fieldguided

not forkchops

2012-01-27T12:21:00.000-05:00

In December Geoff & I were contacted by a local design company, imm living, about collaborating on a limited edition tote for an event as part of the Toronto Design Offsite Festival. We, of course, jumped at the chance. The event is called Not Forkchops; for Not Forkchops, a few local designers created a prototype of a product, and attendees have the opportunity to vote on which item is put into production.

Since the idea behind the event was cultural integration, and since many of the designers created products that alluded to their ethnic backgrounds, we made a tote that featured lyrics from the song “A Minha Menina” by the Brazilian band Os Mutantes (“the silver moon hid itself and the golden sun appeared”), since Portuguese was actually the first language that I learned to speak. We won't be selling this tote but if you visit The Department between now and Sunday there might be some left.

We attended the media opening on Wednesday night and hung out with some balloon dogs. Thanks, imm!

repository pt. 1

2012-01-24T16:27:00.000-05:00

I’ve decided to start having a regular “repository” of things I come across, because people keep making and doing beautiful and amazing things and I feel compelled to share. I know that plenty of other blogs do this already, and I've certainly done it before (again, not in a regular sort of way) but I hope I can put my own personal stamp on it, somehow.

With apologizes and reverence to Kate Miss, Diana Moss, etc.!

I love the SS 2012 lookbook for Montreal label Ursa Minor. The photography (by Francesca Tallone) is precisely the kind that makes me think “I wish I had taken that photograph.” Pitch-perfect tones. More information can be found on Elizabeth’s blog.

1. Photography by Valerie Chiang.
2. I came across a detail of this painting on Pinterest and can’t seem to find the name of it or the name of the gallery that owns it (or if it’s in a private collection, etc.). It sure is beautiful, though. It’s by Adolphe Étienne Piot (1850–1910) and the lady in it reminds me of Michelle Williams.
3. An English rose via Wildfox.
4. A beautiful hanging by FleurLux, found via Ashley Helvey.
5. Elizabeth (above) recently posted about her friend Dara’s jewelry, and I immediately snapped up one of the necklaces. It might end up in my box of things I’m saving for the wedding (I seem to be superstitious about these things and don’t want to use them in advance!).
6. I had to share this: Karl Lagerfeld’s new kitten Choupette, three rosebuds tall, via V Magazine.
(Background image of a detail at Céline spring 2012)

A few other things:
-This blog was selected as an “up and coming” blog at Alt Summit, so if you’ve been reading for a while, give yourself a pat on the back!
-An interview with me for Ace Camps is here.
-I contributed to a lil’ post about winter on Francesca’s new Lawrence journal with some of my favourite ladies.

closet & casa

2012-01-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to say that I'm on Oh Joy! today as part of the closet & casa feature. I'm excited! Thanks, Bri & Joy.

And yes, that's the pendant from this post (I ended up ordering it as a late Christmas present for myself) as well as a favourite blouse from Gillian Tennant.

faded forests

2012-01-16T12:46:00.000-05:00

Our sweet friends Hollie and Jane (of White Elephant) recently created a lookbook for their vintage shop, Ainslie Wood Co., and the results are just so stunning that I wanted to share them here. The photos were taken by Jesse Senko on his family farm.

I particularly love that the inspiration for the title comes from a letter of Emily Dickinson to her brother Austin, from a passage that feels appropriate to read in winter: "there is another sky, ever serene and fair, and there is another sunshine, though it be darkness there; never mind faded forests, Austin, never mind silent fields — here is a little forest, whose leaf is ever green; here is a brighter garden, where not a frost has been."

Full lookbook here, Etsy shop here.

A note on replies: I will no longer be using my former comment-reply system as the blogging platform I use now allows threaded comments. As you can see from my last post, I will now be replying to comments directly. I know that often the only reply I have is "Thank you!" (which I hope never seems trite!) but replying to comments is something I enjoy, and is the best way I know how to thank you for your visit & your comment, should you leave one.

in my bag

2012-01-11T14:29:00.009-05:00

I haven't done a post like this since LiveJournal (RIP), but I always enjoy seeing posts like this, personally (voyeur alert). This doesn't include everything; keys, gum, scribbled lists on crumpled papers, etc., it's all in there too. I tend to carry way too much stuff in my bag, and maybe after seeing this post you'll tell me, "AB, just get an e-book reader already." I know that I am well on my way to a shoulder injury.

In the summer I usually use a tote bag (tote bag shout-out!), but at the moment I'm using this leather tote that I got from ASOS. It's the prettiest blush colour, it's huge, and having the ability to carry it in different ways is helpful.

Clockwise from top left:
1. My own Wild Heart tote from Summerland, in case I stop to pick up a few groceries on the way home.
2. Urbanears headphones that I got new on eBay but often feel a bit weird/dorky wearing. They sound pretty good, though, at least to my non-audiophile ears.
3. Angora blend mittens from Joe Fresh in tan to camouflage the inevitable coffee spill. This post is a bit Joe Fresh-heavy but ever since the store opened on Queen, I've been stopping in a lot. Cheap (guilt-inducing) thrills.
4. Gold tone Casio watch that I would wear to hot yoga class so I could tell how much torture (just kidding but not really) was left, and even though I haven't been to yoga in a month I have yet to remove it from my bag. I am not much of a watch-wearer.
5. Phone, a.k.a. baby computer life organizer (I switched back to this mint case because the white cat case was getting a bit dirty).

6. O-Check notebook (I got this one on clearance at, oddly enough, Club Monaco).
7. What's up, peony obsession? This is a stack of photo prints from my Canon A-1 that I just had developed -- I got a lot of mileage out of those peonies.
8. Leather Erin Templeton card holder plus the most recent business card I had printed.

"Another day cloudy memory: at this moment I am drawing to remember or to erase."

9. Oh look, it's another one of our silk scarves. One of my favourite parts of making our own products is stealing stock for myself -- I am so greedy.
10. Karen Walker sunglasses, also from Summerland, although I will forever be kicking myself that I didn't get the tortoise frames.
11. Round leather pouch from Jessica Jensen. Every December Jessica Jensen, a local designer, has a holiday shop where I pick up small leather goods as gifts, but I kept this one for myself. It's perfect for subway tokens, since those always get confused for dimes when I store them with my change. Plus look at the thing. It's adorable.
12. I got something from Hetterson, finally. For now I'm using this "satchlet" for keeping Instax Mini pictures.
13. Olympus Stylus Epic camera currently loaded with Fuji Neopan film.
14. Wallet from Status Anxiety. I was excited when Status Anxiety offered to send me a wallet because a. the wallets are lovely, b. that name so great, and c. I love getting mail from Australia. This is the Audrey, and I know that Audrey & I will have a nice, long life together (Liss has one in pretty rose -- her post inspired this one, actually). I love it, love it.

