© Lindsay Gardner

A multi-media artist, with a diverse range of skills, Sara Sandler-Greisberg makes all kinds of creations from paint, collage, vintage and repurposed textiles, and sewing. Since 2009, her main creative focus has been Grass & Clovers, a line of clothing for women and children, home accessories and soft goods that she lovingly co-founded with her mother, Deborah Fell. As a child in the 1970’s, Sara watched her mom’s creativity at work with her patchwork quilt business, “Strawberry Patch,” and was constantly surrounded with colorful fabrics and crafty activity. When she had her own daughters, Sara started making patchwork appliqué clothing repurposing the same vintage fabrics that she played with as a kid. Her sweet, detailed pieces embody modern bohemian life.

Tragically, in 2013, Deborah lost her battle with cancer. Despite this profound, life-changing loss, Sara has continued to be devoted to her own art practice and the expansion of Grass & Clovers. An incredible testament to the importance and beauty of all that she and her mom started together, and the creative spirit that is engrained in her. As you’ll see, her tools tell an especially meaningful, intergenerational story.

Here are Sara’s Five Favorite Tools, in her own words: 

1. Vintage Fabric. I always get inspired by looking at vintage fabrics- I love the feel, colors, textures and patterns-  especially in a piece like this- there is clearly a story behind it. Collecting remnants of old quilt pieces- once intended for a project and left abandoned. Someone took the time to cut these pieces, sew them together in such a way and left the final product unfinished..  I like to take these pieces and make them new again.

2. Flea Market Pin Cushion. I found this pin cushion  at the Pearl River Mart, when it was still in Soho. It really just spoke to me. up until finding it, I placed all my pins on this ugly tomato shaped pin cushion, and it had no soul. This pin cushion, with all its bright colors and cute little people always makes me smile- and brings me a bit back to my childhood. It is playful and sets the perfect tone for me to become inspired.

3. Color Wheel. My color wheel is a huge part of my every day life. I love working in color combos but need to make sure they work harmoniously! This color wheel has been with me since college!

4. Sewing Machine. This sewing machine is incredibly special and valuable to me. This was my mom’s sewing machine. She was the inspiration for everything that I do; I feel closer to her when I use this machine.

5. Sewing Scissors. These are the ONLY small scissors I use to trim loose threads or cut small pieces of fabric. The finger holes are perfectly rounded, the weight is just right and they are perfectly sharp. These were also my mothers scissors and I use them every single day.