I believe in quirky tea towels for the kitchen. Sometimes that handle on your oven door just needs a bit of quirk and humor, you know? That’s where the Philadelphia-based housewares brand Girls Can Tell comes in. Illustrated by ex-architect Sara Selepouchon, each tea towel features an annotated, highly detailed drawing of some inanimate object. From a rollerskate to the Eiffel Tower, each hand-printed floursack tea towel leaves you with a grin and just a bit more knowledge as you wait for dinner to be served.
As a recent transplant to Philadelphia, the soft pretzel tea towel is my personal favorite!
{All images via Girls Can Tell}
by Joanna on February 13, 2013
Linen bedding has always been on my “lust list.” Effortlessly chic and oh-so-easy, linen drapes off the bed beautifully and evokes a certain French vacation vibe. London-based Bodie and Fou stonewashes their linen for that worn-in, loved feeling and rumpled casualness. A true investment piece, a linen duvet can last a lifetime and truly gets better with age.
In the mood to for some gorgeous styling and lovely living inspiration? Be sure to check out their blog!
{Charcoal duvet available here, pink duvet available here}
One of my all-time favorite Anthology stories has to be the “Conversation” with Amy Sedaris, which was published in Issue No. 7/Spring 2012. I’ve long admired the work of the actress, comedian, author, and crafter. Well, this month, Sedaris can add textile designer to her list of accomplishments. Her collaboration with Windham Fabrics—a collection called “I Like You” (also the name of her first book)—is now available.
Not surprisingly, the patterns are bold and a bit offbeat. I can totally picture using these designs to whip up some fun kitchen wares—such as aprons, potholders, and oven mitts.
Of course there had to be a gingham print in the collection. In the photo below of Sedaris in her NYC apartment, her fondness for the motif is evident!
{ Photos of Amy Sedaris by Todd Oldham for Anthology Magazine. Swatches from Windham Fabrics. }
Waaay back in Issue No. 5/Fall 2011, in our “Conversation” feature, we visited with Keith Johnson—an art and antiques buyer for Anthropologie. When we asked him for his motto, he told us: “You only regret the things you leave behind. So many people tell me stories of things they wish they had bought.” My story of regret dates back a number of years and involves a painting by San Francisco artist Jen Garrido. I came across it at the SFMOMA Artists Gallery; I believe it was during one of their big warehouse sales. After much deliberation, I decided not to buy it—and I still regret that decision.
Since then, in addition to her fine art, Jen has started a line called Jenny Pennywood. It includes custom work (such as patterns devised for special events), as well as a products with motifs of her own design. The latter are a great, affordable way to own one of Jen’s creations. And these will tide me over until I’m able to acquire one of her original art pieces!
Zippered pouches available in the Jenny Pennywood shop
Jenny Pennywood pillows available at The Curiosity Shoppe
As much as I enjoy buying handmade goods during the holidays, what I love even more is being able to make gifts myself. This year, I’m trying to set aside time for doing just that. My sewing skills are pretty basic—I can cut and stitch a straight line—so my DIYs tend to be simple. But I focus a lot on the fabrics that I use, because I think they can elevate even the easiest craft project.
The Band of Color pattern above is a bit of a splurge at $50/half-yard, but it’s handmade in New York by Mociun. And availability is limited; once it’s gone, that’s it for this gorgeous silk textile. (I’m considering it for a zipper pouch or small clutch.) Below are a few more fabrics I’ve had my eye on this season.
I’m crazy about Lina Rennell’s handprinted Ikat Cat, available in copper ($40/half-yard) and blue ($36/half-yard).
I like the idea of making sachet sets out of the offcuts bundles ($40 AUD) from Ink & Spindle.
C’est La Viv’s watercolor-like Tango pattern is available in three colors—tangerine, lavender, and turquoise—as well as a variety of materials, from cotton ($18/yard) to silk crepe de chine ($38/yard). I’m thinking these might work well for a pillow or tote, with Tropicana Ribbons used for the back of the pillow or interior lining of the tote.
Now I just need to make some decisions so I can get started on my holiday DIYs! If I have the time, I might even take things up a notch this year and make my own printed fabrics—following the tutorial by Yellow Owl Workshop that’s featured in our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.