15. Malin + Goetz eucalyptus deodorant. I've recently switched to deodorant rather than anti-perspirant, and I carry an extra with me just in case. I got this one after reading about it on East Side Bride. It works well, but it turned my skin a bit red, sadly. I keep it as a backup now. It's not exactly travel size but whatever.
16. Violet/Leather from my beloved OLO.
17. Hair things. These are all over the bottom of my bag (see below).
18. Emery board from Joe Fresh.
19. Cream lipstick in Tulip from Joe Fresh.
20. I bought myself a Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet (this one is "La fascinante") after watching this Lisa Eldridge video a few times and being hypnotized by it. It's a beautiful lipstick, it's true.
21. Aveda Hand Relief. It's winter, y'all. This is my favourite hand cream and I am in denial about the fact that this tube is nearly empty.
22. Face blotters from Muji. I always forget I have these.

The gold bobby pins are from COS, and the other two are from France Lux. These tiny things are very precious and I'm so afraid of losing them (I've already lost the other white -- or rather "mousseline" -- bobby pin & two others).

Top to bottom:
23. Jetoy cat diary + pen from Muji.
24. TIFF Lightbox program. I always vow to go there to see more movies, and it just... never happens.
25. A Practical Wedding by Meg Keene. I am trying to be the Chillest Bride Ever but I am prone to occasional irrational flare-ups of envy/frustration/stomach-curdling anxiety, so I got this hoping that it will help calm me down/remember to be reasonable and not crazy (about wedding things, anyhow).
26. IQ84 by Haruki Murakami (I've removed the dustjacket). A pity party: my schedule doesn't allow for much in the way of reading time, so I have to sneak in bits of it when I can. My subway ride to work is barely 20 minutes long which means I have been reading this excellent book maybe three pages per trip. I hope it finish it sometime this year. I usually end up carrying this one in my arms & not in my bag.
27. The latest issue of Worn Fashion Journal. This one is the best issue yet, plus they had a cat-themed release party for it. Amazing.

REPLIES

sara.k, Hanna, Celine, carissa, Katie, rachael, erin, Inge, Sarah, Hopscotch, Marion: Thank you for the sweet comments! You are all so sweet.

abby neal: For these I used Fujipro 400H, which is my favourite film of all time, although I also like the 160S.

Kate: We are keeping a Craigslist lookout! Maybe someone else will list one for $25... Thanks for scarves excitement!

carly mary: Haha, glad you like it.

Jane Flanagan: Eeep! I hope you'll like them once they are fully revealed.

erica: Thank you! Yeah, I know what you mean. Film also just has an instant warmth that I'm drawn to.

Nicole: Thank you! Hope you'll like them when they're finally revealed.

erica-knits: Thank you! Love the maxi.

elle :: everything reminds me of you: It really does! I haven't even touched my LC-A since I've had it.

CARLY WAITO: Fairy grotto + someone's birthday coming up soon...

Apricots+Silk: Thank you! Yes, I was quite pleased with the wintery feel they had. Always nice when that happens. Same to you!

Noémie {as ink remains}: It was pretty tasty! I loved the whiteness of it, as well.

in dreams: It was good! I was so happy that we didn't have to wait in a lineup and were seated immediately. Plus hey, can't go wrong with bottomless French press...

Miss Moss: Haha!

P R I M O E Z A: Such a huge compliment coming from you, thank you.

teresa: Oh yes, just do it! I don't consider myself an expert at all and that camera that I used did all the work.

Camille: I know what you mean, but I'm glad you like the look of it! Yes, it's silk, hand hem-rolled.

Ringo, have a banana!: Preach!

hungryandfrozen: Thank you! I didn't have the yogurt but maybe next time I'll give it a try.

Trixia: Ha, I love that that is a thing we do. I have so many pictures of our mantle, it's kind of ridiculous. Thank you!

kelsey louise sykes: Thank you for saying hello! So glad you like the calendar! I'm so proud of those lil' Dreamcats. And yeah, I realized after we started making the bags that Bruce has a similar line (I picked up a vinyl copy of Born to Run and when I heard that line, I immediately looked up who had written it first, although they are, as you say, slightly different), but you're the first person to tell me that! Thanks again, and happy new year to you as well.

Lolo: Thanks! For these I used Fujipro 400H, my fave.

ilovesasek: Same to you!

winter scenes

2012-01-05T16:36:00.000-05:00

These pictures aren't anything too special, but I have been enjoying the little Olympus camera that Geoff bought recently. Film forever.

Brunch at L'Ouvrier; peonies; mountain sign; velvet maxi skirt, hair, and clog boots, or what you do when you get to the end of the roll and want to finish it faster; an attempt at capturing a beautifully-coloured sky; our scarves arrived and will debut soon (I first mentioned them here), but for now, a little peek.

REPLIES

Celine: Thanks so much, Celine! Same to you.

Valerie Enríquez, Caitlin Shearer, in dreams, sn, Anna, Hanna, Ariane Reichardt, Sweet Harvest Moon, Mallory, Apricots+Silk, hila, Our Youth, Lolo: Thank you, everyone! You are all the sweetest. One last time, happy new year!

katie merchant / thank you, ok: The Coriander Girl bouquets are the best!

tara-lynn, Jane Flanagan, Hollie: Thank you! I was very happy that night (& maybe a liiiiittle tipsy). I think it's a good idea to have your birthday party on a day that isn't actually your birthday.

onbeauty: Thanks! I keep trying to find a similar skirt for when I inevitably wear this one into the ground.

danica: Ha! In real life I think we actually look quite different. Katie is so much taller than I am, anyhow! But she's a beauty so I'm flattered!

Melissa Dominic: It's the best.

Camille: What a lovely wish, thank you! I hope so too.

Kate: Haahaaahaha! Stalker, pfft. I'm the one who puts it out there. Also, I take that as a compliment! Thanks, girl! Same to you.

darcy dubose: Thanks! Sadly, no, it's polyester, which means that it's a static magnet.

erica-knits: Thanks, Erica! I loved your green skirt too! Maxi skirts are the best. And thanks, I shall take that as a compliment (although it's not really true in real life, just in that picture!).

avalonne hall: Oh wow, how sweet of you to say! Thank you, thank you.

stephanie renee: Thanks so much!

happy 2012

2011-12-31T14:32:00.000-05:00

I hope your 2012 is filled with magic & beauty. xoxoxo

Instax Mini shots of peonies; me and Katie outside The Common, where I had a little birthday party this week (we're holding sparklers, but they're not visible, and YES I wear that skirt constantly)

Some good times via Summerland; a fresh bouquet to welcome in the new year from Coriander Girl.

