Vintage Fabric at Pindot

Do you read True Up? True Up and Print and Pattern, are the blogs I am reading the most at the moment. If you love fabric, then you'll love True Up. That is how I discovered Pindot - a Japanese store selling, among other gems, a super selection of vintage fabrics. Absolutely, totally my cup of tea. Yessiree!

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1950

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1950

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1940

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1950

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1950

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1950

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1950

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1940

Vintage Fabric from Pindot, labelled USA 1940

I'm not sure how frequently the stock changes but I'm sure it is worth keeping an eye on. Visit Pindot to see the full collection.

It's Not a Monster, It's Me! by Raymond McGrath

Some time ago I introduced a friend and old colleague of mine - Raymond McGrath - with his exquisitely illustrated book The Great Rescue Race. It gives me great pleasure to feature Ray again, this time with his newest book It's Not a Monster, It's Me!

It's Not a Monster, It's Me! is a truly delightful story about a monster named Sebastian... 

who has more than a little difficulty making friends.

Life is not easy for Sebastian. No one wants to sit next to him in class, read stories with him, eat their lunch with him, or play games with him; he just looks too scary.

Now, meet Alex:

She sees the world a little differently to her classmates.

And one day Alex does something unTHINKable!

Alex's daring move leads to some entertaining scenes (including a very endearing emotional response from Sebastian) that conclude in a very satisfying, circular way. It's Not a Monster, It's Me! is, in my opinion, Ray's best book yet and a huge achievement. Ray combines the strengths that come from his background in traditional hand-drawn animation with the modern digital age to create beautiful, detailed illustrations. All the illustrations begin on paper in the old-fashioned way, but are finished digitally using multiple layers to create depth and texture. The end result is very appealing, and I think this book is something special - it has that rare magical combination of being extremely well written and skillfully illustrated. It also has a very important lesson within it, told in a delightful way.

My daughter, who at nearly four, is obsessed with monsters, takes great pleasure in this book and loves the Sing along with Sebastian CD that is included - yes, Ray is one those people that gives everything a go! It's great fun, and adds even more charm to the very likable Sebastian. Ray is working on a music video too. It’s going to be an old-school style, handmade paper cut-out, stop motion extravaganza…I absolutely can't wait to see it! If you would like to learn more about Ray and see more of his never-ending talents, head over to his website TheOneTrickPony. It appears this guy doesn't sleep?

  

It's Not a Monster, It's Me! by Raymond McGrath

Published by Penguin Books (NZ)

ISBN 13: 9780143505525

ISBN 10: 0143505521

Imprint: PUFFIN 

Published: 26 Sep 2012

A huge thanks to Ray and Penguin Books (NZ) for allowing Kitty as a Picture to review this book.

GoBennyGo Surface Pattern Design - Module One

Well, there hasn't been much posting going on lately at Kitty as a Picture; as I previously mentioned I have been working my way through Module One of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design. I hope to post more frequently again soon and I have some really fabulous illustrated books on my desk to review in the next few weeks. Today though, I thought I would share with you a couple of my own designs that I created during Module One of the Ecourse. I design under the name gobennygo:

Thanks a Bunch! Pattern 1 by gobennygo

Thanks a Bunch! Pattern 2 by gobennygo

 Thanks a Bunch! Pattern 3 by gobennygo

I already do some fabric design on a freelance basis, but I have never had the luxury of exploring my own style. I am strongly influenced by vintage design, and I have found myself leaning towards florals and strong repeats. I would like to do a lot of experimentation over the coming months to bring some texture into my work, and to really find my individual style. I think the Ecourse is very well put together and I am certain it will be a very important investment for me. If you are interested in following some of my experiments and coursework, please join me at my other blog - gobennygo. You will also find gobennygo on twitter and facebook.  

Elizabeth Gilbert Speaks About Your Elusive Creative Genius

Things have been a little quiet here on Kitty as a Picture lately, not through lack of inspiration - quite the opposite! One of the many things that has kept me from blogging lately is that I've been working my way through Module 1 of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design (and thoroughly enjoying it). The module just finished and I am taking a short break away with the kids at the moment. I don't have the usual surface pattern/illustration post for you today, but I would like to share a video that one of my fellow students shared with me; it features Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the bestseller Eat Pray, Love, speaking about the creative process, fear, and the elusive creative genius. I really enjoyed this - it's fascinating, humorous, and inspiring.
Enjoy!

If you have any trouble viewing this video here you will find the page at TED - Ideas Worth Spreading.