wonder threads

Birds

2012-01-27T21:02:00.009-05:00

I saw these felt bird ornaments on the Purl Bee blog in late 2010, and kept them in mind over the past year via Pinterest. (of course!) I decided to make a bunch for friends and their kiddos this past Christmas. Since I already had most of the materials, I opted to 'wing it' (heh heh), instead of buying Purl's kit. It wasn't hard to figure out. For a little extra special-ness, I personalized the ornaments by stitching each recipient's name on the side of his/her bird.

I love following through with a project I've pinned on Pinterest. More projects to come...

C is for Cookie

2012-01-10T17:21:00.009-05:00

Back in September 2011, my adorable little cousin Charlotte turned 2. She requested a Cookie Monster cake, which I was very happy to make for her. It was a chocolate cake (the never fail recipe from the Hershey's cocoa canister), with vanilla icing. I opted to free-form it, instead of use the Wilton Cake pan. I think Charlotte was happy with the result.

(please pardon the not so great photo)

To make Cookie Monster's fur, I got myself this multi-opening decorating tip, aka a grass tip. Life changer!

As for her birthday gift, I made a little Cookie Monster backpack with some blue furry fabric I've had for years.

It's just a basic square shape, with a zipper closure. I appliqued CM's face with knit fabric, and attached ribbon straps.

I LOVE seeing Charlotte arrive at my place, or elsewhere, with her backpack chock full of toys. She can really cram a lot of stuff in there!

Such a cutie!

Stay Creative

2011-11-15T11:06:00.002-05:00

I'm loving this inspiring video. For me, I'd replace #8 with chocolate.

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

Fortune Cookie

2011-11-14T10:41:00.003-05:00

Recently, my friend B found this gem inside his fortune cookie.

Even though this is a sentiment we share, he said I had to have it. I gladly accepted it, sewed it to some scrapbooking paper, and placed it in a frame I keep on my desk. What a fantastic reminder of how to live life, and a reminder of a very supportive friend! Thanks B!

sorry, i've been PINNING!

2011-10-26T10:09:00.006-04:00

Are you like me? Are you ~~addicted to~~ in love with Pinterest?! It's such a great and easy way to store inspiration, and gather even more inspiration from the pinnings of others. One of my fave things to pin is recipes. I love that each pin links to the website or blog where it originated. I was so excited to see my interoffice laptop sleeve on some pin boards. I hope to see some of my new onesies and tees floating around there soon, too. Here's a sneak peek while I upload the new styles to the website...

Story Pirates + Moey's Music Party + Wonder Threads!

2011-06-16T19:08:00.013-04:00

This SUNDAY, JUNE 19th (Father's Day), I'll be selling Wonder Threads onesies and tees at the Williamsburg Waterfront Concert Series, featuring the Story Pirates and Moey's Music Party!
This event is FREE, so get there early to grab a good spot for you and your little one(s)!

The details: Sunday, June 19th 12-3pm Williamsburg Waterfront= East River State Park, North 8th St. at Kent Avenue, Brooklyn

I'll be sharing a tent, via Artists & Fleas, with none other than Marty and his Sock Puppet Portraits!

(images via martystuff; story pirates; moey's music party)

It's going to be a super fun day, so stop by if you're in the area!

BUST CRAFTACULAR this weekend!

2011-05-19T07:39:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited to be a part of the Bust Craftacular and Food Fair this Saturday, May 21st! It's going to be one big party full of handmade crafty goodness, plus tasty specialty foods ranging from cupcakes to pickles to lobster rolls! Come on down to Soho on Saturday and join in the fun!

Here are the details from the Bust magazine blog....

Are you ready for the biggest spring BUST Magazine Craftacular yet? This Saturday, May 21st, from 11am - 8pm, we're bringing 100+ of the most unique indie vendors and food artisans to 82 Mercer Street in SoHo, NYC for a one-day shopping extravaganza. Be one of the first 300 shoppers and get a special BUST Magazine tote bag packed with swag! Plus: DJs, raffle prizes, food trucks, and book signings with chef-authors Erin McKenna and Gabrielle Hamilton.

Art Star Craft Bazaar this Weekend!

