Wow, what a pretty haul. My mailbox was just cling-clanging away this week with presents from near and far -- dear me! Thank you so much! I brought everything home last night and thought it made a really cool, color-coordinated collage -- I mean, everything looked like it belonged together, and from all different people to boot. Thank you!
The stationery in the bottom right corner is really beautiful, with little holes punched in along the bottom and grosgrain ribbon trims in turquoise, hot pink, and orange, and you can't tell from this photo but it is personalized with "ella posie," the name of my shop. This was a gift from Sierra at Ess & Jae, who make gorgeous invitations, announcements, and stationery. So pretty -- and I do love anything with my name on it!
The Rowan Beach Cool book and the vintage buttons are from Jenn -- so sweet of her to give these to me. I LOVE THE PHOTOS IN THIS BOOK. Love them. It's all sort of retro-English-seaside in persimmon reds and glowy lilacs, with bathing caps and ballet flats. I am loving this book. I'm a fairly sucky knitter, really -- but so what. There is this one picture of a girl with flowers This picture is just stunningly gorgeous to me. Isn't she pretty?
(Speaking of stunningly gorgeous, did you all watch Sasha Cohen last night in the ladies short program? I couldn't take my eyes off her. Exquisite girl. We were ecstatic that she did so well -- I think I was holding my breath the whole time, it was just so exciting to see her pull it off. Just . . . I don't know. There is something so moving to me about watching her, compared to watching some of the fresh-faced/sock-it-to-ya/nothing-to-lose younger ones (as Andy says, "They haven't lost enough yet, to be able to express what it feels like to have things to lose"), or even Michelle Kwan, whose emotions, although always blatant, seemed less . . . sincere . . . somehow. I feel like Sasha's perfectionism, the burden of her perfectionism, is incredibly moving -- her performances always seem so fraught with that tension and electricity. I know a lot of people don't like her, but I do. When we saw her skate in real life at Nationals last year, she made the place feel completely different the minute she got on the ice -- I mean, that entire building felt different, and that place was gigantic. I really, really hope she does well on Thursday. Really. Okay. Take a breath, Alicia. Also, are you just loving that Olympic Ice show that's on every afternoon? Even grouchy old Dick Button is having a great time -- miracle! I love ice skating.)
Where was I. Oh! There's the orange-slice knitting needle roll from Dacia, what a sweetie. How incredibly kind of you, Dacia. I think I do need to start knitting again. I couldn't possibly have more inspiring equipment. At the bottom middle, there is a crochet hook case that came yesterday as well (I ordered this one) from my illustrious and amazing friend Megan of The Organized Knitter. It's of vintage fabric, and lined with hot pink. So cute. And Kerrie of HipKnits sent that amazing yarn. So cool. The pale pink is the most lovely, smooth, shiny silk. It sort of reminds me of frosting in the bowl of the Kitchen Aid as you are swirling the pink food coloring into it. Luscious. I'm thinking handwarmers. Yum.
Thank you ever so much, you lovely people. Thank you thank you. I'm going to go play with my presents now.
Lucky you.
I would love to come home and find all that goodness in my mailbox!
wow, lucky you!
What are all the gifts for?
Beautiful, beautiful stuff there! I especially love the pink silk yarn. Lovely!
my goodness woman, it was a good mail day for you! i loved watching sasha too. breathtaking.
Wow, I love receiving mail! There's some sort of 'excitement' whenever I get a package....You're a lucky girl.
lovely treats in the mail!!
and your bags - quite wonderful.
(I totally am with you making things that you like first!!)
I've never seen that Rowan book before! If all the photos ar as lovely as that one, then I have to own it, even if I'm as far as possible from being Beach Cool!
wow that rowan book is so your style! gorgeous! I love rowan books so much. they always convince me to start up knitting again.