Philo's Miscellany (closed)

all's well that ends well

2008-09-08T21:35:00.001-05:00

"Happy St. Patty's Day" - famous last words? Well, I hope as much has happened in your life since then as has in mine. While I'd like to start blogging again, I feel that this blog has run its course.

Have you ever used Wordle? (If you haven't, you really must check it out - it is too cool.) A while back I stumbled upon it and entered this blog on a whim, creating the word cloud below. I was surprised by how visceral and emotional my response to the words were. Tight-celebrations-prayers-nonetheless-family-cabbage-like-love-dread. These words are a record of my life; they are why I've loved this blog - and yet I find that I no longer have the time nor energy to keep it up.

Not only have my life and schedule changed in the last months(and they have!), but my ideas for blogging have as well. As relates to creativity, I've used this blog mostly to record the end product. Now I find I am just as interested in the creative process - the inspiration, the frustrations, the happy accidents. I want to record all the little mundane things that interest and inspire me - light patterns, poems, music, textures - all the little nothings and nobodies, without the pressure to wait until I am "somebody" with "something" to say.

So goodbye for now, but please visit and say hello to me here: I'm Nobody Too

happy st. patty's day

2008-03-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! Although I must say, it hardly feels like it, without a smidgen of corned beef or cabbage in the house. Natheless, I bring you a wee bit of Ireland today, with the film Once:

Finally saw this film just this weekend, although I can say I had heard of it before the Oscars. ;) If you're not familiar with it, it's an indie film released last summer that tells the story of two musicians who meet on the streets of Dublin. The title refers to those things we put off until "once" this or that happens.

A lot could be and has been said about this film, although I much of the film's beauty is in what is left unsaid. I really liked it. It had a simple, understated realism about it that I love in films - the same thing I like about Bella and Dear Frankie. The soundtrack is beautiful, lyrical without sentimentality. And I love Glen Hansard's and Markéta Irglová's wardrobes - but especially Hansard's. A cardigan, blue jeans and scarf - what more do you need?

Good stuff. Anyone else seen this film?

information overload

2008-03-09T16:26:00.002-05:00

You know how you put something off so long, not because you dread it but just because, but it's so long overdue that you begin to dread it, which makes you put it off more and dread it more? That's what this post is like. I miss you all so much though that I've decided to face the dread and do it. Here's a glimpse of what the past 2 weeks have held for me:

A trip to Kewanee for my cousin's funeral. Thanks for your prayers, all.

My birthday! I'm 23 now, which feels very in-between, both old and young. Mixed feelings about that.

As a part of the birthday celebrations, I and some friends went to see Penelope. SUCH a good movie. I think I enjoyed the design as much or more than the story line - Penelope looks like she lives in Anthropologie. The story was great too, though. And James McAvoy? swoon.

One of my dearest friends was in town last weekend. We didn't get done half the things we wanted, but the stolen moments were sweet.

Spent a week being sick with 3 different things. Blah.

Had the first two rehearsals for a play I'm directing and costuming with my youth group. Directing is new to me, but I'm enjoying it. After only two rehearsals, the kids have grown so much, which is really exciting. Tonight we have our first costume meeting, which is even MORE exciting!

Collecting beautiful images and dreaming up some designs. I'd love to make some clothing this summer, but everything is so up in the air that I can't promise anything.

Sighing hopelessly over Martha's spring-cleaning sale. Sigh.

Neglecting my sewing. Sigh.

Read My Name is Asher Lev (a birthday gift), which gave lot to think and ponder on concerning art and the life of the artist. Hang tight, quotes may be forthcoming.

And other things, like applications and cover letters, but I won't bore you with the sordid details. The upcoming week is also very full - my sister's spring break, more rehearsals, babysitting for the first half of the week, and another friend coming in at the end of the week. So don't be surprised if you don't hear from me - I'm way behind on checking blogs, too. Nonetheless, take care, all!

resonance

2008-02-26T17:45:00.003-06:00

res·o·nance: the comparatively large-amplituted vibration that results whenever the frequency of some driving force closely matches a natural oscillation frequency of the system on which it acts

1. Untitled, 2. Untitled, 3. 02.02.08 birds {2}, 4. boots by sink

Thanks everyone. Some links and images with which I felt particular resonance lately:

Rethinking wardrobe through Abby's discussion of uniforms.
Yet another amazing artist collaboration. I love that this one was started with an awareness of difference, not similarity.
Taking stock of the time in ceramics
My current fashion inspiration: natural, nerdy chic
Jen's daughter is clearly every bit as cool as her mother.
It's my birthday this weekend. I wonder if it's too late to add this to my wishlist?

2008-02-23T07:25:00.000-06:00

I had a post all planned on how I was going to thank you all for your lovely bits of encouragement, ~~whine~~ talk about my lonely-hearts Valentine's Day, and share some links of courageous creativity.

