Sunday, September 16, 2012

sample square dance.


The fabric samples for the salt + cloth linen line have been trickling in over the past couple of weeks, so it's time to make a few decisions based on my extremely limited knowledge of textiles and heavy google searching. What I've come up with is this:

1) Cotton wrinkles the most of any fabric (great-I'm buying it anyway)

2) Cotton sateen wrinkles the most of any cotton (I purchased yardage regardless because it's soft and I love a good challenge)

3) Twill cotton has the least amount of wrinkling (oh, it's out of stock? Wonderful.)

4) Organic cotton is not cheap

I am ordering a yard each of five different fabrics, some for napkins, some for placemats and runners. This will give me a chance to play with each fabric-trying out different natural dyes, washing and drying the sample fabric, seeing how durable it is, etc. My objectives are easy maintenance, softness, beautiful natural colors and to be super environmentally friendly. Yes, "super" environmentally friendly-there's got to be a third party certifier with that name, right? See my previous post to see what I mean by "super" environmentally friendly.

So it's not an exact science yet, but it will be closer to that in a few months. And you get to come along for the ride. Enjoy the wind in your hair.

Friday, August 24, 2012

super linens + the next chapter


salt + cloth the blog and the Pinterest page have been just the tip of the iceberg. salt + cloth will soon be launching a line of linens: napkins, placemats and table runners, and I want you to come along for the ride. salt + cloth (blog and Pinterest page) focus on the importance of the table, those around it and what's on it, but I want to take this a step further and produce a line of linens which promotes a positive sustainable lifestyle. So what does that mean exactly? Well, these days it means a lot of things, but I'll let you in on my definition.

A sustainable lifestyle is an examined conscientious way of living that takes into consideration the impact on the environment, human and animal life and strives to better the local and global community.

It's broad, right? There are holes in this definition, right? Yes, but the focus is on progress not perfection, and the definition for perfection is different for each individual as well. salt + cloth linens is being conceived to be as examined and conscientious as possible from the research phase to the product landing on your table. I am still in the research phase, so I'm counting on you, my readers, to chime in with your opinions to help shape the process and final product. So how is salt + cloth linens looking at a positive sustainable lifestyle? Here's how I plan to proceed:

1. Materials: locally grown, processed and manufactured organic cotton and the resulting fabric (Southern United States). I am currently looking at several fabric samples to decide on quality, style and durability, and I'll be looking for your weigh in on future posts. The thread I plan to use is organically grown cotton, but manufactured in Holland using traditional dyeing methods. I haven't had any luck finding a local more naturally dyed source. Let me know if you know a source!

2. Dye products: There are myriad options out there from the most toxic chemicals to fruits and vegetables. I will be experimenting with the most natural options: fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, etc. My objective is to develop colorfast naturally gorgeous dyes from sources obtained as locally to me (Chicago, IL) as possible. No animal products or by-products ever.

3. Dye process: It's easy to forget about the actual process of dyeing, but the process has environmental implications as well. Namely, water and gas or other heat source consumption. In the early stages, the processing won't be a serious resource drain, but I do plan to use the processing water in my herb and flower garden. In the future, I'll be looking into solar heating options.

4. Waste reduction during the manufacturing process: I will be using every square inch of the fabric I source, whether it's for the product itself or using smaller scraps as labels or packaging material.

5. Manufacturing labor: At first, I will be doing all of the processing/sewing myself, but my future plans call for a skilled group of employees who are interested in fair pay, a safe work environment and a good work/life balance.

6. Product qualities: The final product is something I will be proud to have grace your table. A reusable, durable, washable product which is subtly gorgeous in any setting from the breakfast table to your next dinner party. I want these linens to be your absolute favorites.

