little log cabin

Sugaring, pt. 3

2011-03-24T22:46:00.011-04:00

View from "Siberia"

Truck with 325 gallon tank

Students collecting sap.

As you can see from the above photos, sap collecting conditions have been less than ideal. On Monday we had snow for a good part of the day and then rain in the late afternoon. It was also the last day for the students, who go back to class tomorrow, so the crew will be much smaller going forward. Will be interesting to see how things go without them. Today was the last day for Mary, an alum, who was a joy and a hoot to have around. Thanks! The next few days look good in regards to weather conditions and sap collecting. It's been about 4 weeks since we first put up buckets, with a few more weeks to go.

Today, Anna (alum and fellow collector), asked which area or run was my favorite for collecting. I said Maloney, though I had to add that it was also my least favorite, as I managed to blow the transmission in one truck (it was only a matter of time) and get another stuck in that particular bush. It's actually two bushes and really the only ones that are in the woods. The other collecting areas are on the main campus of NMH, the old campus in Northfield, and in several peoples yards. Being in the woods is what I imagined a large part of sugaring would be about, and Maloney doesn't disappoint. I'll try to get a few photos.

You can find more info here and some photos here.

D.I.Y. Cooking Handbook

2011-03-18T21:32:00.005-04:00

photo by Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times

Saw this today in the New York Times Dining & Wine section. In keeping with the last few posts there's a recipe for maple vinegar which looks interesting. There's also a recipe for kimchi and some useful resources. Enjoy.

Sugaring, pt. 2

2011-03-16T20:45:00.001-04:00

Firing up the arch.

The evaporator.

Sap flowing into the larger pan of the evaporator.

Once the fire gets going and the sap starts to boil things get a bit steamy.

Skimming off foam and impurities.

Draining boiled sap for the finishing pan.

Sap well on its way to becoming syrup in the finishing pan.

The finished product, bottled and ready for use.

The sap has started to flow and we're getting enough to make some syrup. The basic process is fairly simple: bring sap to a boil to get rid of excess water and concentrate the sugar. In practice it means paying close attention to a number of details, such as keeping the fire at a constant temperature and keeping the sugar within an acceptable level, somewhere around 66%. The whole process remains a bit of mystery to me as I've been too busy learning where all the various buckets are and trying to collect in as efficient a manner as possible with a team of students and other workers and volunteers. The weather has been a bit on the wet side, which means that a lot of the snow has melted, but has also made some of the roads in to some areas muddy morasses. Today we produced 115 gallons of syrup, which is something of a record (thanks in large part to the reverse osmosis machine which extracts a good amount of H20 before boiling). Hope to get some photos of the collecting process and the lines and vacuum pumps that are in place.

Sugaring

2011-03-10T22:42:00.001-05:00

The basic setup. Tap, bucket, lid, and maple tree.

Starting to flow.

The crew working hard to get the last of the days buckets in place.

The sugaring has begun at Northfield Mount Hermon. After a week of getting trees tapped, buckets in place, lines set, and pumps in working order, we've started to get some sap. Still plenty of snow on the ground though, making collecting a bit of a slog. Up til now the amount of sap collected has been fairly low, but things are looking up. Today we collected around 1500 gallons. Tomorrow should be even better. The students who signed up to work this past week helping to collect, boil, and bottle syrup have done a great job under some trying conditions. Hopefully some of them are already looking forward to next year. I'll post again soon, with some photos and description of the collecting and boiling process.

Barnyard Menagerie

2011-01-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

Cam

Kate

Lil Debbie

Eliza

Cider House

Sugar House

The Barn

Looking east toward Brush Mountain (and home)

A few pictures of life at the NMH farm. The snow is deep and the horses and cows both seem to enjoy it. The calves seemed a bit unsure at first, but no longer seem to mind. I've been mucking out the stalls and feeding the animals in the morning, sometimes by myself and lately, with students. Not sure how much the kids enjoy it, but I find it very satisfying and always different. Nothing like a routine to shine a light on the subtle differences from day to day. It's a very small farm and no doubt very different from a larger, working concern. All told there are 3 milk cows, 2 heifers, 3 calves, 4 horses, and a cat. They all have to be fed and cleaned up after. The milk from two of the cows is sold as raw milk and used to make cheese and ice cream. Still have a hard telling them apart, but do know they have very different personalities.

