***abbytryagain***

I'm no seamstress....

but here's an easy fabric project.
     I got the idea from this site. 
     I had some gauzy cotton pieces around that I love but had no idea what to do with them. So I sewed them into a big square and peeled the edges of for a "frayed" look. Voila-instant springy scarf! I could make these all day long-so very easy. That site has some great patterns, too-I highly recommend poking around it.
    Another Japanese website that I am in love with is Coton Clothing. They post some very lovely outfits in the "pickup section". Here are my faves:

I found this cute site and this pretty site from them. I love Japanese style!

p.s. thank you for the overwhelming response to the last post. It was so kind of each and every one of you. I really wish I could answer each of you, but there is not enough time in the day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

on trying again

I couldn't sleep last night.
It was one of those nights, or I guess I should say it was one of those days.
Those days where I am confronted with the reality that I have no clue what I am doing here.
By here, I mean anywhere-the earth I guess.
Do you have those days?
I think was really did it for me was the fact the I realized, I mean really realized that I am terrified of having children.
Yup, extremely terrified.
Which, might be fine if I wasn't me. See I grew up in an extremely religious large family where it was taught and pretty much assumed that the girls would grow up and be wives and mothers. College wasn't discouraged-but let's just say that marriage and children were pretty much the main deal here.
And now, I really, really don't think that I want to have children. And that, my friends,  leaves me with the big old question-what am I going to do with my life?
Thus the no sleeping.
I realize that I've had this question looming in my head for oh-about 15 years now-but really, it is all enveloping at the moment.
So here I am-left to try again. What can I do besides that, right?
I just wanted to throw a huge thank you to all of you who are here silently or who leave comments or emails. Truly-you make my day. Thanks for letting me try again.
I am a procrastinator
awful seamstress
novice photographer
good cook
decent knitter
confused person
thanks for letting me share with you. Really.......peace.

more on uniforms

Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.  ~Epictetus
   
   Okay, okay, pretty cheesey quote, but true nonetheless-right?
   I'm happy to admit that my clothes are quickly catching up to the other parts of my life, and why shouldn't they? We try to know where our food comes from-and enjoy it all the more when I can buy it directly from the farmer at market. I like to frequent local shops whenever possible, supplying business to people who deserve it.  We eat, almost exclusively, at family run places. I'm lucky enough to work for a business woman  who happens to be a friend and neighbor. I am extremely fortunate to have a partner who supports and encourages this lifestyle. I am also very fortunate to live in a city where this is possible and embraced by many.
    I think it's only a matter of time before a "dress local" wave takes off.  Well, in many places it is definitely happening. I love the fact that I know exactly who made several of the dresses I wear. I also love buying baby clothes I know where hand made in Seattle and then individually screen printed by hand.  I love saving up and dreaming for something made by this talented woman  (I'm thinking this blouse or this dress ). I am also dreaming about something from this sewing goddess . So can I say it-can 2008 be the year of the "knowing where your clothes are from"?

Funny that a pair of really nice shoes make us feel good in our heads - at the extreme opposite end of our bodies.  ~Levende Waters

     Now knowing who made your skirt of who silk screened that vintage tie you bought may be easier and easier these days-but figuring out who made the shoes your wearing is really tough.  While I do love my Rogue boots and the fact that their company is Portland-based, I'm still unsure of where they are made.
    Anyone know any resources for good, handmade shoes? I would love to hear about them!
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few more things to share:
   I am absolutely in love with Koos shoes. Many other bloggers have posted about them-but you should check out their new spring and summer collection-so cute!
Here are my faves:



I wonder if I can make similar inserts for my boots?



I really MUST sew some simple skirts this spring!

I absolutely adore this scarf and this scarf  both woven by the talented yoo-ii.
And the photos in this blog post  are inspiring me to mix more colors!
Hope you are all well!
 

on uniforms

     Do you have a uniform?

     I'm pretty sure I go through uniform stages-I've done the vintage ironic tees with well worn jeans look, the -gasp- j. crew/gap/old navy prep, the thrift shop/forever 21 bargain hunter.....

     In more recent months I've been the short dress/long tunic over pants and/or leggings with boots girl. That's getting old and I am in search of a new uniform. I am, quite literally, drawn to traditional uniforms. I'm so in love with Old Town it is not even funny anymore. But it's Old Town's sister site, Tin House that really steals my heart. This dress has been reaching out to me lately.

    And then there's TOAST , who's new spring line is out. Here are my favorites (click on the image to enlarge it):

     I've also been finding great uniform ideas via flickr....this stunning number  by flour clothing makes my heart beat fast. I love this mix of patterns  as well as this gorgeous cowl.  Even the dog in this photo is inspiring!

    And I am always pointed in the right direction by the lovely mav, who reminded me of the drop dead sweetness of the always lovely, Sally Scott seen below:

What is your uniform?

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Last, but not least-Happy Birthday to my darling sister, Maci!

I love you :)

    

working overtime

     My silence here can be attributed to the fact that during my weekend I went on a business trip and returned straight back to work. AND our laundry machine is STILL a no-go so free time (what little there's been) has been spent doing that...and chores.....
    But the light is there at the end of the tunnel-I can see it-just a few more days of work-and I ordered the green machine so -next week, my friends, I just need to hold out until then.
     In the meantime-some loveliness for us:

Chalk, crayons, and hairpins all found at the lovely little shop kiosk .

This beautiful vintage desk tray found at WYETH .

This gorgeous journal available here.

I'm pretty sure I found these links through this beautiful blog.

OH-and did you see these glorious fashion photos via mav ?

Those are really just killing me-I love them so much. I grew up on little house in the prarie and loved all things pioneer, farm girl, country!  Just great.......

Hope you are all well!