Estate

2012-02-15T10:28:00.000-08:00

a big thank you to all who turned out for the pdx collective sale, and an even bigger thank you to my friend susan for manning the booth all weekend. im so happy to see my things go to good homes. i was even happier to see my goal in sales reached in that i promised myself a new vacuum if that happened. a few months back i killed the old vacuum by sucking up a pair of panties. hey! its not that im messy, its just that my wood floors are black and its hard to see things once theyve fallen onto this "black hole". ive been geeking out on my new toy since monday. i never thought cleaning would give me such joy

2012-02-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

listening to robert johnson this morning, i took a break to channel a little bit of cupid thru the sewing machine. the king of the delta blues was known to be a ladies man, but tragically died at 27 - a slow death by posion from a lovers jealous boyfriend. these bloomers are dediated to you robert, and happy valentines day to all lovers!

2012-02-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

have you been to the pdx colletive sale? i've been working in years past, but have heard it's a crazy throw your clothes off kind of sale. this year i have a small window of opportunity to check it out and also will have many pieces of estate for sale in the tumbleweed area. there will be lots of great estate pieces from seasons past at deeply discounted prices. i hope to see you there!

2012-02-03T10:59:00.000-08:00

portland reminds me a lot of san francisco. the hills and architechture of this area of the city especially. i was lucky enough to have a day off and business to take care of downtown. the blue skys and sunshine had everyone in a happy mood. i took advantage of the day and put many miles on these legs

2012-01-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

i'll be offering a class on making a knit wrap dress this spring. here i made it in a vintage double knit. i feel a little like lucille ball when i put it on. the pleats on the bodice, cute little collar, and tie at the waist make it very flattering too. a solid fabric and no collar could transform this into a very sexy going out with your hot date dress. this class will be posted here soon along with many others.

welcome 2012!

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

did you make a new year resolution? i don't usually make resolutions, but i take inventory and set goals for the new year. this year i joined the argon challenge, a challenge to forgo what you desire for one month. "Our well-being does not come from our favorite foods, drink, sex, drugs or the satisfaction of our habits and cravings.explore the relationship between our desires and our happiness. Start with the attainable and remember, it’s only for a month". theres some really disciplined and determined people out there giving up swearing, sex, alcohol, etc, im not so much, next year ill add more vices to my list. but i have challenged myself to give up refined sugar for the month of january. i backslid on the 1st and ate peanut butter cups - who can resist those? but have found it pretty easy since then with healthier options. let me know what you are starting or stopping in the new year

2012-01-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

its been a month since i last posted about those cool slouchy trousers i was patterning, you know those? well here it is a month later and i'm still working on them. holidays aside, they've been a bitch. originally they were to have an elastic waist - who looks good in an elastic waist pant? yeah they're comfortable, but really?! my next brilliant idea was to give them a fly zipper. after 5 prototypes and a near tears i don't know anything, i'm just gonna give upmeltdown, i found this tutorial on fly zippers. now i'm laughing tears of joy, who knew it was so simple? i knew at one time, but ive avoided flys for so long i had forgotten. now if i can find a tutorial on grading thats just as easy, i may have these trousers on the store racks in time for spring.

2011-12-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

i've added a new blog to that "inspiration" column over there on the right. kinfolk magazine is a beautiful publication that's about entertaining in a natural way. it's a feast for the eyes and soul; beautiful photography of nature and food enjoyed with friends. the post about foil packet dinners and baked apples cooked over a campfire makes me long for a winter camping trip. take a look, who couldn't use a feast this time of year

From kinfolkmag.com

2011-12-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

i've had ideas in my head for some time about what my spring/summer 2012 collection would look like. over the last few weeks i've been sketching and staring at fabric swatches and sketching and staring some more

this week i was finally ready to begin patterning. but the mood had to be set with a pot of tea, candles, and a soundtrack; this american life and democracy now. my soundtrack usually has a beat i can dance to, but lately i've been feeling serious.

some patterning and two prototypes later, i'm pretty close to the cool slouchy trousers i had envisioned. wait until you see the real fabric - it is so beautiful!

