I finished a scarflette.  Don’t you love the color?

If you follow along on Facebook you probably know that I got a treadle sewing machine.  Singer model 115, 1921.  Bought it from the original owner (I even have the old, hand-written receipt).   Wonderful condition.  I scrubbed down the parlor cabinet which is why I took the head (machine) out and left it on the built-in in the breakfast nook.  Looks nice there though.  Check out the mermaid details.  Now I just need to learn how to use it.

I’m onto making a cardigan.   My carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues have not really gotten in the way of my knitting, even though I’ve been working up a storm (on the computer).  I’m not going to question it, just accept it and be grateful.  I mean, look how far along I am!  I’m changing up the pattern a bit: 2×2 rib instead of cables, half or 3/4 sleeves instead of short, and adding a mustard-gold stripe or two running through the cuffs and waist ribbing.  I’m looking forward to making the button band as I’ve never made one before.   The main color is “Squirrel Heather,” isn’t that cute?  Both are Knit Picks Swish DK.

I’m looking at my to-do pile/rack of sewing projects, my art supplies and other crafty things and I’m feeling rather…MEH about it all right now.   The desire is there but not the will to do any of it.  Eep!  Usually this feeling doesn’t hit me until mid to late summer.  I like to call this feeling “Befuddled Burnout.”  When there’s just so much on your plate and you canNOT even begin to pick at your mashed potatoes.  My husband reminds me that I don’t have to be Superwoman but it’s so hard to not feel like I must, you know?

On the bright side, I’m been working out almost every day (mostly yoga), finally getting enough sleep, and have read through book 6 of the Enola Holmes series.  (So, SO good!)  And just because I haven’t had the inclination to do much besides the aforementioned activities in addition to work, that doesn’t mean I don’t continue to find (and look for) inspiration in other people’s work.

So instead of forcing myself to do some of the things I think I “need” to do (like constructing a certain ’60s dress that has been driving me a bit crazy) I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the break!

Hi, my lovelies!  I thought I would get a chance to post sooner but I’m out of town (returning today) visiting my family and friends; the computer access is not what it is at home (read: wireless and 24/7), plus my site was down for half a day or so (there’s spiffy new hardware so all should be good now) but I’m posting now because I cannot wait.

Well, there’s no sense in beating around the bush (or the kelp, to go with the mermaid theme here), but I’ve got some big news…I’M ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m really so excited, and well, so happy!  Cloud 9 with a sparkling silvery lining happy.  My boyfriend (eek, Fiancé!) and I have been together for over 5 years and have been through many ups and downs, big moves, a death in the family, career changes, etc. It’s a little surreal and crazy but not, you know?

Engagement Story! (I don’t normally get to gush and be girlie in this way so I hope you enjoy it!):

Last Sunday, I took my boyfriend to Osteria Mozza for his birthday.  I’ve been hearing great things about it and thought it would be nice to take him to a fancy place.  (And thank you, Rebekka, for posting about their Olive Oil Gelato – it was wonderful and surprising!)  The dinner was spectacular (I had the wild boar pasta, he had the lamb and mint linguine) and seemed relatively normal and uneventful except for the part where he wouldn’t hold my hand (which he would normally do, at least at one point in the evening) and he didn’t finish his dinner.  I didn’t think much of it at the time although I noticed.

At the end of the evening, after being thoroughly stuffed and a little buzzed (I had some red wine and Averna, a digestif, to celebrate and I rarely drink nowadays) he asked me if I need to use the restroom.  (Leave it to me to have the bathroom factor into my engagement story.)  I didn’t need to go and we’re not too far from our place so I didn’t see the point.  So we just sat there for a minute.  Then he said that maybe the bathroom was really fancy and I should check it out.  I’m like “Oh yea, and complete the experience?”  Ok, so I did, why not.  (By the way, the bathroom is nice but there’s not fountain nor tiny butlers in tuxedos.)

When I returned from the restroom, he stood up and was smiley.  I thought, naturally, it was his turn.  When I came up to the table he came up to me and motioned to put his arm around me or something which I thought meant he was going to kiss me or thank me for dinner.  Naturally.  But he didn’t.  Instead he grabbed my forearm (which left me thoroughly bewildered).  I’m sure I made a face and thought (or even started to say) What are you doing? The next thing I know, he was on the ground, on one knee.  I’m sure on some unconscious level I knew what was happening, especially since I don’t think I was able to feel the ground beneath me, but, consciously, I was wondering why he was on the ground – did he drop something?  I noticed he was holding my hand and a little vintage blue box seemed to float out of nowhere.  Oh yea, and this box had a ring in it!

Then he looked up at me, his eyes sparkly, and said those words: “Jennifer Susan…will you do me the honor…” something something, I’m not entirely sure what was said at this point because I could not get out the words “YES! YES!” fast enough.  We hugged and cried and I really felt happier than I ever remember feeling.  I was also feeling a little bit in shock; the person that I loved the most felt the same way about me: Wow.   The rest of the evening is a bit foggy.  I know I commented that the ring was a “mermaid’s ring” and I was sad I couldn’t wear it because it was too big. (I quickly got the ring re-sized at a local vintage and antique jewelry place [Danny, it's funny that we ran into each other when we did] so I could show it to my friends and family here up north.)

And there it is, my story!  Needless to say, my trip up here has been extra special.  My friends and family are so completely delighted.  My parents took us out to dinner last night to celebrate and my sweet sister-in-law made and decorated a beautiful engagement cake.  (I think I may have gained a pound since being up here.)

And I so wanted to share my story with you, my blog-friends!  Of course, I’ll be talking more about my plans (or non-plans as I like to think of them as I’m not 100% down with the whole traditional wedding thing) on this blog but I promise, it won’t turn into “The Fabled Needle: My Blog About My Wedding.”

Cheers and I hope you are all having a lovely solstice, Father’s Day and Sunday!  When I return I’ll get a post ready so we can start making that Built by Wendy dress!