Sewing Patterns

Guess what? I don't know how to sew using a pattern. At least, I've yet to sew a project using one from start to finish without assistance...and quite frankly, I have no desire to! For whatever reason, instructions on how to be creative just don't fly in my brain. It's much easier for me to look at the final garment, and then start chopping up existing garments or fabric chunks and sewing them together, and seeing what happens. The results are usually pretty cool. So I have a nice collection of vintage sewing patterns, but admittedly it's more for inspiration and ephemera appreciation than for actual use! Though I do like to keep a variety around as a last resort sewing weapon in my back pocket, should my usual drape-and-stitch method flop, or demand precision.

Splatterware Pan

Take a look at the intricate swirls and spots on this Splatterware pan. It's hard to say how old this particular pan is, but I've seen very similar ones from the 1940s, so that's my estimate.

The pattern in the enamel is mesmerizing!

Vintage Norwegian Mittens

These are my grandma's Norwegian mittens from the 1950s. I love the sweet fair isle!

New Designs in Shop: Contrast

Happy Friday! Here are some neutrals with a whimsical twist! They are all available in the Creatively Graceful Surface Pattern Design Shop as fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap as well as cut-and-sew patterns and homewares. Finally, here's Gentleman (Movember, anyone?)

Ebony and Ivory

Contrast Bouquet in Black, also available in White

Dill

Spoonflower (couldn't resist the pun)

New Designs in Shop: Travel

It's a good thing the weekend is on its way because Thursday's designs may inspire some sight-seeing! They are all available in the Creatively Graceful Surface Pattern Design Shop as fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap as well as cut-and-sew patterns and homewares. Here's Union

Signal Flags

Optimism

Nasturtium in Midnight--also available in Bloom

Wish Upon a Star

Vintage Rose

Deep

Wildflower

New Designs in Shop: Peppy

Have some mid-week cheer in the form of Wednesday's new designs! They are all available in the Creatively Graceful Surface Pattern Design Shop as fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap as well as cut-and-sew patterns and homewares. Here's Chamomile

The Creative Florist

Painted Raspberries

Dazzle

Handle with Care

Hosta

Aquamarine

New Designs in Shop: Fingerprints

Tuesday's designs are in celebration of familial love. My Fingerprints collection is available in the Creatively Graceful Surface Pattern Design Shop as fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap as well as cut-and-sew patterns and homewares. Here's Emblems of Nobility

 Bouquets of Time

Letters of Love

Hearts of Flesh

New Designs in Shop: Cooler Weather

 This is an exciting week! From Monday to Friday I'll be posting about the 28 new designs in the Creatively Graceful Surface Pattern Design Shop! They are available as fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap as well as cut-and-sew patterns and homewares. Here's some designs for this chillier weather: Apple Pie

Faceted

Autumn Echinacea

Waldeinsamkeit in Winter Woodland

Eyes to the Soul Skirt-to-Be

Today I received my Spoonflower order of three yards of my Eyes to the Soul fabric on Basic Cotton Ultra. I'm gonna make it into a skirt! Woo!

Tray Mod

I found this fantastic Mid-century Mod molded plywood tray tucked beneath some Tupperware at a thrift store.

The first thing I thought of when I saw the pattern was my fellow designer friend Ottomanbrim on Spoonflower, whose designs have the same fabulous flair.

 The tray was made in Konga, Sweden, and the pattern may have been designed by Astrid Sampe, whose designs are still in production by Almedahls.

Finnegan's Market

 Last Saturday I went to Finnegan's Market in Hudson, Quebec. It is a pleasantly sized, nicely situated, laid back outdoor antique and craft market. Bonus: the town of Hudson is stunningly quaint.

 I found this gorgeous ceiling medallion and plan on painting it white to touch up the scuffed bits. It only cost $10! Instead of gluing it to my ceiling I am going to hang it on my wall.

 This $1 vintage travel sticker was my favourite out of a binder full of them. The doughy chef makes me chuckle.

 At the last booth I was looking at I saw this bundle of vintage sewing patterns in a box under the table and whipped it out. It cost $3! I adore the illustrations! More for my collection!

 This sweet tag was under the patterns. I'm not sure what it was for--Bridge, maybe? If you know, let me know!

 I also got these lovely saucers in a mismatched bin for $2 each.

 Finally, this $20 apple crate has wonderful texture and graphics, and a woody smell!

 I highly recommend making a trip to Finnegan's!

Collections

I'm always curious to find out what dear little objects people hold close to their hearts. Often times collections go beyond the typical stamps, marbles, and post cards. I recall reading a magazine article about a man who collects vintage doll heads--yes, (previously detached) heads of dolls that happen to be rolling around flea markets and antique stores--and stores them in a big, fat glass-front cabinet. Personally, if I woke up and saw all those eyes peering at me from the dark I'd squeal in terror, but hey, collections are wonderfully subjective. Here's what I'm drawn to:

 Knobs: I feel like Aunt Clara from Bewitched. Ha! I've been amassing them for future furniture revamps. I've already spruced up the drawers on my two desks and turned a chunk of moulding into a rack of hooks.

 Chandelier crystals: They're sparkly, they're geometric, they're glamorous, and they're a part of the whole Pollyanna optimism mentality. I'll make a chandelier some day.

Doilies: I don't know how to crochet (...yet...), so these ready-to-go bits of lace are great for a variety of projects from collars to buntings. They are readily available and varied in design.

Fabric: If it's pretty, I'll take it. If it's pretty, I'll use it for something. It could be a big chunk or a little chunk and I don't care. I'll turn it into a shirt or tack it to my wall and stare at it. Fabric is my thing. Oh, and a good floral fabric is just too delightful for words.

Vintage sewing patterns: These guys are beautifully illustrated, frameable, and symbolize fashionable potential and former Home Ec glory days. Plus, they can make some cleverly constructed and flattering garments.

Paper: Everything from designer sheets to inspirational magazine clippings to metallic envelope linings makes the cut. I have a box under my bed several inches deep in the glorious stuff; I guess it's an extension of my love for surface pattern design.

Vintage books: In addition to hunting down old editions of classic reads, I'm drawn to books with amusing titles or beautiful illustrations. I also have a mini challenge with myself to find the oldest book possible. My oldest running date is 1887!

Frames: Alas, ornate frames are the closest things I can get to chunks of European architecture. They are arguably even nicer hung empty.
Basically, I love how collections are personal groupings of inspirational objects. They can be used to make more pretty things or they can just be gaped at, but either way a collection gives a collector a little flutter of joy in their search for beauty. What do you collect?