Wednesday, February 29, 2012

cotton leaves













on a hike this week, i found :  a heart rock, a tiny stream, a snake, a blue jay feather (after taking it's photo, i placed it  into a fallen tree near the trail for someone else to find too) and  i found a bit of inspiration. cotton leaf wash cloths, some for the kitchen, some for the bath (not really for hanging like a pennant, but it was fun to do for the photo!)  all for my grown up children. i have six made and four more to go before i can send these off (i'll make some for chuck and i soon)  thank you emma for sharing the pattern and thank you mother nature. the book i'm reading is down the garden path by beverley nichols. originally written in nineteen thirty two, it's said that this is one of the world's best-loved and most quoted garden books, i am quickly finding out why. it's a completely charming read. i love that it makes me laugh aloud!

cotton leaf wash cloths - pattern here by designer megan goodacre
fiber - blue sky organic cotton & knit picks cotton worsted in a leafy shade   :)



joining along with wednesdays yarn along  :)

54 comments:

  1. What lovely gifts Lori...art imitating nature. I love the second image...my favourite kind of woodland scene...oh and all your little woodland creature collection too.
    Have a good day.
    Debx

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  2. Oh dearest Lori, a new pattern to try and a wonderful gardening book to read...you really know how to encourage me to do more in my knitting and reading! I hope this day brings you much happiness..& Chuck too.
    Happy yarn along.

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  3. I have that book, brilliant isn't it. Have to say the last time I knitted a wash cloth was as a Girl Guide many moons ago, but these could maybe tempt me, I love the shapes :D

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  4. I love the leaf wash cloths, and their colors suit me to a 't'.
    It would be hard for me to actually use them, as I'm such a 'save it for good' person. But as I get older, I'm getting better, ha!
    I also am admiring that little dish on the stand.

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    1. :) i do understand babs, but to put something into use is to love it. i had to convince my mom too, she would put these in a drawer and save them. for someday. eventually she did (me pushing) and thereafter came requests for more!

      the small platter is by julie whitmore. brilliant potter ~ artist. she also made the tiny cup. you can find her here:

      http://juliewhitmorepottery.blogspot.com/

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  5. I love them! I want some for myself but I bet my mom would also really like them. Thanks for showing us the pattern! i actually really like the way they were hanging too. I'm so jealous of your perfect picturesque little corner, it's amazing.

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  6. What a pretty walk you had. I wish I could go for a walk and see green leaves but still icy white snow and bare branches here. I'm going to pass that dish cloth pattern on to my mother, she makes simple square cotton dishcloths but that leave shape is divine. I'm curious about the little brown teapot...is it handmade?

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    1. i'm not sure denise, it was a gift. there is an unidentifiable mark on the bottom (at least by me) maybe i could send you a photo of it and you might be able to tell me. it might be an artists signiture. i'd love to know more about it. it's very tiny, not even two inches in height, but heavy for such a little thing.

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  7. Hey Lori, beautiful photos as always, love your deep appreciation of the small things. Such sweet washcloths : ) Happy strolling, and stitching x

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  8. Lori

    I can hear the water rushing and feel I could reach out and touch a leaf , everything is that tactile. That includes washing cups and plates with a soapy birch leaf washcloth! The woodland tea party: too charming for words,
    and lastly i keep that book in my bedside library. Who could not be drawn into a story that starts 'I bought my cottage by sending a wireless to Timbuctoo............
    xx Julie

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  9. Beautiful pictures (as always!) - I love seeing what you find :) And I love the leaf cloths, great way to immortalise that inspiration :)

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  10. I know your children are going to love these cloths. They are so elegant and pretty that any kitchen or bath will be beautiful!! I would have loved to gone on the walk with you :)

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    1. come to california karen! we have some wonderful yarn shops ;)

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  11. i'm coming to visit just so i can sit and knit and chat in your cozy little space. love it!

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    1. i would love to have you amanda!

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    2. I'm coming too! I'd love to chat with both of you!

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  12. Oh Lori, these leaves are just so perfect and beautiful!

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  13. Your knitted leaves are beautiful, and I absolutely love how you decorated with them!

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  14. Beautiful! The washcloths could be a wonderful welcome present for the grandmothers who will be here in 2 weeks! And the book is already on its way to me. I need some encouragement, gardening in Austin has proven to be... tricky. (read - down right impossible. With the droughts, floods, occasional freezes, heat, pests and such. But I still love y'all, Texans!)
    How does the knit picks cotton compare to the Blue Sky Alpacas?

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    1. the knit picks cotton is nice, it's sturdy and soft. but the blue sky alpaca organic cotton is the cashmere of cotton i think, its gorgeous. i don't really knit with cotton, but the b.s.a. makes it a pleasure. these would make lovely gifts, you can make four cloths out of one skein, and they knit up simple and quick!

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  15. Such beautiful photos. I cannot wait until the snow is gone to get out in some warmer fresh air.

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  16. Your leaf washcloths turned out lovely and you have again taken some beautiful photographs.
    I love the way the little woodland animals are eyeing up the teapot, I think that they are trying to figure out a way to lift it up and pour it out! Just so long as they don't wipe up any spills with one of your pretty leaves!!

