assemblage

scarpa

my new design is finally available!

this garment was inspired by the architecture of carlo scarpa: an italian architect who incorporated japanese details in his designs; in particular, circular windows to frame a particular view from his building to the landscape.

here, i have used his concept to create a circular scoop neckline to frame the face and decolletage, while the twisted neckband gently softens this frame.

the design is knit side to side from the left wrist in a single piece with underarm shaping and a cropped waist to balance the heavy yarn and weight of the garment.

the extra news: while knitting this design, i was so thrilled with the opportunity this design lends to further adaptation, that i have also completed a 'skinny scarpa' : a skinny sister who is known as scarpetta. she will be introduced officially in the next few days.

and still to come will also be a cardigan version that is currently on the needles!

so, without further ado: please leave a comment by sunday, 31 october to win a copy of this new design.

(or i will reimburse you should you wish to buy straightaway if you win!)

a complete aside: my favourite scarpa architecture is without doubt the wonderful museo di castelvecchio: i visited over two days to digest the incredible craftsmanship evident in the exquisitely considered detailing. definitely on my list of buildings to re-visit.

 

under the same moon

i have long followed kelli's blog and was more than a little keen to read her first novel,

"under the same moon" :

i've been indulging in some african themed books of late

i'm blaming it on my brother in law and his family moving to malawi next year

but regardless,

this is a great read!

set in the contrasting cultures of mozambique and the usa,

kelli masterfully weaves characters, storyline and suspense.

well-researched and sensitively written,

she respectfully depicts african life and culture

whilst contrasting it to western concepts of community and family. 

her characters have emotional depth and flaws.

the resolution is not picture perfect,

making it all the better, in my opinion.

i literally couldn't put it down last night -

ploughing through the last half of the book till the wee hours.

bravo, Kelli!

梢 | KOZUE

Kozue: Japanese (Romanji) for (n) treetop.

The pattern detail is reminiscent of treetop gazing;

the twiggy branches,

the framed space,

the filtered light,

the susurrus sway.

A beautifully woven cashmere wrap made for me by Brooke,

"Treetops", inspired this handknitted design.

To celebrate this new design

let's give away 3 copies of the pattern

to those brave enough to leave a comment

before Sunday, 26th July.

Please put in a valid email address if you wish to be included.

And if you've already purchased the pattern, I will refund you.

| zaha |

architecturally inspired

two-piece construction

cap sleeves

wide funnel neck

slightly cropped

asymmetrical

expressed shoulder seam

worn either way

perfect for layering

| zaha |

椿ネクタイ | japonica cravat

my second design in ori ami knits : fiber geometry.

with organic inspiration derived from kelp forms,
the japonica cravat is worked from two threads of stainless steel yarn held together.

the wonderful malleability of the fabric invites manipulation:
flaring,
fluttering,
folding,
floating,
flattening.

experimentation will make this neckpiece your own.

[and did you notice my skirt in the photo shoot? fun!]

thursday

makes 1

utensils:
1 circular needle
1 pair of patient hands

ingredients:
1 thread habu fine merino thread
1 thread habu fine ramie thread
1 short thread habu linen yarn
handfuls of patience

method:
blend threads using many tiny stitches
extrude stitches to express detail
gently simmer and repeat
whisk together with patience
form armholes using reduction method
remove from heat and
apply graft to shoulders
add dash of linen to pleat

to serve:
layer your light, airy and surprisingly warm seamless thursday over your preferred side order.

and while i noted you need patience to knit this piece, i also thank you for your patience with me to write this pattern... a long time coming!

and for a limited time (drawn Sunday, 2 August):

leave your contact name and valid email address for a chance to be in the draw for your own free copy of my new pattern. otherwise available here.

[to knit a] paper crane

the paper crane. in knitted form. an extension to this.

the body is knit in one piece with a single seam at the bust expressing the angled knitting grain detail. the underarm seams align with the bust. the neckline rolls to reveal the contrasting garter stitch. completed with a perfect button.

the yarn! ooohh. i LOVE this yarn. whilst knitting, it feels almost stringy and perhaps a little rough. textured.

upon washing: the yarn transforms. a gentle sheen reminding me of driftwood: the colour, the texture. stitches plumped making my stitchwork look perfectly even. with that linen drape we know and love.

this pattern lends itself to numerous variations:

3/4 sleeves, elbow length sleeves, cap sleeves or no sleeves

tie closure using i-cord, 5 buttons from waist to bust, snap tape sewn on, hook and eye, double breasted overlap or no closure (loose shrug style).

and so utterly perfect for dancing. i hope it makes you want to dance, too - i know i do!

ravelry pattern now available for purchase. and also paypal option on the sidebar. sizing: S, M, L, XL.

and because i'm so excited, i want to share the love around: i will select one winner from the comments and send you a free copy of the pattern [or a refund for your pattern if you just can't wait!].

[more] vintage buttons

a small update in the shop of vintage japanese buttons.

if you are that way inclined.

toothpick structure II

i have been waiting for this construction set to become available in australia pretty much since we made this almost a year ago.

with a 6 year old son who wants to be an architect, i knew he would love this even though i mostly avoid adding further plastic to our existing toy collection.

i'm looking forward to seeing what he comes up with:
yesterday it was the image on the box.
today it was a tunnel.
perhaps eureka next?

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