space | time - issue one, late summer / early fall 2011

space time

a seasonal living guidebook late summer/early fall 2011 issue one

contents 2

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A brief introduction to mushrooming

Interpreting shibori

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Upstairs, by downstairs

Early days in MontrĂŠal

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Linocuts

by Anna-Lise

Closet space: Natsumi

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Try this at home: two drinks

How to survive your first months in Berlin

space|time is a collaborative lifestyle zine focusing on the activities, people and places that embody that precise time of year when one season ends and another begins.

a brief introduction to

mushrooming

by Laura Natalie Sparrow

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Discovering edible mushrooms on the forest floor is one of the most rewarding experiences out there. Every fall you have at least 3 months where a weekly trip will bring you a basket full of mushrooms others would pay 30 dollars a pound for, if they are lucky enough to see them at all.

An aspiring mushroom hunter on the west coast of B.C. should have two groups in mind: boletus and chanterelles.

Both come in the fall, springing up year after year in the same patches, and both are relatively easy to identify with no deadly poisonous look alikes, and very few mildly poisonous members. I won’t be getting into identification details or locations, primarily because a) I don’t want to be responsible for someone getting poisoned, and b) mushroom hunters are greedy and secretive. If you want to hunt for these mushrooms, buy a book (David Arora writes excellent ones) and be sure of what you’re picking.

Golden chanterelle

Bolete

There are many chanterelle species, and the most commonly found is the Golden Chanterelle (pictured on opposite page).

If you’re lucky enough to find a White or Black Trumpet Chanterelle, those are even better, but chances are you will only be seeing Golden Chanterelles. Fortunately, they taste amazing and hang out in big groups. They love Douglas firs and old growth forests, the mossier and darker, the better.

Boletes are slightly trickier to find, but once you do, they can be very large and substantial. The Admirable Bolete, a beautiful maroon-striped bolete with yellow pores, is common on the Pacific Northwest with an unusual fondness for rotting wood. You can find it closer to Whistler, in higher elevations.

It tastes weirdly lemony for a mushroom. Another one of my favorites is the Orange Birch Bolete. It likes more open woodland than chanterelles, and as its name suggests, loves birch trees. It is almost as savory and delicious as the King Bolete or Porcini mushroom.

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how to dry boletes Boletes can be some of the most savory and complex mushrooms. They also can be some of the quickest to decompose, the slimiest, and hardest to eat. Avoiding all this is easy, just dry your freshly picked Boletes. Work quickly, as Boletes begin to break down within hours after picking.

Ingredients: ►► However many pounds of freshly picked mixed Boletes, wiped clean of dirt (see Note on pg. 6) Slice your clean Boletes into 1/8 of an inch diagonal sections.

Lay these flat on a baking sheet in a single layer, and set the oven to 150°F. Cook the mushrooms at this temperature for an hour.

Remove mushrooms from oven, blot away any moisture on the mushrooms, and return them to the oven for another hour. The mushrooms should now be completely dry. If not, repeat above steps.

Once cooled, stack them in sealed jars where they will keep for up to a year.

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cooking with dried boletes Rehydrate your dried mushrooms by using 3 times the volume of hot water to dried mushrooms. Leave for an hour until the mushrooms are plump, then wring them out, dice or leave whole, and add to your favourite dishes. Don始t waste the soaking liquid, it can be used as a stock for mushroom gravy, or can be added to soups.

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sautéed chanterelles Chanterelle mushrooms are so naturally delicious, the best way to eat them is the simplest—sautéed with butter, a bit of cream and herbs. This can be eaten on toast or made into a thicker sauce for pasta. They don’t decompose as quickly as boletes, lasting a few days refrigerated, and they are not as slimy so there isn’t a rush to slice and dry them.

