The sun has dissapeared from my small part of the world. The last of the golden and fiery red autumn leaves are falling, leaving branches bare and exposed. Gone is the glorious summer light, and delicious long days. The darkness of evening arrives far too early, and the cold seeps into my bones. Winter is here, and i'm surrounded by grey. Beautiful grey.
I have to confess that I stuggle with the colder months and tend to hybernate indoors whenever possible. However, despite my yearning for warmth and light, i've been overwhelmed by the beauty that has accompanied winter this year. Maybe it has something to do with a photography project I began this month - just for fun. As i have discovered, (even if it's cold and rainy) a grey sky is not simply just grey, but an ever changing palette of shades and azure blues - some dark as indigo, others brilliant as a sapphire. Why haven't I ever appreciated the winter sky before I wonder? I'm sure I've noticed, but I think the act of physically stopping, and taking a moment to see and capture and breathe in the beauty has made the difference.
I've embarked on another little adventure that has been taking up a lot of my time these past couple of weeks. I'm going to have a stall, selling some of my sewn, knitted and crochet pieces at the upcoming Mothers Market in Hobart. I've been working with the most glorious of materials, many of them grey - 'Sublime' Cashmere Merino Silk aran in Granite, wools, linens and organic cotton fabric and yarn. Splashes of color married with the beautiful greys, all coming together to form my little collection.
It has been many, many years since I've participated in a market, so along with feelings of anticipation and excitement, lurk the pangs of nerves. I've been working feverishly, but have I mentioned I have my six children at home on school holidays? Productivity is not as high as I had hoped - yet, but it's the beginning of something wonderful and beautiful.
And now, I must turn my attention back to my piles of wool and fabric. I'll be back soon x
There is a reason grey is often used as a paint backdrop in art galleries for paintings to be shown against - because it shows up any colour against it in a much more true fashion than whites. And therein lies the beauty of greys for me. That they in themselves are a collection of colours mixed, and that other colours against them can sing and have a voice. Best wishes for the markets - and lots of energy for you :)
Posted by: Alison | June 09, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Best wishes for the market, that sounds like a great idea. I wish that I could pop over to visit your stall! The photography project is interesting. I need to do something like that!
Posted by: Linda | June 09, 2009 at 06:36 PM
the shades of gray are marvelous beauties...and your creations for the market will surely be desired by all...best of luck...and lots of love xx
Posted by: theresa/t does wool | June 09, 2009 at 07:14 PM
So glad to see you back, sharing your thoughts and crafty endeavours. You will be such a success at the markets...looking forward to hearing all about it!
Posted by: Kate | June 09, 2009 at 07:36 PM
lovely grey collection. i love grey. in all its manifestations.
best of luck with the preparations. :)
Posted by: kirsten | June 10, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I'm sure you'll do just fine on the marktet. Your quality in pictures will surely reflect on your other work too. Therefor I'll suspect you'll be sold out very quickly. If everyone has the same taste in things as I have, i'm sure!
Posted by: MoniqueB. | June 12, 2009 at 06:39 AM
It's so right that sometimes we seem to see without actually looking and taking notice. It's wonderful to uncover things you hadn't noticed before.
Good luck with the market preparations!
Posted by: di | June 12, 2009 at 10:43 PM
It's always so warming to stop for a moment and notice the beauty in the ordinary! Thank you for your lovely post.
All the best at the mother's market, I hope it's wonderful FUN!
Posted by: Jessie | June 21, 2009 at 11:16 AM