But then earlier this week we got a call about a sudden death in my family, a cousin of mine. It's come as a shock, and I'd appreciate your prayers for his family and ours. In the meantime, I'll be taking a bit of a break. Take care all.

courage and creativity

2008-02-11T21:26:00.000-06:00

"But courage and creativity are linked, for all serious creation requires intellectual courage. It is frightening to enter your workroom early in the morning and face an empty canvas, a blank sheet of paper, or a score sheet, knowing that must inscribe the marks of a completely original work. The fact that you have done it before helps, if only in the sense that you know you can do it. But this never quite removes the fear."
~Paul Johnson, Creators

Bugger. I had already written this quote to post today when I got some discouraging news. The play for which I was hoping to intern (in costumes) this summer was cancelled. I'm not sure where that leaves me - I'll have to email my contact and see if they'd still be needing an intern. I hadn't even filled out the aps yet, but I've been looking forward to it for some time so it's discouraging nonetheless.

On a happier note, thank you all for the ENcouraging comments on my latest dress. Some people expressed interest in techniques for sewing with knits, so I may post that soon. Take care all!

she sews, she knits, she sews knits

2008-02-10T14:25:00.000-06:00

After wearing this dress twice without any decent pictures, today I finally snatched it off my bedroom floor (where else would it be while waiting to be washed?), put it on the dress form, and snapped away. Please excuse the lint and wrinkles.

This is my first time working with a knit fabric, something I've been meaning to do for some time. As is my tendency, I did a fair bit of research before starting. Some of it was helpful, but most of it only succeeded in intimidating me. Instead I ended up working from my observations of ready-to-wear garments, with healthy dose of instinct thrown in.

I still need to work on my finishing techniques (is there a way to finish crosswise seams without rippling?), but for a first try I'm really, really, happy with the results. And in love with my twin needle. And stabilizing elastic.

Also, this was my first Built by Wendy pattern (lengthened and altered for knit, of course). There's a lot of good stuff I could say here, but I think I'll save it for another post. Let's just say I'm eagerly looking forward to her next book.

I love, love, love this dress! The fabric is a very fine black cotton rib, heavier than a jersey but not quite a sweater knit. It's so comfortable, and it's the perfect dress up/dress down piece. Now I just have to come up with a name for it. Did I mention that I love it?

Okay, so these pictures are decent, just my hair isn't! Thanks, Dad!

but let a splinter swerve -

2008-02-06T12:50:00.000-06:00

I love getting mail. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was when a package came last week from my dear friend Heidi, containing (among other things) a new inspiration journal. With blank, unlined pages. In eggplant purple.

Thank you, my dear. It's perfect. I inaugurated it by copying this poem into it.

Speaking of poems, I've also added a booklist to the sidebar on my blogger account. Although it doesn't come up much here, my training is in literature. I think the main reason it doesn't come up much is because my artistic expression doesn't match my training: I'm no writer.

Still, my study and enjoyment of story heavily influences my work. I love reading the textures and nuances of the page and interpretting them in fabric. With a pen I will never match the wit of Austen, the poignancy of Dickinson, or the raw honesty of Eliot. But with a needle in hand and their words in my heart, at least I can attempt it.

I've just finished This Heavy Silence, a new novel that speaks of remorse and forgiveness without ever falling into sentimentalism. Next up: Creators by Paul Johnson. What are you reading lately, and how does it influence your work?

cowl = cow + l, rhymes with towel

2008-01-29T21:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement on the last post. It's refreshing to know that others struggle with the same things. The blogging community is a wonderful, inspiring place, but it poses a trap in the temptation to blindly follow others' work. I think that Blanche said a true thing: we create "unique art by building on or breaking down what already exist[s]." It's the consciousness of that process that I want to work on most.

After all that, I feel somewhat phony posting a project so directly inspired by others' work! After seeing the lovely cowls of Jenny and Ellybeth, though, I couldn't wait to make one for myself. Finding the right yarn slowed me down a bit - originally I thought green, but greens are tricky and nothing I found would suit. I settled on Nature's Choice organic cotton in Walnut, using a textured stitch to liven up the "putty-colored yarn" (my sister's words - thanks M).

While I love the way the cowl turned out, I'm still not quite sold on the yarn. I was excited at the outset - an all natural yarn that's readily available and doesn't cost a fortune! As soon as I started knitting with it, though, it began pilling. It is very soft and drapey and the stitch pattern distracts from the pilling somewhat, but still . . .

I shouldn't complain too much, though - seeing as I've worn it with everything the past 3 days! I wanted a more drapey, pashmina effect than the "orignals," and I'm quite pleased with the window-pane stitch I developed for it. It also looks great with the sewing project I finished up this weekend - but more on that later!

Note: Title is taken from a conversation with the 6-year old twins I babysit for. "Whatchya makin'? A cow?!?"

2008-01-23T21:09:00.000-06:00

One of the things that is becoming more important to me is that of recording my own inspiration. As much as I love all of you, I do have somewhat of a mockingbird complex - I tend to mimic and imitate those artists that I find beautiful, losing track of my own "voice" in the process.

Now of course, there is "nothing new under the sun" - art is not made in a vacuum, and we all work from inspiration and influences. I don't claim to be immune from that. What I need to work on is being conscientious about finding and recording inspirations from my daily life, instead of living vicariously through others' work.

