We have been enjoying a creative period as we experiment with some weaving patterns and combine textures and colours.  We have carpet orders in production, which will take us some time to weave and finalise and we are revisiting some of our raffia weaves which clients want to re-order.

We have brightened up the shades and made some unexpected combinations.  The blankets will go into our shop, I am finding them very difficult to part with, they are like a family already and all look so comfortable with each other!

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Every now and then we weave a run of striped cushion covers that consist of a myriad of colours in a blending stew of hues…that really are one offs.  I love the unexpectedness of the colour combinations and textures.  There are some natural greys, ochres and golds.  Plus a little rosy pink and pale blue to add to the mix.

We have plenty of colour in the studio this week, I decided to do a run of tartan pattern blankets, I hear it is a trend and I recall when we first did them a few years ago, they evoke some sort of deep seated emotion that relates to winter, warmth, comfort and cosiness.  We have used some light pinks, strong oranges with a hint of blue and lime.  We have also done some in black and ruby which are quite serious but equally timeless.  In addition, we have a few carpets both in mohair and cotton on the looms and some super bright yellow and honey striped fabric for cushion covers.  These will be made up and put in our shop.  We are looking forward to a busy Easter, so if you are in the Piggs Peak area, come and treat yourself.

I am back after four days at DI Cape Town.  It was a special experience and thanks to my energetic and enthusiastic partner on the stand, Amanda Du Plessis from Evolution Product we made plenty of valuable contacts and had fun too.  There was a great response to our giant mohair floor cushions and which sold well and our Oasis mixed weave throws also did.

Our stand was pronounced by so many visitors as the best one at the show (sadly we did not win the Oscar) but it was great to see people’s eyes light up as they saw the delicately embroidered back panels of Amanda’s which glowed and our sunflower cushions which brought traffic to a halt.  Here are some pics of the show, other stands and the fabulous people who stopped by.

The Cape weather was spectacular, the show standard was fantastic, creativity was exploding and the few days were thoroughly enjoyable.

I have not attended a trade show for some time as an exhibitor.  I prefer being on the other side: in the audience rather than being on display.  Nevertheless, I decided to climb out of my comfort zone and get myself to Design Indaba in Cape Town, the pinnacle of good design: where objects are so carefully conceptualised and tastefully executed,  and a few praised and admired by the high priestess of global tastemakers herself, Ms. Edelkoort.

I am very fortunate to be sharing a stand with the very stylish Amanda Du Plessis of Evolution, a boutique fabric house who does very special prints on beautiful linens.  All unique in their designs, she will be showing cushions which have a fascinating inspriation behind them and I am lucky to be a part of it.  Please stop by at our stand if you are in Cape Town this week.  The show begins on Thursday 28th Feb and runs until Sunday 3rd March.

We have been weaving all manner of stripes in carpets, blankets, scarves and runners.  Bold and strong and subtle and mild.  I especially love the mohair blanket which were inspired by a strong choice of colours that just belong together: purple and old gold; emerald, turquoise – it is a total riot.  We have a range of silk colours and are combining them them together into a beautiful scarf collection.  But they are never on the shelves for long and they truly are one of a kinds….

I have slipped into the office the day before we reopen – that is the view on my morning walk – which will be conducted a little earlier from now on.  I have enjoyed this last week (which I insist on taking, because by then all my lovely Christmas visitors have left and I truly have my home, husband, horses and time to myself – garden, back-to-back DVD afternoons if weather not good, plowing through books, getting old magazines off the shelf for browsing and inspiration and cooking.)

I have spent time thinking what 2013 will hold, have been reticient about getting on that train that becomes about orders, production, staff, designs, deadlines….it is always a wonderful journey but the train does not stop for very long (and sometimes I have an argument with the conductor)!    But I am now at the station and I have bought my ticket and almost ready to get on.

We are kicking off the year with an appearance at Design Indaba in Cape Town; I have quotations piling up and continuing orders from last year.  It all bodes well.

I had a little change around in my showroom which is located at our weaving studio yesterday.  It was a grey and misty day outside and although we are well into summer, it did not feel like it at all.  Bored with the neutrals, a change up was in order.  I have found an intriguing new colour which reminds me of a glowing ice lolly – it is hot and cool all at the same time.  Colour injects such energy into a room, although I am usually a slave to safe and neutral colours, I cannot deny the effect colour has on the brain – the impact is undeniable.  Mohair is particularly suited to carrying strong, bold shades – it reflects light and glows with intensity.