Sew for Victory!

One of the bloggers I recently stumbled upon was the lovely Rochelle from Lucky Lucille.  She has amazing vintage style and super sewing ideas!  This month she's hosting a 1940's sew-a-long that I would REALLY hope I can join in!  I often see these ideas on other blogger's sites and think, oh yes!  I want to do that!

  I feel like I need some major sewing inspiration these days and have some pretty bad ass vintage patterns that need to be used.  So, even though I have no idea how I could fit this into my month, I'm going to take a crack at it.  Here are some of the patterns I'm thinking about using (I actually have these already, but using found images found online).

The American Weekly 1940's

Late 1940's?

Anne Adams 1940's

I'm leaning on the American Weekly pattern - it seems the easiest which is what I should be aiming for right now (I'll tackle the harder ones later).  I'll try to keep this ol' blog updated as I make progress through this sewing journey!  Ta - S

Stephanie's 2012 year in review

Hi friends!  Don't know who out there is actually reading this, but I decided to follow the trend of many bloggers today and post a "year in review".  2012 was pretty amazing!! Traveled all over the place, moved into a new adorable apartment, had super times with friends... So, without further ado, here's my year in review.

January - Spotted this guy in NYC

February - back to NYC enjoying Sprinkles cupcakes

March - Ottawa's gorgeous architecture

April - AUSTIN, TEXAS!!!!  

April - Torchy's Tacos in Austin!!! (best tacos ever)

June - Colorado Springs 

July - attending a swanky garden party with Katie

Aug/Sept - New England adventure with these awesome ladies!!

September - moved into my new apartment!  Annie's settled in well :)

October - Monica & I ran a 5K and in costume!

November - Geneva's chocolate cauldrons

November - In London having a spot of tea

December - spotted at the Smithsonian: Jack Warmer's address book (check out those names!)

Michigan for the holidays - walking in the snow with Emma

I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions, as I don't want to get too hung up on the limitations of time.  I'd rather constantly think of ways to improve myself.  I came back from my Christmas holiday in Michigan wanting to focus on eating vegan, or at least cooking vegan at home.  Going out might be a struggle especially when I travel.  Again, not a New Year's resolution, just something I want to try and see how it goes....  Wishing you all a happy new year!! - S

Europe's Afterglow

I just downloaded a new camera app called afterglow and been having a bit of fun with it!  Here are my first attempts with afterglow using a few more snap shots of my travels (and one of Annie too, of course).  - S

Victoria & Albert

Hi folks!  Just returned from a short trip to Europe.  I was there for work, but squeezed in as much sight-seeing as possible when I could.  It was my very first time to the UK!  Why did it take so long?  Anyway, I thought I'd start by sharing photos from the Victoria & Albert Museum.  For those who aren't familiar with this spectacular museum, it's known for its historical costume collection.  There was a Hollywood exhibit going on, but sadly I didn't have time to tour that part as well (plus it was an extra 15 pounds!).  Oh, and I also had some hot chocolate & scones in their cafe.  It was lovely!

This was probably my favorite - so very Elizabeth & Darcy

V&A has such a beautiful collection!  I highly recommend everyone to stop by when you're in London and see for yourself (oh, and did I mention general admission is FREE??).  More Europe photos to come.  - S

Autumn in New England

Hi there!  Just thought I'd share some recent pics from my life.  It's been a beautiful autumn here in Boston and I only wish it could last forever.  Unfortunately, I know winter is coming and I better brace for it!  There is some good news:  I moved into a cute studio apt this year which means no shoveling for me!!  I love my new place and need to take some decent pictures.  Hope to share those soon.  In the meantime, these will have to do...  (side note, listening to a rather cheesy yet entertaining dramatization of "Hound of the Baskervilles" while posting this).

Declaration Hall - Philadelphia

Incline - Pittsburgh

Annie relaxing in my new chair

Autumn leaves (just before Sandy came)

typical breakfast - toast with nutella & bananas (yum!)

Poison Ivy or wood nymph?

I am proud to share this last picture (as embarrassing as it is).  I ran my first 5K AND it just so happened to be a super hero theme.  I went as poison ivy, but somehow ended up looking more like a wood nymph... oh well.  I used this pattern to make the dress.  I've been planning on making this dress for a long time and still look forward to making one out of, well, less shiny fabric.  

Cheers - S

Catching Up: The Knitting Addition

Hi Readers (or at least the few people who might occasionally drop by this blog):  I thought it was high time I share some of knitting accomplishments from over this past year or so.  Starting with this sweet lil' cropped cardigan.  If you're a beginning knitter looking for a first time sweater project, I highly recommend this one.  For ravelry users, you can find the pattern here.

Next up, my turtle sweater, as I call it.  It's actually called the Acer Cardigan, click here to find the pattern.   Leiza took this pic when we were at our dad's for Christmas.  This sweater is like a heated blanket, I only wore it when I was especially cold (otherwise I'd be sweating - tmi?)

Here's Elijah, another knitted Ysolda toy.  She really does design the most adorable animals! (OH!  And I almost forgot to mention I met Ysolda this year!!  Sadly no picture to prove it)  Elijah was made for my friends Sally & Manu'sweet little boy Jasdeep.

This might win the prize for most adorable project of the year.  I made this little red riding hood cape for Adelaide, a little girl you've seen featured on this blog quite often.  It was a spontaneous project that did result in a few hitches and mistakes along the way. Luckily I think I was able to disguise them all in the end. Her mom took this picture on the shores of Lake Michigan.  

My knitting pals, Katie & Sharon, both made this cowl.  To be remain part of the knitting gang, I obviously needed to make one too!  Plus it's super cozy for Boston winters.  Sharon took this picture of me when we went to New York for Vogue Knitting Live this past January (my pancakes look weird - like I polk-a-dotted them with butter)

...ok, I think that's all for now.  I did also make the Fenimore hat (which I LOVE) but don't really have the best pics.  I'll work on that and post later.  And my latest news:  I'm moving next month!! I promise to post pictures when it's all set up.  Now get out there and enjoy summer before it goes away! - S

A Medley of Knits From The Past Year...

First, the "Aviatrix" hat I made for my friend's two yr. old daughter, Adelaide. Originally, Adelaide's mum Maegan bought the yarn hoping to take up knitting herself. Finding she was just too busy being a first time mom, she threw those knitting supplies my way instead. The flower was an added detail.  Very fun to make! It's from a crochet flower tutorial I found on youtube. 

Here is the "Druidess Beret". The pattern comes from a lovely British lady known on ravelry as Princess Pea. Her pattern is based on the Druid Mittens pattern by Jared Flood.

This black cabled hat named "Fenimore" by Jared Flood came out way too small. I must have been dreaming about George Emerson or Mr. Darcy when I was knitting, because I really messed up on the directions. It probably fits a five year old. My sister made the same hat (actually I think she gave me the pattern) and hers came out much, much better. Hopefully she'll post her version one of these days, so I'm not the only one putting things on this blog, cough, cough!

And here is the premier of my first knitted sweater, "Owls" by Scottish knitter Kate Davies. It was a great pattern, very well written, and not too difficult for newer knitters. I've thought of sewing button eyes on each of the 20 or so cabled owls, but that would mean buying a butt-load of buttons. We'll see...

And my proudest knitted achievement so far: "Henri" the bear. I made this for my cousin's newborn baby Griffin, but I'm told his older brother Julian has since absconded with Henri. Guess I'll have to make another one. The mug was a gift from my sister. Can you guess which movie that quote comes from?? --L