Colors that wear well

This week we received the spring Rowan order.

I remember at the time ordering the yarn for lots of great projects from my favorite designer Kim Hargreaves. She has two new books out that we've been drooling over and just tapping our fingers until the yarn arrives. I ordered lots of beautiful colors of springy All Seasons Cotton and crisp Summer Tweed. At the same time, I was also very tempted by the beautiful spring wrap designed by the inimitable Kaffe Fassett. It's made with gorgeous Kid Silk Haze and Summer Tweed. My rep, Peter Gill, showed me the Kid Silk Haze color cards, and I was just blown away by the colors. Kid Silk Haze is a classic yarn that's wearable summer or winter, so it has a really large and fabulous color palette. The two fibers both really drink up the dye and the silk reflects just gloriously. Looking at the cards I pointed to all the really juicy colors I wanted. "But, Ellen, don't you want to get the colors that are in the wrap"? Peter asked, in his proper British accent, indicating several muted shades I had completely overlooked. "But they're so...drab," I whined looking wistfully at the brilliant shades of fuchsia and amethyst. However, I know from experience that it is never a good idea to second guess a celebrated painter and fiber artist like Kaffe Fassett, so I ordered the model colors. And let me tell you, I am SO glad I did.

Thursday afternoon the yarns arrived, and Friday morning, Ginni and I had the luxury of a look. That little wrap was in the box, and my goodness, is it spectacular! Alternate rows of Summer Tweed and Kid Silk Haze give it a fantastically light texture. The picture shows it worn open as a large stole, but it's so delicate, you can easily scrunch it up and wear it as a scarf - the texture of your favorite pashmina. What struck me most, though, was the overall effect of the colors. Those colors that had seemed so drab turned out to provide a perfect, soft palette of comfortable muted shades that go with everything. This is a color combination that complements, but doesn't overpower. I can see myself reaching again and again for this wrap and never tiring of its grace. It's like your best friend - the one you're comfortable being with all the time. We'll talk more about this best friend concept later on, but in the mean time, come by and see this wrap, and you'll get what I'm saying.