One Pearl Button

Getting to Work...

2009-07-07T15:38:00.002-04:00

I am an archaeological zone...

with a lovely sash while sorting tools at our storehouse before the start of the season. I've been working hard as well as playing hard this week, since my brother and sister-in-law decided at the last minute (literally!) to come over and visit for a few weeks this summer. They have been spending time with me here in Pompeii, and this weekend I'll be showing them around Rome. I'm looking forward to some solid knitting time while on the train - I've got a baby hat that is just itching to get on the needles.

Keeping my promises

2009-06-25T12:39:00.003-04:00

Look what I found, spotty internet service! I'm not sure how long it will last, but for now at least, here I am with the first of my summer photos: the lovely view as I ate breakfast over the Tyrrhenian sea. Isn't air travel incredible?

Since I find sleep impossible on a plane, I also got some crafting done in the air and knitted up two soakers (wool covers to go over cloth diapers - yes, the name kind of grosses me out, too) for my new niece or nephew. As far as things that are made to be peed on go, they are pretty adorable. I haven't seamed them yet, but I'll try to get a picture up when I do.

Is there anybody out there?

2009-06-21T09:23:00.003-04:00

Hello (o-o-o-o...)? Anybody here (ere-ere-ere-ere...)? *stirs up dust bunnies, wipes away cobwebs* I guess it's been awhile; this poor little blog has been sadly neglected. As you long time readers have probably guessed, it's that time again - archaeology time. I head to Italy tomorrow morning, will hit Greece in mid-August, and return to the states just before the first of September (hopefully in time to witness the birth of my newest niece of nephew - stay in there until I get home, little one!). This year, I'm really hoping to write at least a short post once a week, even if it's just a photo and a few words. Of course, that might not be possible, depending on what my internet situation looks like. We'll see! I feel like I've lost my connection to the blogging community in the madness of the past few months, and I don't want to further distance myself by spending another two months in silence.

Just in case I don't make it back to this space until the fall, have a wonderful summer, everyone!

Tomb of M. Tullius, Pompeii

PS - If you'd like a postcard, drop me an email with your address!

Tutorial: Doggie Belly Band

2009-05-30T09:23:00.004-04:00

So today's tutorial might not be of interest to most of you, but I recently realized that there are no instructions for making belly bands out there on the web. Since I have a pretty good method (if I do say so myself), I thought I'd share my approach.

For the uninitiated, belly bands are diapers for male dogs. They are great for new rescue dogs who haven't learned the rules of the house yet, for older dogs who develop incontinence problems, and for dogs with anxiety issues (like separation anxiety) that might lead to inappropriate urination. Our greyhound rescue group sends all new boys home with a belly band, just in case.

I like my belly band design because it doesn't require disposable diapers or "pee pads" (which are hard on the environment and on the wallet), but it prevents the leakage and seepage problems (ew) that are common in washcloth-based belly bands.

To make one, you'll need an old T-shirt, a package of sew on velcro, two old washcloths (or an old towel cut into two washcloth-sized squares), and a piece of vinyl. I like these vinyl pillow-storage bags (purchased at Target) because they are very soft and flexible - they feel much more like fabric than like typical vinyl.

First, lay out your T-shirt. Cutting through both sides of the shirt, cut out a rectangle of fabric that is long enough to wrap about halfway around your dog's belly, and wide enough to cover the entire *ahem* necessary area with a few inches to spare on all sides. To fit an average-sized greyhound, my rectangle is about 16x7". Set your rectangles aside.

Next, slice one sleeve off your shirt, cutting just outside the seam.

Then, cut along the top folded edge and the bottom folded edge of the sleeve, to make two pieces of fabric. Nothing needs to be perfect here - remember that this thing is going to be peed on.

Set your sleeve pieces aside, and cut out a rectangle of vinyl. It should be about 1.5-2" smaller than your t-shirt rectangles on all sides.

Time to sew! With right sides together, stitch up one long edge of your t-shirt rectangles (if you cut out your rectangle on the bottom hem of the shirt, stitch the other (raw) long edge). Use a zig-zag stitch or something else with some stretch to it.

