Brooklyn Tweed Hugo: a knitalong

I am hopelessly smitten with this sweater! I mean, I did blow this photo up to full, original size for my blog.

the boy: my oh-so-sweet golden brother, who happens to enjoy wool sweaters and stylish togs. I'm the oldest sibling, he's the youngest. Yeah, I kind of like this kid. 

the pattern: Hugo by Veronik Avery, from BT: Men

the wool: I chose Mountain Meadow Wool's Laramie in Dark Gray. It's a lovely substitute for Brooklyn Tweed's Shelter. You really can't get a closer match for color! Dark Gray is nearly identical to Stormcloud. The big differences are

-Shelter has tiny tweed flecks of steel blue and cream; Laramie has no flecks.

-Laramie has no dye lot; Shelter has a dye lot.

Another difference is how the yarns react after knitting. My unblocked swatch of Laramie measured 4.5" w by 4.75" tall. After resting a few days, it had reduced to 4" w. This tells me Laramie has a lot of elasticity and energy. Most importantly, the stitch count was spot on after resting. My friend is using the suggested Shelter in Stormcloud. Her yarn did not shrink after it rested, nor did it have quite the same elasticity or plushness Laramie. SO...as always, swatch it, baby.

With that said, I probably should have blocked my swatch to see what it did to the yarn. I decided to be risky and just knit the thing! Knowing the yarn is so give-and-take, I felt good about my decision to use all three needle sizes as directed.

the needles: Dreamz and Symfonie Rose. They're basically the same thing, just a different cable and needle color.

This design has you use 3 sequential needle sizes, US 5, US 6, and US 7. Size 5 is for the twisted rib, 6 for the low back/waist portions, and 7 for the rest. The instructions are to use the size 6 if chest and waist measurements are several inches apart, thus reducing bagginess and excess material in the waist/high hip area. I think it's brilliant, since guys don't need waist shaping, but inevitably get the baggy sweater effect with fabric pooling around their stomachs.. Even though my brother's waist is only 3" smaller than his chest, I know he prefers a more fitted sweater. so I chose to use all needle sizes are originally directed.

the modifications: It may not be massively apparent, but I have quite the independent streak. Instructions for Tubular Cast-On read to use a lighter weight yarn for the waste yarn. I didn't. I used Laramie in Light Gray. AND I'm going to repeat it for Tubular Cast-On, as well as using it for the garter stitch placket on the turtleneck. Here's why.

My brother has a strong sense of American Boy-Next-Door, very Matt Damon-Joseph Gordon Levitt. Someone with that aesthetic style needs garments with graphic pop, whether that's strong color contrasts, bold graphic tees, or fun and unusual patterns. By using a high contrast monochromatic yarn for the cast-on, I'll achieve the necessary graphic edge (no pun intended) I'm looking for.

the progress: as of publication, I'm nearly finished with the back. I shall post photos as I finish each piece, and most definitely a full spread of photos after I seam and block this beautiful piece of cabled woolen eye candy.

Life is like bread.

This is not a post detailing my adventures in bread baking. I have baked a lot of bread but I suppose that post is for another day.

Still, this post is about bread. Another kind of bread. Ironically, I had been wondering about when I would post about something other than my adventures in sugar, butter, and eggs. And so here it is.

I emailed a friend recently. It was during a time when I was ambivalent about some situations and decisions. And God being gracious, and my friend being so awesome (and she is awesome, no superfluous statement here), gave me this truth to ponder:

"Don't live for the expectations of others, but rather for the Lord. ... I got a vision just now of rising bread dough - as it expands it will fill every bit of space it can find, whether or not its supposed to. I feel like that is you. You're trying to expand into the spaces people want you to fill in their lives, reaching to be nourishment at the expense of its own stability. Does that make sense? You're nourishing and filling, but just fill the pan you were made for."

Bread bakers have a lot of terms. Bread that rises too much is called over proofed. It makes for a loaf  that collapses when it bakes and is full of holes when it's sliced. (I told you I really had baked bread before, hehe.) It's not that it doesn't taste good. It's still bread. But its holes and small shape make it hard for it to hold anything put on it. The butter and jam seep through every cavernous hole, and its small size means you end up using four slices of bread for that lunchtime sandwich. It takes a lot more over proofed bread to feed someone.

