Last December we took our second trip of 2011 to New York City. We didn’t do a ton of sightseeing the first trip, and we were set out to do the opposite the second time around.
I badly wanted to go to the Brooklyn Flea and Lotta Jansdotter’s. For those of you don’t know, Lotta is a craft superstar. I was first introduced to her work when Nick bought one of her pillows for Ramona’s nursery. She has written several books and has an amazing fabric line. Her studio/store in Brooklyn is aptly named Work+Shop.
As we walked up to the shop, I noticed that Lotta was there. I was pretty giddy to actually meet her and also shocked that she was working. I guess I shouldn’t have been shocked since it’s her studio as well (duh), so it makes sense.
Lotta was crazy nice. I mean insanely sweet and down to earth. She let us poke around and even brought out a toy that sings the alphabet in Swedish for Ramona. The work+shop is an amazing space. I couldn’t walk 2 steps without wanting something else. The great thing about being on vacation is you can justify any purchase because it doubles as a souvenir.
Ramona wanted to smell every candle. Lotta is known for the organic shapes in her design. She has a very clean, modern aesthetic.
I bought a labels & stickers notebook with tags for gifts and labels that have interesting shapes. A sewing kit to make a pincushion (still haven’t made it yet). A pink flower zipper bag that is currently being used as my wallet. A candle that Ramona decided smelled the best. An awesome mug. 1 yard of florine in yellow (not sure what I’m going to use it for but it’s awesome). And a journal that serves as a blog/sewing brainstorming catch all.
It was definitely worth the trip to Brooklyn. I will make sure to go every time I’m in New York. Admittedly, it’s not often (twice in my life), but I can still shop online. Thank you internet. And thank you Lotta for opening an awesome shop and creating inspiring products.
So when you gonna make something and sell it on etsy? They’ve got a great symposium coming up on March 30th and this adorable, talented girl I know is one of the moderators! (Cheyne got to meet Lotta Jansdotter, too, and she freaked out just like you!) Love the blog and all the great stuff you’re doing!
Thanks Shelley! I am not good enough to sell on etsy! I still haven’t finished Ramona’s lunchbox…I know it’s been almost a year (well school year anyway). I was wondering if Cheyne had made it over there. I figured she had being the lucky New Yorker that she is.