Color Trends

Are you interested in color trends? If so, have a look at this slide show from Sphere Trending.

Color Caffeine 2010

Every Day When I Sit in My Chair, I am Inspired . . . and here's why.

Do you know this man? Is his face familiar? My guess is probably not.

Do you recognize this chair? My guess is perhaps you do . . . It's the Aeron Chair, produced by Herman Miller.

Well, the man is Bill Stumpf (1936 - 2006) and he designed the now famous Aeron Chair along with many other award winning products. His Equa and Aeron chairs have been placed in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

I had the good fortune to have Bill Stumpf as one of my professors at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I was a student of his Design Theory class back in the 1980's. From what I know, he only taught a couple of semesters at MCAD, so tell me how fortunate am I to have landed in his classroom . . . read on an you'll have some idea.

The chair below is the chair I sit and work in everyday and is also one of his designs, the Equa Chair. He was designing this chair when I was his student and every week he'd share his progress and process with us, piece by piece. EVERY week he came to class bursting with excitement about the design. Every week he inspired us to become passionate designers who are truthful and humanitarian in our work.

Bill also was also the author of, The Ice Palace That Melted Away: Restoring Civility and Other Lost Virtues to Everyday Life (Pantheon Books, 1998) He also published a famously fun issue of Design Quarterly where he wrote about Julia Child's kitchen. Yes, thee Julia Childs, with whom he was a personal friend. You see, before 'Julie and Julia' there was 'Bill and Julia'. “Julia’s Kitchen, A Design Anatomy.” (No. 104, 1977) The entire issue was devoted to their study. Child's actual kitchen, the one Stumpf studied, is now on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

One of the most important things that I learned from Bill was "truth of materials". The easiest example I can give you is, plastic wood grain on the dash board of your car is not an example of truth of materials. Plastic should look like what it is, plastic. Wood should look like wood and be used where it makes sense and is appropriate. This goes for all materials natural and man-made.

So, in this theory of design course of Bill's, our final assignment for the semester was to develop a foot stool that: 

• #1 showed "truth of materials" and 
• #2 was able to support your entire body weight
• #3 is aesthetically pleasing

Below is my design solution:

• #1 it's plain old brown corrugated cardboard that looks like plain old brown corrugated cardboard.
• #2 yes I sat on it in class and proved it's strength, even lifting my feet off the floor.
• #3 Aesthetically pleasing, yes, at least he thought so. I was awarded an A for the semester.  At the end of the critique he said to me about my design, (and these were the only words he ever spoke to me personally) "you know I use to think of things like that". 

That comment from him and that simple plain jane looking foot stool is what I consider one of my crowning lifetime achievements, it, along with that A from Bill Stumpf.

Bill was certainly one of my mentors, a person who left many positive marks in this world, both personally with the people he taught, and professionally through his product design work and writing. He inspired. He lived and breathed truthfulness not only in speech, but in the living of life and the choices he made. He walked his talk and he lived by example. He was a straight shooter and is admired around the globe by designers.

But, more importantly the choices he made then, now affect the lives of (I don't know how many of his chairs were manufactured) but lets say hundreds of thousands of people who sit in his chairs everyday. Chairs that directly affecting their bodies, comfort, mind, spirit and therefore productivity, not just once but every time they sit down, every day for years, and years to come. THAT'S IMPACT. That's the importance of good choices.

Each day, I sit here in my Equa Chair. Today, I think of how lucky I am to learn about life and design from an exemplary human being, a man I knew not only personally but through the work and values he left behind.

My hope is that I can in some small way carry on his tradition. Inspire people to live their lives truthfully, think about their choices, whether they are designing or shopping or interacting with other people. Each of our choices large and small have consequences either positive or negative.  Those choices are what people remember. Those choices are what affect other peoples lives . . . even if they never know your name or recognize your face.

This is a Herman Miller short video that will give you a tiny bit of insight to this great mans spirit, I hope you enjoy it!

