The Creative Cookie

studio times

photos © Lesley Ware

Fabric Care Package

My face brightened up when I received a surprise assortment of happily printed fabrics earlier this week from textile designer & author Jennifer Paganelli!

Okay, here's a short story...

My friend Erika called last October and mentioned that she picked up sewing book [for me] called 'Girls' World' that I might like. She was right! After receiving it I began using it for fashion instruction. The book is brimming with fanciful sewing and craft projects that are adorable.

Ok, let's fast forward to this months' DIYBA (DIY Business Association) tweet up. When I saw Jennifer's handle appear in the chat timeline, @sisbom, I had to introduce myself. We scheduled a Monday afternoon phone date, quickly discovered things we had in common, and decided it would be smart to stay connected.

On Wednesday (as I was rushing out the door) I stumbled over a fat package that had been delivered with Jennifer's name listed as the sender. After opening I was moved because:

1) the designs for spring are lovely,
2) sewing will be fun with the patterns + fabrics by Jennifer, AND
3) a sweet gesture enabled me to spark creativity and expand my network.

It's a colorful reminder of the ripple effects of our actions. Good, leads to good, leads to more good!

Wishing you a great Saturday;). Go create.

Full Circle

Circle skirts are fun and easy to make. My student completed this polka dot piece last week -- so cute!

photos: Lesley Ware © 2011

TranquiliT

TranquiliT's fall collection is now online! I'm so grateful to be the featured model this season. Loved all the layers in rayon made from organic bamboo.  So dreamy--check it out! xo

My past TranquiliT post here here & here:).

PS. Happy Halloween!!

TranquiliT Collection Featured Model

I'm super excited about being the featured model for the TranquiliT fall collection! TranquiliT is an eco-friendly line of yogawear made from sustainable materials. Here's a look at some of the colors (I ♥ them) for fall 2011. Follow this link to watch the lovely Kimberly Wilson, designer, as she shares collection samples. Take a moment to vote for your favs.

More updates as the shoot nears!  

Get It In Print

This morning while getting dress it dawned on me that I'm delving deeply into prints this summer. From yards of fabric to thrift store finds -- all of my latest closet additions are prints and I love mixing them.  I've found that the key to wearing prints is matching and blending patterns -- this applies to everything from chaotic geometrics to elegant florals. So, if you are ready to let your prints mingle, you likely have what you need in your closet to get started. I suggest selecting patterns: 

• with similar colors, it’s a great way to let opposites attract without being too extreme;
• with different print sizes, “clashing” is chic, but looking jumbled is not—make sure your mix has enough contrast; and
• with shapes that are complementary, for example plaids and pretty florals or soft earthy prints with ornate shapes. 

When creating your look, be sure to:   

• Pull out your prints i.e. shop your own closet, before buying new. 
• Break it up. Select complementary solid accessories and shoes. 
• Layer it with a lightweight cardigan or jacket, wear your outfit to work and navigate the ambiguity of summer nights.
• Let your personality shine. Choose clothes that suite your body type and patterns that you love the most.

There's an artistic approach to wearing prints that can easily be overlooked. The days of matchy matchy are long gone, it’s all about the mix.  The possibilities are endless when you get it in print— just remember to keep it classy and fun! 

PS. This is a very bad mobile phone shot of my outfit today. I've pulled some of my favorite printed combos from my closet -- I promise to update this post w/ better photos soon:).

In Good Company

Last Saturday night we hosted a wimsy little dinner party. We were celebrating a friend, Marlon, that is moving away from the City for the summer. Our timing was perfect -- before National Vegetarian Week and on the day predicted to be the end of the world. 

I had a hoot with the planning. I made a tablecloth from Marimekko's Unikko colorway in blue. The table was set with our lovely new dishes, some older pieces & vintage things. Each bite of dinner was delish but the company was better. Thankfully, it was not our last supper -- I can't wait to throw the next party;-).

Cute, right?

photos: kamau ware © 2011

Here's what was on the menu:

• kid "caprese" salad (arugula, tomato, pesto, mozzarella)

• pink bean chili (cooked in the crockpot overnight)

• PLG dogs (veggie hotdogs w/ a bar of toppings)

• pom frites (yummy)

• vanilla ice cream & bailey's brownies w/ dried fruit & nuts (my new favorite desert to make) 

** you can make Bailey Brownies too -- keep reading **

Flower Girl

During New York Fashion Week, I dropped into Starbright Floral Design to live blog and was inspired by what I saw. Each bouquet had a personality of its own -- from the pansies to the orchids they were all charming and sweet. Here are some of my photos: 

I find flowered prints to be wonderful...especially in knits & silks. I made a visit to MOOD fabrics and decided on this super comfy rose and daisy printed cotton flanel. I like how the fabric mimics some of the colors and spirit of the flowers that inspired me at Starbright. 

Using this retro pattern from Simplicity, I'm sewing a spring jumper. View #2 is my favorite -- now that's what I call a 'petal pusher'!     

Check back next week to see my progress with sewing. I'll also post my tips on wearing flowered pieces & prints this spring. PLUS a bit about our wedding flowers for April 30th, too!

Swatching

I'm assuming that most of my readers know but, I'M GETTING MARRIED ON APRIL 30th! Our wedding is being planned in 30 days (today is day 11) and there's so much to do. Lucky for me my other half is super helpful. We're both working hard to pull it all together:)

I'm totally psyched about my dress -- Epperson from Project Runway season 6 is designing it and it's going to be unique & equally lovely. This photo was taken while Epperson and I were shopping for fabrics during our 2nd dress consultation last Wednesday.

Stay tuned for more wedding bananasness & business *throws rice*!

See more Epperson on The Creative Cookie blog here & here...

Happy Holidays!

Hello,

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & an uncommonly Creative New Year!!!

With love,

Team Creative Cookie

p.s. I've attached a photo taken after installing this wreath constructed from reused fabrics & materials in K-Dog & Dune Buggy's annual holiday show:).

photos : Lesley Williams © 2010

materials: fabric scraps, recycled packing paper, twisty-ties, wire hanger

little spark

I've decided to start crafting again! For awhile I had shifted away, spending more time with photography and writing. Lately I've had the urge to start folding and cutting fabric which I'm really enjoying.  My favorite material to use is rescued textiles. There's something special about using scraps to construct a wearable piece.  Here's a preview of items that will be in the Creative Cookie/Little Spark Etsy store launching later this month, mostly made from scraps.

 Felt Square Scarf

FIber Bead Necklace

  Yoyo Necklace
Scrapy Scarf (in pink and beige)

close up of a Scrappy Scarf (in blue)
photos: kamau ware, © 2010 model: Ya Yun Teng set design: Lau z.