Tag Archives: Knitting

Florida’s Two-Day Winter

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Every year in Florida, we never really have a “true” winter.  Instead, we get sporadic days of weather below 50 degrees, after which the temperature will go back up to the 70s.  Seriously.  It’s 40 degrees outside as I’m writing this.  Saturday is set to have a high of 74.  So, when we actually get truly cold weather here, I milk it for all it’s worth.  I break out one of my two coats, I resurrect my hand-knits, I wear cashmere and boots like crazy.  Because I know that before we know it, winter will be gone from Florida again.

This is my, “I’m trying to smile even though I’m really cold” face

The key to days like today is lots and lots of layers.  I layered wool knee socks over tights.  I layered a slip, long sleeve tee, sleeveless dress and cashmere sweater for the rest.  And then coat and scarf after that.  Most Floridians, I’ve noticed, don’t get cold weather dressing.  I see people trying to get by with hoodies or cotton turtlenecks.  Everyone complains so much too.  But it’s really fantastic if you’re prepared for it, and it doesn’t have to be expensive if you search for good winter pieces year round.

At first I thought about belting the sweater, but the dress has such a strong pattern that I really wanted to let it shine.  By using the tie from the dress as a belt,  I brought the attention back to the beautiful pattern.

How do you layer for winter?  What’s your winter climate like?

Dress: Mlle Gabrielle (thrifted)
Sweater: J. Crew (via eBay)
Long sleeve tee: J. Crew Factory
Tights: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Watch: Fossil
Coat: Target (2008)
Scarf: Handknit by me

 

 

#7: Knit Myself a Sweater

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Why, you might ask, am I wearing a merino wool sweater when it’s 90 degrees outside?  Because I just finished knitting it, that’s why.

One of my 11 in 2011 goals was to completely knit a sweater, in a yarn that I actually like, and that fits in all the right places.  You’d think, being that I’ve been a knitting for almost ten years now, that I’d have already done this.  While I’ve knitted a few sweaters, most were either in crappy yarn, or fit poorly because I didn’t understand gauge, or both.  These past two winters have been bitter (by Florida standards), and I kept kicking myself for not knitting a decent sweater.  I wanted to actually have this one ready to wear before it gets cold.

 

This lovely is knitting with Malabrigo Merino, which is oh so fabulous.  The yardage on this yarn is fabulous.  I bought three of each color, but I only used two of the white.  I based the striping pattern on a Boden sweater from seasons past (don’t have the image anymore).  I followed Elizabeth Zimmerman’s percentage formula roughly, although I tweaked things here and there.  I also added decreases at the waist and increases at the bust, because I wanted to have shaping.  I kind of did my own thing with the neckline – I intended it to be more of a scoop than a crew, but I’m still satisfied with how it came out.

And yes, my sweater did take eight months.  That includes the gauge swatching, and ripping out the body after making it halfway when I realized that my gauge was off.  I’m a slow knitter, but it was worth it.  This sweater is so warm and cozy and amazing.  I guarantee you’ll be seeing it lots this winter!

 

“Further proof that librarians should run the world”

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Oh, Fall.  I knew you would get here eventually.  And yet, as the months wore on, I continued to doubt that the temperatures would ever drop below 60.  But I know that you never show up before November.  And this weekend, you stopped in for a visit, with temps down to 45!!!  It feels so good to wear layers and boots again.  I had been feeling stylistically blah for awhile now, but now my style senses are being refreshed, and I can’t wait to put together outfits again.

Thank you for finally arriving Fall.  I missed you.

(The quote has nothing to do with Fall.  I just love it because it’s true :) )

Striped Tee: J Crew (via eBay)
Cardigan: Minimalist (handknit by me)
Black jeans: Levis
Boots: Dansko Nena (via eBay)
Scarf: Anthropologie
Cuff: Vintage
Purse: Morelle Slouch

Quote: Tenth Grade Bleeds #3: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, by Heather Brewer

“I (heart) being awesome”

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I love to find new ways to wear things.  I’ve had these black skinny jeans for a few months now, but it only just occurred to me last week that they would look absolutely awesome cuffed.  I think it creates a very chic and work appropriate look that is also super comfy.

My new white ruffle tee is so soft and comfy.  It felt a little too casual on it’s own, but once I added the handknit cardigan, it became a bit more polished.