It's pretty cold here today, 8º, with a predicted low of -20º tonight. Brrrr. Snow is in the forecast every day up to Thursday. Checking the forecast is a daily activity this time of year. Snug inside with the stove going (though it does eat up the wood!) and some soup simmering. I've been knitting hats and working on sewing a pair of pajamas. But I think I'm ready for spring.

On a different note. The above is a snap of my siblings. Waiting for pizza at Papalinos in Louisville. Damn good pizza, but the wait was a bit long. They certainly were doing a brisk business. Part of the appeal is the fact that everything is on view. By the time we got there, around 8pm, the dude shaping the pies had done something like 150 pies, and he came on around 5pm. Maybe I'm remembering it wrong, but that's what I think he said. Should have gotten a picture of the pie. If you do go, buy it by the slice. 2 slices equal about half a pie and, for some reason, cheaper.

2010-10-07T22:50:00.001-04:00

Little Log Cabin has moved! To Western Massachusetts, to be exact. A bit of a life change and bit closer to an actual cabin. It's meant having to get a car, stacking wood, and planning my shopping trips. It's also meant lovely scenery, quiet nights, and bear sightings. Last Thursday was all about cidering. From inspecting and cutting out the rotten bits, to grinding, to setting up the press. It was my first time being involved, and it was a long day. I've also tried my hand at apple and raspberry picking, getting a wood stove going properly, and a bit of composting. Really just trying to settle in and figure it all out before winter sets in. Special thanks to all of you who helped make this possible.

2010-06-26T09:08:00.002-04:00

Off to the Wooden Boat Show in Mystic. Hope to post more soon. Have a great weekend.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T19:50:00.003-04:00

Bookend of sorts. Dad in Tennessee (?), ca. 1930's

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:24:00.002-04:00

Wigwam Village No. 2, Cave City, Kentucky ca. 1940's

Maryland Sheep & Wool

2010-05-04T08:24:00.011-04:00

May 1. Maryland Sheep & Wool was this past weekend. Loads of people and exceptionally warm. No rain here. This year I knew what was wanted (a cone of Bartlett's), so instead of searching the stalls for something I spent a bit more time with the sheep. Spoke with a few owners, watched the sheep dog demonstration and sat in on some judging. Enjoyed an amazing picnic (roasted veggies with olives and tofu, couscous, fruit salad, homemade bread, dips and chips) with the ladies. What you might call a perfect day. Many thanks to Wendy & Jennifer for driving.

Clogs

2010-03-05T21:16:00.018-05:00

Balmoral clogs

Derby clogs

Brogue clogs

Boots

I've been looking at these lately and wondering how practical they would be for everyday wear.
Anyone? They certainly look sturdy enough.

2010-03-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

Clemency Anne Rose Gray, restaurateur, chef and author, born 28 January 1939; died 28 February 2010.

Potato and anchovy gratin from, The Cafe Cook Book.

More here and here.

2010-02-14T07:00:00.003-05:00

happy valentines's day!

List of colors

2010-02-12T15:07:00.017-05:00

Top to bottom: Mountbatten pink, caput mortuum, khaki, wenge, rufous, gamboge, forest green, canary yellow, and bole.

My new favorite Wikipedia page: List of colors

Love the names and its interesting to read about the history of some these. Take a look.

Winter walk

2010-02-11T19:34:00.023-05:00

Johnson Woolens doing what they do they best.

My street

You can just see the the top of the dome of the cathedral across the street.

Herringbone gloves.

Snowbound Land Rover.

Not sure about this.

Jeep? The telephone pole in the background is charred black.

Valentine's Day decorations.

What's this?

Peregrine falcon? with an afternoon snack.

All that remained.

Another dumping. 15.8". After this past weekend's storm I'd hope to be able to ride the bike again, but no such luck. Wednesday wasn't much good for anything but staying inside, cooking, movie watching ("Holiday Affair"), and knitting a pair of gloves. Stepped out a few times to get a sense of things and then back in. Today was bright and sunny, so I thought it might be good to take a little look see. I spoke to my friend Lynn who said she might walk down to see the river. Thought I might try to do the same, but never quite made it. But I did see a few interesting things. The Peregrine just topped things off rather nicely. Couldn't get close enough to get a good photo, and it didn't take a chance on me getting it's kill. Off it flew with dinner in tow.