REPLIES

rachael, Annie, Jane Flanagan, bawkbawk, EvaForeva, Noémie {as ink remains}, Jennifer, erica-knits, Mallory | The Storm in a Teacup, carissa, roberta jane, justine | lovemaki, Lightning Heart, Reanna, Anna, Hanna, Nastya, WSAKE, Idle Wife, jen, Celine, in dreams, april, Hello Lindello: Thank you all very much! Always nice to enjoy a happy accident.

ghost peonies

2011-12-30T19:59:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I brought home a tiny fortune's worth of peonies in beautiful peachy pinks and creams. I was mostly interested in getting some photos of their texture, with a view to incorporating them into the wedding invitations Geoff & I hope to design eventually. Peonies all the time always, obviously.

I used up nearly a whole roll of film only to realize afterwards that the film I had put in the camera weeks before and forgotten about was Fuji Neopan, black and white, and not colour (I can't tell what type of film is in the camera once it's shut). Ghost peonies.

REPLIES

Jane Flanagan, DEADWEIGHT, Rachel Anastasia, coldrooms, m.fay, sew nancy, Florence, Tracey, Sweet Harvest Moon, Julia: Thank you for the comments. I'm glad you enjoyed!

Camille: That's so cute! English is my main language, and I still had a lot of misunderstood lyrics. I didn't know what "hobnail boots" were until I came across them in a Beatles song!

michelle: Thank you! I really like my little sequined clutch.

rachael: Yes!

Anonymous: The counting is very, very quiet! You can only hear it on headphones. George Martin was the Beatles' producer, a very talented man!

Ringo, have a banana!: My parents didn't listen to the Beatles, so when I discovered them, it was really almost life-altering. Is that exaggeration? Probably not!

hila: Glad you like it. I struggle to find things that I think are truly, truly original in this funny little world and I think these zines are so unique and incredible. I really admire LJ & Liz for just doing it.

Apricots+Silk: Oh yes, enjoy these years! So important.

Copper&Whim: So sweet of you to say, thank you.

Serena: Thank you!

let it be beautiful

2011-12-21T12:28:00.004-05:00

When I was 13 years old I took some Beatles cassettes from my brother's room and made copies of them for myself. I would listen to "Strawberry Fields Forever" on headphones as I was falling asleep, sometimes rewinding to hear that part where you can hear George Martin counting again, and I fell in love/became obsessed with The Beatles. The White Album is still one of my favourite records, "Strawberry Fields Forever" still one of my favourite songs. There's something kind of magical about the music you love when you're a teenager. It never leaves you.

My friends Laura Jane and Liz have started re-writing all of The Beatles songs as short stories or essays, a very ambitious project that will span nine volumes called Let it Be Beautiful — if anyone can do it, they can. They have printed the first six stories as zines as a preview.

I read them in the order of Beatles songs I liked least to the ones I liked best, so: Another Girl, Like Dreamers Do, Penny Lane, Because, A Hard Day's Night, The Inner Light. The stories are about Laura Jane and Liz's lives — sort of, but not really at all — just as they are sort of, but not really at all about the Beatles and their songs.

Laura Jane has "Lennon" and "McCartney" tattooed on each of her arms in cursive script, and they're my favourite tattoos on anyone ever.

When I started reading one I wanted to stay up until I had read them all. When I saw Laura Jane in person afterwards I almost started to cry when I told her how much I loved them. I carried them in my purse for a few weeks afterwards, so I could re-read passages whenever I had the chance.

You can get them & read excerpts here. I really recommend them.

See also The White Album.

REPLIES

rachael: Agreed.

Arlie: I know, the scarves are so great!

thedailyanglofile: Thank you! It sounds like we're in the same boat. I overplucked for so long that I'm not sure they'll ever grow in properly, but I suppose I just have to be patient. Good luck with yours.

kater: Aw, thanks.

Bre: Monoi oil, you say. Just looked it up and I'm interested! I know what you mean about Rodin... But I have heard great things about it.

Noémie {as ink remains}: Thank you, glad you enjoyed.

viv: Thank you! I'm eagerly awaiting the delivery of my ballet DVDs (the one thing from my list that I bought).

Jane Flanagan: Oh, thanks for the recommendation. I've heard good things about them so I'm looking forward to trying them out.

Hanna: You're not alone! I do that as well. Haha.

danica: Thanks, Danica! And that's good to hear. I love a good tough workout that makes me feel as though I'm doing something good for myself. I used to do the New York City Ballet workout but I found it a bit boring & was easily distracted while doing it. It was beautiful, though.

Siubhan: Thanks, lady! I'm sure by now you've seen the peach and gold. Gorgeous, no?

hila: Thank you! I'm glad you understand my methods, ha!

Ringo, have a banana!: Thanks, girl! I love giving presents too. If only I had the cash to do it properly!

in dreams: Aw, that's too bad, but I understand! Thanks for the kind words on the silly ol' list.

Fresh Faced Girl: Thanks!

darcy dubose: That's funny... Aquarius isn't even a water sign.

Aprile: Oh, nice! She is so stunning. Sheesh.

CARLY WAITO: Thanks, Carly! I ordered the DVDs as a gift to myself because I'm not sure I'll be able to renew my yoga pass, haha. If anything they're beautiful to look at.

Giulia: Great! I hope mine will come in the mail soon because I'm looking forward to trying them out.

LeeLee: Thank you!

amy: Thank you so much!

hungryandfrozen: I know, I covet it all myself! That's great about the hot water bottle cover! They're so handy in winter.

all i want for christmas is you

2011-12-12T16:57:00.001-05:00

Banner from Nice! Love the inspiration, love the Constable kitty cameo.

I wasn't going to post any sort of gift guide this year, but I want to post these things to get them out of my system. It's basically a visual list of things I would love to own, although I know that if I don't own a single thing, I will be okay. Thank you for indulging me.

Left to right, row 1: Luxe faux fur hot water bottle, Restoration Hardware; go big or go home with a Louis Vuitton gold collar necklace (image via T magazine); fancy candles, perhaps from Diptyque, although this Byredo one sounds lovely (image via Up the Wooden Hills; who knew Ben Gorham went to Ryerson?)

Left to right, row 2: I have a set of Anja's cat coasters on its way to me but the peach and gold ones look amazing; gold Dieppa Restrepo oxfords; lately Bambi Northwood-Blyth has been my #1 brow inspiration, so lush! I've been trying to grow mine out a bit so I think in 2012 I'd love to visit, say, Gee Beauty for their Beauty Brow service to get them reshaped.

