the Splurge

There are a lot of things in life that make "going back" difficult. For instance, when we moved into this house, my husband and I bought a king-size bed. And now we could never possibly go back to sleeping comfortably in a queen. I mean, where would the dogs sleep? How would I stretch out properly? What would I do with all of my cute linens?

Or, as another example, when I purchased my first small bottle of mineral makeup and wore it around town, I knew that I wouldn't be going back to liquid or cream or any other variety of potion. I had found my cosmetic soul mate, and wouldn't be looking back.

So when I decided sometime last year to try out a few "authentic" yarns (aka not acrylic) to see what all the fuss was about, I understood that I was taking a risk.

A risk because I knew that if I discovered that I loved (LOVED) nice yarns, I might have a difficult time going back to the run-of-the-mill (aka cheap) variety.

Needless to say, I was right. Here I am, a year or so later, wearing what is certainly THE SOFTEST SWEATER I have ever owned or worn in my entire life.

Softer than my dog's ears.
Softer than a baby's skin.
Softer than cashmere. (okay--maybe it's as soft as cashmere...)

This yarn--a pale gray color that I think is perfect for spring--definitely debunks the notion that knitting is an affordable alternative to buying mass-produced sweaters from...say...J.Crew. Because not only is it THE SOFTEST SWEATER I have ever owned, it is also the most expensive. It was, in a word, a splurge.

This expense, however, is tempered by the satisfaction I got from knitting this sweater from scratch. And from learning new techniques (like making an I-cord, for instance). And from knowing it will stay with me for a lifetime. All things that I could not have gotten from buying a similar sweater from the store.

In other words, sometimes not going back is worth every penny.

What is your favorite splurge? Share by posting your comment here!

note: for the curious, this is the Faux Wrap Sweater from the fabulous book, Reversible Knitting.

Little Luxuries

This past weekend, while enjoying a leisurely Saturday, I encountered an old article I had stashed away featuring a select handful of fashion industry leaders. The article, titled "Women in Luxury," was something I had clipped out years ago because I found it inspiring. The women, I felt, possessed a unique blend of business savvy, strength, and femininity.
Upon reading through the article again, I was struck by one particular statement made by Valerie Hermann at Yves Saint Laurent. She said that though she grew up in the midst of a culture of science and medicine (many of her family members are physicians), she was always attracted to an atmosphere of "quality and beauty."

That's it! I thought. That is precisely what I'm attracted to! The latter part, beauty, is of course easy. I've always gravitated toward lovely places and pretty things. As for quality...well that has taken me a bit longer to appreciate.
Quality, I've come to realize, is not as easy to spot. Something can indeed be beautiful but of poor quality (think of cheap cashmere and vapid runway queens). This, I fear, is especially true in our modern world of mass-produced fashionable, convenient and "affordable" goods. "Affordable," of course, meaning "cheap"--both in price and in quality.

Now I'm not suggesting that in order to be a lady we must all start spending oodles of cash on only the finest things. Because although that would be simply wonderful, most of us can't stomach the expense. But I am saying that beauty and quality should go hand-in-hand as often as possible.
For me, this involves creating more of my own clothing, gifts, food, and home accessories using materials that are special. Like the soft yarn you see below. Or the pencil skirt I sewed last week. Or the farm-fresh milk we drink every morning from cold glass jugs. They are luxuries--little ones--that make up that "atmosphere" Hermann was referring to.
Of course, additionally it also involves combining my outside appearance with my internal character (both are always evolving and...frankly...requiring constant maintenance). I don't just want to be a beautiful person--I want to be a quality person, too. Someone who is generous and kind and patient and persevering. Someone who is not wasteful or crude.

Because good character, I suppose, is one of the best luxuries a lady can have...

What is your favorite little luxury this week? Mine is definitely the super soft merino and baby alpaca yarn that I purchased last Friday. And also perhaps those chocolates you see above, too. A girl needs her chocolate... How about you? What are you enjoying?

A Little Knitting

It's been awhile since I've posted about my most favorite obsession: knitting.

I didn't want you all to think that I'm slacking....


Yes, I have been busy with my new DIY patterns, and with writing, but the needles have been busy too.



What else am I going to do during hours of football on Sunday?



This oversize cowl is made from THE SOFTEST YARN EVER!!! and I can't wait to wear it every day.

Every. Single. Day.


And I don't care what my husband says--these wristwarmers are too practical and would keep me alive in the wilderness.

Okay...maybe not. But they sure are cute!


At least if I die in the cold wilderness, I'll know that I went out fashionably.



Too bad it is supposed to be 70 degrees today, or else I'd sport around town in my newest accessories. No doubt everyone would say, "hey--who is that girl in those chic and fashionable knits? I must meet here. I must follow her blog everyday."

No doubt they would say that. No Doubt.

Come back tomorrow for more Be An Original!

October Staycation

It occurred to me the other day that I haven't had a full week away from writing/posting since last Christmas. And though I do so love my job, a break every now and then is good for the soul.

So this next week I'll be "staycationing" at home. And I have a lot of plans for my time.

Like diving into these new yarns. Can you tell I'm on a bit of a blue and lavender kick?

