Alphabet Summer 2013: Looking Back

Maude keeps staring at me, almost as if she's saying, "Hey! Thanks a lot, woman. You made me and now I just sit here. At least have the decency to bust me open like a civilized piñata." STOP YELLING AT ME! I say, as I walk past her confused face every morning. 

Don't worry, Maude, even though this year's alphabet is done, there's still plenty of fun to be had. And, no, that doesn't mean I'm going to stuff the poor chicken with candy and beat her with a baseball bat.

I'm probably not going to do that.

Alphabet Summer 2013 was wonderful, and I'm so happy to look back on all of the sweet, sweet memories.

ALSO, I am proud to share that photographs of all 26 projects are hanging in the art space at my school here in San Francisco. For those of you who can't stop by, you can check out the photos below. Also, visit this page if you want to look back on each project.

And for everyone who followed along this summer, or if you have just started checking in, I'm so grateful for all of your support, both this summer and beyond. You haven't heard the last of me quite yet:) Promise.

And, in case you were interested, I was honored and super excited to contribute an article about making zigzags from triangles on the Bernina blog!  Here's a link to the article.

Now, what to make next...

ABC... Easy as 3...2...1...

Well, it's that time of year again! It's a time when I say goodbye to teenagers and hello to two months of summer! And thankfully, since I live in San Francisco, my first day of summer vacation greeted me with cold, God-awful fog. A perfect day to stay inside and prepare for Alphabet Summer! Who needs sandals, sunglasses or outfits that don't require leggings? That's so "summer-normal." I love wearing my puffy jacket and Smart Wool socks in June!

Anyway.

As I'm drinking hot herbal tea, I'm also preparing for my "A" post. BREAKING NEWS: My sewing machine is IN THE SHOP until Wednesday. Gasp! It's okay, everybody, I'm actually totally geeked about what's coming up. Spoiler alert: Maxi and Carmel* are involved.

*If you're unfamiliar with Maxi and Carmel, don't fret. If you know them, then you're totally excited right now, aren't you?

So, my friends, let this post be the official countdown announcement for "Alphabet Summer 2013." It's on.

Say hi to Maxi!

See below for this year's Alphabet Anthem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho7796-au8U

Alphabet Winter Hibernation

The weather channel has issued an alert.  Family in the Midwest have called to taunt.  Even my friendly Street Sheet salesman, Slater, gave me the heads up as I came in the door yesterday...  it's going to snow in San Francisco this weekend.  That's right.  And it might even stick to the ground for a few minutes up on Twin Peaks. I know, it's ridiculous. Crazy weather!  Climate Change!  But I think an East Coast vs. West Coast 90's style feud has started.*  Finally, they say, those Californians are experiencing winterWe, they think to themselves, have been dealing with the worst winter since 1972 (date that is completely made up by author), it's about time they got a dose of true winter.  What people from The East don't seem to understand is just how cold 40 degrees (with rain and fog) in this godforsaken city can be.  Especially when you live in an old Victorian apartment with no central heating!  And then you and your two housemates plug in your space heaters at the same time, then someone decides to blow dry their hair, and poof!  No temperature difference between inside and outside.  It's enough makes one consider the advantages of being able to afford one's own apartment (equipped with heating and laundry) in Buffalo or Burlington.

For what you pay in San Francisco for a dingy, rundown studio in some rich family's basement, in Burlington you can get a NEW two bedroom apartment (Thanks, Craigslist!).  What I wouldn't do with a two bedroom!  Oh the crafting space!

That's it.  I'm following Lorien and Ryan out to Vermont.  It's just as weird and at least they know how to insulate their buildings!

In the mean time, though, those of us stay-cationers here in the Bay Area should all brace ourselves for the killer snowflakes that are headed our way.  Long johns and Smartwool socks, check.  Throat Coat tea, check.  Rain boots for the sure-to-be-rainy snowstorm... check.  See you on the flip side, friends.

*Please note: Author does not truly know who she is.  A Midwesterner? A Californian?  Feel free to state your opinion.