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eventlawyer77-blog · 5 years ago

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Steal Alert: 48% off J. Crew through 12/5

NOBODY MOVE. J. Crew’s website seems stable. For now. And that wasn’t the case on Black Friday – Cyber Monday. And while this deal isn’t quite as good (2% less of a discount, not as much stock), you guys have sent in a few tips about this one, so… off we go with some picks. Fingers crossed their servers don’t burst into flames. Big thanks to John P. for the tip!

Check out the close up of that knit. English wool from Moon Mills. Looks like a super high quality alternative to their Lambswool chore jacket which has long since sold out. The year of the sweater jacket (or the swacket) continues to be strong.

Just over ninety bucks for a vintage-inspired, but still highly functional, gore-tex waterproof boot? That seems oddly good. Breathable too thanks to that gore-tex.

Navy (on the left) has plenty of sizes left, while the forest green is scattered at best. That deep red cabernet color? Long gone. New Year’s Eve is fast approaching.

Gloves are a lot like sunglasses. Some of us can hold onto them without trouble, others leave them in every train, cab, plane, Airbnb, etc… that we step into. If it was socially acceptable, some of us might start tying strings to our gloves like we had with our mittens when we were six years old.

A classic OCBD that comes in a true slim fit and is made from American grown Supima cotton. Tons of colors to pick from. Yes, they’re made overseas, but the reviews are solid. Are there cheaper OCBD options out there? Absolutely. But not many now that they’re half off.

The bluchers of their new Italian Leather collection. Goodyear welted. One fifty-five. Not bad for a basic shoe that’s about the shoe-iest shoe to ever shoe.

Four color options. Basically the same sweater (at least it looks to be from here?) but one is considered to be heathered, and the other is donegal. Beats me.

These always make the annual best sportcoats of fall post and for good reason. Softer tweed than what you might be envisioning. Less construction too. Half lined. Shown above is a 40R on 5’10″/ 185. Full review here.

Solid on one side, micro windowpane (check?) on the other. All cashmere.

Unisex. A great gift for the gear lugging dude (or yourself,) or, something for the lady in your life. As someone who carries in a briefcase, a duffel bag (gym = early AM for me), and sometimes a tote (products to review and or giveaway to you guys…) I can appreciate something like this.

A favorite that was out of stock at one point during the Black Friday – Cyber Monday corridor. Extremely well reviewed. And not some dinky thing either. 17 1/2″H x 26″W x 9 1/4″D = over four thousand cubic inches of space. So, it has room. Seems to go out of stock a lot.

A basic that you’ve got to admit is at a pretty solid price. Merino wool + nylon blend. Lots of colors.

J. Crew’s take on the classic Peacoat, now down for around Army/Navy surplus store prices. And these can compete with the real thing. Good wool, a bit of insulation, those hand warmer pockets are a huge benefit, and it’s slightly longer than far too many peacoats that chop the tail short.

It has to be said again. Micro dots (not big blobby cartoon polka dots), are a great way to break away from the tyranny of stripes. Made in their secret wash, stretch fabric.

I don’t know how the leather quality is on these things. Just one review so far, and it’s encouraging, but know that in the past J. Crew has been a little hit or miss on leather accessories.

A less expensive version of the all leather option. Less leather will do that.

More of a classic fit. I’m guessing any fisherman worth his salt would smack you upside the head with a mackerel if you asked if he had ever worn skinny jeans. And while fisherman probably don’t shop at J. Crew, J. Crew has nailed the traditional Aran Fisherman’s sweater look here. 100% wool. Has a Hemingway look about it.

ORRrrrrrrrrrrrrrr… There’s this. Not bad for an all wool, classic cable, not-quite-fisherman’s sweater from their upgraded Wallace and Barnes line. For being such a simple piece, this thing has a lot of potential.

A lot of brands push solid cashmere scarfs this time of year. And that’s fine and understandable. But it doesn’t take much of a pattern to set a scarf apart. And here’s the proof.

Speaking of small details that can set something apart, check out that stitch. All cashmere once again.

A cotton, 3 season (or year-round if you live in a warm climate) classic. One of the better reviewed items from J. Crew’s line up. Also available in blue.

