Forêts Paisibles

Another My Place design today! Many of you may remember the work of talented Polish designer, Justyna Haberkowa, from our much-loved Milarrochy Heids book. Justyna has a knack of using nifty, but completely intuitive, knitterly techniques to create hats that are as aesthetically appealing as they are original. In Medieval Arches, she combined cables, bobbles, and stranded colourwork in a stunning two-tone design, and her innovative 2022 My Place contribution brings together slipped stitches with a technique of catching colourwork floats on the exterior of the fabric. These wee trees are not embroidered, but worked as you knit to become an integral part of the hat. Worked in Milarrochy Tweed shades Garth and Horseback Brown, the finished design has a quiet, woody, textured appearance that perfectly suits name an inspiration – Forêts Paisables. Here’s Justyna to tell you more about it.

When I think about my place, the forest is always something that springs into my mind. However, the forests may be very diverse. The one I think of is a peaceful place, which provides comfort and lets you look at the reality from a greater distance. A place where no unnecessary desire disturbs your peace and quiet. But at the same time, many things happen here: someone is attacked, somebody trudges up the hill, others devour their enemies. Nevertheless, this endless toil does not disturb the other inhabitants who find calm among the sounds, voices, and incessantly changing circumstances.

Here’s an inspiring account of the forest as a safe harbour, a refuge for those seeking peace: Forêts paisibles (by Luis Fuzelier for J. Ph. Rameau Les Indes Galantes)

Forêts Paisibles  Jamais un vain désir ne trouble ici nos cœurs. S’ils sont sensibles, Fortune, ce n’est pas au prix de tes faveurs.  (Chœur): Forêts paisibles, Jamais un vain désir ne trouble ici nos cœurs. S’ils sont sensibles, Fortune, ce n’est pas au prix de tes faveurs.  Dans nos retraites, Grandeur, ne viens jamaisoffrir de tes faux attraits! Ciel, tu les as faitespour l’innocence et pour la paix.  Jouissons dans nos asiles, Jouissons des biens tranquilles! Ah! Peut-on être heureux, Quand on forme d’autres vœux?

Peaceful Forests   Never (may) a vain desire trouble here our hearts.  If they are sensitive, Fortune, it is not at the price of your favours.   (Chorus) Peaceful forests Never (may) a vain desire trouble here our hearts.  If they are sensitive, Fortune, it is not at the price of your favours.   In our retreats, Greatness, never come to offer your false attractions! Heaven, you have made them For innocence and for peace.   Let’s enjoy our refuges, Let’s enjoy peaceful things. Ah! Can one be happy When one has other wishes?

Hence the Forêts paisibles hat is on the one hand peaceful and soft, while on the other hand, the fir trees appearing on the calm brown background are restless, their branches do not touch the background. In my view, paradoxically, the coexistence of the calm background and the contrasting branches brings about peace. 

Thank you, Justyna, for sharing your place, and the inspiration behind your fabulous hat!

The Forêts Paisibles hat is now available to download from Justyna’s Ravelry store