More about Bill Stumpf below:

Herman Miller Blog Post re: Bill Stumpf

In addition to MCAD, Bill Stumpf taught at several renowned design institutes and colleges, including the "Royal College of Art" in London, die "Glasgow School of Art", die "Cranbrook Academy" in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, the "Illinois Institute of Technology" in Chicago, the "Rochester Institute of Technology"

Famous Works:

Ergon Chair for Herman Miller, 1976
Ethospace Office System for Herman Miller, 1984
Equa2 Chair for Herman Miller with Don Chadwick, 1984
Aeron Chair for Herman Miller with Don Chadwick, 1992
Embody Chair for Herman Miller with Jeff Weber, 2006
Envelop Desk for Herman Miller with Jeff Weber, introduced in 2009

Awards:

. Best of NeoCon Silver, Ergonomic Desk/Task Seating, for Embody, 2009
. Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards, Product Design winner, 2006
. Time magazine, Design: Best of the Decade for Equa chair, 1990
. IBD Gold Award for Ethospace interiors, 1985
. IBD Gold Award for Equa chair, 1984
. ID magazine "Designer of the 70s," 1979
. ASID Award for Ergon seating, 1976

It is with much gratitude that I am hitting this button to publish this post. Jamie

More Easy Zip Wallet inspiration from Audrey Hess

I am sharing an e-mail with photos that I received from Audrey Hess, here is what she had to say.

Hi Jamie:
I have been making your Easy Zip Wallet(s) since before Christmas and still
having fun with it. Every time one of my friends sees my wallet, they want
one too. I have made so many of these that I have the pattern "in my head"!
I am sending you photos of two of my latest projects. The first is for a
friend that's into computers and wanted a case to use when he travels. My
husband selected the background and shot the photo having the circuit board
print in mind.
The second is for a friend who wanted a "black" wallet. Being a
quilter/crafter I couldn't do "just black".
I hope you enjoy the photos and you may share them if you like.
Sincerely,
Audrey Hess

Easy Zip Wallet - circuit board - Exterior

Easy Zip Wallet - circuit board - Interior

Easy Zip Wallet - designer black - Exterior

Easy Zip Wallet - designer black - Interior

Audrey, thanks again for the photos of your work. If you want additional woven logo labels for all of these wallets they are now available on my web site. I am so happy that you enjoy making this wallet. I try to make all my patterns easy to understand and easy to sew. Perhaps, I am just looking out for my own sanity, as I make all my own samples, and I want them to be easy too! Jamie

If you, (like Audrey) have made any of my Scrap-bag Patterns and have a photo to share please send an e-mail with a jpeg image as an attachment to me for consideration for the blog. I'd be excited to see what the rest of you have done too!

This pattern is available at independent quilt and fabric shops all over the globe. If you can't find it please ask your local shop to special order it. If that fails, please visit my web page where it is available as both a mailable pattern or downloadable pattern.

All my best,
Jamie

This sewing pattern is available for immediate download at my online shop.

Craft Club Ladies Gone Wild - Adult Content-some one said "Boobs"

OK, so last April I was invited to join my sisters "Stitch & Bitch" craft club. Last night it was my turn to host. OMGosh! What fun we had . . . if you don't belong to one of these groups I highly recommend starting one yourself. As you will see "a good time was had by all".

The evening started innocently enough . . . ladies stitching and sewing . . . sipping beverages of choice.

Some gathered by the fire for popcorn, conversation and crocheting.

One perused crafting magazines brought by other members . . . just looking for that perfect next project.

Some ladies brought a show & tell . . .  here is Sue S's hand pieced hexagon (WIP) work in progress.

And here is Sue L's pig quilt! Hog Wild?

Tammy's Halloween applique'

Cousin Debra with her latest crochet project.

Then suddenly the mood of the evening turned . . .
This is the "Gone Wild" part . . .

Roxy modeling her new latest and greatest product design for crafty ladies.

"WHAT?" you say. Well, those are magnets sewn to her bra . . . yes magnets.

You see there is a story behind this. I, being a relatively new member didn't know the back story so I asked, below is the answer.

"The bra story...as I remember it....   well, I would like to take credit for it, but it goes way back to our cross stitching days, and every time someone dropped a needle the person would shout out "needle down" and we all stopped stitching and were down on our hands and knees searching until we found the lost needle. As we were probably discussing this dilemma, the words came out "we need a magnetic Bra" to catch the needle, (those boobs are always just hanging around there anyway, they might as well be useful, but anyway), I do believe the words came out of my mouth, and it has been a standing joke ever since. It was going to be my get rich quick scheme, so I could retire and sew all day. Next time we get together I will tell you about the "Monkey Butt" story." Roxie


Lordy lordy these crafty ladies have all kinds of creative ideas and great stories don't they?

After a tour of my studio, dinner was served - homemade pasta with meatballs.

:-(   sadly the garlic bread didn't fare so well. Just goes to show you that not everything turns out all the time.

I am so grateful to be included with such a fun loving group of crafters.  And I really mean it when I say that you should get yourself a group of ladies and stitch and bitch and sip delightful beverages, eat tasty treats and enjoy your life!  (BTW - dessert was frozen strawberrys and bananas dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with pecans - yum)

My best to you! Happy stitching.

