Saturday, August 2, 2014

open for trade
































the past month has been a blur. a beautiful, but blurry month.

i've been saying farewell-for-now to my favourite sydney places and faces and packing up my life here to move down to the mornington peninsula. i'm excited and sad and happy and stressed, but mostly i'm grateful. i'm grateful for my life in sydney that is hard to say goodbye to, and i'm grateful for the opportunity i've been given, and everything that's to come down south.

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i mentioned a couple of weeks ago that i'd be popping some beanies up on here with the idea that they could be traded* for other fun things, and so i'm kicking it off** right now with this fun one pictured above (on my multiple-heads...)

the yarn is 100% portuguese wool, handspun in Minho (Portugual) from the wool of the Bordaleira de Entre Douro e Minho sheep. it's a bulky, singly-ply yarn made by a talented group of women from the north of Portugal who have learnt the skills of spinning, weaving and knitting from their mothers and grandmothers and continue to keep these skills alive and flourishing. i saw a beautiful video of the women singing and crafting, and knew instantly that i wanted to make something beautiful and simple with their lovely yarn - you can check the video out here. i've knitted these up in a 2x2 rib, which means they've got a bit of stretch, so they can fit just about anyone (adult-sized head, that is...) and they'll be just right if you've got a big head/a lot of hair!

i have 5 of these snuggly beanies up for grabs (i'm keeping one for myself because i love it so much!), so if you'd like one, leave a message in the comments below with your email address and i'll get in touch with you to organise a little trade! i'm happy to ship anywhere in the world, as long as you're happy to send something to me in australia.

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* not sure what to trade? don't worry, there aren't any rules! i reckon we all have something lovely to offer - it could be handmade, or just something sweet and thoughtful. let's email and have a chat :)

** more beanies to come over the next few weeks - including some hand-dyed pieces as well.

...you can read more about the lovely Portuguese ladies who have handspun the wool pictured above here.

10 comments:

  1. It is a bit of a sign! I've been watching that video again and again for weeks. I would love to trade, I think I have an idea.

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    1. such a great video isn't it?! will be sending you an email soon raquel! x

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  2. I would love to trade one of Stevie-boys gorgeous Tassie native wooden spoons for a Minho beanie. I almost fell off my chair when I saw the word "Minho"! My "Minho" isn't from Portugal, but from Korea. My daughters both adore Korea and have an infatuation for one of the Korean K-Pop bands and Minho is one of the line-up...Minho is also the band member that I can never pick, never remember and am constantly shamed by forgetting. I would love to have my very own Minho hat as a constant reminder :).

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    1. that sounds wonderful, let's trade! ...and i love the "minho" connection! how funny! what's your email address lovely lady, and i'll get in touch xxx

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  3. Joey Mansell here on Dicks phone.
    Hey Bell, I would love to trade a pair of socks with you. What is your shoe size?
    If you want that is.
    Hugs and kisses Mansell

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    1. oh joey you're so lovely! i would LOVE a pair of socks, you are after all the sock-knitting queen! will be sending you an email soon. xx

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  4. Hello! I've just discovered your blog and am very inspired by your photos and natural dyeing! I'm an American Indian Artist living in the states and would love to trade, and also curious if you have an online shop for your yarns? Great lovely photos as well!

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    1. hello! sorry for my slow response! and thanks for your kind words about my blog!

      i have one beanie left and would love to trade with you!

      i don't currently sell any of my pieces online - am still figuring out if that's something i want to do in the future. at the moment though, i'm really enjoying the trade process - sending and receiving little gifts with strangers is pretty lovely!

      if you email me at: dyeingtrade (at) gmail (dot) com, we can organise the trade, or if you leave a comment with your email address, i'll get in touch asap :)

      x

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  5. i love this photo :)

    so good to 'see' Portugal so far away from here!

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  6. Hello! Hope you are well : ) I'm heading off in a few days so just wanted to wish you a joyful and fun 2015 and to let you know that I IGed you re a jumper that I thought you might want- I can't take it with me and it reminds me of you. Have a look at your DMs and let me know- I'll pop it in the mail if you're keen...

    xx

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