I pondered this for only two seconds when the light fell on my iPhone calendar: I've been running non stop, stretched thin because I haven't had a free day in 7 weeks. I keep giving, saying yes, slipping in one more person or event and...I don't even know what to do with myself any longer. Because that's the other thing: I easily live for others' expectations. Maybe it's an oldest child thing. Maybe it's a sin thing. Maybe it's a Keturah-coping-with-life-in-her-own-strength-and-wisdom thing (which is a sin thing, by the way). Perhaps it's the result of years spent honing over-achieving perfectionist survival skills. I have no idea at present. What I do know is that the weight of others' needs, obligations and expectations, both conscious and unconscious, press on my heart and mind until I am choking with it. It's difficult to see what I should be doing because I can't see my bread pan for all the other pans stacked on the counter. Half the reason I don't know to do is because I'm always doing for others and never taking time to discover and develop the kingdom dreams he has for me. Some would say that is hardly a fault in our self-centered society.

But is it really? If I'm living life and meetings others' needs in my own strength isn't it just a slice of over proofed bread? Jesus said He is the Bread of Life. He came to give us life. Daily. Nothing in this world can give us life apart from him, not even the good Christian things we're all supposed to do to keep the plates spinning and people happy and the world going. Know that if it's not giving life than it is absolutely taking life away.

I'm excited to dream his kingdom dreams and see all he has in store for me. But I won't be able to do that until I clear out some bread pans and start filling the spaces he has called me to. 

What are your spaces to fill and what are his expectations for you? Do you see a lot of holes, are you feeling pressed down and overrun with obligations and "yes" moments?

Love and joy,

Keturah

Summer is for simplicity. And chocolate.

Summer is about celebrating simplicity, family, friends, the outdoors, floaty dresses and sunglasses, endless afternoons of loafing... Since I haven't had a free day in 6 weeks, my summer isn't exactly going swimmingly.

Still, I had a stolen Sunday afternoon to myself (translation: 2 hours) in which time I baked up one of my favorite quick chocolate desserts: flourless brownies. 

It's nothing super special as far as the more elaborate and extravagant desserts go. But for small summer gatherings or solitary Sundays, it suits me well.

And now the special part. 

I was out of ice cream and I knew my solitary moment of bliss deserved dairy. And so, I pulled out my latest favorite thing ever: Noosa Aussie style yoghurt.

{the question is, will this last me more than a week?}

Everyone compares tasty binge-worthy food to the street name for cocaine, "crack." After trying a few of these "crack" recipes and foods, I usually get annoyed. It's good but not so great I would binge or require it for a daily fix. So any recipe with "crack" in it's title is probably hyperbole.

But I have found my crack and it's not an exaggeration. It's name is Noosa Yoghurt. I eat it for breakfast and before bed. Some days I eat it at lunch and in the afternoon too. It's unlike any commercial or homemade yogurt I have ever consumed.

So back to the brownie with yogurt. I took a risk and experimented. The result? Each bite was was sublime, soft, melting, not too heavy - just like a summer evening. Cheesy summer simile aside, I honestly would choose this over ice cream on my brownie any day.

Flourless Brownies

2 ounces (1/2 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled

12 ounces bittersweet chocolate,  ~60-62% cocoa (I often cheat and use Ghiradelli bittersweet chocolate chips, 2 cups)

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease 4 ramekins. Pour boiling water into a shallow baking dish.

Melt the chocolate and combine with the melted butter. Stir in the sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Divide the liquid chocolate batter evenly between the ramekins. Place the ramekins in the baking dish with hot water. Place the whole thing on a cookie sheet for ease and slip into the oven. Bake for 35-45 min; don't over bake. A toothpick should still come out wet, but the brownies should be set.

Remove from oven and cool slightly, then remove the ramekins from the water. Serve while warm. I loved these with bourbon pecan praline ice cream. But my new favorite way to eat them is with that Aussie indulgence known as Noosa Yoghurt.

To serve as photographed, top each brownie with a small dollop of sweetened condensed milk, about one tablespoon or less, then smooth on a nice amount of Noosa Yoghurt. I used raspberry flavor.

Eat immediately while lounging in your most comfy summer clothes. Sharing is optional, although highly recommended since eating more than one by yourself may result in sugar coma. You have been warned.

Summer Sewing

Summer sewing is kinda like summer lovin', because I love dresses and summer blouses. But really, I suppose, it's more about neo-sewing. I'm not much of a seamstress. My first blouse was mostly sewn, pinned, tailored, and in all regards, made by my lovely friend Laura. (She also fashioned it into the most luxurious sapphire blue charmeuse silk dress. If you have never worn a real silk charmeuse blouse or dress, you are missing the thrill of your life.) It was a bit ambitious for my first sewing project.

