Christine M. Ernest

I recently moved just across the D.C. border to the arts district of Hyattsville, Maryland. The new place is huge -- two bedrooms and more than enough space for all my clothes, typewriters, yarn and crafting supplies.

The one downside is that the walls are renters white and there's no option to paint. So I've been thinking of ways to brighten this place up so the walls aren't so bare.

So yesterday while unwinding from a busy week I decided to drink some champagne (don't judge!) and sew some garland from children's books my friend (who is a teacher in D.C.) donated to me. I used the 1-inch hole punch that I usually use with my button maker.

I'm loving the instant color it brings to a lonely closet door in one of the hallways.

AWESOME fabric only $4.99. Huge embroidery hoop, free (Christmas present from Kim).

I was lucky enough to score two whole binders of Golden Hands periodicals (for $2.50 each)! They are definitely an inspiration to flip through plus the projects go in-depth on explaining technique of various crafts. Some of the projects are a little too out there for me, but I'm keeping them all nonetheless.

I can only imagine the wonderful treasures I will covet...

Today I went to meet my old college roommate for brunch in Adams Morgan. From my underground lair I assumed it was a chilly fall day. But no, it was warm and wonderful. Thus the reason why I went to visit my friend Daisy after eating to find a suitable outfit to wear. I scooped up this gorgeous Betsey Johnson dress. Yes those are deer in the pattern. I love this dress. Also I apologize for somewhat crappy cell phone picture we took of it.

I started my new job so I moved to a new desk at work. Before I was in a really large room without any private space. Now that I have a little cubicle I feel more apt to try and make the space my own.

Thus I've been stalking Ebay and Etsy for the perfect desk lamp for the past week. And I've finally found one. I can't wait until it arrives in the mail:

If I shelled out a bunch of money this fall for new clothes I would gladly choose solely from the Dear Creatures fall lookbook. And since I am getting a sweet raise due to my new job I think this will surely happen.

I've been working on an open lace pattern this weekend. Beautiful emerald merino wool gifted to me from a co-worker. She purchased it at the newly opened Looped Yarn Works.

orange & gold and gold & orange.

after a longer hiatus that I would have liked, The Granny Square Project is back :)

With my upcoming trip to Portland for the Summit of Awesome I'm taking a little break from here. I'll be with Hello Craft helping produce this amazing event as well as speaking on two panels and leading one workshop. I also plan on buying plenty of skeins of yarn and other amazing handcraft goodies at the Show of Awesome. I must remember to take plenty of pictures. This is my first trip to the West Coast and I'm super excited for this trip.

Before I go to straighten out last minute details before we leave next Monday, I want to share two very important pieces of information with one picture: