A Connnected Melange of Stuff I Like



I discovered a few years ago they still add
labels by hand at Whidbey Island Winery.

So, I like history. I like Ken Burns. I am absolutely loving Burns' latest historical tour de force, Prohibition, now currently airing on PBS (the final installment is this evening). I was particularly pleased with the initial installment (which everyone can watch at the PBS website). There has always been a somewhat uneasy link (in my mind, anyway) between the women's suffrage movement at the turn of the 20th century and the drive to establish prohibition. Burns masterfully traced this link beginning back almost to the time of the Civil War. While I am not a big fan of limiting individual freedom, I now have a much better handle on the bigger picture. I also was intrigued to hear the staggering percentage of our federal revenue derived from liquor sales prior to Prohibition. No wonder the cultural pendulum swung so far to the "dry" side!

Of course, since I live in post-Prohibition times, I will freely enjoy a libation every now and then. In October's edition of Bon Appetit, not only can one find advice on the perfect party cocktail, but they report on a trend that doesn't surprise me in the least - the rise of artisanal hard ciders. I've been enjoying hard cider (apple and pear) for as long as I can remember. I will cede that they've gotten progressively crisper in recent years - a very nice alternative to traditional bubbly. While I recently mentioned an import I had, don't let that steer you away from the great ciders being bottled by American artisans, including several in the Pacific Northwest. I'll leave it to you to try them and report back!

Finally, if you're looking for a little crafty inspiration to help you with your next dinner party preparations, you'll enjoy reading this quick Q&A with the creative force behind Design*Sponge (and if you haven't checked out the website, you're in for a design treat!).

Here's to your next great fall meal with friends, complete with your favorite wine, hard cider or spirit. And if you're looking for one more exceptional, crafty dinner guest ...

Fiber and Inspiration

On Friday, I attended the Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat going on through this afternoon at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. I did not sign up for any courses, but wanted to spend some time with the fiber in the market, as well as attend the Teachers' Gallery and talk in the evening. I was not disappointed.

Initially, let me say that if you haven't been to Hotel Murano, you should, and get ready for a treat. Named for the famous type of glass (and situated just minutes away from Tacoma's Museum of Glass), the hotel is filled with art and glass. Note its impressive lobby and bar/lounging area - which is contemporary, but very warm.

 After a quick coat check and coffee refueling, I headed off to the market. For me, the highlight was definitely my deeper exploration of the fibery goodies produced by Habu Textiles.

Not only are the colors exquisite in this 60/40 silk and mohair fiber, but the packaging is quintessential Habu.

 This 100% merino cone (what a great spring color!) contains a whopping 747 yards.

Finally, Habu takes remains and bits and pieces from across their fiber offering, groups them according to color, and packages them up. I snatched the one below (because it was busy, even on a Friday afternoon), and it will become a nifty little scarf. 

One thing to note about Habu: as is their basic philosophy, they are short on structure, but long on creativity. As a result, I'm not certain exactly which fibers are in my sampler because they're not identified (but know, from the ample time spent in the booth, one is cotton, another linen, and a third is possibly a pineapple plant derivative). While I can go to the website and figure it out, the goal is to just take the fiber and create. I plan to do just that.

Two other highlights:

this awesome super-bulky thick and thin yarn from Butternut Woolens will be a shawl/capelet (yes, what a change from laceweight!), and

this amazingly gorgeous tencel yarn in laceweight will be combined with something else in a project a little later this spring. I really can't wait!

After some dinner (cause, hey, fiber discovery is a grueling thing), I headed back to the hotel for the Teachers' presentation. The guest speaker, Betsy Hershberg, gave a presentation on her own creative journey. Not only do I love her medium (beads), but having just penned an essay on creativity (which you'll read in a post here in the not-too-distant future!), I found her presentation engaging and completely inspiring. She has a soon-to-be published new book, and I wish her nothing but good things with it.

 The packed room then went over to the Gallery and had an opportunity to touch and otherwise inspect the current work of each of Madrona's instructors (as well as talk with them, of course!). What a great hands-on approach, and one that I wish more gatherings would adopt.  

