Michaela Scherrer: Doily Drapes

I spotted these doily drapes today and was instantly transported to my grandmother's house. Growing up my I remember lace doiles handmade by aunts and friends covering nightstands and dining tables. I was always fascinated by there intricateness. Michaela Sherrer expands on the doily theme with her line of doily shades. The shades are more for a decorative use then a practical shield for privacy. I just love that they make me want to cuddle up under a blanket and drink hot chocolate. Check out more: lisafontanarosa.com.

$1 design finds at dominomag.com

My $1 story for domino launched tonight on their website. Check out 25 great finds under $1 that seriously are not cheap or tacky. I can't believe all the good stuff I actually did find. A tip for shoppers: shop big chain stores clearance section—99 cents stores and dollar stores don't necessarily sell things under a $1. Check out the slide show here.

Assorted colored gift tags, $.40 each, mannysart.com for information

Small bowls, $.85 each, crateandbarrel.com for information

Kara Weaves: Striped Bath Towels

I just found these awesome stripe towels from Kara Weaves via Design Sponge. Love! This is the perfect thing for my store. Colorful, beachy, and casual. I just ordered three different colors to check them out. A total great deal for $13 for the white and stripe and $15 for the full color. Check out more here: karaweaves.com.

Ikat Fabric: Uzbeck Alive

I received some gorgeous ikat fabric from Uzbeck Alive today. I ordered three pieces to check out the quality and color of the fabric for possibly use for some pillows. The textile is top quality and really beautiful. I did have a problem with my postman and my fabric got sent back. Uzbeck Alive immediately e-mailed me and resent the fabric absolutely free within just a few days. Great service! How cute is the package it came in (above)? Check out their store here: uzbekalive.com.

Ethnic Embroidered Ribbons

One last post before I head off to the store for baking supplies. I saw these embroidered ribbons yesterday and was reminded of the post I wrote about embroidered curtains. What about one of these ribbons sewn onto a white sheer? So fun and colorful! I found one of the styles available for purchase on M&J's website: mjtrim.com. Have a nice 4th!

Les Indiennes: Indian-Inspired Fabric

I'm in love with these Indian style fabrics from Les Indiennes. Exactly the kind of prints that make me fall into a hoarding crazy fool. I'm going to be good and file this source away. I will definitely check it out again when I am working on a bedroom or living room project. You can purchase pillows, bedding, table clothes, and fabric by the bolt straight from their website. Prices range from $66-$550. Check out more: lesindiennesshop.com.

Inspiration: Embroidered Curtains

I just spotted these beautiful embroidered curtains on dominomag.com. I would love to use some my ribbon I bought last week at Daytona to copy this look. Super easy! Just sew strips of ribbon onto a sheer white curtain. You can pick up inexpensive white sheers like these at Ikea.

Daytona Trimmings Co.

One of my favorite place to go for inspiration are ribbon stores. Daytona Trimming has a great selection and often prices are cheaper then M&J's superstore around the corner. Aisles are full of floor to ceiling spools of ribbon. I love all the color and pattern. Resisting the temptation to buy out the whole store can be trying. Decorative ribbon can be used for all kinds of different craft projects. I love it as a border on curtains, sewn onto white sheets, glued onto a lampshade, or sewn onto the bottom of a bedskirt. The possibilities are endless. Prices range from about $.99-$12.99 a yard. See more images I took by checking out my flickr photostream here.

Daytona Trimming Co.
251 W. 39th Street
(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
New York, NY
(212) 354-1713

Dermond Peterson: Sealife Pillows

I was telling at friend yesterday how I become so into sealife pillows and prints. She showed me this awesome Octopus pillow by Dermond Peterson. I saw the pillow a few months ago and I couldn't for the life of me remember who made it. Love! I am really in love with Dermond Peterson's entire collection of Seaside motifs that include pillows, napkins, runners, and kitchen towels. Check out more: dermondpeterson.com.