2011-11-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

i spent this past weekend in southern oregon with my boyfriend. i've pretty much only driven thru medford, grants pass, ashland, so it was nice to visit and explore this area a little more. the cute little historic town of jacksonville was a gold mining town in its day, now its lined with antique and gift shops. ashland was fun to visit, i must say though, there's not a single veggie burger to be found - i called around. not finding one, we settled on Greenleaf with a big vegetarian menu and enjoyed good food and a bottle of red. i didn't take any of my own photos, but here's a great shot of ashland by photographer Graham Lewis.

Graham Lewis

preservationnation.org

2011-11-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

i've finished posting all of the fabric to my etsy shop. here's just a few pieces. help me clear out my clutter! this fabric really is beautiful and can be used to make all sorts of things.

2011-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

i'm continuing to clean and clear out excess stuff i have. i've made it to the fabric and am starting to put it up for sale in my etsy store. it's so difficult to get rid of it, i love the fabric but my designs have been going in a different direction for awhile now. although being the gemini that i am, i want to continue going in 20 different directions all at once, but that just makes us crazy doesn't it? here's just a couple of pieces, there's more in the store and more to come.

2011-10-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

this morning i woke up extra early for yoga. when the light of summer first begins to change, i resist it. but we're in it now and i embrace the dark mornings. i love to begin my practice while its still dark, candles and twinkle lights illuminate the studio. but this morning i forgot, today is the new moon and its a day of rest, not yoga. its also a day of setting goals and intentions, a sort of mini new year, which fits in nicely with preparing to design for both spring/summer and fall/winter of 12.

make use of the power of the new moon, today you can start anew.

namaste

Source: google.com via Nadene on Pinterest

2011-10-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

i'm again teaching a series of classes - draping. we drape fabric on a dress form to create slopers - basic patterns that can then be used to create other patterns. it's really just another method for pattern making. i love this method because you see instantly if what you are creating is what you have envisioned - instant gratification! who doesn't love that?!

2011-09-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

here's another version of the chariot skirt in a cotton/tiny bit o' lycra dark denim. It has pleated pockets that sit low on the thighs.

this is the hobo tee in a bamboo/organic cotton stripe. the boatneck, dolman sleeves, and fitted waist make this drapey top an easy fit and looks beautiful on many body types.

2011-09-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

the chariot skirt - floral cotton, side zip, tiny front pleats - looks great with the boiler hoody. hits above my knee, probably at the knee for most people. although this print is floral and sunny, i see this as a transitional fall piece. wear it now with sandals while it's still warm, then put on some grey tights and boots when the season chills.

2011-09-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

this is the boiler hoody. it's an incredibly soft organic cotton/recycled polyester jersey knit. it is also available in black. what makes it different are the small details. it's a double ply fabric, which means the inside is a pointelle knit. bust darts and contoured side seams make the fit very flattering. as i've developed this piece, i've made many samples - its my favorite thing to wear to yoga - slip this on for savasana and you'll be sleeping within minutes.

2011-09-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

saturday was a big day for my friends nora and jeff. it was also a big day for me too, you see, i made nora's dress. we have been collaborating on this dress since april and to see it finally finished, worn and loved, well, it was a sweet reward for all the work. the dress was for such a special day and all of its components had a story and meaning. the bodice was cut from the fabric of her mother's wedding dress, the lace was collected by her great grandmother many years ago in her travels, the fabric of the skirt was new and beautiful ivory silk, frayed green silk strips from a thrift store blouse framed the neckline and waist.

this style of using bits and pieces was reflected in the ceremony and reception too. the ceremony borrowed from christian and taoist tradition, poetry and rock and roll lyrics. a brass band marched the couple and guests among the streets and parks of northwest portland, stopping here and there to break out in dance or wave at onlookers and firetrucks.

upon reaching the reception, we were welcomed with an eclectic selection of hats, wigs and scarves to wear while snacking on a delicious selection of cheese and meats, champagne flowed. guests were encouraged to contribute to a growing piece of art started by the bride. later we were treated to an elegant dinner in a mirrored dinning room filled with candles, hanging air plants, and cupcakes

i've never been to a more beautiful wedding, and i've been to a lot! it was so incredibly beautiful because of the people involved. nora and jeff were truly appreciative and inclusive to the community that brought them to this day and made it happen. i KNOW they will have a long and loving life together, congratulations!