Ingredients: ►► A few pounds of freshly picked chanterelles, wiped clean of dirt (see Note below) ►► 1/4 cup of diced shallots ►► 2 tablespoons of butter ►► A couple bunches of fresh thyme to taste ►► About a 1/4 cup of heavy cream ►► salt & pepper to taste First, sweat the clean chanterelles in a dry pan for around 10 minutes, allowing them to give off their water. Drain this and save it, it’s a fantastic base for stocks and soups. Once the chanterelles are sweated off, remove them from the pan and cook the shallots in 2 tablespoons of butter. Once those are transparent, add the chanterelles back into the pan with the thyme, salt and pepper. Cook for several more minutes, then add around a 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Lower the heat and allow the cream to reduce for a few minutes.

Serve this mixture on toast, or add 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon, and serve it on fresh linguini.

Note: Never wash mushrooms. They are basically sponges, and you will have watery and tasteless results. Only wipe clean with a dry cloth.

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interpreting shibori

by Melanie Kwan Shibori is the Japanese art of shape-resist dyeing, in which fabric is bound, stitched, twisted, compressed and dyed to create an endless number of patterns. Whereas tradition favours a select number of techniques, this tutorial is an introduction - a cheat of sorts - to what is otherwise a difficult and time-consuming practice that, like many Japanese arts, takes years to master. Due to our spatial constraints and impatient natures, we felt it would be impossible to rely strictly on traditional methods. In the end we found that one of the best bits in developing this project was the suspense.

We never really knew what the end pattern would look like but we were always pleasantly surprised.

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Since we aren’t professionals but amateurs on a budget, we improvised by using “tools” we found around the house. The professional tools and materials such as traditional threads and shibori stands are replaced here with bobby pins and hair elastics. Real indigo is substituted with pre-mixed dye, a convenient option for small, 4th floor apartments like mine. The pattern we employ here is inspired by, though nowhere near as intricate as the Japanese kanoko, or deerfawn pattern, so called because of its resemblance to the spots on a fawn’s back.

materials ►► natural white or light-coloured cloth such as cotton or linen (I cut up an old pillow case) ►► mini hair elastics, maximum 1cm in diameter ►► bobby pins, paintbrushes, anything pointy to tie elastics around ►► pen for marking ►► pre-mixed dye powder ►► a bucket ►► rubber gloves

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method 1. M achine wash and dry all fabric to remove any finishes that may be dye resistant.

2. I f you desire a “cleaner” pattern, mark dots on the fabric where you want the finished dots to appear.

3. T o create the resist pattern, hold the bobby pin or paintbrush end under a marked dot on the fabric. Using your other hand, stretch an elastic over the pin a centimetre or less down and wrap around at least 4 times, ensuring that the elastic is tightly wound. The longer the fabric “tail” the larger the circle will be (see Fig. 1).

4. H olding onto the elastic, carefully remove the pin from the back of the fabric. Repeat steps 3 & 4 until desired pattern is complete (see Fig. 2).

5. F ollowing the dye package instructions, carefully dye the fabric without loosening the elastic bands.

6. W ith rubber gloves transfer cloth from the dye to a bucket of cold water.

7. R inse still-tied fabric as thoroughly as possible, again without loosening elastics. Wring thoroughly and hang to dry.

8. When dry, pop off elastics by holding fabric taught.

9. W ash and rinse a second time with a mild detergent and hang to dry. You may need to wash fabric multiple times to ensure the dye won’t bleed further.

10. When completely dry, iron flat.

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references

Figure 1. Use the end of a paintbrush to tie elastics for consistent size/shape.

Figure 2. A completed piece ready to be dip-dyed;shown on opposite page.

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results

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upstairs by downstairs Q&A with Stacey Hull by Lauren Popadiuk Originally from L.A., landlords Patrick Sproule and Stacey Hull bought their Vancouver Special with a vision in mind. Over the years, Patrick has singlehandedly renovated this ubiquitous, shoeboxmimicking symbol of the city, and the vision is constantly updated and kept interesting by Stacey’s eye for modern furniture and unconventional accents. Their children, Ivy and Ian and Cyrus the dog ensure the space isn’t overwhelmingly Mid-century by adding their own personal touches.

