I have embarked on a new adventure… or rather, an old adventure with a new twist. This time, I am basking in dusky pastel colours, reminiscent of period dramas and sultry summer evenings in the British countryside (with a little bit of South Africa thrown in for fun).
This journey has been a bit bizarre. Usually, I start with a very clear element of inspiration – a place, a person, a drawing, a photo… Once I have that, I choose the colours that best embody that inspiration (in my mind, at least). This time, I started with an existing pattern repeat and a vague idea of colours. This might not sound like a problem – pattern, tick; colours, tick – but it was!
Designing, for me, is as much about the sentiment and nostalgia as it is about the stitches and colours. Having found myself with a set of colours and trying to work my way back to exactly why those colours spoke to me proved to be a very tricky endeavour. The more I tried to pin down my inspiration and find a name for the blanket, the more complicated and exciting the puzzle became. This is going to be a long post with LOTS of photos. I know that some of you have limited time, so I have broken this post down into the following two parts: The Important Bit (yarn and colours) and The Cup-of-Tea Bit (lots of talking and photos).
The Important Bit
I will be using Scheepjes Colour Crafter (100% acrylic/100g/300m) for this project (available from Scheepjes Stockists). Colour Crafter is a lovely, bouncy, affordable acrylic with a huge variety of colours.
My friend Kay helped me choose the colours – she is more confortable with pastels than I am. We decided on Zandvoort (1218), Delftzijl (1822), and Goes (1820) as the three main colours. These colours are meant to represent stone, foliage, and evening sky.
For the contrasting colours, we chose Gouda (1081), Venlo (1080), Alphen (1722), Hoorn (1067), and Zutphen (1828).
You will notice that these are not my usual colours, but just wait until you see how they play together! I will show you a sneak peek next week. In the meantime, I would love to know what these colours remind you of and what you would call a project made in these colours – yes, I am fishing for names, although I think I’ve finally hit on the perfect one!
Follow Our Memory Lane Journey
- Memory Lane Blanket: Yarn Arrival (This Post)
- Memory Lane Blanket: Work in Progress
- Memory Lane Blanket: Reveal
- Memory Lane Blanket: Pattern
The Cup-of-Tea Bit
I think the only way to approach this part is from the beginning, so here goes.
I have been planning to make this particular blanket (spoiler alert) for over a year. Between my contributions to the Yarn Bookazine, my column in Inside Crochet, growing Charlotte, working on the Sophie’s Stool Kit, and focussing on a super exciting top secret project, I just couldn’t envision finding the time to make it myself. I realized that I could either ask someone to make it for me, or it might never get made. I asked my friend Kay if she would be willing to make it (you might remember Kay helping me crochet some rounds of the Stonewashed XL Sophie when the CAL was still running). Kay came over for tea (and a bit of a yarn organisation session) and after a lengthy debate, we decided on the colours listed above.
I told Kay that the colours made me think of Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey was filmed – particularly the Secret Garden. I’m a huge Downton fan! I was quite pleased with myself. I thought Highclere would be a lovely name.
Highclere Photo Courtesy of Highclere Castle – You Can See More Photos HERE.
Kay told me that the colours reminded her of the Cotswolds (particularly the stone and the sky).
I Googled the Cotswolds because I thought I had never been, but then realised that I had! When Mr. Lookatwhatimade first came to England (two years before I could join him), he found a job as a Commis Waiter at Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter. When we were both (finally!) living in England, we went on a trip to Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and The Slaughters so that he could show me ‘his valley’. In fact, that’s where we bought the #iseememoriesblanket (our ugly, 50p charity shop blanket).
All of a sudden, I was torn. Should I call the blanket Highclere, or should I call it Cotswolds? Both were apt, but neither felt exactly right.
When I asked Simy Somer what the blanket and/or colours reminded her of, and she sent me this photo of a Notting Hill Street. For her, the colours were Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Coincidentally, Hugh Bonneville was one of the actors in Notting Hill (one of my favourite movies), so another tick for Highclere as he was my leading older crush in Downton! These houses reminded me of the colourful houses in the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town – specifically those in Chiappini Street.
