Blog - Cotton & Flax

Erin Dollar

Letting things go

It’s been an exciting few weeks around here, getting everything for the fall/winter collection finalized. But there have been moments of frustration, too, as I struggled to curate my sketchbook full of new patterns down to just a few new design to add to the mix.

I’ve talked a little bit before about how paralyzing it can be to have too many choices. Well, it was the same story all over again as I tried to curate my collection down to the patterns I loved most. After spending the summer developing so many new patterns, it was really tough to narrow it down to my top four. Mostly I just felt disappointed that some of my favorite patterns would not be used, at least not for this collection. It occurred to me that I could share a few of them here, so they wouldn’t go to waste!

I don’t think of these patterns so much as rejects, but as patterns I may return to later. Now that I’ve seen all the new work in it’s final stages, I’m not quite so bummed out about these unused patterns. It’s inevitable that I won’t be able to execute some projects, so I need to practice letting things go. To all you creative readers out there: do you ever feel disappointed about creative projects that don’t come to fruition?

Austin / Feliz

Still in Austin, after participating in the awesome Feliz Holiday Sale on Sunday. I had so much fun at the show, met lots of amazing makers, and so many generous locals who were out in droves, supporting handmade. The photo above was the view from my booth, you can see Lynn of Satsuma Press, and Teresa of Stone and Honey, both of whom make beautiful work (as did all of the vendors).
I’ll be in Austin for one more day, hoping to spend it exploring this beautiful city, and eating a few more tacos… how are there so many more options for veggie tacos here in Austin than in LA?? I don’t know, but I am loving it.

Print of the Week – Etching by Julie Mehretu

I recently discovered this etching by Julie Mehretu on the Crown Point Press website, and I am overwhelmed by the beauty of all the little details. Mehretu has a gift for creating a cohesive image from millions of tiny parts. Having seen her work in person, I was delighted to study all the varied marks of her prints and drawings, and this print, called “The Residual,” fascinates me in the same way. The image was created using a variety of printmaking techniques: color sugar lift and spit bite aquatints, with hard ground etching, drypoint, and burnishing. I can only imagine the hours of work that went into creating this stunning piece.

A busy week of making.

It was strange to take most of the week off from blogging, but I just had to focus all my waking energy on finishing my work for Feliz Holiday Sale in Austin this weekend. I’ve been printing, sewing, and packaging items like a madwoman this week, and I hope to share more photos of the finished products soon. Until then, here are a few Instagram snaps of my works in progress from this week.

These are all the different versions of the printed felt coasters I’ll be adding to the shop next week. So bright and fun!

This was one of the last pieces of fabric I printed before hunkering down into sewing mode. I will be debuting new printed tea towels next week, too!

The Holiday Craft Fair season approaches!

Can you believe it’s nearly November? I can’t. It seems like 2012 has flown by, yet I’m really excited about all the events I’ve got coming up in November and December.

First off, I’m participating in FELIZ Holiday Sale this weekend in Austin, TX! I am so excited to visit Austin, I’m really looking forward to an awesome weekend of creativity and talking with lots of talented craftspeople. If you live in the Austin area, I hope you’ll come out for the sale on Sunday, it would be a great time to kick off your holiday shopping in a venue that will be jam-packed with talent. I feel delighted and honored to be included amongst so many awesome vendors.

A few weeks later, I’ll be participating in Unique LA in Los Angeles! It will be hosted in the Penthouse of California Market Center in Downtown LA on Dec. 1 + 2, and will feature tons of indie vendors selling their wares, all of which are made in America. I love doing this event (and not just because of the free drinks and snacks!)

Next up is Renegade LA, on Dec. 8 + 9,  which is held in the charming Los Angeles State Historic Park. It’s a great venue to walk around with your friends (many people even bring their dogs!), and there will be tons of food trucks and free activities as well.

Finally, my last show of the year: Renegade San Francisco on Dec. 15 + 16, which is probably my favorite show of the year. I love the venue, the Concourse Exhibition Center, and San Francisco always seems to be a great place to end my craft fair tour.
Consider this your official invitation, readers! Would love to see you there!