My Rather Regency Shrug

After a wee hiatus, I finally have a contribution for the blog! I just finished knitting this little shrug today, my first sweater-y item. Actually, I still have to crochet a contrasting border, but it can be worn as is. I like it, it's very Jane Austenesque! Sabine (aka "Beeners") helped me weed the garden. Thanks to Tom for taking the pics. Here's a link to the free pattern by Stefanie Japel. --L

One Buck Hat

Look what I found at a local garage sale!!! Not only is it the perfect lil' summer vintage hat, but I also snagged it for only one measly little dollar. That's what I'm talking about!!! -S

Summertime Hosting

The Rea sisters & Tom hosted a little dinner party the other night and pulled out all of the vintage linens & tableware for the occasion. The dinner was small but elegant and of course 100% vegetarian. The food itself wasn't terribly fancy but very tasty: chili & rice, corn bread, hummus with veggies, and strawberry rhubarb crisp for dessert. I think we need to have some friends for tea soon especially if just to use the beautiful pink teapot (birthday present for last year - sister to sister). -S

Hidden Kittens & Homemade Bread

I've recently made a return to my hometown in Michigan where my sister & her husband have been living too. While I try to decide what I'm doing next with my life, which is the purpose for my time here, I intend on taking full advantage of the beautiful summer days. We've even formed a little bike gang, which we need help coming up with a name. Any suggestions? I finally got around to baking homemade bread. The recipe was recommend by my friend Kelly, it's all vegan, which I like, but I think I'd like to try something with a bit more "punch" next time. We have also been feasting on the fruits & veggies from my father's garden. Here you can see little Sukie peeking through the Rhubarb leaves. So cute! -S

Druidess Beret

Well, I'm back in "the mit", as some people ever so fondly call Michigan. I finished this little mohair beret in flight on the way to Bend, OR where I spent a few weeks working and visiting old friends. I like it in spite of the mistakes. I still have to block it to make it look more like a real beret. More posts of new treasures to come... L

Martha Likes My Hoodie

I HEART MO!!!! And props to the Lil' House theme song. -S

Treaured Books

These are a couple of my most treasured books, both of which belonged to my dear mom. Although they are not in the best condition, I think you can definitely appreciate the beauty of the vintage-ness. Also, the illustrations (especially in the fairy tale book) are stunning! They offer up some good fashion inspiration. - S

Ain't no stoppin' my 40's craze!

Without appearing to be too vain, I thought I'd display more photos displaying my new 40's inspired hairdo obsession. I apologize for the poor photography, but it's all I got for now. Let me know what you think. Oh, and of course I've been listening to my favorite 40's crooners all the while (Bing, Billie, and Frank - to name a few). -S

Sweet Deals

The Vogue Vigilante ladies decided to start a KAL with this sweet sock pattern. I had a tough time finding a solid color yarn that was the right fiber & weight & cost. But thanks to the lovely ladies of Gauge Knits, I found this nice Merino Wool/Nylon yarn at a discounted price.
My other find this weekend were these adorable (100% Vegan) Madden Girl shoes found at TJ Max! I had my eye on this brand when I found them online and realized they weren't actually leather. Then, there they were just waiting for me at their amazing TJ Max price. I know I shouldn't be making any purchases, but how could I resist that cute blue button, please! Besides, I know I'll get some good use out of them. And won't they look smashing with my new lacey knee high socks:) -S

Retro-fantastic hair!

I was inspired to try out some new 40's style hair. I rarely take the time to make my hair and make-up look super fantastic, but it's so fun to do. The top two pics I took today after checking out some retro styling tips from Casey Brown's blog. The bottom pic was from a few months ago when my good friend, and most amazing hair stylist, Alyssa, came to visit and gave me that tres chic cut. It was so cute, but without a hair straightener, it was hard to keep up with. I think next I'll have to post some classic high school photos when I had (and still do) a 1920's obsession. -S

Eco-Elf shoes with DIY laces!

