Martha Egan Clothing

My other blog is pretty too!

2011-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

FELT!Check it out if you have a chance!

Silk Georgette fabrics I love!

2011-04-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking scarves and blouses and skirts Oh My! Anyway, I have ordered the top two and would love comments!

Custom Month!

2011-04-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

It's custom Month, and here are a few samples...

SALE on blouses!

2011-03-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Click on these photos of my blouses to take you to the SALE!

Orange

2011-03-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

Love this quote!

in reference to: Mike Overly's Photos - Wall Photos (view on Google Sidewiki)

For the cool days...

2011-02-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

Some knit street art!

Spring?

2011-02-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yes the fruit trees has been fooled!

and I've changed to my Srping Spa menu....

I found this incredible little hankie my mom had done

And I'm cutting out blouses to go to Australia...
But the temperature today was 49 degrees on our morning walk, and my cutting room is virtually "plein air", so feeling like Spring... visualizing Spring... wearing 3 layers!

More from Sailor Girl

2011-02-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

Sailor Stripes

2011-02-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

New top in super soft interlock

new '40's dress

2010-05-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

This dress has a higher "V" neck and shirred shoulders with 3/4 sleeves.
The dress form is very flat so it doesn't show how flattering it is for women who have a good size bust line.
I'm doing this dress for a custom order, but really like the style.
I just want to add something to soften the V like some stitch detail or even a small soft ruffle on each side...
Still playing.
This little dot rayon is a little plain, and it reminds me of Anna Magnani.
The form could really use some hips too :)

New things

2010-04-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

This new pincushion/bangle was just for me.
Sometimes you gotta make yourself things out of necessity!

I'm working on a new dress for Lynne ^ lots of pinning and unpinning and realized the old apple wristbad pincushion just wasn't making it.

Now I can load up and work away with a lovely bracelet that it light and practical and well, RED :)

Meanwhile - here in the East Bay, my little lamp with the two figures in the gondola has found a new home with Michelle and Ivy and John... so I can still visit it, and it will spread the positive vibrations of vintage feels good!

Spring feels very good...

Etsy vs My Own Website

2010-04-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

So, for a few months now I've had problems with my regular Webstore.
My website designer, Gestalt Graphics (very clever and excellent work) have spent WAY too much time dealing with YAHOO's new HTML platform.
...and may I say, Yahoo has been unhelpful, and has a basically "It's your problem, even though it was caused by something we did" attitude.

Most of us small website owners are creative people, and our Geek level is limited.
Besides, I would much rather spend my daylight hours making beautiful clothing, and my night time hours refreshing my body and mind with a nice dinner and sleep, rather than hours of sitting staring at a screen.
I also love to be outside in the garden listening to birds and watching plants grow.

So, I decided after the rather long rumination of 6 months to pull the plug on the old webstore, and the $60-$80 dollar monthly cost for something that the host would not even help to heal... really.

I know there are people out there with lots of experience and simple functional websites, and the best advice I have gotten is... "Don't you have a young Geek in the family who can help you with that?"

Well, I may have a Geek or two in the family, but they are either thousands of miles away, or already overbusy with their own Geek issues.

I spent a fair amount of time looking at website hosting services like Go-Daddy, who offer templates that all look like a bad info-mertial and anonymous as could be, I tried to figure out how to use Wordpress, another popular server for blogs and some product sales, but couldn't figure that out either.

Then I saw the blog of a local potter/ceramist named Whitney Smith.
She writes a good blog about her experiences, and has done a series on craft entrepenaurs and sells on Etsy.

I really like the little Etsy link showing items from the store, and decided that I would begin there.
Thank you Whitney!

She also had great pragmatic advice about selling you stuff, and being "business like".... so, no excuses... I'm still a work in progress.
I say that because I have only managed to list a small fraction of my available clothing, and my photo skills are still shall we say "naive".
I realized while working on the shop that I loved fooling around with the banner graphics way more than describing and listing product, and so briefly considered a career as an Etsy banner designer... and may moonlight.

I'm writing this on a lovely day with sunshine beaming and plants calling from their cramped little pots who want to be placed in terra firma, and a list of actual orders long enough to take me through the end of Mercury Retrograde!

So, if anyone reads this and knows the answer to the secret of webdom.... please let me know!

Earth Day

2010-04-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

So, What is Earth Day like for me?

I read in the paper today that a local guy named Wes "Scoop" Nisker's recommended a book: "What on Earth Evolved" by Christopher Lloyd. He ranked the 100 species that have had the most impact on life on Earth. Humans are No. 6. Earthworms are No. 1.