What do you call a wool, colorblocked bomber? That’d be a letterman jacket. No letters necessary here either. Also available in a burgundy option.

Yes you can find cords for less (see GAP), but some of you are pretty tied to J. Crew’s pant fits. All three fits available here. Lots of colors to pick from. Cotton with a bit of elastane for stretch.

No lining here except for the sleeves. A little less stuffy compared to a traditional, hard shouldered, gold buttoned navy blazer. Full review here. Just the “galvanized iron” shade left with any size selection.

Big fan of J. Crew’s merino cardigans. Nice material, available in classic or slim fit, and unlike much of the competition, there’s a good sized placket here. Thin cardigan plackets can look a little feminine sometimes. Just wish they made them in more colors. You can have it in any color you’d like… as long as it’s navy.

Cotton canvas body, and unzips/unfurls so you can get your suit or jackets (and shoes and what not) to and fro while minimizing creasing and wrinkling risks. Yes, the zippers weren’t designed the best (read the reviews) but attaching a couple of pulls should solve that problem. And most bags like this will run you a heck of a lot more money.

The J. Crew 48% off lots of full price & sale stuff code 48HOURS is set to expire 12/5/18.

Source: https://dappered.com/2018/12/steal-alert-48-off-j-crew-through-12-5/

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peacocksandpurls · 7 years ago

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So I just celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago…. And this year my friend and I decided to go to our first fiber festival and make a grand adventure of the day…then later, we’d meet up with our whole group of girlfriends and celebrate all the recent birthdays at dinner together…

Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival

We started our morning traveling to Pittsburgh PA….about a two hour drive for us. (Is any distance really too far to see, hold, and squish yarn? I mean, really??)

Arrival at the Pittsburgh Convention Center, we were a bit confused as we didn’t see people carrying bags of yarn, but bunches of people dressed in costume!! We had a small panic attack that we went to the wrong place, but apparently there was a comic-con happening there too….

Away to the second floor….and ….. Y A R N ! ! ! !

Upon entering….there were rows and rows and rows of yarn! We saw sampler pieces, exciting colors, people touching, squishing, and squealing about all the yarn! It was all so pretty…so exciting….my eyes darted left and right…where to start?? What to see first?? I took off…heading sporadically from one vendor to another…I was five years old again! The colors – oh so pretty! The project bags, the patterns…come, make this, touch this, buy this! I was screaming!….no wait…that was my wallet…so sorry plastic credit card…you are going to be on FIRE today!

As my friend reined me in…..we needed a plan….how do we want to go about seeing it all, vs my running and jumping like a child…. We decided to be controlled and go up one isle and down the next…taking time at each vendor…so we wouldn’t miss anything. We decided that we would look….just look… the first time through and if anything caught our eye – we’d make a notation on the vendor map so we could go back to that vendor later. Well… we ended up making marks at practically every vendor…so we just bought stuff as the urge hit us.

My first purchase was at Destination Yarns, based in Cleveland Ohio. Her yarns are hand dyed, inspired by travel. Owner, designer & dyer, Jeanne Stevenson, has many beautiful yarns that you should check out! As I looked around her booth, I noticed some yarn dyed greens and greys…my favorite…it was called…. Eilean Donan Castle! Um…..did I read that correctly? My castle name? MY castle name for Clan MacRae?? Yes!! She dyed a batch of yarns to bring out the colorways from the castle grounds… its in greens and grays….I bought it! Yes, I snapped that right up! I bought the fingering weight and plan to make a shawl with it….I haven’t decided on the pattern yet though…any suggestions?? She also had a colorway called ‘Shark Infested Waters’ – we went back to her booth several times…but I regret not getting that one – I’ll probably get it online soon!

