In honor of Beatrix Potter’s birthday, how about a little knitspiration?
Helen Beatrix Potter was born 149 years ago today. She had great success as a scientific illustrator and conservationist, but is best known today for her children’s books. Everyone has a favorite. Mine is Peter Rabbit. It’s such a nice mix of home and hearth – Peter’s mother even knits! – and mischief, as Peter gets himself into one fix after another.
Although I have enjoyed her work as both a child and a parent, I also enjoy her artistic talents. Her use of color is inspirational. From soft leafy-greens…
Little Victory Mitts in Whisper Lace
To the bright colors of the farm.
Falling Jewels Tee in Cotton Supreme
From fresh pastels of Spring…
Horseshoes and Twists Too Vest in Bamboo Pop
To warmer tones of a cozy home.
Fireplace Cardigan in Amphora
Beatrix said, “There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” I think we all know the same is true each time we pick up a ball of yarn. We hope all your crafting adventures are as enthralling as those Beatrix Potter wrote about.
It’s a glorious Monday morning. How about a little knitspiration?
I have no idea what this piece by Bannai Taku is called. It’s difficult to find information about this Japanese illustrator’s work, since I don’t speak Japanese. But something about this speaks to me.
And some of it is the spirit of freedom in the outdoors.
Hagakiri Tee in Cotton Supreme
It brings a feeling of lightness and peace.
Daffodil Top in Garden 10
When’s the last time you climbed on a bike and just rode? Were you still a child? Did you feel like you were flying?
Pixie Skirt in Bamboo Pop
Can you still capture that sense of joy in the world around you?
Diagonals Tee in Llamalini
I hope that sometime today, you’ll step outside and pause for a moment. Look up. Take a deep breath. Let your mind be still and be in the moment.
Then take another deep breath and move through your day with a smile.
Edited to add: A reader who cycles informs us that the Japanese text for our cycling illustration translates to… Cycling. Thank you for letting us know!
The geometry is perfect here – the angles and colors, the twists of the sails.
Cotton SupremeLadder Scarf in Cirrus CottonGossamer Shawlette in Cotton GoldArt Deco Stole in Mohair MountainLattice Cowl in Poems Silk
The masts and lines of Blackburn’s piece call to mind the waves of Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton’s Lattice Cowl above. The combination reminds me of a family favorite poem, Sea Fever by John Masefield. It’s read beautifully here by Tom O’Bedlam.
In the poem, John Masefield wishes for “a merry yarn.” It may not be the kind that he’s thinking of, but we wish you much merry yarn as well.
Romare Bearden (1911-1988) has a special place in my heart. He hails from my hometown of Charlotte, NC, just down the road from Universal Yarn. He moved to New York and contributed to Harlem’s vibrant arts scene in the 30’s and 40’s, often using imagery from his home state. Romare Bearden was that fortunate artist who gained respect and recognition in his lifetime, with his works displayed in important collections around the globe. If you’re ever in Charlotte, take a pleasant stroll through Romare Bearden Park – then come up the road and see us.
His use of color is inspiring.
The bright colors…
Northanger Abbey Shawl in Garden 10Goldenrod in Flax from Back to NaturaSeashells Hoodie in Deluxe DK Superwash from Fall Classics
…with more natural tones.
Timbers Hat in Uptown DK from e-book Mountain Ridge KnitsEmerald Isle Lap Blanket in Deluxe Worsted from 50 Knitted Gifts
Happy Birthday Miss Jones – Norman Rockwell 1956 – with Deluxe Worsted Superwash
What I love about this picture – and about all of Norman Rockwell’s work – is that it tells a story. The eraser on the floor shows that her students wrote on her board in a rush and then had to scramble back to their seats. The eraser on the student’s head shows that maybe they’re not always little angels. And the fact that Miss Jones isn’t bothered that they’ve ruined all her multiplication problems shows that she’s the kind of teacher who values her children’s high spirits and appreciates their thoughtful intent.