Open your rectangles, wrong side facing you. Place your vinyl in one half, as shown in the picture, and sew it down along all four sides.

Now place a length of velcro along each long edge, so that the rectangles will fold over each other and close off the vinyl. Leave at least 1" between the velcro and each short side of the rectangle, and at least .5" between the velcro and the long side of the rectangle (this way the velcro won't rub against your dog's belly).

Okay, time to deal with those weird sleeve pieces. Lining up the hem of the sleeves with the velcro-edge of the rectangle, stitch the sleeve piece onto the short side of the rectangle (you might need to trim the sleeve a bit to fit). Repeat for the other side.

Now your band should look like this - a rectangle in the middle with two "wings" on either side.

Almost done! Take two more lengths of velcro, and sew them onto the "wings," so that the band will wrap securely around your dog's belly. Sew the velcro vertically onto the wings, rather than horizontally - that way you will get a nice snug fit, even if the band shrinks or stretches.

That's it! Fold the washcloths into thirds and slip them inside the band. Put the band on your dog with the vinyl side on the bottom. If he has an accident, just toss the whole thing into the washing machine.

"Mo-ooom, this is so embarassing! Take it off!"

Argh, fine. I'll just take a nap.

What I'm Wearing: Navy Day

2009-05-27T17:15:00.003-04:00

Navy shirt dress: Target. I love this dress; the bodice is T-shirt jersey, the skirt is lightweight cotton with gathered patch pockets, and pewter buttons run down the front. It's so comfy that it almost feels like wearing PJs to teach - perfect for curling up in front of some dissertation research after class.
Booties: Payless. I thought I needed something a little fierce with the comfy dress, and I like how the grey of the booties brings out the grey of the dress buttons.
Jewelry: wedding rings, (faux) diamond studs, silver chain necklace (I've really been getting boring with jewelry lately...I think I need to step it up).

Today was a navy day - it really seemed like nearly everyone I saw was wearing navy. It's stormy outside, so maybe the gloomy weather drew us all to the color. I'm missing last week's sun!

That Time Again

2009-05-25T10:37:00.003-04:00

Once again, wedding season is on its way, and so it's time to make veils. This year, "birdcage" seems to be the theme for my friends - I'm making two veils for two September weddings, and both are birdcages. Since I'm going to be digging right up to the end of August, I'm trying to get them both done before I leave. This is my first draft of one of the veils, kindly modeled by Beatrice. Try to imagine that she has a head (since the bride does, indeed, have a head).

The veil is a simple tulle birdcage, with a comb over each ear and a "poof" of tulle behind the left ear (which I may or may not keep - the bride isn't quite sure about it yet). I still need to do a bit more tweaking of the gathering here, but I'm happy with how it's turning out - soft and romantic. Veils might be my favorite thing to make; I love how beautiful and special they are.

What I'm Wearing: In the Sun

2009-05-20T21:05:00.003-04:00

It's back!

Dress: Forever 21. I love this little dress. It has a great sash and the sweetest little buttons up the bodice. Plus, the hem is fantastic.
Sandals: Easy Spirit - not the most fashionable of lines, but these are ridiculously comfortable! I switched into pumps to teach.
Jewelry: wedding rings, (faux) diamond studs, pearl bracelet

It was in the 80s today and gloriously sunny. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but it looks like winter might have officially moved on!

Mouths to Feed

2009-05-19T18:19:00.002-04:00

What's this?

Little blue eggs have become little fluffy birdies. And boy, are they hungry!

Nate and I have been keeping a worried eye on these babies, as the parents' chosen spot for their nest doesn't seem like the best:

Yes, that is a nest in a teeny-tiny tree. Next to a busy-busy street and sidewalk. The nest is at my eye-level, and I'm a shortie. I've been terrified that something would get the eggs, but it seems that I should have given mom and pop Robin a little more credit. So far, so good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the babies grow up strong and healthy!

Baby Set

2009-05-15T18:21:00.003-04:00

Wow, am I actually posting a craft? One that I made myself?? I am! I really am!

This baby set is for the Craftster Make for Charity Unswap; it's set to be auctioned off to benefit the Portland Women's Crisis Line.

