what to do, what to do...

Just like the rest of the crafty community, I'm a little obsessed with silhouettes. What is it about them that are so freaking adorable? Here are a couple of projects I've been working on. The bat is a felt pin I made, that was recently handed over to my pal Heather as a sort of Austin memento. The cat I started months ago as a Christmas present for a friend (who shall remain nameless in case she happens to check out the blog). My plan is to sew the cat on the felted yellow bag, add a zipper, cute lining, and vwala! It's done! But, I haven't been totally motivated to finish it and now my friend has had to wait months to get her Christmas present. Bah! I guess I'm just in a much needed kick in the pants to finish this project, but in the meantime, I thought I'd show what I've been up to.

You may also notice that the header for th blog has changed... thoughts, comments? Thanks - S

"Pancakes Without Syrup is Ridiculous!"

By far the wackiest Bewitched episode ever! Wise-cracking space dogs eating pancakes and packing "N-guns" (N for nice). If they ever remade this, Amy Sedaris would without a doubt have to play the gossipy next-door neighbor. Oh, by the way, my husband has figured out his next Halloween costume thanks to this-- Orvis-- the poodle-faced space dog! --L

Book Review: Art Deco Fashion (pt 1)

For year at Christmas, I recieved a new book to add to my fashion/costume reference library. It's called Art Deco Fashion from Pepin Press. It's a beautiful collection of Art Deco fashion drawings and textiles reproduced from the era. It also comes with a CD-rom featuring all of the textile patterns, here is a sampling of some of my favorites. I'll try to get some of the fashion illustrations on the blog soon. They are truly inspiring! - S

Hello, What's This?

I was so excited to finally see a live armadillo! This little guy/gal was rooting around in the grass outside a hotel we stopped at in Oklahoma. It was dark out, but my flash managed to work well enough combined with our car headlights. Two rough and rural looking Oklahoman men were staring at Tom and I, shaking their heads like we were crazy for taking pictures of a pesky ol' armadillo. I thought it was a magical night, because right after the armadillo encounter, a bright orange shooting star streaked across the sky in front of us!  --L

Austin-tatious Places

Here's just the tiniest hint of the raging originality expressed throughout the colorful town of Austin. Seriously, this is nothing compared to some of the houses we saw ( I wished I'd brought my camera on those days).  And then there are the diners... The Omlettry made the most scrumptious gingerbread pancakes. I'm going through withdrawal! --L

A post for Tommy

Two worlds collide: knitting & spaghetti. -S

More Austin snapshots

A cute vignette in "Uncommon Objects" featuring a Schiaparelli hat box!

A pair of green-hatted elves.


It was probably the coldest weekend in Austin when Leiza & Tom came down to visit. Hence, the bundled up look we all have standing in front of Kerbey Lane. But we all sure look adorable! -S

Austin Snapshots

I didn't take many photos while in Austin. I guess we were just having too much fun! Here's a little glimpse, though. The sad puppies were on display at Uncommon Objects (same store where we found the coveted sad kitty s&p shakers). I guess they have a thing for sad kitschy porcelain animals. The second photo is of downtown with a view of the Austin Capitol Building heading North on S. Congress. Lastly, Stephanie, Janie and I after dining on raspberry pancakes at Kerbey Lane. Good times... --L

A Sweater in Progress

I can't even remember when I started working on this, but it was at least over a year ago. I was distracted by other knitting projects and was getting a little discouraged by how long this was taking me to knit. But... now I'm on a roll with it! This pattern came from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel (a Christmas present from a certain sister). Right now my biggest obstacle to finishing this cute little cardigan is that I seem to be quickly running out of yarn which was purchased in San Francisco. Just hope I can find enough to finish it! -S

My lovely aunt Chris took Tom and I out to lunch a few weeks ago at a favorite Thai restaurant, and what was she wearing, but the "Mustard scarf" cowl I made her for Christmas! Isn't she cute? --L

Finished "Lace Ribbon Scarf"

I finally finished this scarf a few weeks ago, but since I was in Austin visiting a certain sister (pics from the trip to be posted soon) I didn't get to post the photos until now. I'm pretty happy with the end results. It wasn't too difficult, just time consuming. It's hard to see in these photos, but the yarn has a silver sparkle throughout. --L

Messing around with Photoshop

Just having a bit of fun with patterns... also wanted to show off my favorite shoes: little red cuties! - S

That is Sooo Cute!

During Tom & Leiza's surprise visit to Austin, we had to visit the best antique store in town: Uncommon Objects. Here are some of the cutest treasures ever seen... oh, how I wanted to bring home the sad-faced kitty salt & pepper shakers... cute! - S

New Obsession

If you haven't already heard, one of the best television programs out right now is a little show called Mad Men. I promise you, it is some good entertainment. Plus, being set in the early 1960's, there is some amazing fashion going on! It's truly inspired me and it's got me scouring vintage stores for similar styles (full skirts, tweed suits, etc.) They've even made men's fashions cool...suits complete with skinny ties. I just love it. -S

Finally Finished Buttercup Beret

Here is my version of the Buttercup Beret, a pattern found online designed by Sweet Sassafras. This top photo was taken before I blocked it. It looked nice, but the shape wasn't quite right...

So I blocked it (soaked it in water and then re-shaped it). The second photo is the hat drying on a dinner plate...

And finally, I'm wearing the end result. Now it looks more like a beret and less like a pointy elf-hat. Not that I have a problem with elf hats, mind you! 

I'm liking hats right now. I think I'll be knitting up a few more before winter's over. --L

This Years Christmas Cards

... were only mostly homemade. I bought cards with a simple design on them (blank inside) and embellished with sequins, ric-rac, felt, ink stamps, and paper. And I still didn't get them all done! --L

Aunt Chris' Christmas Cowl

My Aunt Chris wanted a pink and purple scarf to match her hat, so I ended up making one from a cute pattern I found on ravelry.com called, "Mustard Scarf" by Jane Richmond. I added a wooden button after I took the pics. I love how versatile it is. Here are a few possibilities demonstrated by Jane (sorry she's so small!). --L

Knitting in bed

It's a beautiful day here in Austin -sunny and warm- but I've been feeling rather out of sorts. I've spent the better part of the day under my covers watching British Mysteries and knitting my new scarf. You might recognize the pattern, it's the same that Leiza's making in sparkly blue yarn. Hopefully I'll get the energy soon so I can go out and enjoy the day, but in the meantime, I'm happy to make some progress on mr. scarfy. -S

Resins, lights, and elves.. oh my!

I recently returned from another delightful Christmas with my family in Michigan (land of Homes). For some reason I took very few pictures, and even fewer turned out nice. Oh how I wish I could get a fancy new camera!!! Anyways, here are a few of the highlights of the visit.

Overexposed Christmas lights... these pictures really make me want a new camera!

Trying to stay warm while showing off some of Leiza's super sparkly rings. Hope everyone has a magical New Year!!! My New Year's resolution is to be even more crafty and to post more often on this blog. Cheers! - S