2011-05-12T11:16:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again! I'm heading to Philadelphia for a weekend of selling Wonder Threads wares among 150 crafty vendors, spread out over Penn's Landing along the Delaware River.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's creations, and hoping Mother Nature is kind to us...

zig zag

2011-05-11T14:03:00.004-04:00

I've been a big fan of Denyse Schmidt, quilter extraordinaire, since she first appeared in Martha Stewart magazine many years ago. Taking her Improvisational Patchwork Workshop at her amazing Bridgeport, CT studio back in 2006 remains one of the highlights of my creative endeavors.

I'd been wanting to make the Big Zig quilt from the Denyse Schmidt Quilts book for some time, and finally did recently as a wedding shower gift. Well, my version of the Big Zig anyway. Now I want to make more! Endless color combos and sizes come to mind...hmmm...maybe a bedspread for me! And a throw pillow.

I decided to keep zigging and zagging for my version of the Big Zig quilt.

Next time though, I will use a lighter batting (this one was waaaay too heavy), and do my best to get my walking foot working properly. I have a feeling that would make a big difference with my so-so quilting job. Practice, practice...

hot off the press..

2011-04-28T13:37:00.010-04:00

I recently teamed up with a local printer to recreate some of my applique and block print styles as screen prints.

A big wheel t-shirt emerging from the dryer.

I had so much fun choosing ink colors. This dino combo is a little flashback to my love of neon back in the 80s.

As much as I love to sew, and create very tactile, labor intensive, unique t-shirts and onesies, I must say I absolutely love the production speed of screen printing!! In the time it took us to make 36 Big Wheels, I would probably have finished only 6 applique styles. Sign me up! I'll definitely be adding more screen printed styles to my collection. To see the current batch, visit the Wonder Threads shop.

Oh and I finally created a facebook page! Like!

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T13:47:00.005-04:00

On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I came across some beautiful little flower gardens at the Aria Hotel shopping mall. I had to touch these amazing poppies to confirm they were real and not paper!

Happy Earth Day!

iPad sleeve

2011-03-22T14:01:00.004-04:00

Hey, check out my iPad sleeve nestled among 100 fun products on New York Magazine's Shop-A-Matic New Spring finds! It was recommended by Mackenzi, who sells my sleeves at her fantastic gift shop Site in Long Island City. Thanks Mackenzi!

chocolate guinness cupcakes

2011-03-22T13:12:00.004-04:00

I was inspired to bake some festive(ish) cupcakes for St. Patrick's day...

...after finding this GORGEOUS cake made by Katie Quinn Davies of What Katie Ate.

I actually used a recipe found on Smitten Kitchen, but simplified a bit by skipping the ganache filling, and using just plain cream cheese frosting. 'twas good!

taste the rainbow

2011-03-09T12:17:00.011-05:00

My birthday was Sunday. I'd been noticing rainbow cakes around the blogosphere, and decided making one would be the best way to celebrate (along with friends and family, of course!)

I used this recipe found on Martha Stewart for the cake, then made my own buttercream frostings. It's got to be chocolate for me!

The red and purple were a little off, but overall I was in love with this cake. Cutting out the first slice of rainbow was so exciting! Everyone loved it. I highly recommend making this cake...if you've got a little time and some patience...

A Cinderella moment

2011-02-25T14:06:00.008-05:00

Once upon a time, on a sunny and crisp afternoon last October, I sat down for lunch at an outdoor cafe on Newbury Street in Boston. I was dining alone until this unexpected guest hopped over to my plate.

So super cute, even if a bit presumptuous. I was happy to share, since this really cracked me up (and I was finished eating). It felt a little like a scene out of a Disney movie. Now if I could only get some little animals to sew for me....

Eyeing another bite.

New Website!

2011-02-17T01:39:00.033-05:00

Wonder Threads has a new website. It's a simple diy type thing, which is VERY different from my first website, and exactly what I need. Yay! It's a good starting off point, or should I say re-starting off point. It will evolve over time, and become a little fancier eventually. For now, I'm happy.
With this new website comes a renewed interest in blogging. I've pretty much sucked at it over the past year, but I'm re-starting here as well. I've been wanting to play a little catch up, sooo....here's what 2010 looked like for me...

January 2010-- Grandma's 80th birthday.
We invited an Elvis impersonator, of course!

February 2010--Spent Presidents Day weekend in Ocean City, NJ.

March 2010--took a birthday trip! First to Amsterdam...

Then to Paris...

April 2010-- I took Flat Stanley to FAO Schwarz

Made some dishes from the Athlete's Palate cook book,
like this cassoulet (substituted quinoa for beans).

