In Praise of Pattern
April 2012
If you stop and really take a good hard look, pattern surrounds your every move. From natural patterns in the clouds, to the tile under your feet, humans live in a world of pattern. At Kong Lung Trading, the patterns we love are the eye-catching, pretty patterns, culturally authentic patterns, and the surprising, fun patterns. We have traditional japanese kimonos, children’s security blankets, and even paper products with every type of pattern you can imagine. Starting to see a pattern here? Stop in to Kong Lung Trading to get your pattern fix today.
Patty’s Pick:
KIMONOS BY HANDPRINT
Handprint is a family run business that focuses on design and hand crafted textiles. Their workshop is designed with organic materials, open spaces and natural light to create an environment that inspires crafts people and designers. They develop new dyeing techniques, block and screen prints and machine and hand embroidery patterns. Their designers bring these indigenous techniques and traditional patterns together with a contemporary sensibility to design products for the global market.
Kimonos $75.00
Janet’s Pick:
COLOUR NATURE DISH TOWELS
Dish towels are not exciting. Or are they? Look at these beautiful, elegant, French-inspired, Indian woodblock-printed linens and try to not be impressed. Colour Nature has raised the bar on print and pattern with these highly sought-after kitchen accessories. They are available in many colors and prints and a constant crowd pleaser.
Colour Nature Dish Towels $15.00
Deborah’s Pick:
FORGOTTEN SHANGHAI
These “Fortune Cookie Boxes” are so fun with their bold prints and ingenious entry. Immediately you realize that these could function as coin purses, earring holders, key holders, etc. And with matching or complimentary mini-clutches, business cards and silk covered mirrors, your entire pocket book just got a very stylish overhaul.
Medium Fortune Cookie Boxes $ 8.00 • Silk Mini Clutch $35.00 • Business Card Holder $20.00 • Pocket Mirror $17.50
Olive & Mochi’s Pick:
SWANKIE BLANKIE
Susie Grant first produced the Swankie Blankie Security Blankets and Receiving Blankets for friends and family. Soon exclusive boutiques began carrying Swankie Blankie products as well.
These practical accessories are both well made and stylish, creating a luxurious appeal. All of these products are handmade in Texas with the utmost care and close attention to detail. Most importantly, all of Swankie Blankie products are machine washable and durable to provide lasting enjoyment for years to come. And they are Olive approved (right photo).
Receiving Blanket $80.00 • Security Blanket $32.50
Mr .Chow’s Pick:
RAG & BONE BINDERY
The Rag & Bone story begins with a gift, a hand-bound blank page journal Ilira Steinman made for Jason Thompson. Inspired, Jason began studying the art of bookbinding. Shortly after, he sold his first journals to a small stationery store in Providence.
Within a few years he added new book styles and bindings including Photo Albums and Guestbooks. He also added his wife Ilira. And their shared interest in the artful and handmade continues to feed the business.
Address Book $55.00 • Photo frame Album $60.00 • Guest Book $55.00
Book of the Month:
V&A PATTERN: KIMONO
The best of Paula Pryke’s classic and contemporary floral arrangements—in an accessible format to inspire novice and expert alike. Paula Pryke is unsurpassed in creating floral arrangements. Included are her signature contemporary designs as well as 
old-fashioned bouquets with a modern sense of color and form. Packed with ideas, skills, and techniques, this book explores the latest trends in floral design and encourages readers to let their personal style flourish with step-by-step instructions. Gorgeously illustrated, this compilation is an invaluable catalog of ideas and inspirations.