{ Ramona’s Bright Idea by Pattie Lee Becker } { THE MORE WE WANDER detail by Monica Canilao & Kyle Ranson }
Hi. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sarah, and I really like things that are handmade. I like to make things and buy handmade things from others. I also go to grad school at Columbia College Chicago, a big ol’ “arts & media” school with some 12,000 undergraduate students. Creative types. Lots of creative types. Knowing these things about me, you probably shouldn’t be surprised to hear that one of my favorite places in Chicago is a place called ShopColumbia, where Columbia students–those 12,000 creative types I was telling you about–sell their art and handicraft. It is a wonderland.
Getting back into the swing of school, with all the mental stimulation and social hullabaloo, has really inspired me to get crafting again. And to sell that craft at Shop Columbia!
I mean, if I’m investing so much of my time and finances into this whole master’s degree thing, so I can eventually manage arts and crafts businesses or organizations, I might as well practice my own craft, right? I’m thinking about pulling my crochet hooks and yarn out of their summer hibernation spots and whipping up some warm & cozy cowls and headbands.
I want to continue learning, too. Maybe I’ll try my hand at mittens or leg warmers! Or at least more elaborate patterns for my cowls…
So stay tuned, folks! By posting my crafting progress, I’ll use the Westervin blog and it’s fine readers to keep myself motivated and accountable.
But before you go, say hello to my classmates and excited new friends, Carolyn and Ali. Are they excited because of Shop Columbia and all the wonders and possibilities it holds? Are they excited to be my new friends? I’d like to think both are true…
I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of this magical-sounding book. It has to be good. It has to be so so good. Please be good.
One day, you will be mine.
It’s that time again. The season for handfuls of fresh, ripe fruit all over your summer salads. Or rather, a little bit of lettuce in my fruit salad. One of the few ways you can get me to eat vegetables.
After I graduate, we will move to a smaller city, where we can enjoy more sunshine, all four seasons, and a big house all to ourselves with a yard for a dog and trees (or cacti). Until then, I’ll find comfort in this tiny pocket box.
I waited too long to see Made in Dageham, cuz DANG is it good! It sucked me in with it’s amazing 60′s style, but it was the ladies’ kick-ass attitudes that really won me over.
A must have? Or a definitely must have?
This “Freedom Fighter” has won my heart. { via Hey Mammoth }
More wedding inspiration. It’s just around the corner!
I recently ordered this dress. It’s crazy, I know! Unlike anything I normally wear. But I was drawn to it. I figure I can dress it down with a light denim jacket (seems to be the trend, right?), earthy jewelry, and some casual flats. Yes? Maybe? We’ll find out soon enough.
Jo Hamilton loves Portland. Enough to recreate it in yarn. It’s crocheted, people! I wonder how long that took…
Come home with me?
Ok bye! See you later.
Taking some time for myself, soothing the slightly stressed soul with some crocheting and loved ones. Posting from me should be light again this week. I must get caught up on emails and laundry and hat sketches and other sundries that were ignored the last week or two.
See that little zig-zag business up top? That’s gonna be a throw! It seems like it will take about one million hours to complete, but I’m trying to be more of a “process crocheter”, rather than a “product crocheter”. I’m hoping the repetitive, simple pattern will help to calm some anxieties that are rising. You might remember the accounting test I was studying like a mad-woman for? Didn’t go so well. It was a long-shot, but at least I tried! Looks like I’ll be taking an accounting course this summer, in between wedding plans and exercising (yuck).
Good thing Fitzy’s always got my back! He’s so helpful with my craft projects. If “helpful” means eating my yarn and sitting on my handiwork. He’s lucky he’s so cute…
{ Memories In A Bottle by Thomas C. Chung } { Thanksgiving 2006 (Anaconda Camp) by Derek Dunlop }
{ Carolina Parakeet by Laurel Roth } { Untitled by Jeffrey Vincent }
Clockwise from top left: { Paneled Leggings from Norwegian Wood } { Cream Crochet Lace Bowl from On the Hook } { Pouch Necklace is Sage from Ré Rae } { City 4 Mixed Media Painting by Candace Brooks Art }
As you’ve likely noticed, I’m not able to carry on long without a little bit of tongue-in-cheek absurdity. But every once in a while, I’ll take something seriously. Those somethings tend to be thrifting binges, desserts of the chocolate variety (oh, there I go again), and craft. I like making things. I love it when other people make things. I’m addicted to Etsy. So, I was a little surprised to read, while perusing the news at Chicago Craft Mafia, that Etsy had changed its policies last week to prohibit goods that “disparage or promote hate”. I was surprised to even hear of such items that promoted violence against women or people with disabilities on the craft-tastic mecca that is Etsy. I’m glad I’d never come across it, as I might have been driven to write a very cross letter or two. And I’m not sure mine would have been as effective as the heated comments that lead Etsy to change their policies. Originally prohibiting items that promoted hate based on race or religion, their revised policy adds “gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation” to the list.
Craft is a very positive thing. It’s about building upward and moving forward. It’s a universal language and an affirmation of our humanity. We are all creators and makers of beautiful things.
And with that, I have decided to learn how to crochet. Somebody find me a YouTube tutorial! I’ll let you buddies know how it goes…
{ شینجاڭ / Shinjang by Juno Chen } { untitled head by AJ Fosik }
My beautiful necklace from Miss Pompadour deserved a special outfit! { After the jump: Vintage Dress, Secondhand Raincoat, Watch from Target, Shoes from Yes Style }
As Brian mentioned last week, I’ve been sporting some fancy fall duds, and boy howdy has the weather been nice. I hate to admit it, but for the first time in my life I think I’m truly appreciating fall. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still a summer girl, but the past few weeks have been beautiful… and just perfect for some layered fall fashions!
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