35mm from Pascal Monaco on Vimeo.

Can you name the 35 movies represented in this brilliant display of minimalist design and animation?

I haven’t been blogging much lately but I assure you I have been busy crafting. I’m not going to apologize again for not turning it all into paragraphs and pictures straight away but I can promise there is plenty to be shared. In the mean time I am unapologetically enjoying that I have work to do, sun to bask in, and new crafting adventures to indulge.

While I do all this, I thought I’d share some work by Ken Baily. Someday he will line my kitchen walls with two of my favorite things…dogs and food.

I love my westies

Recently my friend, and talented Graphic Designer, Jason enlisted my help stitching together a pattern he had come up with for a laptop back. He’s pretty creative and while he doesn’t sew that much, this was the fifth evolution of the laptop bag he’s created since headed off to college.

He’s just graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology by the way and is leaving New York for his new job and exciting new life in San Francisco. Yay for Jason!

Every time he constructs the bag he incorporates lessons learned from his last creation. I think this fifth round bag will last him a while. To see the history of bag designs check out his blog here.

Jasons Got a Brand New Bag

The bag has two front pockets with a handy little flap over it to keep things from falling out. Inside there are two compartments for laptop and books. On the side there is a pocket for pens. One major change to this bag was running the loops and D-rings for the strap through the interior of the bottom of the bag. That adds a lot of support and I think he’ll be able to stuff this bag and not worry about weight.

I made a minor change in the pattern to give him some sharp clean corners and sturdy pockets, but for someone that doesn’t sew he came to me with a very well thought out plan.

Jason is also a talented screen printer and plans to embellish the bag with an original design. I’ll let you all know when he does.

Good luck in San Francisco Jason! And thanks for including me in on the project!

2 In 1 Zipper Shoe

I cannot get enough of these supre cute and GENIUS 2 in 1 zippered sneakers by Nat-2.

This clever hightop sneaker design zips apart to reveal a comfortable looking sandal underneath. They come in lots of great styles and even as a lowtop design.

2 in 1 Zipper Shoe

This design team from Germany has dedicated itself to innovation in style. They’ve been the recipient of multiple design awards such as the Red Dot award, the Innovation and Design award in 2007, the ISPO Brand New Award, and was named one of the 50 shoes that changed the world by the London Design Museum.

Their 4 in 1 Stack design converts a clog to a low top, high top and boot with detachable pieces.

4 in 1 Stack

How great would all of this be for travel??

I want…I want them all.

I am in Australia right now to attend my boyfriend’s graduation with his PhD in engineering. To celebrate, I am throwing him a party in the park with a picnic theme. I’ve really enjoyed putting together fun picnic gingham prints in red and blue. I promise to take photos of the finished event!

Australia right now is slipping into winter…although it is an unusually sunny autumn. For those in the north gearing up for summer, here are some picnic etsy finds to get you in gear!

Upcycled Vintage picnic blanket by SewnNatural

Wicker Picnic Basket by Ravennasgirlvintage

Fan Shaped Basket Purse by TimelessTotes

Red Gingham Bow Picnic Sash Dress by CoralieBeatrix