Thank You Inspiration

Dear readers,

When writing my last post over three weeks ago it slipped my mind that Millefeuilles had been around for a year.  A few weeks ago Annie over at Knitsofacto asked us to choose one word which captured the essence of blogging.  Her's was conversation.   Others chose camaraderie, community, and beauty.  Mine, on reflection, would be inspiration.  In the same post Valerie, the illustrator and designer from Acornmoon, wrote: 'I think blogging is like having a pen pal without the stamp'.  True!  I could add, however, that my comments page comes adorned with a patchwork of brightly hued and intricate stamps; each one represents every single blog which has inspired me over the past twelve months.  The inspiration you all generously share is as potent as my morning coffee and I am hugely grateful to so many of you for kickstarting my creativity most days.

I should add that whilst I stitch away busily my Millefeuilles Hares are patiently waiting to take centre stage.  They are getting a little crotchety about being behind the scenes for so long.  I have assured them that their moment of glory will come soon - hopefully in my next post - when I intend to put some up for sale. I cannot help but write that one Hare, for example, has been inspired by Madelief's beautiful garden. A few have secretly been sent off with a kiss, wrapped in silk paper and velvet ribbon, halfway across the globe.  Each will have a story to tell and I have promised to share their tales when the right time comes.  In the meantime please consider this present post to be a stage curtain of sorts made up of the rich fabric of blog inspiration and generosity you all provide.

First on the list, Jennifer Casa's delightul pattern, Neighborly.  It is simple and can be downloaded for free. Perhaps, the designer writes, this little knit could inspire us to be neighbourly too: either by digging into our yarn stash and making something pretty for a local charity or donating a small amount to a good cause. It's a lovely idea.

Here's mine: Linden Flower And Rose.

Perched up high on our local church wall - I hope that is not disrespectul? - under the heady, sweet scent of the linden trees in bloom.

I love the iridescence of this vintage nacre button, the Rooster Almerino Aran in Strawberry Cream and Gooseberry, and this simple pattern.

I'm still having fun deciding how I can be neighborly!

Incidentally have you had a chance to read the recently penned thought-provoking article written by Kate Davies?  It is the story of her owl  sweater which launched her career out of academia and into the world of knitwear design.   If you haven't seen it yet you can find it here.  I'd be curious to read your reactions.

 Next up, a truly inspiration gift from Penelope at L Is For Love. 

When I wrote to Penelope letting her know that her colourful parcel had safely arrived I told her that I intended to leave the package unopened for a few days just to let the anticipation linger.  I opened it on the first day of Tristan and Héloïse's summer holidays with my three hippety hoppity children around me.  It felt like digging deep into a big Christmas stocking and we all took turns to unearth each little treasure.  Every gift was wrapped in exquisite paper and comes with a story and a little creative magic.  Just look at that Manos Silk Blend yarn with its rich, plummy tones.  What a treat!  Around the same time Julie from Little Cotton Rabbits posted her Midsummer's Day Mittens.  They were so exquisite that I promptly wound a big, fat ball of the Manos Silk Blend and turned it into the very same pattern.

Mine are called Rainy Summer Mittens and whilst my technique falls short of Julie's beautiful work, I have enjoyed knitting every stitch of the Churchmouse Yarns And Teas mittens pattern with my gifted yarn. 

Thank you so much Penelope for your gift and your inspiring blog.

Finally for now, I am showing you a plate of buttons embroidered during the last Saturday of May at the delectable Loop where I attended a course organised by one of my greatest sources of inspiration; Cécile Franconie.

For those who are not familiar with this textile artist I urge you to go visit her little corner of paradise.  She is an exceptional person.  After the birth of her fourth child she decided to step away from her nursing job and try her luck at making a career using her hands.  Twelve years later she is writing up her fifth book and her husband has been forced to eat his hat; he was a little dubious of her decision!  Her eye for colour is astounding as is her feverish desire to produce and create. Cécile is about this, this  and that.  She is renowned for her embroidery, often inspired by garden-related themes, and her latest book is a dream.  Don't let the fact it is written in French put you off.  It is selling like hot cakes in Loop, London.  Take a peek at this and this.  I could go on and on but I will finish up here by giving you the name of her other site where she shares video tutorials of some of her designs.  Click here.

Before I sign off please go vist Olallieberry to get a glimpse of THE most adorable handmade birthday candles.

A très bientôt,

Stephanie

ps For those kind souls who emailed me about our test in patience we have been informed that the judge's verdict will fall on September 6th; two months later than anticipated.  We are determined to enjoy our summer nevertheless!