Do you remember that movie Julie & Julia? It was based on a blog that became a book about a woman (Julie) who worked her way through Julia Child's first cookbook. I feel that I too am working through recipes, but from Smitten Kitchen instead of The Art of French Cooking. Maybe they could call the sure-to-be-blockbuster movie Sanae and Deb: a crafty mama tries to bake better. Or Smitten with Deb. Yes, that has a nice ring to it. I demand that Lucy Liu or one of those girls from Ang Lee movies ... Read more
Plantable Valentine’s Arrows
Today, I have a little DIY for you: plantable valentine's arrows! In some ways, I feel like "Slap a heart on it" ends up summing up Valentine's Day items, but I am a self-professed lover of hearts. Have you seen my logo up there at the top of this page? It's actually a stamp that a friend made for me when I lived in Japan. It's one of my most prized possessions. She carved my name into stone in the style of a traditional Japanese stamp called inkan. I was so excited when she included that heart. ... Read more
Monday Outfit: Pink + Grey
Good morning! Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments on the 100 Dresses post -- I hope you had a fantastic weekend! I had such a fun-filled one of swimming with M and K, lunch at a friend's cozy home and a movie night with M. The thought of swimming in January would normally make me shudder, but the pool was heated to something like 90 degrees so it was quite pleasant... Let's talk about this week's Monday outfit, shall we? One of my utmost favorite color combinations is mustard ... Read more
Happy Friday + 100 Dresses
Happy Friday! Last week, I received a lovely request from a reader to feature a post about one of my previous art shows and of course I happily agreed. It was actually a joint show with my mother and happened way back in 2009...I dug through the archives and found some images, but let me start from the beginning. It's a little long, but I think it's an interesting story and hope you'll like it too - plus it's about sewing! My mother had almost given up on grandchildren. I had been with M for ... Read more
Quiet Day
Wednesday was a quiet day - it might have looked an awful lot like a lazy day. I'm feeling the onset of a cold and am trying to take it easy. Started some knitting. Thank you, Robin, the cowl pattern you recommended is so quick and satisfying. I'm nearly done and getting ready to block it. I think I've gotten over the sweater trauma. I'd also like to try this chunky cowl. Had too many cups of coffee and pieces of toast. Noticed that the paper white flowers started to bloom. I can't ... Read more