Fit To Be 8 Way Hand Tied?

No More Talking To The Hand




When shopping for upholstered seating , it used to be that the popular advice to guarantee you get the best quality upholstered seating, was to ask the following 3 questions:

1) Is the spring system 8 way hand tied?

2) Was the wood used for the frame kiln dried?

3) Was the double doweled joinery method applied when constructing the frame?

Of course the other considerations would be the type of foam/padding and of course the fabric choice. However, those are options that usually most furniture salespeople ask customers.



Now, I was informed to ask the above 3 questions when I purchased my first "quality" upholstered seating at Macys home furniture department store many years ago. In keeping to that advice throughout the years, I found it very helpful whenever I walked into a furniture showroom and asked the 3 questions. It even seemed to impress many of the salespeople at the time complimenting me on educating myself about the basics for quality upholstered seating.
However, it seems that in recent years, the upholstery manufacturing technology has changed. Or, perhaps I should say it has improved.


It appears the term "hand tied" is beginning to lose it's appeal. It's competitor, Pirelli webbing(created by Pirelli tire manufacturer, widely used in Danish furniture since the 1950's) has started to gain momentum as the preferred construction for today's consumers. Danish & Italian furniture makers argue that Pirelli webbing, at minimum, offers the same reliability as 8-way at a much less price.



Today, La-Z-Boy Furniture, a national furniture manufacturer in the U.S., boasts about it's 8 way "machine" tied technology that provides equally distributed amounts of strength to its tie method making it superior to the antiquated hand tied process. They'll further remind you that man made 8 way hand tied isn't always going to be consistent as the worker creating the ties may lose strength after working on a spring system for so long whereas a machine does not.



Even Consumer Reports have chimed in educating its readers to :

• Disregard the term “eight-way hand-tied springs.” It’s no longer synonymous with comfort or high quality. Other types of springs--coil, cone, S-shaped, and grid--can be just fine; they mainly influence how comfortable the sofa feels to you.

The jury is still out with me on whether or not the fact that the once valued term "hand made" is slowly becoming discounted as the inferior method, is a good or bad thing. On the one "hand", I view this as technological progress which is generally considered a good step toward innovation for the human race. On the other "hand", there is a real appeal to me that a hand made item is the measure of craftsmanship.


8-way hand tied construction

Counting Threads For A Comfortable Nights Sleep

(image from Hotel Luxury Collection)

From Consumer Reports:
Some thread counts are bogus

Thread count is the new marketing mantra for sheets. The higher the better, you’ll hear. But some sheet makers are boosting thread count simply by counting wrong.

The right way to count is to add up all vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch of fabric. Two hundred is typical and perfectly fine; 400 may provide a finer, softer sheet. Above 400, the only difference is likely to be price.

Our tests included some sheets listing thread counts of far more. The discontinued Linensource Regency Collection, $280 per queen set, claims a stunning 1,200.

Then we checked the math. Many sheet makers, including Linensource, count plies--very thin yarns that make up a thread. We hired an independent textile lab to count threads. The actual count: 416. That’s just 35 percent of what Linensource claims.

Bottom line: Pick a sheet between 200 and 400 thread count that meets your other criteria. Paying more for higher thread count is wasting money.

Who Is Andrea Palladio?

If you've studied the history of Architect or simply have a fascination for historical architecture then the name Andrea Palladio should be no stranger to you. I wasn't familiar with Palladio until I visited Italy. It would be difficult to explore Italy, particularly Vicenza or Venezia without leaving with a profound appreciation and respect for Palladio because the region contains much of his work and he is a historical icon not just to Italy, but to the architectural world at large. Palladio (1508-80) was and is considered to be the most influential architects of our time.
Palladio was the first to develop a systematic organization of the rooms in a house. He was also the first to apply pedimented porticos from Roman temples to houses. This style of a formal porch is defined by a shallow triangular gable (Timpano) supported by a row of columns. Both these features are exemplified in the Villa Almerico "The Rotonda".
Most are familiar with the Palladian window which is his design. The ornate windows carrying his namesake really took off in America in the late 1700's when the Federal style of architecture began to evolve from more traditional colonial style. The design of Washington D.C.'s White House also took inspiration from "Palladianism".
Palladio was born November 29, 1508, in Padua, and trained as a stonemason. He moved to Vicenza in his early twenties. Originally named Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, he was named Palladio by the Italian poet and patron Gian giorgio Trissino, who oversaw Palladio's architectural studies. Trissino took him to Rome, where Palladio studied and measured Roman architectural ruins; he also studied the treatises of Vitruvius, one of the most important of the Roman architects.
In and near Vicenza he designed many residences (Villas) and public buildings (Palazzi). He also planned several churches in Venice, San Francesco della Vigna, San Giorgio Maggiore, and Il Redentore. One of his last work was the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, completed after his death by architect Vincenzo Scamozzi. Palladio's own use of classical motifs came through his direct, extensive study of Roman architecture. He freely recombined elements of Roman buildings as suggested by his own building sites and by contemporary needs. At the same time he shared the Renaissance concern for harmonious proportion, and his facades have a noteworthy simplicity, austerity and repose.


