I have finally made my baby gift that I should have sent in July. I'm not one to buy off-the shelf items, so unfortunately I get to it when I get to it. These Lotta bags are super easy to make and aregreat flexible gifts for both baby and mamma. The last one went to NorCal,this one Oregon. Cranking out a sewing project is always gratifying, sending it on to someone I care for,even more so...
And speaking of Lotta, my local store for all things craftyjust got in the new Lotta fabrics. I took a lovely evening stroll the other night just to check this new line out. Love! Now I need to quickly think of a project before they all fly out the door! Oh, and speaking of crafty... It's been a few years, but I'm headed back to No Coastthis weekend. If you are in the area,you should definitely check it out. This year please think aboutfeeding directly into someone's small business pocket, rather than someone's corporate bottom line.
It's been months since I touched a sewing machine, but I had a friend coming this week from SF with a little bump on her belly, so I got to work and cranked out this super easy diaper bag. It was so satisfying to actually create something again. Like cycling, sewing is very zen for me, turn on some tunes, meditate, and create. I love giving gifts that I have created. For good or for bad, I'm just not one to go to the big box and get a run of the mill utility gift. Making special friends feel special, that's what it's all about. Happy Saturday Everyone! Autumn seems to be upon us. Change is in the air... I'm not sure if I mentally can handle where this is all headed, but I will do my best once again...
My Heath Newsletter arrived filled with happy color. I enjoyed reminiscing for a few moments over coffee this morning. I would love to have one of these to brighten my everyday. And now to continue with my coffee and thinking about my hyggelig... Happy Friday Everyone! May your weekend be filled with coffee, color and your hyggelig.
During our time in Denver we had a moment to visit one of my old stand-by shops. Immediately, H spotted this necklace and wanted to buy it for me as a birthday gift. How could I refuse? I love how it hangs and the simplicity and whimsy of it. Collecting jewelery when one travels captures a moment and forever holds the memory. More about the artist here.
It is snowing here this morning and 8 degrees. Two weeks ago today H & I landed in Austin where it was always sunny and by the last day,73 degrees. I have no resolve left, I hate winter more than ever. So in honor or the Handmade Bicycle Show starting today in Austin, I am posting a mini-set of posts looking fondly back at my time there. First off, My Beloved... When I was in Austin I fell In Love with a BeUtiful bicycle. The Beloved Half Full. Like someone you existed fine without all your life, but now feel you can't exist without, I need this bicycle! This is exactly the bicycle I have had in my mindfor months. The tube size, the beauty, the color, the quality.All of it. Any bicycle whose motto is "let us chase the sun" is a bicycle for me!
I have a pretty big birthday coming up... anyone listening?!!
Rolling in from the beautiful state of Utah.... Welcome Kara! Kara and I connected over bicycles ~ she contacted me off-line in the midst of her search for that perfect bicycle in 2009, and like any good bicyclist, I wrote back and rambled on about all things bike.
Not long after Kara landed on a Pashley Princess Sovereign. Turns out, the Pashley isn't the only thing we share in common. Kara is a gal after my own heart, and what forming a community on the blogosphere is all about. I appreciate that Kara is a crafty bicycle blogger. I enjoy her posts about her cycling adventures, but also her accomplishments on the sewing machine and with the knitting needles. Kara also travels, which I love to do too. And lastly, we both love a good British period drama... It is always fun to connect with people with whom you can relate! You can find Kara at knitting lemonade. left: Me in a hat I knit and my bike
right: Knits on the bike
Kara:
What is your preferred form of creative expression (i.e. knitting, printmaking, photography, sewing, knitting, etc.) and why?
I am a knitter, sewer, embroiderist, and occasional authoress.
What is your preferred bicycle and why?
I am lucky enough to have two bicycle loves: a Pashley Princess Sovereign and a Rivendell Betty Foy. Each one reflects a side of my personality. The Pashley is old-fashioned and romantic, while Betty is fun, fast, and adventurous.
You are a woman who rides a bicycle who has a creative side. Tell us about that.