May 2010--A trip to Boston for the annual
Mayfair street fair in Harvard Square (very rhyme-y).

An amazing chalk drawing of one of my fave paintings.

Added some block print styles.

June 2010-- Made some very red velvet cupcakes...

using this recipe.

July 2010-- Used the fireworks setting on my camera.

Took a trip around Manhattan on the Circle Line (toot toot!).

Had a photo shoot with little cuties, Zoe and Charlotte.

I got some great shots before their patience ran out...

August 2010--
The Bronx Zoo!

September 2010-- An evening in Atlantic City

Absolutely fell in love with the Beales.

October 2010--
Halloween!

November 2010--
Ice Skates!

December 2010-- Mini Christmas Tree

Christmas Card

January 2010--
Made this little felt project found on the Purl Bee.

Whew! That's it, we're caught up. Stay tuned...

Happy Halloween (yesterday)

2010-11-01T10:30:00.002-04:00

I found these gems in my parents' basement. Price stickers on the back read 19 cents! Pretty sure they've been around since the 70s, and they are still going strong.

It's time to catch up.

2010-09-23T15:47:00.005-04:00

Wow little blog, I've really neglected you over the past 10 months! I'll be sharing what I've been up to with a little catch up series, so we can get reacquainted.

Over the summer, I was fortunate to have enough freelance work to allow me time to step back from Wonder Threads-ing, and think about how I want to move forward with my company. It looked a lot like this...

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I'm back to business now though, so keep in touch for new stuff soon!

Wonder Threads + MOMA!

2009-11-30T10:44:00.007-05:00

I'd been selling my Laptop Sleeves at a slow but steady pace, until a chance meeting with a buyer from the Museum of Modern Art Store... Three wholesale orders later, I'm ecstatic to have all the stock gone from my shelf, and featured on MOMA's shelves!!!

Check 'em out-- only at the MOMA stores (not online or in the catalog.)

It's been such a great experience, I've decided to make more. I'm currently in the middle of producing both 13" and 15" Laptop Sleeves. They'll be ready soon...stay tuned....

PS...The sleeves can also be found at Oak Boston. It's a super cute boutique on Newbury Street in Boston.

Up next, Philadelphia!

2009-10-16T16:56:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow is Squidfire's debut Art Mart in Philadelphia. I will be among the 40 vendors there, grateful to be selling indoors while it's not so nice outside! If you're in the Philly area, swing by to check out all the handmade goodness! For more details, including a list of vendors, click here.

Boston

2009-10-16T16:05:00.005-04:00

Last weekend Boston celebrated Oktoberfest in Harvard Square, and I was there selling Wonder Threads goodness. Beautiful fall weather and a strong turnout made for a great time. Plus li'l happy customers like these always make my day!

They picked out their own shirts and had to put them on right away! It's the perfect reminder of why I do what I do. Thanks little ones!!

pillow people

2009-08-28T11:18:00.003-04:00

My very good friends have just moved from Long Island, NY to Bainbridge Island, WA. As a going away gift, my friend's sister asked me to make these dolls; one for each of the family members in NY who'll miss them. A sweet reminder of home, as they start a new adventure out west.

The idea came from angry chicken. My little twist-- instead of drawing the bodies, I collaged* little outfits out of fabric bits. It's such a fun project, and is sure to create bouts of laughter!

* not sure if collaged is proper English, but you know what I mean.

MJ

2009-08-03T17:19:00.004-04:00

Recently, I spent some time cleaning out my parents' basement. Many happy memories were uncovered down there, but the very best, most exciting, soul tingling discovery was this page in one of my sticker books!
Circa 1983 or 84, I would guess. And yes, they are puffy stickers! Should I get Antiques Roadshow on the horn?...

happy li'l customer

2009-07-28T21:22:00.005-04:00

Here is Zoe in my new(ish) Squirrel t-shirt.
Have you ever tried taking a photo of an active
15 month old child? There are many outtakes that are
just a Zoe blur, as the photo shoot turned into a game
of 'chase me'! (Not unlike the attempted photos of the
squirrel 'model'). Of course, this little heart melter had
me laughing the whole time. Thank you Zoe!