I just knew that earthworms were #1.

Anyway, I wanted to do something for Earth Day.

I'm planting in a raised bed today a few veggies and herbs, and I got a blueberry bush too.

I put out a bird feeder on the back deck... which is as much for my own selfish reasons, so I can see some of those beautiful creatures.

And, last but not least, I'm offering an item 30% off on my Etsy Store.

The Greenie blouse.... (you can see it on the blog mini Etsy)

So lets embrace Mother Earth today, and breathe and evolve!

Martha Egan Clothing: Dresses for Summer

2010-04-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Martha Egan Clothing: Dresses for Summer

Dresses for Summer

2010-04-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

I'm on the hunt for dress fabric! It's been way too long since I made dresses in my favorite drapy rayon faille or silk.
These days I could spend hours of a rainy day like today just looking online at all the great fabric choices there are.

Website is under construction

2010-04-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
While I redesign and change my website you can see and purchase things from my Etsy store...
If you click on the "mini" Etsy store on this page it will take you to my Etsy page.
Thanks for stopping by!

This week

2010-04-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

This week I am learning how to use "social networking"... I hope.
I have a twitter account @marthaegan and am trying to learn why I should tweet...
So far, there seems to be an abundance of promotional tools, and some of them are already above capacity!
The Etsy store I opened is Poppy Frockstar. So, I'm loading various things on there, and then it says "promote" you new item!
So, I decided I would go for broke and do that for the apron I added, as it was really cute, and a new style for me.
HAH! all of the promotion slots are taken... as far as I can see into the future!
Yikes! Etsy has grown to be too big for its slots!
They do however have a really cool feature which allows you to put a mini etsy on your blog or facebook... which you can see to the right.
That is very cool, it takes you directly to the Etsy store.
So, I am not going to have a seperate website for now... I want to really try and make Etsy work, since there are so many people I know who love it, and even I get lost in looking at all the amazing things that they feature.
Whatever gets featured gets sold out pretty much immediately, which leads me to believe that the biggest challenge with Etsy is going to be being seen there.
So, last night I got some of my friends to fan me on Facebook, and if possible I will get some followers on my blog.
That's why I'm posting a little more often...
So, what am I excited about right now?
I have about 6 new patterns I'm dying to get too, a jacket, another apron, some really cool linen pants with a little sculpted seam and even... believe it or not...a caftan!
I want a comfortable pull over long caftan for wearing this summer around the house that looks really great.
I miss those Indian cotton prints from the past, and I have found a place that sells the bed spreads, so.... I'm going to get a couple, and if nothing else I'm going to have one for me.
That's usually how it starts for me... What do I want to wear, that I cannot get.
I also have a lovely tucked pleat blouse that is oversize and flattering that I want to make in soft cotton lawn. I know how summer feels, even if it isn't here yet, and I want those pants and the blouse and caftan before the weather get there!!
Anyway, Thank you to all the cool friends who "fanned" me last night.

It felt great, and I was inspired.

Spring planting....

2010-04-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

One great thing about being on Etsy lately is seeing all the really cool things people are doing.

So, I ordered some seeds form this shop, and loved the philosophy:

Recipe to alleviate almost anything that ails: First, get some sunlight –
and not behind sunglasses, next drink a big glass of fresh water, and
if you are all cooped up reading this get out and get some fresh air, if
when you do go outside and the air is not fresh – find a way to get to
some fresh air! Last, while you... are out getting your fresh air, find a
rock that likes you and carry it around for awhile. - The Bear Foot Shaman

The Clogs

2010-04-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

not just comfy shoes! I love these guys and made a Pandora station out of them which works good!

The Creatures in the Garden of Lady Walton

Aprons are fun!

2010-04-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

This one is almost finished, and I have ideas for 3 more..

Art

2010-04-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes less is more.

That's why my felt things are simple. I will possibly add more pattern later, but for now I'm thinking Rothko, Shakers, and Heath.

Going Native

2010-04-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Lately I love being home. After 17 years of being at my shop every day, the luxury of waking up and NOT going for a long commute to the city is still a great feeling.
I love the East Bay, and am starting to feel part of the creative community of craftspeople who live and work there.
Being home all the time makes me want to make things that beautify my environment and are functional.
That has always been an important concept for my artistic life.
I need to make things that are beautiful object that are of use to the people who own them.
I think my love of fabric and ceramics is deeply rooted in my love of the indigenous culture of the Americas... the absolutely amazing pottery and rugs and woven cloth and baskets.
When I found out that there was in fact an ancestor in my mother's past who was a native American, Cree woman, I was thrilled.
Suddenly it explained the pull I felt towards the crafts and the life stories of the native peoples.
I still feel that there stewardship of the land and there spiritual connection to all of the plants and animals in their environment was much more elegant and full of grace than the European version of spiritual thought that I was taught as a child.

