Step 1: Cut the fabric. You should be cutting 3 different pieces:

-One front & bottom piece: 20” L x 8” W (cut on the fold)

-Two side pieces: 12” L x 6” W

-Two handle pieces: 20” L x 4-1/4” W

Step 1 - Cut your fabric

Step 2: Sewing the sides. First, cut one of the side pieces in half lengthwise. This will allow the bag to easily fold in half when it’s not in use. Once its cut, sew (right sides together) the halves to create a whole piece again. Press seams. After pressing, sew the seams down. Use the seam as your guide and sew ¼” from the seam…not only will this re-enforce the seam but it gives the bag a finished look. Repeat with the other side piece.

Step 2 - Cut side pieces in half

Step 2 - Lining up/sewing the seams

Step 3: Sewing the sides to the bottom. First, press the front/bottom piece in half widthwise. With the right sides together, unfold the front/bottom piece and match the center seams of the side pieces with the center crease you just made and pin. See picture for clarification. Once pinned, sew the sides to the bottom of the bag.

Step 3 - Pinning the Sides

Step 3 - Sewing the sides to the bottom

Step 4: Sewing the four walls of the bag. Now that the sides are already attached to the bottom, pin the edges of the bag together (right sides together).After sewing each of the four sides you’ll end up with a rectangular shaped bag like this (see photo).

Step 4 - Rectangular Bag

Step 5: Reinforcing the seams. Lunch can get heavy so to ensure that the seams don’t rip you’ll need to sew the seams down. Flip the bag right side out. Sewing as close to the seam as you possibly can, stitch the side seams and bottoms together. Attention: this can get tricky so pay extra attention when sewing this part.
Step 6: Sewing the handles. You’re almost done. Take the two handle pieces you’ve cut and fold them lengthwise and press. Unfold them; now fold each side (lengthwise) to the center crease you’ve just pressed. Fold once more lengthwise to enclose the raw edges inside. Press. Bring the ends together and sew to create a circle. Press flat. Now that you’ve created a reinforced handle, simply sew the side lengths together.

Step 6- Making handles

Step 6- Sewing the handles

Step 7: Finishing the top of the bag: With the wrong side up, press a ½” seam around the entire top of the bag. Once complete fold the bag down 2 inches and press again to encase the top edge of the bag. Pin the handles to the inside of the bag. Now sew ¼” seam around the top of the bag. This will attach the handles. Sew another seam, but this time about 1-1/2 inches from the top. This will secure the top hem of the bag.

Step 7 - Pin the handles

Step 7 - You're done!

Whew, now you’re done and you can finally pack a lunch in your environmentally friendly and visually appetizing Marimekko Bo Boo Print lunch bag!

Marimekko and Tangerine Tango go way back.

The world renowned color experts at Pantone have released their hand-picked “it color” for 2012, and the vibrant Tangerine Tango certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its official color name is PANTONE® 17-1463, but the worlds of fashion and design are going to be seeing it as so much more than that as the year unfolds.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Of course, this bold color has been around a lot longer than just the first of January, 2012. And Marimekko has been making use of its glowing aesthetic for years. Available on fabrics (specifically these two) and throw pillows, plates, and coin purses, Marimekko has loads of products that can help you incorporate this “it color” into your everyday life. Their spring line of clothing has Tangerine Tango peeking in and out of anything from women’s dresses to little boy’s t-shirts. Look hard enough and you’re sure to find a pop of Tangerine in any number of Marimekko items.

Marimekko's spring line has plenty of tangerine to go around.

So, what are you waiting for? Happy hunting.

Marimekko’s beautiful Spring / Summer 2012 Collection on display at a wonderful fashion show in Tokyo, Japan.

Shop for Marimekko.

Marimekko Fall / Winter 2011 Fashion Show

At the end of March, Marimekko’s autumn 2011 clothing collection hit the catwalk in Helsinki. In a huge industrial hall once used to build ships, designers Noora Niinikoski, Mika Piirainen and Mia Ohta strutted their talent in eclectic style. This season, they’d found inspiration in blogs, flea markets, Marimekko print archives and more.

As a fun surprise, the playful, pattern-rich designs in silk, cotton or wool were modeled by ordinary people. Here’s what the models were saying (below photos).

