miles being miles

Status

This is not new news, but for those who only read my blog, I thought I would let you know that Matt and I got engaged over Thanksgiving week.

Ever since, we’ve been not only blissed out, but also stressed out by the holinsanity and Matt’s gradual move into my house over this month. The Honda Fit has proven to be one of the best purchases of 2007. We didn’t have to rent a truck.

I know that Matt is adjusting to living in my house, which has essentially become our house in very little time. The biggest challenge, I think, has been realizing that along with me, Matt’s also marrying into the chaos of being a landlord. Since we’ve been engaged we’ve had two big snowstorms requiring days and days of shoveling and snowblowing, a near-crisis with the boiler, and several other smaller landlordy tasks.

We are both taking it on with weary smiles. We’ve learned that life is so much easier when you’re part of a team.

The photo? That’s where he proposed.

THIS IS OSS

For the crafty on your list, here’s a fantastic sale going on this weekend.

If you would like to see just some of what’s available there, check out their blog.

ready

toile the bags i loved before

Out of all the toile bags I’ve made this commisioned one is my favorite so far. There is definitely something to be said for spending a little bit extra dough on nice fabric. While I can do a lot with some pretty sweet flea market finds, I am still always learning which fabrics will work best. I recently worked with a very stiff duck cloth for a messenger bag. I needed something sturdy, but the rigidity of duck cloth takes it a bit too far. I will have photos of the messenger bag at some point, too. But for now, enjoy toile decadance.

I am also making stockings, which you can view/buy by going to Dandie In The Underworld.

power out

Last night after 11 p.m. the power went out on my block. I opened a shade and peered out onto the intersection. No porch lights, no street lights. I could see flashlights turn on in neighbors’ houses and the apartment complex in the distance. It was almost as if people were communicating in code with flashes of light. The whole block looked very snug and peaceful, although it looked cold out there in pitch black. The blackout only lasted about two hours. I wasn’t awake when it went back on, but my blinking alarm clock this morning confirmed the timeline.

And now I hear the snow is coming.

Lately, I’ve been paring down my activities, and hunkering down to work on handbags. I am making good time before the holidays, but after this weekend I know the season is going to speed up significantly. I have a couple of orders to fill, too.

Last weekend my mother came for a short visit. We had a fantastic time. I showed her Frigo’s market in Springfield, Moshi Moshi in Northampton, The Sierra Griille (Northampton… Yes, we ate a lot) and took her to Dandie in the Underworld where my bags are sold on consignment. On Saturday night, she met Matt’s mom.

Ken Rocks Well

If you like to take photos, check out Ken Rockwell’s site. It’s Oss.

facts

i stopped wearing foundation to work. it’s freeing.
my cats are about a foot away from each other, ready to fight.
law & order is an addiction.
I just ate an apple.
I am taking a half-hour break from sewing.
the cats were ready to fight. now they look bored.
my mom is coming to visit soon.
i’m too tired.

latest projects

I have decided, against my own better judgment, to make a handbag for each of my female relatives. I don’t yet have a manbag pattern so the ladies get stuff this year. Maybe next year I’ll learn how to make something for men. I enjoy making handbags so much that I don’t even really want to think about expanding my repertoire. It is a hobby, after all. (P.S. can you tell I got my camera back?)

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