Featured
Home Sewn
Sugar Editorial Picks
Home Library: French General: Home Sewn
On Project Runway, co-host Tim Gunn's most dismissive comment on a garment was that it looked home sewn. Given this unfavorable recent pop culture reference, it's refreshing to see a beautiful book proudly bearing a title of the same name.
Kaari Meng, owner of the adorable Hollywood crafts and notion store French General, has extended her expertise to the book world with French General: Home Sewn ($24.95).
Other Search Results
Sale Alert: Chronicle Books Friends and Family Summer Sale
You've got friends in high places. Now through Aug. 5, Chronicle Books is treating its pals (you) to some sweet discounts on Summer reading.
Inspired: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels's Campy-Chic Style
I'm jonesing for Lizzie Fortunato Jewels's chic arts-and-crafty necklaces lately, which are made from a mix of new, vintage and found materials, including hand-sewn leather and fabric, precious stones, beads, and antique chains. The craftsmanship of the collection, dreamed up by a New York sister act, is unbelievable. I'm craving this Exile to Mexico II Necklace in particular.
Crave Worthy: Sea Urchin Poufs
I think I have died and gone to heaven in the ocean. Poufs + sea urchins + yarn = three trends I love blended into one. I don't read a stitch of German, but I might have to sign up for Berlitz just to figure out how to get my hands on one of these Taschide Sea Urchin Poufs.
Cool Idea: Tyvek Transitions to the Home Design World
While you may use Tyvek to cover your car or construct your house, I doubt that you use any for home decorating. That might be about to change, though. Philadelphia design firm MIO has transformed this most utilitarian of fabrics into pretty designs suitable for use as decorative home textiles.
Nice and New: Hable Construction Cayenne Birds Pillow
There's not a thing about Hable Construction's new Cayenne Birds Wheat Linen Pillow ($130) that I don't adore. From the Thomas Paul-esque pattern to the hand-printed and hand-sewn material to the organically inspired colors, it's utterly charming. Its smart bird pattern is simple enough for a modern home but exhibits enough folksy flair for a country cottage as well.
Weekend DIY Projects
Many of you have an extended weekend, so what better way to enjoy your day off than to tackle some fun DIY projects? I'd start with this fun curtain project from Craftster member Petchy. I love the retro barkcloth print she used for her kitchen curtains.
Casa Interview: Emma Gardner
Designer Emma Gardner creates beautifully designed rugs and home accessories that feature nature-inspired patterns. A member of the RUGMARK Foundation, a global non-profit organization working to end child labor, Emma Gardner creates her vibrant rugs from her Litchfield, CT, studio. Emma recently took some time off from her busy schedule to answer some questions for us.
DIY: Handsewn Bird Mobile
If you've never sewn before, this is a great project to start you on your way. No machine is needed, as everything is hand sewn. Hand sewing is a great skill, as you can use it to complete simple repairs on clothing, from patching jeans to sewing on buttons to hemming skirts.
Roundup: Pintucks
I'm totally loving the textural look of the West Elm Organic Cotton Pintuck Duvet Cover and Shams ($24 and up) that is achieved with pintucks, very narrow ornamental folds or pleats in the fabric sewn in place. Of course the 230-thread-count cotton has its own appeal, but it's really amazing how an easy tuck can really transform a solid fabric like this. I thought I'd see if I couldn't come up with some other pintucked home décor items that I love equally; it wasn't hard.
More on CasaSugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Vero Moda
adidas by Stella McCartney
Adidas