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In the studio
We’re hustling and getting ready for the new pattern release. I thought I’d share a few pictures from the studio with you in the meantime.
I’ve been saving old bias tape packaging. I don’t know why, but I guess I’ll do something with it eventually.
I bought a bunch of Japanese mooks and magazines at Kinokuniya recently, and I’ve been paging through them often. The men’s fashion magazines are particularly amazing.
Comments
rbjaneite
March 14, 2013 #
Lovely photos! I’m excited to see what you end up doing with the old bias tape packaging. The minty green paper is delicious.
I’m curious about the boxes in the second last photo – are they a good fit for patterns? Tall enough and everything? Where are they from? I have patterns mostly in shoeboxes which are never quite the right dimensions.
Paige @ LPD
March 14, 2013 #
Those looks like ikea boxes, but I use comic book boxes which are perfect!
Sarai
March 14, 2013 #
Paige is right, they’re from Ikea. But I’ve been thinking of getting comic boxes and backing boards also.
Most patterns fit well in these Ikea boxes, but larger format ones don’t. And the patterns do tend to fall around if the box isn’t totally full.
Paige @ LPD
March 19, 2013 #
I love using the comic book supplies. It helps me feel safer with some of my vintage stuff too because everything is acid free.
Rachel
March 14, 2013 #
Thanks for sharing the studio.. its beautiful and I cannot wait for the new pattern.
Amy
March 14, 2013 #
Can’t wait for the pattern release!!! I’ve put it in my diary and everything. I’m a Colette Patterns nerd
Paige @ LPD
March 14, 2013 #
Are you wearing the new pattttttterm maybe? :)
Amanda
March 14, 2013 #
Good eye, I’m wondering the same thing. Looks like it could be a shift dress with some sort of fancy dart – is that called a French dart?
Sarai
March 14, 2013 #
Nope, this is a vintage 1960s wool knit dress I bought recently. It’s not a dart, but a rounded seam. :)
Lisa S.
March 14, 2013 #
Yes, please tell us more about those pattern boxes!
Love the images and can’t wait for the new pattern!
Kerry
March 14, 2013 #
What a beautiful bright space you have to work in. And yes, I’m also curious about those boxes which look to fit patterns so perfectly!
Krista
March 14, 2013 #
What a lovely space! Psst–please show us more of your sewing book collection!
Colleen
March 14, 2013 #
Tuesday! Tuesday! Tuesday!
CC Cesarik
March 14, 2013 #
I love your string lights!!! Where’d you get them?
Sarai
March 14, 2013 #
They are industrial string lights from budgetlighting.com, and they have 15watt edison bulbs in them.
El
March 14, 2013 #
Your studio is fascinating and light filled.
Tessa
March 14, 2013 #
I really like when you take the time to show us around your studio. It looks like a great work environment, and it is so inspiring to see things going well and growing for you. Thank you.
Sarai
March 14, 2013 #
Thanks Tessa (and everyone else)!
Tilly
March 14, 2013 #
Lovely to take a peek behind the scenes. Looking forward to seeing the new pattern! x
Darsana
March 14, 2013 #
Can’t hardly wait for the new pattern release!! Question: What’s the thing on your index finger? Is it a sewing notion or did you get some sort of ouchy?
Sarai
March 14, 2013 #
I had a kitchen accident a few weeks ago!
Lindsay
March 14, 2013 #
Such a bright and sunny space!
Helen
March 14, 2013 #
The bias binding packaging in really reminiscent of the Collete colour scheme. Is that deliberate?
The studio is beautiful. I love that light!! What a lovely place to work!
joni
March 14, 2013 #
Love how you paired what appears to be a shift dress and a blouse with peter pan collar. Wonderful, classic colors of white and navy that provide a great illustration of your recent posts. Thanks also for sharing photos of the studio.
Diane @ Vintage Zest
March 14, 2013 #
Oooh! I love the bias tape packaging, as well as everything else. I’ll take it off your hands if you can’t come up with an idea for it. You know, because I’m such a good friend. ;)
AlisonVT
March 14, 2013 #
I like the dress — very much! Is it possibly a glimpse of the pattern? I would really like to make a dress like that.
Susan
March 14, 2013 #
Love your studio especially the light! Thank you so much for the bias tutorial – can’t wait to make some!!
christine
March 14, 2013 #
Serious studio envy! Can’t wait to see it in real life soon!
Kate Nakano
March 14, 2013 #
Your studio is such a gorgeous space! I was hoping to catch a glimpse of just the building when I was in Portland for my honeymoon last November! I really have my hopes up for a shift dress pattern on Tuesday!!! Colette Patterns is amazing!
Sarai
March 14, 2013 #
You can’t miss the building if you drive by, it’s pretty huge!
Kate Nakano
March 14, 2013 #
We did walking and public transportation the entire time. I don’t think I saw it, and if I did I sure didn’t realize it. :D Portland is such a beautiful place though. Definitely one of my top favorite cities in the U.S.
hannah
March 14, 2013 #
I’m also in love with Japanese fashion, particularly their approach to patterns. Also, glad to see that your fingers seem to be healing alright, that sounded like a really painful accident.
LLBB
March 14, 2013 #
This is a beautiful space — fun to see so thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the new design!
MB@YarnUiPhoneApp
March 14, 2013 #
I save old yarn label packaging…and I wish wish I had started that habit when I was lucky enough to score some skeins of 1940s era yarn at an estate sale years back. I just used the yarn and tossed the label!!!
Here are some ideas for your labels –
* put them under the glass on a coffee table – great conversation starter when you’re having sewing-related cocktails
* photo copy/scan a montage – use for wallpaper, a window shade or something else
Anyone else got other ideas what to do with the labels?
Claudia
March 25, 2013 #
I just started saving yarn labels too! I also save labels from bias tape packaging and other tools and notions. I got a hand-me-down bookcase from one of my knitter friends, it currently holds yarn, books, and patterns, and I plan to decoupage it all over with these labels!
I have to admit, now there are certain yarns I want to buy just for their labels… I do keep my label collection limited to yarns I’ve actually used and knit with.
Alice
March 14, 2013 #
I have to weigh in on the light too. Lovely. Wish I had that!
Torsha
March 14, 2013 #
I loved this! It’s so cute and quaint! Where did you get the thimble in the last photo?
Sarai
March 14, 2013 #
It’s a splint. :)
Angela
March 14, 2013 #
Can’t wait to see the new pattern!!
kristonlion
March 15, 2013 #
so pretty! love the light! can NOT wait to see what y’all are crafting up in there! just a few more days now!
maddie
March 15, 2013 #
I really love this inside look into your studio.
Suvs
March 15, 2013 #
Sarai, your studio is wonderful. I hope I get a chance to visit the studio. Eagerly waiting for the new pattern. Wish you a speedy recovery.
Ami
March 16, 2013 #
Oh Sarai your studio is so beautiful- all that LIGHT! What a fantastic workspace! Look forward to seeing your new pattern :)
Mugsy
March 18, 2013 #
Wow, such an amazing looking studio! It must have taken forever to get it just right like that. Huge amounts of natural lighting is such a bonus in any workspace, and you have it in spades (well, when it is nice and sunny, that is *lol*).
SO looking forward to the newest pattern – too bad it couldn’t be today for my birthday! ;) Will definately be hanging around here tomorrow to see what’s what, and schmooze a tiny bit with all you cool people :)