Farmer's Market Mini Skeins

 

Farmers Market Mini Skeins

The perfect bounty to feed your yarn craving!

80% Super Wash Merino / 20% Nylon

20g / 80 Yards

Colors: Myrtle / Pesto / Provence / Heirloom tomato / Wisteria / Cranberry

Recommended Needle Size: US 1-3

Machine washable (cool) and dry (low) or dry flat

These little guys are the perfect starting point for a beautiful colorwork scarf, shawl or wherever your design sense leads you!

Check these out in my Etsy store, or visit the Black Purl in Rochester, NY.

Birch Tree Fiber Arts Co

This has been a wonderful and exciting time for me. I have finally opened a business of my own!!

Introducing, Birch Tree Fiber Arts Co

A little history.....

As a man it can be quite deflating to enter a yarn store. I get the occasional, "Are you lost dear?" or "Are you here shopping for your wife?" Sometimes they even trail me at the mere chance I'm looking to steal something. Even worse, they size me up and roll their eyes. But, I digress. You know who you are, but I love you anyway.

As a knitter and a man, it can be a little challenging to find colorways and patterns that speak to my design sense. Although that is changing every day. There are so many talented and wonderful new dyers in the marketplace.

To that, I created Birch Tree Fiber Arts Co.

I am starting with a base yarn of 80% wool and 20% nylon called Rock'n Roll.

This is a soft, yet strong fiber perfect for shawls, a baby sweater or even a fun pair of socks.


You can find an assortment of the Rock n' Roll colorways in my Etsy Store.

Do you want to see them in person? You can find them at The Black Purl located in Village Gate Square in Rochester, NY. The Black Purl has a wonderful selection of hand dyed yarn and knitting essentials. Want an amazing fiber experience? The owner is a fun and talented individual and will definitely help you with your next project. Come check it out!

Warm up Your Winter

I am introducing a new line of unisex knit scarfs to my Etsy shop.

The Reveal. Fresh from the Garden

I am so excited!
Here is a glimpse of my new line of women's accessories that will launch March 2nd...
"Fresh from the Garden"

I have created a line of clutches, handbags, totes and zip pouches that are entirely hand painted, free form quilted and designed exclusively by me.

Each piece will highlight a bright and beautiful bloom that is both bright and unique and completely hand painted and hand appliqued.

Please stay tuned....the entire line will launch on March 2nd and can be found in my Etsy store.

Fool Proof Pastry Dough

While speaking with my mom this weekend she expressed to me that she has never been able to make a decent pastry crust for her pies....okay WHAT??? "You make pies all of the time," I thought. Yes she does, and she uses a store made pie crust. Well, at first I thought my entire childhood was a complete sham and then I acknowledged that some people are just overwhelmed by the thought of making  a pastry crust. I also believe that there are those that just prefer to save time and purchase one. Why? I will never know.
I have a fool proof pastry dough that is very easy. It doesn't take a lot of time to prepare, and it tastes so much better than the store purchased pastry.
So mom, this one is for you...

Pastry Dough:

Ingredients:
1/2 pound lard cut into small cubes and brought to room temperature.
2 Tablespoons of cider vinegar or vodka (I prefer the latter)
1/2 cup (approx.) boiling water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups all purpose flour

Directions:
Add the room temperature lard to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the mixing paddle.

In a microwave safe liquid measuring cup add the vinegar or vodka and top off with water to make 1/2 cup of liquid. Microwave on high until it boils then add the liquid to the lard and slowly mix until it becomes a creamy substance.

Add the salt and 1 cup of flour. Mix until smooth, scraping down sides and add remaining flour one cup at a time until it just comes together.

Turn out on a floured surface, split in half and make 2 discs the same size.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until ready to use. This will freeze well up to 6 months.

I personally guarantee that you will enjoy making your crusts from scratch..and so will your tummy!
Have fun!

Spring into Quilts with Crayons

My recent studio project started on Friday after I came home early from work while a snowstorm tormented our city. Trust me, I could think of a million things to do in my studio (purse orders, Spring line, a fashion article that I'm behind on) but I was in a very nesty frame of mind....and I needed a taste of Spring to pull me out of it. So, with a cup of hot tea in hand I pulled out my big box of 64 crayons and began to work on a series of 18" x 22" quilt blocks...  

Back up, reverse that. Did he say Crayons? YES!...and Crayola to be specific.

