02/25/2010
02/25/2010
I learned a new word at the New York Gift Fair a couple of weeks back. The word is kantha, and it refers to a quilting technique practiced in the Bengal region of India, by which used cotton saris—which are, in themselves, giant pieces of flat, patterned fabric—are fused together in layers, using a simple running stitch, to create blankets and other useful items.
I noticed a few vendors . . . Continue Reading
02/24/2010
Weatherize Your Wellies for the Final Push Towards Spring: DIY Boot Liners to Keep the Cold Out
Alexa Fornoff
If you're like me, you have a sprightly pair of rain boots and a blah pair of snow boots. I've been trying to inject some color into this dreary season by wearing the brighter (but less equipped to handle the cold) rubber wellies. Thanks to Tanna of Alaska Crafter, I can now make boot liners of my very own! Pull out an old cozy sweater and fire up the sewing machine—the sleeves become socks in this ingenious reuse. Click here for the full tutorial with pictures.
(via Recyclart)
02/24/2010
Wayne’s World: A Tour of the Flaming Lips Compound
Garth Johnson
Oh Flaming Lips, how do I love thee? I've probably seen them a half dozen times over the years. They never give less than 100% when they play live. The band is actually a cottage industry, employing longtime friends and family to help with lighting, rigging, confetti cannons, costumes and props. They always supply a massive dose of delight for their fans as Wayne Coyne, . . . Continue Reading
02/24/2010
To DIY For Felt Shoe Clips: Tutorial from Amazing Aussie Draw! Pilgrim
Polly Conway

02/24/2010
Glamping Down on the Farm
Katherine Sharpe
I'm suddenly quite taken with this new term, glamping. A portmanteau of the words glamour and camping, glamping refers to camping in a more than ordinarily luxurious manner.
A New York Times travel piece in September 2008 described the rise of "hip hotels of camping"---places where you can enjoy nature from the comfort of a well-appointed, semi-permanent tent erected by someone else.
Just recently, . . . Continue Reading
02/24/2010
Seville Oranges: A Bright Spot in a Bitterly Short Season
Jeannette Ordas

Every February the hunt at my local market begins. It's when the elusive Seville orange makes an appearance and I don't want to miss that moment for anything. Never had one? Maybe you've heard of a bitter orange or a marmalade orange instead. Due to their high pectin content and beautifully dimpled skin, Sevilles are usually relegated to making . . . Continue Reading
02/24/2010
Style Inspiration: Grandfather Cardigan
Jane Flanagan
I love cardigans. The definition of perfect weather for me are those days when you can swap a jacket for a cardigan. And I love a cardigan over formal evening wear. There's something so feminine, yet wearable, about the combination. This cardigan from A.P.C. caught my eye. It's more grandfather style, with the double pockets and slouchier fit.

And, here's how I'd wear it. . . . Continue Reading
02/24/2010
Hands Up For Detroit
Andrew Wagner
Lately I've been immersed in Colum McCann's novel, "Let the Great World Spin." The story revolves around the lives of several different New York City residents during the summer of 1974, when Philipe Petit decided to tie a tightrope between the then uncompleted World Trade Center Towers and take a stroll.
Anyone who has seen the 2008 documentary, Man on Wire, by James Marsh, has a sense of . . . Continue Reading
02/23/2010
Faux-reos (or Inside Out Oreos) from King Arthur Flour
Amy Palanjian
02/23/2010
Okapi: Bringing You A Celebration of Kyrgyz Composer Aldo Kapi, Via Turntable
Alexa Fornoff