The hat:

The applique is clipped from a felted cashmere sweater. I embroidered it with one of Lollychop's adorable embroidery patterns, pinked the edges, and stitched it on with vintage floss.

To coordinate the booties, I added felted cashmere "buttons." I really like how they turned out!

I hope someone falls in love with them!

Mail for me!

2009-05-11T18:00:00.002-04:00

What was waiting for me when I got home today? A fun surprise! Okay, maybe it wasn't a total surprise, since I ordered it, but it was fun nonetheless.

This gorgeous (and I mean gorgeous; it looks - and smells - brand new) customized vintage carry-on came from Etsy seller ReadySetGo. I highly recommend her. She was a dream to work with, even in the face of my crazy powers of indecision. We must have exchanged 20 emails in a single day working out this design.

Now it's my turn to get to work on the bag! I don't want to jinx it, but if all goes according to plan, I will soon have a new tutorial to share (I'll give you a hint - it involves something that is small and has lenses).

A Rare Sunny Day

2009-05-08T14:03:00.002-04:00

When the sun comes out during Ohio springtime, it's a crime not to take advantage of it with a trip to the dogpark.

Percy likes to spend his sunny days in various ways:

1. being a goofball

2. going for a run

3. playing with Nate

4. and the favorite - passed out at home

I hope your weekend is full of sunny days!

What I'm Wearing Nearly Everyday: New Rain Boots!

2009-05-07T09:44:00.003-04:00

Sadly, my old boots bit the dust this winter, developing holes that resisted all of Nate's attempts to patch them. After nearly four years of heavy use, I suppose they deserved retirement. I found these new boots on big time clearance at J.Crew. We'll see how long they hold up - they have certainly been getting a lot of use already.

At the Rolex

2009-04-29T17:52:00.003-04:00

Sorry, no "Watcha Wearing" today; I was running ridiculously late this morning, which resulted in having no time for photos (not to mention I ended up in a fairly uninspired outfit). To make it up to you, I give you HORSIES!

All in all, it was a perfect weekend: gorgeous weather, amazing competition, good food, and some of my favorite girls in the whole world. It doesn't get much better than that.

Home Again

2009-04-27T08:44:00.002-04:00

My weekend in Lexington can only be described as blissful. More photos to come.

What I Wore Days Ago: In Neutral

2009-04-24T10:52:00.004-04:00

Ack, my posting mojo seems to have flown off. I do promise that this is what I wore on Wednesday, although I'm not posting it until Friday.

Black skirt with pintucks: Gap, Hebron Gap Outlet
Light blue crochet top: Banana Republic, on loan from a friend
Ivory camisole: NY&Co, from a (different) friend's giveaway pile (this post is suddenly making me feel like a mooch)
Ivory cardigan: Gap, Hebron Gap Outlet
Belt: Old Navy, super clearance, altered to fit
Grey tights: TJ Maxx
Boots: TJ Maxx
Jewelry: Wedding rings, (faux) diamond studs

Nate might tell you that I own too many cream colored sweaters, and that buying this one is unnecessary. To that I respond with one word -

BUTTONS! You can't tell me that these beauties weren't worth the $5 I payed for the sweater. I'm completely infatuated with them.

I'm heading off this afternoon for a girl's weekend at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day event. There will be horses, wine, and the Twilight movie. It sounds like a good way to recharge to me - perhaps the creative energy that seems to have left me in the past couple of weeks will return!

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Spring Stitching

2009-04-19T20:59:00.003-04:00

A backstitched bug (pattern from Complete Embellishing) crawling across a pretty floral hankie.

Have I mentioned how much I love these hankies? I pick them up at our neighborhood CVS, three for $1. It's hard to believe that something so prettily scalloped and printed could be so inexpensive. The weave could certainly be a bit finer for stitching, but I'm not complaining. I've recently noticed that my hankie collection is sadly bland (boring at best, ugly at worst). These add the perfect bit of femininity for spring, and there is something about the great big bug that makes me smile. It feels just *slightly* subversive. I like it.

