pretty paper, pretty ribbons

This holiday season has left me feeling more festive than I have since I was a child.
Austin and I took his first trip to New York with my parents where he ate his first canoli and graced the sidewalks of the villiage where we had dinner. It's a big difference from Seattle, that's for sure.
In other news, I've been baking various different holiday treats every single day, and probably won't stop until after New Years.

I have lots more to write (and I will soon) but right now I'm just taking a break from shoveling over 8 inches of snow. Yikes!

Currently Knitting: the surprise...STILL!
Currently Loving: "Xmas (Baby, Please Come Home) -- Darlene Love
Currently Hearing: "Pretty Paper" -- Roy Orbison

You can never have too many books.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!


And now onto what truly matters, crafts.

My Top 3 Craft Book Wishlist:

1.) Sew U: Home Stretch by Wendy Mullin and Eviana Hartman
I loved the first Sew U, and when I found out the Built by Wendy crew made a new one (about sewing knit fabric!) I just couldn't hold myself back from gushing.

2.) Cool Green Stuff by Dave Evans
I cannot wait to get my paws on this book! How-to's on making anything from a record bookend to a cassette belt buckle. How could you go wrong?!

3.) Louisa May Alcott: Quilts of Her Life, Her Work, Her Heart by Terry Clothier Thompson
This book is high on my must-have list. Like many girls, I grew up and fell in love with Louisa May Alcott's books, and after my professor, Dr. Sornberger (a fellow quilter and Alcott lover), told me about this in class, I knew I had to add this to my collection. The quilts depict Alcott's experiences nursing during the civil war to the suffragette movement.

Welcome Winter!

It's been a year since I cut my hair short.

I was even able to pull it back today, and I thought it looked kind of nice.
I haven't been able to do this in years!

Also, Welcome Winter!

Recent Thrift Finds

An ex-ugly old sweater, now skeins upon skeins of 100% wool -- $4.00


Vashti Bunyan boots -- $5.00


Amazing vintage patterns -- .50 or less each


Blanche Devereaux Sunglasses -- pennies!


Victorian inspired blouse -- $1


Currently Knitting: a surprise!
Currently Hearing: doors slamming
Currently Loving: Austin Weaver

Mom

It has been quite a while since I've had time to write, so since I'm up earlier than usual, I thought I would take this opportunity to do so.

Last weekend my mother came to Mansfield to visit, and although I worked the majority of the time, we spent some well needed time together. We watched Secret Lives of Bee's (which we both enjoyed), listened to lots of Joni Mitchell, went thrifting with Austin, and had a great meal in Ithaca.

I'm taking a creative writing class this semester, and I'm choosing to write my extended project on articles of clothing that used to belong to my mother. I'm mostly writing about the stories behind them and how they make me feel when I wear them, etc..
My professor, Dr. Sornberger, thinks that I should write up a book proposal and make it an illustrated book.
That is very exciting.
I don't know where to begin, but I think I might try.


In the last few months I've been considering going to grad school to become a librarian.
I will write more later.
and more about that later.



Currently Knitting: a Christmas surprise!
Currently Hearing: Vashti Bunyan
Currently Loving: recent thrift finds / the Ntch
Currently Wanting: Louisa May Alcott: Quilts of her life, her work, her heart

Etsy

Seattle was great and so was Austin's family. I felt very at home and more than comfortable.
We ate some great food too! I'll write more about that when I get the chance.


In other news:
I started an Etsy!

Dear Pacific Ocean,

I'm feeling much better, I'm working a lot, and school is almost out for fall break.
This means that I'm heading out to Seattle with Austin. This is going to be the first time I'm going to meet his family or even see into his world, which is going to be one new experience after another.

I'm nervous, but excited to go back to Seattle. It was my favorite city when I was on tour with Billy Mack Collector this past summer, and I'm looking forward to seeing it for longer than a day.

Dear Pacific Ocean
I can't wait to see you again.
Love,
Connie