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What is it about mid-century furniture that gets you so excited?

I like the simplicity of it. It’s warm, streamlined and not over-bearing. Timeless.

Where do you find all of your pieces?

I’ve found pieces at garage sales, flea markets, vintage stores...and Craigslist, of course. My husband found our Eames Eiffel Tower Bucket Chair on the street! (we think it fell out of a moving truck, it was wrapped in a blanket). The only thing we bought new was our couch (Room & Board).

You need a good couch.

Favourite furniture and accessory shops in Vancouver? L.A.?

My fav furniture store here in Vancouver would have to be ReFind (on Main St.) He carries great pieces that are affordable. That’s hard to find in this city. My face place to shop for furniture in LA would have to be the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

It’s awesome...

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What are your main sources of design and DIY inspiration?

Two of my favorite design blogs that inspire me and I can lose a lot of time looking at are: Apartment Therapy (lots of DIY projects and virtual tours of people’s houses that are very eclectic and creative). www. apartmenttherapy.com The Brick House (Morgan is remodelling a Mid-century house, and tries not to spend more that $100 on any one item. Her blog is informative and funny….love it). www.the-brick-house.com/tour Any DIY tips?

Know your limits, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you RESEARCH.

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Can you describe the process of designing the space for the renovation?

Well, the first thing we did was knock out all the walls that didn’t need to be there. Gutted the kitchen, bathroom and basement. Scraped the ceiling and pulled up wall to wall carpet. We wanted to keep the place open and airy.

And the process for decorating it?

We tried to keep a feel for the era the house was built (1974), so we mix vintage with modern. I think vintage fabrics and art work can soften the modern vibe a bit. I try to collect unusual lighting, and we kept some of the vintage lights that came with the house. I’m always adding or subtracting artwork from the house, just to change things up a bit.

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And finally, please share your secret to maintaining all of your beautiful plants. What plants should we all buy?

I love plants, I think they add texture to a room. I tend to buy succulents because they’re easy to maintain and interesting to look at. I look for houseplants for “Architectural Effect” (think large or deeply divided leaves or a striking habit). As a general rule, the bigger the plant and the space around it, the more effective its scale and form will appear.

Oh, and here’s a tip, every once in a while, wipe down the leaves of your plants; if they collect too much dust they can’t absorb light through them. 4

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early days in montrĂŠal

by Madeleine Scrutton

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I moved to Montreal early last October, only 3 days after my graduation fashion show. I don’t know why I chose to cram moving/packing/goodbyes/preparing for a fashion show into 3 days—I guess the chaos made the idea of leaving everything I know and love behind seem less terrifying. My perspective on moving to a “cooler” city has changed multiple times throughout my stay here. It’s difficult when everything/ everyone that is most important is at home, but even more difficult when your new city is as great as this. 4

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linocuts

by Anna-Lise Schmidt

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closet space natsumi

by Alyssa Kwan

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My friend Natsumi lives in the Fairview neighbourhood of Vancouver, in a beautiful brick building built in the early 1900s that is said to be a converted convent—which explains the bachelor sized suite and layout. Complete with an original roll-away murphy bed, a fridge located next to the entrance (about a 9-step walk away from the kitchen) and an ample step-up closet, the tiny apartment becomes the perfect space to showcase Natsumi's minimalist wardrobe and collection of vintage goods. Her well-curated possessions aptly reflect her years as a buyer for a local boutique.

Natsumi has a penchant for stripes, is artful at layering and also a master mix-and-matcher. A few of Natsumi's pieces that caught my eye were by Chimala, Frank Leder and of course her three-different-stages-of-wear Zeha-Berlin oxfords. Here Natsumi shares with us a few of her favourite looks for late summer/early fall. 4

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kid’s stuff bead coasters You probably remember these plastic fusible beads from rainy days as a kid: carefully arranging them on the peg board, trying not to tip the whole thing over, and then getting your mom to iron them to create something really cool, but perhaps a little useless.