What I'm Wearing: Brought to You by the Gap Outlet

2009-04-15T19:13:00.003-04:00

Tan and cream wrap top: Gap, Hebron Gap Outlet
Orange cable-knit cardigan (with buttons on the cuffs and patch pockets - love!): Gap, Hebron Gap Outlet
Navy pencil skirt: Banana Republic, Hebron Gap Outlet
Maroon camisole with lace: American Eagle
Tights: TJ Maxx
Brown Pumps: Target (the twins of the black pumps I posted last week; I bought these when I started teaching, figuring that I could use some nondescript but cute shoes)
Jewelry: Wedding rings, (faux) diamond studs, antique silver bangle (from grandma Ellen), Necklace made from a pendant that I found mixed in with my mom's buttons

Yes, the Hebron Gap Outlet is the savior of the graduate student clothing budget. $2 for the top, $6 for the cardigan, and $6 for the skirt. It's tough to beat that!

Birthday Thai

2009-04-13T12:05:00.002-04:00

My favorite person in the world turned twenty-six years old this weekend.

Happy Birthday, Nate - I love you.

Craft ADD?

2009-04-10T08:46:00.003-04:00

I was just writing to a friend, and she very astutely asked, based on what I've been posting here and on Ravelry, if I've been suffering from crafty ADD. I hadn't realized it until just then, but she is absolutely right - I haven't been able to concentrate on any craft projects lately! Despite the fact that I have a list of spring projects that I could wrap all the way around my apartment, I've been completely ignoring it and jumping from one project to another (almost all of which, *ahem,* aren't on the list). Should I lay all my cards on the table?

Exhibit A:

Washcloths. In my defense, I needed something mindless to knit in the car this weekend. Socks aren't mindless (for me at least), and my mom's shawl is on temporary hold until I can get more yarn - one skein didn't end up cutting it. I had some Sugar&Cream in my stash, so I grabbed it on my way out the door and made one and 7/8ths of a washcloth on the way to the conference and back. My sister loves the handknit washcloths I gave her for Christmas, so I think these will be Mother's Day gifts for her.

Exhibit B:

Yes, it's a needle felting kit. No, I really don't need another new craft. Since I am apparently full of excuses today, I will say that I bought it intending to use the needles to fix some of Nate's sweaters, a la this tutorial. Unfortunately, his fine merino sweaters wouldn't felt, so I'll have to resort to stitching. Fortunately, I bought a kit that came with roving, so the needles won't go to waste - I have big plans to make some needle felted goodies. Someday. I hope.

Do any of you ever feel like you can't concentrate on your crafting? What do you think causes it? How do you get past it?

Oh, on a totally unrelated note, jump over to Girl Land and say hello to Sarah - she's got several great contests going on right now!

What I'm Wearing: Winter Makes a Comeback

2009-04-08T18:33:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I think that Ohio is a rather sadistic state. It gives us weeks of spring, convinces us that we have nothing to worry about ("It will be blossoming trees and warm sunsets from here on out, folks!" "Go ahead and put those winter clothes away!" "No more need for a jacket in this state!"), then BAM, more winter. After nearly a month of springlike weather, it actually SNOWED yesterday. Ugh. Today I decided to let the weather dictate my black and grey outfit. I'm hoping to move onto brighter (and warmer!) things soon.

Dress: vintage, thrifted, hemmed and taken-in
Sweater: Ann Taylor, purchased ages ago on massive sale and starting to show its age (boo!)
Tights: TJ Maxx?
Pumps: Target
Jewelry: Wedding rings, vintage brooch (from grandma Ellen), dangly earrings (my wedding day earrings, purchased for less than five bucks at H&M; I thought this outfit could use a little extra sparkle).

