Inspiration: Beautiful handwritten Type

I got an assignment for a poster full of handlettered type today so have begun the process of gathering inspiration.
Found this beautiful hand written note from a site which highlights some of Jane Campion's documentation from the making of her film Bright Star. I love the crease of the envelope, and the big H and the d curling back on Hampstead... but most of all I like the ink blobs on the E.

Coco Avant Chanel

Tonight I'm going to a screening of Coco Avant Chanel courtesy of Elle magazine.
I know I'll be very inspired as Coco Chanel is such a fantastic icon for creative woman. Audrey Tantou is also very inspirational to watch - with her perfect gamine looks. Have attached a sketch of her from years ago when I first saw Amelie. I wanted her hair cut and ALL her clothes.

My new neighbour: Karyn Valino + The Workroom

The Workroom Store front

Owner Karyn Valino with gorgeous fabric in background

Beautiful Denyse Schmidt fabric

Happy crafter Karen

Happy Crafters Michelle and Karen again

My A pillow - almost done.

Starting today I'll be posting about some of my favorite spots in my new neighbourhood Parkdale/West Queen West. First up is a space I consider a major highlight of the hood: The Workroom at 1340 Queen St. West.

The Workroom is a "sew & craft by the hour" space run by former colour consultant Karyn Valino. It's a big, beautiful space equipped with sewing machines, sergers, work tables and a comfy couch! It's also stocked with books, patterns, and an absolutely gorgeous selection of fabrics - including several by my favorite Denyse Schmidt! Quite sigh worthy. The workroom offers classes in clothing, quilting, beginner upholstery, pattern drafting and even canning (!) plus it hosts a Stitch 'n Bitch evening the first Tuesday of each month.
I attended last Tuesday's Stitch n' Bitch and had a great time chatting with Karyn + fellow crafters while working on my A pillow. Dresses and ties were made and much fun was had by all. (Note the bottle of wine in the photo!) Thanks Karyn!

The Workroom
1340 Queen St.West
Highly recommended

Peggy Kurtin 1932- 2009

With sadness I announce that my wonderful landlady Peggy Kurtin passed away this past Monday. Peggy was incredibly active in the community: once described in the Globe and Mail as "the redoubtable force of Cabbagetown".
She served on the board of the Toronto Historical Association, the Cabbagetown Preservation Association and was a member of the Ontario Heritage Board. She received many awards for her heritage and community work including the Lieutenant Governor 's award and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
She was a true inspiration and will be dearly missed.

Stockholm

wow.

Very graphic street cover thingies. Loved them.

Hand lettering at my hotel.
(lots of art on walls in general yay)



Home of Josef Frank textiles.

I seemed very keen so they gave me a catalogue.




Museum of Medieval History.
Stained glass and woodcuts were enlarged and printed on fabric. Very striking.


Textiles by Stig Lindberg.

Stockholm Design highlights:
Hand lettering on the wall around the door entrances in my hotel
*Josef Frank textiles at Svenskt Tenn*
Stig Lindberg pottery + textiles
Olle Eksell illustrations (seen in National museum)
Numbers on doorways
Everything in Gamla Stan
The people! Everyone so beautiful, healthy looking and riding a bike. wow
Note: Am interested in researching more about Estrid Erikson: founder of Svenskt Tenn. I have a feeling she's a guide.