Note: pattern and yarn release 20/8/2024!
It has been a wonderful privilege to collaborate with Briana on this particular project, and she has designed an absolutely beautiful summer piece!
An ecologist by training, Briana found a beautiful overlap between the floral kingdoms of North America and South Africa. Although our species are not related, we have 'paintbrush' flowers on both continents. For North America, Paintbrush flowers (members of the genus Castilleja) are symbols of transformation, inner knowing and creativity. Likewise, Paintbrush flowers from Africa (of the genus Haemanthus and Scadoxus), are seen as symbols of renewal and rebirth; often being the first flowers to appear from the ashes after a veldfire. Both North American and South African plants have evolved and adapted to be highly specific in terms of their growth, flower formation and pollinators, but all rely on diverse soil microbial networks where the exchange of nutrients flow in mutually beneficial cycles. Perhaps we can learn much from these plants in terms of giving and receiving!
Briana's original tank uses the colours Linen (MC) and Renosterbos (CC1) with Cedar Rouge and Autumn Vine as the flower tip colours. The patterns is written for the Linum (90% South African merino superwash + 10% linen) base, but Singles (100% South African merino superwash) will yield the same gauge if you are interested in a slightly different fiber content. Merlino Twist will also work as a possible yarn substitution option.
Please click on the drop down menu to see the available options. Please note that the pattern is sold separately over here: Paintbrush https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paintbrush-tank
Images used with permission, courtesy of Briana Arlene.