Knitting Envy

 I don't technically knit, yet. I am waiting to get finals out of the way to teach myself to knit. I am obsessed with crocheting and want to spend my whole summer surrounded by glorious yarn. There is a book that is making me even more excited about learning knitting. A Stitch In Time(Vol.1): Vintage Knitting & Crochet Patterns 1920-1949, is absolutely on my wish list. This book has dozens of gorgeous vintage knit and crochet patterns that the authors have compiled and updated to be practical for the modern knitter. The finished projects are beautiful and perfect for anyone who likes vintage styles. What is so great about the book, for me personally, is that 30's and 40's styles are my favorite vintage looks.(and the most flattering on my plus-size, busty frame) The book is published in the UK, so it has to be ordered online for those of us not in Great Britain.(fear not, the shipping fee is reasonable) Here are some lovely examples of what these patterns will help you create. 

Nerdy Thursday

Here's what I am getting Nerdy about this week...

• Bossypants by Tina Fey. I can't recommend this book enough. I have read a few memoirs in my day, but this is hands down my favorite. I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in an evening.It is well written, hilarious and touching and just a real pleasure to read. I think most people would enjoy this book, but if you also happen to be a huge Tina Fey nerd, it is unmissable. I read the kindle version and it was perfectly lovely and well developed. I didn't feel like I was missing out on the print version.

• Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell. There is a movie out right now that deals with the conspirators of the assassination(originally kidnapping) of Lincoln. I think that is what got me to turn back to my perennial favorite, Assassination Vacation. This time I am listening to it as an audio book, and boy is it a good one. Vowell is hands down one of the best non-fiction writers out there, and in this book, she shows soo much enthusiasm for the material, that it is pretty infectious. I need to read her latest work, Unfamiliar Fishes next. 

 I guess there was an unintentional theme this week of "Brunette ladies who write kick ass books." It's a pretty great theme to have. Are there any books you are excited to read or re-read in the long, hot, months to come? 

Craft Crazy

 It has recently come to my attention that this semester will be over in about 3 weeks. I have a lot to do before then, but my mind has drifted to how little I will have to do after then. I am not taking any summer classes, nor do I have a job. This situation will leave me with tons of time and very little money. I firmly believe that the answer to this predicament is crafts. I have very recently fallen in love with crochet, and I also want to learn to knit. There are all kinds of projects I want to try, and maybe, if I plan ahead, I can get all my Christmas gifts ready by August! Here is a list of a few of the projects I am desperately wanting to try.


• These crocheted rings are so dainty and such an inexpensive way to add to my accessory wardrobe.

• I have been researching different ways to add some flare to basic tank tops for the summer. The heat in North Carolina summers doesn't really lend itself to any kind of layering, and most sleeveless tops are kind of blah. This doily-sleeve idea is one of the cutest, least expensive and easiest solutions I have found. 

• While we are talking about affordable solutions, have you noticed how expensive laundry detergent is? I came across this DIY laundry detergent and am excited to try it. 

• I am kind of obsessed with this DIY saddle shoes project. I have been looking for cute, affordable saddle shoes for the generously footed lady, and have had very little luck. This is such an inexpensive and "why didn't I think of that" simple option. I can definitely see sporting these to picnics and trips downtown to get some ice cream. 

 These are just a few of the projects I have pinned or bookmarked to try out. I will keep posting all the great ideas I find and show you how the projects turn out for me.

Music Monday

 Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of going to a house show at my friend Michael's birthday party. Michael is in the band Campbell, and the band has met and befriended Timbre. Timbre plays beautiful harp music, and sings with a beautiful, harp music voice. Apparently, I have a weakness for lady harp music. Her music is soft, yet clear, and melodic in a way that makes it a true joy to listen to. She and her sister are also really cool people. Check out her music and if you like it, it is always a good thing to support independent artists.

 On another note, I am done with my first weaving sample, and about 1/4 of the way through my first crocheted scarf. I will try to get some photos up soon. 

 Here is a fun spring playlist for your week.

Fun with Cameras

  Here is a little peek of a photoshoot Jordan and I did yesterday. We decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and spring blooms at Memorial Gardens here in Concord. The original task was getting a few photos of Jordan for a Graphic Design project I am working on, but she wanted to take some photos too, so I ended up modeling for a bit. 

Here is a fun shot of Jordan

Nerdy Thursday

Here is what I am Geeking out about this week.

  I am in love with these embroidered Mythbusters Portraits. The beards are so cleverly and skillfully stitched, it's just brilliant.  I also really love the color choices and the little gears that were added on. 

  I just discovered Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. They have been popular with the "in the know" for a while now, but I am normally a little behind when it comes to the mainstream fashion scene. These twin sisters ,who started a jewelry company from their dorm rooms at Duke, create some seriously beautiful and cleverly sourced jewelry. I especially love their pieces that are Art Deco inspired. Here are a few beautiful examples.

Noble Surfer Necklace 

Endless Summer Earrings 

La Punta Necklace Red and Ivory "5"

  And finally, here is a great stop frame animation project by Studio Botes with information from freelance designers for freelance designers. 

Going Solo. from Studio Botes on Vimeo.

Artist Envy & Updates

Hi Everybody! 
        (Hi Dr. Nick)


I have been neglecting my blogging duties lately. I have a good excuse, I promise. I have been super busy. WIth 3 weeks left in the semester, I have more work than ever. Here is a short wrap up of what has been going on with me over the last 2 weeks.


• I finally caught up on my Dental Health. A crown and 3 fillings are pretty good incentives to floss daily.
• In Fibers I have been Weaving, Coiling, Crocheting, and Knotless Netting. I have fallen in love with yarn, what can I say? As soon as the semester is over, I am going to teach myself to knit.
• In Graphic Design II I have been doing lots and lots. Lots of logos, and typefaces and spending my weekends in In Design and Illustrator. I am happy with some of my latest work and that puts a smile on my face.
• I have discovered some good music and I went to a great house show. I will post more about this later.


All in all it has been a fun, if hectic few weeks. 


Enough about me, let's talk about art!


Yellena James is a very talented artist born in Sarajevo, now living and working in Portland. She works with pen and ink and acrylic. Her work is a beautiful mix of surreal and pretty. She has a dynamic sense of color and I think her work is the perfect spring muse. If you would like to have a little spring time all year round, you can buy her work at her Etsy shop.

Simmer - Pen and Ink on Paper

Stream - Acrylic on Wood

Lush - Pen and Ink on Paper

What I Have Been Pinning

I have been pinning away on my Pinterest account. It is a little addictive. Here are some lovely little discoveries I have made recently.

I want this chair! 

Here is a great little Cheat Sheet for taking great photos.

I love paper dolls. I also love hipster kitsch. This is Great on both counts.