Cures for Cabin Fever – in April

Just a few things that have helped me cope with this endless winter we’re having here in the upper midwest.

Sorting Through Some Old Work

This weekend I spent some time going back through my site and doing a little spring cleaning. I reorganized posts by topic and added a few more categories to the right. Anyway, going back through all my posts I rediscovered some of my favorite “Monday Morning Hellos” from a few years ago so I thought I’d share them again!

Gypsya Shop

I stumbled on this shop the other day and instantly started obsessing over these gorgeous handmade blankets. I have the beginnings of a blanket collection at home and am a sucker for anything white-on-white so the Velvet Appliqué Blanket caught my attention. (It would already be mine if I wasn’t cursed with white fabrics and therefor would inevitably spill coffee all over it.)

The simplicity of the stitched rows with contrasting thread is a lovely nice detail on the Ikat Blanket. Check out the rest of the pieces in Gypsya Shop here.

Home Dreams

Ned and I are looking to move out of our condo this spring and into a legit house. We haven’t even officially started looking and I’ve already been hoarding up some of my favorite pieces for our soon-to-be home. We’ve loved living in the North Loop but we’re looking to find a place in South Minne that has a bit more character (and room for a puppy). Lots of original woodwork, warm spaces and some rooms for us to renovate and make our own. I’m loving how raw materials can come together and make a cozy home.

Knit: Soft Sweater

I just finished my biggest knitting project to date and I’m pretty darn happy (and honestly..a little surprised) with the results. It actually fits! It’s far from flawless but the silk blend yarn lends itself well to that delicate hand-spun look and the open knit makes hiding mistakes a little easier. ;) I’ve written before about my newfound love of Shi Bui yarns and after spending a good chunk of time working with their Silk Cloud I’m sold.

Their yarn isn’t available online so finding a local shop that carries it is quickest way to get what you need. There are a few shops here in the Twin Cities…I picked some up at both Lakeside Yarn and Bella Lana.

Annika Kaplan

I just had to share one of my recent favorites this winter. Annika Kaplan is a jewelry designer based here in Minneapolis. A few weeks ago I picked up a couple of her pieces (Full Moon Bracelet & Teardrop Ring) at Mill City Winter Market and haven’t taken them off since. I can’t get enough of the delicate + bold aesthetic she’s created. Girl’s got some style. Next on my list…those killer thread stud earrings.

Check out Ship and Shape, an online shop that she curates with a few other talented ladies.

A Holiday Away

Normally, I look forward to spending the holidays in the cozy chill of Minnesota. But this winter we decided to change things up when an opportunity came to escape the cold and spend some time in the sun. Ned and I spent 6 days on a boat with his family exploring remote little islands, earning our sea legs, sleeping under the stars and swimming with pigs (seriously).

Mesmerizing

One of my favorite songs from a favorite band. I could listen to Explosions in the Sky on repeat for days and this video from their latest album is so elegantly crafted. They’re definitely on my “must-see-live” bucket list.