With Noora Niinikoski, Head of Fashion Design

Noora-Niinikoski, Head of Fashion Design

Colourful Impact-

“I tell everyone that Marimekko is about prints and colours. Each season we come out with different styles and patterns in big or small motifs. And often the prints influence what we make. It comes down to how the print relates to the body and the person’s silhouette because the prints are unique and have special character. Some people don’t relate with certain prints, and other people love them. And once you find the print you love, it highlights something about your character and how you express yourself. I feel it has the chance to make your daily life a little bit more fun and even fancy.

Marimekko also reflects the times we live in, though there’s always an element of Marimekko in the design. It’s difficult to explain what this element is, but it’s easy to spot it. It’s either there or it isn’t. Over the decades, Marimekko has come out with an incredible variety of prints, cuts, fits and new design approaches. Yet there’s always something that makes it feel like Marimekko such as a hand-made feeling, boldness, using the limits of textile printing techniques, and a sense of humour and positivity.

For instance, Marimekko print colours from the 60s and 70s were extremely intense. In the 80s, the Marimekko palette was more faded or washed. Today we use deeper shades of colours, including vibrant yellows, orange, and primary colours such as red and white. For our spring 2013 collection we’re looking at bringing a slightly white washed or milky tonality to new Marimekko prints.”

Balancing Act-

“I’m always looking for new design approaches. I want to achieve a feeling of effortlessness by getting a balance between control and out-of-control. Looseness and fun should be in the design. You never want to be too strict or rigid in your thinking. At the same time I’ve always designed textile patterns. It probably comes from my mother who was a textile designer. Since I was twenty years old, white as a colour hasn’t existed for me. I’ve always used colour in my design work, so working for Marimekko is a natural extension of what I do.

I enjoy the work of folklore and outsider artists. They design based on necessity. It’s part of their culture and personal life. They’re working with a limited set of materials and colours.  Yet these limitations allow them to create artworks that are close to perfect. These artworks reflect their life at the moment and their use of colours is just right. It’s not planned. It’s more in the moment – never too organized or perfect.

In fact, Marimekko has a lot in common with folklore or outsider artists. We’re always looking for a relaxed human feeling and high artistic values.  Our designs are never overly planned or constructed. Instead, they can be even sketchy and rough at times. I think this attitude makes us bold and distinct.”

With Mika Piirainen, Fashion Designer

Mika Piirainen, Fashion Designer

Here and Now-

“I’m always exploring the here and now. When I’m working on a collection, I build up a series of images that communicate the present and, to a certain degree, the future as well. These images have elements of colour, but I’m more interested in their atmosphere. I want them to comment on how seasonal change affects our everyday life.

When I choose patterns, I want the textile prints to communicate a unique feeling. You also need to respect the original print pattern. They are like human beings – you can’t cut them to pieces. So when I design a piece to showcase a certain print, I avoid changing the print too much.

I also feel that not all Marimekko clothing needs to have prints. I love working with solid colours or muted tones, because they help calm down the collection. The shape of the dress also makes my designs distinctly Marimekko.”

Proud to Wear Marimekko-

“Over the years, I’ve met people who enjoy owning and wearing pieces from my Marimekko collections. Not long ago, I was travelling in a remote part of Australia, where I bumped into someone with a bag I’d designed. It was one of those peculiar moments when you realize Marimekko is a small Finnish company that touches people’s lives around the world.

I especially enjoy when people wear a Marimekko piece almost down to the last thread. It means that you have a special relationship with the item. You cherish it.  I’ve also heard that Marimekko designs are considered humorous. I agree. Marimekko never takes itself too seriously – especially when it comes to prints.

I really don’t have a favourite piece. It’s like being a father – each of my designs for Marimekko is my favourite. I’ve also noticed that it takes years to appreciate your own work – especially your latest collection.  I need time away from my own work to see it in a new light again. This “stepping back” is an essential part of being a designer. It also lets you explore new elements in your design work. If you fell in love with your own design, you’d stop designing.”

Don’t forget, can  find the creations of Marimekko’s fashion designers and more at AlwaysMod.com

What are your thoughts on Marimekko’s impact on the fashion world?

