Tuesday, January 06, 2009

a restoration of color

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This is an old scarf...one that I knit from yarn that I purchased a long time ago. We won't focus on exactly how many years ago that was. The yarn came from Italy. It was handspun, handpainted...it knit up quickly on size 15 needles in garter stitch. I call it my January scarf, because I often wear it in January when I NEED color around me.

Whenever I wear this scarf, it gets comments and compliments. It's because of the wool, and the colors...The stitches and the pattern aren't anything special.

The other day it occurred to me that I couldn't recall the last time I washed it. Oh my. We won't focus on what two things that may imply about me.

The decision to wash the scarf became analytical. Aspects of the scarfs past became important. Would a good washing destroy it, Weaken the integrity of the wool? or worse destroy or disintegrate the dye? Maybe I could just wash it a little bit and lessen the risk. Maybe I shouldn't wash it at all? It had taken years to acquire the "patina"...perhaps I was acting on aesthetic impulse...and the idea that cleanliness is desirable...old and dirty compared to clean and new.

Finally, it was decided that it deserved a good soak in a warm bath. The results were amazing to my eyes, but I don't know if the camera captures it.

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Like the ceiling frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the colors popped. Accretions of time and dust removed- original tonalities revealed. I can't decide if I like it as much.

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But at least there is a little bit more color in my world now.

12 comments:

Jody said...

What a beautiful scarf that is. Even the most patina aged wood antiques need a good wiping now and then :)

Cathy said...

Lovely colors!! And yes, finally more color in the sky!

Manise said...

A little more color is a good thing esp in January. I'm sure it's new sparkle and shine from its soak will grow on you. Perfect analogy btw- frescoes.

judy said...

you've left me sitting here at my desk, laughing.
If it is too bright, rub it together or brush it lightly. Part of the shade difference might be due to the halo that the worn piece had. Maybe not.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps it just needs to be well-worn again to be "restored." :o)

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

It took a lot of courage to finally make the decision to wash the scarf, but it seems to me you have been rewarded with lots of bright color in your life once again :o) ....Ginny

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Yes, I can see how bright it became with the wash. I like it. You will too by this time next year. Don't you feel good that you are all spiffed up for the winter season?! Love those colors.

Valerie said...

It is a wonderful January scarf!

Judy said...

Iknow that scarf well and love the "new" version. So after washing your scarf did you start on your seed order? Ignore todays weather forecast, just remember the days are getting longer!

Pat K said...

I love the sky picture. And that is a wonderful scarf to have for January. Everything always looks so dreary in the house after the Christmas things are put away; I should make a January scarf, too, to brighten things up.

Tammy said...

Pretty!!

finnsheep said...

Love the colors in the scarf both before and after and really love the photo of the trees against the sky!

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