wednesday observations: what a stitch

I WAS JUST BEING POLITE, REALLY. My friend was inspired by the best-selling book The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs and wanted to get a group of ladies together to learn how to knit. I didn't really see the point, but apparently she isn't the only one. Julia Roberts has secured the rights of the popular novel and has a movie in development about the group of fictional N.Y. Upper West Side women who meet every Friday night in a yarn store to knit 1, talk, perl 2, and bond, despite their many differences.

Yup, that's what knitters do. They meet in yarn stores, living rooms, retreats, even retail shops like Anthropologie to cast on and create. Knitters range from those with indie spirit fashioning wool into creative works of art to grandmoms knitting pale-blue baby sweaters. There's even a new online community where you can organize your projects, show your work and discover yarns, patterns and those of like inspired spirit.

Knitting has seen a dramatic increase in growth, along with other crafting activities, but what is somewhat unique about knitting is that it has mass cross-generational appeal and combines universal, time-tested techniques with au courant personal expression.

And the laughter. Even the most polished professional can't take herself too seriously after she's dropped a stitch or two or three. Even the very best knitters have to rip out rows because of a mistake. You laugh, ask for help ... and begin again. The wonderful thing is the yarn is very forgiving and springs back into action ready to be woven back into your next knitted vision.

I was surprised, I actually liked it. And the group said I showed some talent!

Whatever, I'm hooked. Oh, wait a minute — that's crochet.

sunday stories: no place like home

DOROTHY LANDED ON MY DOORSTEP five separate times last night -- and it wasn't because there was a little bit of Kansas brewing outside. The gingham-clad, ruby-slippered trick or treaters ranging in ages from four to twelve showed up throughout the busy night of Halloween activity. Amid the usual goblins, ghosts and superheroes the innocence and simplicity of the pig-tailed Dorothy seemed quite the contrast.

It's true that the Wizard of Oz has remained a perennial favorite throughout these many years. According to Wikipedia, it was the repeated network showings, between 1959 and 1991, which helped it become a family tradition. And, Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg's Over the Rainbow ballad is considered one of the most popular songs ever written and recorded in the American Songbook. But to see such a wide-spread embrace of the iconic Dorothy this season seems to speak more to a rediscovered appreciation of our core values.

Along with that simple costume comes the widespread embrace and longing for a simpler life. Can it be just a coincidence that vegetable gardening (your own piece of Kansas) has seen significant growth? Or, that canning has become a popular by-product (be ready for all those lovely holiday gift baskets filled with preserves). Oh, and if you didn't know, crafting has become a 30+ billion dollar industry embraced by both indie artisans and grandmoms alike. There is something special sprouting from the seeds of common sense planted alongside all those vegetables.

Perhaps it's just what Dorothy says before bursting into song as she longs to go "someplace where there isn't any trouble." An escape. The ability to feel at peace. Have some control. Find a creative outlet. Give me those ruby slippers, my pretty!

wednesday observations: artifacts & inspiration

A RECENT VISIT TO ELLIS ISLAND yielded much more than the discovery of the date of Grandma Pepi Fuchs’ transit to a new world at the age of 23. Accompanying her husband, Chaim, she had taken passage on the Noordam out of Rotterdam, Holland, and according to the ship’s manifest arrived in the States on September 29, 1913 — 86 years ago.

After my successful search of the archives, a tour of the museum was in order. Most fascinating was the room that showcased objects, artifacts and clothing that the new immigrants had deemed worthy of travel to the new land. As those who came through Ellis Island traveled third-class and steerage, they had limited funds to transport their belongings and had to carefully choose what made the journey. For many, though, all they had were the clothes on their back and what they could carry in one suitcase (with no easy handles and rollers).

What couldn’t they live without? Family photos of those left behind, a coveted feather pillow, their best holiday dress, important books (both religious and learned) and the family dishes. Artifacts used to steady to the soul, remind them of their legacy and act as a foundation for building their dreams.

If you look close at the current passion for tribe and origin, you can see patterns and styles that are showing up in today’s fashions, housewares and everyday objects. A seasonal Ralph Lauren design looks like it walked out of the Ellis Island display case onto the runway.

Classics and traditional are having a good run of it right now — a rediscovery of what stands the test of time as well as the economy. But Ellis Island isn’t the only source: Any well-traveled artifact can offer the seeds of inspiration. I think Grandma Fuchs would have been jiggy with that.

friday finds: longwood gardens

wednesday observations: the not-so-good earth

THIS PAST SUMMER, THE IDEA OF THE VEGETABLE GARDEN really took root nationwide. A nod to the very nice P-patch on the front lawn of the White House is certainly deserved, but momentum for the current home-grown movement actually began as a sprout many years ago. We have an innate nature for taking matters into our own hands, literally, during troubling economic times, seeded by the fact that we are a nation of farmers.