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  17. You live in the most amazing landscape Lori. That lane is so dreamy, I would love to take a walk there! And your leaves are so very adorable, you have very lucky children!

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  18. Such a great post. Surely I could tackle one of these? They look great and a lovely idea for a gift too xxx

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    1. andrea, yes you can, they are very simple. you will need to m1, ssk and k2tog, and knit and purl. i hope you try them!

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  19. So beautiful,- all the photos and the wash cloths. That second photo is is magical. Thanks for the link to the patterns.

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  20. Gosh everything you do is so stunning- you are a knitting guru for sure!

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  21. Loving these leaves. I have neglected my dishcloth knitting lately. It was always a car journey activity. Now I find I am doing more driving than before. Great book! They don't come like that any more. x

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  22. Lori, I figure if I don't tell you then you won't know : I love love your blog and right now you are a daily source of beauty and calm. Some days I feel like the effort you went to to create your post is just for me :)
    I love the way your eye captures things, the turn of phrase you use and the way your being communicates through what you create. Thanks. Very much. Sarah

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  23. Beautiful knitting, and I love the little collection of animals/teacups/teapot!

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  24. Those leaves are so beautiful! I didn't realize they were washcloths at first; they look so good hanging on the wall.

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  25. so pretty!! the walk--the facecloths--your tiny little woodland critters! And many thanks for the garden book selection...I'll have to try to track that down. Some of my favorite garden books are my vintage ones--the style of writing, the common sense approach to gardening--and for a couple of giggles....I have one that advocates for a quick climbing vine....yes, you guess it---kudzu!!!!

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  26. Your leaves are really good. What a lovely gift to receive. Who wouldn't have a quiet smile when they used them. Funnily, I always think of his cat calendars rather than Beverley Nichols' books, which I know is upside down, but then again I grew up with them. I really should read his gardening books.

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  27. I have such a soft spot for woodland animals! So sweet. Your photos and knitting and arranging of items - you are a talented lady! That photo of the rock on the larger rock (3rd one down from the top) reminds me for some reason of a toad sitting there... (yes, I'm a little strange)

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  28. I love the tea party your animal friends are having. Thanks for sharing the pattern-they look wonderful and practical too!

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  29. A leaf washcloth is such a good idea! I must try it. And now I'm curious about the book too. Thanks for the ideas!

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  30. Lori, this post is thoroughly charming, and what a great surprise to see that those clever cotton knitted leaves also have a practical side.

    Thank you and Emma for the pattern links.

    Cheers!

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  31. Sunshine on my shoulder ,

    :-)

    Here's that word again: reverence . It is present in everything you do, everything you share

    Do I recognize that wooded path?

    I am smitten with those washcloths, Lori. The shape reinforces the 'nature' of it all. Lest anyone here not know I am not a knitter, I never think of knitting cotton!!!!

    Love love & love
    kj

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  32. Lori, you are so cute! I love that you left the blue jay feather for someone else to find -- so sweet and thoughtful. And your little woodland critters gathered 'round for tea are the most adorable things! Love your leafy dishcloths and must jump over to check out the pattern (I'm addicted to knitted dishcloths - among other things;). Oh, and must check out your book too -- a gardening book that makes you laugh out loud has to be good.

    G
    and beautiful photos too - as always!

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  33. Great finds It seems like a different season there..... Here we are in the end of winter and it won't be long before spring arrives. I can't wait!
    Lovely pictures as always they always make me feel good!
    ♥M

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  34. I love the leaves as a banner! (Or bunting as the Brits say.)

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  35. When I read your posts Lori I see your respect for others, nature, beauty. Yes indeed; respect shines through every picture and string of words. I'm a bit of a theme girl so I love the link between your nature finds, wash cloths and the book which I too have ordered following the recommendation of others.

    Stephanie

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  36. Girlfriend, you are singing my song! Washing yourself with a giant, beautiful leaf? What could be better?!?! Photos and washcloths are like a visual hug. xoxo

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  37. seriously, you make me smile.

    From the live oak leaves on a rock to the leaf washcloths...magical!!

    I'm going to submit your blog to Artful Blogging ;)

    You really, really are something else Ms Lori x five.♥

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  38. Lori Ann, your photos always tell such a lovely story. (How I love the little animal figurines that you often feature--they are like living characters in your photo stories :-) I am attracted to designs that reflect nature; your leaf washcloths are beautiful. Thank you for recommending, Down The Garden Path--I've put requested if from my library.

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  39. You know what I like the most about leaves is the hollow of them. The little curve that makes them into boats on the water or a miniature cap for a tiny elf. I see the curve in your knitting and I love it. What a brilliant wash cloth!

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  40. I don't know what is more breathtaking, the images or the knitted leaves. Heck, I adore everything. Beautiful color choices.

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  41. Thank you Lori, for a lovely moment with your beautiful photos! And those from New Zealand - wow! I love your knitted leafs and tiny creations having their tea party! x Teje

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  42. Your photographs are beautiful!

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  43. How did I miss your yarn along last week? I just love love love your knit leaf banner. I have just printed a leaf pattern but haven't done it yet. I am moving it WAY up in my queue after seeing your pictures.
    Thanks for sharing

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xoxo lori