On a Lark » Stuff I like

In the attics of my life

Emily — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:22:57 +0000

Now that I’ve entered the ranks of the job hunters, I’m getting a lot of things done that I didn’t have time for while in school or working. My puppy’s 5:30am wake up is also adding a lot of useful hours to my day . So last week, while stowing my snowshoes and cross country skis in our barn, I had a chance to really look around. The big old red barn next to our house is full of twenty years of relics from our life here.

Hockey skates, old flags from boats my Dad has run in the past, those excellent giant vintage snowshoes, old posters and signs, and all the things that we couldn’t quite bear to throw away but that didn’t make the cut inside the house. But the true treasures are in the garment bags hanging off to the side. I’d never looked inside of them before, but there were some serious classics in there. My favorite was this little number:

I’m pretty sure my Mom looked pretty cute in this in the 70s. I have big plans to cut it down into a sleeveless sundress, but we’ll see if that ever actually happens. The other great find was my aunt’s wedding gown. The gown comes with a sort of cape that is edged all the way around with this beautiful daisy chain lace. I think this lace has a future as straps on a sundress or trim on a skirt.

So, what’s in your attic?

Stuff I Like: New Fabric Etc.

Emily — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:20:33 +0000

This weekend felt like June. And not even the type of of June we sometimes get where it rains the whole time. The nice type of June. Anyhow, there’s nothing like beautiful weather to make me remember all the news things that I like (and that you might like too!)

1. Ambiance Bemberg lining: This is a really luxurious feeling lining that I’m using for my graduation dress. I’m using this fabric from Fabric.com. It is a bit of a trick to deal with. Case in point, Pattern Review has a three page discussion in their forums about how to handle it (check it out here). But still, I sort of love it.

2. New spring projects: Inspired by this pillow, I bought myself some felt. It’ll probably be a while before I get to actually put it into use, but for now it’s something colorful to think about:

3. Headway on winter projects: And this is also an example of why I need a serger. Or more aptly, need some kind of crafty patron that would like to donate a serger to my cause.

Graduation Dress Bodice Interior

Topstitching Fun

Operation Graduation Dress is chugging along. This is a good project for me because, usually, once I get going on a project, I like to finish it in one shot, even if it takes all night. It’s taken some serious self control to work on it for a few hours here and a few hours there.

4. Chubby puppies: That’s right, the puppy from a few posts ago is now giant. He’s more than doubled in size in his week and a half of life. We’re going to name him Otto (aka the Ottoman Empire or Ottopotamus). He’s adorable.

5. The new Vitamin Water flavor Spark. It is delicious.

What do you like right now?

Stuff I like (and you might like too!)- The Winter Olympics

Emily — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:27:15 +0000

Even though the Vancouver Olympics chose these creepsters as their mascots, I am VERY excited for the winter olympics. I was hoping we’d have enough snow to set up a course in our yard, but apparently it’s backwards week so it’s spring in Maine and Snowmaggedon in the South. Anyhow, it’s probably for the best that I’m not testing out my skeleton, snowboard cross, and biathalon skills over half an hour from a hospital.
Since I’m a loyal Mainer, you should all check out this article to see a full list of Olympians with Maine ties. We couldn’t just list the Mainers, because it wouldn’t have filled up a whole article. Maine takes what it can get. If you don’t want to read the whole thing, here’s my abridged list of who you should watch out for:

1. SETH WESCOTT A true Mainer and the first ever winner of the snowboard cross gold medal.

2. Haley Johnson, Lanny Barnes, and Laura Spector- Ok, they aren’t from here, but they did train here, and more importantly, they are LADY BIATHLETES! If the capitals make it seem like I’m shouting, it’s because I am.

3. Lowell Bailey, Tim Burke, and Jeremy Teela- MAN BIATHLETES! Or is it manletes?

So I hope you’re all going to watch it. At the very least, the opening ceremonies are a great time to ridicule each country’s outfits. They really never are good, but I keep thinking “maybe this year.” Let me just throw a plug out there for curling. It’s more entertaining than you’d think and it’s usually on in the early morning when your other options are shows about four year olds in beauty pageants. So what are you going to watch this Olympics?

Stuff I like (and you might like too)

Emily — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:52:39 +0000

So I do occasionally do other things besides sew. These things usually involve studying, playing with the dogs, outdoorsiness (now an official word), and watching bad TV next to the fire. But one of the things I like best, and anyone who has ever been forced to ride with me in a car should know this, is listening to podcasts. So here are a few I like (and you should definitely check them out):
1. Stuff you Should Know: The two hosts are pretty hilarious, and seriously, who doesn’t need to know how witness protection works? My personal favorite is “how hangovers work.” I wouldn’t suggest listening to it when you have an actual hangover however, you will regret it.
2. Stuff you Missed in History Class: Same set of podcasts, equally awesome.
3. Stuff your Mom Never Told You: Maybe not for those of the male persuasion, but it’s definitely gotten me through some long car rides.
4. Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me: Perfect length from one drive from school to home.
5. The Wall Street Journal This Morning: Pretty painless way to get your daily news.
I also listen to a few industry podcasts about logistics and supply chain management because I’d like to have something to say should I ever be offered an interview, but I’m feeling bored just typing about them. Although:
6. The Sustainable Supply Chain Management podcast is actually pretty interesting.

Anyone else have any other great podcasts I should be listening to?