28.5"

2010-02-07T10:33:00.007-05:00

photo courtesy the Maine Historical Society

Digging out!

Ramen

2010-02-01T20:02:00.004-05:00

all photos by Basil Childers for The New York Times

"With a week’s stubble on his chin, his eyeglasses fogged with steam and a towel wrapped around his neck, he certainly looks ganko, or stubborn, and he speaks hardly a word as he methodically fills bowls with careful dollops of flavorings and fats, ladles of rich broth, noodles cooked just al dente and shaken free of excess water, a slab of roast pork, a supple sheet of seaweed, a tangle of pickled bamboo shoots. All is silent until the final moment, when the chef drizzles hot oil on top and the shreds of pale-green scallion squeal and sizzle."

rest of article here.

"Night Mail"

2010-01-22T12:32:00.000-05:00

part 1

part 2

part 3

"This is the Night Mail crossing the border / Bringing the cheque and the postal order".

Monty

2010-01-20T17:06:00.003-05:00

"… a poorly tailored bohemian painter."

2009-12-10T21:30:00.005-05:00

Peter Duck, 1932

Coot Club, 1934

Pigon Post, 1936

Secret Water, 1939

The Big Six, 1940

The Picts and The Martyrs, 1943

Great Northern, 1947

A few Arthur Ransome books I found the other day. Was looking for the first in the series, Swallows and Amazons, but these will do. Finished Coot Club, and The Big Six. Just starting Peter Duck and hope to find the rest of the series with same wonderful covers. They remind me a bit of the kids in the Archers, A Canterbury Tale. Ripping good yarns!

2009-10-22T21:49:00.004-04:00

Chebeague Island Fisherman's Wet mitten. (after fulling)

Chebeague Island Fisherman's Wet mitten. (before fulling)

I just knit up a pair of these. Bartlett's 2 ply yarn purchased at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival. Pattern from Robin Hansen's excellent Favorite Mittens. They knit up very fast, over a weekend , more or less and about an hour to do the fulling (scrubbing in hot water and then plunging in cold water repeatedly). Hoping they will provide some much needed comfort in the winter riding ahead. The fishermen wet these in cold water and wring them out before going out for the day. We'll see how well that works. I suppose it's a bit like a wet suit. I wonder how these would stand up to the famous Dachstein mittens? From what I can tell they seem to be a bit thicker than these. Anyone out there own a pair?

2009-09-07T23:52:00.008-04:00

Francis Rogallo, and his wife Gertrude, inventors of the V-shaped flexible "parawing."

Test flight of the parawing.

The Redstone booster carrying the spacecraft is mounted for testing in Langley's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel.

Lunar Orbit and Letdown Approach Simulator.

Langley engineers check out the interior of the inflatable 24-foot space station in January 1962.

The "Whole Earth" as photographed by Lunar Orbiter V.

photos courtesy of NASA.

For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn only by doing them. Aristotle

2009-09-04T11:22:00.009-04:00

Gossamer Albatross

Preparing for the first flight, July 16, 1978

Assessing damage, March 12, 1979

Shafter, California. March 13, 1979

Over the English Channel, June 12, 1979.

photos coutesy of Donald Monroe

From Wikipedia: The Gossamer Albatross was a human-powered aircraft built by American aeronautical engineer Dr. Paul B. MacCready's AeroVironment. On June 12, 1979 it completed a successful crossing of the English Channel to win the second Kremer prize.

Very interesting Paul MacCready interview here.

Gossamer Odyssey: The Triumph of Human-Powered Flight by Morton Grosser gives a detailed account of the project.

2009-07-03T21:46:00.007-04:00

Library of Congress. Indian Bone Game on Fourth of July

Hoping everyone has a happy Independence Day.
I'll be making some cole slaw and bags.

2009-06-12T22:02:00.000-04:00

this

plus this

plus this

plus this

plus this

plus this

plus this

equals this

and this.

Perhaps a bit past its expiration date, but this is the bike I cobbled together last summer before the job ended, and boy am I glad I did. Picked up some of my favorite parts, and put together a bike that serves nearly all my needs. A joy to ride, and hopefully, one I'll have at least as long as I've had my Trek (25 years). She feels a tad slow out of the gate, but once we get going, very nice. 4 gears, but I have to stop if I want to change; a chance to take a short break and ready myself.

