Nautical Wedding

Hot off the sewing machine:



It's fun to imaging the weddings that these ring bearer pillows will be attending.
With the navy and white color combo, I bet this one will be classic.

Sunshine Harnessed

Today is about as grey as it gets.

But, remember those fantastic bright sunshiny spinnaker sails that I posted about last week? Well, here is the sail upcycled and transformed into accent throw pillows. They are light and fun. Flip them over and you've got a different color combo.
Available in my Etsy shop.

WIP - Recycled Sail Graffiti Totes

It's been longer than expected since I've last blogged. Been busy sewing and creating some new looks and items. I'm happy to share the latest: Graffiti Letter Recycled Sail Totes! They would made a great Father's Day gift for an eco minded dad. Reiter8's totes are made from genuine used (and cleaned) sailboat sails and will often feature zig zag stitched sail seams. These totes are lined with organic cotton canvas and have interior pockets for keeping all that father stuff organized.

Available in exclusively in Reiter8's Etsy shop. Additional letters available.

WIP - Recycled Sail Luggage Tag

Recently, I received a special request to customize a luggage tag with a number two for a second anniversary gift. Cotton is the traditional gift for a second anniversary and they are celebrating with a trip to the Bahamas. One hitch, my regular luggage tags have only a stitch of cotton - meaning the only cotton in them is the stitching.

In response, I created a custom made luggage tag made of recycled sailcloth with a stripe of navy organic cotton canvas decorated with a machine stitched number 2. Happy anniversary!

I think I'm going to be making a lot more of these ...

WIP - Sail Messenger Bags

Just completed another batch of recycled sail messenger bags. Couldn't resist taking a few outside today to photograph. It's a beautiful day in Brooklyn -just look at that sparkly water!

I love the sail seam stitching that's an original feature of the sail these bags were cut from. It's got a double row of olive zig zag stitching and a two thin red stripes down the center. These bags a lined with chocolate colored organic cotton canvas. I'm loving this combination and really tried to emphasize it on these bags.

This batch (and more!) will come with me to Brooklyn Flea's Gifted Market where I'll be selling from Nov 27-29 and Dec 2-6. Gifted will be located indoors (yeah!) at the old Tower Records Annex building at 20 E 4th Street and promises to be a fantastic' market. Can't make it there? Additional upcycled sail messenger bags are listed in my Etsy shop.

Reclaimed Sail Messenger Bags

It was a little tricky working with that afternoon sun yesterday, but fun nonetheless.

Finally, a batch of messenger bags are finished, photographed and being updated in the Etsy shop. This batch is lined with navy organic cotton canvas that has been pre-washed and has a lovely broken in feeling to it. Check it out!

Recycled Sail Christmas Stockings

I've had a custom request for a pair of upcycled sail Christmas stockings and didn't want to send them off with out proper documentation. I was trying to wrap my head around feeling festive for Christmas and it was a little tough since the heat index was something like 126 degrees in my non air-conditioned home yesterday - and again today, thank you very much!

So here they are:




I know that last photo needs poinsettias around the base of the fireplace. They are a little scarce in Brooklyn in late August.

I'm pleased with how the stockings came out: sturdy, clean and bright. Ready and waiting for Santa ... only 125 days to go! (But don't get me wrong - I LOVE people who plan ahead.) I will be making more stockings like these (in two sizes) and they will be for sale online by late September. I'll keep you posted. If you can't wait and want to reserve, drop me an email.

And now we return to your regularly scheduled summer...

Let the Sun Shine

New to the shop: a few bright bags in this otherwise dreary weathered weekend.

More info on the yellow 8 tote here.
More info on the yellow dot purse here.

Stay dry!

Sunshine!

Working on a little sunshine in the studio today. I am loving the new bright yellow insignia color. When I peel it off the backing it's bright, shiny and slightly translucent. Reminds me of fruit leather and lemon drops- YUM!



Given the recent damp and dreary weather that we have been experiencing, it's extra nice to be working with bright colors. I'll update the post when they are listed in the shop.

WIP - Piled High

Got a bunch of bags on my work table this week patiently waiting to get sewn. Among them a few pieces from a recently donated sail with lovely weather worn red numbers that were zig zag stitched by the sail maker.



I've got something bright and bold in the works, too. Will share soon!

New Item: Billfold Wallet

Just in time for fathers day (although these are great for moms, too!) and in response to your feedback, I have created a great full size wallet.

Snappy, huh?

Details in the Etsy shop

Feeling Lucky?

Must ... keep ... sewing!

Sewing lots these days! On the machine at the moment is a red number 13 pillow.

Gearing up for 'The Renegade' next weekend and the Brooklyn Museum's first Eco Fair next Sat night.

And with a little bit of luck of my own, I'll have a few new products. Sneak peeks next week.

Happy Friday!

WIP - Thanks, Mom

Sewing some extra special bags today for Thanks, Mom a pop-up-shop at 303GRAND in Williamsburg Brooklyn. 303GRAND is a revolving storefront where you can find unique gifts for mom from local artists and designers.

