Sukhi Rugs [ Shop Tipp ]

pink patchwork kilim large size

Hallo, ihr Lieben!

Kennt Ihr schon Sukhi.de? Dieser, in Deutschland relativ neue Webshop bietet eine Vielzahl an handgefertigten Teppichen, von hochwertigen Beni Ourain Teppichen aus Marokko, welche m.E. super zum aktuell trendigen, skandinavischen Einrichtungslook passen, Woll- und Filzteppichen aus Indien, originellen Patchwork Kelims aus der Türkei bis hin zu den derzeit beliebten Filzkugelteppichen aus Nepal. Wer sich von letzteren ein näheres Bild machen möchte schaut sich dieses interessante Video dazu an!

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You might have heard of Sukhi Rugs. This website offers an amazing variety of handmade rugs. You might want to check out their inspiration page. Btw, "Sukhi" means happy in Nepalese. High up on the popularity scale are the graphic Beni Ourain rugs from Morocco which in my opinion harmonize surprisingly well with the current Scandinavian interior design trend. Also popular are the whimsical feltball rugs handmade in Nepal. If you wish to learn more about the process of how these are made check out this great video! Made by artisans in Nepal, Sukhi gives these makers an outlet to share their work, skill and craft.

handmade feltball rug

Teppiche sind zeitlos und ein schöner Blickfang in jedem Wohnraum. Immer mehr Teppiche in knalligen Farben und spannendem Mustermix kommen auf den Markt. Der Webshop Sukhi bietet Fairtrade Patchwork Kelims sowohl in kräftigen Farben als auch Naturtönen und jedes dieser Unikate verleihen einem Zuhause Wärme und Gemütlichkeit. Momentan läuft ein großer Sale auf einige dieser Kelims, also wer auf der Suche nach einem originellen, handgefertigten Teppich ist...nichts wie hin!

pink patchwork kilim 80 x 100 cm

Schon lange habe ich nach einem fröhlichen Farbtupfer für unseren eher neutralen Eingangsbereich gesucht. Es kam mir daher sehr gelegen als mich die netten Kollegen von Sukhi  kontaktierten! Übrigens, "Sukhi" bedeutet glücklich auf Nepalesisch.

Ich brauchte auch gar nicht lange überlegen und habe mich spontan für einen einzigartigen, pinkfarbenen Patchwork Kelim, den es in mehreren Größen gibt, entschieden. Bei dieser Art von Teppichen werden die Flicken zunächst gebleicht und anschließend neu und monochromatisch eingefärbt. So entstehen hübsche Vintage Effekte, je nachdem wie der Teppich die Farbe annimmt. Die Teppiche werden nur auf Bestellung angefertigt. Jedes dieser Art ist ein Einzelstück!

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A few months ago I was approached by the lovely people from Sukhi asking if I'd like to review one of their handmade patchwork kilims. Great timing, as I had been looking for a cheerful pop of color in our entrance area, so after researching the company (I hadn't heard of them before) I agreed. I decided on this bright patchwork rug in fuchsia, which comes in various sizes. This type of rug is made to order. The patches are overdyed in one solid color and wherever the fibres absorb more or less of it, a wonderful vintage effect is created. Patchwork kilims are available in an eco-friendly hemp version too! In fact, I have my eye on one for my studio #wishlist.

Die Teppichflicken werden von den Kunsthandwerkern individuell und nach einer ganz bestimmten Reihenfolge mit einer stabilen Knotentechnik sorgfältig vernäht. Die Teppiche sind auf der Rückseite mit einer langlebigen Baumwollbeschichtung ausgestattet. Die Patchwork Kelims gibt es übrigens auch in einer umweltfreundlichen Hanf-Ausführung.

Vor ein paar Tagen erhielt ich meinen für mich persönlich handgefertigten Teppich! Was mir gleich auffiel: die schön robuste, flach gewebte Struktur und einzigartige Patchworkoptik von floralen und grafischen Mustern. Jeder Teppich kommt mit einem Etikett wo der Name des Kunsthandwerkers draufsteht, der ihn gefertigt hat - so wird dem Kunden ermöglicht sich persönlich zu bedanken!

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A few days ago my handmade patchwork rug arrived! I love the mix of floral and graphic patterns. So unique. No two are the same. Since it's flat woven it's the perfect option for our entrance area. But it would definitely brighten up a kid's room too. Each of these rugs arrive with a little label including the artisans name - an opportunity to send a personal note of appreciation if one feels so inclined.
This intrigued me so I researched a little more and was happy to learn that this company doesn't employ agents and works directly with the artisans who receive 2 - 3 x the average salary in their respective countries. The company offers flexible working hours, so that the artisans- many of them women with young children - are able to work from home and look after their children as well. I'm happy that this company engages in fairtrade practices. Plus they have a big sale going currently - don't miss the opportunity if you're in the market for a rug!

