Spring Picks @ L.L. Bean Signature

Posted on | March 18, 2010 | 13 Comments

How do you jump start a classic brand and capture the wallets of the 20-35 demographic? L.L. Bean launched their new signature line this week inspired by classics from their archive. Alex Carleton preppy hipster guru designed the collection by updating the styling to appeal to a younger audience—No mom jeans in sight. Check out Carleton’s store Rogues Gallery in Portland for more menswear pieces with an extra slather of, I found this in my grandfather’s chest perfectly worn.

I ordered a few pieces and I’m already pretty impressed with the quality. My top pick? The textured pullover (top left)—super soft, great knit and weight— A sweater I can wear now and through the summer on cool nights. A washed in cotton chambray (bottom right) button down is cute tucked in with a rope belt and perfect paired with shorts this summer. The striped scoopneck (upper right) is not part of the signature line but I had to throw it in. Beans makes really great cotton tees. Long and thick cotton. Snag up a few for $24 each before they sell out.

Below a few styled shots from the Signature line. I just want to put this out there…Does anyone else feel like they should have called the collection, “Classic Away Maine” ? In Maine your referred to from “Away” if you’re a tourist or a transplant. The collection oozes blue blood summer-house clothes. I’m not complaining maybe just feeling snarky this morning? I love the new line but it did make me laugh when I first saw the styled spreads of idyllic Maine. Find out more at llbeansignature.com.

ll bean signature spring 2010 Spring Picks @ L.L. Bean Signature

women and mens line at ll bean signature Spring Picks @ L.L. Bean Signature

Category: fashion

Knit & Crocheted Cowls

Posted on | January 13, 2010 | 5 Comments

I’ve really been getting into knitting. I am working on another hat using super soft Cascade Yarns Baby Alpaca. I saw an upcoming class at Seed Stitch in Salem, Ma that covers purl and how to combine purl and knit into seed stitch, a basket weave, ridge stitch, caterpillar stitch, basic cables. I need to learn more stitches in order make more advanced projects like cowls and mittens.

I was cruising around on etsy this morning and spotted these beautiful knit and crocheted cowls by Knittles. Knittles is run by two moms Mavis & Olga out of Canada. They create handmade hats, mittens, and cowls. I enjoy the different colors and textures in their work. I love their cowls because they can easily be tucked into jackets without adding extra bulk. The cowls above and below are available for purchase through their etsy shop ranging in price from $45 to $100, knittles.etsy.com.

il 430xN.115695364 Knit & Crocheted Cowls

il 430xN.108229773 Knit & Crocheted Cowls

Embroidered Necklaces

Posted on | January 8, 2010 | 4 Comments

It’s barely snowing outside. The flakes are light and fluffy like falling sugar. I thought I would take a little break from home renovation talk and share these embroidered necklaces. Kinda artsy, funky, cool. A great way to add some color to a winter wardrobe. Buy now at Spin Thread’s etsy shop.

il 430xN.114298713 Embroidered Necklaces

Category: fashion, jewelery, textiles

My First Knit Hat

Posted on | December 10, 2009 | 15 Comments

I just finished my first knit hat in the round! I can’t believe I actually did it. It took forever compared to the scarves I’ve made. Most of the hat had 88 stitches around on 8 point needles. One row took me about 9 minutes. My hands are achy and my fingertips hurt. Maybe I’ll try fingerless gloves next?

p.s. The hat is actually a nice gray not blue like the photo suggests. The sun was setting and I made Greg run outside to take my photo in front of the neighbor’s house. I only got one shot before he screamed it was too cold and ran back inside.

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Four scarves for Christmas

Category: diy, fashion

Seed Stitch Scarves

Posted on | November 18, 2009 | 6 Comments

Last winter, I made hand-knit scarves for my nieces christmas presents. I’m a total beginner and only know how to knit a basic stitch. I came across these pretty scarves by Jill Bent this morning and was pretty envious. I would love to master the seed stitch. It’s one of my favorites. I think I need to learn “purl” first. I noticed over at Jill’s etsy shop she’ll be showing off her wares this Saturday in Boston at the annual Design Salon Holiday Sale. Maybe I should I go?

p.s. jill also makes lovely grain sack pillows too!