NYC, part 2: soon to be built by me

Maybe it's the change in season. Maybe it's the fact that I hate shopping and generally buy one new clothing item every other month, and I'm still wearing some clothes from high school (although I suppose I should be reassured that they still fit). But I'm tired of my clothes and want new ones.

One would think that the logical thing to do when a person is in need of new clothes and in New York City would be to um, go shopping. However, when it comes to shopping I am plagued by both a good conscience and a deep desire for good value (and I don't just mean cheap- I mean well made). I have spent way too much time in my younger life working against sweatshop conditions, and am truly a firm believer in fair labor (and that can mean so many different things), to now ignore those values in favor of hip clothes. So I really try my best not to shop just anywhere that has cute clothes. I have found a great store here in Minneapolis that I think really fits my requirements of a clothing store, Birch Clothing, but I think the best solution is to really hit the patterns and start making more of my own clothing.

I achieved my goal of learning how to use a pattern this summer- I made three skirts and am in progress with my first shirt. To keep up the momentum, and fill the serious lack of shirts in my closet right now, I dragged Jared to the Built By Wendy store on the Lower East Side.

I picked up these two patterns, checked out Wendy's own designs, and got a little scoop on what she's been up to. Maybe I'm the last to know about this, but apparently Wendy's working on another book that will focus on sewing with knits. Ooooh, can't wait for that one!

PS: I just have to share this with you all...In an exciting and totally unexpected turn of events, my building manager has changed his mind and will be allowing all tenants to have pets!!! So stick around, there may just be some puppy love here in the next few months! yipee!! (can you tell that I'm excited?)

PPS: Also, it's International Talk Like a Pirate Day!!! Ok, just one pirate joke. Q: What's a pirate's favorite wine? A: Pinot Noi-aarrrr. hehe. ok ok, just one more. Q: What's a pirate's favorite radio station? A: NP-arrrr. hehe. Let me know your favorite pirate jokes, I can always use more (and Jared's getting really sick of these two).