Simple as it is, this is somewhat scary for me. Most of the people I know would classify me as someone with a defined sense of personal style and asthetic. So to admit that it's not always the case, to revisit and critically analyze that definition, is something very daunting indeed.

january

2008-01-17T22:20:00.000-06:00

Now, normally I'd have to take issue with Eliot and argue for January as the cruelest month. This batch of links has tempted me to reconsider, however . . .

1. frozen lake, 2. Joyeux anniversaire, 3. beginning., 4. Photo Swap

an international photo swap
pumpkin butter and granola recipes - perfect for a snowed-in day, and not too tough on the new year's resolutions, either
as 3191 starts a new year, the Noticing Project makes its debut
before you throw that calendar out . . .
beautiful knitting patterns to curl up with
new-to-me photo blogger so perfectly captures the city (favorites here and here)
Jenny's beautiful reflection on generational craft

catching up

2008-01-16T20:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks everyone for your sweet words on the Lady Susan dress! And thanks especially for all the advice on cleaning the machine - I'll definitely be trying your ideas!

It feels somewhat ridiculous starting a new year playing catch-up, but heh - story of my life. Here's a glimpse of what I've been up to:

Christmas here was quiet, but lovely. Spent at home with the few family members still in the area - and plenty of long-distance phone calls! Many lovely gifts were received by all, including some books and a new camera for me (whee!).

My sister's birthday. She's a jazz musician (vocals and guitar), so I made her an Irving-Berlin-themed bangle which I love, and I hope she does too. Made with Casey's tutorial and an old music theatre encyclopedia - it was too much fun picking out all our favorite Berlin tunes and finding space for them! (More pictures here.)

Lots of outings, movies, and theatre. Our parents took us to see Wicked, which was very entertaining (and talk about getting a soundtrack stuck one's head!). Hephaestus was, like everything Lookingglass does, fantastic. It was more circus than play - think Cirque du Soliel woven into a story, and happening only 20 feet away (often closer). Excellent choice, using circus arts to tell the story of the exiled cripple god . . .

And here I am, left only slightly dazed and confused after all the activity and inspiration of the past weeks. There's a lot of work I've been neglecting - organization and paperwork stuff, business stuff, portfolio stuff. I'm slightly daunted but energized for the work ahead, ready to get down to business. Happy new year, all!

lady susan

2008-01-10T17:30:00.000-06:00

Phew! It's been forever since I posted! My sister has been on break from college, and we've really enjoyed just kicking back, seeing the city, and watching old movies. Before I go into any of that these dress pictures are long overdue! Here at last is the Jane Austen bridesmaid dress, a private commission I took on during December, using red velvet and Jenny Chancey's Simplicity 4055.

My client has almost the same measurements as me, so I took the liberty of taking some pictures before I handed it off. Thanks so much to Tracey for helping with the photography! Incidentally, all of the pictures were taken at my sister's dorm - pretty fly for college housing, no? Anyway, the lighting/camera weren't the best, so a majority of the indoor pics didn't turn out. It's just as well, I suppose, as we did tend to get carried away . . .

A lot of my interest in sewing stems from the costume world. As a young literary-minded girl I swooned over the romantic fashions of costume dramas, and for some years in junior high, I wanted to be Kate Beckinsale's Emma. Besides, all of us like to play dress-up every once and a while, no? So it was really fun to revisit that fascination with this dress.

Overall, it came together nicely, but the dress certainly has left its mark - literally. Not only is the studio filled with red velvet fuzzies, but my poor machine bed is now stained pink! I tried using rubbing alchohol which helped, but the plastic seems to have absorbed some color. Moo.

(Btw, kudos to anyone who recognizes the novel this post is named after! I thought the dress's crimson color was well suited to the brazen lady.)

i'm still here

2008-01-03T13:30:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year, all! Yes, I am alive - just enjoying some R&R with the family. I'm getting into the swing of things again (there's nothing like cleaning out the studio to get one's jive on), so I should be up in full posting mode again soon. But before the madness begins, sit back with me and enjoy the serenity of these pictures.

tidings

2007-12-25T00:13:00.000-06:00

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Merry Christmas, all! Wishing you all a holiday of remembrance, comfort, and joy.

(Expect regular posting to resume sometime within the next week, including more pictures of the Jane Austen bridesmaid dress!)

flurries

2007-12-18T16:50:00.000-06:00

Both the snow kind and the activity kind!

First off, a big thank you and hello to all my new visitors! Yesterday, the Marta purse was featured on Etsy's front page, as a part of a treasury made by Spongetta. It's such an honor to have my work featured among such beautiful pieces. Unfortunately, I was out for the day and missed seeing it myself! Casey was kind enough to capture it for me, though, and you can view the treasury itself here.

So what between filling orders and finishing this bridesmaid's dress, I've become quite the busy bee! Thankfully I've got a pretty good head start on my own Christmas shopping. Still, my week is pretty packed, and so in case I don't "speak" to you all before then: Merry Christmas!

Christmas time is here . . .

2007-12-03T22:55:00.000-06:00

Note: I had this post typed up last Thursday night, and then I fell off the face of the earth. Actually, it was hardly that dramatic, but almost as stressful - company, unexpected weather, and lots of work (subbing and a last-minute dress commission). Sorry for the absence!