Art Star Craft Bazaar

2009-06-04T09:33:00.008-04:00

What a beautiful weekend it was in Philly at Art Star Craft Bazaar! A clear blue sky and sunshine made for a very pleasant time spent outside. My booth was surrounded by a fountain on one side, and great live music on the Delaware river on the other side. The wind only got out of control at the end, when some chasing down of onesies, and holding both the tent and my skirt in place was in order.

No wading in the fountain!

My neighbors included the wife-husband-son team of Pinecone + Chickadee (which you can kind of see under my laptop sleeves above), eieio (great job at her first event!), and Andrew Zangerle, whose artwork is a crack up! I didn't get to walk around and check out the other vendors as much as I would have liked, but luckily Indiefixx has a fantastic round up here, here, and here. And how nice is this little post about my wonder threads on moomama?

Philadelphia, here I come!

2009-05-29T03:12:00.002-04:00

I'm taking Wonder Threads on the road again this weekend. This time it's to Philly for Art Star Craft Bazaar! I'm really excited for this 2 day event. Live music, food and lots of art and crafts. Sounds like a good time to me. I've been sewing, sewing, sewing in preparation for a big turn out!

helping hands

2009-05-28T09:32:00.007-04:00

Meet Ashley. She assists me with cutting appliques
for my Wonder Threads t-shirts and onesies. It's a big
job, and I'm so grateful to have her 'scissor hands'!
When Ashley's not cutting frogs and big wheels for me,
she spends time creating her own art. She's been busy
lately...check out her upcoming events here.

One day, Ashley even brought her li'l pup, Scully to lend
a helping paw. So cute!

happy li'l customer

2009-05-15T10:47:00.005-04:00

How sweet! Lily is offering a little peek at her
wonder threads cupcake tank. What a cutie!!
Love it!

the view from my window

2009-05-11T21:10:00.004-04:00

I noticed this while closing my blinds this evening.
Someone is really good at parallel parking a bed!

May Fair, Harvard Square

2009-05-06T12:08:00.006-04:00

I fell in love with Boston while spending 2 years at the Massachusetts College of Art. I don't get up there as often as I would like, but I got to spend a little time there this past weekend. Sunday was May Fair-- a big street fair in Harvard Square, and I was there selling my wares. (very rhyme-y sentence!) It was a great day, despite some rain sprinkles in the afternoon. Tons of people came out to shop, hear great music, and eat all kinds of festive foods. By the time I decided to take a pic of my display, it had been wind blown and picked over. Oh well, you get the idea...

It was great to have these guys playing right near my booth... They're Speedsquare and they are awesome. One dude on a piano, one on the drums, and sometimes a horn; no amps, just great music. Check 'em out here.

It's a lot of work, but it's nice to take my Wonder Threads on the road sometimes. Next up...Philly! Art Star Craft Bazaar, May 30, 31. More on that later...

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T07:58:00.009-04:00

I make a really good effort to be Eco-friendly in both my personal life and my biz. Two of my friends however, have taken it to another level, and created Green businesses.

Jennifer started Clean Green, a cleaning company using only non-toxic and ecologically-friendly cleaning methods and products. Clean Green is based in New Jersey, but if that's not your neck of the woods, you can still sign up for the awesome weekly newsletter. It's chock full of green tips for living an eco-friendly lifestyle, and always includes an inspirational quote. Just send an email (from here) to be added to the list!

"Design Junkie" Tiffany started RePlayGround; a company where discarded materials take on a new life! Check out her products, including the ReMake It Recycling kits, and the DIY section of fun projects you can make with objects that might otherwise end up in a landfill, all here. Tiffany also works with TerraCycle, and was even on a new show tonight called Garbage Moguls! Check it all out, and you will never look at garbage the same way again!

I hope these 2 companies inspire you to make every day Earth Day!

li'l tractor

2009-04-21T10:23:00.016-04:00

Cooper's 4th birthday was one of those times when only a custom applique t-shirt will do. He really loves and knows his tractors, and I hoped he would love to wear one on his belly, too. As you can see here, Cooper was happy to don his new shirt immediately upon opening the box, and strike a pose for me. His enthusiasm and most adorable smile are the perfect reminder of why I am in this biz. What a heart melter!

Cooper is the son of my very good friend Sara. She is one of the most creative people I know, and certainly one of the craftiest moms. Cooper's fantastic birthday crown, and the awesome pillow he is leaning against, are just a sampling of the amazing projects she accomplishes while raising 2 little ones. Check out her delicious art and crafty goodness on her blog, Paper and Cloth. You'll see the buttery soft dishtowels she just made for me. So beautiful! Thanks Sara!

