One At A Time
April/May 2026
I’ve been making things in little snippets. Now that I don’t have an art show narrowing my creative energy into a sharp focus, I take fragments of inspo as they come.
One of those bursts resulted in finally finishing these climbing pants for two pals (we initiated the trade of pants for yard work last summer)!
They’re the Cedar Pants, and the pattern is so good.
I know how to install a zipper fly now! I can do anything!
Another quick hit: altering a friend's bridesmaid dress in exchange for delivery of a HUGE monstera plant.
My brother Jon is the resident plant expert, and he’s rehabbing it.
(I told you. HUGE!)
It’s time to peel off the winter coats around here, and I’m getting that existential question:
Right now, I’m really inspired by climbing style and granola-girl looks (I have a note in my phone that reads: ‘GORP-y professor’ which feels right. Outdoorsy but put together, maybe mix a wool blazer with a hemp tee? Still workshopping.) Natural fibers are big, as are things I can comfortably take a walk in.
I’d been seeing these cute wrap/tie skirts on Pinterest for a while, so I drafted a pattern based on two well-fitting skirts. I pulled apart two thrifted linen dresses to use as fabric. The pink and orange are the same tone, so you don’t notice the color difference immediately, but they sort of vibrate against each other, making it a little extra special.
It’s a treat to be getting to the point in my sewing where I can imagine a garment and make exactly that. Upgrading my machine last year was a huge part of achieving more professional finishing—I went from a vintage straight-stitch-only to one with straight and zigzag, plus bells and whistles like a buttonhole attachment. And it doesn’t have major issues with thread tension! Sometimes, just buying the good version of the tool makes all the difference.
I’m sketching out a few fun things to make next.
That said, I do not want to make all my clothes. My climbing gym, Frontier, hosted a Free Garage Sale. For every item you brought in, you got a ticket to exchange for items. So smart! I found some pieces that are already in high rotation.
I also hit the thrift store and found some skirts and dresses, which are a summer pro move—less sweaty! Looks fancy even though it’s comfier than denim cutoffs!
Finally, I whipped up a sweet quilt for friends’ new baby! When I heard they were planning a goose themed nursery, I knew I had to incorporate Flying Geese blocks. (Those blue triangles!) It was fun (and fast) to use traditional blocks instead of going full improv.
I’m excited to keep making things as summer rolls in. Are you making anything these days?
❤️, Ten
Elsewhere
LEGO-as-gemstone. Grownup metal jewelry plays well with colorful bricks. I love the idea of buying yourself special pieces to mark life/business milestones, and these are a really fun option.
I love a poem-y manifesto. This one from outdoor biking brand Roland is very sweet.
SD Design People is here! I’m the current board president, and it’s been a total joy to build this org along with the other talented, smart board members. And now ALL South Dakota designers get to join in the fun. The whole website is so beautiful, but the designer directory is the true heart of the org. Take a look!
Extremely relatable! I have also been going through a style existential crisis, recently joined the r/gorpcore subreddit ("gorpy" also fits into my style profile somewhere), and have been scheming about sewing projects. I, however, am not to the point of being able to sew whatever comes into my brain and I'm beyond impressed that you can! Until I get there, maybe in a decade, I will bask in your creative genius glory!