Brooklyn Places: Sew Moni

Sew Moni, a relatively new sewing studio in Brooklyn, had been on my list of places to check out for awhile. On a nice warm day back in April, I had a chance to stop by their cute location on a nice quiet street in Williamsburg. They were hosting a mini craft pop-up shop of locally designed goods when I stopped by so I had a chance to pick up a few cute cards for Mother's Day by Hartland Brooklyn Card Co.

Hartland Brooklyn Card Company

I spent some time talking to Katie (sewing instructor/senior designer) about the studio and the business in general that was started by Monie Briones. The space is simple yet sweet, and has a lot of potential to grow. They are currently offering basic sewing classes that sound very comprehensive(see a photo of the dress above) and have been filling up quick. Class prices are great, and although their fabric selection is limited at this moment, they offer a cute selection of basic patterns too.

But I have to say my favorite thing about Sew Moni is their web presence. From the layout to the overall design, their website sets an example for what other small creative businesses should strive to achieve. I also love the web design of their sister company, Greene & Sunset. And their jewelry look book is cute too!  Keep up the great work girls!

Sweater Toys!

Brooklyn Cat

Art: Keith Haring

One of the perks of living in the big city are the free public events. It helps balance out the high cost of living that comes with the NYC territory. One of my favorite free activities are the Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum. I try to go every month to catch up on any new exhibits.

Recently, I had the chance to check out the incredible Keith Haring exhibit, which closes this Sunday. Seeing so much of Haring's work in one place was amazing. You really got a sense of who he was as an artist as well as how incredible the art scene was in NYC during the 80's.

Style Session: Lace

Mint Velvet Dress

 I just couldn't resist throwing together this mini style board after I found this amazing photo above from Mint Velvet. It just screams chic bohemian Texas desert. Who doesn't want to look this good when riding in a convertible Thunderbird (Thelma & Louise style) through the dry open road?

1) Blue Dress: River Island, 2) Sun Hat: Goorin Bros., 3) Wedgies: River Island, 4) Floral Satchel: Crooked Sister(coming soon!)

Dress: Lace

What's not to love about this Valentino Spring 2012 lace dress? It even has pockets! I can't think of a better summer look. Match it up with a large brim hat and tan sandals and you are set.  More lace dresses below!

Mint Velvet $205

Monki $57

Petrune (Etsy) $150

Mod Cloth $60

Rare Harvest Vintage (Etsy) $20

4th of July Pies

Four & Twenty Blackbird pie

When it comes to 4th of July desserts, I am team pie all the way. Cake is just too sweet for me nowadays and baked fruit of any kind makes my tastebuds dance.Unfortunately, my kitchen turns into a mini Sahara Desert in July which means baking is out of the question.

Instead I'll be picking up a pie from a truly unique Brooklyn gem, Four & Twenty Blackbirds. These guys keep it simple by only making pie. The sweet and the savory kind. But here are a few recipes I would gladly try out if my kitchen happened to have a nice window sill to cool some pie dishes on. Links to the recipes are below.

Strawberry hand pies from Country Living.

Savory Tomato Pie from Country Living

And for Team Cake, here is a delicious Blueberry Cheesecake recipe. Yum yum!

Vintage Adventures: Red, Bright, and Blue

1)Valerie's Vintage, 2) Palm Spring Pickers, 3) Vintage Soup, 4) Valerie's Vintage

Moving to the big city has its sacrifices, one of them being space. This doesn’t really become an issue until you feel the urge to, let’s say, through an impromptu 4^th of July party. Then you start to feel a little foolish for never taking advantage of the amazing shared patio space you use to have back in the golden state(like me).

Fabric Bundle from Shabby Sheets.

While I wait for my “big” backyard to appear, I can at least day dream of the patriotic party to be. I’m imagining red, white, and blue milk glass dishes laying over these corresponding fat quarter swatches (above) on a nice wooden picnic table.

Brooklyn Places: Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair

Last year, I missed the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn so I was determined to not miss it this time around. Despite the horrid heat, I shopped around, made small talk with fellow crafters, and brought home some lovely handmade items. I took a few snapshots too.  Here's the first round. Enjoy!

Beatrice Holiday is a company that upcycles vintage fabrics into amazing bike friendly duffle bags. Even the straps are repurposed from old bike tires. And how great is her display?

Broder Press is a clever and cute printmaking company that silkscreens animal pillows. Shannon, the mastermind behind this company, also offers custom pet pillows too!

Sometimes you tend to see the same type of products at a craft fair, but every once and a while you come across a few unique goods. Flat Earth was one of those vendors. I LOVED the printed wooden block sculptures and sleek finger vases. Definitely going on my wish list.