Star Light...
Last fall, Melody Miller launched her first textile line, Ruby Star Rising, with Japan based company Kokka and it took off like a shooting star. An artist and graphic designer, all her designs incorporate her own original illustrations based on retro pop culture icons like view masters and radios. The fabric is now flying off the shelves, locally here in Atlanta you can find it at Whipstitch.
I love seeing how and where creative people do what they do. Melody just happens to be my neighbor and is also married to my former student, photographer Gregory Miller. Melody is generous about sharing her process and I especially love this recent inspiring blog post.
Since she works from home she often uses her dining room as a workspace. She started designing before she learned to sew, figuring a reliable seamstress could not be hard to find. When that proved not to be the case, she took lessons and also taught herself by sewing little animals.
Also a devotee of estate sales she seeks out vintage buttons, thread and other notions whenever she gets the chance. They perfectly compliment her fabric's vintage inspired motifs.
Good storage and organization are key for her in making her home also a successful work space. This great iKea cabinet with etched frosted glass front is a pretty way to hide away supplies.
Click above to see the full shoot in this little slice of Fresh Pie. Along with more of Melody's house, her beautiful daughter Iliana shows off a sweet little skirt that Melody whipped up. She even drew up an easy & uber kawaii "how to". If you're on an iPad or like to share it on Facebook, then use this link.
Kawaii Giveaway Time!
We have two giveaways in one so please read carefully! This adorable "tooth cushion" car pillow is one of Melody's newest designs. She made this one just for the giveaway, the front is entirely made of silk and the back her own popular transistor radio pattern. The pocket is perfect for the your child's tooth and even includes a cute little card to leave for the tooth fairy.
Prize #2 is a do it yourself project. The winners will recieve the pattern for this cute elephant (not the actual elephant) "tooth cushion" and a "fat quarter" of Ruby Star Rising fabric to make it with. Along with "scraps" and your own imagination it is a fun project that even a semi- beginning sewer or advance crafter could try. If you can't wait and want to give this fun project a go, you can find her patterns on etsy.
How to Enter:
Please comment here on this post and tell me about your dream business, what would you do if you could wish upon a star? Don't forget to tell also mention if you prefer prize one (not everyone is handy with a needle), prize two or have are up for both! Be sure to include your email in the appropriate box (it will not be public) or you will not be entered. One comment entry per person, the winner will be chosen via random.org. You can earn an extra entry by tweating this post, be sure to mention @iheartpiewacket so I can track it and you can also follow Melody on twitter. You have till midnight March 31st to enter.
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Ruby Star Rising Images and Skirt How To Illustrations © Melody Miller
Kokka, Melody Miller, Ruby Star Rising, creative spaces, fabric, groovy, kunique kids clothing, retro, vintage Share Article Comments Off
Reader Comments (38)
My dream business would be to turn our old, rustic brick garden shed into stylish, affordable short term holiday accomodation...entirely furnished and decorated with things I've found in op-shops, garage sales etc (except the beds of course!) It would be a little bit quirky, very cosy and comfy.
Either prize would be just lovely.
My dream business would involve helping families faced with end of life issues and making that transition of losing a loved one easier. I am grad. from nursing school in May and can't wait to begin my career and follow the path it may take me (and my life) on.........
If I could wish upon a star I would have a vacation, I have 3 kids and it has been over a decade since I was carefree!
I would prefer prize one, I am not yet handy with the needle. Thank you!
I'm absolutely in LOVE with her space!!! So bright, clean, and organized. :) If I was given the opportunity, that which I must make for myself (!), I would work from home as well. I'm a painter and a crafty costumer. Along with my special effects boyfriend, we could get a lot more done working from home!!!
I would enjoy prize #2! I would love to make this adorable little elephant! :) Thank you for this inspiring post!
My dream business would be to run a farm-style community garden, perhaps in an innercity environment. If my wish becomes true, perhaps I can buy up a lot of delapidated buildings and turn them into affordable housing for people in need, and in exchange for rent, my tenants will work the garden and tend the plants that eventually end up on their plates as dinner.
I'm super handy with a needle but am in love with both prizes!
I've always wanted to open my own cupcake and sweets spot. It would be a cupcakery filled with all types of delicious bite sized baked goods. At night we would host local musicians, artists, and poets with an open stage area and serve bite sized gourmet comfort food. The interior would be eclectic vintage chic with all art done by local artists and for sale. :) Oh and I would <3 prize #2.
What a lovely giveaway! I'm a huge fan of Ruby Star Rising fabric. Melody rocks. I'm actually just on the cusp of my dream job...just quit my job to spend more time with my kids and kick off a part-time job teaching sewing and selling handmade items. About half of the people signed up to take my first class searched far and wide to find the viewfinders fabric. I would prefer #2 but seriously, you could send me selvedge and I'd be thrilled.
I bought some of Melody's viewmaster fabric here in Oregon. Her designs are fantastic, as are your photographs!
My dream business it to own my own movie studio... Prize #2 looks like the perfect spring project!