Musings On Things That Matter To Me

Ex Libris en Kimonos

2011-11-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I found a scarf in the season offerings from Hermes that knocked me into a scarf fantasy heaven. But this season's Ex Libris en Kimonos wowed me like the good old days.

Having lived in Japan for eight years, I had plenty of time to fall in love with the people and the history, with the arts and the culture of a past that people continue to keep alive today.

Ex Libris en Kimonos spoke to me loudly, especially when I read that much of the design was taken directly from historical Kimono fabric patterns from the Matsuzakaya Kimono Museum. I knew I had to have it, and I knew I wanted it in a colorway that stayed true to the historical element from which the design came. The colorway of noir/ocre/petrole does just that. It stays true to the historical colors of the time. This colorway also lends itself to a magic of pairings within the wardrobe, oranges, peaches, blues, browns, creams, black, silver, golds, turquoise, and greens, and purple. Such a vast awray makes it the perfect "go to" choice. Which is exactly what I was wanting in this purchase.

Introducing "Vida" born 10/26/50

2011-07-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Many many years ago when I first started quilting, I wanted a Singer Featherweight Machine. They are a piece of sewing history and historically are on record for having sewn the straightest seam in history. Plus the feature that they are only 11 lbs. of total portability for quilting. They simply are a quilter's dream.

I waited many years to have that dream realized. I was recently with a friend of my Mother's with whom I have stayed close to since Mom passed. I told her of my dream, and much to my astonishment, she said she had a machine for me.

Vida is a Centenial edition Singer 221, her case is beautiful as she is, and she has a penguin walking foot.

I named her after my great aunt Vida from Rogers Arkansas, who proudly owned a sewing center, and never missed a day of work. It seems fitting.

Buddha Party

2011-07-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted something I had made to decorate the walls of my office. And I wanted it to be bright, and cherry and say something about me and how I think. I was extremely attracted to Terrie Mangat's fabric that came out a few years ago, called "Buddha Party". I managed to score some panels, and have started on my wall hanging. I like how well it is going, I will probably make a lag quilt out of the extra fabric.

A Very Nice Suprise!

2011-07-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Kerry, really wanted me to enter the quilt in the local fair, so I did and I can't believe it won a 5th place ribbon. There were so many wonderful quilts, and over 92 entries.

With Love

2011-07-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have not been around here for awhile! So much has changed in my life. For the better, but still hard to grasp the amount of change. I work in a totally different setting now. I still work for Sonoma County, but I now work for Outpatient Mental Health Services. I love the work that I do! But enough about that.

I am back to a passion I had left behind for a very long time. I am back to quilting. I have always loved to quilt, but I had left this wonderful hobby when my mother passed on.

You see the last thing I quilted, I made along side her during her battle with cancer. For some reason I just never picked up again after that. I think that I was really angry over all of the loss, and I just wanted life to look so different in some sort of effort to protect.

This past year my best friend was able to tell me that I had been carrying a lot of that anger, and due to the stress of the changes my life was going through, I was not hiding it as well as I always had. At first those were hard words to hear. But the universe has a way of moving us in the direction we need to grow and to work on things left undone.

The universe led me back to my sewing, and quilting. It was very cathartic. Little projects led to me wanting to create something very special for someone so special to me. My best friend loves horror movies. This is something we have always shared together, and something that in a strange way defines the kinds of funky fun we always have together.

I found some Kaufman fabric that is a retro horror movie poster print, and the design took off from there. The quilt has been a blast to make, and a true labor of love. The process taught me much about myself, and about life. Nothing is or ever should be perfect. I am not even sure that there is such a thing as perfection. Look around us, the universe creates, and forms and nothing is ever totally like the one before. That is the beauty of this place and the people we share it with.

Life is fleeting, and short, we need to experience love, enjoy the gifts that life gives us, and simply be grateful for every moment and every encounter we have. Life is a celebration no matter where we are or what we are experiencing. Yes even the hardships, they strengthen us, we move forward and past them only to be stronger for life that comes next.

For me life is like a quilt, so many pieces, such varied pattern and design, carefully stitched together in the end to say who we were, and what we meant to those we share the journey with. I am so happy to have a friend like Kerry, I feel so blessed.

As it turns out this quilt has so much meaning and none of it was planned. You see, I finished the quilt on a very special day to her, the birthday of the brother she loved and lost. I had no idea of this fact until today, when she told me. Funny how the universe ties so many things together if we only take the time to see them.

I will be quilting again very soon, but this time it is one planned for myself, and I doubt that it will have the meanings or the lessons this one has gifted me with. But it will still be a fun journey.

Back Again!

2010-06-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have not blogged anything in a long long time. I suppose life has had me so busy that my thoughts have been squirreling away. But just as life seems to be resuming in my backyard, my life too seems to be taking on new pathways, complete with new adventures and journeys.

Work for me is in a state of turmoil, as the county budget will not support continuing the program that I work for. So I have been busy first advocating ( for the soon to be laid off county workers ) that they might be seen as a valuable resource for the county of Sonoma. As such that human resources would see each worker as an individual with valuable skill sets that may work for other classifications within the county system. I feel that that part of my journey as went well in that, I have had several interviews, and I have been placed on several transfer lists. This is what I was originally advocating for.

The stress involved as one waits to see what is going to happen to their job is tremendous! For me it has driven me back to a passion that I had placed on a shelf for awhile. My passion for knitting. In order to find some sort of inner peace, I recently picked it back up, with a few goals in mind. One goal was to knit, a simple yet elegant wrap for myself, one that could be held in place with a shawl pin. I accomplished that task and then some. Having completed four mobius wraps, in various beautiful yarns. I gifted one away after a friend commented on it. I am in the process of knitting another for a coworker. My other were to learn to knit socks, and lace triangle shawls.

