fit to knit

What many of you, my readers, may not know is that I happen to be a big knitter. Not huge, but big. Something that prevents me from really fulfilling my full-on knit potential is one simple truth: most knitting patterns are really, really lame. There I said it! So how psyched was I when, whilst perusing online favorite frolic, I happened across Quince & Co.?

Based out of Portland (the Maine variety), Quince & Co. not only spins and dyes what look like beautiful yarns, but they also offer ridiculously reasonable and not-at-all-lame patterns. I can’t wait to start in on one!

endless summer

But in a good way!

I’m sorry to my readers, my internet companions (I hardly know ye) — I’ve been away all week in Maine with my family. I had every last intention of updating, but there were too many bugs to swat and dogs to pat and sand to dust off. But here I am now! Bearing good news!

The good news is this. Normally, I go to Maine, I remember what it’s like to feel cold and cozy, and then, I’m sick of summer. I get really into tweed. Fall in love all over again, if you will. And then the rest of summer drags.

I’ve been inordinately obsessed with summer this year and I was really hoping the momentum would last post-Maine. And it did. With the help of Bhalo (silky and easy and nostalgic) and someone… that I can’t remember. Some genius posted about them and I didn’t take note of who it was in my blind and ignorant and internet-hungry state. WAS IT YOU? (let me know so I can tell everyone!!).

Anyway, Bhalo is awesome. I want it all.

are you mocking me?

Ok, who’s been hiding this from me? That’s really the only explanation, because this is right up my alley. Lore! Tradition! Moccasins!

Since 1909, Quoddy has been making leather shoes and moccasins in rural Maine. Inspired by the Passamaquoddy tribe’s heritage of craftsmanship and artistry, whether bark canoes or woven baskets, the company still handsews each shoe on a bench. Awesome.

Found via this StyleCaster slideshow!

thanks for the memorial day

Well ladies and gents, it’s memorial day and I’m off (or, if this automatic post poster is functioning correctly, I’m already there!) to Small Point, Maine.

In the spirit of callusy hands, swatting mosquitos and dusting off the house for the summer (oh and 2-D design), check out this great silkscreen print from the mavericks at Brainstorm. You should get one. Or just get me one.

See you soon!

ZE