2011-09-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

so here it is, the fall issue of ABOUT FACE Magazine is out. two copies were hand delivered to me yesterday, thanks! i'm making tea and heading out to the backyard with my copy to read cover to cover. estate is on page 42 and 44, along with so many other talented people. i believe this is only their third issue and they really did an outstanding job, congratulations!

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

it was first friday again in southeast portland. my first stop took me to union rose, where amelia blakeman was the featured apparel designer. her feminine designs are inspired by a special object. a dress by amelia is on my list-to-own by local designers.

then i was off to aequanimitas, the studio of rachelle waldie and heather treadway. the theme for first friday changes every month. this month - call of the wild.

2011-09-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

in between all the work and sewing i've been doing, i just finished reading a really good book, just kids, by patti smith. its the story of the lifelong friendship between patti and robert mapplethorpe. they had such a devoted, sweet relationship. i've always loved the lyrics to her songs, but now i have a new appreciation for her writing, i highly recommend it!

enjoy this version of because the night, also with bono and bruce springsteen, two more of my favorites.

2011-08-28T23:22:00.000-07:00

today is the first day of burning man. it's a place i'm sad to say i'm not going this year. it's a place of unimagined imagination, creativity and beauty. it inspires, awes, renews and rejuvenates me. it shows me the best of humanity. its a place to connect and find commonality with people from all walks of life and all corners of the world. i try to keep these things i value with me always, but a refresher each year doesn't hurt.

and of course i'm into the fashion, it's so amazing and inspiring.

i would love to make beautiful works of art like this everyday, you would wear this tree to work wouldn't you?

photos by me, scott london, and trilo bytes

2011-08-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

i had started a project of purging that got waylayed as other projects needed attention. today i was reading my favorite online magazine, this article caught my eye. i'm inspired once again to get working on those piles of clutter and mountains of fabric. i think a garage sale may be in order...

2011-08-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

its been a really exciting few weeks with sewing the fall collection, the trunk show, and the latest - a photo shoot for about face magazine. the hobo dress will be in the next issue, due out around the 1st or 2nd week of september. i can't wait to see the photos the photographer took, i'm sure so much better than my grainy stand-ins, but i'm so happy i brought the camera and can share the experience. the staff, crew, and models were so amazing, professional, and helpful in putting this together. i look forward to many more collaborations with these people.

2011-08-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

i've been working like crazy on the fall estate collection, which i'll show this friday at union rose. the top fabric is a super soft soy/organic cotton jersey, followed by a grey and yellow floral that's not too sweet of a floral, but has a macintosh rose influence, and then a dark stretch denim. here's just a little peek into the fabrics. more to come as i complete the other pieces.

2011-07-28T08:56:00.001-07:00

Union Rose
79th & Stark in Montavilla
shop online at

unionrosepdx.com

First Friday
in Montavilla

August 5, 6-9pm

Union Rose

proudly presents

E s t a t e

Easy wearing separates

to keep you summer ready

and carry you into fall.

New pieces, and

deep discounts on pieces

from seasons past.

Bubbly and treats, too.

Please join us

and discover Montavilla.

2011-07-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

i just discovered that levi's is now making a line for urban cyclists. so far it's only men's, but i can see myself wearing these tough jeans on my daily commute. they are water and dirt repellent, have reinforced seams, and reflective tape on the cuffs. now what to do about helmet hair?

2011-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

i'm in love with this jewelery! its handmade by a local gal, julie cooper. the stacked rings and hammered earrings have rarely left my body for more than a moment. the simplicity is what i find so beautiful, and knowing that it's handmade by a very talented woman also makes me love it. i couldn't find a website for julie, but you can find more of it here.

proper attire

2011-07-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

this is the other class i'll be teaching, a two-parter on the 23rd and 30th. the pattern is by Anna Maria Horner, the proper attire skirt. it has piping along the front seams, an invisible zipper and is fully lined. there's still room for more students in this class too, it runs from 2-5 on these two days.