7. Packaging/Shipping: This may be the toughest challenge to tackle, and I am wide open to input. I am a huge packaging junkie. I love a beautifully packaged and presented product because it feels personal and special. I don't want to sacrifice that feeling for the customer of receiving a gift...so I'm working on this one. As I mentioned above, I plan to use small scraps of fabric for various uses and the packaging may be part of that. Luckily, the salt + cloth linens are an unbreakable product which reduces the amount of padding needed to ship, but it still commands strategy as new, possibly breakable, product lines will be added in the future. And the biggest issue is the shipping itself across possibly thousands of miles-purchasing carbon offsets maybe? Again, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

8. Giving back: You see a lot of companies these days making giving back a part of their business plan. This is awesome, plain and simple. I don't care if it's a marketing ploy or a way to justify raising prices (ideally it's a predominately altruistic decision), it brings consumer's attention to something other than themselves and their needs. We all need to step outside ourselves and contribute to the communities around us in a way and for a cause that is meaningful to us. That's different for everyone, but for myself and salt + cloth, the focus is on healthy environments and people, humane animal treatment for working, companion and food animals (please be advised that all salt + cloth linens will be vegan/animal friendly), support for children in need through adoption and other child advocacy programs and equal rights for all people. So how will these values be woven into salt + cloth? Other than my personal contributions in these areas and the salt + cloth products themselves, it's good question, and one that I'm still working on. Again, open to feedback here on how to integrate those values in an authentic and meaningful way.

9. Price: So you're probably thinking, yes, this is all great but how expensive will these items be?  Truth is, I'm not sure at this point, but I know I don't want to create a product with this much thought and care and then not be able to distribute it to anyone because it's cost prohibitive.  So let's talk about this-what would you pay for a napkin, any napkin?  $5 each, $10 each, $30 each.  Forget about all the great values that come with this product for a moment and just think about what's reasonable for an item you will use regularly.  I tend to accept higher price tags for things I use more often.  For instance, I'll pay quite a bit for a t-shirt or a pair of jeans, but will hit the breaks on an inexpensive, yet lovely, dress.  We all purchase differently, so tell me about your habits.

10. Product use: A product is meaningless if it doesn't get used. I want salt + cloth linens to be what you set your table with at breakfast, what you wipe your four year old's jelly covered face with and what you give to your niece for her wedding. I want these linens to make every meal and snack and party special. I want to support or kick start your sustainable lifestyle with salt + cloth linens.

So welcome to the salt + cloth journey.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

go big or go home: the floral edition

I'm not talking about large arrangements here folks, I am talking about the blooms themselves. Sometimes a table is just begging for a few lush big 'ole blooms. From sunflowers to ranunculus, here are the favorites at salt + cloth that should really be gracing your table at every event-from breakfast to your weekend dinner party.


'Plum Dahlia' Hello drama! Be sure to go with natural colored linens or a pale blue tablecloth or napkins if you wanting a really striking effect.


'Peonies + Lilacs' Summer is fading fast, so you might have to sub out those lilacs, but nothing says "get the ladies together for drinks" like this bunch. Am I right?


'Sunflowers' Breakfast table. Perfection.


'Ranunculus' These would be heavenly on a casual outdoor table surrounded by your very best friends.

Friday, August 17, 2012

a napkin is a part of the family.

You may be surprised to learn just how important a napkin really is. It is not just a square of cloth, it's a vessel for bringing people together and showing them how important they and the meal are. Having grown up in a household where a cloth napkin was present at every dinner, I can personally attest to its power. Regardless of how delicious or tasteless (sorry Mom, pork chops weren't one of your highlights) the meal was, a cloth napkin designated that event as important. As a result of this "power" napkin, my family is very close to this day. I'll give a little credit to my Mom and Dad's ability to parent well, but honestly, it's really the napkin.

So here are several "power" napkins that will bring your family and friends together, soak up oil drips better than paper towels and possibly bring the Republicans and Democrats together in Congress.




Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Your Wedding Registry is Filled...Now What?

First, there's the excitement of the engagement-sparkly ring, love, FOREVER!! Next it's wedding planning-guest lists, color schemes, fights with your Mother. Somewhere along the line you realize that guests are going to give you tons of great gifts just for committing to a lifetime together, so it's time to bust out the scanning gun at your favorite home goods shop and get down to business. Post wedding you have a pile of gifts a mile high, and if you're like many practical couples, you've gone the more classic route for tableware-white, simple lines, clear glass. Sure the basics fill a need, but let's face it, white gets pretty boring after awhile unless you're a complete minimalist. With a couple of unique additions, you can take your table to the next level. To get you started, salt + cloth did a photo shoot with newlywed Meggie Lindberg, and transformed her basic yet beautiful tableware into two inspirational settings: An intimate breakfast for two (enjoy this while you can) and a lively girl's night dinner. We hope you enjoy the results.

