My morning. So slow-paced and cozy here today with all my little ones in the house. Isabela and Eleni had gone back to my mom's with her on Saturday after she was watching them during our excursion. So it was just Juliana and the boys for 4 days and it was so...weird and, umm, manageable. Not right at all. So we retrieved the rest of the brood yesterday where we met up at my in-laws' farm and shared a wonderful day full of food and yarn. Anything better? I think not.
So its Black Friday is it? I will not be shopping. I actually do like shopping a great deal (I know some people hate it) but I've done enough lately in preparation for the MS show. Every other day Jeff says "hey, I like that shirt, is that new?" and I reply, "oh this was just a Martha runner-up". Truly obnoxious how I worried about what I would wear. But seriously, wouldn't anyone? Anyway, yes down with shopping. But by all means go blow all your money today in my honor if you so choose. The only thing black here today is my coffee. A perfect complement to my homemade baklava. That piece looks small but could not be more deceiving. If you've ever had baklava you know of what I speak. I really need to share my making of that with you.
I've been meaning to talk to you guys about black. I love black. And I've noticed that I could be alone there in the craft & sewing world regarding my love of black. Is it just me or do we not see much of it? Maybe its a little less crafty and a little more fine art-y. Is it more sophisticated or not child-like enough? Is it too moody and not cheerful? Clearly I am a fan of color and technically black is not a color, but it was a conscious decision to include just at least of a bit of black in my next fabric collection, "Drawing Room". It could just be the ethnic thing coming out (see baklava above), but every room in my house has something bold and black. I've never been able to leave it out of my personal home palette and definitely not out of my wardrobe whether its in vogue or not. I simply ignore trend watches or design cues that leave it out. As a designer, I of course have to be conscious of the way color comes in and out of the world stage but there is a balance to strike while trying to put as much of yourself as possible into any endeavor. Black, to me, is like white only more dramatic. I actually forget about white a lot. I see white everywhere in design and homes and I love it. I just forget about it. I have to remind myself to use it, and I'm learning to appreciate it more. Where on earth is this going?
Just thinking. Back to my coffee. Enjoy your weekend. xoxo,AM
Anna - I only remember white when I'm designing print work (actually working on a beautiful MATTE white brochure today) but I too, ignore any design trend that fails to include black. My husband is dying for me to free up enough time to make our daughter the black wrap-around dress with matching kerchief we saw in a Japanese Craft Book. 13-months is NOT too young for black. You must have some punk-rock blood in you, too :) Karen (long live black!)
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone...I too love black. I don't know if it's because I grew up in figure (ice dancing) skating and it just seemed to be the 'thing" to wear by all us then (I don't really know the trends with it now), but I have just always liked it! I always had my ballet like wrap sweater on, in black. Sounds awesome about having a little of that color in your fabrics! I too have little touches of black in pretty much every room. Funny, I forget about white a lot myself! I always see it, like it, just never apply it for me! Go figure. :)
ReplyDeleteI think a touch of black somewhere in a fabric design or in a quilt makes the colors "pop" more. Even if it's just a small inner border, I use a lot of it in small amounts.
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone at all -- I happen to love black. (at one time, it was hard to find anything in my wardrobe that WASN'T black) I think some of the problems in crafting/quilting with using it is the fact that it is BOLD (bolder than brights by a long shot) and that unless used well, it can look -- um, old? That's not right -- not sure how to put it but it can look too fussy? too graphic? not sure here. The other connotation black in quilting/crafting brings up are Amish styles -- not a bad thing to think of but -- um, not everyone's cup of tea. I can't wait to see how you have used it :0).
ReplyDeleteOh - that baklava looks good..but so much effort to make! I totally agree that you had to have multiple outfits to choose from for Martha :-). I am not shopping either (but I LOVE to shop) since I do not have the patience to brave the crowds and could possibly be the road-rage person who ends up on the evening news. So I am planning on sewing today instead. Much more calming...
ReplyDeleteNope, definitely not alone. I love black and have sprinkled little touches of it here and there throughout the house. It's most noticeable in the master bedroom, where it contrasts nicely with all the white and pale blue.
ReplyDeleteHey Anna
ReplyDeleteDid you know you debuted in the top 1000 blogs of bloglines this week? I think you were number 957.
Thought I'd let you know!
Megan
When my daughter was in preschool we asked her what her favorite color was and she said, "Black!". I didn't know what to say to that!! (It's not a color but the absence of it, that is depressing, um...) Probably because I love black and white... most of my drawings stay that way. I love color, but I love the purity of black and white images without the emotional impact of color. Hmmm. I did think that Mary Englebreit uses a lot of black (not a fan, just an observation) and maybe that's why she stood out from so many others. I tend to think that our personal coloring dictates which colors we gravitate to, and your whole family has that gorgeous dark hair...so how could you not like black???!
