On Being Cozy

Cozy is the name of the game this week

Things I love about this week:

- Soup is on the menu 3 times! Lentil, Split Pea, and Tomato, oh my!

- After an eternity of procrastination, I finally knit a perfect square. One perfect square. That means I am on my way to a scarf ... soon!

- Looking forward to a weekend in Bodega Bay, Sebastopol, Freestone, and the ocean. It’s been months since I’ve seen the sea. Plus, the last time we went there it was simply awesome.

Crafts I Dig From Etsy

I enjoy browsing the offerings on Etsy.com. It makes me happy that there are networks connecting willing shoppers with creative, artistically gifted people. A few favorite finds:

A lovely apron from Modern June. I love the colors and quality looks great. Put me in this, stick me in the kitchen, and call me June (Cleaver)!

As an earth tone person, I find this skirt's shade of olive green ideal. And the length - not too long or dowdy, not to short or showy. Apparently you can even ride a bike while wearing it! It's so simple, I almost wonder if I could make my own at home... Or I could pay trapperjane to make me one.

These cherry blossom prints (from Painting Prints) add an Asian, earthy touch to the natural style of this living room.

If I ever have money to burn someday, I pledge to invest it in the talents of skilled artisans. That includes massage therapists as well. I would hate to exclude anyone.

See My First Attempt at Sewing (An Apron)

When I was younger, I used to think that crafts were useless and the fact that mine always lacked creativity and skill didn't help. Nowadays, I am fascinated by the idea of making useful items by hand, particularly because it's rarely done in our hurried lives. So I've been thinking, while I have the time, why not learn how to do things that could prove useful or a positive creative outlet?

My mom is an excellent seamstress and I have been trying to get her to teach me to sew for several years now. I finally succeeded this month and with her help, sewed an apron after two sewing lessons, although I am still learning and my skills require a lot of honing. (When I sat down with the pattern for the first time, I was perplexed by the instructions. Baste? All I knew how to baste was a turkey!) For now, I'm just glad it stayed together without falling apart when I put it on! Maybe some day I can sell cool stuff on Etsy... Dream big, right?!

My apron is a halter-style with ribbon lining the waist and skirt.
It's feminine, flirty, and definitely not your granny's apron! :-)

"Look, ma! I put it on and it didn't fall apart!"