Destination Yarn – Eilean Donan Castle

My second purchase – was a snap impulse – my friend too! We saw these really cute kits – who doesn’t love a kit! I mean, the pattern is already decided, the yarn & colors, and even the knitting cable needle was included! We bought this kit from The Stitch Party. The yarn is their own yarns called BASH in worsted weight in 100% Superwash Merino Wool. I got mine in teal green/blue, the color name is Blue Slide Park! So out of my comfort zone..but it just screamed… “pick me!” (just like the teddy bears)… It included a beautiful cable needle from Knitters’ Pride…can’t wait to try that out! And also included was the pattern for the Riverfront Cowl. I can’t wait to knit this up! #ijoinedthestitchparty is the hashtag they include to use! Sooo much fun!

Stitch Party – Riverfront Cowl

And my final purchase….was waaaayyyyy out of my comfort zone…PINK! I have been seeing all these fade sweaters and shawls…. as well as hand dyed, speckled yarns…. I W A N T it !!!!

So we wandered around until I could find the perfect pink and then something to match it. I finally found the pink I wanted at Yarn Byrds truck. Think gourmet food truck – but yarn instead! I purchase two skeins one in pink and one in yellow to make a shawl. I haven’t decided yet on the pattern, but at least I know what I want to make…do you have any pattern suggestions.

So there you have it…. I had a great time and we are already planning our next yarn adventure! Here are some more pictures from the day. Enjoy!

Shark Infested Waters!

Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium

If you want a closer look at the yarns I purchased…click here to see them on YouTube or head over to Instagram @ PeacocksandPurls.handknits

What’s on my needles now?

I’m finishing up the Quaking Aspen Cowl that I got from Colorado last year…I should be able to finish it on the way to Toledo, OH. We are running the Glass City Half Marathon on Sunday…fun fun!..

After I finish that….I think I will start the Riverfront Cowl…then….I have shawls and sweaters on the brain.

Till then love,

Darcilla

Fiber Adventure + My Birthday! So I just celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago…. And this year my friend and I decided to go to our first fiber festival and make a grand adventure of the day...then later, we’d meet up with our whole group of girlfriends and celebrate all the recent birthdays at dinner together…

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elwincastro901-blog · 6 years ago

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Best hiking tips for new hikers

Get outside and enjoy one of the simplest, most reinvigorating hobbies there is: hiking.

If you’re new to hiking, read on to learn what you need to know before you hit the trails, whether you’re planning a stroll through the woods or a multi-day backpacking trip.

Why hike?

The wind stung and burned our faces. Step by step, we made our way upwards, and then we were there, on top of a snow-covered ridge in western Wyoming, on top of the Continental Divide in the Wind River Mountains.

Though it was late June, the temperature was barely over freezing up on the pass, just under 13,000 feet above sea level.

Above us, a bright blue sky. The view was spectacular, valleys spreading out before us, forests and rivers and glaciers, all of it so tiny and yet so vast.

More hiking guide : https://www.hikingbay.com

We snapped some pictures and began our descent from the ridge, eager to escape the biting cold.

That night we made camp beside a long lake, where it dropped well below zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Today was day seventeen of a thirty-day expedition, and to this day, that unnamed pass over the Divide remains special to me. The amazing beauty of the wilderness, land so wild that even the loggers and miners of the 19th century had been forced back by the cold and the snow.

Land so wild that even before people came to the Americas on wooden ships, the natives of the land only passed through as hunters, as the vicious weather forced them to stay in more hospitable lands for the winters.

How had we arrived here? What drew fifteen people to this wonderful yet desolate place?

For some adventure was the call; for others the wilderness was the place they could go to leave their pasts behind. Whatever the cause, we travelled together. What To Wear On A Hike And Still Look Cute? https://www.hikingbay.com/what-to-wear-on-a-hike-and-still-look-cute

Several of us had spent months in the field before, while for one of our group, this was the first time outside of a city or suburb.

Some people view the wilderness with fear or even distaste. Some live in big cities and don’t have the chance to venture into the great outdoors as often as they would like. Some would like to start hiking but aren’t sure where to start—what gear to buy, where to go, how to navigate, and so on.

And of course there are many like me, wilderness fanatics who need at least a hike or two every week.

If you’re reading this, you might want similar experiences, but how? Isn’t it expensive? Isn’t is difficult or dangerous?