[ Excerpts and photo of Noora from Marimekko newsletter, photo of Mika from http://suomenkuvalehti.fi/]

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 Räsymatto

Add holiday cheer to your computer with this wonderful Räsymatto pattern from designer Maija Louekari and Marimekko! *We have temporarily stopped uploading the desktop calendar – if that’s something you really enjoyed be sure to let us know!

Download the Marimekko desktop wallpaper in these sizes: 1280 x 800, 1280 x 1024, 1366 x 768, 1920 x 1280

Marimekko Interior

Marimekko from all over the world found on Flickr. Enjoy!

1. via danne_hki
2. via Saunaflow
3. via Jushih

Marimekko Unikko Umbrellas

Marimekko Korea

Marimekko Joonas Yoga Mat Bag

A purely remnant-inspired project, the idea for creating this Marimekko Yoga Mat Bag came after rummaging through our remnant fabric bin at work. Inspired after reading the Marimekko Surrur book, which walks you through countless inventive crafts sewn by Marimekko designers, I decided to create a sewing project out of an unused piece of Marimekko Joonas Upholstery fabric by Maija Isola.

With less than 1 yard of fabric and a discarded piece of Aalto black webbing (designed by Alvar Aalto, a famed modern architect and glassware designer from Finland). In 10 quick steps I’ll show you how to make a Marimekko Yoga Mat Bag that melds mod design with meditative spirit.

What you’ll need:

- ½ a yard of Marimekko Upholstery fabric

-1 yard of Aalto webbing (for the strap)

-yoga mat (I have a standard size mat from Target)

-sewing machine

-scissors

-pins

-pencil

Step 1: Measure your yoga mat. Roll up your yoga mat and measure the length, width and circumference. When rolled, my mat measures 24” L x 4” W with a circumference of 13”.

Step 1: Measure your yoga mat.

Step 1: Measure your yoga mat.

Step 2: Cut the circular-shaped bottom pattern piece. This piece should be slightly larger than the width of the bag. I made my bag an inch larger than my mat so add 2 inches to the bag’s width plus ½” for seam allowance and you should arrive at the diameter for your pattern piece. Use a protractor to draw the circle or I had a plastic container the same width so I traced it to get an even circle. My circle pattern piece is 6-1/2” in diameter.

Step 2: Cut the circular-shaped bottom pattern piece.

Step 3: Cut out the fabric. Use the dimensions of your mat and add 4-1/2” inches to get the length (1/2” for seam allowance & 4” for the top drawstring loop) and add 3-1/2” to the circumference to get the width (1-1/2” for seam allowance & 1” to allow adequate room for your mat to slide in and out).  My fabric measures 28-1/2” L x 16-1/2” W.

Step 3: Cut out the fabric.

Step 4: Press the seams. Wrong side facing up, press a ½” seam along the length of the fabric. Also press a 2” seam along the top end (this will create the loop through which you’ll put the drawstring.

Step 4: Fold the seams.

Step 4: Press the folded the seams.

Step 5: Sew the top. Wrong side facing up, sew the top (about ½” from the edge) to create the drawstring loop. See image.

Step 5: Sew the top.

Step 5: Top is sewn & edges have been pressed.

Step 6: Pin the straps. Working on the right side of the fabric, pin the Aalto webbing strap to the fabric. The bottom strap should be 2” from the bottom & the top strap should be 1” from the top seam. Note: Make sure to match-up the seams you made in step 4.

Step 6: Pin the straps.

Step 6: Straps are pinned & seams match

Step 7: Sew the length of the bag. Bringing the right sides of the fabric together, sew along the edge. Note: when sewing this you will be trapping the strap inside the tube you are creating.

Step 7: Length of the bag sewn, straps are now in place.

Step 8: Pin the bottom: Step 8 & 9 will probably the most difficult part. Match up the edges with the right sides together and uses as many pins as you need to secure the bottom.

Step 9: Sew the bottom to the tube. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Go slowly as you sew at this step, taking the pins out as you go. Note: I also zigzag stitched the edges of the bottom to reinforce the bag and to keep the upholstery fabric from unraveling.

Step 10: There is no step 10. Just turn your bag inside out and run a cord through the drawstring loop…done, you’re now ready to head to your next yoga class. Personally, I chose not to use a drawstring because I loved the clean and streamlined look of the Marimekko Joonas Fabric.