Abschließend möchte ich noch eine Sache erwähnen die mir bei Webshops immer am Herzen liegt: die Arbeitsethik. In diesem Fall freue ich mich zu berichten, dass Sukhi.de jegliche Kinderarbeit strikt ablehnt. Für einen anspruchsvollen Kunden wie mich ist das sehr wichtig! Zudem verzichtet der Webshop auf Zwischenhändler, so dass die Produkte zu deutlich niedrigeren Preisen angeboten werden können. Der Webshop arbeitet in den jeweiligen Ländern eng mit den KunsthandwerkerInnen zu fairen Arbeitsbedingungen zusammen. Oft sind die Arbeitszeiten flexibel, so dass der/die Kunsthandwerker/in auch von zuhause arbeiten und gleichzeitig auf die Kinder aufpassen kann. Darüber hinaus verdienen sie das 2 - 3fache des regionalen Durchschnittslohns. So wie jede Person, die kunsthandwerklich tätig ist sind auch diese Menschen mächtig stolz auf ihre handgefertigten Werke! 

Sumi liebt diesen Teppich über alles!! 

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Sumi really, really loves this rug!!

Dieser Post ist in Zusammenarbeit mit Sukhi.de entstanden
This post is in collaboration with Suhki.com 
#sukhi

Shop News

Hello everybody!
Well, the first week of the new year just flew by! Christmas seems like it was ages ago. I've put all my decorations back in storage, and frankly, I'm looking forward to Spring :) Here's a preview of new items for Spring 2014 in all of my shops:

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Hallo, Mädels!
Ich blicke auf meinen Kalender und sehe, dass das neue Jahr schon bald zwei Wochen alt ist. Wahnsinn, wie die Zeit vergeht! Die Weihnachtsdeko ist verstaut und ehrlich gesagt freue ich mich auf Frühling :) Hier ist eine Vorschau meiner Produkte für das Frühjahr 2014:

There's new artwork and photography on Society6. Quick reminder: free shipping until Sunday 12th January on all products (except framed prints, canvasses and pillows/w insert). By the way, that's Leo - doesn't he look cute? :)

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Es gibt neue Grafiken und Bilder in meiner Society6 Galerie. Zur Erinnerung: versandkostenfrei auf alle Produkte (außer gerahmte Kunstdrucke, Leinwände und Kissenbezüge mit Füllung) nur noch bis Sonntag 12. Januar. Das ist übrigens Leo - sieht er nicht süß aus? :)

stationery cards with envelopes

And lastly, I'm really excited about this sweet little fabric collection due to arrive in March! This collection features pretty roses, floral paisleys and cherry blossoms rendered in soft green, blue and pink - so fresh and cheerful!
When I first saw this collection I almost swooned...and I figured many of my fellow sewing enthusiasts would feel the same. BUT, and it was a big "but", the supplier was not going to release this collection for Europe. Go figure. However, I wasn't going to give up that easily! Many, many conversations later- I talked to the designer, my sales rep, the marketing departement and I even called the head office in the US! - a little miracle happened just before Christmas. I got a call from my rep telling me that I secured this collection for Europe! Woohoo! If you're interested in these check back to my fabric shoppe sometime in March. But remember this is a one-time-only-deal, I will only have one bolt per each design.

Und schließlich habe ich für alle Nähbegeisterten eine wunderbare Neuigkeit - diese süße kleine Stoffkollektion trifft im Frühjahr in meinem Stofflädchen ein! Diese Kollektion besteht aus hübsch Rosen, Paisleys und niedlichen Kirschblüten in einer grünen, blauen und rosa Farbgebung - so frisch und frühlingshaft!

Ich habe mich sofort in diese Stoffe verliebt, als ich sie vor vielen Wochen sah...und ich wusste, die muss ich einfach haben. ABER, und es war ein großes "aber"; denn laut Hersteller war diese Kollektion gar nicht für Europa bestimmt. Allerdings gebe ich so schnell nicht auf! Viele, viele Gespräche später, u.a mit dem Designer, der Marketing-Abteilung und ja sogar der Zentrale in den USA - geschah ein kleines Wunder kurz vor Weihnachten. Ich bekam einen Anruf von meiner Repräsentantin, die mir sagte, dass ich exklusiv diese Kollektion verkaufen dürfte! Hurra! Darüber bin ich sehr glücklich! Schaut doch mal im März/April in meinem Shop vorbei...dies ist eine einmalige Gelegenheit, denn ich habe nur jeweils ein Ballen pro Design.

Have a wonderful day!

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Habt einen wunderschönen Tag! 

xoxo

Patience is genius...

...as French naturalist Comte de Buffon once said.

While I'm patiently waiting for my fabrics (at this point I even welcome a letter from customs!) I have been sorting through old sketches and developing new designs. I aim to add a tunic to my shop collection soon, well as soon as fabrics arrive.
I made a summer top for myself in vivid colours. I made the drawstring tunnel with a bit of satin I had left over. I like the versatility of this top - dress it down with jeans or cargo pants; or up with a cropped black jacket and slim skirt.