First let me begin with the fact that I have never really embraced quilting. I've made a few table runners, and some small Holidays projects in the history of gerald, but never a full blown quilt.
My first attempt at quilting from a serious perspective was this past Holiday when I created a one of a kind tree skirt for my mother...I will post pictures of that project after I get the proper permissions. (wink)
As a professional sewer I attacked the tree skirt project with full vigor. I purchased all of the necessary tools, attachments and watched several online tutorials. Lets just say I gave it my full approach....and I loved it.

The blocks I'm creating have very little cutting and sewing. It starts with the use of crayons and a hot iron. You merely draw on the fabric while its hot, lay a press cloth over it and allow the press cloth to soak up the residual wax from the crayons...easy peasy. Yea right....
My plan is to create 9 blocks....slap a boarder on them....and sew them together to create the top.
So....stay tuned to future updates....and wish me luck.

Barn Quilts

One of my resolutions for this year is to get out and explore something new.
Several times over the past few months I have noticed an increase in barn quilts in my area, so I decided to do a little research.

The history of the American Barn Quilt can be traced back about 300 years ago with the arrival of immigrants from Europe; Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

It is widely believed that barn painting originated in Pennsylvania which spread to New England and many Midwestern states. Paint was considered expensive in those days so painting a decorative and distinctive quilt pattern on their barns was a wonderful way of allowing for decoration. It also became a way for travelers to find particular families or cross roads. A primitive version of GPS.

Paint became less costly around the mid 1800’s and at this point barn painting became an actual trade with many local artisans. These artists combined many folk designs as well as specific geometric patterns from quilt squares: Four Patch, Bear claw, Mariners compass and Drunkards path.

Decorating barns with colorful designs and quilt squares peaked by the beginning of the 20th century and slowly gave way to a more pragmatic form of barn painting; advertising. Gone were the colorful quilts and in their place came ads for Red Man Chewing Tobacco, Daisy Flour, and Mail Pouch. Many of these barn ads can still be seen today.

Today barn quilts are becoming popular once again. Quilt trails have been developed in many states. After a number of barn quilts have been displayed in an area, a map is developed that guides the viewers to the location. The map will have an address, maybe a picture of the square and a name or explanation of its meaning. A few of the states that have developed quilt trails include, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa and of course, my home town of LeRoy, New York.
A Link to their information and trail guide can be found here;
LeRoy Barn Quilts
As an artist this historical revelation has inspired me both intrinsically and creatively. It has opened my mind to the many inspirations that lie in my own backyard.

Meatless Monday - Lentil Sloppy Joes

Okay I know what you're thinking....What? Has he gone bonkers? Well, wait until you try it...it's actually quite good....and if you're like me you have plenty of lentils in your pantry. The key here is to use only fine ingredients...and a really nice sourdough bread.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

§  1 cup lentils (green, brown or French)

§  1 bay leaf

§  4 tbsp. olive oil

§  2 stalks celery, finely chopped

§  2 carrots, finely chopped

§  1 small onion

§  4 cloves garlic, minced

§  1/2 lb. mushrooms, finely minced

§  1 tsp. smoked paprika

§  1 tsp. chili powder

§  1/2 tsp. mustard powder

§  1/2 tsp. ground cumin

§  1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

§  1/2 tsp. dried thyme

§  1 can tomato paste (5.5 oz.)

§  1 cup water

§  2 tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

§  1 tbsp. honey

§  Salt to taste

Simmer lentils and bay leaf in 2 cups of lightly salted water until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. Discard the bay leaf.

Meanwhile, cook celery, carrot, and onion in olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot (le Creuset perhaps) over medium-high heat until translucent, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove lid, add garlic, and cook until the mixture is caramelized and reduced by two thirds, an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The longer you cook this, the sweeter it will get.

Add mushrooms, and cook until moisture has mostly dissipated and the bottom of the pan is dry. Add spices, thyme and tomato paste, stir until combined, then add lentils. Add the cup of water and the balsamic vinegar and honey. Stir to combine, and cook until the mix begins to bubble. Serve over lightly toasted sourdough or buns.

Beginning The New Year, Bright

Okay blog friends, I know its been a while since my last post. (Que the crickets and violins)
 I spent most of 2012 spreading myself pretty thin....working two jobs, spending weekends in the studio, writing freelance for a local DIY fashion column and spending an hour each day working this ragged body to a pulp in the gym. Well, its 2013 and I'm ready to renew my spirit and bring things back into perspective.

So lets get to it shall we...

For those of you that don't know this, I'm a post holiday clearance shopper. I sport sunglasses and a ball cap and ravage the aisles of local stores searching for deals on Holiday decorations, linens and accessories that are marked down and cheap!