Breakfast for Two


Photography by Stephanie Fonda


Photography by Stephanie Fonda


Photography by Stephanie Fonda


Photography by Stephanie Fonda


Top to Bottom: First Photo- Bowl-West Elm 'Mick Haigh Latte Bowl in Light Blue' $8, Creamer-Anthropologie 'Fleur de Lys Creamer' $10, Cup and Saucer-Crate & Barrel 'Madison Cup and Saucer' $11.95/9, Vase-Jayson Home and Garden 'Large Grey Oil Jar' $24, Tea Towel as Tablecloth-Jayson Home and Garden 'Vintage French Tea Towel' $28, Napkin-Anthropologie 'Smoke Dahlia Napkin Set in Tomato ' $24 Second Photo: Jam-Stonewall Kitchen 'Black Cherry Jam' $7.95, Scones-Sweet Sensations via Dose Market 'Orange Currant Scone' $3 Third Photo: Juice Glasses-Anthropologie 'Color Pop Juice Glass in White ' $8 each, Napkins-Crate&Barrel 'Cotton Slate Napkin' $3.95, Fourth Photo: Bowl-West Elm 'Imiso Bowl in yellow' $32/set of 4

Girl's Night Dinner


Photography by Stephanie Fonda


Photography by Stephanie Fonda


Photography by Stephanie Fonda

Top to bottom: First Photo- Runner 'Light Pink and White Chevron Runner' $19, Votive Holders '2 1/2" Antique Teal Tapered Votive Holder, set of 6' $15, Silverware 'Miro Place Setting' $34.95/5 piece setting Second Photo- Cheeseboard 'Marble Cheese Board with Slicer' $14.95, Plates '6" Appetizer Plates' $22.95/12 Third Photo- Wine Glass 'Nora 12 oz. White/Rose Glass' $10.95, Olive Dish 'Black Stone 14" Tray' $32


Friday, June 29, 2012

rainy day milk + cookies.

It's raining and dark here in Chicago, and after several days of 90-100 degree weather it's a refreshing change. So while it's lightning and thundering this evening, curl up with a great read (I'm absorbing Michelle Obama's delightful 'American Grown' at the moment) bake up some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and pour yourself a mug of hot milk with honey and cinnamon. As always, I've got just the right tabletop ingredients to make the moment more memorable.







Good for fish and cookies too!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

coffee with simon pearce.

I've been a fan of Simon Pearce's glassware and ceramics ever since my brother and sister-in-law registered for a selection of his pieces for their wedding. The sturdiness, simplicity and perfect luminescent colors hooked me from the beginning. This past weekend, my boyfriend and I had the opportunity to enjoy a hot air balloon ride while visiting the picturesque Quechee, VT (Be sure to check out The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms while you're there-eat there and stay there) Our delightful pilot, Chris Ritland, of Green Mountain Ballooning mentioned that he was a former employee of Mr. Pearce's, which got me all excited. You see, we had just visited his studio and retail shop the day before, and I was even more jazzed up than usual about Simon Pearce's beautiful work.

Flash forward to our pilot looking for a spot to land (get this-they just land in folk's back yards!) and he lets us know that the field we're about to land in is home to Simon and his wife Pia. That gets a chuckle out of the boyfriend as he knows I'm mentally freaking out. We land safely and softly (thanks Chris!) and start to pack up the balloon. Just then, Simon comes around the corner of the house to say hello to us, and I'm just dying at this point. This hot air balloon ride just turned epic. He introduces himself, and we chat for a moment before he goes back inside. A couple of minutes later, he's back out again and asking us if we'd like to come in for a cup of coffee.

Yes, Simon. Yes, I would.

I managed to keep my cool for the next twenty minutes as we sipped fresh brewed coffee from Simon's hand crafted cups, but internally I was pinching myself as I gazed around at the exquisitely simple home they had created. The spontaneous hospitality and coffee in gorgeous mugs is really what sums up my intention with salt + cloth and what Simon and his wife built their company on. It's those simple moments of joining friends, family or strangers together over a table to share a bite or a cup or a meal that forces time to slow down just a bit. The emphasis on well designed tableware lends itself to an appreciation of all who grace the table. The importance placed on a handcrafted mug transfers to the importance you place on your guest.

Here are just a few of my favorite Simon Pearce pieces, that I hope will grace your table as well.

Happy hosting.




'Belmont Mug' $35




'Hampton Stemware' $60 per stem



'Nantucket Hurricane' $175