Left to right, row 3: silk scarf by Leah Goren; gold metallic shopper from Zara; silk colourblock socks from Hansel from Basel

Left to right, row 4: Ballet Beautiful DVDs. I have tried dozens of workout videos over the years and I am so picky about them. They are sometimes too boring, too annoying (how does the instructor know that I'm doing great? Hush!), too short, or involve too many high-impact moves that I can't perform in my second floor apartment. These look amazing, and based on the preview, they also look really tough. I don't imagine that I'll look remotely like a ballerina but at least I can look at one; shearling trapper hat from J. Crew which is sold out, which is for the best; XO tote from Need Supply

Left to right, row 5: coral/khaki tie from Alder & Co. (I would get this for Geoff but steal it); Moth origami lampshade by nellianna (via Miss Moss' peachy flamingo gift guide); dress from CALLA's spring/summer 2012 line (styling by Leith Clark; photo via CALLA's Facebook page)

Left to right, row 6: I feel like I keep seeing references to Rodin's Olio Lusso, and I'm very interested! It's so fancy; pretty handmade ballet flats by The White Ribbon (I love the styling in these photos); I love the vignettes that accompany the RUSSH astrology 2012 guide by Susan Miller (Virgo's is my favourite) -- it would be cool if all I got for real was the 2012 year she describes for Capricorn, please and thank you!

REPLIES

erica: Thanks so much for stopping by the show! It was so wonderful to meet you. x

in dreams: Did you make it?

fawn: Aw, that's sweet to hear.

erica-knits: Thanks for stopping by!

Eden (Three Toad Circus): Thank you!

Kathrin: Agreed.

Lolo: Whenever you're ready, we'll be here.

holiday bulletin

2011-11-29T15:37:00.001-05:00

Here is some information for those of you who might be interested in making holiday purchases.

Canada Post shipping dates (plus or minus a few days for packing, and in time for December 25) have been posted in the shop header. I wish the cut-off dates weren't coming up so soon, but we can arrange for faster shipping if necessary. We appreciate your patience with shipping.

That said, here are a few other options.

In person: we are doing one show only this season, and this Saturday. It's called Handmade Holiday, and it is presented by Kid Icarus. This one is always a lovely show, and we'll have special items with us. This will be the only place to get one of the Wild Heart totes we did for Summerland in person (unless you live in Portland, in which case Summerland will be selling them at a market the following weekend). I'm also hoping to have some luxe wool cashmere neckties available. Come say hi!

We will also have some items at this pop-up shop at NACO on Dundas, as well as at our usual stockists.

Online: we are participating in a fantastic holiday shop, hilariously also called Handmade Holiday. If you order items from this shop they will be shipped from the United States, so that will give you a faster shipping option if you live in the US.

Thank you all for your support this past year. It means so much to us. xo

Photo via Anja.

REPLIES

erica: Thank you! And yeah, I know what you mean. They're such cute rings! I like that the '1' looks a little like a twig, but the number doesn't have much significance to me, personally.

a_berson: Yes!

in dreams: Ooh, I love that. Sounds like the best combination.

Wayside Violet: Thank you!

hila: I know what you mean about feeling like a kid playing dress up because I feel the same way. But there's just something about being in a big soft coat!

shimmer shimmer like a girl

2011-11-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

I recently received some beautiful, luxurious pieces from Lulu Frost (lucky me!) and I'm looking forward to wearing them to holiday parties. Sparkle is just so necessary. I am forever influenced by Bre's disco party.

I have to admit that when I picked out the Teardrop necklace, I actually had the idea of "something blue" on my mind...

The other two pieces here are the Mesh Narrow bracelet (which incorporates a vintage brooch into the piece, and the Cascade earrings. These earrings would look lovely with a sassy high ponytail, I think.

If you've seen me in real life lately I've probably been wearing this faux fur coat -- I really can't get enough of it. I feel a bit like a little kid in it, so the grown-up accessories help.

Thank you, Lulu.

If you're wondering about the title of the post, it's a reference to this, my favourite Veruca Salt song. Also, I took these pictures with a teeny-tiny new film camera that Geoff found for me, an Olympus Stylus Epic.

REPLIES

CARLY WAITO, ALDRIN, jenny gordy, jen, DEADWEIGHT, Celine, mackenzie, darcy, Up The Wooden Hills, Noémie (As Ink Remains), Kitiya Palaskas, Christine, fathima, isitsecretisitsafe, hungryandfrozen, Reanna, fathima, Anna Emilia: Thank you all so much for the sweet comments! Nice little morale boost! I'm really proud of Geoff for producing that sweet calendar.

anja louise verdugo: Almost didn't! Glad it happened too.

kater: Aw! I'm so glad you like it. I am honoured you would want to spend your pennies on it!

in dreams: Oh yes, Amy's blog gives me serious floral envy (if that's a thing). What a beautiful life!

Hopscotch: You know, we've never really thought about tea towels. Probably because we don't own or use fancy tea towels ourselves!

Kate: Ha! I'd love to see it the re-brand! Too bad about the lack of cats.

hila: I understand completely! It's a constant source of stress, but also inspires feats of creative thinking to get around it sometimes... Ahem.

christine: Thanks for sending that along.

Sarah: So happy to hear that!

BlondeMuse: Oh, I love white Persian cats. So beautiful!

dreamcats 2012

2011-11-22T17:11:00.001-05:00

There almost wasn't a dreamcats calendar this year, but Geoff really wanted to make one since he really enjoyed making the 2011 version (aw, Pony was so much smaller then!). I know this isn't a very practical calendar since you can't write on it, but it's more like an art print, or like a tea towel calendar.

I love fluffy white kittens but can't have one of my own — two cats is my limit, and there's enough fur on all my clothes already — so at least now I can look at them every day. The images were taken from a vintage cats book that Sonja gave us last year.

Available here or here. Even if you're not in a position to get one, which I completely understand, I hope you enjoy it!

REPLIES

thrillofthechaise.com, hungryandfrozen, Satin and Souffles: I'm glad you enjoyed!

hila: Yes! Let's go!

erica-knits: It's super cute. You should do it!

in dreams: I know what you mean about the flowers -- the flowers are so important to me too! I'm hoping for simple, beautiful wildflowers, nothing too extravagant or overly-styled, you know? Kind of a hippie floral vibe, I think.

onward, lulu

2011-11-17T16:54:00.001-05:00

Some beautiful imagery via Onward, Lulu, the blog of jewelry line Lulu Frost. It reminds me of both Wildfox's and Bre's blogs & makes me want to put on a faux fur coat and so many bracelets.

