The “Summer Memories Collection” is a trio of light and airy summer shawls and wraps inspired by my memories of Summer.

Farraige is the first design in the Summer Memories Collection. Just like the ocean, Farraige has a soothing but constant ebb and flow to her design. Farraige features gently flowing increases, which crest like a wave, and decreases which flow down until they trickle out like waves running up the beach. The oceans continuous rippling, rolling motion is reflected in Farraige by the play of elongated stitches, which add swells and waves within the fabric. This, coupled with fringe edging, adds a fluidic, water-like feel to Farraige, and finishes off her enchanting, whimsical feel.

Gaineamh is the second design in the Summer Memories Collection. Meaning sand in Irish Gaineamhs inspiration is drawn from the childhood memories I have of trips to the beach. Memories of stepping barefoot into the sand, burying my feet, and scrunching up my toes in that soft and yet slightly rough, sand. I loved the different textures found in the sand and the ripples left behind from the tide. All of this is captured within Gaineamh’s sand-like fabric. Combinations of simple knits and purls coupled with a rolling sand dune border on three sides finishes off her beach-like feel.

Aer na Farraige is inspired by the cool sea air that it was named after. It is the third pattern in the Summer Memories Collection.

For the final Summer Memory, I turned this time, to the sea air. For me, the sea air can instantly recall memories of happy, childhood times. It was the first sign I got that we were near the sea. I would roll down the window, and stick my head out, just to get that first smell of the sea. What seemed like endless days of fun and laughter with sandcastle-building competitions and picnics, followed by dips in the sea.
Then, as the sea faded from sight, the smell and taste of it would hang in the air, carrying with it my memories of that day.

eBook published in May 2016