A few days ago while I was on a mission for the next bargain I discovered a bin of beautiful paperwhite bulbs. As you can see from the picture below they are in amazing shape and I couldn't resist the $.99 price tag. 

The house has been drastically empty since I dismantled the mantle and put the evergreens to the curb. I need color! Lots and lots of color! Well, these beautiful bulbs can be forced and ready to blossom in six weeks.They will fill the house with beautiful fragrant blooms that will last for over a month.

When I got home I pulled out every glass cylinder, canning jar and martini glass I could find.

Below is a picture of one of my finished containers.

The process is so simple..

1. Select a container that is about 3 - 4 inches deep (8 - 10 cm) and that has no drainage holes.
   
   
2. Spread an inch or two of stones, marbles or even gravel, along the bottom of the container.
   
3. Position your paper white bulbs, pointed end up, on top of the stone layer. Go ahead and squeeze them in. They not only look better in a large group, the tight fit will help keep them from toppling over.
   
4. Add another layer of stones to fill in any gaps and cover the bulbs up to their shoulders. The pointed tips should still be showing.
   
5. Add water so that the level just reaches the base of the bulbs. Allowing the bottom of the bulb to sit in water will stimulate growth. Covering the entire bulb with water could cause it to rot.  
6. The bulbs don’t need light at this point and they prefer to be kept on the cool side, at about 65 degrees F (18 degrees C.)
   
   
7. Check your bulbs daily to see if they need more water.
   
8. When you see roots developing, move the container to a sunny window. The sunnier the better, but try not to let them get too warm or they’ll grow leggy.
   
9. Once the plants flower, they will last longer if moved out of direct sunlight, to a cool spot with indirect or diffused light. I plan on moving mine to various areas of the house that need color and texture.

Here is a picture of them in bloom. No, these aren't mine....go Martha!

I will post some additional images of my containers in six weeks...fingers crossed they survive.

Well, friends....Happy New Year! Stay tuned for more.
Cheers!

Fashion Friday - Flip-Flops – The Do’s & Don’ts

To me, the flip-flop is a must have in everyone’s wardrobe. However, how to wear them and when to wear them seems to be a seriously overlooked conversation. So, yours truly is going to break it down for you.

Flip-Flop sandals are very casual footwear; they're usually made of rubber or foam, or some other material that you can get wet; they're nearly always flat, or have a wedge heel, and they're typically less expensive than dressier thong sandals.

Thong sandals on the other hand come in a wide variety of different materials. They feature different heel types and heights, and can be quite elaborate, and sometimes expensive.

So, when do you wear flip-flops, how do you wear flip-flops, and most importantly, when do you not wear flip-flops?

In my opinion, flip-flops get a bad rap, and some will tell you that they're never appropriate. But the fact of the matter is there are times when flip-flops are not only appropriate, they're actually ideal.

Nothing beats a pair of flip-flops at the beach. Its summer folks! Who wants to tread through the sand in heels or loafers? Who wants to get their favorite, albeit expensive shoes wet? If you plan on getting near the water, stick to flip-flops, but look for stylish options that set you apart from the crowd. The beach scene can offer high fashion too.

When you're not working, there's no reason you can't wear flip-flops during your daily routine. Trips to the gas station, grocery store or just hanging out with friends at the local coffee shop all qualify as flip-flop material, but if you travel in high end circles, step into a pair of dressy thong sandals or casual pull-on’s.

So, when do you not wear flip-flops? Many work places have dress codes, and you're probably aware of yours. But even if there's not a rule against flip-flops in the office, they certainly don't provide the most professional look. They're easy to slip into a bag, making them great for wearing to and from work, but while you're at the office, it's definitely in your best interest to stick with a more polished look.

Last, but certainly not least…get a pedicure if you wear flip-flops. Not only will your feet feel better in them, but they will also look better!

The Rochester Examiner Article - The fresh face of bridal

There's a new bride in town...

Check out today's article here:

The Fresh Face of Bridal

Food for thought - Rhubarb Muffins

This morning as I sat with my coffee on the back deck listening to the birds wake up, I fondly reminisced about the holiday picnics held under the large maple trees at my grandmothers house.

I remember fresh linens sprawled across a large table under massive maple trees. Kids cheering and playing in the background....and dozens of cars lined the driveway like taxis on a busy New York thoroughfare.

Time stood still for an entire afternoon. We had it all back then; family, food and memories to last a lifetime.