I actually learned how to ride a bike 2 years ago. So I came to the joy of biking pretty late. The benefit of this, however, is that I am fully aware of my life before and after bicycling.
Before bicycling, I was always looking for ways to express myself, whether it was choosing a knit pattern that reflected my particular style, teaching myself to play the ukulele, or writing a novel. And when I finished a project, there would be this feeling of “Yup, this is me.” When I discovered bicycling, I felt that feeling again.
What amazed me was how naturally bicycling fit into my life. Like if someone was a knitter/sewer/embroiderist/occasional authoress, OF COURSE they would pick up bicycling next. It hit me like a big “Duh.”
There has been great discussion throughout time of women being creative. I see our current time as one we have taken as our own when it comes to craft, creativity, and being a woman. Much different than say the time of our mothers. I feel the same about my bicycle and why I ride ~ not necessarily out of necessity, but a conscious decision. Do you ever think about this ~ what are your thoughts?
There seems to be a common slogan in the crafting world: “This is not your mother’s [insert craft].” I don’t think it comes from a place that is putting down the women of previous generations. Instead I think it’s more about establishing independence. We practice this “old-fashioned womanfolk” activity because we want to, not because it’s expected of us. And because we do it out of passion and not necessity, the results tend to be personal and full of individuality. I think creativity is the best way that people can share with others who they are. So there is a need to really establish your creativity as a product of your own choices.
I see a clear line for myself that links biking, crafting, creativity, and blogging. Do you see a connection between how you express yourself when being creative, being bikey and blogging?
When I learned to knit, I started knitting lemonade, my blog. It was a way to share this new love and be a part of an online community. When I learned to ride a bike, I immediately turned to blogs to see others’ bicycle experiences. As I did with knitting, I discovered this whole community of women of substance and style that had a passion for bicycling. At that point, I turned my knitting blog into a creativity blog, so it could encompass all my interests including my newfound love for bicycles. By doing this, my blog helped me connect with so many people that I now consider kindred spirits, whether they are bicyclists or crafters. At this point, blogging goes so hand-in-hand with my creativity that it is hard to tell which one is driving the other.
Have you ever practiced your craft whilst riding your bicycle? :)
As a rule, I never knit and bike at the same time (to the relief of others around me.) But a lot of my knits lend themselves to a biking lifestyle. It is not unusual for me to wear something I made when I go on a bicycle ride. For instance, fingerless mitts are just the things for biking to work on those brisk mornings.
What most inspires you?
Others. Whether it is reading loads of blogs for crafting ideas, seeing cute bike outfits on flickr, or just talking with my friends and family. I find in interacting with other people (whether in real life or online), you truly find out who you are.
If you could not ride your bicycle or express yourself creatively, what would you do?
Perish the thought! I guess I would have to turn my attentions to my much-neglected dating life.
Also check Kara out on pinterest and flickr - good stuff going on there!
I feel like I could have written this post myself in many ways,
All the way from Manchester, to lil' ol' Minneapolis... Welcome LC! LC has been a great supporter of my hyggelig, stopping by often to sprinkle some of her positivity on this space. We share an interest in many things, not least of all, the Pashley Princess Sovereign. When I posted about my sadness in giving up the Pash, LC was there supporting me, making me feel less guilty about saying goodbye and giving me hope knowing someone as happy and lucky as she is on her Pashley may benefit. I love to follow her allotment adventures, her creative side, her experiences as an Italian in England, her travels, and of course, her everyday adventures on her bicycle. LC began her time here, but now... You can find LC at Naturally Cycling: Manchester left: me and bike
right: crochet cycling wrist warmers
LC: What is your preferred bicycle and why?
