Drop by and see what I'm working on at the moment!
Just caught Crosby, Stills & Nash on Glastonbury TV highlights. Initial forgivings and a feeling of wishing I could cling onto an image of how they used to be (before my time you understand … only just) were replaced with relief when I saw that there were still flashes of brilliance, particularly from the age-spotted, plump figures of Crosby & Stills - Nash seemed to be playing by numbers (I’m sure he’ll be devasted - don’t tell him I said so).
Sent me scurrying back to two of my favourite all-time solo projects - the eponymously-named Stephen Stills (1970) and David Crosby’s ‘If Only I Could Remember My Name’ (1971). The former I bought on vinyl about 20 years ago because the cover was so amusing in a kitsch, ironic way and I adored ‘Love The One You’re With’, but only really properly listened to it a few years later. Joyous soul-filling tracks, still sounded great at the vinyl night in the local a few months back (gratifying revelry and wonderment on my co-drinkers’ faces as I passed the cover round). The latter I bought a few years ago after hearing it on Stuart Maconie’s wonderful ‘Freak Zone’ where he lauded the stealthy menace of ‘What Are Their Names’.
And these were made AFTER the brilliance of Buffalo Springfield & CSNY … jeeze, the body of work these two men have produced is ridiculous (over-shadowed by the genius of their former band mate Neil Young of course). David Crosby & Stephen Stills, we salute you.
Post-Script: Needless to say, Neil Young came on afterwards and righteously rocked.
Fragrant Theatre Characters
I’m writing this feature with a certain amount of jealousy. The subject is the incredibly gifted and prolific Maker/Artist Ana-Luisa de Cavilla Scrutton who goes under the name of Running Hare. We’ve been selling some of her gorgeous hand-sewn items and gifts in the shop since she introduced herself with a box full of one-off Christmas decorations … needless to say we quickly sold out. She has this way with a needle which makes each item look like it’s been sketched in thread by an artist with an impressionist’s eye, and each one is completely unique. The use of sustainable, natural, organic materials combined with vintage fabrics and trimmings add to that individual feel.
I think what really makes her stand out is her choice of subjects … Punch & Judy and ‘Noah and his family’ sit alongside gardeners and shepherds at work, without a hint of rural tweeness.
Favourites? I’m spoilt for choice, but I love the ‘fragrant theatre characters’ series (main picture) and the linen hare buttons.
Did I mention she also paints and sketches? Some people are just born with it … if you’re stuck for gifts, chances are you’ll find something special on the Running Hare website.
it's not that I've got a thing for pink but ...
Getting very excited about my next vintage project - a blouse pattern from Vogue Knitting No.35 with ‘a deep tuck-lined bib with tiny round collar’. I’ve had a scan through the instructions and can’t see any glaring errors, so fingers crossed shouldn’t be too complicated. I’m tempted by the skirt (you can knit it as a dress or separates), but I’m not sure I’m ready to brave one yet … looks simple enough but the time factor could be of biblical proportions. I could start it and keep it going on in the background, but I think by the time I finish it the blouse will be faded through use!
I haven’t really got a thing for pink, but I do quite like the idea of the pale pink in the picture (although am toying with the idea of black with white trimmings) … need to do some tension square but I’m hoping that Jamieson & Smith’s jumper weight 2-ply will do the job.
Just the small matter of finishing the other vintage pattern I’m working on now … so much to do …
1940s Bestway pullover
I’ve added a couple of free vintage knitting patterns to the site to download in .pdf format … a 1940s Bestway sleeveless pullover (see left) and an unusual 1950s Lee Target cardigan. I’m hoping to add some more as I go along so keep checking back here for the next installment.
Rather loving the hairstyle on the cover of the Bestway too, she looks great.