2011-07-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

coming up this saturday the 23rd i'll be teaching the couture seam finishes class again at modern domestic. this is a great class for learning how to finish your garments or other projects with some techniques that make the inside finished and beautiful and doesn't require a serger. it may be the artist in me that is thrilled to slip on a well made piece of clothing that has an unexpected touch of beauty and craftsmanship inside where only i can see. this class is 10:30 - 1:30, there's still room for a couple more, hope to see you there!

2011-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

...and the final pieces of the summer collection. the gingham shirt has a buttoned placket and a drawstring waist, it also comes in a fine grey stripe and the red plaid of the dress. the skirt is a cotton twill with low front pleated pockets and a side zipper.

2011-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

a french terry hoody - curve hugging, soft, tunic length, long push up sleeves. the calendar may say its summer, but this is what to wear when the temperature disagrees. its all the things i want in my hoody

2011-06-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

the weather finally cooperated and we were able to get outside and shoot estate's summer collection. Jen modeled it beautifully!

this is the keyhole dress. its a somewhat straight sheath and can be worn with or without the belt. it comes in a grey cotton chambray or the red plaid, a silky soft cotton shirting. the perfect summer dress

there will be more pictures to post tomorrow...

2011-06-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

the summer collection is now in Tumbleweed! here's a peek of just one piece, it's made of a super silky cotton shirting that would feel so nice on a hot summer day, we'll get one of those, don't worry. i'm shooting the other pieces at the end of the week and will post them as soon as i do.

2011-06-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

that was quick! the hounds tooth print skirt i posted yesterday has just sold to a woman in australia. obviously it pays to post new items to my shop. this is exciting, the only other skirt that i've sent out of portland went to budapest.

2011-06-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

it's been awhile since i've added new items to my etsy shop, i've been sewing like a woman possessed to get the summer collection into the shops, but here's a couple of skirts to freshen things up.

i'll show you those summer items very soon...

2011-05-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

i'll be teaching another class this saturday, you can sign up for it here - its couture seam finishes from 10-1. learn how to sew hong kong, french, and flat felled seams.

2011-05-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

this past saturday i attended the fashion show texture. it was a put on by a dynamo of a woman, nicole flood, of flood clothing. in her line, she recycles clothing to make unique one of a kind styles for men and women. as soon as i walked in, i saw that more than half the people there were wearing her clothing. at the end of the show, the audience was invited up to take a spin on the runway. people were excited to show off their flood clothing and support a local designer. i found this show to be one of the best i've been to. the music was upbeat, we danced. the clothing was wearable, fun, and comfortable, which was evident in the audience, and there were mini cupcakes. thanks for an inspiring show!

2011-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

this saturday from 2-5 i'm teaching a class on applying a hand picked zipper at modern domestic. this technique is used in couture garments and is a great way to install a perfect zipper in difficult slippery fabrics. there's still room in the class if you are interested in learning this

2011-04-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

last thursday on alberta street has been one of my favorite and most attended events in portland since i moved here 8 1/2 years ago. local artists of all kinds fill the streets for several hours setting up tables to sell their goods, performing music, dance, vaudeville, stilt walking, and every other kind of artistic self expression you can think of. mostly i've just attended, but on a few occasions i've set up shop and peddled my skirts. tomorrow i'm setting up on the 18th block and will be selling skirts along with my friend and co-worker Susan of sulu design. all proceeds from our sales tomorrow night will go to benefit the earthquake/tsunami victims of Japan. hope to see you out...

2011-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

i'm packing for a weekend getaway to the beach. most of the time will be spent with friends in the beach house, toasting a birthday, watching the waves, poking thru the local antique stores, but just in case we decide to get fancy, i'm taking this gorgous dress from juleselin

2011-04-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

the fashion show at portland sewing was a great experience. i was surrounded by so many talented designers and people that were so dedicated to putting on the most professional show i have ever been involved with. one designer i was particularly impressed by was alicia wood of ms. wood. she's part of a husband and wife design duo that crafts the most beautiful clothing and accessories with a japanese influence. her husband ben is the man behind the large geometric wooden jewelery and shoes. i have some great pictures i'll share in a future posting. unfortunately, i didn't get many good pictures of the estate line, but here's a few...