These questions don’t have simple one-word answers, but I’ll do my best to give you solid advice for starting off in hiking. It changed the way I see the world around me, and I hope it will do the same for you. 10 Tips For Hiking Solo: Always Safe And Never Sorry https://www.hikingbay.com/10-tips-for-hiking-solo-always-safe-and-never-sorry

What gear do I need?

One of the most common misconceptions about spending time outdoors is that it will cost you a lot of money.

While this can be true, it doesn’t have to be. So here are some tips for choosing gear that will serve you well and not require you to sell a kidney.

First off, the most important gear out there is not actually equipment. It’s your skills and mindset. All the greatest gear will do absolutely nothing for you if you cannot safely and effectively use it. Just got a new pair of boots? Break them in at the park, not in the wilderness. Also, stay positive. A bad mindset will make you miserable, so keep positive. Being able to laugh at adversity will make hiking a whole lot easier for you.

Next up, use what you already have. You do not need all the newest stuff available.

If you’re brand new to hiking, your first purchases will probably be a good pair of boots and some activewear. Beyond that, take you time to see how you like hiking, build your skill sets, and gradually acquire or upgrade equipment. Once you have more experience, then maybe consider putting money into stuff. 3 Days Colorado Trail Suggestion And Planning https://www.hikingbay.com/3-days-colorado-trail-suggestion-and-planning

Clothing

That said, there is some equipment that is highly recommended for hiking and backcountry travel. I’ll start with clothes: • Hiking boots or shoes • Socks • Hiking sandals • Dry-fit clothes • Merino wool shirt • Raincoat • Sunglasses • Gloves

Footwear

I have seen people going on quick day hikes in full-on heavy mountaineering boots and I can say without any doubt that that is a mistake. Lightweight is your friend.

There are a number of high-quality and relatively lightweight hiking boots on the market. I’ve had luck with brands like Asolo and Vasque. They’re extremely durable, comfortable over long distances, and provide some ankle support over rocky terrain. Some boots come with Gore-Tex coating that will even keep out water.

A solid pair of hiking boots will likely be one of your biggest investments when you start out hiking. Expect to pay $150 to $300 for a quality pair.

If you balk at the price of hiking foot wear, you can consider going hiking in sneakers.

After all, the Lewis and Clark expedition crossed North America from 1804 to 1806 in moccasins. Yes, just plain leather moccasins. The key to wearing minimalist footwear in the field is having strong ankles. I trail run to build ankle strength, and have never had an issue wearing light shoes in the wilderness.

Add some low leg gaiters to the mix to keep out rocks and dust, and you’re set in the footwear department.

Sneakers might lack the ankle support and traction of hiking boots, but they are generally fine for shorter hikes of mild to moderate difficulty. So let’s say you want to try out hiking, or go on the occasional day hike, but aren’t sure you want to splash out on expensive shoes just yet.

If you already own a decent pair of sneakers, try hiking in them. Are they comfortable? Are you able to handle the terrain? And if, over time, you decide to pursue hiking more seriously, you can always buy some hiking boots then.

Now let’s consider socks. A good pair of socks is absolutely indispensable when you’re hiking.

Don’t wear cotton socks. You’ll soon regret it when your sweaty feet start sprouting blisters. Stick to wool socks by brands like Smartwool, REI, or Thorlos.

If you are planning to hike in heavy rain or through any river crossings, consider bringing a spare pair of socks with you. Hiking with wet feet is pretty uncomfortable.

A final footwear option to consider is hiking sandals. These cost around $50 to $100, so they’re a more modest investment than most hiking boots.

I’ve had a pair of Keen hiking sandals for about five years now, and they’ve taken me on some light- to moderate-level hikes. Sandals are not the best idea if you’re going bushwhacking (your feet will get cut up), but if you stick to trails, they can be a great option. They’re also fantastic if you’ll be hiking through water or getting your feet wet. Sandals are lightweight, let your feet breathe, and tend to dry out more quickly than traditional hiking boots.

Plus, if you go camping, they make perfect camp shoes, allowing your feet to air out at the end of the day.

Things to consider: do they provide toe protection? Personally, I like having a cap over my toes since otherwise I have a real knack for scraping them.

