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.
Five Easy Pieces II
September 30, 2013
Again, a simplequietmodern interior starting with five easy pieces…the armless sofa, 2 armchairs, 1 pair of raffia cubes for a coffee table and the folding screen. A base of pale neutrals anchored with rich peacock-blue, this room could be equally stunning if the blue were switched out for another rich color (aubergine, copper) or pulled back completely with a smoky charcoal. The selection of the French armchairs, the classic shape of the white lamp set on a simple geometric base and the white armless sofa are reminiscent of the elegant interiors the late David Hicks created for the jet-set in the 1960’s. Even in an intimately scaled setting like this , it’s possible to achieve great style and seating for eight with the right selections and a little judicious editing. If you’re lovin’ the “cocktail stools” pictured you might try a pair of these raffia cubes from oomph!
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.
Pitch Perfect
September 15, 2013
What’s simplequietmodern and has perfect pitch? It’s gotta be Hans Wegner’s c44 . Designed in 1951, this icon of mid-century modern Danish design is still in production today. The solid wood construction and woven paper seat have an almost Shaker appeal and simplicity, yet it’s the pitch of the back and seat that invite you to sit a while. Available in over two dozen finish and seat combinations it might be hard to decide which will work best in your space. And, to confuse the issue even more, there is an available seat and back cushion with seemingly endless textile options. My mind is made up. I’ll have a pair in white oil on oak with the natural cord seat…hold the upholstery.
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product203/carl-hansen-hans-wegner-ch44
To Carry You Through
September 9, 2013
A little something to carry you through the week and a little larger something to help you make a quick get-a-way come the weekend. Monday through Friday you’ve got the Everlane Mens Tote…cotton canvas and leather…with just the right amount of space for your tablet or laptop and a handful of daily essentials. Come Thursday night you’ll be packing up the Everlane Weekender with an extra pair of jeans, a sweater and a few extras to get you through a weekend escape. It’s not too early in the season to be thinking about gettin’ out of Dodge is it?
https://www.everlane.com/collections/mens-tote-collection/products/classic-tote-black
Too Thin ?
September 6, 2013
In the case of this skinny take on the classic Parsons table it couldn’t get any thinner. The original, designed by Jean-Michel Frank in the 1930’s has taken on an almost weightless quality in the hands of Dutch designer Bertjan Pot. The genius of the honeycombed steel sandwich sheathed in veneer brings the near impossible to life in his Slim Table. Available in over thirty wood and colored lacquer finishes with sizes ranging from 50″ square to rectangles up to 110″ there is sure to be one to fill your desire as either a breakfast table, formal dining table or executive desk. There is nothing like anchoring a beautiful interior with a classic silhouette possessing such a stellar pedigree. And, don’t fret about the chair selection…something this simplequietmodern will elevate any chair, stool or bench to another level entirely.
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6077/arco-bertjan-pot-slim-table
Did someone say picnic?
August 22, 2013
It might have been me. That’s what immediately came to mind when I spotted these concrete tables and benches in a local park. I had never seen anything like them before… old, weathered, yet with a decidedly modern edge. Picture it…racing through the ” golden arches” in a ’65 Corvair convertible and stealing away to the park for a little lunch…a little sun. It’s still summer people, slow it down.
A Bird in the hand…
August 16, 2013
becomes a thing of beauty when reduced to its purist form. This sculpture by American artist Cleo Hartwig, created in the early to mid 60’s, illustrates this perfectly. It’s simplequietmodern at it’s best. Reproduced by her own company in white foundry stone, this Mid-century Modern gem may still be found from time to time. If spotted, my advice…grab it.
The Smallest detail…
August 13, 2013
can make the biggest difference… the gap in the top of this coffee table by Pascha Design for example. The simple steel base and locally sourced oak slabs are the perfect play of thick and thin. But , it’s the space between the split top that takes this simplequietmodern statement from beautifully useful to artful. As we reluctantly start to think about transitioning back indoors come Fall I can’t think of a better place to gather than around this table…in front of the fire, a movie… over coffee or sharing a pizza. OK, pizza it is.
http://www.pachadesign.co.uk/furniture.html
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