I love my upholstery tools. They're simple and so perfectly formed for their function: A perfectly balanced, magnetized hammer for throwing tacks, a (dangerous) claw-like tool for pulling webbing super tight, a v-shaped tack-puller for when tacks aren't perfectly placed. But I've recently been exposed to an even more amazing tool: the loom. Functionally, it's straightforward, capable and strong. And when thread is running through it, it's gorgeous. I have to admit, that for me it's all about the thread.
We've been working with Soraya at www.studiofournyc.com on some custom fabric inspired by a vintage swatch of Chanel tweed--and it's been a riot. We're almost ready to create the yardage, and I have to admit, I'll be sad when it's over and I can't go visit the loom (and related thread) anymore! On the other hand, I can't wait to work with the fabric!
(From Apartment Therapy, which I love even more now that we share a favorite fall color!)
With the start of September being the culturally accepted (if not technical) start of fall, my thoughts are on the riot of color just around the corner. Maybe it's the association of falling leaves, or the pair of back-to-school bootcut cords I sported in grade seven, but the color I most associate with the season is a rich saffron yellow. It's perfect for these early fall days- vibrant enough to mix with summer shades, but rich enough to hint at cozier things to come.
Decor-wise, saffron (and its greener sister, mustard, and more yellow cousin, goldenrod) is a surprisingly versatile shade. It straddles the line between "feminine" and "masculine" color (if you even buy into that) and works particularly well as an accent. The gorgeous Moroccan temple above is wall-to-wall saffron, but here are some spaces in which smaller doses of the rich, bold yellow have been used to great effect...continue reading
Well, it's been a crazy month but we've moved into our new studio space in Crown Heights! We literally went from an empty room without electricity to a showroom and workshop space in three weeks. And we love it. Plenty of room, lots of color and great work and storage spaces.
Special thanks to Taryn Christoff of Christoff Finio. She really anticipated needs that I didn't know I had, and it makes a difference every day. Also thanks to Sam Zeif for his drawings and visits to Home Depot, and to Andrew Zeif for sheer strength and moral support. And finally, thanks to my apprentice, Sonja Beck Gingerich for rolling with the punches and coming to work without fail--even when we worked by daylight!
Come by and see us!
1093 Pacific Street, Brooklyn NY 11238 by appointment