REPLIES

Melinda Josie: Thanks for the sweet words, lady! Psst, we're sharing a photographer! I am so excited about that.

marissa (stylebook): So sweet, thank you!

Ro: I'm glad you appreciate that sentiment... it's just not my style to put that much pressure on myself, i.e. that the one day has to be so perfect. Just have fun! Thank you.

soniadeli: Thank you, and I hope so!

Camille: Ugh, I really hate limousines although I do appreciate why they are useful. Thank you for the sweet words. I will have to revisit them if I ever start to go a little crazy.

sushi lover, naomemandeflores, Jessica Kleoppel, Xochiltyay, amy, Bre, Alexia, katie merchant / thank you, ok: Thank you!

rachel: Thank you! I've actually never been to a restaurant one but I like the idea of a built-in low key quality, you know?

Darcy: Ha! Yes, not caring about other people's opinion on things you love is pretty important.

EvaForeva: Thank you, & I hope so...

erica-knits: Thanks, lady!

Sarah: Whoa, party bus! That sounds really fun.

amy w - over and under: Thank you! I'm torn about speeches... they can be nice but I think I would just be so embarrassed!

Angela Barnes: Thank you -- yikes, I hope so.

Elena: Thank you!

sarah: Oh yes, that's such an important thing to me. Thank you.

justine | lovemaki: Maybe it will be really boring! Just kidding. Thank you!

unique weddings: Thank you.

alice: You're sweet to say so, thank you!

Simone: I sure did, it was a beautiful celebration!

Elaina: Thank you! I hope so too.

in dreams: Thanks! Oh yes, I didn't want to have it at a time of year when the potential for blizzards could arise. I would love to have a reception at an art gallery (I think that would be the most natural choice for us) but because of a series of compromises I've had to make, there will be a seated dinner and most galleries aren't large enough to accommodate that. Plus they can be really expensive! At least at a restaurant you don't have to pay to rent the room. Melinda Josie had her reception at that gallery (Thrush Holmes) and it looked lovely. It's a great space.

Stephanie: I can't help it... I don't consider myself a religious person but after 20+ years of Catholic school, I can't help but have it be the natural choice. Plus I'm really not the sort of person to write her own vows.

Jennifer: That's so wonderful to hear!

Miss Crowland: You know, I haven't. I already have a place in mind, my dad's friend owns it. Probably not as nice as Le Select, but oh well!

Rosie: <3!

CARLY WAITO: Thank you, yaay! Hope to see you again soon.

rachael: Thanks!

Julia: Thank you! Well, there will definitely have to be a fair amount of compromise because we can't do it without help. I think that ultimately we will have our own say on a good chunk of it, though.

Jane Flanagan: Wow, that is so kind of you to say, thank you so much. If I ever get out of hand, please TELL ME.

Hollie: Thank you! I hope so!

east side bride: That makes me so happy. So glad! I know how much you like shoooooes.

danica: Thank you! And exactly. Geoff isn't all that much taller than I am and since I broke my ankle a few years ago I am rather wobbly in heels. No one wants a stumbling bride ripping her dress down the aisle...

hila: Thank you, sweet Hila! That was a lifetime ago, it seems! I am also baffled by how much people spend on them. It is unbelievable to me.

Hwasoon: Thank you, sweet lady.

Trixia: Thank you!

Up The Wooden Hills: Thank you so much! I'm excited about the dress too, it's probably my favourite part! I hope I will look nice in it.

april: Finally, right? And YES PLEASE. Maybe I'll hire you to be my decorator!

wedding shoes

2011-11-15T15:55:00.001-05:00

Geoff & I have been engaged for quite a while: since December 1, 2008. For years I thought that we would just pick a date and go to City Hall and make it official, and talked about doing this, but over the past three years I knew (I knew!) in my heart that that wasn't something we could realistically do. We had to be ready for the alternative, and we are now ready for it. Posting this makes me feel quite nervous, since it's so personal.

We have a date set for next September. We are having a church wedding, which has surprised a few people, but it feels right (I find comfort in tradition, in the repetition of familiar words). We don't have a reception venue, because looking at venues in Toronto gives me a panicked feeling, and fields or farms or even large yards aren't readily available to us. We might have our reception at a restaurant that most of our friends can take a short cab ride to get to (this is actually really important to me). Our every day lives are full of self-expression and creative endeavours. Our wedding will be an extension of that, and not the only example of it in our lives. We don't intend to go all out, and I don't want to spend every moment of the next few months thinking or talking about it. I want it to be a fun party!

I won't turn this into a wedding blog, but I thought that I could occasionally share things like this: these are the shoes that I will most likely wear. They are simple white leather oxfords that I found on clearance. I've worn them around the apartment, and I have strung these pretty laces that Tara sent me through them. They are just so typically me, so chill and comfortable, and therefore perfect (my mother will beg to differ).

REPLIES

Elise / Pennyweight, sn, Ariel, Chuck, Sara/Matchbox Kitchen: Thanks for the sweet words on the scarf -- I'm amazed because it's hardly visible! Hope you'll like it when it's made.

Julia: No excuse! Just rock that cape!

Rebekka Seale: Aw, thanks.

Angela Barnes: Thank you, and soon, I hope!

Brodie: I have never experienced a summer Christmas and find it so fascinating! I do love a snowy Christmas but think I should try the opposite at least once.

carissa: So sweet! You made me blush.

erica: Oh, then Ezra's Pound is perfect for him! I don't really know much about coffe but I think they are very serious about it.

Erica: Thank you! I've thought about it, but I don't think I can do it. Thanks, though!

geeta: Thanks! Those picks were fun to put together.

erica-knits: I had totally forgotten about the hankie! That really puts it into perspective how long I've been stalling on this... yikes. Thanks for the sweet words.

Kate: Minimum orders make that too risky... but your comment made me laugh!

hila: Aw, thanks! I don't know about that!

p: That tote is from the Wild Nothing website: http://wildnothing.bigcartel.com/. Sure, girls can carry that tote! I do!

elsewhere

2011-11-09T14:07:00.000-05:00

I'm on Emma's blog today as part of her "Lovely Lady" (aw, shucks) series. This one includes a giveaway, so be sure to visit if you'd like a chance to enter. And here you can see why I don't do outfit posts: so awkward! (If you read the post you'll see that the scarf is a Fieldguided scarf. Yes. I have been sitting on those samples since early 2011 and just haven't had the funds/confidence to get anywhere with them, even if I really do love them.)