Christmas time is here . . . Happiness and cheer . . . Isn't that such a great song? For me, it perfectly captures the soft, subtle excitement that creeps over me as the Advent season approaches. And links like these only add to the excitement!

Simple and elegant gift wrapping ideas from A Little Hut (3 separate links). Keep an eye on this one, she's promised more!
Lime and red: a fresh twist on the traditional color scheme
I've always disliked earmuffs, but one look at these was enough to stop me in my tracks AND change my mind. The store offered a much wider range of cheery tweeds. Way over priced, but these shouldn't be impossible to make, right?
Easy and adorable stacking trees. It doesn't get much easier than that, does it? Check out Calvin's version!
Last year I was fascinated by 3D snowflakes, this year it's paper ornaments that are just as cool and even easier
And finally, isn't this photo from Jenny enough to get you into a creative Christmas mood? If not, check out her one-hour challenge!

Note2: At this point in the post, I began to innumerate my Christmas project ideas, along with a slight musing on how busy life gets and how little I actually accomplish. I consider the events of this last week proof of that musing, and shall henceforth not tell of my projects until they are DONE.

Merry Christmas crafting, all!

enchanting enchanted

2007-11-26T23:53:00.000-06:00

Alright, so the Christmas links will have to wait until later this week. I'm coming across so many lovely ideas and inspiration, I'm having trouble editting my list! My own head is spinning with ideas and inspiration as well - we'll see what comes of it all! In the meantime, I can deliver on the promised movie review:

So after the company had left on Thanksgiving, the four of us rolled over to see Enchanted. I'd been looking forward to this one since the trailer first came out this summer, and overall I'd say it didn't disappoint. Amy Adams was the perfect Disney princess, and the only criticism for James Marsden as the archetypal prince was that he a had a trifle too much personality.

Nathaniel: Sire, do you . . . like yourself?
Prince Edward: What's not to like?
Prince Edward: I don't know what 'melodramatic' means.

It ended up being slightly more chick-flicky and less spoofish than I would've preferred, but still a great film. If you're at all a Disney fan, you'll smile at the many classic touches. And it won't take a genius to figure out my favorite part (click if you have no objections to spoilers). I highly recommend! Warning: the soundtrack WILL be stuck in your head for days.

open for business

2007-11-24T18:05:00.000-06:00

It's here! The Felicitous shop is open for business!

Featuring, of course, my cabled bags. I decided to offer just the purse size, since so many people expressed concerns over the sturdiness of a tote (actually, I have a tote that I made for myself and it's held up great - but if a buyer has concerns they won't buy!). I figure if these go over well I'll work on a tote design for the spring.

For the holiday line I've offered four new designs, but there are only a couple of each design available, so take a look!

Thanks so much, all of you, for your encouragement and help throughout this process. I couldn't have done it without you. I'm going to take a good Sabbath-rest tomorrow. Expect me back on Monday with some Christmas links, plus a mini-review of Enchanted! Have a great weekend, all!

happy thanksgiving

2007-11-22T23:40:00.000-06:00

A few of the many, many things I am grateful for this year:

an agile mind, a creative eye and able hands
a family that loves and encourages me
dear friends, spread around the world, but a delight to the heart
new friends, willing to work past the kinks of first acquaintances
realized goals
the promise of tomorrow
cranberry sauce. and pumpkin cheesecake.

What are you thankful for just now? Even if you didn't celebrate this American tradition with cranberry sauce today, what reasons do you have to be grateful?

psst

2007-11-20T23:28:00.000-06:00

alternate title for this post: "Yes I am alive."
Much love to you all!

once upon a friday

2007-11-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Do you ever get worried about something, and then find you can't remember what it's about?

*Sigh.* One of the many indicators that I am over-committed. Ah well, at least there are thing like new shoes to make us happy. ;)

Some fashion links for your Friday:

Ambika marks the renaissance of the ruff
the coolest cabled bangle ever, made with this tutorial. You'd think with all the cables I've been knitting that I'd be sick of them, but I can't wait to try this!
this Pierrot-inspired dress is anything but clownish (the black bow at the neck is my favorite touch)
The Sartorialist gives a nod to DIY fashion (and incidentally, these are the coolest pants)

Thanks again to everyone for your poll participation! I'll be releasing a link to my shop this weekend, aiming for a shop opening next weekend. Stay tuned!

clinging to autumn

2007-11-12T09:30:00.000-06:00

These pictures reflect a quietness I only wish my weekend possessed . . .

The last is of my poor neglected dress project. Although it still looks like fall, the weather has turned too bitter for cotton shifts, and so in light of the work I have to do this one has been shelved. Pooh. :(

Don't forget to participate in the shop poll, and thanks everyone for their help so far!

you heard right!

2007-11-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the absence, I've been busily knitting away in the anticipation of opening my shop!

Yes, you heard right. I've been scheming and stalling long enough - barring extraneous circumstances, the felicitous shop should be up and running by the holidays! The shop will open with some of my immensely popular cabled bags. I've been working on some new designs to release, while at the same time considering the possibility of offering patterns of these designs, sometime after the new year (thanks for the idea, Casey!). Here's a not-so-sneaky sneak peek:

In the meantime, I have a question for you all. (Nothing like multi-tasking and using your blog for a little market research.) In an ideal world, where you could purchase as many cabled bags as you would like, which would you be more inclined to buy?