How good is the traction? Are they adjustable? My Keens have adjustable straps, which is awesome—sometimes your feet swell a bit by the end of a long day of walking.

Clothing

What should you wear on a hike? You certainly could spend a fortune on the latest, greatest activewear styles, but there’s no need to remortgage your house.

Here are some general guidelines to start with: You’ll want a couple good shirts and at least one pair of pants, shorts, or leggings. A sports bra may be necessary ladies.

If you’re planning to hike in cooler weather, you need at least one warmer, long-sleeve top, along with a coat or rain jacket. And, as discussed above, some good wool socks.

Let’s talk clothing material. As a general rule of thumb, avoid cotton. Why? Because when cotton gets wet, it stays wet for a very long time, and once wet, it has almost no heat retention.

Also, once cotton is wet, it chafes like nothing else. So leave the cotton and denim at home.

Instead, wear a simple pair of thin nylon pants and a dry-fit shirt made of a synthetic fabric. These fabrics dry quickly and won’t cause you discomfort. They’ll wick sweat away from your body instead of getting clammy and keeping it against your skin.

Now what about hiking in the cold? Wool is your friend.

You can bring grandma’s Christmas sweater (seriously, I will respect you forever if you wear a Christmas sweater on a hike without shame). However, typical wool clothes are heavy and bulky, so consider something like merino wool instead.

This stuff is amazing, but yes it costs quite a bit. Look for it on sale or used. Merino wool shirt is light and warm, and it compresses down into nothing if you’re carrying it in a backpack.

I’ve been in sub-zero temperatures Fahrenheit in nothing but a few layers of merino wool and not been overly cold. What about clothing for bad weather? A nice, top-of-the-line raincoat is prohibitively expensive for many people.

Finding The Best Lightweight Sleeping Bag For Hiking https://www.hikingbay.com/finding-the-best-lightweight-sleeping-bag-for-hiking

Arcteryx, my personal favorite, sells coats for around $300 to $500. Yeah. That’s a lot. Again, try buying used, but also be careful not to buy junk. A cheap rubber raincoat from a garage sale may be waterproof, but remember that waterproofing works both ways. It will keep rain out…and it will keep sweat in.

So it is wise to invest in a triple-membrane fabric raincoat. Don’t bother with the technical details, but these coats breathe decently, meaning that you won’t end up drenched and cold in your own sweat. You can get a decent raincoat for around $200 from a company like REI, though try looking at sales to get one for less. I recently picked up a great waterproof coat from L.L. Bean for $90, marked down from $300.

Additional clothing items

Don’t forget to bring sunglasses! As long as you’re okay scratching them up or getting them dirty, they’ll work out fine in the field. Protecting your eyes is important, especially in higher or snowy areas, as the sun can do serious damage to you. And while you’re at it, never forget the sunscreen!

Gloves can also be a sensible purchase for the avid hiker. They protect your hands while you scramble over rocks and keep your fingers warm in colder weather.

I usually bring my Buff along on hikes too. This circular band of material has many uses. Typically, I use mine to shield my neck from the sun or to mop sweat off my face.

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josephkitchen0 · 6 years ago

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Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: Handmade for Your Kitchen!

A few things were certain on every visit to my gramma’s lake cabin each summer. There would be knitted dishcloth patterns in the kitchen, fluffy beach towels stacked in the bathroom, casseroles for dinner, bologna sandwiches for lunch, sunburned shoulders, and crickets chirping in the evening.

There seemed to be an endless supply of these things, and I’ve adopted some of them (no bologna!) in my adult life. My gramma’s and mom’s casserole recipes appear frequently in the meal rotation, we have a section of beach towels in the linen closet, and I love my handmade dishcloths. In fact, I just made a new one this week.

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I am an avid knitter, and I always have a sweater or shawl pattern on my needles, but I like to break up these larger projects with small items, and knitted dishcloth patterns are a great option. If I don’t need a new one, my mom does, or I knit them up for wedding or baby gifts. These handknit items are always appreciated, and you’ll love making them, too.

