Window or Aisle Seat?

I'm a die-hard window-seat girl.  I particularly love the time just after take-off and just before landing, when you can still see the ground.  I love trying to pick out places and landmarks that I recognize and to see the world getting smaller and smaller--or larger and larger.  From that distance, the world always looks so peaceful. 

So, it should be no surprise that I think Maxwell Mackenzie's aerial photography is just so cool. Mackenzie is known for his architectural shots, but the Fraser Gallery in Bethesda currently has an exhibit of his aerial work.  He takes the pictures while he's flying the plane (don't try that at home!).  I especially love the second one below of the deer running through the clearing. 

Mark Your Calendars!

The Yellow House Knits Semi-Annual Sale begins two weeks from today, on October 10 and will run until October 24. The Semi-Annual Sale is your chance to get in-stock handknit baby sweaters at a significantly reduced cost. Order a few for holiday gifts!

All in-stock sweaters will be 40% OFF. Custom orders placed during the sale period will receive free shipping.

If you've had your eye on a sweater, I encourage you to act quickly once the sale begins. A number of Yellow House Knits customers buy from me only during these sales because the savings are so great, so the inventory changes quickly.

There will also be an additional special offer for bloggers: Blog about the sale between October 10 and October 17 and receive free shipping on your sale items (in addition to the 40% off) or save 15% on a future order. Blog postings must include at least one picture of a Yellow House Knits sweater. Email yellowhouseknits(at)gmail.com to let me know where to find your posting, and I will email information about redeeming these offers. So schedule your blog postings now!

Love Is All Around

I think everyone is familar with the image of the LOVE sculpture with the tilted "o."  I've walked past it many times in New York, and I noticed it around Julianne Moore's neck in "The Kids Are All Right," but I didn't realize it was quite so ubiquitous.  Take a look:

The LOVE image was originally designed as a Christmas card for the Museum of Modern Art in 1964 and first exhibited as a sculpture in New York City in 1970.  The original sculpture has been on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art since 1975:

The sculpture has since been reproduced many times and in many forms.  The sculptures can now be found all over the country (not to mention in jewelry, postcards, T shirts, and so on).  Here it is in LOVE Park in Philadelphia:

And on the campus of Wichita State University:

Back in New York City:

And up in Rockland, Maine:

It's even on display in Hebrew at the Israel Museum.  

At the risk of taking the words of my all-time favorite TV show in vain, "love really is all around!"

September Special Offer

Today is September 20, so this month's special offer is a 20% discount on all sweaters ordered between now and Thursday.  This offer INCLUDES custom orders!

Mention coupon code ITHY-SEP in your convo or email (yellowhouseknits@gmail.com) to take advantage of this offer. Orders/emails must be received by midnight EDT on September 23.

Have fun!

Nora in Yellow House Knits

I've been a little slow in posting pictures from my photo shoot with little Nora.  We had a fun morning taking her picture.  Nora's mom and dad were super enthusiastic about the whole process, which I just loved! 

Here are two of my favorite pictures of Nora.  Isn't she just adorable?



These Signs Always Make Me a Little Nervous

These signs are all over Hilton Head (and probably the entire southeast United States).  I've seen the alligators before, so I know they're not empty threats.  (And I've often wondered what kind of idiot would harass an alligator?!?!)  But the signs are posted right along the bike paths, and I'm always worried that I'll end up with a gator chasing after my bike.  I know I'm being neurotic, but still . . . ! 

Hello From Vacation (and FREE SHIPPING while I'm gone)!

I'm back on Hilton Head--one of my favorite places in the whole world--for a week beaches, bike rides, and being lazy!  I couldn't be more excited.  The last few weeks have been so hectic that I haven't been able to catch my breath, so this trip comes at just the right time. 

As usual, I'm offering free shipping on all sweaters ordered while I'm gone.  In-stock sweaters will ship on September 20. 

Hot Colors for Fall

In February, the color wizards at Pantone introduced the hot colors for fall 2010.  Now that fall is almost upon us, I thought it was worth revisiting them.  Here they are:

And here's what Pantone said about them:

Exotic Purple Orchid, a purple leaning to fuchsia, is an unexpected choice for fall, imbuing a bit of magic and vibrancy to the season. Elegant Chocolate Truffle, evocative of delicious treats, is a rich brown with piquant plum undertones, that pairs tastefully with Purple Orchid. Not your mother’s avocado green, Woodbine takes last season’s neutral greens to a whole new level, and when mixed with Purple Orchid and Chocolate Truffle, results in a stunning combination.

Lagoon, this season’s turquoise – Pantone’s 2010 color of the year – is guaranteed to add a tropical splash. A great color for fall and winter escapes, Lagoon is a popular hue, especially in accessories, pairing dynamically with all shades of red. Lipstick Red, a deeper, more dramatic sensual red, makes its imprint on fall, particularly in cosmetics.

Reminiscent of a radiant sunset on a brisk autumn evening, Golden Glow, an earthy, deepened shade of yellow, creates a retro look with Purple Orchid or Woodbine. A softer, more inviting orange with a hint of pink undertone, Living Coral is the perfect complement to Lagoon, whether heading for a tropical destination or just fantasizing about it. Crisp Endive, a revitalizing yellow-green, adds freshness to this season’s top ten, and will enliven any wardrobe. Add it to Lagoon, Chocolate Truffle and Purple Orchid for an invigorating fall look.