A cabled purse, approx. 10" wide by 11" deep (handles included, bag portion measuring 7 1/2" deep)
A cabled tote , approx. 10" wide by 16" deep (handles included, bag portion measuring 12 1/2" deep), for a slightly higher price

You can participate either through the poll in the sidebar or by elaborating in the comments section of this post. Thanks everyone, and have a great Friday!

scheming

2007-11-04T14:07:00.000-06:00

Thanks everyone for your comments, emails, and phone calls of encouragement! My first day of substitute teaching went well, with very little to report. Each of the two teachers I subbed for had scheduled tests or quizzes for the day. So it was essentially like babysitting, just bigger kids and less to do. Highlights of the day: the student who said she liked my scarf and the young man in the faculty lounge that initiated conversation during lunch.

So what do you do sitting at the front of a classroom for an hour with nothing to do but tell teenagers to be quiet? If you're me, your make lists. And at this time of year, most of my lists involve - Christmas gifts! Here are some links to get you ready for the season:

Sew, Mama, Sew is hosting Handmade Holidays: 100+ sewing tutorials compiled and presented over the 30 days of November. I've already found ideas for people on my list . . . better start crafting!
Creature Comforts' Holiday Gift Guide. Her blog is already proof of her excellent taste - now she lets us in on her sources!
As long as you're making/buying all these handmade items, why not take the Handmade Pledge? (Unfortunately, I'm not taking the pledge myself - there are too many bibliophiles in my family to make that feasible!)

And while we're on the subject of handmade, I'm thinking (hoping?dreaming?deluding?) of opening my own handmade shop by the holidays! I'm going to see how much I get done this week and update you by the end of it! (I may also be asking some opinion polls, so start getting opinionated!)

P.S. I'd like to apologize to my mother, whose favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and who (with me, actually) hates to see the Christmas hype starting earlier and earlier each year. Sorry, Mom.

nerves

2007-11-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I went in to apply for subbing at the local high school yesterday, and today, they called me! (Random reason #152 that I'm glad I didn't go to the public high school: They don't even ask for references from their subs! I mean, they fingerprint you, yes, but still . . . not a single one.) Anywho, I go in tomorrow for my first full day of substitute teaching . . .

So I'm a little nervous, but I'm trying to get all my nerves out tonight. At least it's an English class, not physics or philosophy or P.E. In the words of a friend (and former teacher) of mine, "It's like being around rabid animals: you can't let them see that you're afraid." Still (and as always), I appreciate your support!

tricks 'n' treats

2007-10-31T16:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks everyone for sweet comments on my latest dress. I'm working on another one, so unless I get derailed you can expect more soon!

I always find it interesting and oftentimes revealing to look at my Flickr favorites and recognize the common strains of inspiration. Right now, I'm being inspired by: soft, filtered light, the natural world of leaves, flowers, butterflies and moths, muted autumnal colors (duh), and simple cotton dresses (double duh). Other inspirations:

The layered looks of flour clothing's fall/winter collection. Honestly, I want to dress this way. I especially love her incorporation of vintage fabrics, several of which look like they could have come from my grandmother's attic!
Spreading a little serendipity. Although I honestly hope none of them read "Your romantic life will soon take a turn for the better." I've received that one WAY too often lately (and been disappointed). (via)
I love many things about Martha's work, but I especially love the way she records her processes and inspirations. Looking at these images challenges me to be more bold, to get my ideas down in pen and ink (or needle and thread!).
Mmm. Autumn seems the perfect season for soups, and this butternut squash recipe has definitely made it to the "must-try" list.

How about you? What are your current strains of inspiration (visual or otherwise)?

the Limberlost dress

2007-10-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever read the novel A Girl of the Limberlost? Written by Gene Stratton Porter at the turn of the century, it tells the tale of Elnora Comstock, a girl who lives and collects moths at the edge of Indiana's Limberlost Swamp. Longing to educate herself and yet emotionally estranged from her mother, Elnora portrays with a more mature range of emotions than other heroines she might be compared to, giving her tale a haunting and bittersweet tone.

I don't know what it is about it - the old-fashioned drama of the long bishop sleeves, the pale green color reminiscent of the Luna moths that Elnora collects, or merely the nature-lust that this time of year so easily excites in me - but I've named my latest dress the Limberlost dress in honor of the book.

Actually, the pattern is one of 4 vintage maternity patterns which I've inherited from my mother. I'd already been eying this pattern when Jenny posted about being inspired by her mom's maternity patterns. And after seeing the Lyell fall '07 collection, I knew it had to be made. Although the pattern is 3 sizes too small for me, the extra fullness in the body meant it required only a little altering through the sleeve and bust area. All the seams are finished with either French seams or bias trim. I don't care if volume is going out, I absolutely love this dress! (More photos here.)

In other news, I find myself with very little time to enjoy the beautiful fall that is emerging around me. I made up my mind some time ago to settle with temporary employment for the next year, while I try to make my way into the world of theatre and costuming. So in the meantime I've been giving private sewing lessons, and I have just finally been approved to substitute teach. I've also been coming up with some new designs of my cabled bags, toying with the idea of offering them for sale. Whatever comes of it, you'll be sure to hear of it here!