ReplyDeleteI always have black somewhere in my rooms. It is dramatic. I think that doing a room in white and black makes it very versatile, since all you need to do is change the accent color and you have a whole new room. Black, white and apple green would be very pretty.
ReplyDelete~elaine~
I must say I'm not with you on the black thing - red is my black. Your craft on Martha was lovely, by the way! I had it on my calendar for weeks ahead of time, and right when your segment began, my babe started crying and my husband called to make sure I didn't forget to watch. :) I only missed a quick diaper change's worth! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE black and have just made a cute bag using black and white stripes with a new Kaffe Fassett fabric with purple and black - very striking! I can't wait to see what you have done with 'Drawing Room'.
ReplyDeleteYou were so cute on Martha! Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteMy closet has always been full of black. 33 and still a little goth girl. ^_^ My husband has been trying to get me to buy something red for quite sometime but I don't think I could pull it off. Might be something I attempt after I am rid of the baby weight. Hmm how long can I use that excuse?
I laughed to myself when reading your last comment. As a graphic designer, I often see clients visibly struggle with white space. It's as if there is some basic, carnal need, deep down, to fill that space up with something. Maybe not carnal, because I've never struggled with it.
ReplyDeleteI do know what you mean about black. I've really got to start ordering more fabric online. I roam the isles of the local fabric stores for hours looking for something bold, graphic and dramatic for a handbag I want to make. I don't know why I keep doing it because I never find anything. Thanks for incorporating such fun colors into your designs!
Hi AM,
ReplyDeleteSaw your silhouette craft on Martha-awesome. Can't wait to try it myself! I'd love to buy one of yours as well.
I too love black. I say I like brown more, and I do to wear, but i have lots of balck around my home. Black wire baskets, black frames, black candleabras, black iron figures. There's something dramatic and punchy about it.
Can't wait to see the new stuff!
best. d.
Oooh... black in the new fabric line. I cannot wait to see it. Yes, there doesn't seem to be enough black or black patterns in the fabric arena. ~jen~
ReplyDeleteI, too, must have black in my life...my sewing room is black, pink and white. It works out well because I can usually find black accessories and if not, I just paint them black...LOL! Also did my daughter's Vintage Paris bathroom in the same colors. It really makes the pink POP.
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to your new fabric line!
Have a peaceful weekend!
oh, and I'll take my coffee with Vanilla Nut creamer...haha!
With friendship,
Lisa
Oh I love baklava! I've never made it myself, but my mom and I have a very dear Greek friend that keeps us in good supply!
ReplyDeleteBlack... hmmmm, different pallet fer sure in the crafting world. You do it well, but maybe some are afraid because it isn't very forgiving. Reminds me of Russian Folk Art and bold 30s graphics in kid's books: ala Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag.
ReplyDeleteYou were lovely on Martha and I cracked up at the unmade bed comment - isn't that what duvets are for?
Black? Nope, not for me. Not on me and not in my home. Chocolate brown... yummm; Dark grey-green, yes!
ReplyDeleteI'm blind to black. Don't see it, except I regularly notice the women who looked washed out and ill wearing it. Occasionally I see someone who actually looks good in it.
Except I did succumb to a wonderful charcoal outfit last year. Charcoal, mind you. Not black.
A-M - thanks for spreading the joy via your blog.
Check out School of St Jude: www.schoolstjude.blogspot.com
I think you're right on concerning the black. I personally adore it and as a graphic artist, I think it "grounds" things. I use black in everything I do, even if it might be in a small amount. I don't think anything looks right without it. I have gone hunting for just black fabrics before (well, usually black and white) and find very few. More would be just swell!
ReplyDeletetonya
Oh I LOVE black! With white. And then maybe I add color...
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your new line. Did I read that it's more of a decorator weight and width? If so, it sounds exactly like what I need!
Even though my style is totally light and airy cottage, I *always* include black accents. They give some crispness to a room that you just need, I think. Hail black!
ReplyDelete~Angela :-)
Please, please share the Baklava! I would LOVE to know how to make it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to Martha Stewart, you were great. I so enjoy your blog. You inspire me to keep doing what I am doing.
ReplyDeleteI have just seen the link to Martha Stewart and have watched your fabric silhouette being made. They look brilliant, but a quick question what is clear medium gloss? Is it a varnish? Being English we often call the same thing something different.
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin black, especially with bright color or jewel tones or neutrals or red. LOL yeah, black goes with everything!!
ReplyDeleteo, yes! always one of my first favorites too. especially with paint, felt and applique, the colors sing on that black background. You were so Anna Maria-amazing on Martha, I was so proud of you- to know you the littlest bit! nicely done...and off you go- no limits now, right? happy holidays to you and your sweet family. xoC
ReplyDelete