Mr. and Mrs. Arnaz carpet their dream home
Free PDF Sewing Pattern: Retro Overnight Bag by The Crafty Kitty, via Birch Organic Fabric
Today I stumbled across this adorable pattern and fabric on the Birch Organic Fabric site, and I just had to share it! The designer is Stephanie of The Crafty Kitty, and the fabric is Serengeti by Jay-Cyn Designs. Click the picture below to download the pattern and instructions!
New Book: Nani Iro Sewing Studio
I have been an admirer of Nani Iro fabrics for years, so I was delighted to have a chance to look into this book. It includes style ideas, explanations of how to cut the fabric and sew the garments, and the pattern pieces themselves. You have to trace these out of a physical book, so…
Anyone have a recipe for dancing sandwiches?
What’s in those cocktails, anyway?
Summer goals, part 1
This summer, our trips to the sea and to the pool may be in our imaginations. Why not dream back into the past as well?
Moving, moving, since creation
From ‘The Children’s Encyclopedia’ published by Arthur Mee. Date and artist unknown.
My Life in Movies
(Something completely silly I wrote a few years ago when snowed in and bored) Movie my brothers got taken to see while my mother was giving birth to me: Return of the Jedi First movie I can remember seeing in a theater (the library screening room, IIRC): The Fox and the Hound Movie I fiercely…
Make Money Online: Swagbucks
One of the things I admire most about the “Greatest Generation” (besides their amazing fashion sense, of course) is their frugality, their “make-do-and-mend” approach to money and possessions. They knew that banks fail, economies go through major depressions, and it’s better to have a coffee can full of money buried in the yard in case…
Replacing a Coat Lining
I’ve been meaning to write about replacing a coat lining for months–I’m either very late, or very early! J has a now-vintage winter coat from Structure (the former men’s line from Compagnie Internationale Express) that has held up to much abuse over the years. The lining finally gave out though (and was hanging from the…
Free and affordable resources for sewing formal gowns, bridesmaid and prom dresses
Bridal gowns, prom and bridesmaid dresses, evening wear– formal clothing can be some of the most expensive items your closet. It can also be hard to find a good fit or a true expression of one’s personal style. Sewing your own dress can be a way to save money, tailor the garment to your own…
DIY | Inspiration | Vintage
Inspiration: Jose Romussi embroidered vintage photographs
I absolutely love what Jose Romussi does to vintage photographs of dancers… string art and embroidery taken to a whole new level. Related articles Inspiration: Essential Instagram Accounts about Art, Photography, & Creativity Blogs I Read about Art Tuesdays with TED: Sir Ken Robinson, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” The face of the giant | Wallace…
Inspiration: Stephen Shore
I probably shouldn’t admit that I first learned about Stephen Shore on Pinterest. I became kind of obsessed with the picture above. I feel like I’ve been in this motel room before, and yet I wish I could buy every object in this room. Stephen Shore (b. 1947) is a NYC-born, self-taught photographer who…
That time I was in a Haiku Club
Once upon a time, I was in a club which required its members to send a haiku by text message (SMS), one day per week. Each member had an assigned day (I think mine was Monday, then Wednesday). It was a great way to spark a little creativity into daily life. I learned a lot…
Inspiration: Our Favorite Instagram Accounts Featuring Detroit (and Elsewhere in Michigan)
As you probably know, around these parts, we love Detroit fiercely. The city is exciting and inspiring, not to mention sprawling. Happily for all of us, though, there are lots of folks on Instagram documenting what’s good. Detroit Happenings: March 8th- @acronymcreative ・・・ #DetroitMusic • Here at Detroit Insider we want to help support all of…
Inspiration: Essential Instagram Accounts about Art, Photography, & Creativity
We’ve already shared some of our favorite art-focused blogs, but today seemed like a good day to share a peek at our social media list. Who doesn’t need a little more beauty in their day, in between shots of their friends’ plates, pop culture memes, and endless sponsored posts? Here are some of our favorite…