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Hot Pattern-A-Day: Pattern #6

Pattern #6: Pole Position

I was inspired by this weekend’s trip to the LeMay Car Museum. The cars were beautiful and the building itself was a sight to see! I’m only a casual car enthusiast. “Appreciator” is more of an accurate term. My husband is the true enthusiast, pointing out the horsepower of this, the xx-liter engine of that (I really don’t know). But what I was struck by were all the design details, especially before the 1960s. From this collection, it seemed like there was a true intention to design and create beautiful details, even in production vehicles. I think car manufacturers are just beginning to head back in this direction, but are a far cry from the real “coolness” that existed in other eras.

I digress. Here’s today’s pattern. Numbers galore!

All I ask is you provide a link back to my blog to let folks know where you got it.

Committed Pattern #6
Feel free to use this pattern as a background. Link back to http://committedgifts.wordpress.com

Hot Pattern-A-Day: Pattern #5

Pattern #5: Bright Boho

This is a little bit of a cheat, but I liked #4 so much, I created a couple of different colorways. I can see these sunny amoeba-flowers gracing a tote bag or little clutch. Of course, I post these here for electronic use, but maybe someday I’ll get into textile design. 🙂 So download away, friends!

All I ask is you provide a link back to my blog to let folks know where you got it.

Committed Pattern #5
Feel free to use this pattern as a background. Link back to http://committedgifts.wordpress.com

Hot Pattern-A-Day: Pattern #4

Pattern #4: Boho Summer

This one was a lot of fun. I used an actual PENCIL and PAPER! I liked it so much, I made it the cover image for the Committed Facebook page. You could fiddle with it and do the same!

All I ask is you provide a link back to my blog to let folks know where you got it.

Committed Pattern #4
Feel free to use this pattern as a background. Link back to http://committedgifts.wordpress.com

Hot Pattern-A-Day: Pattern #3

Pattern #3: Georetro

I’m kind of excited about this one. Inspired by Charley Harper’s awesome geometric animals, and just a 60s look in general, I wanted to bring in some fun shapes and colors and see if they’d work together in a seamless pattern. Maybe repeat it to create a nice timeline header?

All I ask is you provide a link back to my blog to let folks know where you got it.

Committed Pattern-A-Day #3
Feel free to use this pattern as a background. Link back to http://committedgifts.wordpress.com

Hot Pattern-A-Day: Pattern #2

Pattern #2: Lateral Lavender

This pattern was originally inspired by plaid and gingham, but went another, more modern direction. I am thinking it’ll be a good one for a desktop!

All I ask is you provide a link back to my blog to let folks know where you got it.

Committed Pattern #2
Feel free to use this pattern as a background. Link back to http://committedgifts.wordpress.com

Hot Pattern-A-Day: Freebies for Friends

For the month of August, I’ve decided to sharpen my design chops and do a little daily project. Every day, I’ll be designing a seamless pattern.

The plan is to design a pattern each day and post for you lovely readers to download and use as backgrounds for your blogs, twitter pages, or other social/electro-/inter-media. All I ask is you provide a link back to my blog to let folks know where you got it.

Easy, right?

Today’s pattern is Mod Peacock. Enjoy!

Committed Pattern1: Mod Peacock
Feel free to use this pattern as a background. Link back to http://committedgifts.wordpress.com
Toddling Around Tokyo

Toddling Around Tokyo

I’ve been dying to write this post, but every time I start, it spins out of control. There were so many cool things we experienced in the city that I want to share them ALL.
But I’m going to try and contain this post to “The Unofficial Committed Survival Guide to Playing Tourist in Tokyo with a Toddler.” Or something more concise and eloquent.

Continue reading “Toddling Around Tokyo”

Tokyo by Design

I’m blogging from the road today. Well, more like from the hotel while the kiddo naps. We’ve only been in Tokyo about half a day, but I’m already getting a feel for the place. So far, it’s been easy to navigate, everyone has been exceedingly friendly and helpful, and I was able to get lunch without any common language between myself and the shop! (And no picture menus to boot!)

I really wanted to cover the experience of visiting this city with a toddler, which may happen later, but I was immediately struck by the little design details around the neighborhood. So let’s start there, shall we?

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Even the sewer or water drains are pretty.

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I really loved the geometric floral pattern on this grate.

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This illustration style reminded me of children’s books from the 1960’s. Plus I’m a sucker for graphic illustration and primary colors.

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Everything is so cute, even the sides of busses. I don’t know if these kewpies were selling anything or merely decoration, but I had to snap them.

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I wish I’d gotten a better pic of this gent. He must have been in his 60s or 70s and was the hippest guy I’ve probably ever seen.

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Skinny building. Probably 12 feet wide. I’m noticing a distinct discord in architectural styles and functions.

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Our first adventure was to the Institute of Nature Study near Meguro station. It’s a really affordable (300Y) and quiet retreat from the city noise. Its basically a forest with lovely bird calls in the middle of the city. I really wanted to visit the adjacent Teien Art Museum, but it was closed for renovations.

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I think this was a stamp for some kind of passport system for kids. Regardless, I thought it was pretty.

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Even pork is kawaii! And it’s named after my cat!

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I loved these antique packages I saw in the window of a teddy bear shop.

All in all, I have a great feeling about this trip. All the little old ladies love my daughter, and the language barrier isn’t a barrier at all. Like I said, we stopped in a back alley noodle joint for lunch. All I knew to say was “Soba.” We had a delicious cheap messy lunch (still learning how to feed noodles to a toddler with chopsticks). It was 600Y (about $7), and the lady held my daughter while I picked up noodles and paid the check! She even carried her out and helped me set up the stroller for the rain. I don’t know if I’d get the same treatment if I was traveling alone, but I’m grateful that people are so kind to both of us.

So far, so good!

An Even Bonnier Voyage

Let’s face it. Flying sucks. Unless you’re going private or first class. In which case, I’m sure it’s all foot massages and carrying on as much liquid as you desire.

Anyway, I have to say that on my most recent flight from Seattle to San Francisco I noticed a few new airport conveniences.

1) Power-hungry Virgin America gate in SeaTac:

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Outlets in the bench! Brilliant!

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I remember the early 00’s when I used to squat on the floor next to an outlet, usually next to a trash can, and often under the curious looks of landline-using passengers. It was embarrassing, but necessary. In recent years, it’s become a Charge to the Chargers Battle Royale. Power-hungry smartphone, tablet, and laptop users vie for precious outlets. Bodies sprawl on the floor like some post-apocalyptic movie scene, all in the hope of maintaining full charge during the inevitable airline delays.

But I digress. Thanks to Virgin America, charging has dignity and distinction. Just plug in at your seat and save the passenger-on-passenger aggression for overhead bin space.

2) Be kind, unwind

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Enjoy your Nama-stay in SFO

3) SFO Cribz
I’m sure there aren’t actual cribs and nannies in this nursery, but the fact they have this and not just a family restroom is pretty impressive.

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Rocking chairs, express manicures, wine bars…what else have you noticed lately that improved your airport experience?