This rings true for me, + I appreciate that it highlights habits to nourish.
No safety measures in place.
Like many environmental proposals now, the bill is facing strong opposition from the executive branch.
Indigo.
​Climate change has become a defining factor.
​Buy + sell secondhand fabric online. (I'll add this one to the fair fabric post that can be found linked at the bottom of the ethical brands page for future reference.)
California, Oregon + New York...

After a trip to the fabric store this week, I think I'll be doing a little bit more sewing this weekend. We're also looking forward to spending some time outside in the springlike temperatures. Happy Leap Day! Hope your weekend is full of lovely moments!

Love,
​Jane

Compatibility is not a precondition of love.
It is an achievement of love.
~Esther Perel

I like to call these zero-waste pillows, because...well, I couldn't resist the fabric swatch packs from Ace & Jig. Once I had these gorgeous little squares, I had to think of something to do with them...a garland, small quilt, tote bag, little layering vest, pillows? When I received my third pack of swatches recently, I had enough to make two pillow tops (with the addition of two squares from my fabric scraps)...so I got to work.

After finishing one of the tops, I sort of stalled out. Winter gloom got the best of me for a while...and then I watched Where'd You Go, Bernadette + this simple story had something to say to me. The concept of trying to use only the resources that I need has brought some confusion with it in regards to creating. The thing is that I think I truly need to create in order to be the better version of myself...to truly live. 

So...now I have these pillows. I'm not sure where they will live in my house or if I will try to sell them...but for now...it feels good to have created.

Love,
​Jane

I'm feeling the need to stretch my creative muscles + also looking ahead toward spring. This has me thinking about sewing + my wardrobe. Slouchy pants are catching my eye + pushing me toward making. I love how these photos offer varied options for styling these pants. I would love to wear them with my oversized cashmere pullover or open button-up now + with my tees + tanks in warmer months. I'm thinking that the choice of footwear is helpful in signaling that these are not pajama pants.  :) 

I'm considering Style Arc's Bob Pant pattern as the shape for my own big, slouchy pants. I also like the Teddy Pant pattern for a more fitted waist with less bulk. The looks up top are moving me toward gingham + an indigo print for fabric. Now...off to the fabric store!  :)

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

Now this is something that has me giddy...Liberty sewing patterns! Seeing those gorgeous fabrics made up into stunning shapes (that we can make too!) is just a playground of inspiration. 

When we lived in London, Liberty of London was one of my favorite places to visit. Climbing the creaky stairs to the fabric floor was a special treat. Every once in a while I would choose a small piece of fabric to make into a top for myself or a little dress for Julia (who chose to only wear dresses). She would have loved these lovely, little frocks.

Liberty sewing patterns! Can I just say...it's about time!  ;)

All photos via Liberty of London.

Love,
​Jane

Next time I feel like something is missing from my wardrobe,
I'll start by checking if there's anything I should donate or sell.
Sometimes when I feel like something is missing,
​I actually have too many pieces I don't like obscuring the garments that I love.
~Emily Torres

There's no reason that a small, simple wardrobe needs to be all black, white + grey...even though that's how it looks online sometimes. This small romantic wardrobe looks ready to step into spring, while remaining cozy through the weeks of cold weather still to come. All of these pieces are lovely, secondhand pieces found on etsy. 

This small wardrobe consists of:
5 dresses
1 jumpsuit
3 sweaters
2 pants
1 blazer
2 footwear
= 14 pieces total

Along with some cozy socks + a couple of tees, these 14 pieces could provide all one needs to be prepared for many (most?) situations year round. A dress or jumpsuit worn on its own would be breezy + cool on the hottest of days, while the pieces can be layered up with knits + the blazer on the coldest of days. The blazer + sweaters provide layers for the days in between. I'm loving this simple, second hand + lovely wardrobe.

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

My partner once told me that my main motivation is beauty. I wasn't sure about that characterization at that moment, but the more I think about it...I have to agree. Beauty weighs heavily in my happiness. Decorating my home in a way that is beautiful to me is important to my sense of well-being. I love art museums + beautiful shops + cafes...beautiful books + music + textiles. I love the beauty that only nature can deliver...the beauty of friendship...and the beauty of words. I doubt I'm terribly unique in this way.  

This year one of the things I decided to pursue more of...is beauty. I want to be a beauty seeker. I find my connection to God to be enabled...palpable...enhanced in the presence of beauty...and I'm longing for more of that connection.

Winter is a time when beauty is not just oozing through the dark + cold. We must tune in to beauty + search for it a little bit harder. And yet...beauty is still there. When the sun finally peeks through the clouds, I feel its warmth + notice how its light seems to penetrate into my soul if I let it. Vibrant tastes are beautiful. Hot pink sunsets are beautiful. Finding a card addressed to me in my mailbox is beautiful. Lingering hugs are beautiful. A conversation with a stranger that makes me laugh is beautiful. 

I am a beauty seeker + I find so much beauty...when I'm looking for it.

Love, 
​Jane

~unknown

Style isn't dependent on the newness of the clothes that contribute to it. Each of these runway looks is made up of secondhand finds. Bay Garnett styled these Oxfam fashion shows that ran during London Fashion Week the past couple of years. She spoke with Clare Press about secondhand fashion on Wardrobe Crisis, which prompted my search for these looks.

There is so much good stuff out there already.  ;)

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane