knotsewcute

When I was younger, I used to love to "crochet" at my grandma's house. She taught me how to crochet a chain stitch, so I would pick one of her many balls of yarn and just chain away... and just end up with one ridiculously long... well, chain. I'm not exactly sure what was so exciting or satisfying since I didn't actually crochet anything useful, but it definitely solidified my joy of crocheting. If I could spend hours on end crocheting nothing, I can see why I am able to spend days crocheting something warm and cozy.

As the weather cooled down in Santa Barbara in October I decided that I wanted a new scarf. I saw a few crocheted scarves that I liked at the store, but the prices for the simplest scarves started at around $20. Not too bad, I thought to myself, but I can make that for less! Rather than searching the interwebs for a free pattern, I wanted support a fellow Etsian. There were so many designs to choose from, but I excitedly settled on an infinity scarf crochet pattern from knotsewcute for just a few dollars. The instructions arrived in an easy-to-follow PDF in my email in less than 12 hours after purchasing.

I purchased 2 balls (100g each) of Lion Brand Sock-Ease sock yarn in the color "Green Apple" from my local Michaels. The olive green yarn was 75% wool and 25% nylon - a nice blend that keeps the scarf soft yet warm. The yarn was ultra fine so it took me one month to complete. My gauge was a little smaller than the pattern called for, and I made the scarf a little wider and longer than the original pattern. I kept the scalloped edging but decided to go sans fringe.

I finished it just in time to take it to with me to rainy, cold Portland this Thanksgiving. I couldn't have been more pleased with the way it turned out. Thanks, knotsewcute!

Isn't this scarf lovely? I've paired it with my long, beautiful feather earrings from Rogue Butterfly. If you love to crochet and are looking for a few new projects, you should definitely check out knotsewcute on Etsy!

Wish List

I started creating a wish list last night of all the things I might want for the holidays (just in case anyone should happen to ask) or would perhaps treat myself to. It was fun thinking about all the items that I wouldn't normally just purchase. However, as my list started to get longer and I started to note the prices, I began to feel so materialistic.  Well of course it would be nice to have these things, but would it make me happier? 

As much as I love surprises and presents, it started to make me feel so silly that I was making this list. They were things that would be nice to have, but really, I don't need any of it. I started pondering about the things that really mattered to me... I want memorable experiences with the people I love and cherish. I want to live life to the fullest. I want to try new things and visit new places. I want to make the people in my life know that they are loved and appreciated. This is what will make me happy this holiday season.

August 2009

Cliff jumping at sunset

Waimea Beach, Hawaii

PC A.M.

I can't wait to go home to see my family and friends. It's been one year too long. It will be a wonderful two weeks.

Fish Tacos

I'm so lucky. Sometimes when I'm still busy doing work on my laptop at home, a delicious looking meal happens to appear in front of me. Last time it was a salmon taco, quite a fancy looking one too, mind you. The boyfriend can cook (!), and my tummy absolutely loves it.

I didn't get a chance to post these earlier, but I was working on stud earrings for the Montessori Center School's Holiday Boutique. I decided that they would be perfect little gifts for young girls (even if I love to wear them too). These rose bud studs are darling.

On a side note, did you know that Nutella actually tastes better than chocolate fudge frosting on cupcakes? The texture is wonderful too... Hello, new addiction.

I've started to save cute packaging or cards that I can recycle into backings for my post earrings. What do you think? These adorable polka dot patterned pieces came from a birthday present bag that I saved from a year ago. I was so excited that I finally got a chance to cut it up and use it!

Anyway, we just came back from hot yoga, and I'm thinking about cooking dinner tonight. Time to treat the boyfriend since he's always making me delicious meals.

Christmas at the Beach

I was featured in a gorgeous Etsy treasury, "Christmas at the Beach", curated by Beth of SweetPaperLove. I absolutely adore these colors. This is just what I'm looking forward to in a week!! The warm sun, cool glistening blue-green waters, salty breeze...

Home will always be where the heart is ♥

Holiday Artist Market @ Whole Foods

Whole Food's Holiday Artist Market this Saturday, December 3 from 11am-4pm will be my last event of the year! Stop by if you're interested in picking up some holiday gifts while shopping local.

Here's a little blurb from Whole Foods:

Holiday Artist Market - First Saturday of every month!
Saturday, December 3rd / 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Looking for unique gifts for the holidays? Pickup lunch in the store, relax on our patio, and stroll through the parking lot with 30+ local artist booths full of original jewelry, paintings, pottery, eco-clothing, handmade gifts and more. Live music by Karen Thurber starting at 12Noon! Multi genre song stylist Karen Thurber performs jazzy bluesy rock and pop originals with her smooth alto voice and acoustic guitar. Guitarist Bill Lanphar will join Karen adding tasty embellishments to the acoustic mix.

I'm crossing my fingers that the winds calm down!

PC I.

October 2011

The Montessori Center School's first Holiday Boutique yesterday was wonderful! It was definitely worth the day off of work; it was just the break (and excitement) I needed to jump back into the swing of things after being on vacation for almost a week. I'm really glad that I got to be a part of an event that also gave back to the school. It brought back memories of when my elementary school used to have its holiday fair as well. Friends and families would bring donations to the fair. My grandma would always donate beautiful quilts. Come to think of it, the event was probably pretty small, but back then I love how everything filled the space with holiday cheer.