Hello everyone! We’re enjoying a cosy weekend after a very busy few days in the studio, shooting some of the photography for our Colour Compass book. We have spent so long working on this project, which has involved so many different processes – creating brand-new yarn shades, developing packaging that is both robust and attractive, designing a collection of patterns to showcase the variety and potential of a 24-shade palette, working with a brilliant team of test knitters on design samples, working with an equally brilliant team of warehouse staff to pack and ship the calendars, writing tutorials and essays covering everything from “difficult” colour combinations to weaving in ends, planning the colourful styling for the photoshoots . . . and finally, last week, working with our fabulous team of models on the shoots themselves. There are a few more photographs to shoot, and quite a bit of graphic design and pattern layout graft to come, but it is wonderful to see everything coming together after so many months of work for the whole team.
But we got our real reward for all our hard work a couple of days ago, when you all began opening your calendars, and joining in with our exploration and celebration of everyday colour. Honestly, it is bringing me so much joy to see your glorious colour-matching photos from all around the world, and to read so many evocative and lyrical descriptions of each calendar shade in our Ravelry group. I’m also really enjoying Felix’s daily colour reveal posts, which provide such a suggestive and simple way of thinking about colour as a daily practice. Be sure to hop over to Felix’s blog for Colour Compass inspiration throughout December!
If you feel lacking in the advent calendar fun department, may I heartily recommend the free-to-download and colour-in Animal Alphabet calendar, created by one of my favourite illustrators, Moose Allain (a selection of whose Townsfolk cheer the wall above my desk).
Finally, if you (like me) intend to do some festive baking, you might enjoy this collection of 20 biscuit recipes from the Observer.
I’m going to give the Zimtsterne a try later today.
Enjoy your Sunday!
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Thank you for this lovely post! It was the perfect sparkle to start my day here in Colorado. I also downloaded the Animal Alphabet coloring sheet — such fun animals!
I am so loving the Millarochy Tweed colors in person! Colour Compass was such a great idea!
Another Zimmstern fan here — and yes, they are tricky. I’ve never been able to come close to my grandmother’s version, but it’s worth trying.
Zimtsterne are my very favourite Weihnachtsguetsle (Swabian, literally: christmas goodie). Rolling out the dough can be a bit challenging, though, as it is very sticky. My fail-safe method of rolling out the Zimtsterne dough is to put it between two layers of clingfilm. This way the dough doesn’t stick to the rolling pin.
I am so enjoying opening my calendar each day and all the posts on the Ravelry group. Felix’s daily blogs are beautiful and inspiring and it feels a real luxury to immerse oneself in colour contemplation!
I’m so intrigued that I’m hoping a similar calendar will be available next year!
I will be at the front of the queue!
Happy Christmas to all of you!🥰
Thank you so much to the team for the wonderful packaging of the calendar.