Please Excuse My Absence

I've been spending most of my time lately curled up on the sofa with my dog and a good book or craft project. It's kind of how things always go around here as winter approaches. I'll pop in every now and then as inspiration strikes. Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving!

Kind of Ridiculous

Uuumm, so technically I finished this shawl last winter, but I'm just now getting around to weaving in the ends and blocking it. Kind of ridiculous, non? After finishing miles and miles of garter stitch, I think I was just sick of looking at it. As much as I like garter stitch, it can be mind-numbingly boring to knit. Anyhoo, it's all done now and I'm happy to add it to my winter wardrobe!

Pattern: Wool Peddlar's Shawl by Cheryl Oberle with mustaavilla's garter ruffle modification
Yarn: Rowan felted tweed in wheat (main) and caramel (accent)
Needles: Size 6

Out of the Frying Pan...

After reading Anabela's post about Wendy Mullin's "frying pan" ponchos, I ran right out, grabbed some wool and bias binding, and got stitching. (Kind of a big deal since I've only pulled out my sewing machine one other time this year.) I'm so so happy with how this came out. The top stitching is super wonky, which the perfectionist in me hates, but I love the overall piece so much I can forgive myself for the mistakes. And, bonus, it was the perfect thing to wear for tea in Keswick this afternoon with my two best girls....

Red Lips and New Shoes

Inspired by Jenny, I went and got some red lipstick today. The shade I got is Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Burnt Red with Sangria liner. I never wear bright colors on my lips, so this is definitely a change!

I also got some new shoesies in the mail yesterday. These boots didn't work out...they just weren't me. So I exchanged them for these oxfords. Much better : )

Oh, and a heads up about ordering direct from Marais, they have an exchange-only return policy and your exchange is final sale, so just be sure about what you want and think hard about the size before you place an order!

Easy Peasy DIY

The band at the bottom of this American Apparel top has been driving me nuts since I bought it a few months ago. It just seemed to be constricting what could be a cute flowy shape. So this morning I picked up a pair of scissors and snip, snip, snipped it off. I didn't mark or pin. I just cut just above the seam. And, yep, it's uneven, but I like it that way. I am, after all, a child of the 80s : ).

Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do to make something work for you.

I'm on a roll...

...and it's really got to stop. Seriously. Sometimes I just get swept up in shopping momentum. I'll buy one really great thing, and then I just keep buying and buying. All of this is to say that I just bought some more great stuff. That great vintage top you see above? Mine. The gorgeous earrings the lovely miss Jena is wearing with the top? Also mine.

OK, that's it. I'm stopping now. Seriously.


Image from Miss Modish shop, found via For me, For you

Not Gonna Happen

If I was the kind of gal who could spend $300+ on a single item, I would buy this sweater and these ankle boots. But I am not, so I will not. Just thought you should know.