Palladio was the author of an important scientific treatise on architecture, I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura (The Four Books of Architecture), which was widely translated and influenced many later architects. Its precise rules and formulas were widely utilized, especially in England, and were basic to the Palladian style, adopted by Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, and other English architects, which preceded and influenced the neoclassical architecture of the Georgian Style.


( from wikipedia)
The above image is of the Teatro Olimpico ("Olympic Theatre") in Vincenza, Italy, designed by Palladio as his last work. It is widely considered the first example of covered theatre of the Modern age.

San Francesco della Vigna


Inside the San Francesco Della Vigna


Il Redentore in Venezia, Italy.

Inside Il Redentore

Dan and I visited Venezia in 2001 and stayed at the beautiful(but noisy, heavy tourist traffic) Hotel Savoia & Jolanda which is located on the waterfront. Our room had a perfect view of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore designed by Palladio in 1565 however was not completed until 30 years after his death on August 19, 1580.
He was married to Allegradonna, daugther of Marcantonio, and had five children, Leonida, Marcantonio, Orazio, Silla and Zenobia.


Statue of Andrea Palladio at the Piazzetta Palladio in Vicenza.

Spring Time Basket Case

With Springtime just around the corner, outdoor attractions such as parks,beaches and lakes become popular day trips or weekend getaways. Since baby Daniel joined our family in November 2007, long distance vacations are out of the question until he is a bit older. In the meantime, I've shifted my excitement to creating stylish and elegant alfresco dining.


I purchased this picnic basket and matching cooler at William Glen. A durable Sisal weave construction with leather trim and brass hardware. The hard canvas with leather trim wine tote(left) was purchased at Eddie Bauer .


The basket is for 4. However, I converted the basket for six by adding additional plates,knives and forks. I stored the extra 2 glasses in the matching cooler to complete the set for six.


I replaced the original utensils with a more elegant set of stainless steel pattern by Gorham. I also replaced the coffee cups with cut crystal tumblers and finally the white ceramic plates for blue and whites for a more formal setting.
Now, most people I know stop at the picnic basket. Not me.


I like to take it a step further to make certain that in the event I should have to provide my own seating, I am prepared with coordinating ultra lightweight folding chairs and table for my guests. I purchased 6 of the above chairs at Target last year during their clearance sale for $15.00 each. For the grassy knoll, 2 sand toned fleece blankets with waterproof backing.


A blue and white ceramic basket vase such as the one above for 2 small potted flowers and voila! a beautiful portable outdoor setting for six!!! We have tentative(errands/chores permitting)plans for a day trip to Rutherford Hill winery in Napa Valley this weekend which is a 40 minute drive. If we make it, I'll post photos of our spread. Below are 2 vintage cases I found online while browsing for the latest picnic baskets. I hope you enjoy the photos.




A vintage picnic case for 2 (Bonhams)


A vintage portable cafe station (Bonhams)

Following are several picnic baskets/cases that I thought screamed "Class"


The Windsor Basket for 4 available at Bed Bath & Beyond


A beautiful canvas hard shell picnic case with leather trim and wood handles for a party of 4. Available at Picnic World


A sophisticated weekender picnic case for 4 available at Picnic World


The Estate collection picnic case for 4 available at Overstock



Terazzo red striped basket for 4 available at Picnic Fun


Terazzo elite for 2 available at Picnic Fun


Terazzo elite for 2 in Tangerine available at Picnic Fun


Cornish Blue Basket for 4 available at Picnic Fun


Serenity Rose by Sutherland Baskets available at Picnic Baskets Online


Gordon Luxury Wine & Tea Picnic Basket For 4 available at Elegant Picnics


Canvas hard shell picnic trunks with leather trim for 2 available at Neiman Marcus


For the no-limit budget individual with a desire to piss off the masses.