Colors for Quilts - Everyone Has There Own Personal Color Palette

This has happened to me before. Last time I was carrying around a piece of paper with paint chips taped on it. I was contemplating painting my walls with the chip colors. I threw it on the counter one day when I was digging through my purse looking for something else. The chips landed near a kitchen pot holder. Low and behold all of the seven colors of the paint chips were in that pot holder! I guess I really liked those colors then.

Now, it looks like my personal palette are these colors.

The first photo (below) is of a table runner I made from my Forget Me Not quilt pattern. I chose the fabrics from a local quilt shop (The Noble Quilter in Elk River, MN). She featured the pattern and runner in her shop for over a year.  I recently received it back. When I opened the box I put the runner on the dining room table and . . . Viola - It matched the french table cloth I had purchased (because I loved it so much), almost perfectly! I was stunned, even the odd blue/green color was in both pieces.

Do you know what your personal color palette is? Now that you are aware that you probably do have one, what is it? See you you can figure it out . . . we'd all love to know.  Personally I am wondering when mine changed, my last one had no blue or orange. Instead, greens, red, and neutrals.   Hmmmm.  Interesting, perhaps a color psychologist would know . . .  is there such a person?


PS. The  Forget Me Not quilt pattern is available from your local quilt or fabric shop. If you can't find it there you can order it online in a downloadable format.

From My Quilt Collection - Vintage Yo Yo Quilt

I thought I'd share one of the quilts that I live with everyday. This one lives happily on the back of what I call my "Mama Bear Mission Rocker". (Mama Bear because it's not too big and it's not too small.) I purchased this quilt about 8 or 9 years ago from a quilt shop in Indiana. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Photo: Jamie's Mama Bear chair modeling the Yo Yo Quilt

Photo: Entire Yo Yo Quilt spread out on the floor for the "big picture" view.

Photo: 12 of the Yo Yo Blocks

Photo: Single Yo Yo Block. Click on the image for an even closer view.

Photo: This is the backing of the Yo Yo Quilt. Any idea on the age, based on this fabric?

If you are interested in printing a pdf of Making Yo-Yo's the Old Fashioned Way, there is a FREE downloadable instruction sheet with full scale template, and photos on my downloadable pattern site: http://jamiekalvestran.wazala.com/

Studio Guest Louise Schotz

Today, I had the honor of sharing my dyeing studio with Louise Schotz. Louise and I met for the first time a few years ago at International Quilt Market. Louise teaches quilting, textile arts, beading and jewelry making in her Outback Studio in Irma, WI.

This is one of Louise's creations from today's work. We played with soy batik techniques. I think this piece is gorgeous!

Here's Louise with her paint brush full of dye, ready for another piece of fabric!

Tomorrow we will each rinse and press our fabrics to see what we've created. Later in the week we plan to meet for a "show and tell" of today's work. After that I'll post the results for you to see, so stay tuned!

Inkjet printing on fabric - Resources page

Printing on fabric with an inkjet printer may sound scary, but it's easy and fun. You can now purchase ready to print fabric sheets that you print just like paper.

Results including colorfastness will depend on the ink used in your printer and the brand of fabric sheets you choose to use. I would suggest trying a variety of brands at first to find the best match for what you want to do.

If you'd like more information on printing on fabric please visit the sites and YouTube videos below. I have not tried all of the products listed but did a google search for your convenience. You may find there are additional products and resources available beside what I have found for you here.

Miracle Fabric Sheets (10 sheets - white) 8.5 X 11

EQ Printable Fabrics

How To Print Directly on Fabric

Photo Fun - Print Your Own Fabrics for Quilts and Crafts

Avery® Printable Fabric for Inkjet Printers

National Art Craft 

ColorPlus Fabrics

June Tailor Pretreated Printer Fabric Sheets

Printed Treasures

PrintOnFabric.com

Dharma Trading

Here's One for the Horse Lover's! Wild Ride Tote Bag Pattern

I designed this one for the equestrian, the pony club kid, the 4-H horse kid, or the just plain horse lover! I hope you enjoy this pattern.

This is an A+ Pattern: Which means it includes original artwork by (me) Jamie Kalvestran licensed to you for use with this pattern. It is to be printed on printable fabric with a color ink jet printer. I suggest you print the artwork first and then take it with you to the fabric shop to choose your coordinating fabric. The colors will vary with printers and printable fabrics. Have fun with it!

NOTE: The copyright watermark shown on the artwork here will not be on the actual artwork that you download.