In case you missed it, the forecast was that 43 million U.S. households would grow their own vegetables this year. Vegetable seed sales jumped dramatically, city lots have been transformed to edible inner-city paradises and there’s a chance that your neighbor may have dug up the parking strip to grow green beans for dinner, pumpkins for Halloween and cucumbers to preserve for holiday gifts (while crafting tags to say “From the garden of …”).

Well, I’m sad to say, not me.

It’s not that I didn’t give it the ol’ college try. In the spring, my husband and I went to our local big-box store and bought all the fixins. The new cedar frames held such hope and were filled not only with rich soil and compost but great potential.

The fact is the “before” of our garden is much prettier than the “after.” Turns out, I didn’t pick a sunny enough spot, planted some items that weren’t such good choices — and then there were the slugs. Oh, and the rabbit.

I thought I’d be canning with the best of them come harvest time. Visions of tomato sauce bubbling on the stove and filling the kitchen with a sweet scent while I picked herbs for dinner never really materialized.

So much for yes we can-ning. For this year, at least, I can’t.

friday finds: upclose at biltmore estates

wednesday observations: from worry to whimsy

“FORGET YOUR TROUBLES, COME ON GET HAPPY” is what some recent products in the marketplace seem to be saying. While we’re still in the throes of economic recovery, consumers surveying this season’s gift-giving landscape can find plenty to make them smile, and maybe even let out a much-deserved belly laugh.

A stool covered in unblown bright-color balloons has a way of recalling childhood birthday-party joy while also intimating that blowhards are no long welcomed or needed.
Who says being “green” can’t be fun? Notecards, calendar and journals infused with a bit of whimsy are eco-friendly but also a subtle reminder to keep thoughts happy and hopeful.

Even the high-end 2009 holiday wish books are toning down both their pretension and their prices (consider where they used to be) with a literal embrace of cupcake-driven mania. A vehicle inspired by a 2004 cooperative art-car project at Burning Man by Bay Area artist Lisa Pongrace gives a whole new meaning to muffin top. Of course, your choice of icing flavor is included. While this one may be more than an average budget can handle, you can get your choice of flavors by indulging at one of the many cupcake shops that continue to grow in popularity. Cupcakes, whatever their size or origin manage to evoke innocence and embrace individuality.

Balloons, cartoons, cupcakes? Maybe it is time to get happy — or, at the very least, crack a smile.

friday finds: felt like it!

PROBABLY THE LAST TIME YOU GAVE ANY SERIOUS THOUGHT TO FELT was either that black beret you so charmingly sported for a few moments in college, or late one afternoon when you were frantically searching for the material in a craft store for one of your kids’ school projects.

Well, felt has gone a bit upscale and sophisticated and is enjoying a bit of popularity as the it fabric. This season everything from pillows to hats to chairs — even coffee-cup holders — are all getting that felt feeling.

Shedding some insight on the world’s oldest fabric known to humankind was the spring/summer museum show of Fashioning Felt, at the Cooper Hewitt in NYC. The small, but comprehensive show highlighted felt’s rich history — did you know that in Turkey remnants of felt have been found dating back to 6,500 B.C.? — and paid great homage to one of the most sustainable materials around.

Yes, felt is “green” and we don’t mean the color of the felt that covers the surface of that local pool table in your neighborhood bar. However, for the record, it is avaible in a veritable rainbow of colors.

While the Netherlands seems to be one of the key innovators in the field of felt design, those stateside are getting into the act. Blog sites and websites host a variety of felt afficiandos from those with a sense of whimsy to those infused with indie-spirit. High-end designers continue to push the edge with innovative designs ranging from serious architecture, like the auditorium at The Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance, to home accessories such as curtains with cut-out motifs.

All in all, it never felt so good.

wednesday observations: take a meeting

"HOW ABOUT A MEETING at 5 p.m. this afternoon," the email said. "Can't. Sorry. Need to pick up the boys at soccer practice. How about next Thursday?" came the response.

"Sorry. We're on family vacation. How about 4pm next Thursday," I sent back. "Nope, can't do it — it's our 10th anniversary."

And, so it went. After a few additional back and forths and a reconfiguration of two of our daily meetings, we were able to skillfully negotiate a time for our one-hour business meeting.

Then I sat back in my office chair and gave a silent chuckle as I came to the realization that only two professional women would have this kind of exchange. Were the obstacles of soccer practice, family vacation and anniversary dinners of greater concern (and permanence) than the effort to move the 10 a.m. meeting or 2 p.m. phone conference? Maybe after all our years in the business world we know that in most cases, meetings can wait, but your kids can't. Especially if it's your turn to supply snack.

But truth be told, the decisions of work vs. family are not easy. That's why I like Suzie Welch's rule of 10-10-10, also the title of her recent book. Welch recommends whenever you find yourself faced with a situation where no solution will please all, ask yourself three questions:

• What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes?
• In 10 months?
• And in 10 years?

