No More Puzzles, Please
April 14, 2020
You’ve assembled your last jigsaw puzzle. I hear you. I’ve never been a jigsaw puzzle fan either. Still, sheltering in place may have you looking for a project that will keep your hands busy and take your mind somewhere other the ever changing news. It might be time to learn a new skill or revisit and old one. This Heel Stitch Hand Towel from Purl Soho might be just what you need to occupy some quiet time and end up with an elegant end result. Even if you’re a beginning knitter this project is not near as complicated as you’d think…it’s a simple combination of the basic purl and knit stitches. The pattern by Jake Canton for Purl Soho is free, and the yarn is available online so there is no reason to go out. Just 2 skeins of Purl’s Field Linen and some #3 sticks will produce an absorbent textile of heirloom quality that will add a little luxury to the task of washing your hands. So, if you needed a good reason to put down that bag of chips…this might be it.
Photos: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2019/08/12/heel-stitch-hand-towel/
Boo
October 30, 2019
Crossing over to the dark side while I try to avoid most things Halloween and prepare for the annual “fall back” into darkness. Here are just a few simplequietmodern points of inspiration.
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Cy Twombly, Untitled 1970 Photo: MoMA
My favorite Bertoia Side Chair now available covered in leather. Photo: https://www.knoll.com/product/bertoia-leather-covered-side-chair
From Lostine…barn brooms. Or, is it a Coven parking lot? photo: https://lostine.com/collections/kitchen/products/barn-brooms
Always inspirational…the fall burn pile.
Dig in! Heath’s Muir Flatware now available in Onyx. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/winter-seasonal-2019/products/muir-flatware-onyx-5-piece-setting-w19
Off the sticks just in time. Purl Soho’s Elementary Wrap Knit up in their Linen Quill in Kettle Black. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/10/20/elementary-wrap/
Always my favorite container for a few gorgeous blooms, the Tall Modern Cup by Heath Ceramics. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-sand-penny-green-w19?_pos=1&_sid=d7fb13c87&_ss=r
A Knoll Textiles classic, Diva… in Coal. Hmmm, what needs reupholstering? Photo: https://www.knoll.com/knolltextileproductdetail/Diva
OK…here’s just a little Halloween for ya.
Photos by GP unless where noted.
Hot Off The Sticks
January 30, 2019
And, just in time for the arrival of the Polar Vortex. Purl Soho’s Swath Wrap knit up in their Flax Down and Linen Quill yarns. That color? True Turquoise. This modern combination of Merino Wool, Baby Alpaca and Linen should take the bite out of this Winter deep freeze. Bundle up people.
photos:gp
Free pattern and bundled yarns can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
Down to the Wire
December 17, 2018
There’s still time for some small last minute gifts. Here are a few sqm ideas to help you tick those last few boxes on that list.
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From Heath Ceramics Classic Red Collection: the Tall Modern Cup in Ruby Red and Suede Red. It would be particularly special if it was filled with fresh flowers once a month for a year. photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Memo blocks by Ito Bindery. Photo: https://www.odetothings.com/products/ito-bindery-memo-block?variant=5444084498463
Some homemade sweet treats are always appreciated… especially by those who are cooking and baking challenged. Use the search bar right at the top to access simplequietmodern recipes for Shortbreads, Maple Glazed Walnuts or Bourbon Balls for starters. Photo: gp
These Italian woven paper bags by UASHMAMA feel like leather. They can be the gift or become a special gifts modern reusable wrapping. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/uashmama-paper-bag.html
Potted white Helebores bring an unexpected freshness that will charm now, on the Solstice, Christmas and through to the New Year. Being able to plant it in the garden once winter breaks is an added bonus. Photo: gp
The holiday fragrance of cinnamon and fir poured into a reusable Heath Red Suede Cup. Once the candle is gone this gift keeps on giving…as a teacup or small vase. Photo: https://www. a .com/products/candle-large-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Jackpot
November 25, 2018
I recently ran across an unused gift card in my desk drawer…then another. Then, an online credit memo. Yoo hoo! What I had tucked away for safe keeping I had completely forgotten about. I think I’ll use this “found cash” to jump start my holiday shopping…maybe pick up a little perk for myself in the process. Just in time for Cyber Monday. Check those drawers, people.