Four Color Options

• Finished size approx. 14"tall x 11"wide x 6"deep.
• Simple tote construction.
• Multiple interior pockets.
• Optional magnetic snap closure.
• Sewing Level: Beginner to advanced beginner.
• This pattern is exclusive to my web site.  This pattern is the same pattern as others on this site only the artwork may vary.

• SUPPLY LIST:
  2- 8.5“ x 11” of printable fabric sheets (for resources on printable fabrics use this link)
  1 - 17” x 35” fusible fleece
  1 - yd  Fabric #1 (not directional - for body)
  1 - 1+1/4 yd  Fabric #2 (Base and Straps)
  Thread to match solid fabric
  1 - Woven Scrap-bags Label -
   required if you plan to sell the bag and available at http://jamiekalvestran.wazala.com/
  ___________________
• 1 - 18mm Magnetic snap (optional)
  If you choose to include the magnetic snap you will need the following items as well.
  (2) - 2” square scraps of batting, or fabric, or interfacing, or other stabilizer.
  Fray check or other glue
  Exacto Knife 

I love designing and writing patterns for you to sew, and I hope you enjoy sewing them. I also hope you enjoy using the finished product and showcasing your sewing abilities. If you give your bag away as a gift you can do so proudly. I believe in the value of creating something handmade. May your gift be cherished by the receiver.
Jamie Kalvestran

If you like this artwork please check out my other licensed WILD RIDE products through Zazzle.

Introducing the Lab Love Tote Bag Pattern, an A+ Downloadable Sewing Pattern

I originally designed this bag for my friend Sandy who is the owner of a Labrador retriever named Martha Sue. Perhaps you are a lab lover or have a friend that's one. In any case, I hope you enjoy this pattern. 

Lab Love Tote Bag Front

Lab Love Tote Bag Interior

Lab Love Tote Bag Side View

Pattern Includes a choice of 4 colors to print. Actual art will not have the copyright text all over it.

Finished size approx. 14"tall x 11"wide x 6"deep. Simple tote construction. Multiple interior pockets. Optional magnetic snap closure. This is an A+ Pattern: Which means it includes original artwork by (me) Jamie Kalvestran licensed to you for use with this pattern. It is to be printed on printable fabric with a color ink jet printer. NOTE: The copyright watermark shown on the artwork here will not be on the actual artwork that you download. This pattern is exclusive to my web site.   http://jamiekalvestran.wazala.com/ SUPPLY LIST: 2- 8.5“ x 11” of printable fabric sheets (I suggest printing the artwork on the printable fabric first and taking it with you to the fabric shop to find the coordinating fabrics, all printers and printable fabrics will print differently.)(for resources on printable fabrics use this link) 1 - 17” x 35” fusible fleece 1 - yd  Fabric #1 (not directional - for body) 1 - 1+1/4 yd  Fabric #2 (Base and Straps) Thread to match solid fabric ___________________ 1 - 18mm Magnetic snap (optional) If you choose to include the magnetic snap you will need the following items as well. (2) - 2” square scraps of batting, or fabric, or interfacing, or other stabilizer. Fray check or other glue Exacto Knife I love designing and writing patterns for you to sew, and I hope you enjoy sewing them. I also hope you enjoy using the finished product and showcasing your sewing abilities. If you give your bag away as a gift you can do so proudly. I believe in the value of creating something handmade. May your gift be cherished by the receiver. If you like this pattern there will be more to follow . . . so let me know what you think!  You can email me here. Jamie Kalvestran If you like this artwork please check out my other licensed LAB LOVE products through Zazzle.

Color Palette Generation For Your Next Quilt or Project

Are you looking for a way to generate a color palette for a new quilt or other project? Well, I have been playing with an online color generator called kuler. It's fun and easy and below you will see some of my results. You upload an image and it generates the colors automatically. You can also move the little circles around and pick your own palette from the photo. You can save the palette (privately or share it with the kuler community). It's fun and you'll be surprised at the fun results.

My back yard tool shed.

The bread pudding I baked today!

One of my handmade buttons.

Another button - I think I'll print this and take it to the yarn store.

Here's my kitchen. I was surprise and pleased with this palette.

Outside my studio window. This would make a lovely quilt, don't you agree?

Of course I had to upload a few of my surface design prints from the other day and here's what kuler gave me back!  I love this!

Surface Design 1

I think I will print some of these palettes and take them to the fabric shop. The palette should be helpful in choosing fabrics to make a bag. I think the surface design prints will make a great focal point pocket on one of my tote bag patterns.

Surface Design 2

Surface Design 3

I have to say this has gotten my creative juices flowing.