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 Maalairuusu by Maija and Kristina Isola

February isn’t quite spring, but with this bright floral Marimekko desktop calendar we can all pretend it’s a little cheerier outside until the weather plays along, too. This month’s desktop treat features the sister print of Vihkiruusu– Maalairuusu, or “country rose“, a print by Maija and Kristina Isola.  These desktop calendars and wallpaper are sure to get a little spring on your screen, if not in your step.

Marimekko's "Helsinki-Helsingfors" print as designed by the late Per-Olof Nyström.

In celebration of Helsinki, Finland being named World Design Capital 2012, Marimekko is also launching Marimekko Village—both physically and digitally. “In 1962 Armi Ratia, the founder of Marimekko, defined Marimekko as ‘a cultural phenomenon guiding the quality of living’”. Years later, Marimekko is still that vision, but it has also stepped into the digital age. Ratia may have had her own idea of a Marimekko village in the ‘60s, but now in 2012, things have changed a bit.

From the Marimekko Village website:

“The Marimekko Village of 2012 brings together people through numerous events and activities in Marimekko spaces in Finland and abroad. We will create interesting encounters, encourage people to make things together and get inspired by colours and patterns in our everyday life. All happenings will converge in this digital space, a virtual village where people can learn about and follow the Marimekko Village throughout the year.”

Of course, Marimekko Village isn’t all digital; there are lots of events happening around Helsinki worth checking out. Other events in the Marimekko Village in spring 2012 include:

- Designer Erja Hirvi’s Bökars Revival photo exhibition in the Marimekko Marikiska store in Helsinki
- Off to the Woods! exhibition in Helsinki
- Marimekko’s legendary summer fashion show spiced up with new elements in Helsinki
- Open house events and talks as well as factory tours at the Marimekko-house in Helsinki
- etc..

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 Ensilumi by Aino-Maija Metsola

The Marimekko Desktop Calendar is back! Due to the overwhelming response, we’ve created a new desktop calendar for January AND a desktop wallpaper. Ensilumi by Aino-Maija Metsola is the beautiful pattern this month Enjoy! And, thanks for all of you that let us know you wanted us to keep posting desktop calendars!

Download the desktop calender in these sizes: 1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Download the desktop wallpaper

Don’t miss our Marimekko Sale going on now – over 100 designs on sale for a limited-time only!

Marimekko Hot Air Balloon - Balloon Fiesta

We came across these photos of a Marimekko hot air balloon at Balloon Fiesta! Check ‘em out.

All photos © rosenfeld via Flickr

Marimekko Hot Air Balloon - Balloon Fiesta

Marimekko Hot Air Balloon - Balloon Fiesta

Marimekko Hot Air Balloon - Balloon Fiesta

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

Shop for Marimekko.

Marimekko Kuukuna by Jenni Tuominen

An early Halloween treat! This beautiful Marimekko print is Kuukuna by Jenni Tuominen. Described as “Jenni Tuominen’s Kuukuna pattern takes us on an autumn foray into silent woods to pick mushrooms. Picked far from the din of the city, fl avoursome milk-caps, black chanterelles, ceps and other delights are preserved at home in glass jars.”

Download in these sizes:
1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Download Wallpaper only:
1920×1200

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