I’ve been blogging away in my head, and even taking some pictures, but never getting around to actually uploading photos or typing things out. There may be some sleep deprivation going on.  Maybe. The gardening–it was manic for a while there.  I was putting in 30 hours or more for weeks in a row, while […]

Wild Decembers by Edna O’Brien This book  encapsulates so much about rural Ireland and feuding families and the strictures on women.  It’s heart-breaking and beautiful and true.  O’Brien’s language is gorgeous, and the story unfolds like a great tragedy.  Unfortunately, the audio version I listened to was of poor quality.  I’m surprised Audible did such […]

If you saw the little studio tour video I made a while back, you saw my studio.  I adore that room and spend a lot of time there, but it doesn’t generally come first in terms of furnishing budgets.  The knee walls limit shelving options, and our stairs are narrow, and we’ve spent a lot […]

I fell down a bit with 12 books in 12 months, and now I need to catch up. I’ve read these: 1.  A Mercy: A Novel by Toni Morrison. Sighed my way through the audiobook version, and felt like I was betraying an idol. 2. Possession: A Romance by A.S. Byatt.  I think I loved […]

Things do slip away from me. Where were we . . . We went to Mississippi and had a fantastic time.  Lots of our friends were there, I gave out some presents, we sang a lot, the food we made was fantastic and we spent much less time laboring over meals, and we didn’t want […]

I don’t have a lot of time, but I do have a few pictures.  Forgive how schlumpy these all look–I don’t have a dress form, so you have to imagine a body inside these.  All of these garments are fitted to the waist with full skirts. This is a new linen Hedeby traggerrok (apron dress) […]

Look–that little bugger is back.  I think the number is actually pretty far off on the low side, but I need to keep digging though notes to correct it.  And either way, the next couple of weeks should really add to the count.  I love knowing that I’ve handsewn at least a fifth of a […]

It’s time to pick! A few people exempted themselves from the drawing, so the possible recipients are: The Joyful Quilter: on 14 Feb 2011 at 8:55 pm: These pin cushions are SO funky! What a fun item for any sewing room. Anna on 14 Feb 2011 at 10:20 pm: The pincushions are very cute, Lanea! […]

I’ve finally started knitting something for myself again!  This is the Winding River Cowl, knit in Spirit Trail’s luscious Birte in Case of the Blues.  I love all of Jen’s cashmere/silk/wool blends, but this one feels particularly decadent because of its weight.  I can’t wait to finish this, because I really want a chance to […]

The sweatshop is in full swing.  I’ve been making clothes for living history, finishing knits for others, sorting scraps for projects, and updating the Big Bad Spreadsheet of Supplies.  When I started measuring and sorting and folding and organizing everything last fall, a few friends scratched their heads, and a few thought it sounded like […]