Yes, this is the first day of the year that it was warm enough and dry enough on a day that I happened to go out for me to wear sandals, and it was wonderful.

It was sunny with a nice breeze. I’ve been hesitant these last few weeks to be convinced that warm weather is finally here to stay, but maybe us Southerners can finally start to believe that winter is really over.

This vest may be one of my favorite things I’ve ever made. Perhaps partly for the variety of stitches involved that give it detail, perhaps because it turned out such a success, but definitely because of the mixmatched buttons. All of them are vintage from various stashes at my late grandmother’s house. I had planned on selling this vest, but once I put the buttons on it, I fell in love with it. This is really the first time I’ve worn it out since I made it last year.

The headband is a simply a crocheted flower with a chain stitched on. A simple project that whips up quickly and would be great for beginner crocheters.

My friend Elise helped me with these photos, the location and poses were basically all her ideas, and I love how they turned out! Elise was first an acquaintance, then a friend, then a cousin (We met through my cousin when they were dating, and now they’re married!), but she is really more like a sister to me. Her presence and friendship truly are a blessing in my life.

We had a few bee friends around while we were shooting these photos, and I had to try and get a shot of one as they buzzed around the weeds and wildflowers because they made me happy as such a definitive sign of spring.

In spite of being plagued with a sinus infection at the peak of runny nose, sneezy, phlegm-y nastiness, this was a wonderful day spent hanging out with several friends, enjoying fellowship and time spent together and this beautiful warm weather.

Vest: made by me
Tank Top: No Boundaries (it’s one with a built-in bra)
Jeans: Forever 21
Sandals: Faded Glory (but they’re several years old)
Headband: made by me