Marimekko around Helsinki

This photo pretty much sums up my travels in Helsinki. Justin would explore (or wait) while I browsed with my iphone or Canon in hand, asking shop owners about their tchotchkes and the history behind their trinkets. Every once in a while I’d leave with a necklace, light bulb or keychain (or instagram a longing for something like this).

Like I mentioned in the Johanna Gullichsen feature, fabric is often sold on the premises and it’s no different at Marimekko, where the options are graphic and plentiful.

Here are a bunch of photos I took from inside the main store that houses clothing, artwork, books, toys, homewear and playful decor. Coming from America, where the uptown store feels like Marimekko-light, the hometown store is truly special.

From a retail and merchandising perspective, the flow and lighting compliment each other to tell a bright and whimsical story. Various patterns are assigned to different corners, capturing you in a textured atmosphere. I of course gravitated to the black and white sections first, then moved along to the polka dots and flowers.

Who remembers the delightful girls from Gone to Lunch? Doesn’t this wall speak to their dressing room jaunts?

Much like J.Crew and Kate Spade have filled their walls with art and literature, Marimekko’s wall and floor display tell a timeline of Finnish design history, including the company’s own.

As you can see, the brand’s patterns are woven throughout the city- they’re a part of everyday life, no matter where you turn. Here are tablecloths at an outdoor eating area.

I sometimes felt like a madwoman briskly following people with a camera (read: 1 in 5) were dressed in Marimekko patterns. It’s fascinating and exhilarating to see a brand so entirely embraced by the society that’s produced it.

A few more examples: a vintage bookstore incorporates the iconic black and white print as a backdrop for it’s books.

And upon my exit at the Helsinki Airport, the dishes and trays are covered in Marimekko patterns. There’s a true appreciation for design within the fabric of the culture- and aside from the obvious label, it was easy to see why this city was named the Design Capital of the year.

September 4, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

DIY: How to make a Tablet Protector

For all of you design-crafters out there, we have a treat today from our Paris-based DIY contributor, Tiffany Iung. Follow along and let us know if you end up making one for yourself (send photos too)! – Shayna

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I waited a long time to get a Bamboo tablet. Now that I have it, I treat it like a little baby. I thought it only right to make a pretty pocket to keep it safe. I had high hopes of making a fancy closure, but when I finished the first part of sewing I realized I was happy with the simplicity of the fold over closure. I figured the proportions of this pocket could be adapted to keep any of your goodies safe and sound.

Materials :

1. thin cotton padding (about 1/2 cm thick), cut into a 56 cm x 21 cm rectangle

2. fabric for exterior (I used this LUCY DAISY C TANA LAWN Liberty Art Fabric), cut into a 112 cm x 24 cm rectangle

3. fabric for interior (lining), cut into a 56 cm x 21 cm rectangle

4. basic sewing materials (color-coordinated thread for top stitch and bobbin)

5. sewing machine or materials for hand-sewing

Process:

1. Fold cotton padding and lining fabric pieces in half, the lining fabric wrong-side out. Line up folded edges (this will be the bottom of the pocket).

2. Sew along sides, leaving a 1/2 cm seam allowance.

*Turn work inside out. This is the padded lining.

3. Fold exterior fabric right-sides together, leaving a 24 cm allowance for the top flap of the envelope). Place padded lining on folded portion, again sewing sides with a 1/2 cm allowance.

*Turn right-side out. Body is finished.

4. For the Top Flap portion of fabric fold 1/2 cm seams and press flat with iron. Fold again at halfway point (the seams you just folded should be tucked inside, making a clean rectangle).

5. Sew along side seams.

(I wanted to say thanks to Eva Black, on Emmadime, for inspiration from her Top-Notch Type series. I’ve been introduced to so many cool fonts, including this one, thanks to her!) – Tiffany Iung

August 27, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textile Tutorials in Helsinki

If any of you happen to be following along on instagram, you’ll know that I’m traveling at the moment – in the northern european capitals of Helsinki & Tallinn. As a result, Pattern Pulp postings will be a bit light up until Labor Day.

The past two weeks have been somewhat manic, as I’ve been packing up ship (we’re moving to a new apartment next week!), adding finishing touches to several month-long projects and preparing for this textile & trend trip abroad.

So back to the purpose of this post. Helsinki is having quite the year. They’ve been named the Design Capital of 2012 and the essence of the title rings true throughout the city. Everywhere you go, from the local pizza shop to the hardware store to window decals for skis, books & umbrellas, you’ll notice a strong appreciation for graphic and surface design.

One of my first stops was to Johanna Gullichsen‘s Textile Craft & Design shop. While geometric patterns are extremely popular throughout Finland, Gullichsen’s fabrics carry a durable, branded timelessness that’s easily translated to home decor.

The flagship store sells pillows, bags, chair cushions, trays and the original fabric (a somewhat common trait in Helsinki). One of my favorite pieces (that unfortunately won’t be making it through customs) is the upholstered collage chair. Overall the designs swing both masculine or feminine – a respectable and often complicated feat for any pattern and fabric maker.

August 23, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Preppy & Patterned: Stubbs & Wootton

The evening slipper’s been at the height of popularity for over a year now, thanks to style bloggers, celebrities and knockoff brands around the globe. One of the American-based leaders, Stubbs & Wootton keeps powering forward and the lastest line, released on Moda Operandi today is equal parts youthful and conservative. I’m personally a fan of the zig-zag Missoni-looking set, which do you like, if any?

August 14, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Upholstery Trends at ABC Carpet

Forever a fan of texture and textiles, it’s interesting to see additional brands beyond John Derian and Anthropologie incorporating quilting and batik techniques into their home lines. Take Cisco Brothers, a sustainable company based in LA. Their textiles, pillows, sofas and chairs are extremely inviting and individualistic. This hmong batik is one we’re seeing a lot of in fashion and the translation to home is beautiful.

If you’re not one to commit to bold furniture, consider these exposed-stitch applique pillows. Combining hemp with cotton blends, canvas and distressed linen, these pieces seem like a healthy evolution from the Shabby Chic trend of the past.

August 13, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

The Ikat Duffle Bag

Today’s been a mixture of meetings and errands. In the last store run of the day, Flight001, I crossed paths with this all-in-one Co-Lab duffle bag. Pretty sharp, ey? The ikat’s a refreshing alternative to the background solids we’ve grown accustomed to seeing for mens accessories. Are you a fan?

July 27, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik