Koishe one
January 26, 2014
Like raked gravel in a zen garden, this project was a study in calm. Koishe one is done. What could have been balls of black linen yarn sitting indefinitely until inspiration struck, this modern knit linen blanket almost rose on it’s own from the remnants of the aborted sweater project from last fall. It seems that once the yarn was doubled and a suitable stitch pattern revealed itself, it was all done except for the knitting. And, the pattern being what it was, that went quickly as well. The end result was even better than I had imagined; beautiful hand , weight and drape with a richly textured bobble on one side reversing to a deep ridge on the other. I’m starting to think that this is what that yarn wanted to be all along. I should have known. What could be more simplequietmodern than a black linen blanket?
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
Take a deep breath.
April 7, 2013
You can smell it. Spring …the Earth waking up.Time for a big stretch and to clear out Winter’s congestion…first in your environment which will precipitate a release of your physical congestion. It’s time for some fresh air…a fresh approach…a fresh project…a fresh outlook.
Photo above by Theodora Wayte via Gardenista
Purl Soho’s modern knit blanket in white…photo by Purl http://www.purlbee.com/bulky-knitt-pixie-dust-blanket/
Donghia Textiles Espadrille stripehttp://www.donghia.com/collections/textiles
What’s new at Brentano Fabrics…Tempo http://www.brentanofabrics.com/whatsnew/nw_201302.aspx
Leaves scan thanks to Anat Rodan at http://anatrodanblog.blogspot.com/
Brentano Fabrics Wool Epingle http://www.brentanofabrics.com/fabrics/
simplequietmodern 