What is your preferred form of creative expression (i.e. knitting, printmaking, photography, sewing, knitting, etc.) and why? I love my bikes - a Pashley Princess Sovereign and a Dawes Sterling tourer - but my heart certainly belongs to my Pashley. I began cycling daily about 18months ago, going to work, doing the shopping, meeting friends, exploring my city - Manchester. As an architect, I find that cycling and creativity go hand in hand. Cycling gives me thinking time, to clear my mind, mull over new ideas; not to mention that I have the best problem solving moments when I am on the saddle. A part from my work, at leisure I enjoy photography and crocheting, I couldn't say which I prefer best. I can't quite put my finger on what it is specifically but my new found love for cycling has been a great spur for wanting to learn new craft skills like crochet, mostly as a renewed link to memories of my grandmother, who is now very ill, as well as progress my love for photography further. You are a woman who rides a bicycle who has a creative side. Tell us about that. There has been great discussion throughout time of women being creative. I see our current time as one we have taken as our own when it comes to craft, creativity, and being a woman. Much different than say the time of our mothers. I feel the same about my bicycle and why I ride ~ not necessarily out of necessity, but a conscious decision. Do you ever think about this ~ what are your thoughts? Cycling has given me a new perspective on things, on everyday things that before I may have missed. I like carrying my camera with me all the time and on my bike, if I see something that captures my attention, I can easily take a detour and investigate further. I love this freedom that my bikes give me. The direct contact that I have with the environment as well as my body: the direct action of propelling my bike through my legs, arms, lungs, have no doubt given me a heightened experience of what I am, and of what I can do and achieve. As a woman working in the construction industry, I am aware of the expectations as well as stereotypes that still are placed upon gender difference - women v men - and I found a new self belief through my bikes and my everyday cycling that have resonated within other aspects of my life, and my ability to be creative, to think outside the box have certainly thrived thanks to this.
I see a clear line for myself that links biking, crafting, creativity, and blogging. Do you see a connection between how you express yourself when being creative, being bikey and blogging? Being able to blog about my cycling adventures has given me a focus to record and go back on my learning experiences and changes that have come about as well as getting to know other, inspiring women cycling/creative bloggers out there. I have learnt greatly by reading other women's blogs and being inspired to push myself even more, to try new things I used to dismiss in the past. I am grateful for this cycling blogging community, which shares so much knowledge and information with ease and selflessness.
Have you ever practiced your craft whilst riding your bicycle? :)
The only 'craft' I could say I have practiced while riding has been taking photographs and videos while in motion, a very exhilarating experience especially when at speed (but on quiet roads for safety!)
If you could not ride your bicycle or express yourself creatively, what would you do?
Now that cycling is part of my daily life I don't know what I would do if I could not cycle; my bikes, especially my Pashley, have become an extension of my body so if I were not to cycle I would feel like I was missing a limb ;) Creativity is part of who I am, from my work to my craft and hobbies, to cooking a meal for my dear ones, to baking to relax... without creativity I feel I would descend into a very dark place... better not even think about it!
My favorite quote from LC: Cycling has given me a new perspective on things, on everyday things that before I may have missed. So true that is! Thank you LC for gracing this space! ride on... ♡♡♡s
First up in the January Creative Bicycle Blogger Women guests posts is Meli-g. Meli-G and I have been in the blogosphere together for a few years now, she has been there cheering me on like a faithful friend and sending me thoughtful notes, especially when I needed them most. We share a love for the City (my hyggelig), creativity, good design and bicycles. Endlessly inspiring, always positive, and in need of no introduction... You can find Meli-G at Bikes and the City left: foto of me riding by my friend Ade right: me being artsy, by my friend Rio (donated poster for auction to the SFBC) Meli-G:
What is your preferred form of creative expression and why? documenting what I see, peeps I see in photos sans editing. I have an eye for color, type and crop without the tools that I actually know so well, I almost refuse to use them for blogging them. I love paper, drawing and sending postal mail. Speaking Spanish.and fashion. I love fashion and dressing up and colour and fashion.
What is your preferred bicycle and why? Frenchie. My old-school-bad-ass steel blue mixte bike. I can ride while digesting, is that comfortable. Food, very important. You are a woman who rides a bicycle who has a creative side. Tell us about that. These brown eyes are out, hungry for culture, colour, beauty in the everyday and nature as interpreted by us the citizens who roam around. Pen and paper over smarthphones, any day. Seeing, smelling having your senses fully awake at 7am while riding a bicycle to work for me, there's no better way to start your day. OK, in addition to a big dose of caffeine and some neighborhood gossip.
