I don't know how to write about fall and all the emotions it stirs up without sounding trite. This is our first fall since we moved back to the midwest, and it's been refreshing, on a surface level yes, but also for my soul. The leaves turning gold and red, the crisp mornings, wearing a hat and a cowl, seeing my breath outside, holding our baby, all bundled in handknits. The days are getting shorter, and the days are getting cozier, and my heart always feels a little more joyful, a little more refreshed this time of year...

It's been awhile since my last creativity check-in. I like to keep a log of what I'm working on, what I've finished, and what I'd like to make next, knitting- and sometimes sewing-wise. This time around, I haven't done any sewing, but there's nothing like proper fall weather to make me want to knit so many things. I have a stash of beautiful yarns eager to be knit up, and now there's a squishy baby in my life that needs a few more cold-weather clothing items, so there's even more motivation for me to knit...

A few weeks ago, my dear friend, Jessica, who lives in Texas, came to visit with her little boy. Having lived in southern states for her life, and knowing she loves fall, she booked a ticket to come visit us up north and get a taste of Midwestern fall.They flew into Chicago on that Saturday, and Nicholas, Cooper, and I picked them up from the airport, and then we went to lunch at Lyfe Kitchen (one of our Chicago favorites). We had both babies in the backseat, along with with either Jessica or I, since Nicholas was driving...

On Monday, I turned twenty-nine. On every birthday, I enjoy writing about how we celebrated, and also about life right now.Most years, I prefer to celebrate my birthday with a little bit of "dressed-up ordinary." Eating good food, drinking coffee, having dessert, and spending time with people I love...

Just as the weather is changing and fall is beginning, I've finished knitting a colorwork sweater! This one has been a bit of a labor of love. And like any other big creative project, it has a bit of a backstory.I cast on right before Christmas, in the midst of a lot of morning sickness. After a decent start, I set it aside in favor of some smaller projects, like Christmas socks and a cozy hat...