I travelled across Central and Western Canada by train and marvelled at the spectacular landscapes. My journey ranged from the vast ruggedness of the Canadian Shield and the flat plains of the Prairie provinces to the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, from rural communities to urban centres. Each region’s palette was so distinct and dramatic that I decided to create hats in colours inspired by the Canadian scenery.
My first of three Canadiana posts features the majestic Rocky Mountains that appeared blue from afar. Up close, the mountains’ coniferous trees were a jumble of every shade of green. There were snow-capped summits reaching up to a sky filled with cotton clouds shadowed in grey. I chose colours from the scenery to sew a new collection of beanies.
My bamboo beanies are a year-round wardrobe staple for outdoor enthusiasts – hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, odor resistant and breathable. They are comfortable for mild and transitional weather such as cool summer mornings. Wear one if you enjoy activities like hiking or trail running. The bamboo rayon used to make my beanies may have an underside of looped terry cotton or brushed fleece.
The Rocky Mountains are home to the lupin, a perennial flowering plant belonging to the legume family. Travellers delighted in these showy spikes of pink, blue and purple flowers at a train station stop. Below I feature two hats inspired by the lupins, a pink summer hat crocheted with cotton and silk yarn and a purple cotton velvet beret.
Hats by Tracy J 