Beautiful ribbons are a lightweight, easily transportable treasure. Long before integrating ribbon into clothing you could find me in the local fabric store gazing into glass cabinets filled with ribbon and lace or leaning into the bin piled with leftover ribbon still on the cardboard spools.
Ribbons to Transform Tops Read More »
The first time I saw wood paneling was a room encased in carved oak linenfold paneling aged to a deep brown. As a lover of fabric, it was difficult to tear myself away from a wall of rippling wooden “fabric”. This post will be a gathering of ideas about wood paneling, wainscoting, and boiserie and how it inspired me to repurpose leftover building materials.
Wood Paneling, Wainscoting and Boiserie: Wall Covering Ideas Revisited Read More »
In an article by Olivia Allen on January 27th, British Vogue predicts “Spring 2026 Will Be Defined by the ‘Bonkers’ Skirt”. Unique skirts are a way to “…spark joy” and as noted by senior sustainability and features editor Emily Chan, “Paired with a simple black roll neck (turtleneck), it’s an easy way to inject some fun without having to try too hard.”
Unique Skirts Create Joy Read More »
For many of us keeping a journal is a way to capture our emerging thoughts and ideas. Sketching enables me to work through the details before becoming enmeshed in the act of creation. Simply because an idea has occurred doesn’t guarantee its coming to fruition. This sketch of a library table painted in a chinoiserie inspired pattern is an example of an idea generated sketch which helped me see it wasn’t a good idea!
Journal Sketches Capture Developing Ideas Read More »
During the holidays many of us may hang wreaths or decorate a fir tree. Some may drape a mantel or staircase in garlands of greenery. This dried boxwood wreath is one of four we like to hang in our home beginning at Thanksgiving. The seller said the wreaths would likely last for four months; it
Winter Blooms Inside and Out Read More »
There is a joy in the unhurried stroll down a paved sidewalk lined with curated shops. Windows sparkle and pull us closer. What to notice first; the graphic lettering of the shop name or that of the proprietor, the arrangement of the objects, the drape of the fabric…all can provide us with inspiration for interior design, garden design, clothing design, and the art of arranging.
Window Shopping for Design Inspiration Read More »
Flowers inspire me and are the subject of much of my creative work but when it comes to clothing my choice is usually a solid color and most often black, cream, tan, or navy. However, in the past few years designers have been using floral fabric in ways that could tempt even a a stark minimalist.
Current design images reveal our growing interest in creating a more profound space in our laundry rooms. This laundry room with its large wooden ironing table covered in fabric, freshly cleaned clothing hanging on multiple lines in a sunny window, and a mending table in the corner is an idealized reflection of laundry rooms of the 1800’s.
Creating an Exceptional Laundry Room Read More »
My journal is, among other things, a place to remember, record, and refine ideas in the works. When thinking about making or redesigning apparel it often helps to sketch out the idea and think about how to proceed. Fashion designers typically create sketches and/or drape fabric on mannequins or models before creating the final design. in this case, we begin with three webbed belts and a classic blazer from my skirt suit days.
Repurposing a Classic Suit Jacket Read More »
On February 13, 2025, I published a piece on this blog discussing the way objects with stories can personalize and enliven our homes. Today’s piece is a continuation of the series within the blog about storied objects. This rose carved ivory box is a storied object…
Storied Objects – The Ivory Box Read More »
