Goodies

During a mini de-cluttering session last week, I came across a frightening item -- my senior prom photo. Layered hair, pink sequined gown (looks better than it sounds), and white pumps (looks as bad as it sounds)! I was a colorful girl before I went off to college and embraced my inner sulky goth.

Those black clothes and scowl served me well when I relocated from Happy Valley to Manhattan. As easy as the Manhattanite uniform is, it gets a bit...boring, frankly.

My friend Moji, always looked spectacular, and she had a wonderful habit of wearing the most intriguing combinations of color and texture. Her secret? Color Me Beautiful.

At her suggestion, I arranged a consultaion , and I walked away with a color palette of the most rancid collection of rotting vegetation and appallingly autumnal fabric swatches. Rather than finding comfort in the uniqueness of looking good in a color that could only be described as Baby Poo, I was disheartened.

Over time, I embraced the wilted salad palette, but I relied too much on the neutral tones. As such, I challenged myself to branch out and explore the softer and more "feminine" colors in my palette. I promised to wear less green(s) and to start wearing purple (the song is nothing if infectious -- I cannot stop myself).

Behold the purple glory of my final One Skein Swap! My pal, Laura of The Continuing Drama, knitted a beautiful gift that is a triple threat.

1. It is purple!
2. It is a handbag, which is part of my Dump the Frump Campaign -- to carry snazzy jazzy handbags over the bulky utilitarian ones. I'm already carrying a knitting bag, so that can hold the non-essential/overflow items.
3. It requires lining (and she sent two gorgeous lengths of fabric for the task) which means that I will be sewing. Any input on machine vs. hand sewing for knitted bag lining is greatly appreciated.

The bracelet, knitted from Noro Daria, is so sweet. Some of you already know that I have a penchant for small, precious items. Laura, thank you so very much. You have been a wonderful secret pal. You have spoiled me.