2009-06-09T18:50:00.007-04:00

Whoever has Cold Mountain's poems
is better off than those with sutras.
Write them up on your screen
and read them from time to time.

Han-Shan, fl. 9th century (translated by Red Pine)

Do you have the poems of Han-Shan in your house?
They're better for you than sutra-reading!
Write them out and paste them on a screen
Where you can glance them over from time to time.

Han-Shan, fl. 9th century (translated by Burton Watson)

Two translations of the same poem. Wish I knew some Chinese to see how I feel about this. I like them both, but can't help feeling that reading things in translation is, well, secondhand. One always has the feeling that possibly something is amiss. I experienced this when reading "The Magic Mountain". I'd read the H.T. Lowe-Porter translation several times, but wanted to read the John E. Woods translation, which I found slightly disappointing. Was it the translation or my familiarity with the earlier version? Which is "closer" to the original?

and to complicate it further:

Poems of Han-Shan?
Better than the sutras.
Post them on your screen
and remind yourself from time to time.

"Thomas Mann and Proust were lucky in their translators." Cocteau.

One more for the road:

In a tangle of cliffs, I chose a place -
Bird paths, but no trails for me.
What's beyond the yard?
White clouds clinging to vague rocks.
Now I've lived here - how many years -
Again and again, spring and winter pass.
Go tell families with silverware and cars
"What's the use of all that noise and money?"

Han-Shan, fl. 9th century (translated by Gary Snyder)

2009-05-27T14:37:00.007-04:00

I've been busy sewing and have a few tote bags made of waxed cotton and canvas with a zippered pocket on the inside. bag dimensions: 16.5" w x 14"h. pocket is roughly 9" w x 5" h. Etsy store should be up soon, still working out some details. If you're interested send me an email: franklinstreetbags(at)gmail(dot)com. Perfect for the market, rain or shine.

2009-05-23T18:39:00.000-04:00

Example of blind stamping

Large A2 cryo knife

Beaver stick

Knife by Fred J. Birck, ca. 1913-25

all photos courtesy of Jeff Peachey

I have only minimal experience with book conservation, but as a preservation technician for several years, and as one who has worked in libraries and archives for nearly a decade, I think I can safely say that Jeff Peachy has some wonderful ruminations on the craft. He obviously knows what he's doing and speaks on a number issues that come his way during his daily practice. Well worth a look see. And he has footnotes! His tools look good, too.

2009-05-15T21:10:00.006-04:00

Photo courtesy of the Rue des Archives/The Granger Collection, New York

Erich Abram, Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni during the ascent of the 28,250-foot K2 in July 1954.

"Achille Compagnoni, one of the first two men to reach the summit of K2, the world’s second highest peak and among the most dangerous, died Wednesday in Aosta, in northwestern Italy. He was 94."

more here and here.

2009-05-13T19:20:00.005-04:00

Old Town Clothing

Within a week I have had made a pair of corduroy pants, which cost when done $1.60. They are of that peculiar clay-color, reflecting the light from portions of their surface. They have this advantage, that, beside being very strong, they will look about as well three months hence as now,—or as ill, some would say. Most of my friends are disturbed by my wearing them. I can get four or five pairs for what one ordinary pair would cost in Boston, and each of the former will last two or three times as long under the same circumstances. The tailor said that the stuff was not made in this country; that it was worn by the Irish at home, and now they would not look at it, but others would not wear it, durable and cheap as it is, because it is worn by the Irish. Moreover I like the color on other accounts. Anything but black clothes.

Henry David Thoreau
May 8, 1857

2009-05-11T15:28:00.016-04:00

Kiln shed

Main fire box.

Frank stoking the fire.

"Peep" hole

Inspecting the flame.

Junji and Willi

Sealing up the stoking ports.

Spring firing at Willi Singleton's noborigama kiln, Hawk Mountain, Pa.

Spent the weekend helping to fire a kiln. My brother has been helping out for nearly a decade and I was lucky enough to be able to join him this time. When we arrived Saturday evening they were stoking the main fire box. By the time our shift came around early Sunday morning, they were stoking the second chamber. By 4 in the afternoon all the chambers had been fired and the kiln was sealed up. In about three days, after the kiln has cooled down, the pottery will be removed. Think barn raising and sitting around a campfire all wrapped up into one. The flame is mesmirizing and has something just a little bit holy about it.