So, if my home tableware seems a bit ethnic, that's great. It is the spirit guide of my ancestor, and my connection with that early art that is coming forth.

Tableware 101

2010-04-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I used my knitting machine to knit a piece of solid wool large enough to be a placemat after felting.
One thing I realized is that placemats when knitted by hand take a long time, and on a machine it goes down to a couple of hours... Probably less when I get more practice. But it's still a fair amount of time compared to sewing a few pieces of cloth together.
Anyway, I'm so excited to see if I figured out the dimension right.
Unfelted it looked HUGE....25"x20".
It also took awhile to edge crochet it with a different color.
I did three rounds of SC to give it a solid edging.
I'm trying to make a contemporary version of the Dansk line and use Heath Pottery, and others like the local ceramist Whitney Smith, whose shapes and colors I love, so I have started with a monochrome warm grey/brown wool and a warm natural wool for the edging. (see Heath's website colors)
I usually LOVE bright colors, but in making the little coasters, and using them around the house I have realized that I love the subdued cool palette even more for every day use.
I aspire to make a really nice teapot cozy and a centerpiece table runner as well.
...The possibilities seem endless.
And, part of my creative dilemna is that I could be happy just making pieces of Felted material, and then leaving them very raw and unfinished.
Perhaps I should consider supplying other felt designers with my felted knitting.
Trying to get down to the elemental one thing that I would really want to be making.
... that's not as easy as it seems.

Dresses...

2010-04-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, and it seems like too long since I was making dresses.
Today I got started on a lovely 40's style dress for a client, and it got my mind working about those lovely day dresses I use to make when I first opened my shop.
In fact the rayon day dress that I wore many years ago when I lived at the beach and was among other things a waitress in a hip little beach front restaurant has been on my mind.
Time to go looking for some dreamy warm weather flowing vintage look fabric!!!
I'm gonna put up pictures of what I find.
We don't seem to wear dresses much anymore, at least I don't.
Kinda miss it!
OK, that's it my summer line of dresses is officially in the works!!!

Ta-Da! - I think color is my best thing

2010-04-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

These are the same circles after felting!

Dots and spots and stuff...

2010-04-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

That felted rug got me thinking about my new favorite home item... felted coasters.
Fun spots of color, I've been using the first few I made and really loving them.
They are soft, absorbent and don't slide around on the table or stick to the glass bottom.
Here they are before felting....

They also protect the surface from heat and are really pretty.

Felted rug

2010-04-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

This rug of circular crocheted circles grabbed me.
I loved the color palette and the look of the photo on the cover of the "Vogue" knitting book.
Cannot wait to see it finished, but I think it will be fairly quick.
Will I sell it?
I may. It may go on my "Poppy Frockstar" Etsy site
It could be the inspiration for some placemats and coasters.

Each circle/square goes pretty fast, and the felting makes it pretty thick.
Sort of like an olive/tapas color scheme...
I know it seems like I'm abandoning clothing, but that's not true, and I'm doing a lot of "Re-fashioning" of my own clothes.
It make me feel good to alter or just chop up those things that I loved at one time, but never wore because they were too...Big/Small/long/short/weird fitting...
I got this Indian print bedspread type of caftan a couple of years ago because I loved the fabric/color, but the caftan was big and long and shapless.

I loved the border and ended up with a nice short tunic and cowl that has the border featured up at the hip where you can see it...
very '70's fun summer top.

Just when Spring seemed to be in full warm unfolding, we've had some nice wet rain in the Bay Area, and plaenty of indoor time to work.
Still... love the spring flowers, and the trees with their best little blossoms.
I took a picture of this poppy in my yard as it lost its petals, and it still looked like the most glamorous creature.

Such a pretty looking color for a spring cape or maybe nano felt scarf.
I like her ruffle standup collar too :)

color palette

2010-03-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

So, now that I'm making tableware I checked out the lovely colors at Heath Ceramics.
I'd like to co-ordinate with them.

beautiful!
I'll start putting up some pictures as I go.

March Work

2010-03-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent things I've been working on.
I spent some time being humbled by knit and crochet and felting, and am hoping to introduce a whole group if home items for fall.

Now it on to summer and some fun new bags and hats, and maybe a few home items like some tableware :)

Tupperware Mayvens!

