What does “back to school” mean to you? For me, it conjures up memories of teaching and learning, meeting old and new friends, and a change of schedule. Retailers revel in the season, advertising back-to-school sales of everything from backpacks to laptops, office supplies to apparel. My fall back-to-school hats have been in the making …
Author Archives: tracyj
Welcome Little One
The birth of a baby girl in my circle prompted me to think about hats and headbands for little ones. Newborns are learning to regulate their body temperature. So, it is a good idea to keep their heads warm with a hat outdoors, especially if they are born in a season or region that is cool. …
Scarves in the Colours of Nature
Summer is here and I have been outdoors in nature. Over time, my appreciation has grown for the colours of Pacific coastal forest green and woody brown. With spring rain this year, cloudy skies blurred with local waters and bluish-grey mountains loomed in the background. A change of pace led me to take a break from hats …
Support Community and Shop Local
This Friday evening, come find Hats by Tracy J at the @madeinthe604 Summer Night Market. Located at the stunning Pipe Shop Venue in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District, this night market will feature 50 local artisans, crafters, and creators. Discover unique treasures and support small businesses! Outside, enjoy a lively concert series, a refreshing beer garden, delicious food trucks, …
Floral Coral
The Pittsburgh Satellite Reef is one exhibit of a larger community-based project called the Crochet Coral Reef by Christine Wertheim and Margaret Wertheim. The coral art installations call attention to global warming and oceanic plastic trash. Thousands of women from all over the world have contributed with their crocheting of sculptural coral. Their instruments are …
Calling All Hat Enthusiasts
If you own many hats that you wear and love, then you might be considered a hat enthusiast. If you “wear many hats”, then you are versatile and adaptable to a multitude of situations. Today’s blog post challenges you to think how versatile a bold or patterned hat might work for you. Choosing colours flattering …
Inspiration
The colours of my latest crochet cloches were inspired by two events, the arrival of spring and a visit to southwestern Pennsylvania. The city of Pittsburgh and nearby Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands provided plenty of visual interest. Flowering cherry and magnolia trees at home in Vancouver and Eastern redbud blossoms in Pittsburgh …
One of a Kind Spring Show
On the Easter weekend, I attended the One of a Kind Show in Toronto, Canada where the talent of Canadian makers, artists and designers was showcased. It was interesting for me to see eye-catching booth displays and hear about the histories and production processes from other makers. Many are women and involve mothers and daughters …
The Joy of Creating
Working with my hands is joyful and meditative. I find pleasure in the chance to choose high quality raw materials, focus on patterns and stitches, incorporate intricate design elements, and make something unique or personalized. If I’m wound up in worry, picking up my crochet hook or sewing needle helps put life into perspective, cuts …
Tweed
Whether it be outerwear, cardigans or blankets, tweed garments are rustic, durable, and warm. Traditionally, sheep shorn for the first time provide the finest and softest fibres that are the building blocks of tweed yarns and fabrics. The name “tweed” comes from the River Tweed that runs along the Scottish Borders Region. Tweed was developed …
Hats by Tracy J 