There has been great discussion throughout time of women being creative. I see our current time as one we have taken as our own when it comes to craft, creativity, and being a woman. Much different than say the time of our mothers. I feel the same about my bicycle and why I ride ~ not necessarily out of necessity, but a conscious decision. Do you ever think about this ~ what are your thoughts? My mom also grew up as a big-time city girl. It is the difference and gaps between generations, that make each decade so distinct yet so similar as we continue to have the same reasons and renegade rebellious attitudes to be independent and have our own accomplishments. I began riding because of a necessity, it wasn't to be cool or hip or fashionable. It would be the safest and most efficient way to go from my house, to work, to school, without being in an idling car, or a late bus stuck in traffic.
I see a clear line for myself that links biking, crafting, creativity, and blogging. Do you see a connection between how you express yourself when being creative, being bikey and blogging? They are all connected. People read various blogs from various reasons. Coding, hacking, bikes, recipes – people blog for whatever reason. You find something you like and it has its own voice, and you become inspired/interested/emotional about something that catches your attention or keeps you coming back to a specific story, a specific place. It's like a good friend, being totally different, and yet agreeing in similar activities and ideas is what keeps you connected. The international connection and live-time publishing, is quite fantastic. For me, is the multiple countries and moving around that helps you understand situations better, understand the human condition. Also meeting new friends locally, has been awesome.
Have you ever practiced your craft whilst riding your bicycle?☺ Dodging doors every other block, everyday. or not eating sh*t on cable tracks for many years, is a craft of its own.Bike scars are sexy though.
What most inspires you? Early mornings and late nights.Riding solo, riding in masses, riding with good friends.Women and their stories, their experiences to share, their energy and drama.My beautiful city, my beloved home state. 4inch high heels, old chucks. smiles, throwing a punch. kisses.coffee. bikes, and boys not so much, but they try.
If you could not ride your bicycle or express yourself creatively, what would you do?I don't think that is quite a realistic question. If it must be true, then probably have been reincarnated as a cat, which I'd probably be already blogged with some I CAN HAS NOMNOM across my face.Thanks for the q+a post Sig.Now off to ride mi bike!much love from califas, as always♥xxo.meli
I personally love all of Meli-g's mural shots around The City. This is one of my favorites. I am pretty sure at some point they will all be compiled and published in a book by Chronicle... I had a dream last year that Meli-g, David Byrne, H, and I were riding together in the Headlands. It was a lovely, lovely dream, I hope some day to make it a reality... Thanks Meli-g for sharing your time and thoughts here! ride on and always be you... -s♡♡♡
I will by on hiatus during the month of January focusing on life outside of the computer box.
January is a great time to focus on what inspires us, to recharge creative energy, and to contemplate the year to come. Throughout the month of January this space will definitely not be on Hiatus. I am very interested in the connection between bicycling and being creative and so, I have asked a few of my favorite Creative Bicycle Blogger Women to guest post their thoughts on this subject. Stay tuned for some lovely guest posts...
In January's quietness, be still, In January's coldness, be warm, In January's darkness, create light. Happy New Year Everyone and I will see you back here soon!
I love letterpress. I love dry wit. I love good design. Here are a few of my recent Holiday card faves. Happy Saturday Everyone! And Happy Pre-Holiday weekend. May your weekend be all that you wish it to be!
Sometimeshappinesscan be taking a dayto yourself sewing a reversible apron and making dinnerfor your man.
Why is this happiness?
Second to riding a bicycle, sewing is a form of meditation for me. I lose myself in it, it relaxes me, and I feel enormously fulfilled when I complete something out of seemingly nothing. Sadly, cooking does not give me the same enjoyment, however, giving H a break from the kitchen on occasion does. And I do find it fulfilling to make something tasty out of seemingly random vegetables.
