Some Advice from 1949

Advice from a Singer Sewing Manual from 1949

Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do... Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.

Never Try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on. If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home, and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing.

...

Thanks to many wonderful relatives, friends, and my parents, I now am the proud owner of a brother sewing machine. This little guy has lots of work to look forward to in the years ahead!

Ashes and Lace

After the recent Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, my friend and I took some pictures in the ashes for many purposes, including documentation and art.

For most of the pictures, I wore a dress I recently designed and made.

The dress was inspired by vintage, classic silhouettes. Comfortable, practical construction combined with delicate lace and button details.

A note on the design side: I found the pink lace on sale when I was shopping for something else, and decided to get it. This dress kind of became what it is as I worked on it, and turned into one of my prouder accomplishments. The pattern is completely original, and the total material cost was probably ~$15.

The Quilt

I have reached a great milestone in my life. A huge burden has been lifted. I will actually have something to keep me warm on winter nights in my dorm room!

In other words, I have finally finished my duvet cover.

It only took me all of high school to make what started out as a quilt, with a few choice retro-looking fabrics found on a rainy day in a fabric store in Carbondale, IL. I was visiting my sister at school, and there was honestly nothing else to do in that town, so I decided to start a quilt.

Getting a head start on my Freshman 15

I am currently watching a simmering pot of rice pudding, which looks like it is going to be heavenly.

This is the recipe I'm using (which I found on Pinterest).

Admit it. That looks like the most delicious happiness that ever existed in a jar. 

... finished product:

Mm! This reminds me of this place in New York. So good.