Things Made/Things to Make

2013 was a big year for me in many ways. Among other things, I moved back to the United States, established myself in a new city, finished a good chunk of the initial part of my book project, and (re)took up cross stitching. Though I am usually kind of tough on myself when thinking back on what I did and did not accomplish in the span of a year, I can truly say that I am thankful for what I was able to accomplish in 2013, and I'm pretty sure 2014 is going to be even more productive and amazing. 

Quite a few of the projects I worked on this year craft-wise were for gifts, including the Monticello bookmark, the Christmas ornaments, and three plush heart ornaments (below) that I made for James as part of his Christmas present. I also completed two smaller pieces with quotations on them, but I'm still figuring out how to frame them before I share. This little Russian star pincushion (above) I made for myself was a necessity, as I was constantly losing needles to the depths of my hungry couch. There were also a couple pieces that I stitched a bit of and then ripped out.

I've already made a list of all the cross stitching projects I want to complete in the next few months including one piece that will be my largest yet, a pattern I'm working on, and a few little "experiments." Any big stitching or crafting plans you have for 2014? I'd love to hear 'em!

All the lovely photographs in this post were taken by the very talented and supportive, James. I think I'll let him photograph my work from now on!

Brown and Blue

Despite the multiple thrift shops in our area, it seems that they all primarily carry furniture and other home goods. Clothing (new or vintage) is hard to come by, so the other day when I found these two vintage dresses in great condition (and in my size) I had to jump! The blue dress totally reminds me of something a romance comic book character would wear! I also found a great orange vintage scarf, so that definitely came home with me to join the many other scarves in my collection! The boots are new too. They are quite comfy and just what I was looking for!

Thrifted Finds as of Late

Our apartment here in Denmark is still pretty bare, but coming along. Our larger furniture items and basics came from Ikea, and we are slowly filling in the space with vintage and other colorful thrifted finds. So far, we have found a lot of needlework pieces as you can see. Hopefully the next few months will yield a few more furniture pieces and perhaps a painting or two!

Dreamy Vintage Shoot for Mod Closet

A few months ago I had the good fortune to meet Doni Funkhouser -- proprietress of a lovely vintage clothing store in Elkhart, Indiana called Mod Closet. The shop is a treasure trove of groovy clothes, accessories, and housewares from the 1960s and '70s. Doni recently styled a commercial for her burgeoning boutique, and below is the extended cut!

Produced by Explore Media

Gorgeous! The ad is charming and captures the essence and fun of wearing vintage. Bravo, Doni and crew!!! Though I will no longer be in the area to shop at Mod Closet, I wish all the success in the world to Doni and her blossoming small business!

Mod Closet

Vintage Apparel for Women
201 S. Main Street (lower level)
Elkhart, Indiana 46516


Production photos via Meesh & Deesh

Mindfulness

Moving always means taking inventory of belongings and getting rid of a few things. Moving overseas means getting rid of a lot of things! I have been slowly whittling away at all the stuff one tends to accumulate through the years, and I am still trying to part with much more of it! The past six months have also involved the challenge of not buying anything else that will have to be moved, stored or parted with. I am happy to report that I have actually done really well, and with the exception of groceries, a few romance comics and some luggage, I really haven't bought anything in months. Surprisingly, it feels really, really good to not buy stuff. Of course, the overwhelming urge to engage in some retail therapy does strike once in a while, as it did yesterday. So, I hit up the thrift store and let myself buy one thing -- this cute little mod flower cup.

Besides patience, I think that one of the greatest lessons I have learned through this experience of preparing to moving overseas has been mindfulness. I certainly hope it is something I can retain once I am in Denmark. Of course, it should be a whole lot easier in a land where tales of Hans Christian Andersen and fourteen dollar deodorant run rampant!
 

Welcome to The Coziness Project!

Welcome to my newest blogging endeavor, The Coziness Project! I have been blogging for many moons now over at my 1960s and '70s romance comic book blog, Sequential Crush. The Coziness Project will serve as a little more personal look into my thoughts, life, and my impending journey as I emigrate to Denmark! I would have never dreamed I would be moving abroad, but when my boyfriend Justin was offered a job as a designer with LEGO, we both jumped at the opportunity for such a big change.

The name for this blog, The Coziness Project is derived from the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced like hoo-guh). What on Earth does hygge mean, you are probably asking?! Well, the best description is the feeling of being cozy. Essentially, the exact opposite of any Nodell family gathering! Just kidding there, but really, coziness is something that I hope to achieve and maintain in our future little Danish home, and bring to you via this blog!
I hope you enjoy The Coziness Project. Posts will probably be a little sporadic at first, and increase once I am actually in Denmark. For now, I hope you enjoy the tales of preparation, mixed in with a dash of crafts, vintage and design!

Have a lovely weekend!