it's chilly here, and it might get chilly there
There are all the telltale signs of Fall outside, as well as inside. I have woolens piled on my worktable. These have been collected over the past few months, second hand, and I'm thrilled to start using them full-on. I'm always amazed at the large pieces I find. I have plenty to keep me busy all season.
So, our Erieann is leaving for France soon. She's been anticipating this move for months, and has been busy passing on her gorgeous stash trims and fabrics. I was the lucky recipient of the first big box of happy she sent out way back when. She included some beautiful kimono fabric swatches and I'm been holding them aside and coveting them for quite a while. I wanted to make something special for her, and the scarf in the Denyse Schmidt book seemed perfect. I finally made it yesterday, using those aforementioned woolens combined with the kimono pieces, and a lining of pale pink flannel. I'm surprised at how lightweight and easy it is to wear. I've already started another one. Since I've already outed myself once this week, I decided various table shots were going to have to work, but its hard to get a good picture of a scarf without wearing it.
In the mail this week was a package of fabric from Lisa. We did a swap of fabrics and I highly recommend doing this, especially with Lisa. I knew that her choices would be great and it is so nice for inspiration to come to my doorstep like this. I've already used a few of them, although there are several that I haven't lived with long enough. I am honored to see that some of what I sent her has made it to her fabric collection all stars (and as I said, this one was meant to be used for Mia if any fabric ever was). Thank you so much Lisa.
I haven't had huge amounts of time this week to respond to everyone. I was thinking about this during my morning drop offs, and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who takes the time to stop by here. It often puts a smile on my face during the busy days we have lately, to check in and see that you all have checked in. Thank you...thank you all. xo












oh that scarf is lovely, erieann will love it. i have a bunch of thrifted wool as well, but it smells a bit musty, any tips on washing? can you just wash wool? i have a feeling the answer is no.
ps. we love stopping by, thanks for letting us do so.
Posted by: hannah | September 14, 2006 at 11:52 AM
hi blair,
love the scarf. i have had my eye on that denyse schmidt scarf pattern for some time but i don't know how to sew. loved seeing the studio portrait of you yesterday! xo shari
Posted by: shari | September 14, 2006 at 11:56 AM
Wasn't the scarf fun to make? I made four last Christmas, and then ran out of family/friends in chilly climates. Yours turned out to be just lovely, but when is that not the case?
Posted by: meg | September 14, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Oh, I love that scarf! I love working with wool and I really like how you've put it with the kimono fabric. I have that book and have been eyeing that scarf pattern ~ so now I'm REALLY inspiredt to try it! It's really lovely!
Posted by: Jackie | September 14, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Your scarf turned out amazing! And I checked out your flickr picture- you are beautiful! So nice to read a post from you again- I've missed you this week.
Posted by: andi | September 14, 2006 at 12:11 PM
it's beautiful blair. What a sweet idea. I just got a box of yummy-ness from Eireann today, too. she's too sweet.
been thinking of you lots this week and getting back into the swing of fall. we all love stopping by for a little 'wise'.
Posted by: molly | September 14, 2006 at 12:23 PM
yay!! love the scarf. love fabric swaps. i did one with hillary too and haven'r gotten hers yet and am waiting with so much excitement. i am still drooling over everything you sent me...more will make it to the all stars collection next week.
Posted by: lisa | September 14, 2006 at 12:24 PM
The scarf is lovely.I love the contrast between the textures.I have been relly lucky on the thrifted wool front recently too.I seem to be finding lots of unused vintage skirt lengths.Reminds me that crafters have always had fabric stash problems!
Posted by: Kristy | September 14, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Isn't it funny how we look farward to the kids going back to school to have some time to ourselves...and then it gets crazy-hectic-busy? I haven't had much time to do anything I really wanted yet!
I know I've said it before...but I'll say it again...I love your blog and you are always inspiring. LOVE the scarf!
