sneak...

Sneak peak of a dress I made.  More pictures coming soon!

more paris

merci

After my weekend in Paris, I'm convinced that there is no better place in the world in spring.

One of my favorite spots we visited was merci - a cafe, used book shop, home store, clothing boutique... just a little bit of everything.

 

Sadly, a whole roll of film was ruined which I think had some of my best pictures from the trip.  Oh well, I'll just have to make up for it in two weeks when I'm back in Paris again!

le paris

I just found out today that I'm going to Paris for the weekend.  What a nice surprise!  

A picture of the rainy city during my last visit.  Fingers crossed for sun this time!

royal wedding celebration

Street party celebrating the union of Kate & Wills just around the corner from my house. I want those giant cupcakes!

knitting in art

The Strong, Star-Bright Companions via Cool Hunting.

my weekend

#1  I've planted some of the extra seeds in pots in the house as a backup for the allotment... to transplant as seedlings just in case some (or most) of what's in the ground doesn't actually grow.

#2  Lavender plants against the wall in the garden

#3  Beautiful flowering tree across the street

tova top

I finally took pictures of the tova top I made a few months ago.  I do really love this shirt (and the pattern!), but as this was my first try, I made the size XS and it's a bit tight in the bust.  Unfortunately, I cut out the pattern and threw away the extra pieces, so I'm not able make the size S for my next try.  Even though it pulls a bit more than I'd like it to, I think it still looks okay to wear.

One of the best things about living in London is being able to stop by Liberty after work and browse (and, more often than not, buy) the amazing fabrics.  I studied in London for a semester during university and made my very first Liberty fabric purchase then.  I saved it for so long because I really wanted to make something special with it.  My mom, who has taught me everything I know about sewing, also made a purchase and saved it for years like I did.  Then, recently when I was home visiting my parents I accidentally left my tova top pattern in my mom's sewing room.  She later surprised me with a dress with the infamous Liberty fabric that she'd been saving.  She knew my shirt was a little tight and adjusted the pattern a bit to allow for a bit of extra room.  This one fits perfect and I love it.

There are some tips on how to make the bust area wider here from Jenny of wikstenmade herself.

I really want to finish the dress I started this week.  Hopefully it turns out as nice as this dress!

growing vegetables

After reading Eating Animals, I've had a hard time stomaching meat.  I don't think I'd ever be able to become a full-time, 100% vegetarian, but the book has definitely left a lasting impression on me and has caused me think a lot more of where my food comes from.  I generally feel distrustful about supermarket food, what the labeling really means, and whether I'm actually eating things I think am good for my body or not. 

So, when the opportunity to get an allotment came to me (and, for free!), I couldn't with good conscience say no.  For those of you who aren't familiar, allotments are shared pieces of land that are segmented and given to individuals to use for growing food, flowers, whatever!  

The past few weekends have been spent laboring on the plot, digging, preparing soil, organizing, labeling and planting seeds.  I just hope some of it grows!

By the way, these pictures were taken with a new camera of mine: a Rollei 35.  This is the first roll of film I've developed from it.  Can I just say how much I love this cute little camera?  I think it's going to become my new go-to.

baby blanket

Last week I found out a friend is pregnant.  So, my first thought was, what will I knit for her baby?!

Inspired by the warm weather, I bought some Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton and cast on for a baby blanket.  I almost don't want to knit any more because the little triangle is so cute by itself!