I have a bunch of random things I want to talk about and I thought I would put them all together in my January Favorites round up! Here are some random and not so random things I’m loving right now.
I’ve taken Instagram off my phone during the week and in that time I’ve been knitting and reading a ton. You can follow me on Goodreads for a real life update on current books but I wanted to pick my two favorite reads of the month to share here.
I loved The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Gorgeous writing and I loved the way all the smaller stories and characters were woven together to create an incredible story about who deserves love and respect in the American Dream.
Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid is a big left turn but I needed something totally different that I wouldn’t even compare to such a great book. This is a romantic comedy that hits a lot of familiar tropes and maybe isn’t the most solid plot wise, but I thought it was a lot of fun and a little bit steamy. This is a part of a series that revolves around the characters in a knitting group so there were a few references to knitting that made me chuckle. I would pick up more in this series whenever I need a light, fun read.
Two other books I picked up that I can’t wait to use for color inspiration are A Dictionary of Color Combinations Vol 1 and Vol 2. I’ve seen some of these on my pinterest and then I saw an Instagramer use the color combinations for fashion inspiration. I love color and am always inspired by it and I think this book will be fun to use for my knitting and sewing but also for other areas of my life. Can’t wait to share as I use it.
And really random but we’re throwing it in here… I am hyperfixated on eating the Trader Joe’s Jalapeno Sauce with all my food. I love the flavor and it’s actually spicy and is great on everything. Try it!
Let’s wrap this up with new sewing patterns I am excited about, either making myself or seeing other people make.
I thought the new Know Me Patterns Spring Collection was really strong. A lot of wearable things but with a little push towards cooler, newer ideas. The Jumpsuit ME2063 is adorable. I love both the shorts and pants options and think the styling of this is fantastic. I could see myself making this this summer.
Lydia Naomi’s Cargo Dress, ME2068 is one I immediately want to make and buy. I think it’s a great play on the cargo trend with interesting details but still very wearable. It would look great in so many different fabrics and it has my mind thinking about what I would want to make it in.
Vogue also had some beautiful patterns released for spring! I love that we’re leaning away from leisurewear and getting back to dressing up. I mean, I’m not personally but I’m really happy for those of you that can make some of these patterns and wear them in real life. The suits! So many great suits! My highlights from the collection
Call me basic, but I’m very excited to get the Diane Von Furstenberg pattern, V2000. It’s iconic and I want to make it in a gorgeous print and wear it this spring.
The Halter bias cut gown, V2008, is stunning. I love the color they made the sample in and it is a classic dress that I have absolutely no where to wear but want to make.
I adore the pants in V2014 and love how they have the pleats but also the crispness of more structured pants. There is a jacket pattern that they show with them elsewhere in the collection that would make a fantastic outfit, again, just not for me and my lifestyle right now.
As far as indie patterns, two that stood out to me are
The Silhouette Blouse by Puff and Pencil is a fun take on the vest trend and I like it with both sleeves and sleeveless. It feels cool and chic without being fussy.
The Cargo Skirt by Juliana Martejevs is another trendy cargo style pattern but I liked this one more than others I’ve seen. There are some panels in the skirt for shaping and while it’s cargo, it doesn’t feel too much like the Delia’s catalog of my youth. I don’t know that I will be making this, but if I feel the urge to dip into this trend I think I would go this route.
What inspired you this month? I’d love to hear your January favorites!
Whit Makes 