Holiday things are starting to trickle in, but I don't mind since I always love the lead-up to the end of December (I try not to pay too much attention to the gift-buying parts and try to focus on the holiday parties part). I recently contributed to the Little Paper Planes holiday lookbook. My icy picks are here.

I also contributed a post to Honey Kennedy: Milky Pix: Cat Edition.

REPLIES

Hopscotch: Yes, I hope so too! I've been loving your travel photos lately!

Jane Flanagan: Thank you! And yes, the weather couldn't have been better. I was so glad we took that little bike ride.

tamerajane: A highly recommended activity! We stick to quiet side streets, which are so much nicer to ride along.

Libby: That's so funny because I always assume people expect Toronto to be so cold! We're lucky to get all kinds of weather, I think.

jillh: That happens to me occasionally with other blogs!

hungryandfrozen: I really do enjoy it, although it does have scary moments.

alexandria: Thank you!

east side bride: Ha! It just looks that way. Illusions!

erica: It's possible! I mean, most of my days are spent at Robarts Library and maybe the yoga studio before I head home, so these sorts of excursions are actually an exception. I highly recommend Ezra's Pound, both locations! Really good coffee, if you're a coffee person.

lola is beauty: Thanks, sweet Claire!

EvaForeva: Come along! Thank you.

elle :: everything reminds me of you: Thank you! Funnily enough I don't like the colours in them... I love autumn light, though. But I'm glad I took them and have them.

greenbeen: They're great shoes! He just loves them. Thank you!

hannah kristina metz: Yes please!

katie merchant / thank you, ok: Maybe I'm just a short cat!

Sam: Thank you!

Xochiltyay: It was very lovely indeed.

NICOMADE: Thanks! I totally will.

anja louise verdugo: Thanks, buddy!

Juan Satizabal: Thank you!

tara-lynn: Oh, hmm... do you have plans to come to Toronto soon? I think it's widely available. Or if you'd like I can pick up a copy for you and leave it at Robber... it's so expensive to ship!

Heidi: I do like it here!

caroline: Thanks! The bike is 20+ year old Raleigh Transit. A friend gave it to me many years ago.

Nastya: Thank you!

Darcy: Yeah, it's a great tote! Makes me wish I had designed it.

TwoBrunettes: I got the case on eBay. Just search "kutusitanyanko iphone" or "kutusita nyanko iphone."

Stephanie: Thank you!

Catherine @ The Spring: Oh yes, I agree about the light soles. Thanks for saying hello and for the kind words!

anne b.: It was, thank you! Love that cape.

perfect fall

2011-11-07T13:46:00.005-05:00

On Friday Geoff & I grabbed our bikes to soak in cool fall vibes. We bumped into so many pals who were out doing the same.

First things first: Geoff gave the neighbourhood feral cat a lil' snack.

Stopped at Ezra's Pound on Dundas for some coffee and reading. I have been reading The Line of Beauty for what feels like forever (I have cheated on it a few times, with the new Nicholson Baker for example, which is really a book meant for cheating).

Cat ears on errrrrrrrything.

"I'm the luckiest girl on the lower west side..." (um, sorry everyone).

My bike is a heap for real. But I love it anyhow. And yes, I will take any opportunity I can to wear a cape.

We always like to visit Erin when she's working at Robber, where I admired jewelry from Iacoli & McAllister (as well as the Shadow Cloak from Samantha Pleet, which I'll have to daydream about forever).

We gave Erin the new Real Estate record as a belated birthday present and it's really well designed.

Geoff has been looking for a pair of nice brown shoes for ages and finally found a vintage pair at 69 Vintage, deadstock and for a tiny price. He was so proud of this purchase. I think they're lovely.

"Hold my tote bag." We are just such huge fans of tote bags, but that's a cool band too. At this point we had bumped into Katie and Geoff took some photos of us, which I thoughtfully adorned with cat heads.

We ended off the day with the new Lula for me and Vietnamese food. Best.

REPLIES

fawn: Um, yeah... not one of his best! I just like the phrase.

mackenzie, Jane Flanagan, Hopscotch, in dreams, Diana, Lolo, aldrin, Lauren: Thank you all so much for the sweet words!

hila: That's so great! I love hearing about that kind of thing. I think the Gainsbourg might be a little more obscure, but hey -- bonus points for that, I guess!

P R I M O E Z A, dianne @ icefloe, katbird, Kathrin, Anonymous, lola is beauty: Thank you! The print is now available, if you were interested.

carissa: That would be amazing!

april: Ha! We might do a black on natural tote, but not sure about a white on black print. Glad you like it!

lizzie: Ha, yeah. It's not really deliberate. We just work slowly and always have to wait for funds to catch up as well. That's just how we do! Thanks.

Jen: Yeah, they're a cool company!

vu de l'extérieur

2011-10-25T16:59:00.004-04:00

A new tote design! This one is currently available at Need Supply Co., which is pretty cool, and is also available in our shops (here and here).

"Vu de l'extérieur" is the name of a Serge Gainsbourg album and song (not one that I'm particularly enamoured with, to be honest!), and because Gainsbourg never wrote a single phrase that ever had a single meaning (that's an exaggeration, but not by much), it can mean either "seen from the exterior" or "exterior view." The background image is a detail from a Victorian era photo of a mountain, from our collection of old photographs.

ETA: I guess my French is much worse than it used to be, because it was pointed out below that it doesn't mean "exterior view" without an 'e' at the end of 'vu.' So. "Seen from the exterior."

We might offer this one as a print as well, because Geoff printed one on paper for a friend and we thought it looked pretty nice (and fit perfectly into an inexpensive Ikea frame).

Oh! If you'd like to have the chance to win one of our totes and a few other sweet treats, visit Molten Store and sign up for their newsletter for a chance to win. Good luck!

REPLIES

a day with kate: Mm, yes, although I am learning to prefer almond milk (it's happening).

neonfoxtongue: I just bought that almond butter, and on sale. Hilarious.

april: Ahhhh, I know! That's one of the main reasons why I stay away from food blogs. They make me crazy.

mackenzie: Yes, same here! You know something is effective if it inspires me to do something in the kitchen (I hate cooking, I hate recipes, etc., but I love to eat, so go figure).

Caitlin Rose: Seriously so easy, once you have the proper bag (tried it with a coffee filter and the results were not so great).

katie merchant / thank you, ok: The cutest!

becka: I hope you got to try it! KUA is the best. I think I've seen every episode.

Michelle: I hadn't heard of oat until you mentioned it, but now I'm curious!

erin: I'm glad!

