Hello friends!
Right now we’re in the process of looking at schools for S. This summer we’ll either be returning to New York where she’ll start middle school or we’ll be staying in Madrid for much longer and she’ll start the equivalent of middle school here. No matter where we end up, it’s a tough decision! I think we’re all leaning toward staying here in Madrid for longer, but if we stay we need to give up our Manhattan apartment since we can’t legally keep it for more than two years without living there. What do you think we should do?
No matter what we decide, we’re still enjoying Madrid. The light is so pretty this time of year. I told myself I’d use our digital SLR camera more often this year, but most of the time I just use my phone. You never know when you’re going to be passing through Plaza Mayor or Retiro Park and the light is just right….
What do you have planned for the weekend? I’ve got all sorts of sewing projects half finished that I want to complete. The Thinsulate for my Lisette coat finally arrived, so I’d like to get that done before spring!
Pinterest Picks
Speaking of light and photos, the dramatic lighting in this photo of a pomegranate reminded of me of one of my very favorite ad campaigns ever, from Valentino.
A few Building Block Dress book ideas. (You can see many more ideas in my Building Block Pinterest folder.)
I just love the architectural details of these two photos. Isn’t the smocking gorgeous? I’d love to try something like this.
Did you catch our sashiko Valentine tutorial and free download? It reminded me of this oversized cross-stitch heart as well as our free Valentine ornament.
Stunning stitched insects and their (formerly) living counterparts.
Weekend Reading (and Watching)
- Here’s a thoughtful piece on the sewing machine and changes in technology.
- And speaking of sewing machines, are apparel factory jobs going to be replaced by robots?
- A close look at some of Josef Frank’s timeless textile designs.
- Watch this: The traditions and people behind Harris Tweed.
- Watch this too: The art of making zellige mosaics. (Wow, the amount of labor involved!)
- I’ve been meaning to share this one with you for a few weeks now. This man designs and knits sweaters to coordinate with his travel destinations.
- Claire Shaeffer’s review of Masterworks: Unpacking Fashion confirms that I wish I hadn’t missed it. Hurry! It ends this weekend.
- The color palettes of film.
- Aren’t these painted plates beautiful?
- Portraits of people reading all over the world.
- What is couture, really?
We’ll be back next week with lots of fun things for you, including an special hemming tutorial I’m eager to share. Have a great weekend!
Give up your NY apartment and continue to live in Spain for at least 4 more years. There are may other beautiful, diverse, and creative cities in the U.S. to move to fi you need to come home. My personal favorites: San Francisco and Austin, TX. They would be as much a cultural adventure as any spot in Europe.
You’re right, Cynthia; there are lots of places where we could move eventually. Our biggest challenge to finding someplace to live is our commitment to not owning a car, which really limits our choices within the U.S. But a few years in Madrid wouldn’t be a bad thing, for sure!
I love seeing your photos and reading about your experiences in Spain, so much that now I really want to visit! I would be torn between NYC and Madrid, too, but they are both excellent choices so I suppose you can’t go wrong.
And thanks for the interview tidbits you include in these posts, I really enjoy them.
You’re right, Diane. Both places are great. That’s why it’s so difficult to choose!
Selfishly I would love to take your bodice fitting seminar or any course you would teach in your NYC studio. So if moving back to NYC facilitates that happening….
Seriously, enjoy your family’s adventure in Spain! It looks amazing and so good for your soul and creativity. We will all benefit from your Spanish adventures.
I lived in austin for 25 years. Has some nice hip places but Nothing beautiful in nature and old in the city like where you are now. Can’t beat the old European cities.
No matter where we land I’ll keep teaching, Donna. We’re already talking about another teaching tour, so keep an eye on the newsletter for details when we launch it (it will be a few months at least…).
S would be in 7th grade in nyc, wouldn’t she? I wouldn’t want to move back in the middle of middle school, and 7 th grade is the year that is used for high school applications. MY oldest is a couple months older than S, but is a 7th grader this year. I’d also hate to give up a nyc apt, but one of the other commenters reminded me you can take your business anywhere. If you are committed to a car free life, then Europe may be the place for awhile. I’m not sure how easy car-free is in many American cities
Yes, we’re not sure how it would work for her to land in middle school for 7th grade, but we think she would be in the same school as at least one other friend. It’s a tough call, Darci. I love NYC so much! xo
Best of luck with whatever you do. My husband was recently offered a job in Germany and reading about your experiences has definitely made me more open to the possibilities. I have a daughter a year younger than S and I think it would be so enriching. Looking at pictures of S has also convinced her that wearing mom made clothes can be cool.
It really is a fantastic experience, Kirsten. I hope you are able to take advantage of it–it really will change your life.
I meant interesting, not interview!