Willi on firing: "Firing is not something to be rushed through as quickly as possible. The Thanksgiving ritual of spending all day cooking the turkey and side dishes is more like my idea of firing: gathering with friends and spending all day (or two) enjoying the undertaking. The memorable Thanksgivings in my life have been as much about preparing the food with people you enjoy and care about as sitting at the table and partaking of the meal. My firings, which take place twice a year, have been made possible by the friends and family that gather kiln-side and work in concert. It may not be gourmet cooking, but the warmth and camaraderie can be felt, and the opportunity to interact with the powerful flame leaves an impression on participants. It may look like a party at times, but there is serious work going on and the experienced stokers know that good timing and focusing on the flame is paramount." from "Slow Clay".

Working with a group of people, many of whom I had never met before, was a blast. Thanks to Willi, Celia, Tom, Bev, Junji, Micah, Charlie, Audrey, Andrew, Frank, Barney, and many others who made the weekend so much fun.

2009-05-09T13:14:00.009-04:00

Maryland Sheep & Wool, 2009
a bit more here.

2009-05-08T19:10:00.000-04:00

Camping equipment advertising cards ca. 1920's

2009-04-29T21:07:00.007-04:00

Abercrombie's Camp 1928 catalog.

David T. Abercrombie organized Abercrombie's Camp in 1908, after leaving Abercrombie and Fitch. Catalog found in the late '90's when Barnett Canvas Goods were moving out. More posts to follow.

2009-04-29T19:55:00.002-04:00

"By breakfast time we had made good progress and were able to look out on the neighbouring hills"

"After breakfast we began to tackle or job in real earnest."

Climbing Borrowdale Fells, Cumbria (1926)
An extract from Claude Friese-Greene's 'The Open Road'

view it here. more extracts here.

For those of you interested in climbing and the history of gear, I would recommend Invisible on Everest: Innovation and the Gear Makers. Written by Mary B. Rose in conjunction with Mike Parsons, who ran the British company Karrimor for a number of years, Invisible on Everest is a highly readable romp through the history of climbing / outdoor gear. From the early days of Edward Whymper, Blacks in the 1930's, to Yvon Chouinard, the authors trace the growth of climbing and the various innovations in gear that resulted as a collaboration between climbers and producers. Much of the focus is on British and European companies so don't expect a detailed history of Gerry, North Face, or Holubar. Dispelling the notion that climbers on early expeditions on Everest were dressed for 'a Connemara picnic, surprised by a snowstorm', the book reveals that much of the gear in the past was sophisticated, well thought out, and, ultimately, effective.

2009-04-28T22:36:00.001-04:00

A few choice labels. Most have been with me for years. The Brooksgate jacket was purchased ca. 1985 as part of a suit. The pants have long since been discarded, but the jacket still fits and is in good condition. The North Face jacket was purchased in 1980 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It too is in good condition. Others are hand me downs or thrift store finds. I wonder how many things I buy today will last as long?

2009-04-07T20:46:00.007-04:00

Sewing the front pocket

Pocket completed

Handsewn button holes. Need to work on this.

Hand warmers.

This is what I've been up to for the last few days. More or less finished. I need to get some toggles and cord and I'll be done. The hardest part was the neckline and parts of the hood. I had to do the neck three times before I was satisified. I have enough fabric left over for a second version and I'd like to encorporate some modifications: zippers on the sides, a zippered front for the hood, some velcro on the cuffs, and possibly a different front pocket. I have a copy of "Sew & Repair Your Outdoor Gear" by Louise Lindgren Sumner waiting for me at the library and I hope it has some good tips. Brother Tom has put an order in, but he'll have to wait until I get this thing down. Will report shortly on how well it keeps out the elements.

p.s. Check out Archival Clothing for some detail shots on the Hilltrek jacket I purchased a few months back. Nice jacket - made in Aboyne, Scotland down the road from my namesake, Alford.

2009-04-04T00:07:00.002-04:00

Rapha Campionissimo Shirt

Seriously coveting this, but at $240, a serious investment. Nice looking, though. Maybe I can knit something in a similar vein.

