"Macramé" Belt

I used a 100% cotton, multicolor ribbon yarn to make this "macramé" belt with fringe.

Image via Artful Yarns

It's fun, quick, and a great way to learn new knitting techniques. The pattern consists of 14 rows and involves numerous yarn overs and wrapping the yarn. Pretty complicated for a little project, but I enjoyed the challenge. I also managed to complete it in only a couple hours.

I think this would look great with jeans, dress or a tunic.

Pax,
Ria

Puerto Rico

One summer I went to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico with my friend, Jessica, and her baby boy, Kyler. We stayed with her grandmother, 'buela Sarah Bravo.

'buela Sarah and baby Kyler in the garden

'buela Sarah's lovely house and garden.

I slept in this bedroom

I traveled light for this trip. My luggage consisted of whatever I could squeeze into a red Jansport backpack. Most of my clothes are draped over that headboard. Nice!

'buela Sarah's Wheels

I searched every inch of that car (i.e. the seats, floor, trunk, tires, glove compartment etc.) for an emblem or word indicating the make and model. There was nothing. What the heck is that?!?!

I was hesitant about driving during this trip, because last summer I totaled a guy's car during a road trip to Florida. Ooops. So I'm not a great driver, but I had no choice. I caught 'buela Sarah dozing off at the wheel. Nice! So I made her pull over, bought her a cafe con leche, and took the keys. Needless to say 'buela Sarah was not impressed with my driving . Whenever I sped up she would put her hand on my shoulder and say, "Tranquilla Maria!" My bad. Lo siento.

After lunch I would take naps in this hammock and listen to the rain. It would rain religiously every afternoon. Then the sun would reappear and we would drive back to the beach to swim and lay out. It was one of the most relaxing vacations, because I did nothing but nothing.

At the Beach

I could spend hours watching the waves roll in and trying to predict whether or not it was going to be a big one. Some people would consider this activity way too redundant, but I'm weird. I think it's fun.

I also dove off some rocks while I was there. Jessica was not too happy about that, because she was tired and not it the mood to drive me to the hospital if I got hurt. I ended up hiking to the top alone and left her with my camera.

I was a little scared and hesitant. Then this old Puerto Rican man advised me not to think, "No piense!" That was that. I didn't think about it - I just did it. And man do you get some serious hang time. That was the most incredible sensation - falling, hovering, catching air, completely letting myself go. That was the closest I've ever come to feeling truly free. It was amazing.

One last pic of Jess and me. Thanks for letting me tag along. Hope I wasn' t too much of a pain in the arse.

Pax,
Ria

Bora Bora Bound

These pictures are from a spread in the December 2004 issue of Vogue. This is one magazine I could never throw out. I love the dresses, the hand-woven wreaths, and the ropes of pearls and seashells. Also, Daria Werbowy looks stunning with her wild hair and bronze skin. Looking at these pictures inspires me to move to Bora Bora and become a child of the sun ;)

Pax,

Ria

Tricia Guild

I recently discovered Tricia Guild at a shop called Behind Closed Doors Interiors. This is another adorable store located on Fabric Row in Philadelphia. I spent a majority of my time staring at this fainting chaise....

Fabric, Pillow and wallpaper designed by Tricia Guild

...and thumbing through this book...

The textures, colors, and patterns are amazing.

Someday, when I have extra cash to blow,
I would like to reupholster my couch...

Pax,
Ria

Nude Oxfords for Spring.

I spotted these lovely oxfords at the Bus Stop Boutique on fabric row. I love the cut-out accents and the nude color. They're made by Dionella by Dione, one of Mexico's premier shoe brands. The name is derived from Greek mythology. Dione was Aphrodite's mother and the goddess of Beauty. How lovely!

Thanks to our fabulous economic situation, I will not be purchasing these shoes any time soon. That's okay. I have this photograph - ça suffit.

Pax,

Ria

Hanes Daisy Vintage Stockings

Voila, never been worn Hanes stockings from the 60's. The daisies only appears on the side of the right leg. How groovy! Too bad they don't fit.

I found these at a consignment store called Decades Vintage, located at 615 Bainbridge in Philadelphia, Pa. If you're in the neighborhood this is a fun store to peruse. Currently they've got a great collection of shoes by Charles Jourdan.

Sidewalk Talk

While taking a walk through the city,

I love discovering images of celebrities on the sidewalk:

Pax,
Ria

Today...

...I'm inspired by the knits and colors of Missoni...

Photo by Marcio Madeira for style.com

...so I made this beret:




Pax,
Ria

Mammoth Cable Blanket

I first learned how to knit November 2004. I was celebrating Thanksgiving with my then boyfriend and his family somewhere in rural Pennsylvania. Pennsyltucky is more like it. Anyways, his mother noticed I was bored so she asked me if I wanted to learn how to knit. And that was that. When anyone takes the time to teach me how to do something/anything, I will genuinely learn how to do it.

I was obsessed with learning how to cable. I already love braiding hair so the idea of braiding yarn was awesome. This was more than awesome. This surpassed all awesomeness. For my first cable project I made this 100% cotton blanket. It took me over a year and it's queen size. What a feat! I love the green and blue stripes with the orange border. The colors are real subtle - like me ;)

Pax,

Ria

I Heart Paisley

I love Etro's signature paisley prints. These dresses are from the s/s 2009 collection...

Photos by Marcio Madeira for style.com.

Baby Shower Gifts

Sunday I went to a baby shower for my friend La-Vie. She recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Aidan. For my gift, I made a receiving blanket and a couple hats. She loved it and so did everyone else. Phew! They asked me, "How long did it take you to make this?" Not long at all. The most difficult part was color. I was very indecisive about which colors to use ugh... Finally, I decided to use the same colors that appeared on her baby shower invitations.

Happy Friday the 13th!

My friend Amelia sent me this ecard. She is twisted and hilarious. Gotta love her.

Pax,

Ria

Card from someecards

Banana Silk Hat

I prefer to use a yarn spool, but the Banana Silk is too snaggy. So you have to wind it into a ball manually ugh...
It's unpredictable and tricky to work with, because the yarn is not always the same width. It can be thick or thin. This is a pain, but it creates an interesting texture.
Patience is rewarded. The hat feels great and I love the colors.

Pax,
Ria

Banana Silk and Nylon Ribbon

Recently purchased some electric blue, Indian, banana silk and

nude, Italian, nylon ribbon. I love unconventional yarn.

Not a huge fan of the color. It's way too subtle. On the other hand the texture is awesome. It's just a little slippery, but easy and fun to work with.



Just a couple of pictures of the work in progress.

Tah dah! Yes, it is another beret. Hats are so addictive. I really need to stop. What am I going to do with that Banana Silk?!?!

New Stuff for Spring

Longing for spring I made these berets...

I heart this maize color. The yarn is a cotton/acryic blend.

And for this one I used up the rest of the pink, purplish bamboo yarn.

They would go great with these sandals :)