2011-04-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

i recently took a weekend trip to the coast - visited cannon beach, seaside and astoria. the weather was amazingly beautiful, a small miracle on the oregon coast. i took a few pictures, but an article in the New York Times really did my home town justice. funny that my co-worker (formerly of Astoria New York)shared this with me

2011-04-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

oh my! it's been awhile...i've been up to my elbows in designing my fall/winter collection, never mind what happened to spring/summer. actually, i'll be returning to that shortly, but for now i'm getting ready to show the fall collection at my first fashion show i've done in a few years. i'm really excited! my favorite former teacher, sharon blair, opened a sewing school and is celebrating her 1st year anniversary with this benefit fashion show. it happens this saturday, so i'll post photos as soon as i can

2011-03-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

last night i attended a bernina training session at modern domestic. these machines are amazing! the buttonholes impressed me the most, although, embroidering a four letter word was fun too. beware, my next design may have an extraordinary amount of buttons. i'll be offering my intro to couture class again if you wanted to join the last one but couldn't. i'm hoping to offer two other classes on couture technique; a hand-picked zipper, and fancy seam finishes. watch the modern domestic website for dates

2011-03-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

i've put the skirts on sale in my etsy shop, 50% off! it's time to move these on as i move forward creating seasonal collections. please visit my shop and see if there's one that should make a home in your wardrobe.

thanks!

robin

All the Sand in All the Sea

2011-02-26T22:29:00.000-08:00

the boutique i work at was given an early copy of devotchka's new cd 100 lovers. i borrowed it over the weekend and have been listening to it for the last two days. it's a lovely background for tea and sewing, tea and designing, and tea and fabric shopping. so i've had a lot of tea this weekend, and have also gotten a lot done. but there's more to do before i sleep tonight, just wanted to share this, take a listen!

2011-02-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

a sample of the newest skirts in Sofada, the grey one is my favorite, i can't seem to get enough of grey these last few seasons

summer estate collection

2011-01-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

the summer collection is coming along and i just wanted to share a sneak peak of one of the shirts that will be in the collection. its a super soft pima cotton gingham check that feels so good on the skin. it'll be perfect with cropped jeans at your back yard get together. more to come later...

2011-01-14T22:48:00.000-08:00

one of the projects that kept me so busy in december was a run of tee shirts for the yoga studio i practice at

new year's eve road trip

2011-01-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

i know, i know, it's been awhile since i last updated the blog. december was a really busy month for me, for you too, i'm sure

i needed a little break, so i took a trip to breitenbush to start off the new year

it was magical with the load of snow that had just fallen

the hotsprings were rejuvinating

the vegetarian meals were delicious

the new year was welcomed in with peace

2010-12-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

these are the super soft alpaca armwarmers i received from my lovely coworker anicka. she made these! i appreciate how beautifully knitted they are, much nicer than any i've seen in stores. i love handmade!

2010-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

this past weekend we had our company party and gift exchange. crafty wonderland was also happening where i picked up a really cute linen bag from a local etsy shop owner and filled it with crafty writing supplies. the talent and artistry of the vendors and their handmade wares was really inspiring.

2010-12-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

some new postings to my shop...

2010-11-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

here's just a few of my favorite things included in an Etsy Treasury, Shop in Your Underwear Black Friday. The bowls are in my shop along with a few other things that would make pretty gifts. Yes I know, they're not handmade, but they are vintage and I did hand pick these especially for my shop. Reusing is the next best thing to handmade, right?

2010-11-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

i love to give handmade gifts to my loved ones. most of us really have everything we need, and trying to give a gift that is thoughtful becomes easier if you give handmade. as i'm making a gift, i reflect on that person and personalize it to suit each recipient. if i don't make it myself, i have plenty of talented friends that do. it's so much more fulfilling than shopping at the mall!

2010-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

this sweet little sugar spoon just found a new home in austin, tx. a place that i've been crossing paths with all weekend. thanks to all that have shared your little bit of texas with me

2010-10-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

the nesting continues...i've been baking and sewing like crazy. these tea towels are now in the etsy shop, and the cookies went to my coworkers. ok, i may have eaten a few, and by that i mean breakfast lunch and dinner (for the last 3 days!), but who's counting?

