resolutions

Around this time last year, I seem to recall making a list of gargantuan projects that I tasked myself with finishing in 2009. Its documented in this blog, but I refuse to read it. Probably none of it happened. To be fair, I had a very fun year and completed a lot of knitting projects. But you never know what life is going to throw your way, and I lost several months last year to 60+ hour work weeks. So I'm not arrogant enough to make an annual to-do list for 2010. Instead I will enjoy each day or week as it comes and try to work on as many projects as my little heart desires.

the little things

Buttons! Shopping for buttons is a very pleasurable task. The endless possibilities...the colors...the textures... Just like a pair of shoes, you can easily change the look or mood of a piece by selecting a different closure. (Of course, I am still debating which task I consider to be the least tedious: sewing on buttons or weaving in the ends of knitted projects.) Here is a recent selection from a weekend button binge:

adam hats

The many layers of buildings fascinate me. You never know what can be hidden behind a tacky façade or a modern sign. For instance, take this unassuming storefront on Kearny Street in San Francisco's Financial District.



When the building’s longtime tenant Selix Formalwear moved to a new storefront a block north, they removed their sign revealing a lovely Art Deco-esque sign from a previous tenant, Adam Hats. Here’s an image where I traced the word “Adam.” You can also make out the word “Hats” in the lower right corner.



Intrigued by the lovely curves of the typeface, I conducted a little research and learned that Adam Hats occupied this storefront from around 1940 to 1954. Here’s an image from the 1940 San Francisco City Directory with the first listing of the store:



It's sad to think that this sign will be removed or covered again when the new tenant moves in. So be sure to keep your eye out for these hidden layers and enjoy them while they last.

theories of play

Who wouldn't want to play on a colorful painted map of the United States so large it can be seen in aerial photos? A quick survey of San Francisco playgrounds revealed a colorful mosaic of maps, hopscotch grids, and foursquare courts. From top to bottom: 22nd and Eureka Streets, Dolores and 22nd Streets, and Lippard Avenue and Bosworth Street.

historic swifts

During a recent trip to the east coast, I perused the marvelous artwork at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Lo and behold, in a display of Shaker furniture, I spotted a historic swift! Constructed of maple, this particular swift dates to ca. 1790-1850. Looks pretty much how they make 'em today!

birthday treats

How could I be so lucky to have such wonderful friends who give me lovely, fibery birthday gifts? From top to bottom: a french press cozy to keep my coffee warm while I knit, a skein of spooky handspun, and a Sheila the Sheep tea cozy kit to keep my tea warm while I knit. Thanks everyone (you know who you are)!

festive felts

Needle felting is so rad. And so simple. so sculptural. so tactile. You should definitely try it. Here's my first project: a sweet little pumpkin just in time for halloween!