2010-03-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Tupperware Mayvens are wearing Martha Egan dresses at their fabulous T-parties!
That's "T" for Tupperware of course!

...and we picked a lovely retro Michael Miller kitchen print to compliment the product.

How cute is that?

Thanks Richard and Stormy!!!! xoxoxo

2010-03-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

We miss you Martha xxxo love Stormy n Richard

Getting ready for launch on Etsy!

2010-03-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Within the next few days I am setting up and adding new items to my new Etsy storefront!

The old website is also getting a makeover, and will be relaunched when ready.
Thanks for your patience, and all the e-mails asking about my store and website.
I'm using the downtime to refresh the look of everything and add some exciting new items!!!
I miss everyone who used to come by the old location, and would love to hear from you.
Also, you can find me on Facebook by following the Facebook link on the side.
Spring is here, and with it the lighter cottons and some new dresses and skirts.
Email me if you would like to be on the mailing list.

New Passion...Felting!

2010-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a sample of the first large slouchy bag I made knitting with wool and felting the bag.
I love it!
Am trying to do a line of different sizes.

Click on the bag to see more examples!

Back in the old days...

2010-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

I'm working on new clothes for Spring... and hopefully a redesigned webstore!

website woes

2010-01-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

After over a month of difficulty with the website platform on Yahoo we are now looking for the next home of Martha Egan.com
Any suggestions?

Website problems :(

2009-12-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

As a few people have mentioned to me we are having weird website problems and are working on fixing them right now.
Sorry about that!
Meanwhile, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I did :)
The past month has been a little break for me to be at home and take care of my daily life and family.
Now as things get back to normal I'm tarting on some new clothing for Spring,
a couple of new dress styles and even a jacket for guys!
Anyway... feel free to e-mail if there's anything you wanted out of the webstore, and I'll get right back to you.

2009-08-05T09:40:00.001-07:00

additions to the bargain basement today

Awwwww :)

2009-07-31T14:40:00.000-07:00

Stormy n Richard visit Martha former location at Friday lunchie walkie, much love to you Martha xxxxo

Another award...

2009-07-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Martha Egan Receives 2009 San Francisco Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Martha Egan has been selected for the 2009 San Francisco Award in the Women's Clothing Stores category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

A rave review from Chicago's Valerie Vitali!

2009-07-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Martha, You made my day.
The shirt/jackets arrived a little while ago. They are wonderful. The fabric is great, the patterns are really unusual, and beautiful in person, very soft too, (I only saw them on line and thru the windows of the old store) the buttons very retro and funky (I have a button fetish) The colors are my favorites, yellow and gray, purple and grayish..........as a painter, color is so important to me, these are great fabrics. The cut of each of them is really well done.
But best of all, they fit great. Nothing I own fits GREAT, because I buy things I like no matter how BIG they are, and wear them like that.
My friends (the outspoken ones) always comment that my clothes are too big...................
so NOW I have two tops that fit me perfectly, they are a great length for me as well.

Urban Burp!

2009-07-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Elektra from Urban Burp, surrounded by her amazing selection of vintage fabrics!

Fall

2009-07-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

click on jackeet for more

To embroider, or not to embroider...that is the question."

2009-07-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

I think the band across the top needs something...I may add Japanese hand top stitch...

2009-06-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

My new workspace is being formed! I am feverishly packing and unpacking boxes and clothing, and trying to make the space workable.
I am also trying to find and complete a bunch of in process orders, so give me another day or two!
meanwhile... pictures:

Moving is fun!

2009-06-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

...well, not really, but I'm looking forward to the new home at home of Martha Egan Clothing, where I can actually do more designing and playing with cloth.
I promise to let you know when the first "open studio" will be.
Until then, e-mail if you have a question or visit the webstore:
www.marthaegan.com

What have I been doing?

2009-05-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
I hope I haven't missed too many people stopping by at 1 Columbus, I've been back East to watch over my mom who is getting ready to leave this place we call life.
We had a very wonderful time and all the family came.
I'm moving the shop by the end of the month, and will be taking a short break to set up my new "Atelier" at home and update my webstore.
Let me know if you need anything!
info@marthaegan.com
Above, the lovely and amazing Marcelle Egan 12/27/1914 - 5/29/2009
She will be missed.

Marcelle visit

Lovely April turns to May

2009-05-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

I do believe this has been one of the best Aprils I have had in recent memory!
Thank you to all my friends who came by and visited, shopped, had a glass and reminisced with me!
It seemed like some flash of the good ole days, with lots of people who had never even been in to the shop coming in and having a look and picking out something new.
I must admit to having some ambivalence about closing, but the good part is that I feel very much in a creative mode, and feel like the change will give me more time to express that.