This lavish picnic trunk is by Pinel & Pinel, a purveyor of French luxury well known for its contemporary and bespoke trunks.


You can purchase this trunk for a mere $45,000.00(U.S. Dollars)


This picnic trunk is by Goyard a popular French packing case and trunk maker. The case comes equipped with everything you’d need for a well-dressed picnic table at the Silver cutlery, porcelain plates, crystal tumblers and more are tucked into a leather case in the brand’s signature print.


Picnic Trunk For Six By Louis Vuitton


Vodka,Caviar & Blini anyone? (Louis Vuitton)


This picnic basket by Coach debuted in 2005.

Best Design Schools As Ranked By Almanac of Architecture and Design

(from Home Decorating Reviews)

Top Ranking Interior Design List

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation lists the following schools as ranked highly in the U.S., according to the Almanac of Architecture and Design:

* The University of Cincinnati in Ohio
* Pratt Institute in New York
* Kansas State in Kansas
* Cornell in New York
* Arizona State in Arizona

In addition, the council recognizes two other interior design programs on their website:

* The Art Institute of Toronto in Toronto, Canada
* American Intercontinental University in London, UK

Honorable Mentions

All these interior design colleges are well-ranked and highly respected. However, there are a number of other colleges that have a great reputation in the industry, but may not have necessarily made any lists. Some of these include: The Rhode Island School of Design in Rhode Island, The Herron School of Art and Design in Indiana, Otis College of Art and Design in California, Art Center College of Design in New Mexico, the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois, and finally, Maryland Institute’s College of Art in Maryland.

When researching these interior design programs use the College Blue Book and check out their online websites. It’s also important to visit each of the campuses you are considering attending. This will give you a good idea as to how selective a school is, what they offer, and whether you can live in the area for the next four years without being overwhelmed by the change in lifestyle.
(Learn more)

WHO IS VALENTINA?

This morning's National Public Radio interviewed Kohle Yohannan about his book Valentina: American Couture and The Cult of Celebrity.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the interview about Valentina. However, I was also impressed with the author's background as well.


(Greystone Court)
Yohannan is the owner of Greystone Court which is a Gothic Revival in Yonkers, just a few minutes outside of New York City. A castle previously owned by Ballet Russe's Vera and Michael Fokine.

In Yohannan's interview with NPR's Weekend Edition, he mentions almost giving up on writing the book on Valentina, until 2001 when he found a 1923 theatre program with a picture of Valentina on it in the attic of Greystone Court.


Yohannan was also ex-husband to the famous fashion designer and writer Mary Mcfadden.

ABOUT VALENTINA


The Museum of the city of New York is showing an exhibition on Valentina Schlee who was a Ukrainian immigrant ballerina and actress that first came to the U.S. in 1922. She was born Valentina Sanina on May 1, 1904.


Her attempts of becoming a successful actress was short lived due to her heavy Ukranian accent. In 1923, she started "Valentina's Gowns in New York City which was referred to as a couture house.


Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt, courtesy of Nina Frantzen, from “Valentina” by Kohle Yohannan, Rizzoli 2009 Valentina and George Schlee arrive at the Metropolitan Opera in 1945.
She became a successful fashion designer throughout the 1930's and 1940' dressing socialites such as Millicent Rogers and Millicent Hearst, actresses Katharine Hepburn and Greta Garbo.


Photo by Horst, from “Valentina” by Kohle Yohanna, Rizzoli, 2009 Valentina, posing for a Vogue editorial shot by Horst.
She modeled a lot of her own designs. She was famous for her impeccable taste in which inducted her into the International Best Dressed List.
In the 1950's she introduced a perfume line called "My Own".


Photo by John Rawlings, from “Valentina” by Kohle Yohanna, Rizzoli, 2009 Valentina’s credo has since become a cornerstone of modern luxury branding.
She married George Schlee(died 1971), a well known theater producer. George Schlee earned the celebrity spotlight for his affair with screen siren Greta Garbo. She died in 1989 in New York City.