2010-10-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

i've been getting comfortable and set up in my new place, which has room for me to work on my screenprinting again. the creativity has been flowing in the last few weeks, the napkin of irish linen screenprinted with berries will be found in estate's etsy shop for now, as i create more i'll open a new shop just for home items

2010-10-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

just a few skirts newly listed in my etsy shop...

the new hood

2010-10-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

i just made a move into a new place. it's bigger, light-filled, and painted in happy colors. the houses in the neighborhood are mostly victorians, it reminds me of my home town. i've discovered the quirky side of it while walking fran on these cool fall mornings. its been the favorite part of my days this fall. what's you favorite thing about fall?

2010-10-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

one of my most talented and stylish friends got married at the end of september. her wedding took place on the nicest day of the month. as expected, she was a beautiful bride. congratulation Kara and Steven!

2010-10-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

this is blouse style we'll be making at modern domestic. starting October 30, i'll be teaching an intro to couture class, come join us and learn fine hand sewing techniques.

2010-09-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

the bp disaster got me seriously considering my footprint on our beautiful earth. i didn't drive that far, but i was driving everyday, and i wasn't driving that far!? so with my concern over the oil spill, my need to exercise, my love of being outside, why wasn't i biking? i took the plunge and sold my car! i LOVE biking everyday! i can smell the coffee brewing in the coffee shops, the grass and trees after a rain, it's heavenly.

enjoy the beautiful view i see from my bike every day

the end of summer

2010-09-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

i'm sad to say goodbye to summer. it was a really beautiful and magical summer for me. i know there will be more, but i can't help thinking there will not be another like this one.

a road trip to the desert wasn't long enough

the concert in the park was too short

sunlight shone too shortly on the picnics at the river.

2010-09-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

this cute skirt just found a new home in new york. there's one more left in the etsy shop

2010-09-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

2010-08-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

have you been to the portland chinese garden? its a really magical place, one of my favorites in the city. i ocassionally have the privelidge to help cater weddings that take place here. when night falls, lanterns turn it into a twinkling paradise. you may not have the chance to see it at night, but a day visit to the garden and tea house is a special treat too.

2010-08-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

2010-08-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

the newest skirt added to the etsy shop - vintage purple polyester! who would have thought that fabric in grandma's sewing room would look so cute as a skirt. it hugs the curves in just the right places and is actually kinda sexy. meow!

2010-08-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

a girls weekend took me to oregon wine country

it was great to reconnect with girlfriends i've had for 20 years and more

youngberg hill was my favorite stop

2010-07-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

today at modern domestic, there's a designer's fabric sale. all are welcome to come, there are lots of beautiful fabrics on sale for super cheap prices. looks like my stash will have a few new pieces.

2010-06-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

new skirts in the etsy shop

vintage fabric finds!

2010-06-25T17:34:00.001-07:00

here are some great vintage fabrics i got today thanks to a tip from my favorite shopkeeper Nicole. there were so many fabrics it was really hard to choose. i can't wait to begin making skirts!

2010-06-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

i took a much needed break to slow down and learn to breathe again at an amazingly beautiful ashram here in portland. a long day of classroom work, yoga and meditation reminded me that i'm not in control and that things will happen whether i like it or not. how i choose to deal with it is in my control, and so i begin again with my list making and dealing with things in a postitive way as they come. no more procrastinating!

old dress gets new life

2010-06-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

this was a wedding dress from the 50's that i picked up in the thrift store. i held onto it for several years before i could work up the courage to cut it up

the stains and tears of a live well lived

a few embellishments, a snip here and a snip there, some dye, and it became a new dress that was just as beautiful in a new way

take it out, shake it up, live!

nature loves love too

2010-06-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

on a walk I discovered so many heart shaped leaves, i had to comment on this love theme, being summer and all

vintage fabric estate skirts

2010-06-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

the latest skirts posted to the etsy shop

this graphic red and navy number is my size...

better hurry before i change my mind

this one has a cotton hand

one of a handful that is not polyester

estate skirts on etsy

2010-05-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

click here to see more in Estate's etsy shop

spring scenes

2010-05-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

walk this way

2010-05-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

francis:

aka fran, frannie, fran the man, fran fran

on our morning walk...an auspicious sign

a chance is taken...

