Hygge time...weaving gets Scandi!

A very late Happy New Year to all! Its been a Christmas of firsts here; our first with a baby, and the first year of my business, so I've decided to ease into 2017 with a touch of Scandinavian wisdom.

It's true, Hygge, - the Danish concept of cosy living - is becoming old news now, but its been such a conversation topic this Christmas with us that I couldn't let January go by without indulging in a bit of Scandi cool myself. Its difficult as a designer NOT to love Scandinavian design - from glass, ceramics and textiles to architecture and furniture, we owe so much to their boundless capability for producing products that are not only functional and simple, but also chic and fun. ( Anyone who's ever ventured into Skandium knows that Scandi shopping doesn't have to start and end with IKEA - the Marylebone High Street store is always my first stop in London, and has the brightest pick of Marimekko, Vitra and iitalla all under one perfectly lit roof.)

The concept of Hygge is an old one, and has recently become trendy globally, perhaps because it offers an idea of happiness and contentment that can't be bought with money or fame, but relies on the simplest things in life which provide us with the most comfort. The word itself has no literal translation in our own language, but in essence comes down to the following; creating a sense of cosiness which 'soothes the soul', by spending quality, low key time with good friends and family; creating for yourself a comforting and relaxing atmosphere - candles, hot chocolate and simple rustic foodie treats; and working with the seasons instead of against -winter is for hibernating and hauling up, summer is for skinny-dipping and adventures in nature. Its such a perfect concept - and, luckily for me, one that goes hand in hand with being a weaver. Working with yarns and colour requires you to take time and concentrate, and often to simplify everything else around you so that you can weave uninterrupted and with an element of fluidity.

So, in homage to Hygge, my newest warp - the first of 2017 - has been set up and woven during the winter evenings this week, next to the log burner, with help from my husband and son, fuelled by good coffee and pastries, and using the cosiest of all yarns...cashmere. Here's a peek at what I've been weaving, soon to be on my Etsy shop!

new boo