This last shot embodies the best of autumn for me - dappled sunlight, brilliant color, and a good book. What does your perfect autumn day look like?

Bella

2007-10-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

Le sister and I went this weekend to see the film Bella. Wow.

The title is perfectly apt - it's the most beautiful film I've seen in the theatre in a long, long time. The filming, the music, the pacing - everything worked together as a simple celebration of the beauty of ordinary life. Never too heavy-handed, never sappy nor harsh, simply real and beautiful. I heartily recommend! It's a limited release film, so if you're able be sure to see it soon!

(I also I finished one dress, started a new one and took pictures of the one I finished this weekend. I'll be posting soon!)

one stitch at a time

2007-10-24T18:14:00.000-05:00

Note to self (and all who would profit by it - the lesson transfers to other skills): If you're using fusible interfacing on a neckband and it looks like this, do not pass go, do not collect $200. But most importantly, DO NOT SEW THE BAND TO THE GARMENT. Do not think that it doesn't matter, you can work around it, you won't notice it. Doing such will only lead to wasted work and eventual frustration. On the other hand, do not start cutting out a new neckabnd or interfacing immediately once you have realized your error. Doing such will result in slipshod, anxty work and eventual self-destruction.

What to do in such a situation: Stop. Do only enough tidying up of the workspace to make it neat when you return to it. Leave the workspace. Savor your favorite movie. A good night's rest is highly recommended.

The next morning, DO NOT avoid or ignore the project, thinking it will go away. If you do, it will, and you'll never finish. Re-assess the situation and, in a calm and deliberate manner, do what it takes to fix it. If this means using up all your back-up material on a new collar, do so. Take the problem (and the decisions) one stitch at a time. Trust me, it's worth it.

Sigh. What I have to go through to remind myself of this. In happier news, just look at what I found at the library's used book sale last week! The best part about it? I already own vol. 1!

P.S. I don't know if anyone who reads this is from S. Cal, but I'm sure many have friends and family (myself included) that have been affected by the fires. Drop a line here if you do: you're in my prayers!

links to brighten life

2007-10-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted a good youtube video, so I thought y'all would enjoy this. This one's pretty hard not to smile at:

chronicling everyday textures at port2port
homemade bath tutorials: yes, please.
I've heard a lot about this book elsewhere, but nothing beats a review with pictures
have I ever confessed that I'm a food blog voyuer?
visually stunning: the photobook of Belle Simplicity
how high can you count?
currently sporting a cartoon as my screensaver, in efforts to prevent procrastination (via)

let's fly, let's fly away

2007-10-16T21:23:00.000-05:00

Weather-wise it's such a lovely day
You just say the words and we'll beat the birds
Down to Acapulco Bay

Sorry it took me a while to post this project, I didn't want to spoil the surprise and had to wait for delivery to its recipient. ;) Meet the "Come Fly with Me" tote.

The whole project was inspired by and designed the green feathered fabric, a scrap that was found during a purging session at the theatre. Immediately I knew I wanted to make something from it, and for whom: my dearest friend H, who graduated with me and started grad school this fall (in arts administration). H was an incredible support to me, encouraging me to pursue costuming, and I wanted to give her something that not only represented but manifested some of that.

Some details on construction: For the bird I used this reverse applique technique, with slight modifications (basically, adding several layers of interfacing to accommodate the differences between tote bag and t-shirt!). Before this, the brown fabric was free motion machine embroidered (the "cloud" texture) and then interfaced, so that neither the fabric nor the stitching would fray when the applique was cut. Did I mention adding interfacing? :D

The bag also includes a zippered pocket in the lining, which I love! And using Lisa's tutorial, it was super easy to make. I should have gotten better pictures of it; it adds so much to the finished bag. (The lining is also made from recycled sheets - lightweight but sturdy!)

It seems cliche sometimes even to feel it, but saying goodbye is a difficult thing. I knew I would miss a lot, leaving college and the friends I had made, but one of the hardest things I anticipated was the shift of creative atmosphere. Friendships like H's built up a fertile and supportive environment for creativity. We cannot, however, dwell on stolen moments. The much better alternative is to take those memories and friendships with us, giving flight to even greater creative journeys.

Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue . . .

ode to an elm

2007-10-10T18:47:00.000-05:00

I've always found it rather interesting that, as an artist, one is regularly called upon to renounce and reduce what one loves most, the subject and media of one's art. A collagist must literally cut his papers and collected items to arrange a new item of beauty. An author must reduce his word count for that which he keeps to deliver force. A photographer must eliminate items from his composition. An aroborist must prune in order for a tree to flower and produce to its utmost.

In recent weeks, we have had to cut down one of our trees. The lovely, ginormous, multi-trunked elm tree that graced the view outside my window, specifically. Now, I'm not a tree-hugger, per se. Still, I'm a lot like my dad, a landscaper/arborist whose love for trees is insane. (Family vacations are regularly occupied with him taking pictures of trees, with the rest of us posed underneath for scale.) And really, what artist can help but love the beautiful textures of natural wood, the cragged roughness of its bark, the swirling vortexes of its grain?

