Project 365

I'm about 2 1/2 months and 70 photos into my Project 365 efforts. I started it on my birthday this past February, and surprisingly, it's been easy to keep up with (unlike this blog). I've gotten some pretty nice shots, too. These are some of my favorites.

(Click to enlarge.)

You can see the entire album over on my flickr.

The Ladies' Hand Book

I recently came across an absolute gem in the stacks of my college's library. The Ladies' Hand Book of Fancy and Ornamental Work, "compiled from the best authorities" by Miss Florence Hartley. The copywright date is 1859, and a handwritten inscription from the original owner, Lillian, is dated 1880.

I thought the conclusion was quite funny, and it definitely speaks to the context in which the book was published:

"In taking leave of her readers, the compiler of this volume cannot refrain from offering a few remarks on the importance of needle work as a branch of female education. She cannot but regard it as essential to a woman's happiness, not less than her usefulness, in accomplishing this mission of her life. If Providence has placed her in a humble or middle station of life, the ability to use her needle with skill in useful or ornamental work, enables her greatly to promote the well being and comfort of her family, and to gain and preserve that peace of mind which results from the consciousness of being useful. If she is place in a more elevated station, her leisure hours may be passed, not only with profit, but with pleasure, in executing those beautiful fabrics of the needle, which contribute so largley to the adornment of her person and her dwelling. She should by no means neglect the cultivation of her mind, by reading and study. But there are many hours in the day when the mind recoils from this species of employment, and turns to those in which the hands are engaged, while the thoughts are free; then the needle is the grand resort, and skill in its use becomes the source of unalloyed happiness. Thousands of ladies of the highest birth and fortune, can bear testimony to the truth of this remark; while others, who scorn the needle as the badge of drudgery, seek in vain for quiet pleasure, and are consumed with ennui and listlessness."

(click to enlarge images)

I guess it's good to know that I'm keeping up with my "female education."

I'd join this Carnivàle

I am gradually coming down off of a week-long high of two seasons of the HBO series Carnivale. The story is over, because the show was canceled, unfortunately. But I am still stuck in the fantasy of this Depression-era circus subculture.

Joanna Newsom's new album, which I got ahold of in the midst of my Carnivale binge, really seems to create a similar world, supplying music and lyrics befitting of this sad, beautiful imagery.

I can't wait 'til the weather warms up here... so I can don some bias cut dresses and low slung heels, and wait for the carnival to come to town.

Here's Lola - ta da! - to do
her famous Spider Dance for you!
Lighten up your pockets!

Pedestrian Efforts

I walk everywhere.

Holy Boots!

Umm.. amazing. If only you weren't $188.

Mental Escape

I've only been back in Buffalo for a few weeks, but the weather has been so oppressive.
I'm wishing that I could be back on the good old west coast, taking in these views again.

Sewing Sencha

I finally finished sewing up the Sencha blouse from the most recent collection by Colette Patterns (blogged about here). It was a relatively simple project, with lovely handsewn finishing, pleats, and a button-up back. Next time, I think I'll go down a size or two, as it wasn't as fitted as I had expected. Honestly, I got pretty lazy near the end (I just wanted to wear it). So instead of taking it in at the appropriate places, I pretty much just adjusted the button/buttonhole placement. Eh, that worked just fine.


The material was a gift from my friend Emily. The print is so fantastic.

I'm still trying to adjust to the winter light. It's been hard to strike a balance between shadowed and washed out.

Anyway, I really cannot wait to do another variation of the Sencha pattern. I'm thinking the keyholed-version will be next.