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Erin Dollar

Thoughts on Postcards

June 19, 2013

blog postcardsI was very excited to see that Cotton & Flax was featured on Door Sixteen yesterday, I’m so happy to count Anna as a fan of my work. She mentioned something in her post that made me think, and that I hadn’t been able to articulate before.

“I used to send postcards out all the time because they’re so low-hassle: Cheap stamp, no envelope, small space = fast writing, not to mention the fact that anyone can and will read the back keeps me from saying anything too dumb. I don’t know why I stopped, but I need to order a couple of packs — because who doesn’t like to get a little real mail every now and then?”

As an avid letter-writer, I forget that any snail mail that shows up in my mailbox is a surprise and a treasure, as long as it’s not a bill. While many people think of snail mail as taking the time to write a newsy letter, full of long stories and gossip, a simple postcard can make a big impact too. Sending a postcard is such a simple gesture, and knowing that someone is thinking of you and sent over a quick hello never fails to make me feel appreciated.

pink postcard from Cotton & FlaxIf you feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the idea of sending snail mail, or even having a pen-pal, sending a simple postcard is a great first step.

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes Tagged With: postcards, snail mail

Recently at Cotton & Flax HQ

June 12, 2013

Cotton & Flax HQI’ve been blogging a bit less frequently lately, as I’ve been working hard to build up my inventory for upcoming summer sales and in person shows here in California. I’ll be selling my work at Renegade Craft Fair in LA and San Francisco the last two weekends in July, so I’m spending every free moment printing, sewing, and designing new products for later this year.

If you want more frequent updates, you can follow Cotton & Flax on Instagram, I post lots of behind the scenes photos from Cotton & Flax Headquarters, plus the occasional photo of Frida, my adorable cat (and Cotton & Flax’s CFO… hah!)

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes Tagged With: LA events, sewing

Thread holds it all together.

June 11, 2013

ThreadThread might seem like such a little thing (an afterthought, even), but using quality materials makes all the difference. If you’ve sewn larger projects before, you probably know what I’m talking about – it’s incredible how such a simple material can make such a difference. For Cotton & Flax projects, I use Gutermann’s natural cotton thread because it never seems to break or tangle while I’m sewing, and the colors are just phenomenal. This first photo shows a portion of my thread stash, built up over many years. It would be amazing to see all the empty spools I’ve used up over the years, part of me wishes I’d saved them all.

sewn basketI’ve experimented with lots of different types of thread, and I’ve built up a pretty little stash of it over the years. It’s nice having it around when I want to work on side projects, like this sewn rope bowl I made a couple weeks ago, inspired by Doug Johnston.

If you sew – do you have a favorite brand of thread? Any other materials or tools that you just can’t live without?

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes Tagged With: sewing

Another New Stockist – Hammer Museum Store

June 6, 2013

hammer-museum-photohammer museum 1

Very excited to add another local stockist here in Los Angeles – the Hammer Museum is now carrying a selection of Cotton & Flax coasters in their museum store! Stop by and check it out if you live nearby, and while you’re there, take a peek at some of the great exhibits they have up – I got to see the A. Quincy Jones exhibit of California architecture while I was there, so much to see!

hammer museum store

Filed Under: Retail Stockists Tagged With: stockists

New Stockist – Lilify in Monterey, CA

June 1, 2013

lilifyExcited to share another lovely shop that it now carrying Cotton & Flax goods: Lilify in Monterey, CA. If you live in the area, I hope you’ll stop by and check out their shop, they stock a lovely mix of handmade gifts, vintage treasures, and beautiful florals. I’m hoping to stop by on my road trip up to San Francisco this summer, and I can’t wait to see the shop in person.

Lilify in Monterey, CA

Filed Under: Retail Stockists Tagged With: stockists

More favorites from the Purl Bee

May 30, 2013

Purl Bee felt flower sachetsI’m hoping to tackle lots of DIY projects this summer, and I’ve been accumulating tons of inspiration from the Purl Bee.

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Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: diy, sewing

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A textile designer’s journal

Welcome! I'm Erin Dollar, the textile designer behind Cotton & Flax. I create patterned home decor that's rooted in creative exploration.

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A textile designer’s journal

Welcome! I'm Erin Dollar, the textile designer behind Cotton & Flax. Here I'll share peeks behind the scenes, recent inspirations, decor ideas, and more. Read More…

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