all fresh and blank

Friends, it has been a long looong winter, yet again. As we speak I am huddled at the computer, thinking about making myself some hot cocoa. I haven't been putting a lot of pressure on myself to do a whole lot lately. And frankly, with the economy the way it is, I can't manage much more than depression and frugality.

BUT! The current situation has made me rethink my spending habits, which is always wise and welcome (somewhat welcome, anyway). I've been eating at home much more, packing lunches, buying generic... and on the non-food front, buying less of what I don't need. Which is not to say that I haven't been shopping, oh no. I am just choosy about what I'm buying. Things to ponder are, do I love it, or just like it? Will I love it forever? Is it useful? Is there something I can make do with right now that will negate the need for this item? And I happen to be doing much of said shopping on Etsy, despite my absence there as a seller currently (I'm sure anyone who cares has noticed the tumbleweeds blowing through my shop). If you follow my shop link over there --->, you will see that my favorites section is more than overflowing!

I think this is one of the best times to support handmade. People are thoughtfully hand-crafting useful things out there. I know I would rather pay for quality, and for things that I really want or need. It seems like a slow economy makes everything slow down -- slow down the eating, slow down the spending, slow down the driving here, there, and everywhere. I am so grateful for the good fortune of still having a JOB, and I find myself appreciating all kinds of things I don't normally think about much. Simple pleasures are where it's at!



Ok, I'm not usually so earnest, but you can't always be a cynical bastard, right?

Oh, and by the way, I haven't been totally slacking off with the making. I'm in the middle of a few small projects. I got a new sewing machine with my Christmas money, which I have been so happy with!! Janome is my new pal. And as always, picking up new hobbies, such as native american beadwork:



I know, I can't stop. There are too many obscure skills to be had. Well, I try not to apologize for not doing things such as blogging, but I would really like to be more consistent if I can. So, one small whip snap is in order, but that's all.

in transit

It's been so long! I was good for a while at posting at least once a month, but I failed last month. Right after that cryptic burnt-out sounding entry in September, I actually had what I call my "kitten epiphany". I had a huge rush of ideas, a couple of which I've been working on recently.


I also opened a new shop on Etsy with the proper spelling of MischaLee. These new projects will be going in there as soon as I'm satisfied with my work. I'm being very meticulous about all of these new projects. And secretive, as you can tell by the previews above.

It just goes to show you that inspiration comes at the least likely times. I'm definitely one of those people who has to wait for it. All of that "brainstorming" hooey never worked well for me.

On a semi-side note, I haven't done a real drawing or painting since I graduated in 2003. So all of this was a very big deal. Fortunately for me, it's like riding a bike. You just don't get any better than you were before if you don't practice. I can live with that for now, ha.

breathing room

I finally, FINALLY, organized my studio space. It was looking pretty bad for a while. The whole house was, in fact. Right now though, the place is almost perfect. I've been patting myself on the back for how much I was able to get rid of. I even got rid of some of my fabric stash! And let me tell you, it's good to be uncluttered (we are speaking of Leslie standards of uncluttered, by the way).

So anyhoo, since I had all this wide open space, I was able to comfortably do projects! I started a fabric necklace I saw in a Craftster tutorial. I made TWO tailor's hams with some fabric scraps I had. And I made this lovely jumper, which I am so taken with.


It's stretchy sweatshirt-ish material, which will be great for fall. It only took a couple of hours, including cutting time, because of my serger (how I love thee, serger). Sewing the buttons on took almost as much time as the construction, ha. I got all the buttons in a giant jar from the thrift store. There were so many awesome ones that didn't have matches and I wanted to make something that put them all together.


I've organized my half-finished projects so I know what's there, which is a relief too. I have tons of ideas all the time, and I usually feel guilty when I'm not making things. It's good to know I can just come into my studio now and get crackin'!

P.S. -- Forgive my crappy photos. The only non-perfect thing in my house is the low lighting...

further still

A couple of days ago I decided to check out the Burda Style website. I had read about it several times, and I see the magazine at the bookstore whenever I'm there feeding my addiction. For anyone who doesn't know, it's a place to get free sewing patterns you can download and tile together off your printer at home (By the way, Fitz Patterns is a good place to go too).

I spent a LOT of time browsing the patterns... there are so many good ones! Not all of them are made in different sizes because a lot of people submit them to the website, but there are all kinds of tutorials to help you along if you have questions. Normally I don't like using patterns, I find them to be a pain in the butt. But I'll take a free pattern, sure! Especially when it's for something like these:





I love them! I think they're the perfect mix of classic and modern, with great lines. The folded funnel neck on the coat looks like origami. The girl who made these has a blog as well. I can relate to her fabric obsession, only it seems that she uses more of her stash than I. Maybe I will have to download some free patterns to use up mine, wink.

This is not an outfit

I love the weather right now. What has made it more perfect is that it rained for three or four days this past week and cleared the air. I am one of those nerds with allergies, so I was grateful for that.

I've been outside a lot.

I'm also trying to get back on the Singer. I had taken a long hiatus due to an unreasonable fear of sewing. I suddenly became self-conscious about my abilites after a few small failed projects. Today I modified a vintage skirt, and it was only a partial failure! I'll have to ease back into the whole thing. And on a more practical note, stock up on thread.

P.S. -- When I went to Manhattan at the beginning of the month, I wore the above shoes and apparently got several double takes. I was surprised -- I expected New Yorkers to be less phased by gaudy footwear. Am I crazy for thinking that?