the dark skies yield no break

linen skirt

2010-05-20T20:57:00.001-07:00

here's the finished linen skirt i promised. it wraps securely through belt loops and doesn't leave you feeling like you may be exposed with the next swift breeze, although i really like it over skinny jeans.

i found the perfect 80's vintage fabric to line the pockets. it looks like something i had as a little girl.

inspired skirt

2010-05-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

the skirt inspired by last nights in-studio concert. asymmetrically pieced vintage fabrics with exposed seams, above the knee length.

studio sounds

2010-05-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

i love my studio! i wish you could hear what i'm hearing...march fourth is downstairs practicing, i'm upstairs sewing. they set the creative juices flowing. i love my studio!

an apple a day...

2010-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

a new item in my etsy shop.

2010-05-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

these are the newest poly skirts in progress. i'm going to try the portland saturday market this summer, so i'm preparing a stockpile.

the new linen wrap skirts seen in the april 22 post come back from the seamstress today...very exciting. she does such a great job! i can't wait to share them with you.

2010-04-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

i took another road trip to the coast this past weekend. it was the typical stormy beach weather with sideways rain and debri strewn wind gusts. the sun began to shine for me on my way back to portland...

a stop at the best roadside seafood shack helped. the pepper smoked salmon and smoked salmon spread on crackers made the drive home delicious. And just over the summit, the sun began to shine.

2010-04-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

the navy and white linen was my choice to become a wrap skirt. funky vintage fabric lines the pockets.

2010-04-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

New fabric arrived yesterday, beautiful linen...hmm...which will i choose and what will it become?

Alabama Chanin

2010-04-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Natalie Chanin was here in Portland last week. I first learned of her when a group of excited women came into the boutique where I work, just a few days prior to her workshop. Her belief in slow design and sustainability intrigued me and the mysterious invitation to a wine reception in her honor was too much to pass up. I met her at the wine reception and was sorry the next days workshop was full. She wore one of her beautiful creations, a crimson skirt with reverse applique. She had a busy week of lectures, a book signing at Powell's, and workshops. She is an inspiration and I know her book Alabama Studio Style will soon be added to my fashion library.

silver trays

2010-04-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

i love collecting odd little silver pieces...these two are the most recent i found while rummaging thru my neighborhood junk shop. i love that the beauty is hidden. half the fun is hunting for them, the other half is taking them home and finding out what is under all the tarnish. the third picture shows a nice way to show off your new found treasure. these to pieces can be found in my etsy shop.

2010-04-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

the latest estate skirt, custom made for my favorite human. this is of recycled vintage polyester in black rib with a hunter green elastic waistband. she'll be rocking this skirt with her fry boots and lacy tights. maybe i'll catch her in it and snap a photo.

2010-04-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

I just got my first pair of Simple sneakers. I love them! They are made of hemp, organic cotton, and used tire treads, and vegan. Did I tell you how much I love them?!

Chocolate pencil skirt

2010-04-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

pencil skirt with asymmetrical yoke

2010-04-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

You can find the newest Estate skirts at Sofada. Many local designers as well as other unique lines are carried here.

2010-04-09T14:02:00.001-07:00

a-line skirt in a gray brushed twill

contrasting hem and piping

2010-04-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

The weekend on the coast included a stop at Cannon Beach Spa for facials. While my friend Toni got her facial, I soaked and sipped tea.

Our esthetician Heidi was so sweet and full of information on skin care. I will definitely be back!

Weekend at the beach

2010-03-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome back from your weekend, I hope you had as much fun as I did! I spent my beautiful weekend at the beach! The weather was calm and warm, a rarity in March. It was a much needed break from work and my everyday busy life. I'll tell you about the relaxing spa visit next time.

I'm off now to visit my favorite store, Union Rose, Nicole is a gem! I'm dropping off the new spring skirts, stop by and pay her a visit too!

Ruffle knit skirt

2010-03-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

This new skirt is an incredibly soft organic cotton knit.

2010-03-26T00:11:00.000-07:00