It's amazing how food can stir memories in each of us.....

With that, here is recipe that I bring out every year when the rhubarb is fresh, and the thoughts of those special days under the maples are even fresher.

Rhubarb Muffins

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 egg beaten
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups rhubarb, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup olive oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine brown sugar, oil and egg in mixer.
In a small bowl combine buttermilk, baking soda, salt & vanilla.
Add milk mixture to sugar mixture alternatively with flour, mixing well.

Fold in rhubarb and nuts.

Spoon mixture into greased and floured muffin pans.

For the topping combine the following ingredients:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, very cold, cut into pieces
Top muffin batter with topping.

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick pulls clear when tested.

Now, Go and enjoy your family!

Promo Thursday - JCaccamisePhotography

With Spring in bloom and Summer on its way, I thought it only fitting to promote a site that has been capturing elements from these beautiful seasons.

JCaccamisePhotography by artist Jamie Caccamise.

Jamie is a mom, a wife and an amazing photographer. In my conversations with Jamie I discovered that she has a true passion for capturing those priceless moments that one has when they are raising a family. Although she labels herself an amateur, the examples of her work below say otherwise.

"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." ~ Eudora Welty ~

Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.  ~Dorothea Lange

When that shutter clicks, anything else that can be done afterward is not worth consideration. ~Edward Steichen

Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs.  ~Ansel Adams

You can see more of Jamie's work by visiting her blog site:

JCaccamisePhotography&Stuff

Fashion Friday - A Dude's Guide to Denim

Sadly, quite a few men have a big issue with choosing the right pair of jeans...including yours truly!
So many cuts, from 'carrot fit' to 'straight leg', and so many different washes.
Is it any wonder men get confused when buying jeans?

If you were to look inside my closet I would suspect you'd say the last thing I needed right now was another pair of jeans.
Skinny fit, straight fit, loose fit, black denim, raw denim, grey denim, distressed, not-quite-so distressed… they're all there, a dozen or so pairs in total.
I say this not out of mere boasting for my love of fabric, but with a fair amount of self-reproach, for each is a testament to haphazard and desperate buying over years, and very few of them are being worn today.
Like many men, I have a love-hate relationship with denim. I know what I like, but I have no idea what suits me.
The biggest thing I have learned is that expensive jeans arent always the best purchase.
I purchased a pair of $300 jeans at a local men's boutique...and they fell apart after the second wash.

I found a great article at Dogfunk.com that enlightens the average "dude" on how to choose the right jean for their body.
Dogfunk-Guide-to-Denim

Once you've mastered the art buying a pair of jeans, its knowing how to wear them that really counts.




Photo from GQ

Here are a few things I have learned...and may it help my dear brothers and the women who love them.

Jeans at work

For those of you lucky enough to have casual Friday at work, or even those just comfortable enough to wear them at work, is to stick to raw denim rather than distressed and not to overcompensate the look by going too formal with the shirt and blazer.
The key is to not look as though your top half is going to a wedding and your bottom half is heading to the garage to perform an oil change.
Loosen the tie a bit boys!

Jeans around town

Yes, we all have that favorite pair of jeans with the holes in them that we just cant say goodbye to.
Wearing them to the store for a quick beer run is ok, but to the mall or a restaurant with your significant other is an absolute No, No!
No one wants to see your hairy knees or portions of your tighty whities....

There's a lot of help for us out there boys. Dont be affraid to try them on. If you like how your butt looks in them chances are he/she will too! Get advise from a store clerk or solicit advise from someone shopping. Women will tell you the honest truth...and you'll be happy in the end that you took their advise.

The Rochester Examiner Article-Bow ties are back!

Bow Ties are back..
Check out the article here;
http://www.examiner.com/diy-fashion-in-rochester/bow-ties-are-back

May Day Giveaway - Winner Announced

Congratulations Jeannie!

Coming Soon!

Beginning in May I will be offering men's neck ties, bow ties and wallets in my Etsy Store.

Stay Tuned!!!!

Spring Garden Maintenance

Every season brings a different set of chores in the garden. Spring is an exciting time for me as I prepare for the beauty of the garden as it awakes from winter hibernation. It can also, however, be a bit overwhelming to know how to prioritize the gardening at this time of year. So I have a helpful list of chores that helps me...and I hope it helps you too.

Pruning
For early blooming shrubs such as forsythia and viburnum, prune them as soon as blooms have passed. Early spring is also an ideal time to prune your roses.

Deadheading
Remove spent flowers from bulbs, but leave the rest of the plant as is for the time being.