Oyster Gray, a classic neutral that grounds the palette, is a lighter take on the traditional fall gray, as designers heed consumers’ concern about the economy and deliver investment pieces that carry through to spring 2011. Rose Dust, a flattering beige, offers an ethereal, romantic, wispy option to span the seasons.

I love how bright and bold they are.  No wimpy colors this fall! 

Check out Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Fall 2010, which includes sketches and commentary from leading designers.

Top 10 Advertising Slogans

According to Advertising Age, the following are the top 10 advertising slogans of the last century.  Do you agree?

1. Diamonds are forever (DeBeers)
2. Just do it (Nike)
3. The pause that refreshes (Coca-Cola)
4. Tastes great, less filling (Miller Lite)
5. We try harder (Avis)
6. Good to the last drop (Maxwell House)
7. Breakfast of champions (Wheaties)
8. Does she ... or doesn't she? (Clairol)
9. When it rains it pours (Morton Salt)
10.  Where's the beef? (Wendy's)

"M&Ms melt in your mouth, not in your hand" got honorable mention, but I thought it would have been in the top 10.  What else should have been included?

Pink and Fushia Treasury

Madrigal Embroidery has once again included a Yellow House Knits sweater in one of her fabulous treasuries.  By now, it should be no surprise that pink is my favorite color, so this one really appeals to me!  (In case you missed it, that's the Allison Street sweater down there in the lower right corner.)

There's a lot to love in this treasury--the little winter coat, the pink beret, the crochet necklace.  So fresh and happy!

Don't forget to check out Madrigal Embroidery's shop, where "many a splendid adornment" awaits you!

Photo Shoot with Richard

I've been a little slow in posting pictures of my photo shoot last weekend with Richard.  What a cutie!!  He was quite the little charmer--when the camera came out, he wasn't the least bit shy.  He tilted his head and batted his eyes like a pro.  Somehow I think his parents take more than a few pictures of him! 

Thanks to Richard and his parents for a fun shoot!

Cranberry and Mustard Treasury

The Belmont Street sweater was feautured in this stunning treasury curated by Sweet Anne Vintage.  To me this treasury just screams "fall."  And I just love everything in it--that reversible bracelet, the gadget case, the vintage bag, the cocktail ring . . . just WOW!  Sweet Anne Vintage's shop is pretty neat too.  There is a vintage milk glass candy dish (that I might just have to have) and an awesome old Pepsi crate. Please be sure to take a look. 

Evolutionary Experience

I'm not much of a wine drinker.  In fact it all pretty much tastes the same to me, so I rarely buy anything that isn't in the sale bin at Harris Teeter.  

But I do have one go-to wine for when I'm entertaining or otherwise feeling fancy: Evolution from the Sokol Blosser Vineyards in Oregon.  One review described it as "a blend of everything from chardonnay and pinot gris to Muller-Thurgau and sylvaner" and another calls it an"androgynous white."  My best friend, who grew up in Portland, introduced me to it, and I have to say it's pretty good. 

So I was particularly excited to see Angelo select it as his wine for the wine-pairing Quickfire challenge on Top Chef last night.  Maybe I am fancy after all.  Have you tried it?

One Quarter Down Already?

Well, we're officially one-quarter of the way through my 35th year.  I'm not making the kind of progress I'd hoped for on my 35 Before 36 list, but I think I'm headed in the right direction.  Thanks for cheering me on!

35 Before 36 Update

1. Read 12 books.  3/12 complete.  Finished in August: "The Girls from Ames" by Jeffrey Zaslow.
2. Go to New York City for a Broadway weekend.  It's on the calendar for November; I'm hoping it sticks. 
3. Start saving regularly—even if modestly—for the addition to my house.  On track.
4. Clean out my closet and give a lot to Goodwill.
5. Finish my state streets project.
6. Donate to: Washington Humane Society, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, and my various alma maters: Northwestern University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Michigan Law School, the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
7. Go to the U.S. Botanic Garden.
8. Get a massage and/or a facial each month.  3/12 complete.
9. Purge and replenish my underwear drawer.
10. See 12 movies in the theater.  2/12 complete.  Saw in August: "The Switch."
11. Spend a weekend the Omni Bedford Springs (my favorite).
12. Keep an inventory of food in the freezer.  On track.
13. Run three half marathons. Registered for Detroit in October.
14. Try yoga again.
15. Start to research the history of my house.
16. Reorganize my pantry.
17. Buy a nice piece of jewelry (pearls?).
18. Try 12 new (to me), local restaurants.  2/12 complete. Tried in August: Ted's Bulletin and Blue Duck Tavern.
19. Improve my bread-baking skills.
20. Take Bullet on a weekend trip.
21. Get a new camera.  I bought my Nikon D3000 earlier this month and love it!
22. Take more pictures.

23. Pay off my car.
24. Master real push-ups.
25. Make at least two meals per month to freeze for later.  On track.
26. Organize my knitting and needlepoint supplies.
27. Send more postcards when I travel with notes telling people I’m thinking of them.
28. Make a star tree-topper for my Christmas tree.  Canvas is purchased--need to start needlepointing.
29. Have a party.  I think Alissa's shower in October counts for this?

30. Go to the renovated National Museum of American History.
31. Go to the beach.  Only 11 days til Hilton Head!!
32. Buy fresh flowers more often.  I'm still trying to pick some up whenever I got to the farmer's market.
33. Paint my old patio furniture (or have it painted).

34. Take a crafting class.

35. Walk home from work at least once a week, weather permitting.  So far so good.