3rd Floor Studio Designs

I totally fell for these octopus hats that I spotted at Renegade over the weekend; so cute! I wanted to buy them all but the 90 degree heat really didn't have me in the mood of feeling cozy and putting on hats. Luckily 3rd Floor Studio sells on etsy.com. I think the hat will be the perfect gift for my artsy friend who's having a baby in August. The hats are handknit in a wool-cotton blend which is perfectly soft for a baby. Octopus hat, $32. Check out the designer's cute blog and etsy shop: ouryellowhouse.typepad.com.

Sara Elizabeth Block Printers

I just fell head over in heels in love with these block prints designed by Sara Elizabeth. Printed and designed from her shop in Rockport, Massachusetts the prints inspire a feeling of old coastal New England. The prints are printed on cloth but I think they would be amazing framed. She has tons more prints available in different sizes and colors. Prices range from $12.40-$32.50. Check out more: sarah-elizabeth-shop.com.

Oilcloth for Outdoor Tables

Mustikkamaa, $52 for 36 x 54 piece, finnishgifts.com.

How about a little sewing project for the weekend? I love idea of using any of these fun and bright oilcloths for outdoor tables. Oilcloth is great fabric to use for outdoors because it can be easily be wiped cleaned—kid and sudden thunderstorm friendly. I pick out a few pricey Marimekko prints...but they are so crush-worthy! Equally as fun and chic are Mexican oilcloths (below) a steal for $7.95 a yard. Check out each of the sites listed to find a plethora of other choices.

Dombra in yellow, $48 for a 36 x 54 piece, store.txtlart.com.

Juhannustaika, $52 for 36 x 54 piece, store.txtlart.com.

Kirsikka, $52 for 36 x 54 piece, store.txtlart.com.

Pears and Apples in green, $7.95/yard reprodepotfabrics.com.

Strawberry oilcloth in yellow, $7.95/yard reprodepotfabrics.com.

Amy Helfand

I feel hard for these rugs designed by Brooklyn based artist Amy Helfand. Part of series called, "Heading West" the new rugs represent inspiration from field guides and maps from the travels of Lewis and Clark. The "Heading West" series is available by commission. They are hand-knotted in Nepal from Tibetan wool, hand-carded hand-spun, and pot-dyed. Prices begin at $125/square foot for an all wool rugs. Check out more of Amy's amazing work: amyhelfand.com.

ICFF 2008

I had a great time checking out my first ICFF show but damn I am exhausted. I don't know if I have shared the real reason why I was attending ICFF and the National Stationery Show this weekend? I am starting my own online store! I want the store to be highly curated and focus on home accessories that are colorful and patterned driven. I saw some great things at ICFF that were super inspiring. I've never owned my own store so I do have a lot to learn. Baby steps, right? I am so excited. Check out some of my shots from ICFF by clicking here. I will tell you more about each individual company once I get a little rest. But for now just spend some time ooogling over some major house porn.

Earthy Mossy Green Placemats

Just found these earthy green tie-dyed placemats over at Pearl River Mart. I am imagining them paired with natural fiber tabletop pieces and dozens of large succelents in warm terra cotta pots. Grab up a set of 4 for $12. Check out more: pearlriver.com.

John Robshaw Sample Sale

Today was the beginning of my favorite sample sale, John Robshaw. I think I made out pretty well. I was trying to find things to go with my pink rug I got at the Madeline Weinrib sample sale a few weeks ago. I would really like the reds to mix with the pink rug but I'm not sure if it will work. The rug is just too rosy and the cream accent is just too yellow. Urg. Great, now I have even more stuff I don't really need. I love my Poppy quilt and cherry blossoms curtains so I don't feel that guilty. The sale is on through the weekend. Details below.

John Robshaw Sample Sale
245 West 29th Street
Suite 1104
NYC
Thursday May 15 10-8 pm
Friday 10-6pm
Saturday 10-3 pm

Florence Broadhurst-Japanese Floral

This is my absolute favorite new print! I would love it on chairs, sofas, and even walls. The print is designed by Australian designer Florence Broadhurst. The fabric is pricey at about $150/meter. Totally worth it! Check out more fabrics and wallpapers: signatureprints.com.au.