 

Needless to say, I left feeling totally inspired. I found the fire lit in the front of the hotel on the way out rather appropriate. 

On a Few French Items that Feed my Soul



Jean-Marc Espinasse of Domaine Rouge-Bleu

I was going to provide you with some items to consider for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday - you know, the ones most everyone else considers right about now.  However, recent events have led me (only slightly) astray. So ... I present to you a few French items that have, and continue to, feed me artistic soul.

Initially, here is the first in what I hope will be a recurring series on the blog – The Artfully Voie de Vie Questionnaire. In the inaugural installment, please meet someone I consider an artist and friend: Jean-Marc Espinasse, winemaker extraordinaire at Domaine Rouge-Bleu. Or, as his wife has affectionately nicknamed him, “Chef Grape.”

I spent an intense, amazing two weeks at the Domaine Rouge-Bleu farm ostensibly picking grapes during the ‘09 harvest. However, my time in France that summer fed my Canuck-rooted soul in ways I cannot properly describe in words. Happily, I don’t have to try. Since the ‘09 vintage is set to be released, I’ll let the wine do the talking for me. So here, I present a little slice of Espinasse philosophy:

The Artfully Voie de Vie Questionnaire

Old grenache vines at Domaine Rouge-Bleu

Can you tell us a little bit about your background before you started to make wine?

I fell in love with wine when my uncle decided, 20 years ago, to get three vine parcels in Chateauneuf-du-Pape to re-create the family vineyard, Domaine du Banneret, which originally dates back from many centuries.

As a CPA, I initially made the financial plans for the loans and participated in the first and all harvests. It was during this joyful time that I met with my future American wife, Kristin, author of the blog French Word-a-Day.

I started then to offer my uncle's wines to US importers and then embraced the wine world.

Now, besides Domaine du Banneret where I am also involved in the wine making, I distribute a portfolio of "boutique" French wines in the US.

In my dreams, I have often imagined that running a small vineyard by myself would actually be a realistic project. And whereas I was not expecting it to happen, I was offered in November 2006, 25 acres of old vines with a great potential "terroir". Domaine Rouge-Bleu was born ...

Besides wine, I am in love with Mother Nature, the band U2, and before all my dear family.

When was the moment you knew you wanted to become a winemaker?

When I first started to harvest. I have never questioned myself on the winemaking which is, for me, something quite natural. I have always heard that 99% of the wine is made once the grapes are harvested.

Please describe your personal winemaking philosophy?

Minimum human interaction. Leaving Mother Nature to do its role, which means leaving the stems (in the fermentation process) and minimum pumping-over of the (grape skin) cap (while in the tank).* Also, making sure that the prime oxidation phases (during fermentation) are covered by the minimum amount of sulphur needed.

What is your greatest wine drinking memory?

A ’90 red Châteauneuf du Pape from my uncle’s vineyard, Domaine du Banneret. It is also the wine we had at our wedding but at the time, the wine was too young. It is now at its best and carries a lot of spirit.

If you could have dinner with any three vintners, dead or alive, who would they be, and why?

Marcel Lapierre as he has inspired me so much, Paul Draper as he is definitely the best winemaker I know, and Emile Peynaud for his vision.

Cork or Screw cap?

Cork for aging wines and screw cap for drinking wines

It’s your last meal. What’s in your wine glass?

Chateau d'Yquem 1967, the year I was born, and one of the best vintages for this unique wine.

What trait do you most admire in wine makers?

Start over from scratch every new vintage.

What trait do you most detest in wine makers?

People who pretend that technique is the most important thing in winemaking.

You are recommending a gift of wine in response to a friend’s inquiry. Other than your own wines (which, as everyone knows, are very tasty!), what would you recommend?

Ah … ah ... what about the one this friend chooses? I am sure it will be a good choice.



Balancing
2010
acrylic on canvas



   

*For those who might want more information concerning the process of which Jean-Marc speaks,  David Bird's Understanding Wine Technology is a great reference; specifically, page 85 discusses pumping-over.

