What’s Hot + What’s Not

Once again following the lead of Claire at Loobylu. Join the fun by adding your own and linking back to her site.

What’s Hot
The adorable new, reversible skirt I made for Anna. I had the privilege of taking a class at Bolt from Shelly of Figgys. She designed the pattern and has an awesome Etsy shop. Go buy things from her — she rocks!


The new skirt.



Close-up of skirt (with added piping).


Detail showing reverse side.

Tokyo Free Guide. This service pairs travelers with locals who want to practice their English. I am so excited that Noriko, a grandmother and Tokyo resident, is going to spend some time with us, showing us around Harajuku and, perhaps, a tea ceremony.

Slings & Arrows. We're loving this quirky, Canadian series starring the adorable Paul Gross.

Getting ready to host a trunk show for a friend. This means lots of new recipes to try and report back on, plus a fun weekend of socializing and shopping! If you're a PDX local, send me a note if you'd like to be on the eVite list.

What’s Not
The attitude that accompanies the need for individuation at age 4 1/2. I understand it, I probably even deserve it, but I'm sure not enjoying it!

Southwest Airlines kicking a mom and her 2-year-old off the plane because the kid was fussing.

Being cold. It's that time of year where I never actually get warm (and it's not even that cold out yet!)

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. I realize that it may be considered impolitic to write this, but I am so fed-up with this book. In addition to the many errors and omissions covered in the errata page, there are so many other mistakes that I've given up. Having just ruined my favorite piece of fabric on a pattern that doesn't work with the measurements given, I'm done. I want my money back on this one!

Pajama time!

This right here? This is why I started sewing just over a year ago.

The pattern is from Weekend Sewing, which I also used to make the sweet sundress mentioned in this post. I'm happy to say the pj's were much simpler than the dress, and I'll definitely be making more as Anna grows.

The adorable fabric is Retro Rocket Rascals from Michael Miller Fabrics — perfect for a little girl currently obsessed with outer space!

Random Beauty

It's been a while since I posted some random photography. These have all been taken in the past month or so, and I like how they present a picture of life in Portland — well, my life in Portland anyway!


A parking strip along Fremont Avenue.


Not even sure what this is, but there were several of them lined up against the side of this house. Just loved the texture.


Saint Cupcake for dessert!


Beautiful mimes along Alberta Street on Last Thursday.


A perfect rose.


This dog is better dressed than half of Portland!


The bar at LivingRoom Theaters, where you can catch an art/foreign film while having dinner/drinks in comfy, leather chairs.


The simple beauty of farm-fresh, organic produce sold by the farmers who grew it.


My own organic beauty, wearing the dress I finally finished (with much swearing) from Weekend Sewing.


Portland is the only town I know of that has such a variety of (excellent) food carts all over town. Must try the potato cart soon!


Berry season! (need I say more?)


I don't practice religion, but if I did I'd be sorely tempted by a church offering "brew and theology" at 5:30!


I saw this boy on Alberta Street at Last Thursday and couldn't resist a picture. Such style!


And I leave you with the beautiful, blue eys of this alpaca, also seen at Last Thursday.