Notting Hill Photo Courtesy of Stephanie from Little Observationist
Even though the colours were right, I was stuck on a floral theme, so I started Googling ‘Country Gardens‘ and came across this photo:
Photo by Sharyn Cairns, featured on Home Life.
Aren’t the colours just perfect? The photo reminded me of the lavender bushes at my parents-in-law’s farm…
… and the frosty winter morning when I took this photo of a lavender bush on our street. I remember taking the photo and being struck by the contrast between the two photos… one capturing a balmy South African evening, and one capturing a frosty British morning.
While I was looking for the lavender photo in my ‘South Africa’ file, I came across these photos of the fynbos bouquets the boys picked for me when I was doing the South African tour last year. Isn’t it amazing how the same colours can have such a different feel?
Now I was even more confused on the name front. On the inspiration front, however, I was starting to realize something interesting. What had felt like a vague and slightly random colour-choice was actually a reflection of my life and memories. The more of my photos I scrolled through, the more I realized that a staggering number of them featured the same colourway and that each one held a universe of stories and memories, like this one:
That prickly pear was a gift from one of the consultants at work. I had told him that prickly pears were my favourite fruit and that I missed them dearly. He went to Selfridges and bought me three prickly pears. They cost more than a whole bucket full of prickly pears would have cost in South Africa! I can remember travelling home with the bag clutched in my fist, eager to show Mr. Lookatwhatimade my bounty. I can remember the excitement of putting them in the fridge to cool before peeling and slicing them. I can remember there being only one slice left for me by the time Mr. Lookatwhatimade and the boys had helped themselves, and I can clearly remember how amazing that one slice tasted as it threw me back almost two decades to my giddy summer of first love.
Scrolling some more, I came across this photograph, taken while we were walking back to the station after a trip to the Imperial War Museum over the summer holidays. Yes, it is just a succulent, but it reminds me of the mayhem and joy of that day, of my elation when my first succulent blossomed (and the sadness of it promptly dying afterwards), and of playing house under the Spekbos (Elephant’s food plant – Portulacaria afra) with my eldest brother when we were still knee-high to a grasshopper.
That very week, I had taken a photo of my neighbour’s Hydrangea bush…
… only to see this painting by Nel Whatmore shared on Facebook that same evening! Seeing it reminded me of attending the Chelsea Flower Show last year (for the first time) and being able to see Nel’s work in person. That brought back a whole lot of related memories and stories too.
Nel Whatmore Hydrangeas – Photo Courtesy of Nel Whatmore.
Just the week before, we had had a family painting session, and this was Mr. Lookatwhatimade’s first attempt at oil painting (it looks very different after a few more layers). When I first met Christiaan, dressed in shorts and flip flops at a Kareoke bar, I never would have imagined that he had an artistic streak. I have been encouraging him to start painting again for… oh… probably five years? Watching him and the boys discuss colours and shades and technique made me happier than I can put into words. So there is another memory that has entwined itself with this specific colourway.
My point (if there is one) is that sometimes a journey is straightforward – like when I decided to do the Namaqualand blanket or Summer in Swanage and chose the colours accordingly – and sometimes a journey is complex and revealing – like this one.
Of course a project can be ‘just a project’, but for me, nothing is ever ‘just’ anything. I map my life by the sights I see, the sounds I hear, the memories I have, and the things I make. Tieing them together intensifies the enjoyment and strengthens my sense of self and family.
I hope you will come back next week to see some work-in-progress pictures :)
Have a lovely weekend!
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Maggie Lewin says
I love the important bit and the cup of tea bit – both are typically your blog and I love your ramblings :). I think Country Garden is a very apt name for those colours but they also remind me of the Downton Ladies. For me those colours conjure up a more genteel time. The palette makes me think of Beatrix Potters garden at her house in the Lake District – a typical English Country Garden. That takes me on to an old song “In an English Country Garden” that goes through all the flower names.
Karen says
Opened up my mail to see one from you today … I eagerly opened it up and a newsletter that was filled with links and beautiful pictures and stories. I got to the name of the yarn and was thrilled but the name of the blanket oh my that was brilliant and the word “Secret Garden” jump out .. there was the word and world I loved. Loved the Movies but the Gardens oh how I love the gardens when you went on to show more I was falling in love with the colors and the story more. Thank you for the walk today into your story and it was amazing. I can’t wait for a new project from you. The pear hmm now I would love to try one.
