Shifting Gears
October 11, 2018
Fall. Time to turn up the heat, spice things up, enjoy the seasons bounty and get ready to adjust our mindset before Winter and the holidays are upon us.
Some simple inspiration to make the seque, top to bottom.
Terra cotta petals with a cream backside… the Leonidas rose. Picture perfect as Mother Nature changes everything around us.
Exotic spice blends like Zaatar and Ras el Hanout bring a little something special and exotic to everyday eats.
The perfect fiber blend to bridge all of the seasons, Purl Soho’s Flax Down… Baby Alpaca, superfine Merino and Linen, worked together with their Linen Quill in True Turquoise. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
Flor samples for consideration for a pending Winter project. Neutrals are great but a plaid underfoot might just be fun. https://www.flor.com
On a weekend night of binge watching, a Texican dinner of Chili Verde will transport you to the southwest and warm you up. https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/10/27/a-little-needed-comfort/
Locally.grown and processed apples and apple cider…the Fall possibilities are endless and not to be missed. What’s your pleasure? A cocktail of Bourbon and cider or apple pie for breakfast?
Photos: gp
Elementary
May 2, 2018
As its name implies, the Elementary Wrap from Purl Soho is just that…easily dealt with, straightforward, uncomplicated. Three skeins of Purl Soho’s Linen Quill, a blend of Highland wool, alpaca and linen, a US #4 circular needle and the free pattern is all that’s needed to get you into a little Zen knitting. This time next week you’ll not only be totally chill, but you’ll have created a Mothers Day gift that’ll be hard to top.
Photos: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/05/02/elementary-wrap-in-linen-quill/
Just Starting That List
December 13, 2017
or, tying things up? Either way a few gift suggestions couldn’t hurt. Smaller personal gifts seem to really hit the mark, even more so if that gift was made by you. So, I’ve included some DIY ideas as well.
A homemade hand cream would be welcome by anyone who works with their hands or is feeling the effects of Winter already. Simply blending a base of beeswax and olive oil with essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus and wintergreen… your gifts will be ready to give in no time. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Salve
Perfect for getting into all of those nooks and crannies. What gardener wouldn’t love this hand rake? Photo:https://www.shopterrain.com/fall%2Dcleanup/sneeboer%2Dhand%2Dleaf%2Ddebris%2Drake/searchString/Hand%20rake
Pom Pom or not, everybody loves a cap. A quick knit project like this could have you completing several before the 25 th. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/10/17/basic-hats-for-everyone-in-new-colors/
A simple modern knit, this Elementary Wrap from Purl Soho might just be the project to take the edge off all of the holiday stress. And, the end result will find you not only relaxed, but with another gift checked off of that list. Photo: http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/10/20/elementary-wrap/
For the design obsessed, it doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than the work of icon Eero Saarinen. photo: http://needsupply.com/saarinen.html
Easily broken down into three separate gifts or two gifts and one for you…this trio of bud vases from Heath Ceramics in their Winter Seasonal glazes of Arctic, Shell White and Sequoia Fair warning, when they’re gone they’re gone. photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/winter-seasonal/bud-vase-set-12
Irresistible, and so simple. Cayenne Maple Glazed Walnuts…a little sweet, a little heat.. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/11/30/mmmm-maplely/
You can gild that lily by presenting those walnuts in this Heath Ceramic Deep Serving Bowl. There won’t be any re-gifting here. Photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine/bowls/deep-serving-bowl-110
What girl wouldn’t love the simplicity of semi- precious gemstone beads lovingly strung into this assortment of necklaces? Each Gemstone & Knots kit from Purl Soho makes 4 necklaces in the designs shown, and is available in nine color ways. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/11/29/gemstones-knots-necklaces/
I received this mysterious blend of cypress wood and incense years ago and it’s been my signature fragrance ever since. Even Jaxon enjoys a spritz to start his day. L’Occitane Eau des Baux. Photo: gp https://usa.loccitane.com/eau-des-baux-eau-de-toilette,82,1,66807,262187.htm#descriptionSection
Back Up Plan
June 7, 2017
As usual, the weather has been a little loopy. More rain and cooler temperatures than you’d expect, particularly when the forecast promised warmth and sun. Taking that as inspiration I’ve been getting “loopy” as well…putting some scraps and down time to good use. I’m thinking a little creative experimentation now should come in handy come Fall. We’ll see.
photos:gp
Et Voila
February 3, 2017
Too good to toss…too ugly to carry around. Still, it’s hard to resist recycling a shopping bag. There is a simple solution to ugly however…turn it inside out. Et voila! simplequietmodern and chic.
Photos: http://www.improvisedlife.com/2017/01/24/sometimes-turn-stuff-inside/
A Little Magic
January 23, 2017
The simple twist of a basic knit stitch and your resulting textile looks decidedly woven. The magic that is this Plaited Throw by Purl Soho might be just what’s needed to tide you through the last weeks of Winter. The pattern and step by step instructions are free, so all you have to do is select your fiber and grab your sticks.
Purl Soho’s Linen Quill in kettle Black…a fine wool, alpaca and Linen blend, would be my simplequietmodern choice.
all photos: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/01/13/plaited-throw/
There’s Still Time
December 15, 2016
While there’s still time to make that online purchase and receive it before Christmas, you might consider whipping something up yourself. This knit body mitt can be completed in a couple of hours and would be a great stocking stuffer, small gift when paired with a handmade soap or a little personal indulgence. Sitting down to a bit of knitting zen couldn’t hurt either as things ramp up to the big day.
Top to bottom:
Linen Body Washcloth by Fog Linen at Need Supply Co. Photos:http://needsupply.com/linen-body-wash-cloth.html
Purl Soho Cotton Pure in Black Sand Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/cotton-pure.html
This near black cotton from Purl Soho is a perfect choice if you’re knitting it up yourself. And, it’s available in over forty colors. Simple put, cast on to knit up a rectangle 12″ wide and knit until you reach ten inches. Cast off, fold in half, seam up the side and close one end. I’d suggest a simple pattern of k 1 p 1 across and k all the way back…you’ll end up with a rib on one side and a pebbled texture on the reverse. Done.
