Tales from the road & What I'm working on now...

Greetings!

A lot has been going on around here; A visit/ road trip with my parents, a road trip for freelance work, and new design projects that I am very excited about are piling up in the workshop. Although I really love NYC,  sometimes the best thing about it is being able to leave it for a couple days! Within a couple of hours by train or car you can reach some truly beautiful nature and historic places. Here are some of the highlights with a little picture journal below. 

Exploring my own Brooklyn
A few days before the Memorial Day weekend, my parents are flew in from Louisiana for a visit. As they have already hit a lot of the more known, traditional tourists spots, they decided to stay in Brooklyn in an apartment a few blocks from me. It was great to spend some low-key, quality time with them and share a little of what my actual life here is like. 

My dear Dad on my block.

One of the unique tourist days we did do right here in Brooklyn was exploring the 175 year old historical gem of Greenwood cemetery. I live about a ten minute drive from it and can't believe I hadn't checked it out yet! I little excerpt from their website below:

Everybody loves a great story, and Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery has many of New York’s great stories to tell. Everyone who was anybody in 19th-century New York wanted to be buried there, and they were. As The New York Times succinctly put it it 1866, “It is the ambition of the New Yorker to live upon Fifth Avenue, to take his airings in the [Central] Park, and to sleep with his fathers in Green-Wood.”

Green-Wood is 478 spectacular acres of hills, valleys, glacial ponds and paths, throughout which exists one of the largest outdoor collections of 19th- and 20th-century statuary and mausoleums. It's popularity helped inspire the creation of public parks, including New York City’s Central and Prospect Parks.

(courtesy of http://www.green-wood.com/about-history/ )

Mom, trying to capture some foliage.

Dad, tinkering with something and a beautiful old tree. 

"Green-Wood is a Revolutionary War historic site (the Battle of Long Island was fought in 1776 across what is now its grounds), a designated site on the Civil War Discovery Trail."

(courtesy of http://www.green-wood.com/about-history/ )

The Altar To Liberty, with Minerva (Roman Goddess of Battle)  was placed on the highest natural point in Brooklyn, also known as Battle Hill. She is in that spot to commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn, the first battle of the American Revolution after the Declaration of Independence was issued. From this point  you can see views of lower New York Harbor, New Jersey, the tip of Manhattan, and mid-town Manhattan.. With her arm upraised, she is saluting her sister, the Statue of Liberty, in the harbor.   

Mystic, CT

After completing our little tour of Brooklyn, which also included Coney Island and Rockaway, we headed to Mystic, CT for the Memorial Day weekend. Mystic is a quintessential New England cozy, boating town and was the perfect place to get away with my parents. They haven't yet experienced much of the New England area so this was a great intro for them. 

Our cozy and Historic Mystic Rental House for the weekend. The location was superb and our stay here was lovely.  Here's a link for more info: 1839 House

Spotted on one of our strolls, this made me smile!

Treasure hunting for myself or for sewing materials is one of my favorite things to do on a road trip, and Pennywise was a great discovery. For more info click here

I didn't buy anything this time, but it will certainly be on my list of for the future! 

There are many great spots to eat in Mystic, but the standout for this trip was the Captain Daniel Packer Inne, a historic 250 year old pub and restaurant. 

Ahh, Mystic Views...so serene. Other highlights were getting together with my future in-laws for more good times and good food. Hopefully my parents enjoyed their time here, as I sure enjoyed mine. 

Hudson, NY Area

My next adventure was about 2 hours outside of NYC in a different direction to the Hudson, NY area. I went along on this trip to assist my guy on a photo job for the Camphill Foundation. I am grateful that my freelance work can expose me to so many beautiful and diverse locations and people. Camphill Communities are unique and vibrant life-sharing communities of individuals, including adults with developmental disabilities. These communities bring together coworkers (long and short-term service volunteers) and individuals with developmental disabilities in therapeutic communities that foster mutual respect and human dignity.

I could go on and on, but Learn more about Camphill by clicking this link :)

There are Camphill communities all over the world, we just visited a few in the Hudson area. 

A beautiful spot while touring their Copake, NY location.

The disabled residents of Camphill communities make meaningful and useful products that they sell at their gift shops. I was lucky to shop at 2 of their stores and was so impressed by the artistry. Lots of woven items, candles, healing teas and oils, wooden toys, and on and on... 

Their downtown Hudson location

Picked up some items that I'm not going to share as they are Holiday Gifts ;)

I had a little time to check out more downtown shopping. Downtown Hudson has so many great shops, especially vintage ones, but my favorite was Antigo. 

http://www.antigoantigo.com/

My happy, treasure hunting place!

I did manage to pickup a couple of great finds. This great fabric chunk to contribute to my Kimono project...

...and this awesome clutch and statement necklace. I love picking up clutches from vintage/thrift stores. It's a less expensive way to find something unique with tons of character. This leather clutch was in perfect condition and the optional chain makes it perfect for keeping track of your bag on a New York night out. 

My super vintage finds and a lovely sunset were the perfect ending to my second road trip!

What I'm working on now...

Now I'm back to work in the studio, working on a collection of one-of-a kind, soft Kimono Jackets. I have been scouring everywhere for unique fabric in beautiful colors and prints and my pile is growing. This is the hardest and most fun part! 

A little sneak preview below and stay tuned for more updates on this collection!

Hope you are all having a great week and as always, many thanks for following along on this creative journey! 

