Thursday, June 30, 2011

Apples & Pears

I was so bored at work I read a bunch of articles about cockney slang, and had this song in my head the rest of the day.

Deals on wheels

A couple weeks ago (June 4th to be exact) on a rare hot day my cousin('s cousin, but that's kind of confusing) Lauren went on a grand adventure. First we stopped at the Remodelista market, where we sampled delicious jams and ice cream while checking out the wares of some of my favorite local companies. I personally came away with the conviction that I need to own a Portland Schoolhouse Electric Co. Ion lamp in black with an Edison bulb.




Then after exploring a stretch of E Burnside we drove over to N Williams and Failing to shop two infamous Portland vintage shops during their "Head to Tow" event. First we explored Lodekka, which had some great dresses and shoes. Honestly, I was kind of geeking out and making embarrassing Harry Potter Knight bus reference. How can you not love a double decker bus?




When we were finished Wanderlust was parked conveniently right outside, I talked them back in this post, and I bought this blue Samsonite Scadia bag on the cheap. I've used it a lot already, and it fits my laptop perfectly!




{Via Etsy, we could be twinners!}

Next Time I Need a Baby Shower Gift

I'm getting this:Perfect, right? It's the Modern White Baby Head Vase from the etsy shop Mudpuppy. They have an array of ceramic goodies that seem to fit my somewhat eccentric sensibilities. I also love these hanging planters-- they look like octopuses.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Living For the Weekend this Week.

I love Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside so much, and this is the first song of theirs I heard.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The Things She Sews Pt. 3

Last of all for today, I just finished my Beignet skirt from Colette Patterns, on Saturday.
I loved how this pattern turned out, although I was in between sizes and sized up, but I think I will do the next size down the next time I make this. I think my favorite detail is the fabric buttons I used--Be prepared for a whole post about my new fabric button obsession.

Hairsicles.

What if I cut my hair like Kate Lanphear's?

The Things She Sews Pt. 2

I also finally made an Amy Butler Weekender bag, which I have been wanting to do for a long long time!
I made the bag for my dear friend Jack before she had her sweet baby girl Grace. But silly me I didn't take and pictures of it! So here is a hint of it I cropped out of one of Jack's pictures. I used Amy Butler coral fabric with green cording, handles, and lining. I embroidered a line from "Mushaboom" by Feist on the lining and I did take a picture of that.
"We'll collect the moments one by one..."

I would say that out of all the advice I read about this pattern online (and there is a lot of it) I think the best trick this this one, that recommends using stitch witchery to create your cording.

Now I just need to pick out some fabric for my own bag!

The Things She Sews Pt. 1

Remember that little icon on the side of my blog that said I was participating in the Colette Spring Palette Challenge? Well now I can finally take it down. I finished the dress, but never blogged about it. Do any of my other sewing friends have this problem where you pick out a really awesome pattern and get all excited to make it, but upon finishing realize that it's not something you will ever really wear. This may be one of the reasons I end up giving up many of the things I make. For example this dress looks nice on this no-curves model, but is not quite as accommodating on my form.
From this view you can't tell as much, but from the side my chest holds the dress out and isn't too flattering. Plus I lengthened this, but the skirt is pretty short.
But I loved making this dress for all the details--I tried to get a detail picture above, but it is still hard to see because it is navy. But the whole top is filled with great pin-tuck and pleating details, and I am really happy with how it turned out--at least on the hanger. But maybe you are short and small chested and will come visit me and I will give it to you.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Hemming and Hawing

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, I am missing my computer charger and so have limited computer access, but I certainly have plenty I could talk about. But first I would be remiss if I didn't mention the lovely Jennifer who I interviewed for Colette patterns. Jennifer creates all the textiles for her line, Ermie, and you can read the interview here.

And I just love this dress, I think it is my favorite from her last collection, but her newest textiles look amazing too!

And I will try so hard to write some updates in the next few days! I love you all.