Sign In
Weekend reading: Shopping for denim, simplicity myths, and rhubarb rosewater syrup
I’m pretty excited to bowl for kitties this weekend, including this sweet gal above. Her name is Symphony and she’s a little dream. Alsyon and I met her a couple weeks ago at the Pixie Project and fell in love. She’s sweet but a little sassy.
There’s still time to make a tax deductible donation for these little guys and gals. If you have a pet that was a rescue, you can make a donation in their honor.
If not, maybe consider making a donation to a rescue in your own area! It’s such a good thing to remember once in a while that a tiny bit of money can alleviate so much suffering.
Here are some great links for you to peruse this Spring weekend:
- Myth busting what it means to live a simple life. What’s so interesting are that there are two opposing ideas about simplicity: that it’s about anti-materialism and asceticism, and that it’s about luxury. The Nife en L’Air eloquently busts these myths.
- In this TED talk, David Brooks asks whether you should live your life for your résumé or your eulogy. Also found this TED talk via The Nife en L’Air
- An epic post on shopping for denim. I love my Levi’s, but next time I’ll be looking specifically for jeans made in the US. This guide gives lots of great advice.
- Rhubarb and rosewater syrup, yum!
- 7 tips for upgrading your lingerie wardrobe. I am mad about lingerie. This is great advice (and I really need to take some of it, especially throwing out old things).
- Alexandra Lange compares 3D printers to the sewing machine. “Yes, sewing your own garment will take some time, but then you will have exactly what you want. That’s why women bother.” This is a thought provoking piece on the role of technology and the culture of making. (found via @SewinLove)
Comments
Janet
May 16, 2014 #
Thanks for the link about denim! I am still shopping for some 100% cotton jeans (Nudies won’t work for me without some alteration because of my most definite hourglass shape), but I am getting more comfortable with the idea of making some myself.
Ericka
May 16, 2014 #
Do you have a list of denim made in the US?
Sarai
May 16, 2014 #
Not yet, but I’ve been looking at Imogene and Willie. They’re pricey, but made in Nashville and people really seem to love them, plus there’s a store here in Portland.
Stephanie
May 16, 2014 #
I can’t get over the denim blog. Raw denim sounds lovely, and these are great things to keep in mind… if you’re straight sized!! We plus size ladies have very limited options when it comes to jeans.
Victoria
May 16, 2014 #
Flint and Tinder recently had a kickstarter for made to measure raw salvage jeans, made in america. They made some women’s jeans, which was super exciting, but for some reason they only made them with a 26″ inseam! I’m six foot tall and that wouldn’t work for me at all so I didn’t get a pair, but I’m hoping they have them on their site for sale in a few months.
Libby
May 17, 2014 #
When it comes to ethical denim, I’m a massive fan of Monkee Genes. I never really wore jeans that often, but when my old pair were covered in paint and too short in the leg, I decided to buy a good, ethical pair that I might actually wear more often. They’re Soil Association approved/organic, and basically just really nice. They’re UK-based, but hopefully you can find something similar in the US!
s j kurtz
May 17, 2014 #
LC King/Pointer Brand is woefully limited in their women’s jeans; they have one, but it’s pretty good stuff. I confess to buying a pair and then altering to fit me.
Beyond that, making your own is Not That Hard. There are a billion blog posts (mine included, but Grainline, Fehr Trade and Male Pattern Boldness stand out) about the process; if I can make them, any Shirley can. Best bet is to trace off a pair you already love and work out the fit from there. Also a big hand raised for Kenneth King’s “Jeanius” online class. I love Kenneth’s Fortuny jeans, and made a pair for myself in his honor. Once you get close enough to what works for you, it becomes quite addictive to make MORE.
Rachael-Lynn
May 18, 2014 #
Imogene and Willie is a great company. I used to live in Nashville and have been to their store on 12 South. But you’re right, they are really pricey. But they are made in the U.S. and don’t have stretch in them so they will last forever! (Remember when GAP jeans, or any for that matter, used to be 100% denim and they would go out of style before they would ever wear out?? Now, you’re lucky if they last a year or two…so cheap.)
Thanks for the article about living simply. I am seriously considering building a tiny home next year. I love the idea of the tiny home but as I spend hours looking over plans and websites, I see all the homes people have built with things like no showers or other very minimalist ideas. Sometimes I have thought it “bad” that I want a tiny home but I don’t want to give up comfort (or showers!). I want nice things in my home and if I build it small I could afford them! But I like the idea of less space to collect things. Less clutter in my mind equals more freedom.
Beth
May 20, 2014 #
I sew and my husband works with 3D printers. Thank you for providing good reading for both of us!
liz
May 21, 2014 #
It’s great to here that you are involved in animal organizations. Our cat is a rescue that was abandoned twice. He brings my husband and I so much joy. He’s a cutie. He is the inspiration behind “Kitty Corner” on my blog: cats, fashion and the ultimate – CAT FASHION. It doesn’t get any better than that. Stop by I think you would like it.
starting a company
May 23, 2014 #
Article writing is also a excitement, if you
be acquainted with then you can write otherwise it is
complicated to write.
storenvy.com
May 24, 2014 #
Wonderful post! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our website.
Keep up the good writing.