Your answers, she says, will tell you what you need to know and also help you to explain your choices to the family, friends and coworkers.

"Breakfast meeting Tuesday?" I texted a friend. "Can't," she responsed, "My turn 2 drop kids."

Sigh. Here we go again.

sunday stories: aunt sylvia's closet

AS I ENGAGED IN THE SEASONAL RITUAL of switching over the clothes in my closet from summer to fall, my mind drifted to memories of my Aunt Sylvia ― a New York native who was my early guide as I began navigating the concepts of "style." When she passed away a few years ago, my sister Sandra and I carefully sorted through a collection of fashion memories as we cleared out the walk-in closet in her Florida condo.

We sifted through the closets, drawers and storage boxes that housed sweater sets, pantsuits (Hilary Clinton had nothin' on Aunt Sylvia), matching bags and shoes. We found clothes with price tags still on them. We counted 32 house dresses, representing her daily after-work transition as she would change into one at the end of each day (to wear between the time she arrived home and before she dressed for bed). We discovered organized drawers of undergarments and unearthed expensive scarves preserved in their original gift boxes.

Soon we were laying out her outfits on the bed, coordinating the shoes and the jewelry into her memorable ensembles. We'd take a moment to admire them before they were packed away into the boxes for charity ― a pause, a smile, a small tribute to her talent.

While certainly appreciative, my cousin Larry admitted if it had been left up to him he would have dumped all the clothing into several green garbage bags, dropped them off at Goodwill and called it a day. We stood there in disbelief. Unceremoniously dumped? Never. Touched by a maven's influence, obviously only two sisters could give their Aunt's carefully curated collection of clothes the proper goodbye that a lifetime of thoughtful fashion decisions deserved.

friday finds: apron strings re-attached

EVEN BETTY CROCKER would have been beside herself. As I walked the floor of the 2009 New York International Gift Fair, I was overwhelmed by booth display after booth display of that unmistakable symbol of domesticity: the humble apron. They were everywhere.

The designs of these kitchen-inspired entrepreneurial efforts were not your Food Network, white-aproned, professional-chef -looking variety. They were ruffled and retro, modern and patterned, diva and domestic. Oh — and cute. Kitsch*n Glam stood out with its variety of styles and accessories, including tea towels, potholders, oven mitts, men's aprons and baby bibs. An everyday kitchen ensemble, if you will.

Seems that with everyone heading into the kitchen to prepare a family meal, entertain friends or bake their latest batch of specialty cupcakes, the apron has become a utilitarian accessory once again. Hard to fathom for many Boomer women, who longed to cut the binding ties that the apron strings represented. But for the Xers and the Millennials the stigma has disappeared, and what remains is the ability to trade on a rich history of homespun goodness. The likes of which we're all craving in these uncertain times.

But this stringed fashion phenomenon is not showing up only in a store near you. A quick search on etsy.com turned up 16,304 results for handmade aprons. Certainly handy for a holiday gift. While writer and apron archaeologist EllyAnne Geisel has made a newfound career from aprons, including publishing three best-selling books, designing new patterns and producing a traveling museum show.

What's next? Well, mark November 25, 2009 on your calendar ... and get ready to Tie One On.

wednesday observations: nyigf

sunday stories: quilting in the sisters hood

IS THERE A MORE PERFECT PLACE for women to gather than in a city called Sisters? For the past 35 years, on every second Saturday in July, this small Oregon town has been hostess to passionate quilters and enthusiasts from near and very far.

This past July was no exception, with The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show drawing a crowd of 30,000 quilting fans, who walked the downtown streets to view the 1,200 quilts hung in, around and on the local buildings.

As true to the legacy of quilting, each quilt display in the non-juried show had a "Quilt Story" pinned to the corner.

While the origins of quilting are about creating beauty and comfort from essentially scrap material, there is the important element of self-expression that emerged over the years and has become the golden thread that seamlessly stitches generation to generation. When women did not have the option to learn to read or write, it was the needle, thread and fabric that became their means for storytelling and preserving family history.

Quilting has long offered women a chance to gather, socialize, share news and offer support, and this event is no exception. Although the official quilt show is just the one day, there are activities the week prior, including classes, events, artist receptions and even a musical production called, appropriately, "Quilters, The Musical".

The mood is unlike any festival you have attended. Though packed and crowded, the estrogen-infused air leads all to be good-spirited, willing to share their tips and show their stuff. There are a few loyal husbands and good-natured male companions scattered throughout the mostly female crowd — but when in Sisters, on this particular weekend, it's really all about the ladies.

friday finds: thinking of napa

wednesday observations: from the garden

THE GARDENER NURTURES MORE than native plants, container gardens and vegetable patches. Artistic expression finds a fertile proving ground right beyond the backdoor. A discerning eye and a skilled hand can shape landscapes into treasures created from pots or plants, cement, glass, a stump or a simple twig.

monday quotes & notes