Rubia Weld

I had the immense good fortune this week of winning a stunning giveaway done by the fantastically talented Julie from Rubia Weld.




Her naturally dyed scarf is a true masterpiece, and I cannot believe it is now mine.


Julie created this beauty using the solar bundling technique, which you can read all about here.



She layered hyacinth, tulip, ranunculus and peony petals, along with onion skins, osage and madder onto fabric, bundled it up and let it sit in the sun. The results are like a Spring dream.

To purchase your own, please visit Julie's lovely shop. In addition to summer-perfect scarves (the indigo ones are particularly beautiful), she has enticing yarn also naturally dyed with plants.


It's quite serendipitous that I won this, as I have been absolutely obsessed with natural dyeing lately (I still have to show you the results from my class, don't I?), which is how I found Julie's blog.


There are so many wonderful people doing stunning dyeing out there, it's hard not to be inspired. Some of my favourites include Julie of course, Sonia, Eva, and Margie. I want to grow up to be just like them!


Thank you again Julie, for this incredible gift!

Contented

Stocking stitch is widely maligned for its mind-numbing simplicity, but I find it completely soothing. I was thrilled when Hannah Fetig asked me to knit a sample of her Contented Cardi.




Not only is Hannah (aka Knitbot) one of my favourite designers, but this swingy, drapey beauty features row upon row of lovely, meditative stocking stitch. It also has a delicate cable in the back, just to keep things interesting.

Knitting with such a luxuriously yummy yarn certainly doesn't hurt either.



I was very tempted to keep it!




Thank you Hannah for the opportunity to make this for you. I hope you are happy with the results.

You can read about the details here.

Perfectly simple

Fresh off the needles, a very simple, everyday cardigan. I thought that the basic pattern would perfectly highlight the beautiful yarn.


Pattern: Simple jacket with pockets, Debbie Bliss, Coastlines
Yarn: Swan Island Merino Worsted, in a colour they call grey, but I would call it sand, 5 skeins
Needles: 4.5 mm
Rav details: here


It's extremely comfortable, and goes with everything. And it has pockets.


I found the perfect mother-of-pearl button in my magic antique button stash



This fantastic wool has the sproinginess of a more rustic yarn, yet it is softsoftsoft. I should warn you that it pilled quite a bit after the first wear. I carefully shaved the offending pills off and that took care of it.

I have also finished the sample knit for Hannah Fetig, aka Knitbot, which I will try and show you tomorrow. I also want to show you the results of my natural dyeing workshop. But right now I need to make myself a cup of warm ginger and lemon tea. My throat is sore and I'm afraid the dreaded lurgy might be coming on...


Hope you are happy and healthy and planning good things for the weekend!

Blooms

Earth laughs in flowers.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

If this is true, then mother nature must find Hawaii hysterical.





































Most of these were taken in Waimea Valley, an enchanted place vibrating with colour. Speaking of which, this Sunday I'm taking a day-long workshop on how to dye with natural materials. I can't wait! Wishing you a colourful weekend too!

Paradise

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've been back from my trip to Hawaii! I've been "out of time" ever since, getting over jet-lag, catching up at work, and soaking up all the tender leafy newness of spring here in Canada.

I'm just now going through my trip photos, and wanted to share with you a few colourful moments.

Hawaii is easily one of the most beautiful, amazing places I've ever been to. I could go on and on about Hawaii's intoxicating warm breezes, juicy fruit, eye-popping land and seascapes, gentle people... But I'd rather show you instead. During my very busy 8 days on Oahu, I:

took in the ocean view,


supported the local farmer's market,


started each morning with a gigantic bowl of fruit,


visited a truly magical botanical garden in Waimea Valley (more photos to come),


marveled at the abundance of tropical flowers,


contemplated the Buddha at a Japanese temple,


rung a temple bell for good luck,


swam under the famous "Lost" waterfall,


watched with awe as the pros surfed,


crossed off one of my bucket list items by learning to surf myself, and successfully catching several big (to me) North Shore waves,


indulged in some post-surfing replenishment,


and hung out with some sweet, generous, loving peeps.


Mahalo maman et papa pour un voyage inoubliable!