Finding Roots

I have spent the past week taking advantage of my blank-canvas environment (see previous post) and trying to figure out what I actually like, now that I’ve been pried away from the delapidated-Edwardian aesthetic I’ve been used to all of my life.

So far the list includes:
linen-upholstered furniture
objects made of coloured glass
house plants

I am not putting pressure on myself to make it anymore complicated than that and attempt to apply some sort of philosophy. Just literally trying to notice what appeals to me.

The overall aesthetic I am craving is lighter and simpler than what I normally go for. Not minimalist, not rustic, and not ‘shabby chic.’ But sort of basic and comfortable. Pastel fabrics against faded wood. Green leaf against stoneware and jute. And did I mention blown glass. I had never been interested in glassware before. But now, it is as if all the light in the house beckons for me to gather vibrant glass baubles so as to ‘catch’ it.

It’s actually quite nice to be working on a colourwork project at the moment, while surrounded with all this translucent colour.

But likewise, to offset all this colour I am craving neutral garments in texture-rich yarns. Interestingly, I found an old one in the middle of the move: An unfinished shawl-collar sweater in one of the first batches of Shorn from the inventive whirlwind of yarn-love and knowledge that is Melissa Littlefield. I had started this sweater over 3 years ago, but got stuck on trying to decide what direction to take it in, and so the project languished.

Now suddenly my vision for this design is clear. And while in some ways it feels like going back to my roots, in actuality it is a move forward. Now to finish the hem amidst the gentle sparkle of glassware!