Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. - William Morris This is a minuscule corner of my minuscule kitchen in my minuscule house. The uniformity and functionality and zen-ness make me happy. It is the only section that looks this organized in all 1500 square feet of space we call home. I use this small pantry every day, and I love how I can tell at a glance what requires replenishing, especially critical ingredients like dark ... Read more
Monday Outfit: Winter to Spring Transitional Dress
Good morning! How is your Monday treating you so far? I had a grand time this weekend, partying it up with K's little friends at a horse-riding birthday party. It sounds rather highfalutin but was actually very un-fancy and super fun. Held at a city park with a tiny animal farm, 10 girls got to ride a gentle pony for a couple of minutes each, and I have to say the show was stolen by Sunny, the 500-pound pig, snoring loudly in her pen. This week's outfit is a simple dress with vintage ... Read more
Happy Friday + Art Show Wrap-Up
Happy Friday, everyone! What a good week it's been. I taught ceramics to kindergartners yesterday, and they are the best. I love how there's no inhibition to ask for help, how they are all naturally brilliant artists. I say, "make an animal" or "create a story with just symbols and images" and there is no shortage of inspiration and they dive in with gusto. Not an iota of hesitation. So great. I have much to learn from these five-year-olds. My art show is wrapping up next week! I made ... Read more
Japanese Pattern Books – Part 1
So, I have a lot of Japanese pattern books. A lot. Today, I thought it might be fun to show you my library of beloved kids' pattern books (I also have a lot of pattern books for grown-ups...an intervention may be in order). I've gotten quite a few requests for recommendations, and though I can't claim to be any sort of expert, I have sewn a fair amount from most of these and have my faves (which I've shared with you at the very bottom). I plan on doing a more elaborate review that ... Read more
Sewing Inspiration
I get inspiration for the clothes I sew for K all over the place: my Pinterest boards are out of control, I look through my Japanese pattern books all the time, and I seem to get about a dozen catalogs in the mail every week (Anthropologie, Mini Boden and JCrew get the most attention). And don't get me started on all the blogs! But I am most inspired by people I see in passing. I can barely remember what I cooked for dinner the night before, but I rarely forget outfits. I've ... Read more