door county

Last week, we spent a couple of days relaxing in Door County with my parents. Aside from the lighthouse tour, eating ice cream at Wilson's, and scenic drives, the most memorable part of the trip for me was visiting La Viva Cottage - an adorable store mixing the old and the new in a lovely way.

I had to take these inspiration photos. It has always been my dream to run my own shop. This dream store has evolved in my mind over the years. It's gone from a rubber stamp store (clearly my obsession when I was 10), to a paper goods store, a yarn shop, a cupcake shop, and now a home goods store with refurbished antiques and new lovelies to decorate your home. I think that half of the fun in these stores is not only seeing what you can find, but admiring how it is all displayed.

Hopefully, one day, maybe...

j.crew love

Lately, J.Crew has been a store for me that can do no wrong. I am in love with this Tippi Sweater! What a great transition piece to have in the coming months. I decided to pair it with nudes and golds so that the heart really pops. A girl can dream!

Snail Mail

I'm convinced I was born in the wrong decade. In my continued effort to be old-timey and pretend that I'm living in the 1950's (it's fun, you should join me), I love sending and receiving snail mail. Don't get me wrong, I'm a texting fiend, but, there is a bit of a thrill sending a love note to a dear friend. As I place my mail in the post, I get all excited knowing that in a day or two, the recipient will be surprised by fun mail.

Full disclosure -- it's not just the fun of sending the mail, but also finding the oh-so-perfect card to send! I've linked a few of my current favorites below. So, go ahead! Pull out that dusty address book and send some mail!

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Mildly obsessed.

In an effort to reorganize my yarn basket last week, I took out all of my yarn and separated the scrap yarn from the project yarn. It was a bit sad that the scrap yarn took up much of the basket -- it feels like such a waste! But, what to do with all of that extra yarn?...

Not once, but twice! last week, I came across the Beekeeper's Quilt. Not one to overlook the possibility that everything. is. a. sign., I just knew I had to purchase the pattern. What was most charming about this quilt was that at first glance, it appeared to be carefully sewn with the most precious old-timey fabrics. It is, however, knit using individual hexi-puffs (could that possibly be my favorite new word? Must bring it up in casual conversation...), and it's the perfect way to use up that scrap yarn.

I don't think this is a pattern that I could work on exclusively, but, it is the kind of project that is perfect for car rides. I just love that it has the old-fashioned feel that I'm going for in my home.

for the little man

My nephew Henry is my favorite little guy to knit for. I often find that patterns for the little men in our lives are not as cute as they are for the little ladies. So, when I find something I like, I don't hesitate to get my needles clicking!

Here's the most recent project, given to Henry on his 2nd birthday, Sublime's Little Military Coat! I love the little details - the epaulettes and the cute little pocket. Very stylish for a toddler!

love.

Just a few images from our wedding day....

thanks to Amanda Hein for capturing our day!

for a little lady

A few months back, I was excited to begin working on a precious pattern, the Sunday Brunch Jacket, by Sublime. I found the perfect soft pink yarn and matching buttons to make this cozy little number.

Although the jacket itself was fairly easy, the finishing not so much. It doesn't help that I often neglect that whole finishing part of my projects (as evidenced by a pile of items that still require a few final touches, shh). The collar drove me b-a-n-a-n-a-s! In order to get the curved edge, I had to sew a strip of stitches to the collar, giving it a curved appeal. It took more than one try. And a few tears. But! I was happy with the final product, and even more happy to surprise the new little one.