Miami

Miami was a wild ride, the kind that you like and would do again. Documentation was not my number one priority while I was there, so the photos are of poor quality but descriptive in their own special way. For the moment there isn't much else I would say, aside from the fact that this was the most inspirational and refreshing trip I have ever been on. There are things that I was stressed out about before I left that I literally forgot about while I was away, and when I came back everything felt better.
UPDATE: Here is the link I promised to a very comprehensive Jim Drain studio tour, enjoy!

The Cutest

I have read Jenny Gordy's blog for a long time, and while I love reading about her process and viewing her exquisite craftsmanship, I always love seeing images of Jenny the most. I bet you know how I feel if you are a reader too, there's just something about her, so sparkly! In fact, I feel that way about nearly all of the fashion-related blogs I read, seeing the author can be so much more interesting than fashion. I took a tour through Jenny's photostream this morning and found a goldmine of photos of her throughout the years and I couldn't stop looking. Reading the commentary makes it feel like one of the most authentic things I've looked at in a long time. Here's what she said about this photo,"You can't tell from these photos, but I'm actually really cool. Okay, I'm lying." She looks so cute and goofy! I'm so happy I found this, and it has inspired me to take a trip to the eye-glasses shop this morning. My prescription has worsened a few steps, and even though I'm trying to wear contacts now, I just can't resist the opportunity to try on a few just for fun.

Tidbits

I am trying to blog from my iPhone for the first time so I apologize if it comes through wonky. I have been in Miami since Wednesday and so far things have been pleasantly strange, bright and full of color. The weather is something to write home about which I will do now. Each day has been 88 and sunny with clear skies and hot sand. Though I must confess, I have only seen the sand a few times as I have been spending most of my time working indoors.

Jim is funny, brilliant, unassuming and warm. His work is even more impressive in real life and his dense studio is filled with gems to uncover. I will post a link to a very thorough studio tour conducted by not-me when I return to a regular computer, it will make your brain smile. I am fortunate to be staying in a fully furnished apartment, generously offered up by the De la Cruz Contemporary Art Center just a few blocks from Jim's studio.

Miami is bizarre. It seems to be the complete opposite of Minneapolis more and more. Jim's studio is located in a mall, yes, a mall with a fountain downstairs and a Marni just around the corner. It's wonderfully unusual and pretty fancy. Biking has been an adventure in itself and I am eternally grateful for both the bike and the helmet to keep me speedy and safe from haphazard Miami drivers.

Much more to come when I return, until then...

Sent from out here!

Sports

I found this image online a few weeks ago of a Coney Box Top modeled by a man and styled with a bright yellow North Face jacket. I really love how purple and yellow the picture is, and it's fun to see one of my sweaters on a male figure. I dragged it onto my desktop and failed to note its origins, and when searching this morning I couldn't seem to find it again. If you know any information about the spread, stylist, or photographer, please do pass it along. I believe it's from Australia. The opposite of North Face is Miami, where I'll be next week, knitting sweaters in a new place and sneaking away to the beach in between. I've been excited about this for months, can't wait to be there.

Update: Thank you Beth for providing the link!

Piece

WOW! Take a look at this new tote bag I just ordered from TEAM Print Shop in Oakland! Isn't it AWESOME? I already took it for test drive this morning on a trip to the post office and grocery store and it looked good the whole way. These are the guys that printed the TEAM: Annie Road t-shirt (hence the name), and are friends with good ideas like the Bieber-Slayer shirt. This stylish number is printed on both sides with ink the exact color of pizza sauce! To make this tote way summer, I am thinking about tie-dying it. I mean, pie-dying it. Yeah...

Celebrate!

Now available in the ALL Shop are two special edition colorways of the Sticker Stripe Box Top and the Coney Box Top, two of my inaugural sweater styles for the online store. Celebrate one year of ALL Knitwear with a discount on the original or updated versions of these two sweaters through Friday, May 6th (treating you to $15.00 off the regular price). ALL Knitwear loves you, get in there!