I've knitted, baked, moved to a new dwelling twice, and many other things. Amidst all of that, I haven't really sewn, which is sad considering I own a sewing machine.  I hope to change that for many reasons.

{my Pinterest sewing board}

Cost
It's true that sewing can sometimes be more expensive when you compare it to a cheap Old Navy t-shirt. When you compare it to a Jason Wu Spring 2011 runway skirt or Luisa Beccaria ready-to-wear dress, the game changes.  

Style
It's everything.I have observed many women who fall prey to the clothes or style wearing them, when it should always be the other way around. The lines, colors, detailing -- those are hallmarks of great taste and style. Sewing something yourself gives you more control of these factors. I have found many great dresses in the wrong color, and just as many dresses in the right color only to have it look like a shapeless sack when worn. There is only so much saving grace offered by belting the waistline.

Creativity
I don't know if I am a designer. I don't feel I conceptualize things in my mind that way. But do I ever like to create things. I see some marvelous color, resplendent ruching, or a great nipped-in waist and I dream about recreating it in silk and jersey all day long. Sewing is just one more way to satisfy this deep urge.

Presence
Being present and connected is really lovely, and it's really what life is about. We live vicariously through television and movies. While this can spark and inspire us, I also believe this has potential to create apathy and boredom, and wastes time given to us for greater things.



Here's my list of "must sews." They are mostly suitable or adaptable for seamstress neophytes. Bingo. Some of these are lovely re-fashion tutorials that involve sewing some fabric to a t-shirt. I consider this nothing short of brilliant. I am not above instant gratification sewing.

The sunny resort blouse {The Sew Convert}
The super easy square top {Cotton & Curls}
Stand and deliver skirt {Cotton & Curls}
DIY turbans {Cotton & Curls}
The peplum top {Cotton & Curls}
Ruched sleeves {Cotton & Curls}
Scoop neck maxi dress {Cotton & Curls}
Grecian sundress {Tanit-Isis}
 
 

Matinees of radio and film

I am deeply and madly in love with two genres of film and radio: British film and radio, and old radio programs and classic flicks. This post will not include an essay about why. Put succinctly, I can't help but find them both charming, funny, and well-made. Here is what I'm listening to and watching currently on the vintage side of things.

{Radio} The Six Shooter

 "The man in the saddle is angular and long-legged. His skin is sun-dyed brown. The gun in his holster is gray steel and rainbow mother-of-pearl, its handle unmarked. People call them both "the Six Shooter".  And with these words, this Western radio program began every week. A series of 39 episodes produced by NBC and starring James Stewart, this program was both drama and comedy. You have to love Jimmy Stewart. He was a phenomenal actor, playing diverse roles. Everything from lawyer, big band leader, boy-next-door good guy, politician, and wise Western cowboys. (If you haven't seen him in Shenandoah, you really should.) Ponsett spends each episode helping friends and family scattered throughout the West. Sometimes other characters are shocked by Ponsett, who rarely lets on that he knows more than appears and is more of a peacemaker than a gun slinger. One of the best produced radio programs ever created. Even the theme music is spectacular. The only sad note is the program didn't last longer.

More info here: Wikipedia: The Six Shooter
Listen to single episodes here: http://www.archive.org/details/OTRR_The_Six_Shooter_Singles
Download the full series with extras here: http://www.archive.org/details/OTRR_Certified_The_Six_Shooter

{Movie} Follow the Fleet

The delightful Rogers & Astaire pair up again in this flick from 1936. Don't miss Lucille Ball in her early days, who plays a small part as Rogers' friend and fellow dancer. Another actor not to miss is Randolph Scott, who play's Astaire's best friend, and was also a good friend of his and Clark Gable in real life. Scott made over 100 films, many with famous leading actors of his day, though he is best known for his Western roles. I laughed a lot, and cried a little for Rogers' on-screen sister played by Harriet Hilliard. Hilliard is the brainy but sweet sister rejected by men until Rogers gives her a makeover and meets Scott, who plays a girl-crazy cad who ends up seeing the light and falling in love with Hilliard. Of course, Rogers and Astaire fall in love at the end of the hilarious and screwball antics. It's a nice and sweet without being saccharine.

