Inspiration
Report from the Dept. of Fulfillment
Dear everybody in search of beautifulness and gifts and lil surprises,
Just had a visit with the stalwart folks here at MDK World Headquarters who are sending out parcels of Holiday Shop things to MDK shoppers.
It’s fun to see the variety of orders—no two alike, basically. Everybody’s got their jam.
Here’s my latest field report on what I’m seeing happening in the Fulfillment Department.
Bento Bags: Now going out in multiples. If you haven’t yet embraced the Bento Bag Lifestyle, now might be the time to join us Bentofolk. We’re having a swell time, we of the Bento Bag, who use and re-use our artisanally made linen bags to hold our knitting projects, our lunch, our hopes and dreams. It’s a handmade top-tie bag that you will use for decades. Of the five colors, the green Agave has a bit of a lead. Obviously, we picked these colors because they’re dreamy together.
Knitter’s Bucket Bags: A steady parade. The three colors are (clever us!) designed to look great as a group; Vermilion leads at the moment. I think it’s the duality of this bag that appeals: it can be a drawstring reticule or a becuffed little barrel basket.
Handmade Brooms: The broom and leather dustpan set is crushing it, and the three colorful turkey wing hand brooms are finding fans. The quality on these is superb, and they smell wonderful, by the way. Made by good-hearted Kentuckians who know their way around the broom straw.
Petal Bins: Hot color? Clementine. These are going out in every permutation of the five colors. Everybody’s got their idea of the right combo.
Cyanotype Fabric: Last year it was kite paper stars; this year, cyanotype fabric is selling fast. Sunshine and some thing you’d like to see silhouetted on the fabric—that’s all you need to have fun with this set of ten cotton squares, ready to use.
Alabama Chanin Scarf Kit: We 100% knew that the two blue colorways would go fast, and sure enough, Peacock is gone and we’re down to the last of Baby Blue. I’d like to put in a word for Bright White, which is going to be a color to love next spring when you’re jonesing for a crisp, cool bit of handmade glory about the collar. Also: if you’re the type to throw a project in a dye vat, Kay reports that Alabama Chanin projects are great for this.
Thank you, MDK shoppers! It’s amazing to see you finding things that you like. It’s our dream come true that you’d spend a bit of time with our Holiday Shop and discover something special.
Love,
Ann
Question about the cyanotype fabric: Does anyone know if sunlight through a window works? Or how about “full spectrum” light bulbs? Or does it need to be unfiltered outdoor sunlight? Thanks!
Expect longer exposure times if you’re relying on light bulbs for your source, but indoor direct light is how I exposed my fabric squares.
Good to know, Cristina! I was wondering about this too.
What a great question. I have an old full sectrum bulb from 25 years ago in design school, expensive for it’s life expectancy, 2 hours, and was wondering what to do with it. This may be it! I can experiment, at least.
I was wondering that too, and if the low angled light of winter is ok. That at least I can test myself, if the sun ever shows up again around here….
I am waiting for spring to use my cyanotype fabric but am enjoying my walks even more as I look at the leaves and think about what I want to do.
Cheering for Team Alabama Chanin! I chose the Peacock color, finished the swatch/sampler and charged on to the scarf. It’s totally addictive, a perfect portable travel project and a change up from too much knitting for these arthritic hands. (Never thought I’d be writing about too much knitting!)
I have the Baby Blue, but dyeing a white one…Oh my! I think that may need to happen too.
I do love my Bento Bag!!!!!!! Just my two cents!