I love a good design challenge. It gets the blood flowing and exercises lazy neurons. It all started with a simple request from a wonderful photographer, Sara Jensen. She was looking for something vintagey—rough around the edges. Lots of texture (yes! that’s my department!) . I mulled and turned things over in my head for a while. Had a glass of wine. I had visions of burlap and the vintage hand crocheted lace I found in an antique store in the Catskills. But really, I wanted to do something for her that was rough, yet fragile. I wanted to create a foundation from which you could tell a myriad of stories, whether they are real or make believe. And then I remembered…

What seems like a lifetime ago, I designed a sweater that was knit entirely from torn strips of muslin. I don’t recall what prompted me to do that, but it was fabulous. I don’t mind saying. So—and trust me, I am not digressing—we bought a couch a few weeks ago off of Craigslist. It’s divine. Restoration Hardware. HUGE savings. We will leave it at that. But the crazy lady we bought it from also gave us a really nice sheet to help protect it in its travels. I dug it out. I tea stained it in the tub. I ripped it into strips, sewed them together, and knit a bonnet. Then I cut ribbon. And I melted it, and I burned it. I made a flower. Then I drowned it in tea. Because it wasn’t fully distressed, it was simmered in coffee. More ribbons and delicate branches, and I’m lost in a woodland reverie. A fairy tale comes alive.

Can you tell that I’m excited about this design? I already see it in so many different colors and variations–personalized in so many ways. I see this bonnet on the most precious babe for her first voguing moment before the camera or adorning the littlest flower girl at the wedding. I see blooms that perfect soft shade of blush cherry blossoms or as vibrant as the deepest red rose.


oh my word – this is fantastic! so very special + clever+ unique+ and i love the shab factor – yep that’s my new word! but i also love the woodland fairy rustic ethereal feel. YOU ARE SO TALENTED!! i love this so much. xo
Shab factor! Love it. You’re a gem.
It’s adorable! I love the back, too.
Thanks, Rachel!