Dedri Uys says
Karen, I am so sorry that I am only replying now. I am very pleased that you enjoyed the post and the secret garden aspect of it. You should def try to get a prickly pear. They taste amazing!!!
Scott says
I loved reading this Dedri. The pictures remind me of my gran. She loved visiting summer gardens and would enjoy sitting in the late summer sun just watching the world go by. Nearer the end of her life when she wasn’t so nimble I remember pushing her around said gardens in her wheelchair, being made to stop for tea and cake, she had a mega sweet tooth. Although i never saw her crochet she was an avid knitter and I recall lots of homemade blankets. My gran would have loved the colours you’ve chosen. She adored pastel shades. Unfortunately I don’t have any of her creations but I feel drawn to make this blanket once released in her memory. Quite aptly my gran’s name was Violet and this almost feels like you are creating this for her! I must admit that I’m one of those crocheters who view most creations as “just a project “ but reading your post with the beautiful pictures has converted me! I think I shall nickname this “ memory of Violets”. Thank you for an amazing post Dedri and the memories you have evoked for me.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Scott. I am so sorry it took me so long to reply. Thank you for your lovely, insightful comment. When I read about your granny Violet, it gave me goosebumps. Please do nickname this Memory of Violets. It seems so apt x
Jenny says
Scott, making this blanket in memory of your Granny Violet will make the items even more special!
Jenny
MaryT says
Being here in the US, the colors remind me of a line of lilacs. I LOVE lilacs and could only think of seeing them again when we moved north from Florida to West Virginia. I really missed seeing them for the 28 years that I lived in Florida. I grew up in northern lower peninsula of Michigan and they seemed to be everywhere in all colors while is was growing up.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane with you. I will have to look for prickly pears and try one myself (I have never even seen them before. Now I know what they look like.)
As always, your blog is always interesting and inspiring.
Right now I am actually working on a Spiderman blanket for my grandson. Now you know what’s on my hook ;)
Dedri Uys says
Mary, I love lilacs too and prickly pears are delicious! You should def try and have one. How did your Spiderman blanket turn out?
Barbara Ball Wilson says
They were not rambling at all . I loved hearing your story of how memories became an influence of the colors . I will have to research that – why I am drawn to certain colors. Thank you for ALL of your posts
Dedri Uys says
I hope you share your findings with me when you figure them out :)
Linda Snyman says
Nancy I could not have said it better. Dedri I love the colours.
Judy says
Dedri, thank you for sharing your journey with these colors. Nancy (above) said it beautifully, but this cup of tea version is why many of us read your blog. We love to hear what inspires you and to look at your beautiful photographs and hear about your design process. What makes your designs so appealing is more than the craft–it’s the love and thought and care that goes in to each one. The rest of us can only hope to capture some of that when we make your designs. I hope that when we gift our projects to others that they can feel the love that “invented” them and that went into their creation. We hope you never stop sharing your thoughts with your appreciative readers.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Judy. Thank you so much for your lovely comment :) I’m so pleased that you like all the blah-blah. Even if other people don’t feel the love and stories that went into each project, we feel it while we work on it, and that is enough for me. If they feel it, bonus!!
Louise Drosdzol says
My mother had a Protea farm, straight away I thought of fynbos and the little white/green proteas. Or the pink watsonias in the grass wild on the mountain Your colors with a bit of grey. Makes me cry to think of Drakensberg crisp mornings and my Mom.
Xx
Dedri Uys says
Aww, I’m sorry that this has made you sad-nostalgic instead of happy-nostalgic. Sometimes the sad memories are the most potent, though. I’ve never had the privilege of experiencing a Drakensberg morning, but if it is anything like a Karoo winter morning (ryp en wasem en berglug), I can imagine it very well x
Paige Vest says
I love the way you write. Your story sucked me in and I felt as if I was in your painting. You took me on a wonderful journey. Can’t to see the finished project.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Paige :)
Delina says
Love the colourway and the post. I think of “Legacy” when reading the stories and memories intertwined. Every memory ends up weaved into our personal legacy.
