That Reminds Me
November 20, 2022
This sudden Winter blast reminded me I should have knocked one of these out a month ago. Apparently a 70 degree start to November had my mind elsewhere than keeping warm. Queue, my improvised cap, is as simple to work as possible, even for a beginner. Using about 1 1/4 skein of DK weight yarn and a pair of #7 needles, you simply knit up a swatch of Mistake Stitch Rib large enough to go around your head and as long as you’d like your cap to be. After binding off in pattern, sew the piece up the long edge. To finish, thread a double strand of yarn and stitch around the tube about 4″ from the top edge, pull to gather from the inside and tie off. Done. I told you it was simple. Once you’re on a roll you might want to make a couple extras for Christmas gifts.
photos: gp
On Your Mark…
April 5, 2016
Get set…Bang! While Spring takes a little “back pedal” it’s the perfect time to pull the trigger on this project.
Photos:gp
Test Drive
April 27, 2014
So I’ve created yards upon yards of my newsprint yarn. Next? An appropriate needle for its super bulky size. A quick trip to Amazon, a few bucks and a couple of days later, and I have this great birch circular… in a chubby size 36. They seem to be made for each other this yarn and these sticks. One skein in and the resulting fabric is showing great promise with both its color and texture. I’m not sure where this is going , but I think it’s going to be an interesting ride.
Another year over…
January 1, 2014
and a new one just begun.* The perfect time to be grateful for the good of the last year and set forth on a new and creative path for the next twelve months. Not one prone to the making and breaking of resolutions, I have always found that committing things to paper…notes, bits of inspiration, plans for upcoming projects, events or personal goals…can not only organize your thoughts, but gives you a resource to refer back to and evaluate your progress. A hardbound sketchbook or journal is always my simplequietmodern must have, although a designated project pad can do the trick. Keep it handy to jot down a thought, tuck in a bit of inspiration or flip back to enjoy each progressive step. The clock for 2014 has started ticking. On your mark….get set….
top to bottom
The classic Braun travel alarm clock ,now in gray, will help keep track of those fleeting minutes at home or away. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/classic-bnc002-clock-in-grey.html
What could have been a disaster rose from the ashes of a failed project to become Koishi one… one big, thick and richly textured linen blanket.
This sculpture greets and inspires me daily. Created completely of recycled LA Times newsprint, it brings home the idea that the great beauty can be found in the most humble material.
The found nests in my yard pale in comparison to this Australian example captured by my friend Kirsten Johnstone. It’s easy to see how it’s texture, form and structure caught her architects eye. http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/
The best part of my everyday…the “Hambone” Jaxon. The full-out belly laughs he induces daily are the best gift one could hope to receive.
Staring me down from a basket on the corner of my desk, these two yarns in gray and olive seemed to want to work together. Looking good so far.
The beginnings of a great Winter salad of Farro, roasted red grapes and red onions. I’ll post the simplified Martha recipe soon to help you get back on track after the holidays.
Classic. Black Minnetonka moccasins. They help me keep my focus on the warmer months to come.
Raw wood. You can almost smell it can’t you? The simplicity of the design and use of a single material in this space says it all. http://remash.tumblr.com/
A glass of your favorite sparkler for toasting to your perfect health, success and happiness in this New Year 2014
*So This Is Christmas, John Lennon
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.
simplequietmodern 