Now, as grown ups, we wanted to take the same experience but make something a bit more practical. You can buy giant tubs of the beads from most craft stores, and it only takes a few seconds to fuse the beads together using a household iron. Glue some cork sheeting to the bottom to prevent leaks, and you’re set. The only issue we found is that you can spend hours making these, just like when you were a kid.

Coaster by Anna-Lise Schmidt.

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try this at home two drinks recipes by Melanie Kwan illustrations by Caileigh Speck

instant horchata Helping you prolong summer for as long as possible, here’s our take on the classic Mexican rice drink. Serves 2. ►►1 cinnamon stick ►► 2.5 tbsp brown sugar + same amount of water (or same amount of agave syrup) ►►2 cups rice milk (you can also replace this with almond milk) ►►3oz Sailor Jerry’s rum (or as much as you’d like)

To make the cinnamon syrup: Dissolve sugar in water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.

Break the cinnamon stick in half, add it to the sugar syrup and

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simmer on low for 10+ minutes. You want the cinnamon to infuse into the sugar, so longer = better. Make sure the syrup doesn’t reduce too much.

The Drink Mix the rice milk with the rum. Add the cinnamon syrup and pour over ice. Drink while eating lots of tacos.

d.i.y. a.p.

According to the rulebooks, an Arnold Palmer is equal parts lemonade and iced tea. We like putting a little more effort into our mixed drinks (but not too much), so here’s a recipe for making your own tea-infused vodka. Serves 2.

Sweet Tea Vodka ►►375ml bottle of vodka ►►1 tbsp loose-leaf, strong black tea ►►3 tbsp brown sugar Clean and dry an airtight glass jar. Spoon tea leaves into a natural paper tea bag and tie a secure knot (alternately, just use 1 or 2 pre-packaged tea bags depending on type of tea). Place tea bag into jar and cover with vodka. Let it steep in the fridge for 2 hours. Discard tea bag, stir in sugar to dissolve and store in fridge. This mixed with a little water over ice is a great Indian Summer drink on its own.

The Drink ►►2oz black tea vodka ►►1/2 cup lemonade ►► 2-4 tbsp lemon juice (depending on sweetness of lemonade) Mix and pour over ice.

If drink is too sweet, as some store-bought lemonades are, add 1oz of water to balance the sugar.

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how to survive your first months

in Berlin

by Erika Kinast with photos by Will Pearson

Various international human rights organizations define basic human needs differently, but modern consensus seems to be that in addition to food, clothing, water, and shelter, other needs such as transportation, sanitation, healthcare, and education must be satisfied for personal wellbeing. Growing up in a middle class home in Canada where all of these needs were fulfilled, and then some, my recent decline into poverty has aroused quite a few different emotions. At times hilarious and amazing and other times just plain pathetic and lonely, everyday is a new adventure in Germany. So, now that I’m experienced in being penniless, I’d like to take some time to explain what living with no money is really like to the eager international traveler thinking about settling in Berlin. Here is how I meet my basic needs:

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(photo credit: Rhianon Bader)

eins: food & water Forget about eating proper meals regularly. You’re not truly gettin’ ghetto until you are keeping meal costs under 3 euros. Some foods that fit into this category are bread and cheese; the almighty Döner (a Turkish sandwich with salad and mystery meat); my personal favorite, chicken shawarma (replace Döner meat with chicken, and replace bread with pita); pizza by the slice; and last but not least, BURGERS. Tap water is safe to drink.

