AfricanKelli

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I’ve organized CAOK — calculated acts of kindness — for a few years as a lenten tradition. Today, Ash Wednesday, kicks things off yet again.

In the past there have been bunnies, flowers, aprons, baking and lots of encouragement to pay it forward. Also, I am pretty sure every single one of my girlfriends has received an awkwardly sewn handbag.

The idea is to consciously do something nice for someone else each of the 46 days of lent. It isn’t about sacrifice, but instead a period meditative, intentional kindness.

This year, the CAOK theme is correspondence. If you’d like to play along, I encourage you to send a letter, or a dozen. To the grocery store manager in praise of the bagger who always does a great job. To the grandparent you haven’t talked to in a bit. To the radio host who you’ve always adored. (Sent.)

If you are interested in playing along, I’d love to hear about it. Use the button.

Cheers,

K

Dear Kara,

Oh, the hilarity of this month’s fashion blog being layers and YOU WEARING SHORTS. THOSE ARE SHORTS. Mind you, cute shorts. BUT SHORTS.

IT IS FEBRUARY.

{This is code for: KARA?!! — this is the first time in my life that I’ve ever been without tan lines. Ever. Maybe since birth. AND YOU ARE WEARING SHORTS IN FEBRUARY.}

Okay. I’m over it. Once upon a time, I gave up “shorts in February” for “not dying in August” and I’m not looking back. That said, layers in Denver look a bit different:

Kara, I am not wearing shorts with this outfit. In fact, it was so cold this day, I wish I had long johns. I still don’t, but I need a pair or four. Anyway — I included this layering photo because I am SO into scarves right now. Do you love them? I love them. And I buy them all. the. time. How great is this thrifted vintage one? Have you seen this video on the gazillion ways to wear a scarf? I have watched it far too many times. She is a true fashionista.

Again, scarf meets bottom layer. This scarf is more of a pashimina — a gift from my friend Mariah. I wear it all the time and love it. White shirt, scarf, jean jacket, skirt, boots, and voila — layers. I went to the movies downtown in this and the wind was blowing so hard I had purple fingers by the time I got inside, clutching the ticket. Come to find out, a scarf and flimsy jean jacket are not sufficient layers in February in Denver on a windy day.

But oh, this baby keeps me warm. Even though I own a red trench coat, when I put this on, I immediately felt like Mary Tyler Moore. Or Betty Draper. Or Jackie O. I adore this coat. Paired with a black dress for the symphony, a pair of jeans for happy hour, or over a pencil skirt for working a the coffee shop — the right layer is slimming and chic.

And so, my friend. Another nod to your shorts with tights and socks and boots. You are, as always, freaking adorable. But when you bring that gorgeous husband of yours for a visit? Make it mid-summer. And bring a coat.

Kisses,

K

Remember that Dear Jane quilt my mom was working on for all of those years? It has been shown at festival and I had a chance to photograph it a bit when I was recently in Texas.

She followed the Dear Jane tradition of keeping a journal with each square — recording what was happening in the world and with our family as she matched and ever so carefully sewed fabrics.

What I didn’t know was her sense of humor is also showcased:

Why are there chickens on the back of this quilt? Oh, because she was a chicken to enter it into the Houston Quilt Fair. She was worried they’d pick it apart and after all those years of work, she wouldn’t be able to handle their critique.

I can’t blame her.

Those sewing judgey bitches be crazy. 

(She entered it in a local competition instead and it placed well.)

Do you see that last line? Over 7000 pieces.

Right.

Pretty sure by comparison mine would read “Over 7000 glasses of chardonnay enjoyed.”

This is one of those rare “things” I would lug during the apocalypse. Because my mom’s art — quilting — is her legacy and I am so honored this will one day be mine.

~K

I did a bit of supply shopping on my recent trip to Texas. Oh, how I love this collection of fat quarters:

A couple new books for inspiration:

And several yards of corduroy for that Barnaby Bear project. Are you sewing along?

~K

A cabled scarf in charcoal gray merino wool for Mr. BJ. It’s a rather late Christmas gift. And at this point, it might ready for Christmas 2012.

I love the challenge of cabling. It is such detailed work by comparison to my normal stockinette scarf creations. Knitting, watching Downton Abbey and dreaming of my grandmother’s British heritage has become a new Sunday night routine. Oh, how I am in love with this program!

~K