Three Sheets 2 the Wind Trunk Show

BuyCincy, 26 Oct 2008
By Maya Drozdz

As we head [too quickly, it seems] into the chill of winter, it’s time to do a bit of much-needed nesting in our humble abodes. And what better excuse to support local, independent design AND catch a bargain than this weekend’s Three Sheets 2 the Wind Trunk Show? That’s right! The studio is celebrating its four-year anniversary of hand-crafted, Scandinavian-influenced design with a special sale and an exclusive sneak peek at the Spring 2009 line. The event will feature owner Jenny Sauer, on hand to answer any questions, and will take place at O’Bryonville’s MiCA and at MiCA 12/v in Over-the-Rhine. 

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design, Jenny Sauer became a women’s wear designer at Abercrombie & Fitch, and then a children’s wear designer at Stride Rite. Four years ago, she decided to take a leap into both academia and independent design. She now runs her own studio and serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Fashion Design at her alma mater.

HOW IT BEGAN
Jenny had a goal of running her own business by the time she was thirty. Four years ago, and a few months before her thirtieth birthday, she quit her full-time design job, moved from Chicago back to Cincinnati, and embarked on a fulfilling solo adventure. The development of her own company has taken her to high-profile events like the International Gift Fair in NYC and the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago. 

Her work has been lauded in the design press and is carried by high-end boutiques all over North America. Locally, MiCA in O’Bryonville and MiCA 12/v in Over-the-Rhine carry Jenny’s wares under the moniker Three Sheets 2 the Wind. Indeed, Carolyn and Mike Denninger, owners of MiCA and MiCA 12/v, have supported Jenny’s work from the very beginning. 

When describing her plunge into the world of independent design and her studio’s humble beginnings, Jenny repeatedly references how happy her decision has made her, and how much she appreciates the freedom she has afforded herself. Even while recounting challenges and the sorts of scary moments that small business owners inevitably face, she remains optimistic about her path. 

A “SINGLE-MINDED PASSION”
Jenny claims to have embraced “the more simple aspects of life” and, stepping inside her home, it’s obvious that, for Jenny, this “simplicity” is really a euphemism for “single-minded passion.” Evidence of her home-based business manifests itself in every nook and cranny, from the generous work table and storage in what would otherwise be the dining room, to the minimal decor that uses her own products to distinguished effect. In fact, the blurry line between Jenny’s life and her studio’s work is inspiring to witness, and it dovetails perfectly with her claim not to have felt comfortable in the typical corporate environment, with its clear delineation between creative work and the people who create it. 

Three Sheets 2 the Wind is probably best known for its distinctive line of screenprinted pillows, duvets, and decorative wall panels, each screenprinted by hand in Jenny’s East Walnut Hills studio. However, having studied fashion design at DAAP, Jenny also now designs and manufactures her own bags and skirts, using the same high-quality materials and embellished with the quirky plant-like motifs that have been her hallmark for the past four years. 

Three Sheets 2 the Wind uses local vendors and hand processes for a unique, unrefined aesthetic that, according to Jenny, “embodies the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi.” To that end, Jenny’s linen and cotton textiles are printed by hand with almost child-like illustrations of trees, plants and flowers. The irregularities inherent in screenprinting by hand add a charming, rough quality to the simple forms and retro-inspired colors of her line. According to Jenny, “Creating art is like life; neither is meant to be perfect.” 

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEKEND
For starters, discounts of 20-40% on Three Sheets 2 the Wind’s pillows and wall panels, and well as special one-off and experimental products created in Jenny’s studio. So, whether you’re rethinking your home accessories or starting to do some holiday shopping for your loved ones, now is the perfect time to stock up on some of Jenny’s unique design sensibility. 

This weekend also offers an exclusive glimpse at the studio’s Spring 2009 line, featuring skirts and bags, and marking Jenny’s foray back into fashion design. All items are made with the high-quality craftsmanship and design aesthetic for which the studio has become known. 

Friday night, 6-9 pm, Jenny and her work will be at MiCA 12/v at 1201 Vine St. in Over-the-Rhine. The Trunk Show is the perfect excuse to take part in Final Friday festivities at the area galleries, and well as to check out the specialty boutiques on Vine St., including the new Switch and Little Mahatma. 

Noon-5 pm on Saturday and noon-4 pm on Sunday, the Trunk Show will be at MiCA at 2039 Madison Rd. in O’Bryonville. MiCA is located in its own bustling retail district, perfect for an afternoon of eclectic shopping. 

WHAT’S NEXT?
Jenny continues teaching at the University of Cincinnati, which recently included a course that gave her students a real-life taste of developing their own distinctive lines — the results debuted at MiCA and MiCA 12/v a few months ago. She is now moving her practice back toward fashion design, as mentioned before.

The studio is currently phasing in a new, higher-quality Irish linen and is also starting to offer organic linen. In 2009, Jenny is switching to a new color palette and continuing to innovate in her quirky illustrations. She is also taking business courses in her [non-existent, we suspect] spare time.

PERFECT FOR?
Fans of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic looking for unique, locally produced design

WHERE TO GET IT?
Friday 31 Oct: MiCA 12/v, 102 Vine St., 6-9 pm
Saturday 1 Nov: MiCA contemporary craft, 2039 Madison Rd., 12-5 pm
Sunday 2 Nov: MiCA contemporary craft, 2039 Madison Rd., 12-4 pm

HOW MUCH?
Most items will be 20-40% off retail prices of $30-80