The Ribbonerie

On a fabulous Friday afternoon, the ladies trekked to the Ribbonerie, a San Francisco ribbon store.

This little shop really is filled to the brim with ribbons and trims of all sorts.

Many items would work perfectly for boutonnieres, or other wedding items. Lass C also enjoyed petting the shop's resident pups.

Bell'occhio

The first official LASS outing took place at the lovely boutique of Bell'occhio in San Francisco. Lass L had come across their website in one of her wanderings, and once it was noted they were local to us, it was quickly decided by the LASS founders that we had to go there in person.

The shop is full of all sorts of wonderful things for "the person who has everything." However, it is particularly suited for "the crafter who has everything," due their carefully edited collection of ribbons, particolored twines, gorgeous scissors, and adorable collection of tiny note cards and interesting envelopes.

Beyond the craft, they have some jewelery pieces, oversize, fuzzy boxes shaped like various fruits, and random other pieces of whimsy like mouches and crowns for bees.

Lass K quickly spotted a basket of interesting little pins, and as if clandestine, there were three, amazing scissor and tape measure pins which the three of us scooped up without hesitation.

Now, I wish that I could share more photos of the inside of the shop, which had a lovely "shabby chic," by way of dilapidated french look, but the quirky lady behind the counter politely turned down my request to photograph the shop. Apparently there was a concern of people copying their interior, which is sad, but I'm sure a reality. Anyhow, there is an old photo here on yelp, that can give one the idea of the shop. It doesn't really do it justice though, as the current shop has much more merchandise and has been changed about a bit, to be a touch more appealing.

One thing I found shocking about the shop, was that it wasn't really that expensive. Sure there were a couple of pieces that would make your pocket book wince, several I had to pass on due to their unpractical nature, but there were plenty of items that were appropriately priced, giving one only a slight pause before deciding to buy.

I picked up six uniquely shaped envelopes for 99cents, and had a brief conversation with the shop keeper about how they were purchased in New York, on their travels, and that they were sad, that this was the last of them. It's those kinds of notes that make the item that much more cool, and remind you why funny boutiques often cost a wee bit more.

Lass L picked up a lovely pair of drop pearl earrings for her mother (lucky...) and was delighted to see the shop lived up to their advertisement that "nary a parcel leaves the shop without our snappy signature gift wrapping."

It was like a ritual, watching them write the pretty receipt with a bit of a flourish, placing a custom sticker on the box, carefully tying the red bow, and slipping it into a neat little white bag. You know when you hear "it's all in the details?" Well, that is certainly true here, and I personally would say that if you're a crafter, or a lover of teeny, cute boutiques, that you shouldn't hesitate to stop by. Being that the store is just a hop and a skip from Flax anyway, you're probably in the neighborhood!

Taking care when wrapping gifts...is a gift!

Gifts are so much more lovely when well presented. A little thoughtfulness in packaging goes a long way with the recipient. I know I'm always tickled when a special friend has re-purposed or done something out of the ordinary when packing a present.

The most utilitarian gifts are given pizazz when wrapping is done well.

What do the Lass' use?

♠ Lass L uses a Baby Lock ES1. She especially likes the embroidery function.
♠ Lass K uses a Style-Mate Singer. It has been the taskmaster!
♠ Lass C uses a Tiny Tailor that was given to her by Lass K.

Lasses K & L also have baby lock sergers.

First Outing

Friday, August 28, 2009 will mark the first gathering of LASS.

We will visit Bell'ochio in San Francisco.

Aio, quantitas magna textilis.

The Ladies Amiable Skills Society manifested with an adept dedication to originating, perceiving, championing, generating, and chronicling all forms of creativity, imagination, genius, and general cleverness. We believe through coterie, that these ideals and actions can foster a society where it's brethren can be free to foster one self's own adroitness and celebrate abundance of bon temps.


The ancient order was formed by Lass L, our Most Puissant Sovereign Illustrious Grand Potentate, who will hence forth be referred to as The Top Banana, in interest of saving our planet's oxygen; Lass C , The Vague, Virtuous, and Valorous Vizier, who will henceforth be called The Big Cheese in the interest of saving valuable space on the internet; and Lass K, our Eerie, Esoteric, and Estimable Empress who has asked that all refer to her simply as The Grand Poobah, as she worries about the society's insurance rates, if they were to have too many cases of brutal tongue tyings. All three took a blood oath that they would faithfully serve the order until death, or until they found someone else to take care of their nonsense.

There are only three criteria for membership in the society, and are as follows:

• one must be good-natured,
• have good hygiene, and
  
• be invited

If the above three are met, then the loyal order will send out a formal invitation to the pledge, and once the invitation is accepted, the secret and enigmatic rituals will be performed that grant one full membership in The Ladies Amiable Skills Society.

Events are scheduled on an inspirational basis, and attendance is not mandatory, however it is thought to be quite convivial. Members may bring guests to events as long as they are charming, or in the very least, not obnoxious.

Above all, we're about the fun and the laughs. Good times....