This Sunday is the Ronde van Vlaaderen ( Tour of Flanders) and next Sunday, Paris-Roubaix. Two of the great Spring Classics. You can watch some of 1976's "A Sunday in Hell", a 1977 documentary directed by Jørgen Leth, here and here. Anyone have a copy?

2009-04-02T17:46:00.004-04:00

Courtesy the Mark H. Dunkelman Collection

“Whose Father Was He?” — an investigation into a photograph of three children found on the dead body of Amos Humiston, a fallen Union soldier, at Gettysburg in 1863.

An intriguing series of articles by Errol Morris. For anyone who has ever wanted to dig deeper for the story behind a photograph.

Start reading here.

2009-03-29T20:24:00.019-04:00

Waxwear swatch set

Waxwear - 6.5 oz in stone.

A start. I picked a color and ordered several yards for the next anorak. Searching for some cord for the drawstring and thinking about zippers on the sides for ventilation. Looking for the right kind of cord. Not so easy.

Shock cord with Toaster toggle on L.L. Bean down vest.

Anyone know who might carry shock cord (if indeed it is shock cord) in this color combo? I've yet to see the clear plastic grommets anywhere as well.

2009-03-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

kim chi

For the last several years I've been making my own kimchi. Tastes nothing like what I've had in restaurants or purchased in stores. Fresh, clean, with the bite of ginger and garlic, delicious. Pretty easy, too. I added some turnip greens and jalepanos to the last batch.

kim chi recipe:

ingredients:
1 napa cabbage
daikon radish w/ greens if possible - chopped.
carrots - chopped, sliced into matchsticks, whatever you want.
scallions - one bunch, chopped.
garlic - as much as you want, but at least half a head
ginger - about the size of a walnut
fish sauce - a couple of tablespoons
salt
korean red pepper flakes - several handfulls. try a small amount at first and taste.
sesame seeds - a handfull
a little sugar to feed it

(you could also add broccoli,turnip greens,lemons, apples... no potatoes or green beans)

first you need to salt the cabbage. i use a big plastic bowl. a glass or ceramic bowl would work just fine, but i would avoid metal.

remove several of the large outer leaves of cabbage and spinkle some salt over them. use sea salt or kosher salt. salt with iodine inhibits bacteria growth.

next cut the cabbage into quarters lengthwise and salt between the leaves. cover bowl and let sit for several hours or overnight. the cabbage should be limp.

rinse cabbage and cut into strips (leaving the large outer leaves to place on top), mix with the chopped vegetables, garlic and ginger, salt (you can be generous), pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. you want to make sure that everything gets well coated. the amount of pepper is really up to you. you can taste it as you go and see what you think. add some fish sauce and little sugar to get things started.

once everything is mixed place kim chi into a jar. i use glass jars with the metal fasteners and gaskets. you can also use a jar with a screw on lid. pack the kim chi in tightly. use a wooden dowel or pestle to pack it down, getting out as much air as possible. leave a little room at top and place one of the large pieces of cabbage on top and salt lightly. don't screw the lid on tightly or snap the metal fastener shut ( i use rubber bands to keep it closed, but if the gas in the jar builds up it can lift the lid slightly). what's happening is the kim chi is beginning to ferment and will produce gas (co2). oxygen will cause mold to grow, so you want some room for the gases to get out, but not for the oxygen to get in. leave out for 48 hours.that should be long enough to get things going.

sometimes the juice will seep out so you might want to place a plate under your jar.

2009-03-21T21:44:00.002-04:00

First published in the "Last Whole Earth Catalog" in 1971, and well worth reading today.

read it here.

2009-03-19T11:26:00.007-04:00

George Washington Sears - "Nessmuk" (1821-1890)

"Go light; the lighter the better, so that you have the simplest material for health, comfort and enjoyment."
-from "Woodcraft and Camping"

Sairy Gamp - courtesy the Smithsonian Institution, obtained from history.nnyln.org

The 9ft. Sairy Gamp, which Nessmuk used for a cruise in the Adirondacks, weighed just 10.5 lbs.
Built by J. Henry Ruston.

more Nessmuk here and here.