I got these comfy Simple brand shoes the other day (which are made with all re-cycled materials) and I loved their eco-animal-elfin friendly style, but I wasn't too crazy about the grey laces. I envisioned ribbony lavender laces. I checked around town, but there were none to be found (thanks, Dr. Seuss!). So I stitched up a pair from leftover yarn (crochet chain stitch).  My friend Aaron very politely said they looked a tad like bowling shoes.  The pink laces are a bit bulky, I'll admit, but hey, they're homemade! I'm still keeping an eye out for some pretty lavender ribbon. Here's what the shoes looked like before and after the DIY makeover. --L

Hoo's calling?

Here's the other side-- sleeping owl. I also added a beak that looks more like a nose to the "awake owl" side. I've never embroidered before but I can tell it would be a fun little art/craft to get into. I did this while watching Little Dorrit on Masterpiece which I'm LOVIng right now! --L

Owl Cozy

Here's my first, very simple attempt at knit design-- a cell phone cozy! I also wanted to try out the owl cable. Can you see it? Next time I'll use a solid color yarn so the owl will be more visible. I'll have to make it bigger too, since it's a wee bit too tight for my phone. --L

Elven Treats

During my browse through the chocolate isle at Whole Foods today, I came upon these adorable chocolates! I'm a total sucker for buying things based on their packaging, but come on, this is too cute for words! It's also pretty tasty. I think it's that Norwegian elf in me that finds these so enduring. -S

Latest knitting project

Here's a little glimpse at the beret I'm working on. It's called the Druidess Beret and was created by Anna Bright of England. Her free pattern is on ravelry.com. (a wonderful website for knitters and crochet-ers around the world). I'm about halfway done and I've already learned several new techniques, including bobbles. I hope I finish it before Spring is over! --L

Ring-a-ding

I currently have my heart set on a rotary phone costume for next Halloween, and these pictures have certainly provided some amazing inspiration. Could it possibly be too early to think of Halloween, I think not. Especially since I was unable to celebrate this past year (car broke down, etc.). From the top: vintage photograph (source unknown), Inside a Black Apple print, telephone book dress (designer unknown). -S

A Few More Finds...

Here are a few more vintage gems to share. The buttons were given to me by Valentina who is a very talented oil painter and stained glass artist. I'll have to post some of her work on here soon. The cameos and earrings were from a sweet lady I met last fall at the antique fair I attended. I'll re-purpose some of them into finger rings. I bought the retro star bowl yesterday at an antique mall. I don't really don't need it, but I love the design, and black and turquoise are hard for me to turn my back on. The price tag of only $2 didn't help, either. Some of the keys were from an estate sale I helped out at and some were already in my stash. I'm not exactly sure what to do with them, but they might look good in necklace form with some black satin ribbon. --L

50 Cent Treasures

Here are a few finds from a recent trip to Ohio. The little town square in Sunbury has a slew of antique stores, many of which were old homes turned into stores. I hope to repurpose some of the jewelry pieces, though the sweet bow brooch stands on it's own. The cameo print just needs a new piece of glass to be ready for hanging, it was technically $2, but still quite a bargain. I didn't end up buying the lovely bejeweled handbag, but I'm kinda wishing I had now! --L

Mock Cable Slouch

My friend Sunny sent me this pretty purple yarn in the mail recently. Being too busy taking care of two energetic little ones, she unfortunately decided to give up knitting. So I knit it up into a hat for her and I chose the "Slouchy Copy Cat Hat" pattern from ravelry.com. I'm happy to say it fit her and she seemed to like it pretty well. Looks like purple hats are in vogue at voguevigilante this season! --L

I take my hat off to you, Etsy Designers

Every time I come upon a unique and accomplished clothing designer on Etsy I get totally inspired. I just thought I'd feature a few that stood out to me. From top to bottom: Lemon Story, beautiful details; Mr. Racoon's Empire, I have my eye on that adorable yellow jumper; and Sarah Seven, overall gorgeous dresses. Thanks ladies for your beautiful designs! -S