DIY: How to Make a Bike Lock Sock

Big treat today! Our good friend (ex-New Yorker/chic Parisian/vegetarian sandwich-maker), Tiffany Iung of t i f a m a d e, has offered her crafty skills on cycling culture. Today she’s making a Lock Sock.

Materials Needed:

Step 1: I bought a cheap impermeable cotton at the fabric store. I chose a dark color since I knew the cover would be in some dirty places. I have this Kryptonite lock, so I cut my fabric to measure 115 cm long by 10 cm wide. I made this “pattern” based on the manufacturer’s nylon cover I cut off the chain, but you could do the same with any size cover. I taped off a simple graphic pattern using masking tape, and taped the fabric down to my work surface.

Step 2: I painted the fabric with Folk Art by Plaid brand fabric paint. I had to apply a couple layers of paint to get the opacity I was happy with. Once painted, the paint must dry for 24 hours, and then the painted fabric must be ironed. I used Metallic Solid Bronze and Orchid.

Step 3: The most difficult (and it wasn’t even that hard) part of the whole process is sewing the leather. Just be sure your sewing machine’s needle can make it through a few layers of leather. Then sew a straight seam all the along the length of the fabric.

Step 4: This part’s super simple- just pin the side seam and sew.

Step 5: I finished the seam with a zig-zag stitch for reinforcement. I also hand-stitched the leather to make sure that it stays together.

Step 6: Once all your sewing is done, you can turn the tube right-side out and be so proud of the cool thing you just made. You just have to slide the chain into the tube, et voilà! Super chic new cover for your chain.

Coverage by Tiffany Iung

May 2, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textile Inspiration & Illustrative Photos

I find when I’m searching for inspiration for patterns or textiles I often start by looking at objects rather than the actual patterns on things. I love to find a collection of objects with a similar purpose or hand that I can group together to discover a new shape or texture. Here’s one of my recent inspirational collections:

Illustrative Photography:

While I’m not sure if “illustrative photography” is a term, I love how interesting it looks when people draw over photographs. Here’s a recent collection- while I want Bernhard Wilhelm’s image to be my favorite, I’m most drawn to Saul Steinberg’s cats and stools…the others belong to Johan Thornquist and Gennine.

Coverage by Kimberly Hall

April 30, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Visiting Ace & Jig with Steven Alan

How many of you know how hard it is to make a fabric swatch? While we often focus on the printed surface here at Pattern Pulp, it’s always fascinating to hear how various designers approach their craft. Last Wednesday, I accompanied the fine folks at Steven Alan to interview Jenna Wilson and Cary Vaughan, the talented duo behind Ace & Jig at their studio in Cobble Hill. We spent an afternoon sifting through texture, munching on cupcakes and diving into the incredible story behind their brand and business.

While it’s understood that most designers buy their fabric- Jenna and Cary do everything from scratch, a laborious (but rewarding!) process that utilizes their years of industry experience and involves ongoing trips to India. The ladies work with a textile guru who’s as obsessive about the outcome as they are, “it’s a great process working together, it’s really fun and inspiring. He’s as meticulous as we are, and we respect each other’s expertise.”

So what’s a day in the life like when the ladies are at the factory working alongside the weavers and dyers? Follow along with our Q&A as we dissect the success that’s been their past year, how they’ve set a high ethical standard and what a dream collaboration would look like (a little teaser, it’s pattern based)…c lick here to read the interview.

Photos courtesy of Steven Alan & Ace & Jig

April 26, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textile Inspiration & Knitted Illustrations

Knitted Illustrations:

This is a great group, all from the NYPL digital gallery which is a great resource for research. These knit accessories speak so much of the shape of the body they make me feel very focussed on designing for a real person as opposed to just thinking about pattern in a 2 dimensional way, as on paper or a fabric ground. Of course, they also make me want to peel away the winter layers and get ready for spring.

Coverage by Kimberly Hall

April 20, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buy: Richard Ginori Porcelain

If I had a need for new plates, I wouldn’t think twice and would scoop these Richard Ginori beauties up. On sale today at One Kings Lane, these mix-and-match salad and dinner plates are adorned with unique blue and white patterns, reminiscent of wood block prints.

Since 1735, the work of Richard Ginori has been the epitome of classic Italian aesthetic values. Inspired by the search for beauty and perfection, and embodying the harmony of pattern and shape, these handcrafted Italian objets d’art borrow from various artistic movements throughout history to express a unique and universal design vernacular, while exemplifying the rich heritage and timeless elegance of Richard Ginori.

April 20, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Styling Inspiration & Crochet Combos

Remember when you’d find crochet items in your grandmother’s house- doilies under trinkets and antiques? Just like the floral pastel trend that’s been sweeping department stores this Spring, textures reminiscent of decades past are popping up in stores everywhere. Grandma’s making her mark once again, reminding us that everything’s cyclical. There are crochet dresses, skirts, shorts, tops, gloves, socks and even shoes!

I have a few crochet sweaters that I typically pair with silk tops just to add texture. I love how the color from the blouse peeks through the loops. Recently, with this slightly chilly NYC weather, I paired one of my crochet sweaters with a green silk dress. It was perfect for the chill and added a touch of texture.

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1. Motorcycle Gloves | 2.Isabel Marant Cilla Crochet Sweater | 3. Girl. Band of Outsiders Cleo Shorts | 4. Opening Ceremony Crocheted Pointed Collar Dress | 5. Me (!)

Coverage by Chelsa Skees

April 19, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik