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

Marimekko Fall 2011 Trombi Fabric

This fall neutral tones, abstract movement and moody prints serve as the underlying theme behind Marimekko’s Fall 2011 Fabric Collection. Darker, edgy and refined, patterns such as Tuisku (blizzard), Trombi (tornado) and Kuiskaus (whisper) utilize deconstructed color palettes and raw minimalistic prints to evoke excitement. An interesting approach, this season Marimekko has chosen to re-invent noted prints from the 80’s and introduce new complimentary patterns to create a fresh look for autumn. Check out some of the prints before they hit our website and tell us with you think of Marimekko’s Fall Collection and until then, see our current selection of Marimekko Fabrics.

Marimekko Fall 2011 Kuiskaus Fabric

Marimekko Fall 2011 Maisema Fabric

Marimekko Fall 2011 Kaivo Raspberry/Lime Fabric

Marimekko Fall 2011 Sorja Fabric

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 Indigo/Yellow Unikko Throw Pillow - new 2011 colorway

One of my favorite things about Marimekko is anticipating the new seasonal colorway for its most popular print, Unikko. Unarguably Marimekko’s most famed print; the explosive florals were created by textile artist Maija Isola. Designed in 1964, the Unikko print was a reflection of the free-spirited era as well as Isola’s statement against conformity.

During the mid-sixties, the founder of Marimekko, Armi Ratia, (I featured her last week on the blog) decreed that no floral pattern should be created because it could never compare to the real thing. In artistic revolt, Maija Isola designed an entire collection solely made of floral patterns. Challenging that a true artists potential could never be stifled by boundaries, the iconic and beautiful Unikko print was born.

 For this Autumn/Winter 2011, the enlarged flower petals are saturated in a deep indigo color and boldly accented with bright yellow centers and orange stems. A fantastic new colorway that plays with the balance between cool and warm tones, AlwaysMod unveils the new color today. From pot holders, oven mitts, pillows, tins to tea towels, the Unikko print proves timeless and its beauty never grows old.

Marimekko Indigo/Yellow Unikko Tin - new 2011 colorway

Marimekko Indigo/Yellow Unikko Tea Towel - new 2011 colorway

Marimekko Silkkikuikka Bedding

Five new cool-toned bedding patterns have just been added to AlwaysMod’s unique collection of 100% cotton bedding. Soothing and soft, the neutral and jewel toned colors of Silkkikuikka, Lumimarja, Satula, Blue Unikko and Brown Kaivo make a calm statement in any bedroom. In March we added bright red and graphic black and white print bedding so this month we take a new approach to catching some zzz’s with soft greys, cool blues, deep purples and a warm chocolate brown.

Marimekko Blue Unikko Bedding

Marimekko Lumimarja Bedding

Marimekko Satula Bedding

Marimekko Chocolate Brown Kaivo Bedding

Marimekko Mansikkavuoret by Maija & Kristina Isola

I just can’t get enough of the colorful strawberry-filled print so June’s 2011 desktop calendar features Marimekko’s Mansikkavouret print designed by Maija & Kristina Isola.  Let the red berry mountains, bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds cheer up your computer screen. Designed by Isola in 1969 after listening to The Beatles songs “Strawberry Fields” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”, this happy-go-lucky print is sure to perk-up any desktop! Love this pattern as much as I do?  Check out AlwaysMod for the matching Marimekko Vuori Backpack, Marimekko Mansikkavuoret Tea Towel Set, Marimekko Mansikkavuoret Throw Pillow and the Marimekko Blue Mansikkavuoret Fabric.

If you have a favorite pattern you’d like to see please let us know.

 Download in these sizes:

1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Download Wallpaper only:

1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

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

Marimekko Unikko Yellow/ Orange/ Pink Print Dress

Marimekko fans prepare to be dazzled as Australia based clothier, Mackenzie Mode, transforms Marimekko print fabric into beautiful cocktail dresses which literally sent me into a frock-induced frenzy. It’s true that Marimekko fabrics have wowed the world with bold prints and eye-popping colors since the 1950’s but you haven’t seen them quite like this before. Marimekko Unikko, Ruusupuu, Siirtolapuutarha, and Taikamylly prints come alive as structured cocktail and party dresses are expertly sewn from this iconic Finnish fabric. If you’d like to create your own garments using the fabric seen here, visit AlwaysMod.com which carries over 80 Marimekko cotton fabrics including the patterns used by Mackenzie Mode.

Are you a clever creative who’s sewn something great from Marimekko fabric? Send us a photo; we’d love to see what you’ve made!

Marimekko Ruusupuu Print Dress

Marimekko Siirtolapuutarha Print Dress

Marimekko Taikamylly Print Dress

Marimekko Red Unikko Print Dress

Marimekko Red/ Purple Unikko Print Dress

Photos via Etsy: Mackenzie Mode

New Marimekko Red Unikko Bedding

Brightening bedtime since the 1960′s, Marimekko rolls out a new line of bedding this season that is sure to send you to sleep in style. Catch some zzz’s on classic prints such as Unikko & Kaivo and cuddle up to the soft, 300 thread count sheets. Providing lasting design, Marimekko’s bold prints and punchy patterns never go out of style and to prove it, take a look at these great vintage bedding photos I found.

The new bedding is available on AlwaysMod.com in an array of sizes and colors but get yours before it’s too late because you know what they say…you snooze, you lose!

Vintage Marimekko Unikko Bedding

Vintage Marimekko Bedding

Photos via Flickr: Heath & the B.L.T. boys and peppermint kiss kiss

Photo taken from HollyBaby.com

Actress Kelly Rutheford from television’s Gossip Girl was seen taking a stroll with her baby daughter in New York while toting a Marimekko Unikko print tote bag. To learn more abut the print’s designer, Maija Isola and to search for more Unikko print bags, check out AlwaysMod.com.