I've already started a new sweater. Yes--those are bobbles that you see. It has bobbles. This is my first time with these adorable little balls, so I'm having a lot of fun. Bobble fun. You understand.

And I'm sure I'll be drinking a lot of this tea I discovered yesterday. I asked the barista for a breakfast tea, and ended up with a mug of this delightful brew.

It has chocolate in it. That's right, friends--chocolate. Why have I never thought of black tea and chocolate mingling together so nicely in my cup? It's brilliant! Thanks to Boulder's Tea Spot for their marvelous invention.

Since the weather has officially turned to fall (it got below freezing last night!), I decided that it was high time to get onto the tight craze. I haven't worn tights since I was a kid.

So you can bet that I'll be enjoying these new leggings throughout my staycation, and for the rest of the season.

Finally, what is a staycation without some sewing? I've loaded up on a few fall fabrics in lavender (again with the purple), brown and red houndstooth.

These stacks are destined to become my newest favorite dresses, perfect for layering with sweaters and scarves.

And of course tights.

That's all fine and well, you might be thinking, but what will happen to the blog while you're sewing and knitting and drinking tea?

So glad you asked! I've prepared a series of my favorite posts from the past year for you to read in my absence. I hope you enjoy reading them again (or for the first time if you're a new reader) as much as I enjoyed writing them!

I look forward to talking to you soon!
--steph

Day 22: Show & Tell

I am happy to announce that I overcame my "motivational malaise" from Friday and finally finished my newest cardigan! Just in time for cooler weather--

Made from 100% merino wool, this is sure to keep me warm throughout the fall and winter.

And I love how versatile it is. I can wear it with layers and belts, and open or closed.

My favorite is with the belt. I love how the A-line swings out a little at my hips. (And yes--the photo is blurry. I tried to retake it, but then accidentally dropped my camera and broke it. That's right--it's broken. I guess you know what I'll be shopping for today...)

Anyway, back to the sweater...have I mentioned that the pattern was free?

I found it on Ravelry.com--the Best Place on Earth for knitters.

Mrs. Marple was pleased that I finished it, although she wouldn't say it was her favorite project in front of the whole the class.

She didn't want to be rude to the other students. But of course I know it was her favorite. She'll tell me later, in private, I'm sure.

Any minute now she'll ask me to stay after class....

Any second now....

In just a moment...

okay...maybe you better not wait. Have a good day!

Previous Related Posts:
A Knitting Binge
Creative Hour: Golden Dangles
Industrious

Day 11: Industrious

After talking yesterday about avoiding burnout, and the day before about pursuing creative beauty, Mrs. Marple wanted to make sure that we weren't under the false impression that fine living was all about bon bons and leisure time.

Because it isn't.

"Industry is required," she said. Not work-your-fingers-to-the-bone per se, but also not veg-on-the-sofa-watching-design-tv (Project Runway Yay!) either.

So taking her advice to heart, I've got a few projects-in-progress, like this smoke and gold dress.

Thankfully perfection isn't required along with diligence, because this dress has a way to go before it's public-ready. But at least I'm on my way to converting this purple Goodwill fabric remnant into a wearable garment.

I've also got a quilt-in-progress, although it's not nearly as far along as the dress.

Square by square I'm plugging away on my sewing machine (yes--it's back. Finally.)

It is hard to picture now, but someday these squares are going to make my bed look marvelous.

That "someday" may be 2012, but who's counting?

Finally, I also have another sweater-in-progress.

What can I say? I'm a knitting maniac. And apparently a pink maniac too.

But being a maniac is presumably not a bad thing if my mania is directed in a positive way. Or so says Mrs. Marple. After all, fine living doesn't just happen by accident. Or by bon bons.

Too bad, though. I really like bon bons.

Previous Days at the Institute:
Day 10: the Balancing Act (as told through vintage advertisements)
Day 4: a Cooking Student
Day 3: Starting in the Kitchen

Day 9: Pink, Pink & Pink

When Mrs. Marple told us this morning that part of fine living is taking enjoyment in simple adornments, I immediately knew what she meant.

Yes adornments aren't particularly "noble," and they won't save the world. But when I get to wear this muted mauve cardigan that I handknit around town, I feel good.

And when I'm dreaming of the jacket I'm going to make from this pink yarn, I also feel good.

And though these adornments--like the salmon beads above and below--aren't as grand and important as...say...the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or a statue by Michaelango, they do still play a part in stimulating creative beauty in civilized culture.

They make us feel (and probably act) a little more civilized toward each other. And they give us a chance to express our personal style and aesthetic in a world that often favors utilitarian form and function.

Perhaps some may scoff, Mrs. Marple said, saying that adornments--like pink patent leather peep-toe pumps--are vanity. But fine living is not just about practicality, financial savings, and planning. It is also about creativity and beauty.

So in honor of adornments, and the color pink, I think I'll paint my toenails. It's vain, I know, but apparently a little vanity can be good for us.

Or at least Mrs. Marple says so.

Previous Days at the Institute:
Day 6: Premade Hostess
Day 4: a Cooking Student
Day 2: the Secret to Fine Living