And now here we are...May Day.
I wanted anyone checking to know that I'm under no pressure to be out, and Luigi gave me the lovely month of May to just make my move in my own time. I intend to finish all the orders that are still waiting and give everyone a chance to make an appointment to pick up!

Thank you my friends! We now will see each other "virtually" whenever we want online, www.marthegan.com and I'm all for having parties at my "atelier" and during Open Studios.

love,
Martha

P-A-R-T-Y

2009-04-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

am selling the family heirlooms! Bar anyone?
This was a Cinderella (nee Michelle) moment for the tattoo dress!

April Fools was especially nice this year, what with the naked protesters and the friends dropping by all day and sipping vino!!!
The Party Continues every Saturday from noon to 4 !!!!! yippee

Pork Stump

2009-03-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a great picture of the Spuddle Brothers at their annual Pork Stump! Notice their amazing Martha Egan shirts!!!
Thanks Eric!

Sunny

2009-03-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Here's looking to a "sunny" future! I'm off to discuss mine at Pucinni....

After the doldrums of March am trying to get some new accessories underway... Ladies, think BIG hobo bag

Hi Ho Hi Ho

2009-03-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

headed for the City by the Bay to make some magic today...
I'll post my results later!

Blogging in the blogosphere is fun, and stylish!

2009-03-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

For years now I have had a little niche making clothes that are vintage inspired, without being costumey, and cut to fit the women I know, who all seem pretty darn stylish and normal to me, so it's always a shock to see what the fashion world considers a "medium" sized woman.

Not to take anything away from those of us who are naturally svelte and reed-like, or those who have spent time and thought staying slender and fit. I applaud you.

For the rest of us there has been a tendency to feel "out of the mainstream" of fashion, even though we are all healthy beautiful and happy, as woman all know (especially those of my age group...you know who you are).

I've read various designers thoughts on all of this, and I seen the way different designers cut fabric for the body.

Vionnet for example revolutionized the way cloth was cut (on the bias) so as to stretch and flow around the curves of the body.

Chanel in her early days used knits to let women free of corsets and have a more natural easy fit.

I think of these two designers especially because as women they innovated for women.

More recently Dona Karan and our own ISDA and Co. seemed to want to make “active wear” more stylish and give it an “American” slant.
(While writing this I went to ISDA out of curiosity and was shocked at the sort of “hoody” look to the current collection- leaning heavily on the Peace sign for identity.
…Oh well.

Designers today have much less ground breaking to do, but there is still a lot of newness and techniques that allow pleating and ruffling and hot cutting and so forth.

Small local designers are on the front lines. We know how it all really works, or doesn’t on women’s bodies. We learn the proportion of shoulders to hips in “real” life, and why most women love ¾ length sleeves and pants.
Today there are so many new fabrics that stretch and breathe and wash that the average person has a huge selection of different clothes to choose from. Our lifestyles dictate our style even more as we go from home to work to the gym (well- some of us do), and there are more and more labels aimed at those different needs.

I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked by the continuing popularity of “hoodies” for example.

I mean, it makes sense, and I reach for my hooded sweatshirt when at home more than anything, but still… how many skinny tight riding up the back allover printed stretchy tops can a girl use????? Please?
…Maybe one or two more than stretchy gathered highwaisted tunics.

…I digress.
Anyway, the fashion shows in NY and Paris seem farther and farther way from me each year, but the pleasure of putting on an outfit that flatters me in color and shape and fit remains, and for most women remains elusive, like a comfortable pair of heels.

I have the urge to design things that feel good and are simple and also make me feel pretty or stylish and at the same time am still the tomboy who put on jeans the minute she got home to go run out into the woods.

So anyway, this is a way for me to think out loud, and maybe even get some feedback from my peers.

I’ve spent many years buying cotton prints in what was available in cute prints, and I’ll still do that I suppose, but I also want to make some really great simple things like a little black dress, which might even be blue.

I have to admit something here that only those intrepid readers who have made it this far will get to read…

I DO love Jean Paul Gauthier. LaCroix---Nah… John Galliano’s first show was amazing, and beautiful, but he and Alexander McQueeney have gone too drama for moi.
Issey Miyake could be the most inventive, Martin Margiela the most cutting edge… check out his website… it’s abstract and oddly retro:
http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/en/index2.html

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

2009-03-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

(a Celtic path)
...moderation in all things!

Martha is out in the field looking for 4 leaf clovers of a fabric kind... be in the shoppe on Wednesday!!