Tee: 525 America (from My Mosh Posh)
Tank (under tee): Old Navy (thrifted)
Cardigan: Minimalist (handknit by me)
Jeans: Levis
Necklace: Express
Bracelet: Garage sale
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (via eBay)

Quote: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Tenth Grade Bleeds, by Heather Brewer

“A lady bug on a leaf”

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Sorry there’s no actual lady bugs in these pictures.  But even though there’s no adorable bugs, you still get a peek at my herb garden.  I like to grow one on my porch every year, because I use a lot of fresh herbs when I cook, and it’s a lot cheaper to grow your own.  Plus, it’s fun to have a garden.  I feel like it gives me a deeper connection with the earth and with my food.  I realize that sounds kind of new-agey, but it’s true.

I’m going to be away from the computer for the next few days, so I won’t really be answering comments or commenting on blogs.  I have some posts scheduled through Sunday, which is when I’ll be back at the computer.  Have an awesome weekend!

My toenails weren’t looking so great, so here’s a picture of a pepper instead.

Dress: Express
Cardigan: Handknit by me
Belt: Vintage (via Sherry’s Yesterdaze)
Sandals: Dansko Sela
Purse: Vintage (via Advintagous)
Necklace: Fluffels

Quote: Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!, by Jane O’Connor

“You’re really quite lucky”

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I’ve received so much support and encouragement from my readers since lamenting about my job situation on Monday, and I can’t thank you enough.  I feel so very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful, caring community.  My spirits have definitely improved.  You helped me to realize that there’s no point in dwelling on all the what if’s.  The right job will come along, and it will work out eventually.  I have to keep in perspective that this will probably be the hardest time for me in my career – which means that it can only get better from here.

Another antidote for blah days is wearing some of your favorite items.  For me, that means my favorite goldenrod Fluevog Malibrans, my oh-so-comfy Ella Moss dress, and a cozy handknit cardigan.  Wearing things that make you happy is a good way to get your spirits up.  In fact, I try to get rid of anything clothing that doesn’t make me happy when I wear it.  Life is just too short to wear boring or uncomfortable clothes.

This navy and white striped jersey dress really has become a staple for me.  I love how endlessly versatile a dress like this can be.  I’m curious to see how it will transition into spring and summer, though, since it generally requires layering to be decent.  I think if I get some lightweight slips and cardigans, it should work just fine.

What do you like to wear as a pick-me-up on days when you’re feeling a bit down?

Dress: Ella Moss (via My Mosh Posh)
Cardigan: Minimalist, handknit by me
Belt: Anthropologie
Tights: Hue
Shoes: John Fluevog Malibrans
Cuff: via Classy Consignments
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: Did I ever tell you how lucky you are? By Dr Seuss

“One day, I’ll grow up to be really excellent at something”

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(Note: Fair warning, this post gets a bit personal.  I usually don’t go into personal details on this blog, but every once and awhile, a girl needs a chance to get something off her chest.  This is not meant to be a pity party.)

I have a confession to make: I’ve been feeling a bit down lately.  I know that it’s a combination of factors: One) I’m actually getting tired of cold weather.  I feel like I’ve exhausted my winter wardrobe, and I’m ready to be able to go outside wearing only one or two layers and sandals.  Two) It’s been six months since I finished my Master’s Degree, and yet I still don’t have a permanent, full-time job in my field.

Number Three is the biggest factor in why I haven’t been feeling myself lately.  I went back to school so that I could work in a field that I love, and yet I have only had three interviews in the past six months.  I thought that once a librarian position opened up with the system I worked in before, I would be alright, but when I applied for an opening a few weeks ago, I didn’t even get called in for an interview.  Money has been really tight while I’ve been substituting and working at a grant-funded temp job, and both of those will be ending after May.  I’ve got to start paying off my loans as well.  All this stress is constantly getting at me, even when I don’t consciously realize it.  I’ve been eating poorly out of stress, I’ve gained a few pounds, and I’ve bitten down my nails pretty badly.

I really started realizing how much this stress is taking its toll on me when I was going through the pictures of this outfit.  I wore this on my birthday, and I loved how the outfit came together.  And yet, hardly any of my smiles seemed genuine.  And that really bothered me, because my philosophy on life is to always stay optimistic, and that plays a big part in this blog.  But now I’m realizing that, sometimes you just don’t feel like smiling.  And that’s okay.  I know that I will get through this.  I know that things will get better.  I’m just ready for them to be better right now.

What do you do when stress rears its ugly head in your life?

