Amy Butler Knitting Projects

Queen of hipster patterns and fabric Amy Butler has partnered with Rowan to release a line of yarn.  And a book of knitting patterns to go with it!  Isn’t that braided scarf beautiful?  Or what about that funky afghan blanket? I’m gonna look for the wool and the pattern book at my local knitting store…

Oh yeah, I guess I never mentioned that I’m into knitting.  Have been for about 12 years now.  It just takes me forever to finish projects.

[thanks for the tip from SFGirlByBay]

I Got A Postcard!

Remember when I blogged about Postcrossing?  And also when I received an email alert that a postcard I had sent arrived in New Zealand?  I have another update – I received a postcard myself.  It came from Tokyo Japan and featured a pretty image on lovely paper, and some really cool stamps on the flip side. Time to send more, so I can receive more!  Wanna get cool postcards from around the world?  Check out Postcrossing.com.

Jam Party



Last night, some pals came over and we made raspberry jam.  I was originally inspired by the “host a canning party” post on Design*Sponge.  Making jam is pretty simple, didn’t take too long, and was fun, especially if you drink wine while you make the jam.   We found these instructions helpful, and you can get all the supplies you need at Canadian Tire.  I think I might make some more this weekend!

Please Trust Your Designer

This is a lovely, well-put article about trusting your designer by Jon Norris of OnWired.  It’s not very long, so I recommend reading the whole thing, but if you only get one bit, here’s the kicker:

I always find it interesting when a client hires a designer because of their expertise but then decides to nitpick every decision they make. I can assure you that professional designers have got your best interest in mind. They know what they’re doing and they all want to create something truly incredible for you.

Thank you Jon Norris – you hit the nail on the head with that one.

[“promise” poster by Lure Design Inc.  Click here to purchase]

Social Media Strategy?

I know it’s not Friday (when I usually post funny things), but I had to post this anyway.  This is the funniest website I’ve seen in a long time: What The Fuck Is My Social Media Strategy?

I’m strongly suspicious of people who work in marketing or PR and are trying to “harness the power of social media” or “strengthen the relationship between consumer and the brand”.  And people who call themselves social media gurus?  Yeah, I’m highly suspicious of them too.  Especially if they can’t do anything else, like plan a traditional marketing campaign or design something.  (unless you’re Scott Stratten of UnMarketing – the best social media expert/non-expert out there.  Follow his tweets and read his blog.  It’s good for you.)

Yep, I’m a web designer.  So I’m online all day long, and I know a thing or two about the interwebs.  But seriously, don’t ask me about how to use Twitter or Facebook for your business, because I honestly believe you shouldn’t.

Next time someone asks me for social media advice, I’m gonna spew out one of the answers from this website.

[comic by the Oatmeal.  Idea for blog post from kottke.org]

Daily Drop Cap Prints

You may remember a few months ago when I wrote about my love for type designer and illustrator Jessica Hische.  She just announced that letterpress prints of her amazing Daily Drop Cap series are available for sale through her online store.

At just $40 each, you can get a bunch.  I would love to have an A and an I for me and the mister.  But I suspect Ian might not like the I.  Oh well, maybe just one for me then!