If you’re just learning how to knit, knitted dishcloth patterns are great practice. I use the world-famous Granny’s Dishcloth; here’s the pattern:

Granny’s Dishcloth (Original Designer Unknown)

Granny’s Knitted Dishcloth

Yarn: Sugar ‘n Cream by Lily (100% cotton; 95 yards [87 meters]; 1.98 oz [56 g]), color shown # 191178, Sonoma Needles: Size 7 US (4.5 mm) Notions: Tapestry needle Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches Finished Size: 7.25” square

Dishcloth

Cast on 4 stitches. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Knit 2, yarn over, knit across row. Repeat Row 2 until there are 46 stitches on the needle. Row 3: Knit 1 knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to end of row. Repeat Row 3 until you have 4 stitches on the needle. Bind off and weave in ends.

The great thing about using this pattern to learn how to knit is that you practice several skills: the knit stitch, the yarn over increase, and the knit two together decrease. All this in a small, super useful dishcloth!

I do have to warn you that these are addictive, and soon you’ll be knitting them for yourself and everyone you know.

More Options—Same Knitted Dishcloth Pattern

This dishcloth pattern is really versatile; turn it into a throw, a baby blanket, or a shawl.

Make a Throw: You can keep increasing (repeating Row 2) until you have 234 stitches to make a 52” throw for your living room. Yarn choices for this would be just about anything! You could choose a soft, worsted-weight merino yarn like Malabrigo Merino or Rios, or a workhorse yarn like Cascade 220 or Lion Brand Wool-Ease.

I’m making these recommendations based on the washcloth gauge, which is 4.5 stitches to 1 inch (18 stitches = 4 inches), but you can really use any size yarn for this pattern. Just keep repeating Row 2 until you get to the width you want, and then start Row 3. Couldn’t be simpler.

Make a Baby Blanket: If you’re looking for the perfect baby blanket pattern, this is it. Choose a washable yarn, such as Knit Picks Comfy Worsted (I love it for baby items), and increase to 135 stitches to make a 30” blanket. Sugar ‘n Cream would work for babies, too. If you want a wool option, Cascade 220 is a good choice, and it comes in lots of colors.

Make a Shawl: For the easiest of shawl patterns, follow the first half of the dishcloth pattern (Rows 1 and 2), and keep knitting until you have the width you want, and then bind off. You can use any yarn that you have on hand. Many knitters have an overabundance of sock yarn, which is perfect for shawls. (If you know how to knit socks, you’ll probably have a ton of sock yarn to choose from!) If you’re using sock yarn—also called fingering yarn—increase to 294 stitches, and then cast off. You’ll end up with a 56-inch-wide shawl. This pattern is based on knitting 5.25 stitches to the inch on size US 2½ needles (3.0 mm).

Choosing Dishcloth Yarn

Cotton yarn is the go-to for knitted dishcloth patterns. There are lots of options in many gauges. If you’ve been knitting for awhile, chances are you have some in your stash already!

I’ve just discovered a bamboo yarn, Universal Bamboo Pop, which is naturally anti-bacterial, and would be perfect for a dishcloth. It knits up into a super-soft fabric, so it would be great for a washcloth or facecloth, too. Knit one of these bamboo versions, pair it with a beautiful soap, and you have a wonderful gift with a handmade touch. I think handmade gifts are the best to give and receive.

If you spin your own yarn, use it for washcloths, too! I’ve knit one out of a non-washable wool; I (gasp) washed it, and it was fine. It shrunk a little bit, but it still works just fine. Give it a try.

Turn Dishcloths into Dollars

Looking for small craft business ideas? Washcloths are so quick to make, you could knit up a bunch and sell them at craft fairs. If you’re a soap maker, why not add washcloths to the mix? I’ve seen them at craft fairs, and they’re always good sellers. People have been using this particular pattern for years and years, and seeing one of Granny’s dishcloths brings a sense of nostalgia to many of us. That’s a pretty great marketing tool!

I hope you’ll try making a washcloth. I know you’ll enjoy using them, and maybe you can start a tradition in your family like I’ve got in mine.

Cheers,

For more information on knitting, check out these books available from the Countryside Network bookstore! The Essential Guide To Color Knitting Techniques, The Knitting Answer Book, Knit Socks!, and One-Skein Wonders for Babies.