Here's a clip from Follow the Fleet, with Fred and Ginger dancing to Irving Berlin's "Let Yourself Go", courtesy of youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K_zGFU_HMU

Next up on the list is My Man Godfrey starring Carole Lombard and William Powell, and Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth in You Were Never Lovelier.

She fritters her time away sewing.

I'm afraid I've already addled my brain with too much reading. And now I'm frittering my time away pursuing tasks of aesthetic and kinesthetic delight.

I have ordered a couple of Colette's latest patterns:

Peony [Colette Patterns]

Peony is my choice. I plan on making it in a light-weight fabric and pairing it with trousers and jeans. I might wear it on its own, but I think it would look wonderful worn as a tunic.

Clover, Colette's first pants pattern, was too tempting to pass up. I'm not sure how the pants will fit or look on me, but I'm going to give them a whirl. Worst-case scenario is I'll have to widen the leg portion and make it less of a skinny cut. We'll see.

Fabric of choice for Peony: 3+ yards of smoke grey colored linen-rayon blend. I know it won't be the warmest, but I like the way linen drapes and moves.  I can always layer one of my (cashmere) turtlenecks under it for warmth.

Fabric of choice for Clover: more smoke grey linen! It doesn't contain stretch, so I'm not sure how it's work. Clover is designed for a fabric with a bit of lycra. It could be an interesting learning experience that results in another fabric purchase. Perhaps a wool blend with stretch?

Now, for a slight detour... how do you personally determine your own style? "Style" book of magazine clippings? Pinterest?  Lately I've been feeling torn between bohemian chic and more structured pieces. While this isn't necessarily a problem, it is impeding the decision making process. I definitely need to go shopping and get a few pieces. But now I wonder: what do I buy? (Maybe it's time to hire a stylist.)

Furthermore, now that it's fall, what will you be donning this fall for clothing and makeup? Share the details!

Rome: Fountains, Coins, and Dresses

The Dress:
I'm in the midst of some very important research. You see, I have a very favorite movie. I once saw it some years ago with a dear friend. My sister and I had a delightful weekly appointment watching classic movies with her once a week. One movie she could not find to rent was Three Coins in the Fountain, a breathtaking film from the early 1950s - the first movie shot in Cinemascope! She saw it when it first came out and wanted to see again. My sister and I bought it for her soon approaching birthday and there we sat one night, reveling in the glamour and charm of Rome, Italy, 1954.

Roman Holiday first captured my heart for Italy. But after seeing this movie, I was a goner.

Two (three?) things that have stuck with me since I watched that movie are Frances' character and eye frames, and the entire female cast's wardrobe. Oh, and the incredible Italian homes and countryside. (I knew it was three things.)

Since I can't recreate the city of Rome in my house (yet! Are my parenthetical comments annoying you like they are annoying me?), I decided to pick out a dress from their wardrobe to recreate.

My first inspiration is Anita's dress worn when she accompanied Gorgio to the countryside. Here are a couple of shots, courtesy of SnapNDrag's helpful utility:

I have to be honest, Anita is not my favorite character. Miss Frances is my favorite: a bookish intellectual who wears thick black eyeglass frames and is a secretary for a world famous author - who she has also been in love with for 15 years - and wears very chic, refined dresses. That's my kind of girl, minus the unrequited love.

I plan on using this pattern from Decades of Style. The back is not the same (see above picture of Anita from back view), so I will have the challenge of modifying that portion of the dress. I am also unsure if I can wear polka dots well. I may skip the dots and do something else in such a lovely shade of ocher yellow.

Decades of Style: Siren Sundress (1948)

Finally, here are a few vintage blogs I recently discovered and have been enjoying:

The Frog's Eyebrows [a great blog from a darling vintage-ite located in Vancouver, BC.]

Happy Thoughts, Darling [a delicious blog devoted to classic cinema]

Lisa Freemont Pages [mostly vintage beauty, hair and makeup tutorials, photos, and advice. Wonderful!]

Further news:
I haven't posted many photos yet because I have to purchase an SD card adapter for my laptop. But more posts with photos and will be coming as soon as it arrives in the post. I have some delicious photos of the souffle I made recently. YUM!

My parents were to arrive in July for a visit. However, they are considering postponing it until October. This may delay me using my new blog design, as I have planned to use some photos of Flora for the banner. So... we'll see if I do that, or put it up and modify it once I get photos. (I do not trust the mail to deliver my great-grandmother's priceless, circa 1920 wedding photos.)