I used this same pattern albeit with a feather light cotton eyelet to create my snow white pajama set, which was featured recently in my bloggy friend Kristin's treasury. Note the new wig for my mannequin :)

I have known Kristin for over two years and I am constantly amazed at how she effortlessly juggles work and family and consistently creates art even while moving from one city to another! One of my favourite items in her shop is this vase:

Meanwhile our comfy couch for the reading room has arrived. As many of my readers have requested pics I hope to post some really soon!

Take care everybody,

Sammy update and Graphic Design Exhibition

To all who left a comment on my last post: Thank you for your concern, advice and well-wishes!
I took Sammy to the vet after all, since he never vomited before and strangely he doesn't vomit any hairballs either. I also make sure he doesn't chew any plants. Besides, we only keep those which are safe for cats. The vet checked him through and thank goodness there is nothing wrong with his stomach. It seems Sammy is just BORED with his special diet that he's been on for the five years we've had him. I guess if I ate potatoes morning, noon and night I'd be bored too ;-) Problem is, he's on this special dry food diet because of a previous problem with uroliths. So he must stay on this diet. The vet suggested I give him some cooked chicken every other day or so and see how it goes. Sammy started eating again -  not with his usual appetite - but still. I'm still monitoring him all day, but it looks like he's OKAY. I know that non-cat owners reading this probably think I'm overdoing it, but I just can't bear for anything to be wrong with my Sammy.

In other news: The one event I can't wait for every year is the Graphic Design and Art Exhibition taking place this weekend - A collaboration between German and Dutch Designers and Artists. I went there with a Dutch friend this afternoon and the artwork of one artist really caught my eye. Her name is Christina Sauer and she has been working professionally since 1999. You can view some of her work on her website -- unfortunately the piece that I was immediately drawn to isn't on it and I wasn't allowed to take photos. It was an abstract xylography in shades of green and would fit perfectly on the one bare wall in my home office...too bad my birthday is such a loooong way off ;-)
The good thing is she lives only about two hour's drive away and she's invited me to visit her studio! I will definitely take her up on this offer in the near future. I'm always curious about artist's workspaces and seeing their work in progress. Speaking of 'work in progress', my website is coming together nicely, but I'm still waiting for some brighter days to be able to take some decent photos.

wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Special Feature: Aiman::Art Design

While I've vowed to cut down on my fabric purchases, I still like to browse the internet for new and interesting designs. And looking doesn't cost a cent :) Today, I'd like to introduce a new blog I discovered: Aiman::Art Design I haven't seen anything like these amazing designs before. The creator behind these designs is talented freelance textile designer, Aiman, from Pakistan. Her designs are rich, detailed and glamorous. She loves working with paisleys and skilfully combines colours to create a pleasing whole. Aiman's designs lend themselves particularly well to home interiors, but they would make stunning bags too :) Apart from designing textiles, Aiman is also an avid photographer and creates beautiful cards as well! She's also going to be a young mommy soon and she loves cats - how endearing! Please, please do visit her blog and send her some bloggy love...

Technical thoughts on Monday

What have I done lately? Well, for those who have been reading along will know that I'm trying to set up my own website. I have been researching the internet and checked out some books on the subject, and have narrowed down the options available to me. Of course, hiring a company to do it was out of the question from the start! They cost from Euro 1.000 upwards and it's not guaranteed that you will be able to manage the content. Some companies charge extra for that. Another option would be to ask a friend of a friend of a friend who is a techie to set it up for much less than that, however I would have to make do with a basic design lacking any sort of originality. But you know me...just like this blog I have my heart set on a unique template that is totally me. At least I have done two important things on my 'to do' list. I have registered my domain name and I have secured web space. There are a few online sources that provide a complete package - template plus installing a programme that lets you have complete content management - for about 200 US$. You will need to learn how to use and optimize the programme by yourself via a handbook, which you can download for free. The programme most commonly used is Joomla, and I found out that they have a German version since beginning of this year - which is useful since I happen to live here and would mainly be targeting the German-speaking market. Hubby, who is much more adept at all things technical installed Joomla and a couple of other technical applications which are necessary for this programme to run. My next job will be to study the handbook and see if I can, in fact, create my own template. That's the challenging but also exciting part. The programme lets you do a 'test-run' before you actually transfer the data to your web space. So, I will be fiddling with that in the coming weeks, learning by trial and error as usual :) I will blog about my progress every now and then, and let you know what works and what doesn't. Hopefully, I will keep my sanity while I embark on this endeavour! Have a good week!

Notice anything?

Of course you do! How can anyone not notice my wonderful new blog template designed by Sheila of designsbysheila. Why don't you cruise by her site and check out the awesome designs! Meanwhile, my colour poll has closed. I thank all 46 of you who voted. I will elaborate on this in my next post. Keep tuned. Have a peaceful Sunday (2. Advent)