Ikat Fabric

Uzbek natural silk ikat, $24.99 for 16.5 x 120 inches, ebay.com.

I'm a big fan of ikat pillows but I'm not such a fan of the high prices many retailers charge to your hands on the real thing. The silk textile is handmade and imported from Uzbekistan. Ikats are made on large looms but typically are only 16-18 inches wide. Many US retailers piece together the ikat to create a larger width desirable for home accessories. The process is costly and labor intensive.

I've decided to take a stab at making my own. I found three shops online that sell silk ikats. I never ordered from any of these retailers so I can't really back their integrity. I ordered a few pieces from each one and I should receive the textiles in a few weeks. I'll let you all know how it goes and what I think.

Three shops I choose:
stores.ebay.com/AntiquarianTextiles
www.uzbek-craft.com
www.uzbekalive.com

Uzbek natural silk ikat, $24.99 for 16.5 x 120 inches, ebay.com.

Uzbeck silk ikat, $79 for 18 x 200 inches, uzbek-craft.com.

Uzbeck silk ikat, $63.20 for 18 x 200 inches, uzbek-craft.com.

Uzbeck silk ikat, $51.35 for 18 x 200 inches, uzbek-craft.com.

Lilac ikat adras fabric, $24.99 for 1 meter, uzbeckalive.com.

Sea Cloth

I was in Greenwich yesterday strolling around looking for a Mother's day gift. I popped into Sea Cloth were I found all kinds of new beachy bright textiles and accessories. I totally fell for the set of wire dining chairs adorned with "blue lattice" fabric. How freakin awesome are those studded chargers in white? Reminds me of the rocker glam side table I found at Shine Home a few weeks back. I should have taken more photos but I was feeling shy. Luckily you can view and purchase a lot of Sea Cloth's textiles and accessories online. Check out the website: seacloth.com.

Sea Cloth
107 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT
(203) 422 6150

Sewing Classes

I just signed up for two new sewing classes at Make in New York. I am super excited to sharpen my sewing skills! I don't think I've really touched a machine since I stopped making scrunchies back in '92. I thought I would always figure it out again on my own but taking a class sounds like a lot more fun and way more motivating! Feeling creative? Check out the class schedule here: makeworkshop.com.

Waspy White Sheets

I've been dreaming about clean crisp white sheets lately. White sheets just always feel so elegant and sumptuous. With summer right around the corner freshen up your beds with these super-luxe sheets from Matouk (prices range from $56-$750). All the sheets feel so grown-up and fancy. I would totally invest if I knew my apartment days were over. (My washing machine has some evil demon living inside that only wrecks the stuff I love). I'm a total sucker for monogram and using it sparingly is not too over the top. Check out more: matouk.com

"Butterfield" white percale finished with extra-large scallop and satin stitch, 500 thread count Egyptian cotton

"Gordian Knot" embroidered graceful knots on white percale sheeting, 500 thread count Egyptian cotton

"Providence" classic bedding with appliqué chain tape detail, 350 thread count long-staple cotton sheeting in White and Ivory

"Venus" white sateen with corded organdy scalloped border, 600 thread count Egyptian cotton

Acid Green Tableclothes

Henry Road "Gloria" tablecloth in pink/lime, $115-$165, henryroad.com.

I'm a total sucker for tablecloths. I can't resist buying them at sample sales, tag sales, or the often inspiring sale section of Anthropologie. I have a huge box of different prints and shapes I have been collecting since high school. Some of new favorites all seem to have big prints full of acidy green shades. I'm not really a green person so I was surprised I was drawn to them. Check out of few of my picks above and below.

Unison "Lush" Tablecloth in Sky Blue, $90 velocityartanddesign.com.

India Rose "Freedonia Cool" Tablecloth, $70, indiarose.com.

Marimekko "Dombra Green" Tablecloth, $76, txtlart.com.

