I dated a Zen monk-in-training for a brief period when I lived in San Francisco. He was brilliant, hilarious, foul-mouthed yet eloquent and used phrases like "we are copacetic," and I would tell him to knock it off with the pretension (and then I asked him what copacetic meant. It means "excellent", in case you didn't know either). We didn't mesh as a couple, but I treasured the friendship, and I greatly admired his commitment to meditation. Like yoga, meditation is something I've tried and ... Read more
2014 Retrospective: Sewing for Me
Before I put this collage together (thank you Rachel, for the Mosaic Maker recommendation -- it saved me about a zillion hours!), I had it in my mind that I didn't sew much for myself last year. And compared to 2013 which clocked in at 37 garments, I definitely sewed less at 36 garments for 2014, especially since I didn't start sewing for myself until May in 2013. So overall, my sewing output has been decreasing, but 36 items of clothing is still a pretty decent number, and what was ... Read more
2015 Secret Valentine Exchange!!
Last year, Ute and I teamed up to host a Secret Valentine Exchange, loosely based on a Scandinavian Secret Santa tradition called Julklapp. We had so much fun with nearly 40 participants (read the recap here) that we’re bringing it back for 2015! For this go around of the craft/sewing swap, we’re getting started a little earlier to give everyone more time. We’re keeping things pretty much the same as last year: once you sign up, Ute and I will assign folks (Ute and I will also be ... Read more
Happy Friday + Randomness
Happy 2015! I'm keeping it short today for various reasons, one of which is that I'm quite sad that my mom returned to Los Angeles yesterday after a two-week visit, and I fear I might get overly maudlin. Let's focus on this book with the bold claim to change my life through tidying, yes? I've been burned by these types of claims before, so you can imagine my skepticism. I finished reading it a couple of days ago, and I have to say, I was completely charmed. Marie Kondo is an organizing fanatic, ... Read more
2014 Retrospective: K’s Outfits (Part 2)
We're back with part 2 of K's 2014 Handmade Wardrobe! Let's jump right in: JULY Tennis (or Badminton) Whites Nautical Knit Halter AUGUST A Little Lace, A Little Boho Frances Newcombe Fabric (black and white) A Little on the Wild Side SEPTEMBER Galaxy Maxi (sewn in July, but posted much later) A Groovy Kind of Dress Big Joey Dresses (Grey + Red stripes / Animal Print) The Classic Combo OCTOBER Necessity Sewing (Rain Jacket, Long-Sleeves Tees, Denim ... Read more