I've Moved . . . !

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Periwinkle Clovers and a Trip to the City

For Christmas, the hubby bought me the Colette Patterns Clover pattern. I was caught up in some other projects at the time. Last week, though, I was finally able to tackle them. The result? I love this pattern!

We took a recent trip into the city and, despite the snow on the ground from our most recent storm, I couldn't resist wearing my new pants. Can't say I regretted the decision, even if it did get a bit nippy. 

Yes, that is an attack lobster on the miniature lighthouse beside me.

I have only a few complaints about these pants. The first comes from my own mistake. I somehow managed to make one pant leg a fraction of an inch longer than the other. Annoyingly, something about the angle in these pictures makes it look like a couple inches difference, instead. In addition, I didn't like how low the pants sat on the waist, but I fixed that with a slight alteration. I think I'll make them a little higher-waisted on the next go around. I'm also a little stumped on how to get rid of those wrinkles around the crotch.

Sorry about the closed eyes!

My only other complaint comes more from my own inexperience. I used a fabric without much stretch even though the pattern called for stretch. I wasn't sure how to compensate for the lack of stretch. Should I add more ease to the pattern? I like pants with stretch fabrics, but I also like fitted tapered pants with more structure.

a snowy downtown

For a final treat, here are a few pictures of downtown post-snowstorm. 

What I'm Loving: The Scalloped Hem

I'm obsessed with circles and curves. I love soft, gentle lines. Peter pan collars, drapey fabrics, gentle gathers, and (of course) scalloped hems.

The Scalloped Hem

Source: hollydollyblog.com

Recently, I tried drafting scallops onto a pair of Clover pants. Sadly, the result was disastrous, and I had to go with a straight hem. Thankfully, however, I came across some scallop inspiration and how-to's to help me master the scalloped hem the next go around.

• This Threads tutorial offers some great techy advice on drafting a scalloped hem.
• I love the simplicity of this tutorial on Megan Nielsen's Design Diary by Holly from HollyDollyBlog.
• Holly posted even more pictures of her scalloped hem here on her personal blog.

What about you? What little design extras are you loving right now?

What I'm Loving Now: The Fingerless Glove

My latest style obsession? Fingerless gloves. A friend recently gave me this handmade pair. They're perfect with everything, especially in this light jacket weather we've been having up until today's snow storm. I've barely stopped wearing them since I got them!

The gloves

With paisley and boots

With a blazer

And this is where I get to live. . . .

Due to a recent work transfer, the hubby and I have found ourselves living in a coastal tourist town during the off-season. While we're only here till we find a more permanent place closer to work, right now we're soaking up the experience for all its worth!

A Winter Sunday

Last Sunday, we attempted to go to Norlands Living History Center, a local living history museum, for their 19th century Christmas celebration. Sadly, due to freezing rain, the event was postponed. Thankfully, though, the combination of the historic grounds and freezing rain made for some beautiful picture opportunities!

I love this place!

Lonesome tree, bent by the wind.

The Norlands church

The Norlands

We're looking for a new home, right?

Yet another angle. Sorry! I just love this old house.

This makes me think of four cute little old men lined up on a park bench talking.

I tried to go with a semi old fashioned look, in keeping with a 19th century Christmas.

Five Dollar Finds

Recently, I walked into a pricey vintage store. I figured everything would be out of my budget and just went in for inspiration. To my surprise, I found these five dollar goodies. Don't you love bargain surprises? 

I know these gloves are old and dirty but I couldn't help but love them.

I can't get over the embroidery on those shoes. Why don't they make them like that anymore?