Exploring craft, couture, and handmade style
-
Hand-Knits and a Charming Chihuahua Make Saturdays Extra Special
Cozy hand-knits and charming chihuahuas are made for Saturday mornings and farmer’s markets! Oscar is outfitted in his Puppia harness and armed with his most enchanting chihuahua smile, while I am wearing my latest hand-knit — a cozy “throw on and go” cardi with a bold houndstooth pattern. I think we make quite a team!…
-
Remaking a Vintage Haori is my New Project
I have an old haori jacket hanging on my dress form. This lovely piece has been there for quite a while now, its beautiful print showcasing a bright spring color palette tempered by a plain jacquard weave silk lining. Its distinct woody smell, retained from the antique dresser it was stored in, reminds me of…
-
A Cozy Wrap Sweater in a Fresh New Color
This cozy wrap sweater — with its giant shawl collar — is a statement piece! Kim Hargreaves’ Devote sweater pattern was the starting point. I made a few tweaks, such as using a different yarn and incorporating some style changes, and ended up with a deliciously cozy wrap sweater with a gigantic statement-making shawl collar.…
-
What New Things I’m Excited About in April
April — what a glorious spring day here in the San Francisco Bay Area! Blue skies and temps nearing 70 — can’t get more perfect than this. Time to get out and about! Here’s what I’m excited about this month! Renegade Craft San Francisco Spring 2024 With more than 250 creatives represented, Renegade Craft San…
-
Everyone Needs a Beautiful Cape … Despite What Edna Says
I love a beautiful cape — even if Edna disagrees! They exude elegance and drama. Voluminous ones can swing around the body for a cocoon-like effect. Tailored styles have a modern and sleek look. Knitted versions are so soft and snuggly they feel like blankets. Oversized collars, flounces, ruffles, gathers, trims – capes can be…
-
A New Hand-Knit Scarf Made of Vibrant Silk
I love traveling with a hand-knit scarf or cowl — especially one that is lightweight, colorful, versatile, and easy to carry. While my Chunky Twist Cowl is a handy piece for winter travel, the other three seasons of the year call for something a bit lighter. I think the Lacy Silk Scarf works well for…
-
Sashiko: Stitched by Hand to Create a Unique Look
Sashiko stitching requires rhythm. Up, down, forward motion — with a threaded needle in one hand and cloth in the other, one hand pricks while the other hand guides. Both hands move in unison, creating lines of stitches that run straight or meander into waves and coalesce into stunning designs. Image from here Growing up,…
-
What New Things I’m Excited About in March
March in the Bay Area kicked off with thunder, lightning, and rainy days, but I guess that’s to be expected as Winter departs and Spring emerges. Here are some random things I’m excited about this month! Hinamatsuri or Girl’s Day on March 3 The month starts with Hinamatsuri or Girl’s Day in Japan, which is…
-
Complete Your Spring Look With a New Knit Cardi
Spring weather is notorious for its unpredictability. It can be sunny one day and chilly the next, so dressing in layers is key, especially when you are traveling. I just finished a new hand-knit that would make the perfect layering piece for Spring travel — the Amalfi Cardigan by designer Tayler Harris! It has classic…
-
Heart Health Needs an Extra Check in Midlife
Monitoring heart health seems more important in midlife, especially for women. At a recent doctor’s appointment, I learned that I had high blood pressure — a result that was concerning enough for the doctor to recommend that I buy an at-home monitor and check my blood pressure daily. It was surprising because my blood pressure…
-
7 Ways to Think About Clothing in a New Way
I admit it. I’ve always loved clothing and fashion, shopping, and especially a good bargain. Over the years, I’ve accumulated bins full of clothes — both bought and handmade — that are stacked in my closet. Nordstrom Anniversary Sales, Cos sales, Britex fabric remnant bins, and closeout yarn sales have all contributed to my oversized…
-
Exciting Things are On the Way in February 2024
I can’t believe it’s already February 2024 — time flies! Here are some random things I’m excited about this month. Visit a New Fashion Exhibition in San Francisco Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style opened at the De Young Museum last month and I can’t wait to go! The exhibition features a collection of…