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Yum

Last Saturday I stopped by the Chelsea Market and checked out the local food vendors. Me and my big sweet tooth couldn't help but stop by Fat Witch Bakery.

 I picked up a few little brownie samples and also the Blonde Witch Brownie Mix which I made last night. It's basically like a big chocolate chip cookie but in brownie style. The mix wasn't too bad; easy to work with but took a little longer to cook, which may have been my oven's fault. They still turned out delicious and they taste pretty darn good with a tall glass of milk!

Finds

My new vintage enamel metal kitty bowls have become very handy lately. They are the perfect size for holding all the fresh apples I picked in upstate NY last weekend. Now I just need to bake them! I'm very tempted to try an apple pie pocket recipe.  If only I had these adorable apple pocket cutters from Williams and Sonoma to get me started!

Projects

I always get a little anxious when I am away from the blogging universe for too long. I start to think about all the amazing things I have missed out on and feel such an overwhelming disconnection from a community that I enjoy so much.

Lucky for me, you generous bloggers are never short of amazing ideas so even though I feel like I've missed out on a bazillion one of a kind creations, I find a few new projects that make me smile in just a simple week review.

Here are my top fave of the past week. Each one makes me wish I could just skip sleeping all together and stay up all night crafting these delightful items.

Cute Retro Wall Paper Journals from Antelope Baby
Fabric/Paper Owl Notecards from Design Sponge

Simple Fat Quarter Tote from the ladies of Cloud Nine Fabric

Trends

Ikat Card by Wild Ink Press

NYC is a place of makers and innovators. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see something inspiring. Whether it be the city scape, someone's outfit, or an intimate moment caught in a public place.

There are always noticeable trends on the West Coast, but here on the East side of the states people don't hesitate to wear whatever tickles their fancy. You really can get away with wearing anything in this town.  But along that note, there are trends that stand out and when you start to take notice, you begin to understand why NYC is the style capital of the world (with Paris not falling too far behind).

One thing that seems to have been particularly popular this summer, and even into this fall is Ikat.

Maybe it's because I spend my working hours on the UES, but this traditional pattern is rampant and not only looks good as a dress or a skirt, but also a bag, and most definitely in home decor accessories.  In other words, it's accessible, and flattering on almost any figure. The colorways are diverse and it carries a sort of liberated feeling about it without the tackiness that is often found in hippie tie dyes.

I say jump on board, even in the fall. Or pick out an Ikat swatch you like for next spring. If you don't end up using it for a skirt, you can easily transform your swatch into a pillow for your couch. 

Amazing Ikat dress by Brooklyn Designer, Wiksten

Stunning Ikat leggings from SF designer, Peeko. LOVE!

Outings

The weekend was filled with a trip to the Chelsea Craft Market, amazing art, and some serious apple picking.

Adorable dish towels by Wicked Mint

Recycled sweater plushies by Sweatertoys

Soaps with the cutest labels ever! by Meow Meow Tweet

Vendors:

Soaps - Meow Meow Tweet
Printed Dish Towels/ Pillows - Wicked Mint
Adorable Recycled Plushies - SweaterToys

Threads

Took a day trip last Saturday to the Hudson Valley. I stopped by Quadrille Fabric's warehouse which has a show room of discounted fabric. Got to take a little peek inside the warehouse and it was huge!! I have never seen so much fabric in one place in my whole life. This company mostly carries decorating fabric but some of the prints are so, so lovely. I picked up a few swatches myself. I'm thinking zipper pouches for all but the stripes. That fabric is going straight in the bow tie pile!

Words

 One of my favorite places to visit is the Kinokuniya Bookstore near Bryant Park.  It caters to my undying obsession of Japanese culture perfectly. And guess where I spend most of my time? In the craft/sewing section of course!  Japanese craft books are not only styled in the most stunning way possible but the ideas in them are just remarkable! I am always ready and willing to shell out a pretty penny to have a few of these inspirations on my crafting book shelf. My latest editions include the Japanese equivalent of the French Marie Claire Idees craft magazine and an amazing Embroidery Emblem book (also very french inspired!). So much creative cuteness it will make your head explode!  Here is a little peek inside.

Friendship style bracelets taken to the next level!

 And if you are ever in the area of one of these store, stop by! You don't have to know Japanese to enjoy perusing here, trust me.

Makings

I mentioned quite some time ago how I had a growing interest in learning how to print by hand. One of the methods I was inspired to try was the stencil freezer paper trick. Well, last week I gave it a little shot and Voila! Something adorable was born! 

This stencil printing technique is fun, but can be a little tedious too. I recommend working on a larger scale and improvising your shapes even. I believe it would make the project go a little faster.

Here is what you need to make it happen:

-Freezer paper available at your local grocery store
-Fabric paint- I used Jacquard which you can find at your local art and craft store like Blick.
-Sponge brush-Also available at your local craft store
- Cardboard scrap- To pour your paint on to
-Basic cotton fabric. I recommend muslin for simple projects and experiments. It's cheap & absorbs well.
-Simple positive/negative design
-Iron

Now just trace your design onto the freezer paper. Cut it away with scissors or an exacto knife.
Lay the rough side onto your fabric. Iron it on (No Steam!), and paint a couple of even layers over your design.
Let it dry, peel, and do whatever your heart desires to your new printed design. I decided to make mine into some sort of lop sided plushie with french knots in the middle.

So moving to the 'Big City' really does involve leading a busier life. My commute to work each day is a 45 minute three train transfer. I'm on my feet being creative and cutting fabric for the next 7 hours. Then back home to eat at 8pm. If I'm lucky, I sit down and make something, but most nights I'm snuggling the dog and letting my brain rest. Then it's up at 7:30am and out the door for a half hour dog walk with Rupert at 8am. Back home to get ready and hop on the train hopefully before 10am. If I'm lucky, I squeeze in a shower and a quick breakfast. On a good day, I make myself some lunch.
All this blog neglect is making me  a bit sad. Hopefully I'll get back in the swing of things soon.

On an up note, the spooky Halloween lanterns are back in the store! Stop by and pick one up.They are delightful and sure to make you smile!!