In one of those typical-of-our-age instances of rabbit-hole internet’ing, I stumbled across a reference to The Rational Dress Society, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind ever since… The society was a reaction to the absolutely not-practical dressing standards imposed on women of the time (the late 1800s in Britain). Their self-described purpose was this: …
A brief history of my hair (and a realization I came to this weekend)
This past weekend was the Knot Another Fiber Festival at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. Sarah from Knot Another Hat organized it, and I went with Lorajean from Knitted Wit, and it was amazing. More on that in another blog post (because it was epically fun), but something happened that LJ and I talked about while driving home, and it’s …
The latest sew-stuff
I’m sewing at Lorajean’s studio once a month, and I was hoping that would inspire more off-the-cuff sewing, but that has not yet been the case. Which is fine, because I’ve gotten two dresses completely made at these sewing dates, but I have a wee pile of other stuff cut out that I’d love to get finished and off of …
Sewing goals and resolutions-ish
I’m not really interested in making actual “resolutions”, but the beginning of the year feels like a great time to go over plans, set goals, and refine strategies, doesn’t it? (Although, come to think of it, that sounds like another way to say “resolutions,” and that’s just fine with me.) I’ve been thinking about and working on my business goals …
How many is enough?
I could really be talking about anything when I posit that question: How many [insert handmade items I am obsessed with here] is enough? How many hand-made socks? How many ankle-length hand-made socks? How many shawls? How many cowls? But today, the question I am asking is: How many Dress No. 1’s is enough? And the answer is: hell if …
The fellowship of the dress
I talked earlier in the week about how much my crafty wardrobe means to me as a person learning to love and appreciate her body. But the art of the craft does so much for my insides, as well. Being a crafty person feeds so much inside of a person. Not only does one feel something in their soul sing …
On dresses and tattoos
I’m in my early 40s. I have two small kiddos. My body has never gotten back to where it was pre-kiddos, and that used to really bother me. Not in a “I-need-to-diet-and-exercise-around-the-clock” way, but more in a “I-never-feel-cute-or-comfortable-in-my-clothes” way. And then I discovered (via my bud Lorajean from Knitted Wit and our first glorious sewing day) the Dress No. 1 …
Addictive slaw recipe
When JJ and I first got to San Diego for TNNA in January, we stumbled upon this place called the Crack Shack. It’s a walk-up eatery window with a huge chicken out front, and it just kinda beckoned us (or maybe she clucked at us, whatever happened, we had to go). And, wow, were we glad we did. I got a …
My new favorite salad
When I was at TNNA with my Jae’s at the beginning of June, we discovered pretty much the most amazing lunch place ever. It’s called Little Eater, and it’s at the Columbus Market, and if you’re ever there, you absolutely need to go. They serve all kinds of yummy, vegetarian salads, using wholesome ancient grains and fresh produce. You get …
Make it: Breakfast for non-cereal-likers
View PostMake it: Veggie Broth
We like to make stuff round these parts, and the more things we make from scratch, the more we realize just how easy it can be. Sure, when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, it can be hard to justify making, and that’s ok. That’s what grocery stores and take-out Thai is for. …
Make it: Easy Earring Storage
I recently became obsessed with earrings. Which was kind of strange, as I hadn’t worn earrings with any regularity since college. Which was a long long time ago. BUT, I decided to be an earring-wearer once again, and began to amass earrings. Local artisans, Etsy-ites, earrings found in cute local boutiques. My earring collection grew exponentially, but I had no …