P.S. Do you use or knit Granny’s dishcloths? Leave a comment and share your experience with knitted dishcloth patterns!

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: Handmade for Your Kitchen! was originally posted by All About Chickens

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dagdstyle-blog · 7 years ago

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I love my blazers and sportcoats. But I will admit that in 2017 it can be hard to wear a blazer or sportcoat without people asking you if you are going to an interview or “why are you so dressed up?”. In our current dressed-down society, anything beyond the boring button-up shirt plus chinos will get a second look from other people. I mean, you can just say to hell with it and wear what you want and I do wear blazers and sportcoats regularly to work, but there are other options as well that are not quite as formal but also not as boring as just a shirt and pants. I personally don’t like to wear certain kinds of outerwear indoors – long jackets/coats and anything puffy are usually out for me. These are usually just too long/unwieldy/hot indoors and belong on the coat rack. They are called outerwear for a reason.

Cardigans

These are my usual go-to if I need something other than a jacket. It’s more interesting in a heavier knit or with a bit of pattern like a cable knit. Merinos are usually too light and can be a bit boring – I like it chunky. I also like shawl collars for their shape – the collar rolls a bit like the lapels of a blazer and just looks better than a regular cardigan. I buy these a little oversized so they are a bit slouchy and relaxed looking. Plus if the weather gets cooler I can wear a thicker shirt, overshirt, or jumper/sweater underneath the cardigan. And pockets, I like pockets ’cause you need somewhere to put your hands/phone/pens/sandwich. A nice alternative to the shawl cardigan is the shirt collar cardigan – I’ve been digging some of the models from Inverallan. Chunky numbers also can come in cotton/linen/blends if wool is too hot (my building’s heating is ridiculously cranked up in winter…no wonder we have global warming). I’ve got a nice indigo cotton/wool blend cardi from RRL and it is great for our temps in Sydney.

Chore/workwear jackets

But summer is just around the corner, why the hell am I talking about knitwear?? Yeah sorry. When the mercury goes up, chore jackets and work jackets are a nice light option. French chore jackets were all the rage a few years ago thanks to the love of all things workwear and heritage but they are still a good option now. If it’s made out of a lighter weave in 100% cotton or cotton/linen blend or 100% linen they will be nice and breathable in warmer weather (they also come in wool, corduroy, and moleskin for the cool months). The shirt collar styles are easier to wear but chore jackets also come in blazer collar styles. These look slightly more dressed up but are still pretty casual looking because of the patch pockets, lack of lining, natural shoulders, and slouchy fit. And because these are work jackets, they usually have 3 or 4 pockets! You can carry a sandwich, a drink, and some pens! I’ve seen many nice options from Vetra, Arpenteur, and of course there’s no shortage of vintage french chore jackets on eBay. There’s also awesome denim chore jackets from the likes of Engineered Garments, Orslow, Blackhorse Lane Arteliers (they make an awesome natural indigo version), and Blue Blue Japan (they have a beautiful patchwork boro and a less out there sashiko version). For inspiration, check out Ethan’s blog and Gerry’s instagram.

Overshirts/shirt jackets

Or shackets or jirts… no I made that last one up. Stupid names but good alternative to the chore jacket. These can have a more workwear/camping vibe ala flannel overshirt, which is a bit like a chore jacket but with less pockets (sometimes). I have a Uniqlo U overshirt which is pictured above (Uniqlo U is designed in collab with Christopher Lemaire who is known for oversized, relaxed fits) and it is very useful for layering or just a bit more warmth on mildly nippy days. Shackets can also have a military vibe – for example OG107 shirt jackets used in the US army, recognised by their olive colour (thats what the OG stands for…yes I know, I thought it was original gangsta too) and double pockets with buttoned flaps. I love all things olive so naturally I have one of these too. Overshirts can be worn over other button-up shirts or over t-shirts/henleys or by themselves. You can tell they are not supposed to be tucked in because they have a flat hem (as opposed to curved hems at the front and back like on shirts you are meant to tuck in), and they usually have other details like larger buttons.