C: I hope it worked out for you, or that it will. I was so surprised to discover how easy it really was.

katrina: Yay!

la femme: Me too!

in dreams: Yeah, I can't drink much cow's milk anymore, which is probably for the best as it helps me avoid so many foods that I really don't need to be eating. It really is that easy!

amy, Sean : The lady of the house speaking!

Jaclyn: Thanks, Jaclyn.

pushups with polish: Agreed! I wish more coffee shops agreed (I don't like soy milk either).

carissa: Yes, dates! That is a genius idea. I went out and bought some dates after I read your comment.

amy w - over and under: It's the sweetest!

Elise: Thanks for the link! I always love finding new veg-blogs. I hope the milk-making worked out for you.

aloÿse: Très simple!

rae, Miss Cris: I'm glad you enjoyed! It's a great blog.

P R I M O E Z A: I hope it works out for you. I know how hard it can be (also trying to cut down/cut out dairy, don't like soy, etc.). I don't even drink that much milk but I like almond milk in my tea and coffee, and I can't drink them black.

Sarah B: Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for saying hello! I love your blog, and I'm so happy you read mine. So crazy! Thanks for your beautiful, inspiring blog -- I can't wait to try more recipes from it (I have my eye on those raw brownies). Thank you! xoxo

Ashley: Oh, thanks for the tip! I didn't find it to be too bitter but I'm always willing to try something different. I'm glad you liked the blog too.

hila: I hope you like it. It might be an acquired taste, but I liked it right away. I guess it depends on how attached on is to cow's milk. Oh the Hyacinths of the world! Sadly they are numerous.

blorange dice: That's so nice of you! I hope she well enjoy it.

almond milk!

2011-10-21T13:17:00.004-04:00

The other day I tweeted that almond milk is "the most superior of all milks," and the replies I received ranged from enthusiastic agreement to extreme disagreement.* I really do love almond milk and go through about three cartons of it a week. After the almond milk tweet, one of the So Much to Tell You girls (not sure who it was, but thank you!) sent me a link to a food blog called My New Roots. This is precisely the kind of food blog I love best, since it's so heavy on the vegetables, and it happens to include the prettiest, sweetest food instruction video I think I have ever seen (the "How to Cook Quinoa" video is equally adorable).

My New Roots - How to Make Nut Milk from My New Roots on Vimeo.

So I got a nut milk bag and tried it with almonds. I added a splash of vanilla extract and some agave nectar, and it was so easy, and so delicious. Real talk from the laziest person in the kitchen.

*I usually use the word "superior" with a dash of facetiousness, but I suppose there is no way for people to know that; I always think of the hilarious Hyacinth "It's Bouquet!" Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances when I use the word ("People who try to pretend they're superior make it so much harder for those of us who really are").

REPLIES
Janelle, Michelle of The Feather Den, erica-knits, sara, Lauren, carol-ine: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed my silly post.

COPY|PRINT, C: Glad you noted the colours, because that was deliberate!

in dreams: Maybe a window shopping headhunter is reading this right now! That would be pretty great.

İpek: Oh no, that's too bad! I would probably look ridiculous in them myself so I will just admire them from my screen.

Kelly: Thank you! I am terrible at caring for houseplants but they really are so lovely to have around.

flights of fantasy

2011-10-20T15:03:00.001-04:00

So dang many pretty things in my Pinterest account.

1. Something Else by Natalie Wood sunglasses via So Much to Tell You; 2. Gabriela Artigas hexagon ring via Robber (this is the one thing from this list that I own, and I love it!); 3. branding via Designspiration; 4.Dieppa Restrepo Dandy loafer in Rose Gold via Maryam Nassir Zadeh; 5. A-frame plant hanger via Poketo

6. J. Crew Bond Street leather tote via Net-a-Porter; 7. Margaret Howell pull-on shirt via La Garçonne; 8. Cloudy Day open cardigan in grey via PRIMOEZA

9. Pirkka table via Collex; 10. Emily + Ilana Scarf 2 via Ilana Kohn

11. Los Angeles print via handsartshop; 12. Landscape Wrap in charcoal via PRIMOEZA

REPLIES

the line sheet, Sean, Rebekka Seale, Instant Flowers, tabitha emma, İpek, ms.composure, Marla, lilyfm: Thank you very much for the comments, glad you enjoyed the pictures.

erin: I'll take that as a very nice compliment, thank you.

in dreams: I am a world-class window shopper.

tara-lynn: Me too.

hil: Ha! Maybe. Although I hope without all the poor hygiene bits.

il était une fois: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like the tote!

Alyce: My dresser is usually a huge disaster. So messy.

assemblies

2011-10-13T15:50:00.000-04:00

A few pretty things that have caught my eye recently. I am such a sucker for these sorts of pictures.

I loved Katie's beauty post but I mostly loved these two pictures. The colours, the dark wood, the piñata reflected in the mirror, the snake bracelet.

Our totes are carried by a fantastic online shop based in Australia called Molten Store, and recently Molten had a trunk show at their office to celebrate their launch. How beautiful. (Photos via il était une fois, who also took some amazing beach photos with a black Thunder tote.)

Photo via le crazy horse. I love these colours and textures together.

Of course, part of an installation by that master of collecting/arranging, the amazing Sonja Ahlers.

REPLIES

EvaForeva, Sharks Keep Moving, Jane Flanagan, this is a documentation, maybe., Rizie, kittenrocket, Jacqueline: Thank you all very much for your sweet comments. x

jen, İpek: Thank you! Yes, it doesn't help that my favourite camera is actually pretty heavy and a pain to carry around.

the line sheet: Oh yes, film is the best.

in dreams: Luckily with my Canon camera it's so easy to take a double exposure (I personally love them), but I never remember to do it! I hope you can try it soon. It's fun.

elskan: Wonder Couple! Ha! Thank you.

sheila: Aw, I wish I were that powerful... and yes, that is cosmos! I don't know how to identify plants/flowers (ironic, given my blog's name) but I know that one for sure.

vanessa: Thank you! These were taken with a Canon A-1.

Melissa: Oh yes, agreed, wish I were able to make it out there more often.

summer's end

2011-10-12T13:36:00.000-04:00

I had forgotten about this roll of film. I took the top three near a favourite front yard in my neighbourhood about a month ago, and Geoff took the bottom two in Georgian Bay.

I wish I could take more pictures, experiment, have fun with it. I suppose a first step would be to make sure I always have a camera on me, when most of the time I don't.

REPLIES

hila, Caitlin Rose, in dreams, elissa :: ebb & flow: Thank you. Let's all hope for the best.