Marching on

2009-03-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have a dress to sew in a day!, and a couple of other things...so wish me luck.

The Ideas of March

2009-03-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Well, It's that time of year; post holiday/ pre-tax time- post apocalyptic.
:-) just kidding... :-( not really.
Anyway, I'm getting closer and closer to that fateful decision to move to a smaller shop...possibly share with another like minded business... or move to the East Bay... or just sit at my computer and sell.
Many of you have weighed in with lots of great encouragement to stay in the Colombo building, and I am trying to make that happen in a way that will give me some fresh inspiration and save a few bucks of overhead to survive the dystopian state of small retail.

I have to say here, that one of the great things about change is the infinite possibility it offers. As I weigh my options it occurs to me that creativity is also about how we face challenges.

For some time I have operated my little business every day through many different life events happy to have my neighborhood friends and customers.
Lately I have given myself some flexibility by suggesting appointments for those who are on a mission and I don't want to miss when working at home or running errands.
This has worked pretty well, except for the "drop by" folks for whom I am apologetic if I have been unavailable.
The fact is that as a creative person I need some down time to refresh my mind and body, and deal with all of life's issues.

SO For the month of March at least, I am changing the days I will be at the shop to Thursday Friday and Saturday 11-5, and by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This will give me time to cocoon and reemerge with my beautiful new creations in my beautiful new environment!

As always, feel free to e-mail or call and let me know what you think!!!!

Cold bug

2009-01-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

I've got one! No Store today!

MOVING SALE ANYONE?

2009-01-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

If you've had it with gloom and doom, and picked over merchandise at H&M... you're in luck!
SALE starts the last week in January!
Yes, this is a good old fashion sale where things are really a bargain!
Don't miss out on a chance to buy an original "Martha" piece before 1 Columbus is no more!
(if you ask politely we'll even give you sale prices on some special order stuff :-)

Christmas cookies recycled gift wrap

2008-12-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all

These lovely gifts full of meyer lemon and chocolate shortbread used to be Oatmeal and Bread Crumb containers!
recipes from NYTimes (yummy)
decoupage done with old calendars from 2007 and mod podge!

Thank You!

2008-12-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

To all the Birthday Wellwishers, those who wrote or those who sang...
Thank You Ever So.

Moi...XOXOX

friends who wear Martha together....

2008-12-08T18:17:00.001-08:00

Thanks Eileen... Go Grattan School!

2008-12-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

new blouses!

Dmitri the Barber

2008-10-22T10:09:00.001-07:00

* Update.. Dmitri is recovering and is getting back all the important stuff- memory, movement.
Hold good thoughts. We still don't know if he will be back giving haircuts, but we hope so!

Hey everyone,

Hold good thoughts for Dmitri, our beloved neighbor in the Columbo Building.
If you pass by and notice he isn't at behind the barber chair, or sitting by the window practicing a nice old jazz standards on his clarinet it is because last week on Friday he became ill while at work.

Only time will tell if he can come back to work, but we wish him the best and hope to see him really soon.

rosy ruffle photo of the day

2008-10-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

A scarf and blouse to match.

2008-10-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

my new label is being born...

Clothed Thursday

2008-09-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry :-( doctors appointment.

End of Summer

2008-08-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a brief end of summer report for everyone.
The status of the Columbo building has slowly changed to new ownership by Luigi Barrassi (who has for years been like a guardian angel of the building).
This is great news, and Luigi will be the best possible landlord I could imagine.
He is already working on a restoration of the building that will change the facade back to the original architectural plans...(lots of change for 1 Columbus, including taking out the big windows in the front, and adding an entry on Washington St.
The reality is that the rent will have to be more, so I'm considering all the options, including taking a smaller space next door to Dmitri the barber, or one around the corner on Washington St.
Since everything moves more slowly when lawsuits are involved...(here one by the "Friends of the Columbo Building") we probably won't be moving until early next year.
By then we should all have a better feeling for the future, as I HOPE the new Democratic candidate will be in the White House.
I have been as busy as I can be with lots of special orders, and so the store inventory has been shrinking. I don't mind letting it get small in preparation of the move, but I'm more than happy to make whichever style you are missing in the fabric of your choice!!!
I look forward to the new remodeled building. It has been getting forlorn for too long!!! With the new look I am working on some green fabrics, and hope to give my business a new look.
Always appreciate your suggestions, and to those of you who felt I should rush to make some Frida Kahlo clothes I just would say that we were ahead of the pack in the Frida fashion movement!

eek!