Yet even with his crazy love for trees, he knows what they need. So when our lovely, ginormous, multi-trunked elm tree succumbed to Dutch elm disease, he did what needed to be done, no turning back.

Now not even the stump remains.

Renunciation—is a piercing Virtue—
The letting go
A Presence—for an Expectation—
Not now—
The putting out of Eyes—
Just Sunrise—
Lest Day—
Day's Great Progenitor—
Outvie
Renunciation—is the Choosing
Against itself—
Itself to justify
Unto itself—
When larger function—
Make that appear—
Smaller—that Covered Vision—Here—

~Emily Dickinson, #782

too cool not to mention

2007-10-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, I realize I just posted some inspirational links, but I just got word of this one. Some college friends of mine formed the theatre company that made Apartment Therapy's new video, Got Color? And I'm not just posting because they're my friends (although I rather enjoy seeing them as Smurfs). The joyful, fun-loving nature of the music, movement, and expression of this film so wonderfully reflects what color does for design, I feel. While nuetrals are great for sophistication, nothing is as joyful as color.

So, do you Got Color?

(XOXO, gals!)

home again, home again, jiggety-jig

2007-10-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

Phew! What a whirlwind weekend! It was very fun, however, with the exception of breaking my heels on the dance floor of the wedding reception. Seeing people and places I haven't seen in 10-15 years definitely made up for it.

And when I got home, I was greeted with the news that I had won a giveaway from the lovely Elegant Musings! I'm simply ecstatic. I'm a huge fan of Casey's work, and I've been inspired by her enthusiasm as her business takes wing. And speaking of inspiration . . .

AdoreVintage.com's fashion editorial reads like an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel (only pleasanter)
silverware that makes for a fascinating dinner conversation
I'm not a huge stuffies fan, but knitted tree bark? is pretty much awesome
enjoying the Irish landscape, free from disruption
lovely, sun-kissed photography

good for a yarn or two

2007-10-05T05:40:00.000-05:00

spiral cloche made recently, inspired by

yummy cables from fall catalogues

Ttfn. I'm off for a weekend road trip with the fam. I go equipped however with yarn, knitting needles, and a few good books. It's anyone's guess what may come of it . . .

P.S. Doesn't this stress-free tear-sheet swap sound terrific? Rats - just missed the deadline! Hopefully there'll be another soon, though. Found via

playing catch up: the Neponset jacket

2007-10-04T20:28:00.000-05:00

Remember the photoshoot I did late in the summer at and around my family farm? And how I talked about it influencing my work?

Nope, didn't think so. Obviously, I have some catching up to do.

Meet the Neponset jacket. It's named after Neponset, IL: a half-way village, half-way between Kewanee and Sheffield.

I drafted the pattern myself on graph paper, then made a muslin, then tweaked and drafted some more. I think if I were to make more of these, I would want to tweak it just a tad more - the bodice shape still doesn't seem quite right to me.

Actually, the pattern was one I had been working on prior to my visit to Kewanee, influenced by other cropped jackets I'd seen this summer. After that trip, however, I was thinking more and more about parallel lines, contouring and vanishing points. Thus, as the project continued, it came to be less about the shape than about the texture and finishing - the parallel weave of twill, the neck binding, the flat-felled seams. (Which is also, most likely, why the shape still needs to be tweaked!)

The fabric is, long story short, from a scrap stash given me by a librarian. I love everything about this twill - its color, its drape, its strong grain and its flannel-like softness - and I've searched endlessly and in vain in attempts to match it (begone from my sight, ye bolts of stiff polyester khaki!). If anyone has any leads, let me know!

You may have noticed I've fastened it with safety pins. Which doesn't work so well. Finding the Perfect Finishing (TM) seems always to be an issue with me, yet so critical to design! The devil's in the details. I'll have to marry a button-maker, I suppose - or design from existing notions!

A parting shot to show off the neck binding and the super-cool labels made from Amanda's tutorial. Felicitous, you ask? Oh, it's just a dream . . .

little did you know . . .

2007-10-01T00:21:00.001-05:00

That I'm a superhero! I save friends, family and acquaintances from the dangers of fashion faux-pas and faddish trends (like chino-cut pants) and teach them to combining textures (like tweed and corduroy). Mild-mannered Kelly is nothing but a ruse.

Oh my. The goofy end to a goofy weekend. Which, as you can see, involved cameras. So expect more goofiness soon.

my life is a work in progress

2007-09-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

I expect to be AWOL this weekend. Besides having friends expected in town, I have some family unexpectedly in town. I'm advancing on the productivity side of things, however, and hope to have more to share soon! (really)

In the meantime, on with the links!

beautifully preserving the sketches of childhood
subverting expectations: join the paint-by-numbers revolt
now I want to reread some Madeline L'Engle
at last, a use for these beautiful antiques for those of us who don't smoke: a cigarette case needle holder
the old-fashioned touch of the graceful lady Anna
artwork that puts me in mind of Doris Lessing's "An Old Woman and her Cat"
This last one isn't actually a link, but Princess Grace is once again gracing the cover of Life! Check your newsstands for a commemorative photo issue published for the 25th anniversary of her death.

vintage beauties

2007-09-18T21:26:00.000-05:00

Hurrah for friends that take initiative. The Saturday before last, just before I headed off for my week-long of babysitting, I received a call from a girlfriend who's recently moved back into town. We'd been wanting to get together for some time, and she had the perfect venue: a vintage clothing expo being held that day in Elgin.