Believe it or not, Germany is not a developing country with water safety issues. Even though I am no longer living in Afghanistan I still have a strange aversion to tap water. However, you can also get fizzy water for 29 cents, so even if you are feeling destitute you can drink bubbly water and remember how fancy it seemed in Canada. Water may also be substituted with beer for an additional 50 cents.

zwei: clothing Contrary to what you might have imagined the affects of aforementioned foods might be on one’s physique, if you do not buy groceries it is likely that you will not eat as often, which means two things. Firstly, you are going to need a shoelace to hold up your pants, and secondly, even if you are a grown ass woman, you are still going to fit the boys clothes at H&M, which is really great because most of the items in the kid’s section cost less than 20 euro.

drei: shelter Two letters: WG, or if you really want the German version “Wohngemeinschaft”. These are shared living spaces or flats, and from what I’ve seen are really nice and quite cheap. You might even end up living with “Eco Nazis” that volunteer for the WWF, but are otherwise pretty cool.

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vier: transportation At first I was too cheap to buy a bicycle, so I either walked, skateboarded, or hopped the train without paying. Since recently acquiring a bicycle for 25 euros, I have also been feeling really nostalgic about motorcycles. I find myself stopping on the street to check out vintage BMW, Ducati, and Moto Guzzi bikes and secretly hoping that the owner will turn up. That way I might have the chance to discuss the beauty of the flat twin, or talk about how I “used to have a motorcycle myself. It wasn’t much you know, but it took me a lot of great places”. That is, if my German was actually good enough to do so. I would really recommend getting a bicycle in Berlin. With a bicycle there is also a whole new realm of possibilities: eHow “how to make a bicycle sound like a motorcycle”.

Note: If you’re going to ride the train without paying make sure you keep an eye out for sneaky transport authorities who first appear to be drug addicts. Fare violation tickets are 40 euros, but if you avoid the downtown core, and the S-bahn during peak traveling hours, it is unlikely that you will get caught. So far, I’ve only been caught twice but haven’t had to pay anything. If worse comes to worse, run.

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fünf: sanitation Just stop showering regularly. It goes with wearing boys’ clothes that you must also act like a pre-pubescent boy when it comes to hygiene.

sechs: healthcare Healthcare in Germany costs a small fortune, and it is illegal not to have it. So, skateboard every single day, maybe even consider learning to skate the biggest vert ramp in Europe, and don’t buy health insurance. Word on the street is that there are clinics that will treat you with no questions asked.

sieben: education It’s free and the reason I ended up in Germany in the first place. My desire to continue studying free of charge has lead me to this point, and as I sit here writing about the lengths I have gone to in the past months to survive, I am starting to wonder if academia is really the place for me.

Maybe when I moved I left my brain behind also.

Some might say that Berlin is “over”. The city, apparently, is not the hip underground place that it used to be. The punk rock vibe of one of Europe’s most inexpensive cities has vanished and been replaced by an over abundance of North American, French, and Spanish clubbers. While I must admit that I have wanted to rid Warchauerstrasse of the drunken 18-22 year olds, I also think that the hipsters who have decided Berlin is not cool anymore can get bent. Despite all of the struggle and the hardship I have endured while living in a place where I do not speak the language, barely make enough money to survive, and where my life seems to be riddled with problems and paperwork, there is something really special about Berlin.

There are few cities that have so much to offer to the underpaid, and underprivileged: art, festivals, good food, lakes, green space, killer skate spots, good friends and good vibes. So, I guess the best advice I can give if you’re thinking about moving to Europe, especially Berlin, is to ignore the naysayers. All you really need to survive in Berlin is a good sense of humour and hunger for adventure. Viel Glück. 4

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issue one Contributors Erika Kinast Alyssa Kwan Melanie Kwan Will Pearson Lauren Popadiuk Anna-Lise Schmidt Madeleine Scrutton Laura Sparrow Caileigh Speck

All work is copyright of the artist.

Editing, creative direction, design & layout: Melanie Kwan.

Managing editor: Alyssa Kwan Hand-bound by Anna-Lise, Melanie, Lauren & Laura.

Printed in Vancouver on 100% recycled paper.

Queries & comments are welcome at info@spacetimezine.com

www.spacetimezine.com