2008-08-02T01:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry no gossip lately except that my laptop got stolen from under my nose today at the store so I'm going to be a little less "connected".
I've spent my evening changing passwords, and at 1:18 am feel like I may be safe!
So much for wasting time at work.
Also, it was my tool for updating my website, so I may not be able to for a little while
:-(

Free Friday

2008-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'm working at home today, and I've been checking in on my voice mail, but nothing important...so I may get away with it.
This week was a busy and interesting week at the shop with some new friends/customers and a little feeling of inspiration from someone on the BART train...Warhol panel skirt...
I'll be back tomorrow, recharged and ready to go.

Shotsy Faust

2008-06-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

Out and about in LA in Martha Egan!

cat art

2008-06-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

2008-06-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Best of 2008

2008-05-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

click on picture for link to article!

WOW, imagine my surprise when my garage guy says, "Hey, You're the BEST in 2008 SFWeekly!"
I was shocked! but to my absolute amazement...here it is!

Best Locally Designed Clothing (2008)
Martha Egan
1 Columbus (at Montgomery), 397-5451
http://www.marthaegan.com

"San Francisco is packed with talented designers, but what makes Martha Egan's vintage-inspired clothing and accessories stand out are the amazing fabrics she uses. Whatever design you can think of — boldly patterned cottons, diaphanous silks, richly embroidered velvets — Egan likely has at least a yard or several tucked away in her store and studio. While she always has great shirts, jackets, and pants off the rack for women and men, the real treat comes in combing through her fabric collection to pick out your favorite and let Egan and her staff work their magic. The result is impeccably crafted clothing that you don't have to be a size zero to wear and that won't break the bank. The only catch is that you should call ahead to make sure her North Beach store is open. But comfortable, eye-catching clothes you'll be wearing for years to come are always worth a little extra planning."

Sfweekly best of 2008

VIDEO!!!!

2008-05-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

Fashion forward...

2008-05-05T09:31:00.001-07:00

Here's a nice picture of Linda Okubara in her new double layer silk jacket!

News for May!

2008-04-29T14:35:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone...I'm back. I had a very productive trip and am refreshed and ready to start posting more product on the internet on both marthaegan.com and ETSY

Here are a couple of new things I'm getting ready to load...

The week of April 14th...

2008-04-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

I will be away from the store, on a family trip!
E-mail me if you have questions or problems!!!
(I won't be able to do anything until the following week, but I WILL get back to you then!
Enjoy the beautiful warm weather!

Ideas of March

2008-03-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

...not Ides! Since my week off, and a wonderful trip to NY and Phildelphia I am bursting with ideas and creative energy.

One of the main issues in my business for the past few years has been when and how I will handle the eventual loss of my beloved store at 1 Columbus.

There have been so many false alarms that I have felt like I have been in Limbo, not able to move forward and invest time and money in new ideas and decor, and that circumstances beyond my control seem to be forcing me to reinvent my life and my creative mission.

This is usually a confusing and uncomfortable place to be in, but also an opportunity to see things freshly and change what isn't working and renew what is.

You my customers have always been my collaborators, and lately the "custom" side of my business has been the thriving branch.

I have had some wonderful ideas for a whole new concept if I stay in the Columbo building, which is like me on hold at the moment while the sale of the building and its upcoming restoration work wait for the escrow to close.
The new owner is Luigi. The best possible party in my humble opinion to own and restore our lovely 1912 North Beach gem. He has been very transparent and positive in working with existing tenants and trying to find a place for those who plan to stay.

Because of the whole situation, and other parts of my life, I have recently been taking time off and my hours have been less than regular. I have tried as much as possible to post here, and on my phone message any odd hours and days off that I have taken, but I know that sometimes people just come by and miss me and don't know what is going on.
I think that changing to a by appointment schedule is the best way for me to have time to do the things that I need to do, and to get going on all the new ideas for tomorrow!

I would love to hear your comments, and hear what you think!
e-mail me at: marthaegan@gmail.com

Bamboo to you

2008-02-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

For Spring I have found a line of "green" fabric that actually looks and feels beautiful. The first fabric I'm working with is a jersey made from bamboo (a quick growing, substainable fiber)
I'll post a picture of the first garment as soon as it is done! It is very drapey and soft like silk jersey, and will be greaat for all of you who want the stretchy blouse.

hope you had a great Valentines Day!

2008-02-08T09:57:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day

2008-02-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air. It's hard to focus on work sometimes the birds are chirping and the sun is warm and bright.
Happy Valentines Day! It's a beauty.

If you or your loved one saw something on the website or blog feel free to call and we'll put it aside or wrap it for you to go!

