BEFORE: A skein is wound contemplatively into a plump, round ball like a little planet newly discovered. Malabrigo Rios, one of the world’s most beloved yarns, is ready to become …? AFTER: Ah, it wants to be all things to all people. And look here – it succeeds by becoming My Dreamy Friend Versatile. How …
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Autumn: grasses fall, we slumber, cosy
All is on the wane here; the long grass falls dry and soft yellow, sunlight is dimmed in the morning, the wind is colder. At the same time the bramble berries are bursting with plump ripeness and the Rowan berries shine red in the twilight as crows squawk in delight at them. We fall into …
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Summer: here comes the sun …the smiles returning to the faces
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes. Ah. The cooling wind makes the machair flowers dance in pretty pinks and bright yellow. Bumble bees buzz the red clover. Moths visit at night, painted ladies flutter from flower to flower drinking nectar their butterfly wings move like Geisha fans.
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Spring: quickening creativity
As we are all part of nature we feel the quickening in early Spring, a tingling of life force awakening inside us, a desire to rampage into newness. I wonder if like the sap in plant stems that is suddenly rising and full of vigour, we too have this response in our bodies. All things …
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Caledonia Shrug: Who wore it better?
I have now finished designing the new INNER WILD knitting patterns template. Joy! And I just wrote up the pattern for this INNER WILD Caledonia Shrug worn by Claire in Outlander. It made me laugh to see how differently the exact same Caledonia Shrug could look! I thought you might appreciate the fun of it …
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For the wild knitters: Inner Wild patterns
Inner Wild wilderness wear for dearhearts knitting patterns available on amazon: Inner Wild knitting patterns on Kindle The first Inner Wild knitting patterns, available on amazon since 2015, are: Wanderer Warmers, Seafoam Warmers, Unfurled Bodice, Stag Antler Warmers, Hebridean Neck Cuff, Ancestors Apron, Sweetheart Arm Warmers and for Outlander fans – The Celtic Mitts. But don’t download …
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As familiar as skin: Harris Tweed
When you grow up in the Hebrides among your tough Harris Tweed-clad menfolk and the smell of wet tweed and feel of rough wool is as familiar to you as your own skin you have permission to mess with it. The ancient coming together of our island sheep wool in woven and knitted form is …
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Autumn feelings
Hello Autumn you beautiful harvest season of misty mornings, long nights and mellow fruitfulness. We surrender to crisp leaves crackling underfoot, the zing of cold air sharp in our lungs and the soothing, cosseting bliss of wrapping ourselves in layers upon layers of natural, hand knitted wool, silk, cashmere, alpaca . . .
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