assemblage

perforated

working my way through the cheese grater scarf.

disappointed with the loopy edge stitches to each 'hole'... but i am halfway through and hoping a mighty serious blocking process will solve that dilemma. i tried numerous techniques without success but just discovered an amended method here on ravelry. however, at halfway through, i am surely not going to rip back and do it again!

and i am finding it a little monotonous now. more a chore than a total pleasure but not wanting to put it down for fear i may never pick it back up again.

on the upside, i am loving this yarn colour. silver. light grey. cloud lining. salt and pepper. nonetheless, a shade i will knit again.

vessel wednesday

a little zen style vessel wednesday respite: the newest cherry blossoms in woodfired urn.

and a thank you to those who purchased my skirts yesterday and left such encouraging comments.

i really found determining suitable sizes a challenge. if you are seriously interested in future garments, i would love to hear you thoughts on sizing.

antique kimono ribbon wrap skirt

   

elegant wrap skirt with an antique kimono feature panel in the overlap/wrap element.

silk antique kimono panel. handpainted. with some small pencil markings. amazingly fresh. incredibly detailed. with its own history. each different. each destined for a different kimono element. each now a part of an original skirt. each one unique.

held taut with matching chrome d rings and fluttering long grosgrain ribbons.

lightweight wool fabric in a shade lighter than black. let's call it almost black.

concealed/revealed.

not pure iki*, but a nod in that direction.

and two for sale.

*i prefer liza dalby's explanation of iki in 'kimono: fashioning culture' - less was more...a hidden luxury, pp58 - 61 rather than the wikipedia version

SALE

25% off sale on current assemblageshop stock now on.

preparing space for a couple of new items in the next few days.

a time

a time for no plans.

a time for sunshine on my back.

a time for watching gentle waves lapping.

a time for enjoying sparkling views.

a time for sourcing the perfect coffee.

a time for dining out. for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

a time for completing a conversation.

a time for no conversation.

a time for refreshment.

a time for mymothertotoilettrainmydaughterwhilstwespentthreedays

insydneywithnochildren.

oh, happy days.

sabinette (aka the architect's scarf)

i love this scarf. so graphic and bold.

and the design! wrapping forms loops. hanging forms slats. oh, the possibilities!

quite architectural, i think.

it is now machine felted and thick and heavy. and so very warm. and still soft.

i am still having some difficulty with the alpaca hairs. everywhere. even after 3 machine washes. if i wash it again, it'll be a scarf for my cat.  and then they can molt together.

but that would allow me to knit it again... in another alpaca yarn. wouldn't it?

rooms to view

an interior design project of mine up for sale at the moment.

take a peek inside.

to knit with cat

 

upon discovery this incredible scarf hit the top of my ravelry queue and resulted in some frantic alpaca purchasing.

i have no experience knitting with alpaca and it's fibres feel long and silken. hair like.

but this yarn sheds. much like my cat. long white hairs. on everything. the black leather lounge. the black skirt i am hemming. everything.

i have an architect friend with a white cat who does a quick once over with the vacuum cleaner prior to departing for work. white cat + black clothing = hairy couture. [hmm. something in that?]

or i could always collect the hair and make exquisitely fine paint brushes as discussed in this excellent book for use in the illuminated artworks from the Middle Ages.

but for now, i hope felting my completed scarf will bind the yarn together.

and excuse me while i go vacuum myself.

to meet

my inherent trepidation at meeting these incredibly talented women was utterly unfounded.

i found each to be warm, inviting, inspiring and welcoming. a truly memorable afternoon.

much handwaving, much show and tell, much coffee, much laughter, and much hope it happens again sooner rather than later.