2009-03-16T21:20:00.008-04:00

East Greenland anorak, ca. 1850-1892. Inventory number 1071-2. Courtesy of the Museum Volkenkunde, Leiden

East Greenland anorak and mittens, ca. 1925-1934. Inventory 2823-2. Courtesy of the Museum Volkenkunde, Leiden

Jaap van Zuylen wearing a Greenland anorak. Courtesy of the Museum Volkenkunde, Leiden

East Greenland anorak, ca. 1960-1970. Inventory number: 4458-81. Courtesy of the Museum Volkenkunde, Leiden

Pair of sealskin mittens (aaqqatit) AOA Ethno 2001,Am14.15ab. Courtesy the British Museum

Kayak jacket of sealskin (tuilik) AOA Ethno 2001,Am14.1. Courtesy the British Museum

Inspiration for a future sewing project.

I found some 6.5 oz. waxed cotton which has a nice translucency, not unlike the anoraks made with seal intestine. Below is a prototype made with cotton twill from a pattern from the Rain Shed.

2009-03-08T15:40:00.005-04:00

A recent article in the New York Times caught my eye. This is a topic that everybody seems to have an opinion on. Personally, I find the author's suggestions reasonable and easily worked into the daily ride. Creating a culture that recognizes biking as something more than a casual activity or that all cyclists are uncaring individuals will no doubt take time. Good to see the Times addressing this issue, but until the "powers that be" take cycling seriously and more people take to riding, my guess is these issues will continue to divide and prevent real understanding. Ride safe, ride responsibly.

2009-03-07T19:04:00.011-05:00

Riverside School Portrait #16 Julie Fasey 1977

RS dmj 1

RS ttl1

Riverside School Drama 5

imgDoc617

RS Hanife Saleh 1977

RS YHA14

George Plemper took these photos when he was a science teacher at Riverside School, Thamesmead, in the late 70's.

"When I started to post my photographs on Flickr I thought that at the most I would post 100 - if I was lucky. Now the Riverside School series numbers over 300. I am astounded, mind you most of the photographs are interesting because of their age. The problem is that it has become tedious - cleaning up images that have very little photographic interest. So in one final act of boredom I have posted this set without attempting any significant clean up. I think they will only be of interest to those interested in the history of schools or England at that time, if you are interested in the art of photography do not spend any time on them."

I recommend that you do spend a good amount of time on this amazing collection of images. Be sure to read the comments, as well.

found via your heart out

2009-03-04T21:04:00.012-05:00

Bilenky Single Speed / Fixed?

Nice rack. And check out the Sögreni bell.

Bilenky Mixte

Chainring detail

Bilenky Porteur

Bilenky Lugged Tandem
Winner of the Best Tandem Award.

Stephen Bilenky

“Learn how to do the craft well. Learn how to fix mistakes. Learn how to avoid mistakes.”

Stephen, Simon, & Bina

Bilenky Cycle Works at NAHBS Indianapolis.

Read more about Stephen Bilenky and his bikes here.

2009-02-28T11:40:00.008-05:00

50.2/ 5733 AB. Arapaho, Northern Arapaho?

50/ 3118 AB. Sioux, Lakota, Oglala

50/ 3016 AB. Sioux, Lakota, Oglala

50 / 2942 AB. Sioux, Lakota, Oglala

Moccasins from the North American Ethnographic Collection at the American Museum of Natural History.

2009-02-25T23:17:00.010-05:00

Rick and Michael Mast making chocolate.

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

“There’s an appreciation here for craftsmanship and people who work with their hands,” Mr. Bukiewicz said. “I had no idea there was going to be this convergence of artists, artisans and food culture in Brooklyn.”

more here.

2009-02-24T23:59:00.001-05:00

2009-02-23T11:55:00.006-05:00

Library of Congress: Buckaroos in Paradise: Ranching Culture in Northern Nevada, 1945-1982

top to bottom

Chilli beans.
Eating breakfast.
Breakfast in the cabin.

all photos by Carl Fleischhauer

2009-02-21T20:18:00.011-05:00

Mark Leckey - Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore (1999)

via Blissblog

2009-02-19T08:54:00.007-05:00

"The Gothic Dolphins roughly refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception. "

more here.

2008-03-06T20:32:00.003-05:00

Thora Hird (1911-2003)
Went the Day Well? 1942

2008-01-25T19:32:00.000-05:00