Dress: Boden (via Ebay)
Cardigan: Sweet Mary Jane, handknit by me
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Purse: Vintage (thrifted)
Earrings: Wear-thou

Quote: The OK Book, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

“Taking a walk through the woods”

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Like many people, I find Mondays difficult.  My sleep rhythm is usually out of whack from the weekend, leaving me tired, groggy, and not in the mood to stare at my closet for about 20 minutes trying to decide what to wear.  But that is often the case, making me late for work, stressed out, and in need of more coffee.  But now I’ve realized that, since my workplace basically has no dress code, and everyone is very casual, it is totally acceptable to wear an easy, fall-back outfit on Mondays.  This is often a jersey dress and a cardigan.   Last Monday (yes I’m a week behind on outfits)  I decided to dress up jeans and a tee.

And I loved it.  I felt like this outfit was casual and comfortable, yet also stylish and smart.  Having that cashmere cardigan and pink pearls took what would normally be a weekend outfit and made it a little more dressy.  I added my hand-knit, hand-spun scarf for a little extra warmth and coziness, and it was perfect.

I’d like to pretend that I’m walking through a beautiful forest in these pictures, but as I’ve mentioned before, this is actually just a field near my place of work.  I can see two major roads from where I’m standing.  I used to love to go hiking when I was a teenager, but it’s been years since I took an afternoon to walk through one of the larger nature parks in my area.  I should try to do it again while the weather is not miserably hot, like it will be in a few months.

What do you do about Monday outfits?  Do you plan ahead?  Do you wear one of your go-to outfits?

Tee: Style & Co (via clothing swap)
Cardigan: DKNY (via Revolve)
Jeans: Express Stella
Boots: Dansko Nena (via Ebay)
Scarf: Spun and knit by me
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Pearls: garage sale

Quote: The Three Silly Billies, by Margie Palatini

“If you want to have fun without worry”

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For several weeks, I thought I had lost this cardigan.  I searched all over the house, checked the lost and found box at work, but I couldn’t seem to find it anywhere.  Then one day, I remembered that I had recently moved my handknits to a different drawer while reorganizing my studio.  What a relief!  Nothing feels much worse than thinking you lost a cardigan that took you a few months to knit.

Finding my cardigan gave me the perfect excuse to wear my new belt that I got at Anthropologie last weekend.  I think I’m one of those types who likes to wear new things right away.  I’m really, really happy with this belt.  It filled a definite gap in my wardrobe, and I can tell it’s going to get plenty of use.

I’m really beginning to love wearing scarves tied up like this.  They keep my neck nice and cozy, and they still allow me to add an additional pop of color with a long necklace.  In this outfit, I echoed the color of the necklace by wearing a turquoise bracelet.  I really love mixing yellow and pale blue/turquoise.

Do you like to wear new things right away? Or do you prefer to save new items for a special occasion?

Long sleeve tee: Issac Mizrahi for Target
Cardigan: Minimalist, handknit by me
Jeans: Express
Boots: Dansko Nena (via Ebay)
Belt: Anthropologie
Necklace: Chocolate Cake Jewels
Scarf: Bought in Chinatown, NYC
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Bracelet: ??, gift

Quote: Don’t Take Your Snake for a Stroll, by Karin Ireland

“They’re awfully old-fashioned”

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Some people consider the circular shawl to be solely something that old-fashioned people wear to church.  I disagree with that view.  There is no reason why a circular shawl can’t be worn in a modern, stylish ensemble.  With this outfit, I aim to prove the nay-sayers wrong.

Here, I wore my circular shawl as a delightfully warm capelet.  It’s amazing just how warm and comforting lace weight merino/silk yarn can be.  I decided to keep the rest of my outfit very simple, because I wanted this shawl to shine.  I wore a simple black cashmere sweater and jeans, with pops of tan and a green bag to echo the color of the shawl.

I’m of the opinion of that if you knit something, and it turned out nicely, you should wear it.  So many knitters hide their knits away, afraid to take them out for fear that their hard work might be damaged.  But what good is it if you never wear it, if you never get to show it off?  I agree with Sally’s philosophy of “wear everything all the time“.

What items do you own that you are sometimes hesitant to wear?  What is holding you back?

(Look for a tutorial on how I wrapped my circle scarf later today!)

Coat: Colebrook
Sweater: J Crew (via Ebay)
Belt; Anthropologie
Jeans: Express
Boots: Dansko Nena (via Ebay)
Shawl: Pi Shawl handknit by me
Purse: Easy Spirit Outlet

Quote: If I Ran the Zoo, by Dr Seuss

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