Be Well!
xo
 Erin 
http://www.erinelsie.com 
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

A Trend, A Treasure Hunt, and Time with the Parents!

Trends come and go, and while I enjoy the spectacle of it all - I am generally tentative to jump on board. I tend to gravitate towards quality basics and eclectic statement pieces that I simply love and know I will not tire of quickly. To my surprise, one trend I am enjoying is this kimono-inspired soft jacket look. They are an easy way to add a pop of color or print to your basic pieces. They are also great to travel with as they can be worn with shorts during the day, as a swimsuit cover up, and even dressed up at night. 

Photo Courtesy of MissWhiteSmith Blog

My Purple Boho Big Shirt

I made a beautiful purple one, that sold rather quickly- and it has inspired me to make a collection of them. One size fits all, in an array of prints. Scouring everywhere for awesome fabric in beautiful colors and prints is what I love to do and lends itself perfectly to this project. I have already tracked down some of the materials online. It's pretty amazing with technology that you can buy vintage fabric from France- so excited for that to come in! Next, I will take my fabric hunt on the road. My parents are flying in from Louisiana this morning and I'm so excited! They are going to be Brooklyn residents for the next couple of days and it will be great to just spend some quality time with them. After hanging in New York - we are going to do a little road trip up the coast Mystic, CT and Newport, RI perhaps. I plan to derail the trip a couple of times for some fabric treasure hunting, I just can't help myself! Have a lovely memorial day weekend and I will report back soon!

As always, many thanks for following along on this creative journey! 

Be Well!
xo
 Erin 
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

1 Men's Shirt = 2 Chic Pieces

1 Men's Shirt = 2 Chic Pieces

Inspiration and ideas can truly come from anywhere and I am usually always taken with a great print. I was delighted to find this subtle, deep, and beautifully printed Men's Hawaiian shirt in a thrift store, perfectly suited for soft and easy summer pieces. Luckily it was a very large shirt, and the fabric quality was very well preserved. I am so happy with the end results- 2 lovely pieces that have given knew life to this awesome fabric from this once discarded shirt. My process goes way beyond just making a garment. Here, I'm just sharing a small glimpse behind the scenes of this particular project. 

1. Let the fabric speak to me

2. I always thoroughly wash my materials. That can be quite the task when you live in NYC in a 5 floor walk-up and your laundry is in the basement, but it's always a good workout! 

 3.If I'm working with a thrifted garment, once I have a general idea of what I want to make, I strategically take the item apart. It's also a neat way to sometimes analyze and learn new construction techniques. 

4. Draping and pinning my design together; this is the stage that the design changes the most and is truly the most fun and creative part for me. It's where everything starts to take shape and become an actual garment.  

5. Sew all the pieces together. Sometimes stressful, sometimes therapeutic, and a skill that I always try to perfect. 

6. Hand-finishing- this is what I believe distinguishes a well made garment from the rest. True craftsmanship and quality are important to me. 

 Blue-Green Midnight Tropics Sundress

 

Shop Here

 Blue-Green Midnight Tropics Sundress

Shop Here

                              Thanks for following along on this creative journey! 

Be Well!
xo
 Erin 
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 7

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there! Today I'm wrapping up "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 7  - A brief History and Happy Mother's Day Mom! 

Ever wonder why there is an official "Mother's Day" on the calendar? Here's a brief history courtesy of History.com . (You can read even more by clicking that link). I think the history behind Mother's Day is a good reminder of the strength and power of women and women leaders. It's hard to believe that there was a time when we couldn't own property or vote? Women were the ones who rose up and made these things possible. My mom is certainly a strong lady, and I feel lucky to have her as a role model and mother. 

Happy Mother's Day Mom! 

MOTHER’S DAY: A Brief History 

The roots of the modern American Mother’s Day date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War (1861-65), Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginiahelped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2. Other early Mother’s Day pioneers include Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a temperance activist who inspired a local Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the 1870s. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some have even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.”

(courtesy of History.com)

My mom in dresses that she made herself :) 

Hope you had a Happy Sunday everyone!

Love You mom! xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 6 - "Roots and Wings"

With Mother's day coming up, I'm taking some time this week to reflect on how things I have learned from my mom influence me everyday.  Here is day 6 of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 6  - Dear Mom, Thank you for giving me "Roots and Wings." 
This is one can best be summed up by this great quote: 

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.”

-Dalai Lama XIV 

I love New York, but I know that it will always be my second home. Louisiana is home; It is inspiring to me, it's part of me, it's where most of my family is- it's where my roots are. As much as I know my mom misses me being close to home, she has also always encouraged me to fly. She knew at a young age that I was going to take off and has always been supportive. Thanks, Mom! 

(Amazing roots in Kauai - I couldn't resist)

Happy Saturday everyone!

xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 5

With Mother's day coming up, I'm taking some time this week to reflect on how things I have learned from my mom influence me everyday.  Here is day 5 of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 5  - Dear Mom, Thank you for all of the little things. When I say "little things," I mean all of the innumerable things that mom took care of day in and day out. They often may go unnoticed and unacknowledged, and so today I say thank you for all of it.  

-for all the driving me around, making sure I got to sports practices, friend's houses, and wherever else I needed to go

-for all those home-cooked meals

-for the loads and loads of clothes washing, and for being an expert at stain removal ;)

-for all of the constant grocery shopping, I know we were quite the eaters!

-for always being there in the crowd to cheer me on in whatever sporting event I was participating in at the time

-for making sure I always had whatever I needed

-and for all of the little things that you still do for me

xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*