SO MUCH FUN. I've been wanting to explore the vintage clothing options in the Chicagoland area for some time, and this (featuring 90-odd vendors) was the perfect opportunity to do so. There really were a wide variety of sellers too; many super-expensive, never-in-a million-years-could-I-afford vendors, such as I expected, but many were much more reasonable than I expected. Besides, even if you can't afford it/don't fit in it, it's still fun to drool over all the lovely silohuettes and quality craftsmanship of years gone by.

My only regret is we had only 2 hours to spend there before they closed! Ah well, there's always next year. That did mean, however, that prices were much more "negotiable." I scored a 60s powder-blue wool coat for 1/3 off the original price, with only a twinge of buyer's remorse afterwards. I promise to get a decent picture once the weather cools down. In the meantime, enjoy more at my flickr.

for my fellow Narnia fans . . .

2007-09-18T09:12:00.001-05:00

This is too cool for words. Click for hi-res; more at NarniaWeb.com.

things are looking up

2007-09-17T14:40:00.001-05:00

Although I've been AWOL for some time, it isn't entirely my fault. For the past week, I've been playing mommy to a beautiful 14-month-old little girl. The family for which I babysit went to DisneyWorld and, understandably, left the baby behind.

Things I'm glad to be done with from the week:

Receiving suspicious glances and intrusive questions every time we left the house
Being asked by a woman in the grocery store to join her mommy-baby workout group
Watching TiVo-ed episodes of "What Not to Wear" (a show with which I have quite the love-hate relationship) during naptime
Being bitten by a small homo sapiens for the first time since I was 6

What I'll miss from the week:

Getting that adorable, sleep-eyed smile everytime I went ot pick her up out of her crib, and the soft droning chorus of da-da-da-da-da (the only syllable she can pronounce with any coherence or fluency) following me wherever I went

*sigh* It was a good week.

. . . when autumn leaves start to fall

2007-09-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, so they're nowhere near falling yet, but I love that song. Just popping in for some links . . . enjoy!

The hilariously funny yet provokingly familiar photography of Sarah Hobbs. Recently on exhibit at the Art Institute in Chicago, more here and here.
I want this cardigan sewn of fluid jersey knit, sculptural felt, and a knitted version of super chunky wool.
Office supplies that ~~distract from~~ inspire productivity. I'm discovering that office supplies are a wonderful substitute for the school-supply-buying impulse.
Sweet potatoes taste like fall, especially when seasoned with chili powder and thyme.
Everyone's posting it, but the fall looks of Lyell are gorgeous. She seems to me to be hovering on the border between Professor Kirke's and Narnia.
Gorgeous, gorgeous hats. In a random conversation the other day on what we'll be like when we're old, my friends and I determined that I'll be the eccentric hat lady that wears loads of cheap costume jewellry (wait, I do that now . . .). It's hats like these make me excited about getting old!

autumnal equations

2007-08-21T00:24:00.000-05:00

one rainy weekend + purusing Fitted Knits + Real Simple's fall fashion preview = I'm completely ready for fall

It amazes me sometimes how much the change of the seasons affects our moods and inspirations. For me this is true never more so than in spring and fall. I suppose it's those transitional periods that get me so excited, the anticipation of novelty.

That said, transition and anticipation often take their toll. And I've got a lot of both in my life just now. I'll be taking a brief hiatus over the next week or so while (it's not as though I post regularly, but so you know). Anticipate progress and pictures upon my return.

The above vintage pattern is one I thrifted over the summer. The girl on the right reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million - give me a white helmet and moon glasses and I'm set!

anticipating fall knits

2007-08-13T21:21:00.000-05:00

Why, why, oh WHY did I flip through a copy of Vogue Knitting while waiting in line yesterday? Why didn't I content myself with the 10 free patterns they had released online? But no, I had to look, and I had to see the seriously gorgeous cabled capelet from Michael Kors, which calls for ONLY 10 skeins of cashmere yarn. *sigh*

But seriously, this is a fabulous issue. All those gorgeous cabled knits? Definitely puts me in the mood for fall.

Hmm. Makes me wish I had started on a cabled wrap when first I spotted it. Ah well, perhaps I can content my itching fingers with more cabled bags. Or a crocheted cloche. Hmmm . . .

humbled

2007-08-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

I failed to mention this earlier, but over the last couple weeks decor8 has been hosting yet another terrific contest, this one in conjunction Fabulous Stationery. Interior design is a recent interest of mine, especially when I can relate it to my main interest of garment design. So, I decided to give it a go, just for the fun of it. And guess what, I'm a finalist!

I'm flabbergasted, to say the least, and honored to share the company of so many talented people.

2007-08-11T23:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my miscellany, an eclectic journal reflecting my interests in design, sewing, knitting, literature, theatre, fashion, photography . . . well, yeah, a lot of things. This blog will be updated simultaneously with my livejournal. Please join in - I love input!