415-397-5451

It might as well be Spring...

2008-01-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Another day of dismal weather and news cannot stop the sale from going on at Martha Egan!
It won't start today- Martha has the sniffles and sneezes- but is planning on putting up a big "SALE" banner and starting it tomorrow!
During this SALE you can even purchase fabric. The cotton prints will be available as well as anything else in stock.
(You know you want it, so make plans to come and shop the big sale!)

NEW YEAR...NEW THINGS

2008-01-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Having had lots of time to rest and relax, I've started designing some fun jewelry!
I'm calling it the "Zen Collection".
It is as simple as prayer beads and haiku poetry...
Here's a sneak peek.

zen jewelry

Warm and glamourous

2007-12-14T14:10:00.001-08:00

wrap yourself in warm velvet!

slideshow

2007-12-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Free Rice...

2007-12-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last week I heard an NPR program mentioning this website....

Free Rice

Try it- It's addictive and has nothing to do with clothing or Christmas selling.

----------------
Now playing: Mbuti Pygmies Of The Ituri Rainforest - In The Rainforest Approaching A Forest Camp
via FoxyTunes

special occasions call for special dresses

2007-10-19T16:12:00.001-07:00

New Stuff!

2007-10-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

see more at www.marthaegan.com

Another great shirt for Tom!

2007-09-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Since everyone loves seeing the shirts I make where you can pick a fabric from the internet, Tom Hensill allowed me to take this shot of his new "Frida's Garden" shirt.
Great colors, and if you look on the store "photo album"...upper left corner, you can see the others!
Thanks Tom...you wear it well!

fall, falling, felt

2007-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

It's Fall, and the temperatures are falling, so I felt.
I felt like making Fall stuff, like these corduroy pieces- a chalk stripe jacket and a green apple circle skirt.

Free Music from the Jazz Festival!!!

2007-09-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

While supplies last customers who purchase $50 or more will receive a free ITunes download of 15 songs based on the Monterey Jazz Festival!

Monterey Jazz!

2007-09-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I'm off to Monterey for the weekend... no store hours Friday or Saturday!!!
I'll have lots of time to relax and get my creative batteries refilled.
See you next week!

Fall Preview

2007-09-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Texture and Color:

Here is a new scarf in bubble pleated silk charmeuse with an ombre pastel palette of soft pink, blue and brown

store website:
www.marthaegan.com

You can emit beautiful light waves of color!

2007-09-05T18:14:00.001-07:00

New for fall...iridescent silk and metal fabric!

Here are just one of the new fabrics for fall jackets soon to be available online.

Check out my webstore:

www.marthaegan.com

It's looking good for Martha Egan to stay in SF in the same building! Thanks to everyone who has expressed their enthusiasm for me to keep the store.
It's great to know you all care.

In Blue Lake (above) or Copper Pool (below)

Have you come by the store and missed me?

2007-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

To avoid missing anyone at the store, I am HAPPY to make appointments!
Call and please leave me a message with your phone number!
regular hours are 12 to 5:30 Tues-Sat

martha's store video

2007-08-15T10:15:00.001-07:00

Mod Tunic back in stock!
See video....

Customer pictures!

2007-08-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Steve Hall sent along these great shots of his wife Dottie, and Joseph Swartz and I from last weekend! (Joseph is the owner of perhaps the largest inventory of Martha Egan shirts..with a few more in the works!)
Joseph estimates 80-100
Dottie and Steve are first time visitors from Austin TX.
I'm spreading around the world one garment at a time.

I'm still here!

2007-08-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I've had some people think I disappeared because they couldn't google Martha Egan and get my website!
Sorry, in the process of website building and launching Martha Egan.com is not yet published.
I'm planning on keeping a smaller store in the Columbo building, and will let you know more as it develops!!!

Ambrosiani

2007-08-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

New pieces from local jewelry designer!

a wonderful response the e-mail!

2007-07-24T10:32:00.001-07:00

Thank You all so much for your letters and warm thoughts. I got a huge response to my change of e-mail announcement, and heard from so many people I haven't seen or talked to in awhile.

The sentiment is clear, and I will see what I can do to keep a store in the building I'm in.

Countdown to web store launch...

2007-07-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Only a few more days to go...
I can't believe it is almost ready to go. I have promised to send you all e-mail announcements when it is up, so I'm working on stocking the clothes and updating my address book.

There is good news on Columbus!!! Luigi has bought the building. I may even keep a smaller storefront there and have shorter hours to the public and open by appointment hours.
It would help to hear from you if you want me to keep the SF store.

E-mail me @:

marthaegan@gmail.com