Step 10: Flip the bag inside out & head to yoga!

Step 10: A view from the top of the completed bag

Additional notes: If you’d like a slimmer or wider bag change the pattern as you see fit and heck, if you’re ambitious add a pocket to hold your personal items. Whatever improvement you choose, I hope this sewing project inspires your creativity. Happy sewing and Namaste.

Marimekko Yoga Mat Bag - Wear it over one shoulder

Marimekko Yoga Mat Bag - Wear it across your body

The countless color combinations of Marimekkko's Lumimarja fabric

That’s it; I’ve decided that Marimekko’s Lumimarja fabric wins the “most-popular” award this year. It seems that do-it-yourselfers consistently choose to re-vamp forgotten furniture, drab walls and plain tabletops with varying hues of Lumimarja-printed fabric and wallpaper. A perfect example of how this print can be used to its full potential, see how this salvaged wooden chair was recently revived with a piece of Marimekko Lumimarja Fabric, some elbow grease and re-upholstery know-how. The finished chair is stunning and full of renewed character, visit the link below to see the restoration step-by-step.

The salvaged chair - before Lumimarja

The Marimekko Lumimarja Re-Upholstered Chair - After

The Marimekko Lumimarja Re-Upholstered Chair - After

Finnish for “snowberry,” the popular pattern was created in 2004 by designer Erja Hirvi and adds elegance and understated modern style to anything it touches. Take a look at our past Lumimarja-themed posts to get more ideas for your own renovation project.

Recall the condo renovation with Marimekko Silver Lumimarja Wallpaper…

Condo renovation using Marimekko Lumimarja Wallpaper

or the re-upholstered ottoman…

Marimekko Lumimarja Ottoman

or the lovely green Lumimarja wall hanging…

Marimekko Lumimarja Wall Hanging

Photos via: I made it so… blog & our own Alwaysmod blog

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

Kid's Room Decorated in Marimekko Unikko

Imagine the look on a little girl’s face when she catches sight of this; her beautiful new big-girl bedroom. This bare New York flat comes alive with bright colors and mod design as Marimekko helps create the ultimate children’s bedroom. A focal point, classic dual twin beds are covered in Marimekko’s Unikko cheerful yellow, orange and pink bedding to grab your complete attention. In addition to the plush beds, the room also features custom headboards that extend the length of the wall. The headboards have been upholstered in matching Unikko fabric to add even more vibrancy to this adorable room. Impressed at the creative use of space and iconic ode to 1960’s design, this room has become a little girl’s dream!

Love the look and want to re-create it for you own little ones but don’t know where to begin? Start small with a couple Unikko throw pillows or create curtains or doll clothes from the Unikko or Mini Unikko cotton fabric.

Psst, parents…if you love Marimekko’s poppy-themed bedding it’s also available in various colors for adult-sized beds too. Visit the Marimekko Bedding section at AlwaysMod.com for the full selection.

photos via: Domestic Daddy

Kid's Room pre-Marimekko Unikko Revamp

Kid's Room Decorated in Marimekko Unikko

Kid's Room Decorated in Marimekko Unikko

Kid's Room Decorated in Marimekko Unikko

Marimekko Lumimarja Green Fabric Wall Hanging

Prepare to become green with envy as this statement wall hanging made from Marimekko’s Green Lumimarja Fabric gives this lovely living room a dash of color and mod flavor. Created by Erja Hirvi, her “snowberry” pattern has been the inspiration for many room remodels (remember the blog I posted last September about the Silver Lumimarja Wallpaper). More commonly seen in shades of white, greys and silvers, the alluring use of green adds a delightfully unexpected pop of color to this stellar brick walled apartment.

The direction of the print is also interesting. Usually stretched vertically, by turning the print lengthwise the pattern becomes notably panoramic adding visual length to the wall. Yet again, this pitch-perfect wall hanging proves that Lumimarja is a timeless print that can be used in any space or for any purpose.  Modernize your home with Lumimarja patterned fabric, throw pillows, wallpaper, bedding or table linens from AlwaysMod.com.

Photo via: Vincent Kwok blog