Finally, I had discussed a French package I received here. It was yarn and other goodies from a Parisian Ravelry swap acquaintence. Yesterday, I received yet another package as a result of this swap, which was an amazingly generous surprise! Inside was more yarn goodness – seven hanks of goodness, to be exact. From Filature du Valgaudemar, there were two hanks of angora and merino blend in a lovely mousson colorway, and five (!) mohair and silk hanks in varying fiber weights. My soul is further fed. Thank you!

So, this Valentine’s Day, indulge those you care about with the things that feed their soul.

Sneak Peek Revealed

I have, for approximately the last six months, moderated a Ravelry forum in which we have swapped goodie packages with paired partners. The overarching thread is Lion Brand yarns, and each swap has its own particular theme. The most recent swap was holiday- and charity-themed. Each person spends a particular amount on items swappees have identified as favorites in a previously answered questionnaire, and at least one item should be hand-made using the aforementioned yarn.

And here comes the revelation behind the sneak peak – I made a crocheted mobius wrap (pattern compliments of Red Heart) for my swap partner, in one of her favorite colors – purple. As you can see from the photos, I added an edging of mohair and lurex in lavender and silver.

The edging gave the piece just that little pop of color and sparkle next to the face. I also positioned the twist in the back on my dress form for a different look.

While I can’t say I’m a huge Red Heart fan, some of their patterns are quite lovely – especially if you can imagine them made with different yarn weights. While worsted weight was super for this project to ward against the cold, this wrap would also look elegant in laceweight or fingering weight yarn (plan to use between 500 – 600 yards, depending on size and gauge).

Most importantly, my swap partner loved it! Additionally, we both made something for a charity each had respectively identified at the beginning of the swap, and I sent along two blanket squares for Project Night Night:

Since I am stepping away from my mod duties to focus on other goals in 2011, it was a nice note upon which to end.

So – go out there and make something for somebody, alright?!!! And, once I receive my package (which should be very soon) – I’ll let you know what goodies I get.

A Crafty Weekend

This past weekend saw some glorious weather in the Pacific Northwest (meaning sunny and rain-free on Saturday), as well as me getting my holiday craft on. I completed a hand-made item for a swap gift (more on this in a later post - but see the bottom photo for a teensy sneak peak!), as well as checking out the holiday season edition of Urban Craft Uprising.

What, you ask, is UCU? Well, it’s a mecca for all things DIY and handmade. Over 100 vendors and authors – crafty artisans to be certain – are gathered for one weekend so that we, the crafty public, can ogle the wares and get some holiday shopping completed. At a great entrance price (it’s free!), plus swag bags for early risers each day, how could I not check it out?

The greatest strength of UCU is the varied selection of vendors, many of which offer a $6 special item in addition to their normal inventory. I checked out painters, jewelers, t-shirt makers, fiber spinners and dyers, and all sorts of textile crafters. There is something for just about everyone (including the family pet), and all of it original and not mass-produced.

A note to those who might take in a future UCU event: because virtually all of these artisans are small businesspeople, you may encounter some payment restrictions/irregularities. Some vendors might not accept credit cards for purchases under a certain amount, and/or some might request information because the credit card transaction will be completed later. While nothing to necessarily worry about, just something to keep in mind (and knowing where to find the closest ATM is helpful).

It was a mob scene, making browsing difficult at times (which was a happy turn from the summer edition of UCU I attended, which was a little thin on foot traffic). So, after completing my once-over circle of the room, I picked up a neat gift for someone (at least I hope it’s neat to the recipient!), and some fiber for myself. I am excited to try this hemp (on the left) in one of my future shawl projects from Blonde Chicken Boutique:

I cannot believe that skein contains over 600 yards of the slightly linen-feeling, yet surprisingly soft, fiber. Additionally, I am so thrilled with the happy-colored fingering weight skein I also managed to snag – it’s made from mill ends and hand-dyed. At 480 yards it, too, has a spring shawl (with beads, I suspect) written all over it.

If you are looking for unique, hand-made gifts that sustain artisans, are (in many instances) eco-friendly, and just plain cool, definitely look for an UCU-type of event in your area. For example, should you be in the Portland, Oregon area this upcoming weekend, definitely check out Crafty Wonderland.

And have fun getting your craft on!



The crafty sneak peak ...