Wonder Threads in Sunday's Daily News!!!

2009-04-06T20:08:00.013-04:00

I'm so excited!!!
The New York Daily News featured 4 designers from
Brooklyn Indie Market
in a 2-page spread this Sunday, April 5th.
Click on the images, or read the online version here.

Yaayyy for press!!!

Opening Weekend at Brooklyn Indie Market

2009-04-06T18:39:00.019-04:00

This weekend was a great start to a new season at Brooklyn Indie Market. We could barely keep our merchandise from flying away in the wind on Saturday, but the sun came out on Sunday and made up for it. TONS of people came out as well. Thanks for shopping!!!

My Bargain Bin sold especially well.

Dee-lish cupcakes from Nine Cakes.

Beautiful jewelry by Rebecca Shepherd.

Rockin' new spring hats by Rocks and Salt.

Awesome jewelry made from coins by Wabisabi Brooklyn.

Tees with tats by Andy & Bella

design time

2009-04-03T10:09:00.008-04:00

It's time for some new spring Li'l threads styles. I've been thinking a Squirrel would be a good addition to the collection, and finally got myself to sit down and get designing. It's still a work in progress, but I'm hoping to have it ready for tomorrow at Brooklyn Indie Market's 3rd Birthday, Grand Re-Opening weekend!

Still so much to do...

Some research for a furry Squirrel tail at M&J.

Have you ever tried photographing a squirrel? Not so easy...

Astoria Appreciation

2009-03-30T10:09:00.009-04:00

I've been in a love-hate relationship with Astoria for 7 years now. Currently, we are in a love phase. This is due, in part, to Astoria's parks. One in particular- the Socrates Sculpture Park is just a short walk away, and it's really cool. Located along the East River, it is quite a peaceful little nook of Queens, complete with a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. And of course, art!

Where else can you find a full size Camaro trophy? Come on now.
Or...this?
Looks like a package of multi-colored rubber bands exploded.
How did they make this ginormous structure??

I believe this exhibit is over now. I wonder what's coming next?
Makes me feel lucky to live in Astoria.

Li'l feature

2009-03-25T21:13:00.013-04:00

Look whoooo's featured in Pregnancy Magazine this month... my li'l Owl onesie!!
It's a suggested gift for an owl-themed baby shower!
(or any baby shower, I say!)

Thanks Pregnancy magazine!! Yaaayyy for press!!

happy li'l customers

2009-03-12T16:30:00.011-04:00

I love, love seeing happy kids in wonder threads! It really makes my day. Here's a few cuties...

clara & amelia rockin' unicorns

look how excited zoe is to wear her custom grover onesie!

emily and ryan well coordinated in skull tees.

baby kian in a snail tee, cuddling with cooper

whooo's that cutie? it's mia!

zoe!

Thank you for sharing, and keep the photos comin'.
I really do love to see them.

Date of birth.

2009-03-06T13:40:00.016-05:00

Today is my birthday. Usually, I love my birthday and celebrate with a party, drinks, cupcakes, etc. I will be celebrating tonight, but honestly, this birthday is kind of a tough one to embrace right now. Well, instead of feeling all waaah waaah about it, I will look back on some of my favorite birthday memories...

B-day #3. This must have been a kick-ass party. Just look at my cousin Karen's hat!
And Carvel cake! Come on now.

B-day #5. Check out Pin the Tail on the Donkey in the background.
Someone was a bit off, but we had sooo much fun!
Hey, there's Carvel again.

Look how excited my brother is! He's even wearing a birthday sweater.
Birthday hats always make for a good party.

B-day #27. We had a blizzard, and my brother Chris and I built
the best 7ft snowman ever!! Then we went sledding at
Hauppauge High School. Awesome birthday!!

B-day #30. My Willie Wonka party. Nuff said.

B-day #34. After a trip to Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes with
some of my best girl friends, we had our photo taken
with a skunk at the Marc Jacobs store!
It felt like it was there just for me-- looked just like the Magic Garden!!

And tonight there will be a photo of a new birthday memory,
with margaritas, cupcakes and good friends. Yay! Feeling better
about this birthday already.

It's nice to say hello...

2009-03-06T00:41:00.007-05:00

Carole, Paula, Sherlock and I would like to welcome you to my blog.
Hello and how are you?