I miss my bicycle in the winter. But Minnesota has taught me, and allowed me, to be so much more. As I was meditating in my studio over Thanksgiving Holiday and mulling in some winter frustration, I began to see how well my life has charted itself these last few years. Despite the challenges, I think perhaps this journey, that seems to be in frustratingly slow motion, is leading me to a better place.
Hard to believe during a Minnesota winter, but possible...
I went to my first official bikishness meeting last night and I have to say, I am really excited. I felt like a little girl on her first day of school before I went. It was great to sit around a table with a group of people who are energized to contribute to the greater good, who all have their own opinions, who are all very different, but who all love bicycles. I can't wait to see what the future brings... When I came home, I found this little gem while tooling around my usual spots, isn't it great? Bicycles, I just never get tired of them...
Lotta Jansdotter has been one of my favoritesfor a long time. Her light graphic touch, the fact that she is self-taught, her simple but creative ideas, it all is right down my alley. I have been looking forward to getting her Handmade Living book, the pictures look delicious and inspiring! I was surprised to learn she also has a book coming outabout studios. This is one of my favorite things to do, to get inspiration from the studios of other creative gals. Darn Lotta ~ you beat me to it! I am tired. This is my last full week of work for a couple of weeks before the nice Holiday breaks begin. I am particularly looking forward to Thanksgiving Holiday; all I plan to do is rest, exercise, sew, and look at pretty pictures. This will carry me through the week...
Yep, I am still on my little sewing posting streak... Earlier this year I had two occasions for baby gifts. Using the Cutie Booties pattern from Amy Butler and some awfully cute monkey fabric, I successfully made these cute little shoes. I do not knit much anymore, but I have to say I would much prefer to knit a baby hat than these fussy little shoes. However, they were worth the effort. And speaking of cutie booties... I completely forgot I had these toe covers until I started digging around in my winter cycling gear. These were just perfect paired along with a pair of SmartWool socks for a low 40 degree morning. I am a big believer in the right tool for the job, or in this case the right cycling gear for an enjoyable ride. 40 degree morning?!!!! Uh Oh! Here we go...
I went to a lecture the other night and have now formulated my perfect life. I will be living on my favorite Swedish island. In the morning I will hop on my bicycle and ride down to my textile studio with my puppy at my side. We will meet H for lunchat the Seaside. After lunch I will hop back on my bicycle and ride over to my ceramic studio where I will throw pots all afternoon that look like textiles. To end my day I will swing by the fish market toss some freshness into my basket and head home along the cobblestone streets as the sun never sets... Happy Saturday Everyone! After it warms up I am headed out for a ride. May your weekend be all that you wish it to be.
At the beginning of the Summer we knew it was time to destroy the bathroom before it destroyed us. Keeping in mind who our house is and blending it with who we are was challenging. But one thing I have known since we moved in is that I want a white bathroomand a white kitchen. I am half way there.
When the remodel was finishedwe had no curtains, just white typing paper 2/3 of the way up from the bottom, held in place with blue tapefor a few weeks. This gave me time to think about what kind of curtainI wanted to make. Then it struck me, I love the idea of being ableto see out the top 1/3 of the window and see the sky and the trees and the Sunshine, the ever important Sunshine. I decided to make a top panel that was sheer and a bottom panel that was private. The top is made of 100% Belgian Linenthat I acquired from work. The bottom is this absolutely gorgeousJapanese fabric called Ecrulat Lycéenne by Kiyohara. I plan to also finish a white shower curtain with the Ecrulat Lycéenne on the bottom hemover the winter. I love this fabric so much I made a little personal clutch for...female things. For years I have used this totally ugly clutch someone gave me in high school. Why did it take me so long to rid the ugly in my purse and add the pretty to my days?!! I plan to makeanother small personal clutch for pills and a few bags I haven't decided a design on yet.
It is things like this that make a house a home, the everyday necessities a bit more special, and fill the time and mind during what will be the dark of winter.
