Slowly, the seasons are shifting. I realized a few weeks back it wasn’t light past 8:00 at night any longer. And cardigans have gradually become needed in the early morning and late night. But since it’s still technically summer for a few more days, I’m relishing the last bits of the season.

I’m working on book sketches right now and I’m finishing up an illustration to have available as a print. And Open Studios will be in November, so I’ve already started planning goods to have available. Aside from that, I’ve been working on pacing myself this summer, getting done what has to get done and then stepping away from my drafting table (hence far less posting here). It’s definitely been a huge help in dealing with burnout and now that autumn is here, I’m feeling far more inspired.

*I finished sewing Butterick B5982 (there’s more pictures on Instagram). It’s my third time sewing this pattern and I love it: it comes together quickly, offers a couple different variations and fits perfectly. For fabric, I used a print from Eloise’s Garden, in rayon. Although I’ve been sewing since high school, I’ve never worked with rayon before. If you’re a rayon newbie too, the tips over on Megan Nielsen’s blog are so helpful.

* I’m working on this Alabama Chanin skirt pattern, embellishing it with a stencil I designed. I’m loving the slow, measured pace that hand sewing encourages and sitting out on the porch with this and a beverage is a pretty terrific past time.

* Assorted other late summer things? My Spanish Flag vine is blooming and it was well-worth the effort. The pumpkins, unfortunately, not so much (still grinding my teeth over that). Maigret mysteries continue keeping me up far too late. And I’m going apple picking this week, which means one thing: pie. And speaking of apples, if you’re in or around southern Maine, Giles in Alfred is my go to orchard for apples. It’s a beautiful spot and the nearby bakery an added bonus.