Archive for the ‘things we love’ Category

We love textile design and especially Japanese fabrics so we were thrilled when we found these pin cushions made from antique kimono fabric. They are handmade by a retired couple in Japan, the husband does the wood part and the wife does the kimono bit (she has been collecting kimonos for years). It is the perfect gift for someone who sews or someone who loves textiles.

And Katsumi Yumioka’s book, Kimono and the Colors of Japan, (pictured below) gives a beautiful visual instruction on the meaning of kimono colors in Japanese culture.

It has been 2 1/2 years now since Joanne & I started abitare. Sometimes we work so hard I don’t take time to reflect on all that we have accomplished! But now that we’ve hired some wonderful employees, I have a little more time lately to pat myself on the back and enjoy. What brings me the most joy & fulfillment are the relationships that we have built with many incredible artists & artisans. I think because we are two women who love art and making things ourselves, we are drawn to the work of female artists. Of course we carry plenty of “man-made” products as well, but it brings me special satisfaction to feature the work of these amazing women! So over the next few weeks I will post about some of our favorite female artists.

Skinny laMinx is an illustrator, designer and writer living in South Africa. The images on these 100% cotton tea towels and aprons are screen prints of her own illustrations.

“Borrowed Spoons” in Red & Stainless Steel
This design is inspired by Skinny’s own wooden spoon collection. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.

“Orla” in Dark Charcoal Grey & Chartreuse
An homage to Orla Keily’s famous stem pattern. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.

abitare has caught wedding fever. People are ordering from our two new wedding registries every day and we have stacks of pretty wedding gifts filling our office just waiting to be picked up. And Joanne just created a beautiful wedding window to go along with the season!

Check out our homemade clothespin bride and groom! (kit available from http://www.thesmallobject.com/products/clothespinDollKit.html).

And one of our real brides, Carly. If you are looking for Carly’s registry you can click here.

Looking for the perfect gift? Here are some of our tried and true favorites.

[Alessi "Pescher" trivet $82; striped bud vase $40; Renzo Piano serve set $115, glass chickadee vase $19; cotton bread basket $39; set of 13 colored shot glasses from Japan $170; Marsaiile soap $20 and body lotion $32 in summer grapefruit; hand loomed kitchen towels from Italy $32; crystal decanter $70]

Father’s day is coming up on Sunday! Here are some gift ideas for dear old dad.

[Alessi shoe horn $27, Stelton vacuum jug,$89 Striped Cow Parade Cow $17, John Derian ship mini-tray $68, Hand blown wine glasses $87/set of 2, Calvin Klein frame $65, Dozi paperclip holder $23, Parrot corkscrew $54, Stelton messenger $33, Compagnie de Provence soap $23, Carrot & Stick orange fish note cards $16/pack, John Derian whale pencil tray $92]

This little bird looked so perfect in my parents barn in Massachusetts, I just had to snap a picture of it!

I promise this is not just an excuse to post a photo of my adorable little niece! We just got these new baby sheepskins in the store. Caroline adores it and so will the baby in your life! The baby sheepskin is all natural and fully washable. The natural wool keeps baby warm and cosy in cold weather and in warm weather, wool absorbs moisture, which is then released into the air keeping baby dry and comfortable. It also makes a fabulous baby gift! $87

We’re crazy about these new indoor/outdoor mats from Sweden. They’re woven from 50% recycled plastic and polyester, are resistant to rain and mold, and–here comes the best part–the smaller sized mats can be washed in the machine! We think they’re perfect for beach houses, kitchens, porches, mud rooms, gyms.

Even though it is 28 degrees today, it’s spring at abitare! Check out the baby spotted goldcrest in its nest, we love him!
Hand blown glass birds by Oiva Toikka. Hand made in Finland. $90-$180.

Two cool ways to express your borough pride!

Brooklyn neighborhood poster. Printed on recycled paper.
$24

Paperweight with c. 1853 map of Brooklyn. Cobble Hill or Brooklyn Heights.
$61