Weeding
Pull weeds from your beds and borders before they have a chance to take hold and spread.

Composting
Tend to your compost if it has been neglected over the winter. If you do not have a compost bin, spring is a great time to start one.

Tools
Spring is a good time to prepare your tools for the oncoming gardening season and to make any necessary repairs or new purchases. You will be happy you have done so when summer sets in.

Plant
Spring is a great time to add new plants to your garden. Be sure, however, that all threat of frost has past. Plant such things trees, shrubs, hardy annuals, and summer blooming bulbs.

Fertilize & Mulch
Fertilize and mulch beds and borders. Spring is also a good time to fertilize fruit trees. If you applied heavy winter mulch for protection from the cold, you will need to clear it away.

Staking
Stake plants that may be prone to wind damage during the unpredictable spring weather.

Lawn Care
Spring is the best time to start a new lawn from seed. For established lawns, you should start mowing in the spring, but don’t initially cut the grass very short for the first few times.

I hope these tips will give you a good idea as to where to focus your attention in your garden this spring. Enjoy!

Wardrobe Wednesday - Choosing the Right Suit

Spring is here and Summer is quickly approaching. It's the season for weddings, proms, graduations and many other formal celebrations.


Wearing a suit is a true statement of manhood. It can prove to be the difference when applying for a job or even grabbing yourself a date. So this nerd is providing you with a simple guide to choosing the right suit to help you leave out the most common errors when choosing the most important item in your wardrobe.


Mismatched Collars and Ties
The trend for skinny ties involves shirts with pointed collars. The wide cutaway collar seen here requires a chunkier tie and a larger knot like a Windsor, not the half-Windsor! (Ties are another story)

Poor-fitting Jackets

This isn’t the 1980s guys! Shoulder pads should always sit directly on top of your shoulders and finish above your shoulder’s end. A jacket that is too large will swamp your frame, giving it little definition and making an expensive suit look cheap; a poor fit is why politicians often look bad in designer tailoring.



Tie Length
The point of the tie should just touch the top of the belt, and never hang lower. This basically means that you don’t want the tie flapping around and getting in the way when you use the bathroom. You also want to stay away from the nerdy school boy look by wearing your tie far too short. Not a good look men.

The Casual Belt
The darker brown leather is mismatched with paler shoes. The belt is also made from distressed leather, which is too scruffy and casual to be worn with a suit. Tailoring should be about clean lines. (And remember: women are like hawks when it comes to noticing details) so neglect the accessories at your peril!

Short Pants
The hem on your trousers needs to brush the heel of the shoe and sit on the upper third lace. While there is an emerging trend for rising hemlines and ankle-cut trousers, you have to be very “experimental” to pull it off as you run a major risk of making it seem as though your pants are having an argument with your shoes. Socks should only be visible when seated, never when standing. NEVER!




Suit Pockets
Only use your suit’s inside pocket and even then not for anything heavier than notes and credit cards. If the outer pockets are stitched shut, leave them so. Keys, wallets, phones and iPods distort the line of the jacket, pull on the buttons and shoulders, and stretch the fabric. Need I say more about that? Yuck!

Colored Socks
The sock should match the shade of the suit or be darker, which will help to make the leg appear longer. Patterned socks can be fine, but only if the background shade is the same tone as the suit, or the same tone as your shoes. Otherwise it’s like the novelty tie: drawing major attention to your questionable taste in accessories.

Shoes
Footwear should be of the same tone as the suit or slightly darker, like the socks, to elongate the leg. Light tan with a dark suit is too big a contrast and can make your feet look enormous. Men, as much as you think that's a good thing, its pretty dorky.

Happy Suit Shopping!

Studio News - April 8th 2011

Okay, so you make women's purses.

What do you make for men?

These are the questions I hear all of the time.

My early sewing career was with a local men's suit factory.

I started in sleeves and worked my way into custom tailoring.

It was a wonderful way to learn fashion, sewing and design.

So, yes I create for men. I just haven't done so in a few years.

With that said...

I received a wonderful opportunity this week to create a set of bow ties for a wedding party.

The bride was not seeing what she envisioned....go figure.

So, with my pencil and sketchbook in hand I began to create something I haven't ventured to do in quite a few years. (We wont say how many kids)

Below is a quick studio pic of the final product.

Of course yours truly cant just slap a sticker on it and call it a day.

He goes full bore with instructions. Dork!

The fabric is actually quite nice.

Soft crepe linen with a tangerine geometric pattern.