Marimekko Fall / Winter 2011 Fashion Show

Marimekko Fall / Winter 2011 Fashion Show

Marimekko Fall / Winter 2011 Fashion Show

Marimekko Fall / Winter 2011 Fashion Show

1) Rosa: “What an experience! I loved the collection – especially Jenni Rope’s pattern. Wonderful brushstrokes, lots of nuances, and a fascinating sense of asymmetry. Plus, strangle colors that somehow work together. My favorite piece of clothing was Vasara overalls.”

2) Terhi: “The show was really relaxed and I met a lot of interesting people. The mood was like Marimekko’s clothesL easy-to-approach and practical.”

3) Anna: “I feel tired, but happy. We were like a relay race team. In fact, we really came together as a team well and shared a bus from Marimekko’s headquarters to Herttoniemi to the show. It was easier to walk in front of an audience than in the rehearsal. My favorite piece was Noora Niinikoski’s Tivoli knitwear.”

4) Meri: “The show just happened! I liked how the audience was in a good mood. What I liked most was walking on the catwalk and the feedback you got after the show. I’m a little more relaxed now that the show is over. I’ll definitely buy something from this collection. I really like Noora Niinikoski’s Tivoli pattern and Jenni Rope’s print design.”

5) Laura: “This was a fun and exciting day. From the show, I remember best the Vasara overalls and the Maija dress made from the Muija print fabric. Marimekko has always been a part of my home. It’s a Finnish tradition.”

6) Natalia: “I have modeled before in school fashion shows. Now everything was more organized – we knew what we were supposed to do. The collection was super cool! The best ever. I got to get it.”

7) Veera: “A nice day! The best part was the show. The 70s –style pants made just for this show were adorable. Also, the skirt I modeled would be perfect for my wardrobe.”

8) Mikaela: “It feels good to be part of this show. I’m really happy. I also met so many new people. I love wearing my Tasaraita shirt and I also own several Marimekko party dresses.

9) Designers Mai Ohta and Noora Niinikoski and Mika Piirainen (bottom middle).

Shop for Marimekko

Marimekko Unikko Beige Fabric

Marimekko’s famous Unikko fabric print made waves in the 1960’s with its signature large-scale flower motif that incited a trend for oversized prints and patterns. Big and bold, the Unikko print became wildly popular and has since remained Marimekko’s most popular pattern. Later introduced in smaller scales called Pieni Unikko and Mini-Unikko, this print can be properly scaled for any project. For example, check out this lovely couch upholstered in a Beige-toned colorway…can you guess what size of Unikko this is?…

Marimekko Unikko Beige Fabric

Ok, so I posed a trick question earlier but I hope Barbie’s plush sofa gave you a laugh. This adorable doll furniture proves my point about the versatility of the print…available in 3 different sized-flowers; the Unikko pattern can be used for any project big or small.

Marimekko Unikko Beige Fabric

photos: via Jenn!jee

Sarah Jessica Parker in Marimekko's Regina Dress

Catch a glimpse of “Sex in the City” star, Sarah Jessica Parker, as she sports the  neapolitan-hued Marimekko Regina dress in NYC. Part of Marimekko’s Spring 2011 Collection, the Finnish company played with precise color-blocking techniques to create this tri-colored dress in two delightful colorways. From runway to real-life, see how SJP pairs the button front dress with a cream cardi and white sandals to make the mod dress suit her style and compare it to the bold runway version. Visit AlwaysMod for more about Marimekko products and prints.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Marimekko's Regina Dress

Marimekko's Regina Dress (Spring 2011 Runway)

Photos via: Popsugar.com and Marimekko

Marimekko 60th Anniversary Fashion Show in Esplanade Park, Helsinki ( May 2011 ). Shop for Marimekko at our store.

Marimekko Summer News

Exciting, fresh Marimekko designs! See the entire catalog here.

Marimekko Summer News

Marimekko Summer News

Marimekko Summer News

Marimekko Summer News

Marimekko Summer News

See more of our Marimekko designs!

Marimekko Pilvi Tote Bag

This summer Marimekko unveils a juicy new print that is guaranteed to make you drool with delight. Maija Isola’s 1969 Mansikkavouret print is back just in time for the summer sunshine. Finnish for “strawberry hills,” this print is encapsulates the 60’s and 70’s with colorful and cartoon-like imagery. Inspired by pop tunes sung by The Beatles, Isola created her magical floating strawberry motif while listening to the songs “Strawberry Fields” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.” Check out AlwaysMod for a wonderful selection of Mansikkavouret print purses and bags and get complimented on your light-hearted style.

Marimekko Vuori Backpack

Marimekko Mansikkavuoret Half Coin Purse

Marimekko Mansikka Coin Purse