What I'm Wearing: First Wednesday of the Quarter

2009-04-01T17:44:00.003-04:00

Dress: Forever 21. Although I've had this grey shirtdress since last spring, I've almost never worn it. For some reason, it just never seemed to work. Last week I realized what the problem is - its bright brass buttons (alliteration alert!). I normally like metallics, but these were too much for me. I pulled them off, replaced them with vintage white plastic buttons, and now I'm totally loving this (almost) new dress!
Tights: TJ Maxx. I found these on massive clearance while looking (successfully) for new luggage this weekend. Perfect for spring!
Shoes: Charles David. The favorite shoes. I felt like I wanted a little more color in this outfit, so out they came.
Camisole: (not visible, but white with tiny blue flowers) - Gap, purchased (literally) at least ten years ago. One of the few high school items that still pops up in my wardrobe.
Necklace: Vintage, on semi-permanent loan from my friend Emily. I LOVE this necklace - from far away it looks like a double strand of pearls, but look closer and it's actually shell carved into roses. This one is a new favorite.
Other jewelry: Wedding rings, (faux) diamond studs.

I'm off to a conference tomorrow morning, and I won't be back until Sunday night. Have a great end of the week and weekend!

On My Table (time warp edition!)

2009-03-31T09:02:00.003-04:00

A gorgeous bunch of snapdragons...

and two bottles of wine for Monday night movie watching with friends - can you guess what we watched?

While the snapdragons are still on the table today (although not beautifully draped in sunlight; the clouds have moved back in this morning), *both* bottles of wine are now empty. Overindulgence for a Monday night? Perhaps, but I think we needed the second bottle after a terrifying (but hilarious, in retrospect) movie interruption that involved Caesar the cat's tail, our low coffee table, and a candle. It went something like this - "Caesar, stop waving your tail around the candle, you're going to light yourself on f-------OH MY GOD, THE CAT'S ON FIRE!!!!"

Luckily, my kitty knows how to stop, drop, and roll. The flames didn't touch his skin, only his fur. He now has a chunk of tail fur missing, but it's hardly noticeable. For his part, Caesar is playing it cool.

"I totally meant to do that. All according to plan. Maybe I'll just keep this pesky tail tucked under my leg. Not because I'm worried about setting it on fire again or anything, but just because. Yes, I'm comfortable. This is working for me."

For my part, I think I'll keep lighted candles up on the mantel from now on.

On My Table

2009-03-30T18:59:00.004-04:00

I am being totally beset by technological issues today. I swear, it feels like I've suddenly turned into some sort of alternative life form whose very presence disrupts all electronic operations. I naively believed that this would stop when I got home from school, but it has continued into my private life, and now flickr will not successful upload a photo. Perhaps my planets will realign tomorrow. Stay tuned for today's (intended) post then!

New Craft

2009-03-27T10:25:00.003-04:00

As anyone who has ever received a package from me knows, I have HORRIBLE handwriting. So, when my brother and sister-in-law sent me a calligraphy kit, I wasn't sure how it would work out, but I was excited to give it a try. As expected, my first attempt at a practice sheet is pretty embarrassing. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun with it, and I'm looking forward to giving it another attempt (and maybe I'll even be brave enough to try some actual letters!).

I had the most trouble loading ink into the pen; it was difficult to find a balance between too much ink (= massive smears on the page) and too little (= little scratches instead of nice strokes).

So far I've only tried the black watercolor (included for learning purposes), but once I have a little more control I'll be playing with all the pretty gouache.

There was some great calligraphy and hand lettering inspiration posted on Design*Sponge last month - check it out here, here, and here. These were posted by Sarah Miller, a fellow Cincinnatian who also runs her own lettering-based blog, Oatmeal and Cinnamon. Gorgeous stuff!

Have any of you all tried calligraphy? What did you think of it?

What I'm Wearing: Lunch Downtown

2009-03-25T17:49:00.002-04:00

Today I spent some time working in the library (I know it's spring break, but what can I say - my graduate student guilt runs deep). I would usually look much sloppier on a library day during break, but this afternoon I met Nate downtown to visit his office and have lunch, so I needed something with a little polish. I had planned on a much more springy outfit, but our warm and sunny days have suddenly abandoned us, leaving 60 degrees and rain, rain, rain. Oh well, I suppose I should be happy for the time I had with the sun. Who knows when it will return.

Red polka-dot camisole: vintage, Etsy
Black blazer: Ann Taylor, thrifted
Jeans: Gap
Red patent leather flats: Charles David, Zappos
Jewelry: wedding rings, (faux) diamond studs, strand of pearls (for the 'ladies who lunch' vibe, haha!)