(Note the hind leg tucked under the dangling front leg for maximum conservation of body heat.)

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Holiday Card Special

For you dedicated blog readers, here's a special. From now through December 23rd, mention this offer and receive 20% off all holiday cards. We have some beauties in stock, such as these nostalgic Rudolph cards, and these cards I showed you a while back. It's not too late to send out seasonal greetings to friends and relatives. We have lots of great New Year's cards too.

Also, we're staying open till 6 on Tuesdays and Sundays for the holiday season so you have more time to stop by after work. To see our general hours, click here.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Winged Migration

I have a pair of these tiny bird earrings and I wear them all of the time. Made by our California friends at Classic Hardware, we sell these sweet studs for $12 a pair at our shop.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Saturday, December 01, 2007