Candy, Candy Canes…
December 10, 2013
candy corns…syrup*. Who knew that one of these…of Elf’s main food groups… could be so disarming? A pocketful of candy canes is just great to carry around, ready to hand out and diffuse some impending holiday meltdown. It could be the nasty person in line at Starbucks giving the barista a hard time or the weary sales clerk at any retail location, who just needs a smile and a break, that can benefit from this simple gesture. I started doing this years ago, begining my day armed and ready. And, I always returned home with an empty pocket, feeling good. Interesting how bringing a sweet unexpected smile to someone will always have one coming back to you.
* Elf
He’s makin’ a list…checkin it twice
December 4, 2013
Now’s a good time to start on your list as well. And, to help you along I’ve pulled together a few simplequietmodern ideas to get you going…mostly simple… that are thoughtful, inspired and won’t break the bank. If they aren’t a fit for someone on your list there is no harm in treating yourself to a little gift is there?
From top to bottom:
Who wouldn’t love this festive serving bowl from Heath in their holiday ruby and red suede glaze …extra special when filled with some spicy Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1538/s/bowl-ruby-red-suede-red/category/3/
You have plenty of time left to knit someone special this basic cap in Purl Soho’s new Merino Worsted Twist yarn. I have one near identical in cotton that I wear constantly so I know this’ll be a hit. Yarn, pattern and supplies needed are available through Purl.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/10/purl-soho-basic-hats-for-everyone.html
This iPad Mini sleeve in charcoal suede from Need Supply Co. will add some simplequietmodern protection to our favorite new mobile device. http://needsupply.com/ipad-mini-sleeve.html
It doesn’t get any better than homemade marshmallows covered in chocolate unless you’ve received a gift of these…Jenna’s Peppermint Sticks from Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, Michigan. Thick dark chocolate over homemade marshmallow bars with just the perfect dusting of finely crushed peppermint sticks. You better get some for yourself while you’re at it. http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/default.htm
These faceted balancing blocks of white-painted wood from Need Supply Company would definitely keep one happily occupied while on stuck on “hold”. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/balancing-blocks.html
Oaktown Spice Shop’s Everything Bagel Spice Blend takes one of our favorite flavor combinations and makes it easily applicable to almost anything. http://food52.com/provisions/products/37-oaktown-spice-shop-the-better-than-everything-bagel
Merry Christmas from pig heaven. Who wouldn’t love the a pound or two of thick cut bacon from Whole Foods Market. It could easily turn a vegetarian into a flexetarian. I’m just sayin’.
If it’s a gift for a gardener that has you stumped perhaps this galvanized weeder will fit the bill. I’m thinking a stroll through the garden won’t be complete without one. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/galvanized-utility-weeder/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
Home Stretch
November 20, 2013
Eighteen hundred yards in and a few hundred more to go before binding off, it’s nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And, with the holidays drawing nearer, it’ll be nice to have this off the sticks. I gotta say, it’s a big thick lapful of linen blanket…and it’s shown folded in half.
Knit One
October 24, 2013
The Brioche scarf…pure simple, pure quiet, pure modern. Start one now for yourself and there will still be time to make a couple more before the holidays…for those extra special gifts. Knit up in their new line weight merino wool yarn from Purl Soho you are sure to find something you’ll love from the selection of pale to dark neutrals, pastels or brights. If you can’t make up your mind you cannot go wrong with the Oyster Gray or Toasted Charcoal. Laura’s pattern is posted on their site as well so there is no excuse to delay…they’ve got you covered with everything you need to get started.
photos courtesy of Purl Soho
http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/20/lauras-loop-brioche-scarf.html
Second Chances
October 3, 2013
I was determined to find a perfect application for the 1800 plus yards of black linen that were left in the wake of the aborted test knit project. So, I got to it…knitting up swatch after swatch on sticks sized 2 and up. It soon became clear to me that this particular yarn wasn’t the perfect medium for a garment…at least not for me. Then what? Another blanket? Knitting with the yarn doubled proved to be successful, particularly in this simple stitch configuration that ends in a deep narrow rib on one side of the fabric and a textural bobble on the flip. Looks like we may have a simplequietmodern winner.
I got an A…
September 24, 2013
but my yarn selection got a failing grade. After finishing the body of this test knit I realized that the black linen yarn I was using had a life of its own. Growing and stretching under its own weight, all of the fabric that I had worked into this Mens Sankai by Kirsten Johnstone had become, more accurately, a linen pup tent or car cover. Seriously. That’s how important it is to match the right yarn to the project…or perhaps the needles to the yarn. After much deliberation it’s clear that no heroic measures are called for here…no resuscitation…just the pulling of the plug. Please join me in a moment of silence.
Maybe an Indian Summer
September 21, 2013
An Indian Summer would be nice, now that we’re moving into Fall and this past Summer was…well…odd. Looking back at the gray rainy days and looking forward with hopes for some bright, crisp, dry days ahead. A drive in the country, maybe some baking, switching out the summer T-shirts for a cozy sweater and raking leaves instead of weeding all mark the official end of summer and the beginning of the harvest as the earth takes a big stretch, a yawn and prepares for another long rest. A great time to take a little look back and a glance forward.
top to bottom:
The view from inside most of this last summer.
Not new in white, but sometimes they make the right modern statement, especially in this large flattened shape.
A fall color tour or an impromptu picnic would not be complete without this Woolrich Allegheny Throw. How great is that orange stitching? http://needsupply.com/mens/allegheny-throw-in-oxford.html
A nest of simplequietmodern bowls to help whip up or serve some Autumn inspired eats. http://www.crateandbarrel.com/best-and-buys/best-and-buys-entertaining/5-piece-roscoe-bowl-set/f52751
The last of summers peaches in a simple comforting crostada…I guess apples are next.
A little Merino wool, silk and linen in charcoal worked up into a quick ribbed cap gives the seasons knit projects a kick-start.
A little local color…it’s actually been changing here since the middle of August,
Roasted red grapes, red onion and farro…the start of what is now my new favorite Autumn salad.
The seasons colors and textures captured in a gorgeous hank of handspun yarn by my friend C http://cauchycomplete.wordpress.com/
A bit of Sedum cut for simple long lasting indoor display.
Back to school…
September 3, 2013
back to work or just getting back to it. It’s September. Get up early…when everything is just quieter and the earliest morning sun seems to shed a new type of light on everything…and sneak off to your favorite corner to size up the coming season. A sort of meditation on your upcoming projects and projects still waiting to spring off the starting blocks. Whether they be an interior focus, some gardening attention, the tackling of a new skill set or honing an existing one, each can benefit from a few uninterrupted moments of relaxation and free thought. Before the activities and responsibilities of the day take over, pick your spot , take a deep cleansing breath and see what new inspiration surfaces. And don’t forget, we still have 3 weeks of Summer to enjoy before the chill of Fall is actually upon us.
This is only a test
June 11, 2013
And, as it happens, I’ve always done pretty well with tests. So, let’s see what happens this time, after some brief study…a quick round-up of materials and tools. Stay tuned.
3500 yards
May 24, 2013
That’s a lot of yarn…a lot of knitting. Before the heat of summer rolls in it might be a good time to re-start the sweater I had begun to think about last Summer for last Winter. My intentions were good but, you know, life happens and some things just need to be put on hold. A birthday gift of the materials required for this project is just what was needed to get things kick-started. On your mark…get set…
simplequietmodern 