UpsideDive's 5 Hot Topics!

The buzz word is that things are warming up to spring and we can't get these 5 things shake outta our heads.

1) Sewing Classes.

That's right kids, if this is a year to learn a skill it's sewing machine 101. Think of all the things you could do if you only knew how to sew! Alterations, upholstery, birthday gifts! Making your own clothes, that fit you to a T. Art projects, accessories, mending! Honestly my mind goes wild! The workroom run the lovely Karyn, is a great lil' sewing shop here in Toronto. Both Ang and I have taken a one day course and we're both pretty hooked. The great thing is that Karyn offers a wide variety of classes, check the schedule often because they do switch up. 

I also recently picked up an amazing book from 1972 called "Designing in Stitching and Applique" by Nancy Belfer.

Quite amazing the work her and her contemporaries produced and in many forms. Wall hangings, textiles, and conceptual pieces all with a mid century abstract art theme but in very organic '70s materials and colour choices.

So in looking around I few found some artists/designers/crafters where sewing is an integral part to their work.  APPLIQUE designed by jane makes these awesome brooches in floral and starburst patterns. I came across this one armchair on Fiber Art Furniture and thought it mimicked a lot of the new colours in interiors today. I think i've posted about Snaggs before, but her love for '60s-'70s pop culture, especially Peter Max illustrations keeps me coming back. Also just a quick mention of the awesome Mr. Grant Heaps who makes amazing works comprised of quilting, who this last month was a part of the Radiant Dark show at Made. Not a quilt, but just as time-consuming, his piece can be seen here and here. Quite a magnificent piece, that nods to traditional style craft, pushing it into a modern market.

2) Spring frocks.

Form fitting, architectual and in bold, bright colours. And I know, I know it's hard, but can we forget being too body concious and just have a lil' fun.

Red Wiggle Dress - Erstwhilestyle, Grey Business Suit Dress - adVintagous

, Blue Sexy Sweater Dress - Reruns , Coral Suede Dress - NodtoModvintage , Red Collared Dress - NinthAvenueVintage

Next week UpsideDive has a tonne of new spring frocks going up daily be sure to check back then.

3) Mixed Material Furniture.

This piece on Lushpad says it all. Wood & metal & lux finishes. Now mind you not for every piece of furniture, and not the central focus, but definitely one quiet piece off to the right of the room that catches your eye and smoothes things out quite nicely.

4) Independent Media.

What better a time to read our independent media outlets. Leave Vogue and Esquire to the doctor's office. Zines, blogs, small press mags need all the support they can get. Otherwise if you blink you might miss' em. Worn Fashion Journal and N.E.E.T Magazine are two top picks for those into smashin' fashion. And of course Broken Pencil is a great source for independent press.

5) Vegan French Toast.

Pulp Kitchen makes this to-die-for almond paste french toast, and once again I can't stop thinking about it. Currently I'm searching for a similar recipe, do you happen to have any?

xomike.