You may address me as “Your Majesty.”
Today is my birthday, and like Miss Jones, I recognize this as an opportunity to reflect on generosity and intention. I am truly fortunate to have the kind of co-workers here at Universal who will bomb my office with streamers and present me with the traditional Universal Yarn Birthday Tiara.
This is a time to be thoughtful and ask: what opportunities can I seize in my life to show un-asked for care to others? Am I showing generosity to myself as well as to others?
Twist Collective – Aphelion in Good Earth
Today I will practice gratitude for the abilities that I have – to think, to craft, and to love. And I will be grateful, too, for those who appreciate those gifts.
Interweave Knits – Kite Cardigan in Deluxe Chunky
What will you do today to bring joy to yourself or someone else? Whether you create a garment or a moment, know that what you do has value.
Twist Collective – Scribe Mittens in Deluxe Worsted
Not scorching, perhaps, but warm enough to want to stay in the shade. The open, inviting doorway is a connection rather than a divider between the two women. Although both are occupied with the tasks of day-to-day life, you can almost hear the conversation. Is the seated woman knitting? I’d like to think so.
Fibra Natura Llamalini
This reminds me of the warm tones in Llamalini, a blend of royal alpaca, linen, and silk bourette spun in Argentina. There are some additional jeweltones rounding out the palette that you can see on our website.
What do these colors inspire you to make?
Generosity in LlamaliniBotanical Scarf in Good Earth AdornSouthwest Suns Shawl in Good EarthYatomi Pullover in Nettle Lana
If you’re in the storm’s path, stay in. Pick up a project. Think thoughts of sunnier days.
Shall we have a little Monday knitspiration? Will you indulge me for a brief history lesson?
Novella d’Andrea by Marie-Éléonore Godefroid
I love those rich tones, warm and deep.
Deluxe Chunky
What would you make?
Shaves of Wheat Reversible Scarf in Deluxe ChunkyDrape Front Cardigan in Bamboo GlamInspired Dolman in Cotton Gold and Garden 5
Our inspirational painting speaks to me because it’s something rarely acknowledged in history: a portrait of a woman whose story was told by a woman and who was painted by a woman. All were notable figures in their day, but all have been largely ignored by history. It’s vital to remember the forgotten past.
The subject of the painting is Novella d’Andrea, a legal scholar in the early 1300s. She was educated by her father, a professor of law. When he fell ill, she is said to have taken over his lectures, teaching from behind a curtain lest her beauty distract the students.
Christine de Pisan
Her story is known because of Christine de Pisan, a medieval author who lived around 1400. The portrait was painted by Marie-Éléonore Godefroid, a French artist active in the early 1800s. All three of these ladies did not fit the traditional mold of an artist. All three still gained success during their lifetimes. All three were left by the wayside after their deaths. In the last few decades, they’ve been discovered again.
The Seventh Book of “Hows” – 1911
As a crafter, it is satisfying to see the contributions of artists, authors, and teachers outside the mainstream recognized. Many of us do not fit the stereotypical picture of needlecrafters or perhaps have come to our craft through non-traditional means. Most of us do not have the recognition of the industry. However, we all have an important part to play in keeping the art and story of our craft alive. Each new pattern or technique you share, no matter how complex or simple, enriches us all.
Let’s all welcome others into the craft. Spread the word. Keep our art and history alive.
Looking for a new project? How about a little knitspiration?
The Knitting Lesson by Eugene de BlaasDeluxe WorstedSouthwest Suns in Good EarthBackstage Sweater in Mohair MountainFlowering Herb Scarf in LlamaliniRosette Messenger Bag in Deluxe Worsted
Helen Beatrix Potter was born 149 years ago today. She had great success as a scientific illustrator and conservationist, but is best known today for her children’s books. Everyone has a favorite. Mine is Peter Rabbit. It’s such a nice mix of home and hearth – Peter’s mother even knits! – and mischief, as Peter gets himself into one fix after another.
