Summer Inspiration
Summer is always a strange time for a sweater business. The pace shifts. Emails slow. Orders soften. The urgency that seems to define the rest of the year loosens its grip, whether we want it to or not. I have a bit of a workaholic streak in me so I am learning to embrace the forced slowness.
It's funny because most conversations about slowing down happen in the fall or around the holidays, when the world collectively decides it's time to rest. But for me, summer has always been the season that asks for it. The longer days, the heat, the pull of being outside make it harder to stay glued to a screen and easier to creatively wander.
Rather than resisting that shift, I've been trying to lean into it. It's my new year's resolution to enjoy this time. To treat this season not as a lull to push through, but as an opportunity to refill the well. To spend a little less time optimizing and a little more time noticing. To make room for inspiration, for play, for things that don't immediately need to become products or projects.
This post is a collection of some of those things. Ideas, objects, books, colors, places, techniques, and rabbit holes that have been catching my attention lately. Some may find their way into future collections. Some probably won't.
Making Art:
I love making cut-paper collages because they give my brain a break from designing motifs. Working in a medium where I'm not an expert is surprisingly freeing. There is a particular joy in being a beginner again, making decisions by instinct and discovery.
Here at the studio in Providence, we have a new neighbor, The Creative Reuse Center. I went downstairs and bought a glue stick, some misc. papers, and a few paper clips for $.54. PSA to find a second hand art supply spot near you.
Listening:
This summer's playlist for me is in a deep disco, funk, and soul groove. I love how having a musical theme to a season reminds you of that time. Im going to list a few favorites:
- "You're A Melody" by Aged in Harmony
- "You're The One" by Little Sister
- "I Got'Cha" by Greenflow
- "Baby Let Me Kiss You" by Fern Kinney
- "Who's Zoomin' Who" by Aretha Franklin
- "My Sentiment" by Universal Togetherness Band
- "My Forbidden Lover" by Chic
- "When the Lights Are Low" by The Paragons
- "I'd Rather Be With You" by Bootsy Collins"
- "Your Touch" by Saada Bonaire
- "At the Hotel" by Eunice Collins
Mindless Knitting:
Why not knit some socks? A perfect beach knitting project.
Nature:
Knit with your toes in the water and ideally a minimum of 2 friends with you.
Knit A Little Guy:
I find knitting a little guy and watching them start to come to life to be a great and really rewarding summer project. Also do a tiny mend! Here is my version of Merri Molle by Cynthia Vallet
In conclusion, have fun - go outside - make something unnecessary - travel even if just a day trip - see some friends - and don't work too hard because the fall will be here soon enough.
Whiskey drinking with my friends on my birthday.
