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Scenes from the studio

We recently rearranged the studio to make room for the massive plotter that we use for printing test patterns (it had previously lived in my basement at home because we didn’t think there was room for it). Now we can print easily, and I am loving the new furniture arrangement! I have Caitlin to thank mostly, because she planned it all out. As you may recall, our studio is an odd wedge shape, with a wall of factory windows running the whole length, providing tons of natural light.

Above is the little sofa, of course! I sometimes sit there to work, but more often my coat and bag gets thrown on it. We need to get some coat hooks.

That’s the plotter. It’s really big.

The sewing table, with our trusty Bernina and the rarely-used serger. Above it are clipboards with notes, swatches, and ideas that are brewing. To the left is the ironing board, and to the left of that would be the cutting table (out of frame). To the right of the table are some stacked milk crates, which house storage boxes of vintage patterns, and our “music system” (small speakers and the world’s oldest ipod. I think you could call it vintage by now).

This is my desk. I love having it in front of the window now, even though it’s been quite sunny lately and I’m constantly adjusting the blinds. The evening sunsets are gorgeous, and I love watching them while I work.

Mugs for tea! One for Rachel, one for me, one for Caitlin.

This is a hand pulled silkscreen my talented sister made. And me!

I hope you enjoyed the little tour. I’m hoping to bring more behind the scenes looks and updates on what we’re up to in the future, if you all are interested. Is it fun to see what we’re doing day-to-day once in a while?

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

The Cupcake Goddess

February 9, 2011 #

Lovely layout! The color scheme of the place looks so inviting for inspiration. That couch (could we please call it a “chaise” as it sounds so much more romantic) looks so inviting. Oh to have a couch at work. With all of those lovely, beautiful pillows! I love the mugs for tea too!

xoxo,
Sunni

Sarai

February 9, 2011 #

I’ll admit that the couch has been the scene of one or two cat naps.

Emma

February 9, 2011 #

Very cute outfit Sarai!

And what a beautiful work space. As a cubicle dweller, I’m insanely jealous. :)

Sarai

February 9, 2011 #

Thanks Emma! I made the dress a while ago and hardly even wear it, but I recently rediscovered it. I knit the dove grey sweater too!

PS: I’m a former cubicle dweller myself, so I appreciate the natural light all the more.

Amanda

February 9, 2011 #

Yes, I’d love to see more :) What an amazing space to come to every day, I’d love to work there! Beautiful job and your desk space is wonderful, as are those windows. I remember the plotter from my architecture school days (not so joyous memories – I hope yours functions better when it comes to printing at the 11th hour!). And I have an iPod Mini (the Nano’s predecessor) so I too consider it vintage. Looking forward to future scenes from the studio!

Sarai

February 9, 2011 #

Ha! The plotter loves to cause trouble, but no more than most printers. What is it with printers?

My ipod is seriously pathetic. You literally have to jiggle it to get it to work sometimes!

Michelle Engel Bencsko

February 9, 2011 #

Ha! I was literally holding up my husband’s A mug to my lips as I scrolled past the image of your mugs. Lovely space. Inspiring and bright. Totally jealous of your plotter.

jadestar

February 9, 2011 #

What a beautiful work space. I’m so jealous. I’d love to be able to work doing something that inspires me and that I am passionate about. I absolutely love your desk! I love seeing people’s work spaces/sewing spaces. Its kind of like window shopping looking at all the lovely things. You get a thrill. Lol. Thanks for sharing.

Kirsten

February 9, 2011 #

I agree with Emma, adorable outfit. And I am doubly impressed that you made it!

Casey

February 9, 2011 #

Your studio is so gorgeous–it must be a treat to work in every day! :) Every time I see that sofa I start scheming about how to fit one in my sewing space too (no easy feat–the room is already pretty full! ;). So inspiring to see where you all spend your days working and dreaming up new patterns. Please do post more about the space and snippets of your day-to-day work in the studio–I know I’d love to see it! :)

♥ Casey

Sarai

February 10, 2011 #

Thanks Casey! It is nice to have a little place to sit and relax while you work sometimes, if you can afford the space. Maybe you could get a comfy chair to curl up in!

Corvus

February 9, 2011 #

Oh my, what a lovely work place! If you guys ever need a microbiologist, I’m totally your girl. ;)

Jessica

February 9, 2011 #

Thanks for sharing your beautiful and spacious creative space with us, Sarai. The vast light and romantic furnishings are an inspiration. I can only imagine the clarity of thought one can have in such a space. Please, do share more!

Rachel Red Lips

February 9, 2011 #

I love our little studio!! Can’t wait to see you this week :)

Kelly

February 9, 2011 #

Thanks for sharing! I loved getting a view of your studio! :)

Jane Schmitt

February 9, 2011 #

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful studio with us. It look so homey and comfey.

Sarai

February 10, 2011 #

I’m really glad we could make it homey, being that it’s an industrial work space. But it worked out pretty well!

Caroline

February 9, 2011 #

That desk is fantastic. Looks like an awesome place to go to work every day. Can’t wait to have a studio like this one day! THanks for sharing!.

Stephanie

February 9, 2011 #

How great! :) Thanks for the peak! Looks like a delightful place to create.

jaime

February 9, 2011 #

There is no J mug, so I guess that means I can move in! Lovely space and your hair is so long and pretty.

Sarai

February 10, 2011 #

Aww thanks! I’m really glad I grew my hair out, I like it long like this.

Halle

February 9, 2011 #

What a pulchritudinous workspace! (Yes, I have been actively seeking an opportunity to use that word) Do continue to post about behind-the-scenes and day-to-day activity!

Sarai

February 10, 2011 #

Haha! Memories of studying for the SATs.

Debi

February 9, 2011 #

ooohhhh! I love this so much! It’s so much fun to see the behind the scenes!

Tilly

February 10, 2011 #

What a gorgeous space! Can I come work for you, please? I’m sure I can commute from London, it’d be fine…

Corinne

February 10, 2011 #

Light, beautiful, clear and clarifying light! Thank you for the tour, looks like a great place to feed the spirit of inspiration. A girl always needs a little perch for a cat-nap. All this creativity can be exhausting!

Joanne

February 10, 2011 #

Lovely to see where you dream up your patterns, and I so love your chairs and sofa!