Dedri Uys says
That’s a great idea, Delina.
Denni says
love the colours, the memories and the pictures
feeling wrapped in love by them all
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Denni. What a lovely thing to say :)
Kay Cooke says
I absolutely adore these colors. They remind me of a late summer walk in the garden. Looking forward to seeing the pattern.
Jean says
I can’t wait. I’ve just started thinking about a spring project.
Ruth says
The colors remind me of an English garden with a meandering path. Looking forward to seeing how you put them together.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ruth. That’s the vision I have!!!
Nancy says
Love your blog. You don’t know what a treasure you are! I am always on pins and needles waiting for your next edition. You show so much love in all that you do and you do truly radiate that, not only to your family, but to all of us here waiting for your next words. The way you describe the colors and how they blend into all that you are and create. You leave me amazed each time at your ability to articulate how the colors make you feel and translate that feeling into your designs. It’s the creative process. The artist in you. It is nonetheless amazing. Especially so doing it with children and a Mr. lookatwhatimade (I loved the way you put that, as I don’t recall you having done it before. No pressure mind you, but I do hope I will be hearing from you, how ever often you are available to do so for quite some time to come! Thank you so much for the smiles, the laughter that comes quickly to my lips and the joy you bring to my heart. The Lord bless you richly child even as you have blessed so many others.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Nancy. Thank you for your lovely comment. I have to tell you that I am mildly terrified every time I write a post that contains anything but facts. I feel naked and vulnerable when I allow my stream of consciousness to come to light, but at the same time I just cannot help myself! I have been referring to Christiaan as Mr. Lookatawhatimade ever since he started his first crochet blanket – not because I want to hide his identity, but rather because we have very much become Mr. and Mrs. Lookatwhatimade, and none of this joyful journey would have been possible without him or the boys.
Kateleen says
Dear Dedri, I can’t put it better then Nancy did a real artist as you are thrives on his senses… as I believe memories are our sixth sense which make us relive previous experiences (including all senses)… I think you did a great job here! Your new design will be perfect again… as the name will be looking forward to see what it’ll be
Dedri Uys says
That’s a very nice way to look at it! I love the idea of memories being a sixth sense :)
Gloria Larkan says
Oooo can’t wait to see what you come up with Dedri :) Xx
Dedri Uys says
Gloria, you will recognize the stitch repeat, but it will feel totally different!
Angela says
I loved reading this. Finished items made up of such memories are so tactile and invoke even more feeling like when you’re wrapped in your finished blanket breathing in your memories. I saw those colours and straight off thought of Kimmeridge in Dorset, it’s just down the road from my favouritest place on the planet, and I used to go there with my butties and flask of tea or hot chocolate and sit there reading and listening and breathing it all in. It’s stunning when the thrift is in bloom it’s just like a purple and green carpet. Yeah Kimmeridge blanket for me. And I love your photos too x
Dedri Uys says
Angela, I have been to Kimmeridge!!! Actually, all five of us have been to Kimmeridge. We went on an extremely stormy day and hardly dared venture out of the car, let alone down the path to the beach to hunt fossils. It was mid-winter, so we didn’t see the thrift in bloom. But that’s something to look forward to when we return one summer :)
Trisha Smith says
You described everything so well, that I was feeling nostalgic myself! The colors are just beautiful. I’m not sure how to help you decide on a name for your blanket, other than to tell you to close your eyes and say the names out loud and see which one really feels like your blanket. I can’t wait to hear what you decide and to see the outcome. <3
Dedri Uys says
Hi Trisha. Thank you :) I think the name I have in mind will speak to everyone, not just to me. Here’s hoping x
Shirley says
I look forward to seeing this project progress, I love the colours even though like yourself I’m not a pastel colour person .. The colours remind me of looking over a meadow of wild flowers all different colours on a beautiful summers evening..
I have never watched downtown abbey ,though I do like period dramas,sense and sensibility and pride and prejudice are two of my favourites..
Dedri Uys says
Snap! Pride and Prejudice is my all-time favourite period drama. Mr. Darcy…!!! I think you would enjoy Downtown, even though it is not as severe/austere as the Austen novels. The characters are quite lovable.
Cheryl says
What a colorful journey you have been on.