Kate: Ha! Well that is an amazing compliment, thank you! I can't wait to have mine framed up.

for them

2011-10-06T14:05:00.001-04:00

I'm sure that most of you read Kate Miss' blog and know about the situation she and her boyfriend find themselves in at the moment. Having spent time with Kate in London, I know that she is an incredibly hard-working and self-reliant person who would never ask for help unless it were absolutely necessary. She has just opened up a print shop to help cover some of the costs associated with Will's treatment, which is fantastic news for those of us who admire Kate's photography. I don't want to speak for them, though: read more here.

Spreading the word is the least I can do, and I know that if I were in their place, Kate would do the same for me. I'm hoping for the best for both of them.

REPLIES

Darcy: I will! I'm surprised I haven't read Wide Sargasso Sea yet, as I loved Jane Eyre...

chelsea: Agreed.

satsuki shibuya: It's so cozy! I love to touch it because the yarn is so lovely.

Ann Marie: I feel the same way. I don't know how to knit but I know that even if I learned, it wouldn't turn out so nice.

Sara/Matchbox Kitchen: Oh yes, for sure!

Yolanda: I want to read Good Morning, Midnight... and yes, I love her scarves too. I have a few and I always love pulling them out when it's time.

erica-knits: Yes! I'm glad I'll never need to learn how to knit with her around, haha.

good night, day

2011-10-05T15:54:00.001-04:00

I am so glad I snagged one of the Simcoe headbands in grey from my friend Tara-Lynn. It wasn't particularly cold this morning but I wore it anyway and I felt so fancy in it as I stopped by the library to pick up a copy of the collected novels of Jean Rhys (thanks for the inspiration, T-L). I won't be getting any new clothing this fall, but I am looking forward to my walks home as I chase the sunset with the softest, loveliest accessory on my head.

Of course, the latest photography for the Good Night, Day shop (by Ériver Hijano) is just stunning.

REPLIES

m.bardeaux: Well, as we discussed, I can't actually sing. Definitely some falsetto action for that last "Joleeeeeeaann!"
EvaForeva: Agreed, so beautiful!

s a m: Yes! I think the wheat is pretty unexpected for a lingerie shoot, too, which makes it even better.

Elaina: I'm glad you enjoyed!

in dreams: Oh, I miss Tidbit's little face! But I will probably share the Annex Cat Rescue listings once I have them. I think the kittens are still in the process of being socialized/made ready to be adopted. And I'm so glad you like Fortnight. I agree, wear it for yourself!

Jane Flanagan: GRANNY PANTIES!!! Oh dear. So many visions of childhood clotheslines...

ALY AGA: It is truly a fantastic bum.

Amy (Oh, My): Glad you enjoyed!

Courtney: That happened for real! I love it.

sara.k: So glad you agree! I also have the Rita knickers and I hide them away for special occasions! I just love them.

davideats: Hello, friend! Whoa, nice stuff! Thanks so much for saying hello and telling me about it. I love stuff that doesn't look typical as well. It just looks like clothes (sexy clothes).

hila: Agreed! Glad you like it.

Noémie: Yeah! Spread the word!

fortnight

2011-09-29T13:49:00.000-04:00

I know some of you were into my post about high waisted underpants because I've had readers approach me in real life and tell me so! So that's pretty cool. If I could work a lingerie beat, I totally would. I don't think we talk about the importance of proper underpinnings enough, and I think that prancing around your apartment in your favourite bra is the best feeling.

After receiving a pair of the Rita knickers, Fortnight Lingerie has become my favorite lingerie company, and one of my favourite local companies. I wanted to share these images from the 2012 collection -- I'm so in love with it. I might just have to stop by the new studio Fortnight is opening in Parkdale and get myself fitted for the Jolene. I also really love the collection video and the sweet making-of video.

Also: can we talk about how good it is that the pieces are named for songs (songs that I love, by the way -- "Jolene" is my signature karaoke number)? I love the lines from the songs on the bottom of the images.

REPLIES

Color Collective: Thank you, and I love it too!

sylvie: Thanks! Oh yes, they seem to be great patterns -- I really loved the blouse one. It also had a skirt pattern but I wasn't so into that one.

erica: Oh, I'm sure you've been so busy! If you look at the post there are three more Toronto recommendations from Katie of Thank You, Ok -- the funny thing is I haven't even been to the ones she recommended yet!

EvaForeva: Thank you! Well, I'll have to remake it...

Mon Petit Lapin: Thank you!

Caitlin Rose: Ooh, sparkle binge! That sounds lovely. If you do end up glittering your shoes, I'd love to see them.

sara: Thank you! Make your own, it's so easy (although a little bit messy).

henzy: Nice! I did the same thing when I saw the DIY.

Jessica: Haha, thanks. The rack came from an antiques shop. It was originally a dark green colour that I didn't like at all!

Mamushka Marie: Good luck with it!

Hopscotch: Thank you so much! Hope to see you soon xoxo

Kate: xoxoxoxoxoxox to you.

erin: I like the way you think, lady! They also remind me of a pair of Doc Martens' boots I was jealous of in high school -- a girl I knew bought a pair and she would leave a trail of glitter when she walked. They were amazing.

katie merchant / thank you, ok: Thanks, girl!

Jennifer: Thank you! Oh yes, they would be so perfect for a wedding. And it's so easy!

Elena: To you as well xo

Leah: Well, I do have the occasional failure but I like to share those as well because I think they're funny! Thanks for the sweet words.

kelly: Thank you!

natalie: Thanks! We got it at an antiques shop. I'm not sure what the original purpose was.

Darcy: Thank you!

Grace - Stripes and Sequins: Very cute! Thank you for sharing.

in dreams: Well, we'll see! Oh no, I hope you can get the pattern, and at the sale price, because it really is great (I think!). Thanks for checking in, I really appreciated it xoxox (oh and PS Tidbit and her siblings are in the care of a cat rescue volunteer!)

carol-ine: I know just what you mean... I recently donated about 30 patterns to Goodwill! I have been collecting them for years but I have to be more realistic about what I know I will actually make. Good luck to you if you try it!

hila: That's very sweet of you. For me, it's about finding a balance between sharing what is mine and being okay with it being out there, and being used as "inspiration." I never thought of myself as someone who was particularly inspiring but it can be heartbreaking to see someone take something I have chosen to share and using it as a crib. Long story, but anyhow, thanks so much for the sweet words xoxox

anna of (green gable): I agree, I love the necklace!

kater: Ha! Just from doing the shoes, there is glitter all over my apartment. The best is when Pony nuzzles the shoes and gets glitter all over her lil' face. It's the best.

odess: Thanks so much!