They are also building a Thanks, Mom collage wall:

Bring in a photo of you and your mom and we will place it on the wall. We’re starting to collect photo’s now, and we’d love to include yours. It’s really easy, just bring a photo by the shop, send it to us via snail mail, or shoot us an email and we’ll print it out. (email jpeg format 1mb or less to thanksmom@303grandnyc.com)

May 6th-May 10th
Noon-8pm each day
303 Grand St. btw. Havemeyer & Roebling in Williamsburg

WIP: Brooklyn Museum Class prep

I'm so excited to make sail covered books over at the Brooklyn Museum tomorrow (sat) 4/25 from 2-4 pm. More specifics on the BM's site here. It's promised to be a beautiful day and the workshop will take place in the sun drenched Rubin Pavilion in the front lobby. It will be a treat!





Also today is Etsy Day! If your response was 'What's an Etsy" (pronounced like Betsy w/out the B) Just click here and explore the vast wonderfulness of handmade and vintage goodies. It can be overwhelming so use that handy search engine. Have fun!

This Ain't Your Mother's Sail Bag!

Oh, Yeah. I'm loving this new limited edition upcycled sail purse made with this lining material which is visible though the clear mylar and kevlar recycled sail.


Two of them will be available at noon today in my Etsy shop.

Special Delivery

Yeah! It's here! And much quicker than I expected.

Dan from S. Rimmon & Co. aka 'Dan, Dan the Fabric Man' came by the studio to show his be-a-utiful fabrics. His visit was coordinated by Layla of Ledthreads and he filled a huge work table with swatches and then patiently waited while 5 of us ohhed and ahhed and made piles of top choices then edited and re-edited until the piles were manageable - or not.

What's especially great about Dan is not only will he come to you by appointment (he's based on the West Coast but travels East), all his fabrics are from end rolls (left overs!) and offered at low minimums - great for small businesses to get wholesale pricing with out having to buy 500 yards. His collection is geared towards dress fabrics and leathers but there's usually something for everyone.

I found the most wonderful soft cotton canvas with a print that reminded me of wistful seaweed - in two color ways! And some eco friendly bamboo denim, too!




Stay tuned for limited edition lined sail bags and cosmetic cases.

Say Cheese!

Had the pleasure of being photographed by Pascal Perich today for a something that I will introduce a little later. Ok so it's a little uncomfortable for me to have my picture taken - I know few who really love it - but was also looking forward to it after I saw his beautiful portfolio. I'm talking jaw droppingly beautiful.

He was so much fun and right off the bat framed the light and the sails just so. Magic.

He's has a sense of humor and is a good sport because he granted my wish to take his photo (with my point and shoot little camera that plays a tune when you turn it on and makes fake shutter sounds when you take pictures) for this post.



Thanks Pascal! Can't wait to see the photos!!

Reiter8 at the Brooklyn Museum - Part 1

No, not hanging on the walls (yet!?) but in the store and adult education department.

I was thrilled to receive a call from the Brooklyn Museum of Art's Education Department asking if I would be interested in teaching a workshop in conjunction with their upcoming exhibit of Gustave Caillebotte's impressionist paintings.


(Above:Gustave Caillebotte (French, 1848–1894). Oarsman in a Top Hat, 1877–78. Oil on canvas, 35 7/16 x 46 1/16 in. (90 x 117 cm). Private collection)

Perhaps best know for his Paris Street: Rainy Day this exhibit draws on paintings held in private collections that focus on his interests of sailing and gardening.

"... approximately forty paintings included in this focused thematic exhibition reveal Caillebotte’s extraordinary passion for subjects in which water plays a central role—as an enigmatic, magical element reflecting its surroundings, as an essential atmospheric ingredient, and as a scene for sporting activities. As a passionate rower and yachtsman, Caillebotte approached his motifs with the trained eyes and hand of an accomplished engineer and sportsman. The exhibition will also include drawings as well as models and sketches for the construction of Caillebotte’s sailboats."

I'll be working with recycled sailboat sails and additional materials to create several travel related projects: key chain, luggage tag and travel journal on Saturday 4/25 from 2-4 pm. The class for adults is free with admission - what a deal! - but space is limited and you must register with an email to creative.art.making@brooklynmuseum.org.

More info on the exhibit and class at The Brooklyn Museums website.

It's a Jungle In Here

I've received a rather large backdrop of printed vinyl to upcycle!



My first projects are being made from a great big green jungle backdrop- perfect to work with on grey cold winter days. This vinyl has been saved from the land fill after it was used on a studio set.

Close up:


The first completed messenger bags will be photographed and listed soon.

.... Later that day ....



Listed!

Happy Friday.

Back in the Studio

It's a chilly 55 degrees in the studio this morning. That's what the thermostat says - I think that the real temp is even colder. The heat was 'adjusted' after our first gas bill was received. I'm one of the early birds here and it's too big a space to heat just for one or two people. So we reprogrammed the heat to come on in the middle and later part of the day when the bulk of the people are here making. So, for now, gone are the days of working without a coat ... and hat and gloves. Let's hope for an early, warm Spring.

In the meantime, I'm catching up on emails and snuggling with the space heater. Although it's always hard to return to work after such a nice long break (the longest I think I have taken since I started Reiter8) coming back to this studio and the opportunities that are ahead makes it easy(er).

Onward!