Military jackets

Speaking of military overshirts, other military jackets can work as well though they toe the line because these are technically outerwear. Long parkas like the M-59 are out, and the M-65 could work depending on the setting (I usually still feel weird wearing my M-65 at work). The M-43 or M-41 could work because they have a slightly dressier shirt collar. Drake’s also makes a wonderful “D-43” which is their version of a M-43 in a waxed cotton version or a linen version. Military-inspired jackets like my EG Bedford in olive ripstop also toe the line between blazer, chore jacket, and military jacket.

Unstructured Blazers

Yeah ok I started off saying non-blazer jacket but blazers can vary in formality (the EG Bedford mentioned above as case in point). Unstructured, unlined, and minimally structured jackets with no shoulder padding look more casual. More casual-looking textured fabrics (rather than smooth worsted wool) and features like patch pockets, elbow patches, and throat latches also add to the casualness and can make these jackets easier to wear. Brands such as Engineered Garments, Barena, and RRL are really good at this. Barena also makes a knit blazer which is halfway between a blazer and a cardigan. I have always loved corduroy but it looks like corduroy is coming back in a big way this season. There are fantastic corduroy offerings from Drake’s new Easyday line, Barena, RRL, and Engineered Garments. We are well into Spring in Oz but a corduroy jacket is definitely in my sights for Autumn.

The Not-a-Blazer Jacket for Work I love my blazers and sportcoats. But I will admit that in 2017 it can be hard to wear a blazer or sportcoat without people asking you if you are going to an interview or "why are you so dressed up?".

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josephkitchen0 · 7 years ago

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Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: Handmade for Your Kitchen!

Our best chicken secrets revealed with this FREE guide!

Even old pros say they got dozens of tips for their flocks by reading this guide. YES! I want this Free Guide »

If you’re just learning how to knit, knitted dishcloth patterns are great practice. I use the world-famous Granny’s Dishcloth; here’s the pattern:

Granny’s Dishcloth (Original Designer Unknown)

Granny’s Knitted Dishcloth

Dishcloth

I do have to warn you that these are addictive, and soon you’ll be knitting them for yourself and everyone you know.

More Options—Same Knitted Dishcloth Pattern

This dishcloth pattern is really versatile; turn it into a throw, a baby blanket, or a shawl.

Choosing Dishcloth Yarn

Cotton yarn is the go-to for knitted dishcloth patterns. There are lots of options in many gauges. If you’ve been knitting for awhile, chances are you have some in your stash already!

Turn Dishcloths into Dollars

I hope you’ll try making a washcloth. I know you’ll enjoy using them, and maybe you can start a tradition in your family like I’ve got in mine.

Cheers,

P.S. Do you use or knit Granny’s dishcloths? Leave a comment and share your experience with knitted dishcloth patterns!

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: Handmade for Your Kitchen! was originally posted by All About Chickens

0 notes

josephkitchen0 · 7 years ago

Text

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: Handmade for Your Kitchen!

Our best sheep advice revealed...

Even old pros say they got dozens of tips for their flocks by reading this guide. YES! I want this Free Report »

If you’re just learning how to knit, knitted dishcloth patterns are great practice. I use the world-famous Granny’s Dishcloth; here’s the pattern:

Granny’s Dishcloth (Original Designer Unknown)

Granny’s Knitted Dishcloth

Dishcloth

I do have to warn you that these are addictive, and soon you’ll be knitting them for yourself and everyone you know.

More Options—Same Knitted Dishcloth Pattern

This dishcloth pattern is really versatile; turn it into a throw, a baby blanket, or a shawl.

Choosing Dishcloth Yarn

Cotton yarn is the go-to for knitted dishcloth patterns. There are lots of options in many gauges. If you’ve been knitting for awhile, chances are you have some in your stash already!

Turn Dishcloths into Dollars

I hope you’ll try making a washcloth. I know you’ll enjoy using them, and maybe you can start a tradition in your family like I’ve got in mine.

Cheers,

P.S. Do you use or knit Granny’s dishcloths? Leave a comment and share your experience with knitted dishcloth patterns!

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: Handmade for Your Kitchen! was originally posted by All About Chickens

0 notes