Dreaming of Chenille Tapestry, Bakelite, Metallic Ribbon and Silk...

Such a lovely dream…

Rosebuds...

The garden is beckoning…but before I slip into my wellies…

Couture Joey

Extra Small

Silk Shantung rose print coat

Light padding with flocked organdy backing

Raw silk dot print tie from Japan tab and binding

Cotton velveteen belt with vintage rick-rack

Antique velvet with Cluny Lace belt loops and trim

Bakelite buckle

Vintage Plastic layered buttons

A Feast For The Eyes...

I had the great honor of spending last weekend with my daughter-in-law, Kate.  She will begin work toward a Master’s Degree in Public Policy in the Fall.  Kate is in the process of vetting graduate programs to determine which school she will attend.  UC Berkeley hosted their prospective new graduates on Monday, I had a visit to PAWS SF planned, and as fate would have it, the Alameda flea market was Sunday.   We embarked upon the trifecta trip together.

Day One - Berkeley was in full bloom.  We bought organic produce at the Saturday market, took the BART into San Francisco to pick up Buffalo Mozzarella and Gorgonzola from Lucca’s Deli, browsed the SF Library system annual book sale at Fort Mason, and walked the Presidio to the Embarcadero before catching the train back to the East Bay.  The perfect ending to a perfect day – fresh, organic, delicious, dinner in bed.  It was grand.

Day Two – Awesome Alameda.  Blue sky, sunshine, light breeze off the Bay, buckwheat crepes filled with mushrooms and Brie, and 800 vendors selling vintage treasure - all the makings for a perfect day.  We found incredible buttons and buckles and trims to add to the JoeysCoat collection.  We also found we shared the same fascination for the quest.

Day three - Kate's campus visit and my JoeysCoat donation delivery to PAWS SF.  Another beautiful and fruitful day in the Bay Area with another perfect ending - fresh Spring Rolls and Thai Curry.  

Day Four - Home...

       

Crazy for Ikat...

Heavy silk crepe Ikat coat and tab with flannel backing.

Petersham belting.

Silk necktie binding.

Silk bow tie belt loops and trim.

Textured two-tone Vintage Plastic buckle.

Bakelite and Celluloid buttons.

Ikat sounds a lot like cookie…

Did you mean cookie?

Petchitecture 2013

It is my pleasure once again, to donate to the PAWS San Francisco signature fundraiser, Petchitecture.  Founded eighteen years ago, leading Bay Area architects and designers create one-of-a-kind pet habitats to raise awareness and funding in support of the many PAWS programs and services provided to those in need.  JoeysCoat is honored to join in the support of this important work.

The 2013 event, An Afternoon Affair At The St. Regis San Francisco, will be held May 5^th.   

Here is a preview of the edgy fashion design JoeysCoat, repurposed from vintage, thrifted and gifted materials, Dana created exclusively for Petchitecture 2013 .  

Couture Joey

Extra Small

Military stencil-style printed muslin coat lightly padded and lined with Ikat cotton.

Antique Obi belt and tab.

Vintage gingham belt-loops.

Chinese braid binding.

French Military service uniform buttons (translation:  Francis, King of France/Franks by the Grace of God).

Vintage Plastic buckle.

Antique French Bullion military emblems.

An awesome coat for an awesome cause...

Apple Store Providence...

While pondering iPad options, Sean, the sales associate helping me, asked about my primary purpose for the sleek new tool.  I told him about my company.  We viewed the slideshow together and it became quite obvious the newest model was most appropriate for my needs.  Decision made.  

On to the technical/training associate, Gabriel - a kind and very patient young man.  During introductions, Sean told Gabriel about JoeysCoat.  Gabriel then walked me through the necessary steps to set up my machine for the company.   As I followed his directive, I found myself engaged in a conversation with him about his inherited pup, Jarvis.  Jarvis is Gabriel's first and only dog.  One whose background included two stints at the “Pound”, now enjoys going running, sleeping curled up in his owner's bed, and sitting on the sofa watching from the window for Gabriel to return home from his workday.  Viewing iPhone snaps of Jarvis, it was clear he had most definitely carved a forever home in his human’s heart.

  

While I was busy learning about my new toy, my favorite shopping friend chatted with a couple next to me - kindred technical novices becoming acquainted with their new Apple product, their Cairn Terrier faithfully waiting in silence.  The pups lovely owner, Peach, asked for a JoeysCoat business card, describing the canine display of excitement when "the clothes" come out.  At once, she recalled the JoeysCoat article in the Seattle Times sharing she had cut it out and saved it.  Gratified, it was apparent this is a very special dog with very special humans. 

Not only was I schooled on how to use an iPad.  I learned that validation comes in the form of many messengers - taught in the midst of a sea of shoppers. 

"Jarvis"

It is a privilege to hear the stories.  Each one bearing the common theme – dogs change our lives in only the very best ways.

First Day Of Spring...

Still very much smacks of Winter here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest - pouring rain, blustery wind, burr cold.  Thought I would share a couple new “ woollies” to keep your beloveds warm...

Hand-woven Mohair coat

Tweed wool belt and tab

Hand-crochet braid belt-loops and trim

Bakelite layered buckle

Vintage Plastic buttons

Or…

French Merino “blanket” wool coat and tab

Cotton machine-embroidered belt

Velvet with Cluny Lace belt-loops and trim

Bakelite buckle and buttons

 A little something for everyone…!

Decisions, decisions…