Unison "Larch" tablecloth in Moss, $90 velocityartanddesign.com.

Madeline Weinrib Sample Sale-Impulse Buy

Yesterday I went to the first ever Madeline Weinrib Sample Sale. I was hoping to score a runner and a rug for my living room. There really wasn't that huge of selection. A lot of random large floor pillows and a few ikats. The pillows are so expensive at full price that even 1/2 off didn't seem like that great of deal. ($600 were going for $300).

I picked up this 5x7 Amagansett rug for $399. Full price the piece would go for $595. I honestly don't know why I bought it. I love pink..but a whole rug. It looks pretty in my living room but now nothing matches. The rug would be perfect in a nursery or little girl's room. If anyone is interested in taking it off my hands send me an e-mail at elliott.katy@gmail.com. Love the rug I just wasn't being very logical about what would fit in my space.

Madeline Weinrib Sample Sale

This just in...the first ever Madeline Weinrib sample sale! I almost resisted posting this announcement...what if everyone gets there before me! I guess I can share. Details below.

Madeline Weinrib Sample Sale
40-60% off Carpets, Pillows & Accessories
May 2 - May 11 FRI 10-8, SAT 10-7, SUN 11-6:30
ABC Carpet & Home, 881 Broadway, Lower Level

Update: See what I bought here.

New John Robshaw Spring 2008 Preview

Looks like John Robshaw is geering up to release his new Spring 2008 collection. On his website you can get a sneak peek with a new online catalog. The collection has more reds and blues then we have seen before. I am loving the layered prints in a variety of red shades in the bed above. To check out the new catalog filled with Robshaw ethnic textile porn (truly it is): johnrobshaw.com.

DIY Ombre

I want to do one of these diy ombre projects this weekend. How gorgeous, right? Ombre was the featured project in the May issue of Martha Stewart Living with great project ideas and full instructions to complete every design. We seen a lot of ombre in fashion this Spring and I love how Living translated the hot trend to stylish home decor accessories. I really want to try making the bed linens in the photo below. Clean, crisp, and Springy feeling! To find all the project/instructions from the May issue check out marthastewart.com.

Dinosaur Designs

Bright colors and strong figurative shapes characterize these show stopper rugs. Would be totally amazing in large open floor plan or loft. Pairing the rugs with a sleek modern interior would allow the rugs to be the star attraction. Don't clutter up the space with excessive prints and colors it will just detract from the awesomeness of the great bold shapes. My favorite piece is above. Reminds me of some sketches I did during my undegrad. Check out more: dinosaurdesigns.com.

Garnet Hill/ Villa Bedding

A new summer print suited for the upcoming warmer months. The comforter cover and shams is made luxurious cotton/linen blend fabric. The pretty blue and brown feels crisp and modern highlighted against a white background. Prices range from $118 twin-$158 king. A total bargain for luxury. Available through: garnethill.com.

Marisol Imports/Ethnic Prints

I had to grab this shot from the windows because I forgot my camera when the store was open. Marisol Imports located on Pearl Street in Boulder, Co specializes in imports from Mexico. The have tons of masks, rugs, and fabric. The fabric is available in a range of styles from really bright stripes to more subdued neutral patterns that reminded me of an ikat style print. The fabric was a heavier weight which would be perfect for pillows or upholstery. Prices range from $10-$17 a yard. You can't purchase the fabric online but try calling the store for more info. Check out website: marisolimports.com.

Zara Home

I am totally head over the heels in love with Zara Home. All of these things are super cheap! I only wish they had a home division here in the states. I guess I can drool for now. State side residents check it our here: zarahome.com. Across the pond you can buy all these products online. Lucky ducks.

Jennifer Paganelli Fabrics

I love this print from Jennifer Paganelli. I don't know what colorway is prettier? I am drawn to the version above. I am total sucker pink. I don't really want to live with the pink so I guess i would choose the blue. Buy: 14,95 EUR per meter at: volksfaden.de.