I freaked out the first time I put my pic on the blog as well....but now I've been doing SelfPortrait Tuesdays and it isn't so bad anymore LOL. You outting yourself on flickr was perfectly beautiful :o)
Today's chill has made me order my cord of wood a little early :o) Keep warm!!!!
Posted by: Stephanie Cullison | September 14, 2006 at 12:38 PM
The scarf is beautiful, Blair!
Posted by: caitlyn | September 14, 2006 at 01:07 PM
Really lovely. You have inspired me to have a go at one - thank you!
Posted by: Rebecca | September 14, 2006 at 01:18 PM
The scarf is beautiful, love the concept and the choice of fabrics. Thanks for putting your pix out there, I always love putting a face to the blog. Thank you for the continuing inspiration.
Posted by: mary b | September 14, 2006 at 01:37 PM
ooh...that scarf is great! Your fabric choices are perfect. I've had a 'pile' ready to go to make this scarf, but for some reason have been intimidated to start. You might have given me the push I need!
Posted by: amanda | September 14, 2006 at 01:39 PM
The scarf is great and it sounds as though autumn is bringing you many new projects. That's the way it seems to be when the seasons change--more things on our task lists, creative ideas birthing in our imagination, new experiences to enjoy and so on. Thanks for sharing your projects.
Posted by: June | September 14, 2006 at 01:53 PM
the scarf looks great, blair - i have been wanting to make it also and am glad to hear that it is easy to boot. nice job!
Posted by: erin | September 14, 2006 at 02:10 PM
I love the scarf! And I will love to see all your creations during the fall.
Your portrait is beautiful!
Posted by: Veronica TM | September 14, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Oh - you're a sweetie! And the reason that I visit here is because of the smile that you put on my face - with you thoughtful words, your gorgeous pictures. (does this mean the start of a mutual admiration society????)
Posted by: lla | September 14, 2006 at 02:44 PM
I love the contrast of the blue woolens and the pink flannel. I made 4 of these scarfs last year for my mom and sisters for Christmas presents. Still none for myself! You've got me motivated to start working on my own. Fun to see your beautiful mug, thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: kathy | September 14, 2006 at 02:47 PM
I've been collecting bits for that scarf too, though I haven't had much luck in the wool department. Yours is lovely.
Posted by: Maitreya | September 14, 2006 at 06:17 PM
i don't have that book, but have had a similar scarf in mind since last year...it must have creeped into my subconscious somehow. your scarf is lovely, a beautiful combination of fabrics. it has me inspired to bring my version to life.
Posted by: stephanie | September 14, 2006 at 06:35 PM
what a thoughtful and lovely gift!
and checking in w/ you is always a joy!
Posted by: lisa s | September 14, 2006 at 07:29 PM
Blaire,
The scarf is lovely. A beautiful bon voyage gift if ever there was one. I imagine Eireann will adore it.
I was glad to see you post again today. For whatever reason (partly aesthetics), I never subscribe to a blog's feed so it's always a pleasant surprise to find a new post when I visit my favorites. I know you're busy these days (the transition from summer to fall always seems frenetic, doesn't it?) but I'm not ashamed to say I've missed you a wee bit over the last day and a half. Don't make me miss you again tomorrow. **Wink**
Posted by: Sarah | September 14, 2006 at 09:23 PM
That's the cutest scarf! I love the wool, and the kimono! Ack, I bet she'll love it.
Posted by: Julia | September 14, 2006 at 09:42 PM
oh, blair. how could i not click over when i spied this on flickr? oh, you! it is so beautiful. i can't wait. thank you, sweet lady.
Posted by: eireann | September 14, 2006 at 10:19 PM
the acarf is so jolie and I imagine will provoke stares of envy when eireann wears it about paris. you have no need to apologize for your flaws, i thin kyou look great! ( I have the same wrinkles and lines)
Posted by: mimulus | September 15, 2006 at 08:27 AM