Button Thursday: Square Blue Flower

Legacy

I grew up in Rochester, New York, home of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. I've been thinking of both of these childhood heroes lately as I watch the primary process. Anthony and Douglass worked together for the right to vote - both for black people and for women. It's astonishing that it's been less than 100 years since these rights were granted. It's more astonishing that so many of us don't participate in the process that was so hard-won.

Now I live in Washington State, where the presidential primary process doesn't count for the Democrats, and only counts for half of the Republican delegates. Instead, the both parties will caucus this Saturday. I hope lots of people show up, because this is how the delegates will be chosen. This year, at least in the close Democratic race, the Washington delegates will be key.

Here's information about the Washington state caucuses and how you can participate.

I Love Sewing Notions

New Ribbon on Glossy Black

Button Thursday: Smoky Green Plastic

Bright New Mini Wallets

I think everyone is craving some color at this time of year. Here are some colorful new wallets to enjoy. I've just posted them for sale on our website too.

Where The Button Ended Up

I didn't get very far in photographing this bag before my camera batteries died. I just took this not-very-good picture and one that was even worse. Luckily, the bag's owner Erica took some lovely photos and posted them on her blog, so hop on over there and take a look.

This button might look familiar. Erica saw it here and brilliantly knew that it would look great on her already-designed purse in production.

Macro Pug

The light was really pretty in the shop this afternoon so I snapped a couple of photos of Otis using my macro lense.


I think he's tired of having his picture taken. I swear he rolls his eyes when he sees me coming his way with the camera.

Introducing Miranda

Ashley braved the cold yesterday to model this new bag. (Short sleeves were pushing it a bit.)

Miranda is smaller than Kate and bigger than Eve. I ruched a subtle glen plaid for this sample.

Button Thursday: Coral Flowers

I Want Candy

Here's a sneak peak at part of our spring collection. We'll have two color stories: licorice and chocolate.

The Object of His Affection

Otis loves tennis balls just as much as he adores kibble and naps.

As soon as he and I come home from the store, he stares at his t-bizzles as we call them, begging to go out into the back yard to play fetch.

He even tries to catch the mini tennis balls in mid-air. However, normally they just bounce off of his smooshed face. That's life for a pug.

After playing hard, he often does this.

Button Thursday: Yellow Rhinestone Button

Otis the Pug Takes a Bath

Here's a new video of Jeff giving Otis a bath. Click here to check it out.

Owl Earrings

I think owls are so cute. Maybe it's the big eyes, or the 1970s iconic vibe. Anyhow, here are some earrings from Classic Hardware that I just posted for sale on the website. They are really only about 3/4" tall, so I had to experiment a bit to take the photos. My new camera is a Canon Rebel XT, for those of you who have asked. I bought a macro lense to use for photos like this one.

Fiddling with New Camera, etc

I got a fancy new camera for Christmas so I'm playing with all of the complex functions. I've read the manual straight through, but still, many of the details did not seem to penetrate.

So I set up a little photo studio in my office next to a lovely big window. I'm finding the best way to learn is to photograph familiar subjects using a tripod. That way, I can take exactly the same shots with different shutter speeds and apertures. Here's one example with hugely different depth of field. The subject - buttons, of course.

Button Thursday: Navy Peacoat Anchor

Thrift Shop Find

One of the least expensive things to be had at thrift shops is kitchenware. I've been collecting aluminum muffin tins for a while now, and I have yet to pay over $1 for one. I avoid the newer Teflon coated tins, and instead look for the discarded vintage aluminum style instead.

They make great drawer organizers for jewelry. I also use a mini muffin tin to hold beads and findings when I make earrings while watching TV. The little compartments hold tiny objects perfectly and prevent spills.

I also love how the beat up muffin tin metal looks on its own. It takes on a lovely patina of use, and is quite sculptural.

New Bubbles

We've added a new batch of bubble necklaces to our collection. Now available on the website - horse and lucky clover.

Hot Tips

Looking for something to read or listen to? Here are a couple of suggestions:

Great argument to patronize small businesses and shop locally. Podcast here.

Great pop culture nerd interlude. Blog here.

Best project runway recaps, courtesy of Jay McCarroll. Essay here.

Portrait of a Pug

Here's another picture I took in the back yard with my new camera. Otis was mostly a blur chasing his favorite tennis ball, but this was a still moment.

Lucky 2008

Here's to an auspicious beginning to a great new year. Aren't clean slates wonderful? I plan to take more pictures in 2008. Here's one of the first that I took with my fancy new camera. I put our Maneki Neko on a rock in our backyard.

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.

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.

Lazy Pug

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

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.

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.

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.

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!"

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.)

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.

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.

Busy Busy

It's that time of the year again.

The White Stuff

The first snow of the season in Seattle.