A few ideas to kick off the season, top to bottom:
A new glaze, Zinc, on Heath Ceramics Coupe Dessert Bowl courtesy of that unearthed online credit memo. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/bowls/products/dessert-bowl-coupe
This Floating Gemstones Necklace Kit from Purl Soho provides enough material to create several great gifts in the month ahead. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/floating-gemstones-necklace-kit.html
Also from Purl Soho, Posy, a hand-dyed Superwash Cashmere, Merino and Nylon blend yarn. Gift the skeins to your favorite knitter or whip up a warm cap or scarf in this Winter-busting shade…Sour Gooseberry. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/posy-gift-list-gallery.html
If you’re itching to start decking the halls, Trader Joe’s has the best value in town with their mixed evergreen wreaths. Photo: gp
Start them now and you’ll have gorgeous amaryllis in bloom for Christmas. This moss covered bulb is available from Terrain. Photo: https://www.shopterrain.com
Like A Blur
September 10, 2018
One minute it was the 4th of July and the next it’s nearly the middle of September. I know it was Summer because it was plenty hot, but it came and went like a steamy blur. I guess a heavy schedule had me focusing daily on the seasons simplest pleasures, squeezing some Summer fun into every day. And, now that Fall is growing closer, I’m glad I did.
Top to bottom:
The best peach ever tossed to me one day at lunch. Does it get any better or simply scream Summer than a big ripe juicy peach?
A little maintenance on the climbing Hydrangea and hedges, and the addition of some new annual material had the yard pulled together in no time.
Visiting the farmers markets regularly for local Midwest Gladiolus and vegetables. The glads make a simple modern statement for 2-3 bucks and will last all week. The locally grown produce, when transformed into G’s Chow Chow, will carry that Summer brightness right into Fall.
For the recipe…https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/06/16/quite-the-pickle/
A little daydreaming on a summer afternoon never hurt. I seemed to frequently drift to visions of a small Modern house in the desert. This one looks just right. Photo: https://www.thrillist.com/home/gorgeous-prefab-homes-and-cheapest-land-for-sale-in-every-state-for-building
Six years old…Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. While he was treated to his favorite mixed berry treats, cake for his friends and fans is definitely in order. And what could be more fitting of the Puli personality and sense of humor than a modern naked take on a confetti cake from Milk Bar? Photo: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/momofuku-milk-bars-birthday-layer-cake
Linen in Summer, wool for Fall. The best qualities of both can be found in Flax Down and Linen Quill Yarn from Purl Soho. These three skeins in Kettle Black will produce their Swath Wrap, the perfect transition to Fall and Winter. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
photos: gp (unless otherwise noted)
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/
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.
Along The Way
December 7, 2016
Throughout the year I may stumble upon an idea or an item or two that seem like the perfect gift come Christmastime. If you follow simplequietmodern you may have noticed some of them popping up over the last many months…others just jotted down and slipped into a file until they’re needed. Like now.
Top to bottom:
Set of three natural broom cake testers for you, and two of your favorite bakers. photo via http://lostine.com/collections/kitchen/products/cake-tester
Worse than running out of Champagne is running out of glasses. Everyone could use a specially price set of 8 cylinder flutes at the holidays. The rest if the year they can be put into service as a simple cluster of vases. photo via http://www.cb2.com/set-of-8-cylinder-champagne-flutes/s422283
It reminds me of those great Sputnik inspired Christmas ornaments of the 50’s, but on a much grander scale at 24″. Who wouldn’t love to receive this simple statement? photo via http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-home-decor/winters-night-star
Based on Woodcut by artist Brian Nash Gill is this simplequietmodern set of 12 notecards. We all know someone who would rather put pen to paper than text. Photo via https://www.purlsoho.com/woodcut-notecards.html#
A perennial favorite… the Heath Ceramics Holiday Candle. Their large modern cup, in Linen, is filled with a soy wax candle by Scents of San Francisco in a warm spicy blend of cinnamon and fir. Photo via http://www.heathceramics.com/decorate-items/candles-and-lighting/holiday-candle
A little retro holiday sweet treat might be in order for someone, like these Bourbon Balls. A simple no-bake DIY that is always appreciated. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=bourbon+balls
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