I recently, reconnected with a dear friend from the past who also knits, and she recommended the Ravelry site. Becoming a member on Ravelry has opened a whole new world regarding knitting for me. I made a friend who lives in Toronto. She has over the Internet, held my hand and taught me to knit the lace triangle shawls I so badly wanted to learn to knit. My first one came off the needles last night (it is waiting to be blocked), and my second went on needles this morning.

The experience of learning to knit from charts has taught me much about life:

Don't be afraid to make a mistake, go slow and pay attention, focus, focus focus, be gentle with yourself, all good things take time and speed is not that important.

Feeling the richness of the yarn, between my fingertips has been calming to me. I have discovered yarn therapy.

I have also discovered that there exists an Hermes of yarn. It is called Wollmeise, it is beautiful rich with color, hand produced, and very much sought after. I have managed to acquire a few skeins,

It is lovely to work with, and the intensity of the colors are breathtaking. But it is hard almost as hard to come by as a grail Hermes scarf.

This new knitting journey has taken me along such wonderful pathways. Going into local yarn shops is like coming home to the ultimate in hospitality. Something I have felt was missing from my pathway lately, that warm inviting feeling where everyone treats you like they have known you for years.

That was what I found when I entered the local yarn shop in Sebastopol, the staff there were vibrant, eager to help, and the shop was warm and inviting. This is also true of my very local shop called "Castaway" where the owner brings her little dog named Olive who greets each customer, and then almost leaves with you as you exit the shop.

Today I had the pleasure of visiting "The Knitterly" in Petaluma. The store is breathtaking! The staff treat you like forever best friends, and they are eager to help and a wealth of knowledge and passion for the craft.

These times are difficult for many across the globe. Feeling a sense of community, and togetherness seems so important to me as of late, and just as yarn is looped and drawn over needles and through other loops, connecting with others, to share warmth, and appreciation seems to fill up my spirit cup these days. I am grateful for that!

Musings On Oberon Design Kindle Covers

2009-09-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.oberondesign.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=949

Dragonfly Pond A Special Place Of Remembrance

Sometimes those we love open doors for us to journeys that last a lifetime. My father opened one such door for me which led to a lifetime love and passion for reading.

One Sunday while Mother was clearing away the dinner dishes, my father announced that he was going to take me to a magical place. The excitement rose in my chest. Where? Where are we going? I asked as I jumped with anticipation.

“You’ll see.” came his response.

So off we went, me snuggled beside him on the seat of his pickup truck one crisp fall day. We did not drive far, in fact we were still in town. My mind questioned what could be so magical this close to home. We had parked across the street from a large modern brick building, with people shuffling in and out, their arms weighted down with the loads they carried.

“Are you ready?” my father asked.

“Yes, I think I am.” But ready for what I was not sure.

He held my hand, we crossed the street, and into the building’s doors we went.

Once inside I gasped in awe, for floor to ceiling were shelves upon shelves of books. Big books, small books, fat books, skinny books, books old, and books new. I was amazed. “But, what could be so magical about books?” I quietly asked.

My father then told me, “Everything, you ever will want to know something about, someone has written about in a book. Anything that you want to know how to do in life, you will find someone, somewhere has written how to do that thing in a book. Want to take a journey to another land or place? There are words recording the journeys of others written in books just waiting to take you and your imagination on a journey of your own.”

I never forgot my father’s words. I got a library card that day, and each and every year of my elementary school years, I won awards for having read the most books. Many of my journeys through the pages of books were shared with my father. As I grew he would share titles with me that had been favorites of his when he was my age. To this day I am happiest with a book in my hand.

I lost my father unexpectedly in September of 2001. While in the process of losing him, we found out my mother had cancer, and she joined him in death 18 months later. Losing my parents was the hardest pathway I have ever walked in life.

The day that we buried my father a blue dragonfly showed up on our porch, it stayed and stayed for what seemed like a very long time. I would go outside to get some sun and there he would be, as if waiting. I have always loved and collected things with the images of dragonflies on them. My parents always new if they bought me a present and it had a dragonfly on it, the present would go over big time.

Mom, and I discussed the blue dragonfly that seemed to have come to visit. She thought it was the spirit of my father, letting us know that he was still with us. She shared with me a story that she had read, about dragonflies.

She said, “Dragonflies begin their lives as small grubs on the bottom of ponds. They enjoy their life under the water, the other insects, the fish, the occasional frog swimming by, the cattails growing up through the silvery ceiling which is the waters surface above them. One day a grub was consumed with overpowering urge to rise to the surface above him. When he reached the surface, a miraculous transformation took place, he shed his grub skin to reveal beautiful silver wings, and a long brightly colored body. With his wings he found that he could now soar above the pond and experience the warmth of the sun’s rays. He longed to return to tell his other grub friends what lay in the world above their silver ceiling. He tried over and over again to get to his friends he could see below the surface of the water but with his new form he could not get back to their world. He then realized that even if it were possible they would not recognize this new beautiful being he had become.”

Mother spoke further that, we can not see the ones we love who have moved on in death, but this does not mean that they are not with us. They are always with us, just changed into an even more beautiful form, that will always stay near us.

18 months later my mother lost her battle with cancer. She moved on to join my father. A few days after her service was held, I went out to the front porch. To my surprise a blue dragonfly had come again to visit, this time he was joined by a beautiful red one hovering close by his side.

We all have people in our lives whom we have loved, whom have taught us more about life, whom have opened doors to journeys we are still taking, even though they have passed on.

The dragonflies tell us they are always with us. There are three on the Oberon cover, for me they tell me that both my Father and my Mother are always with me, and the third one in the picture reminds me that someday I will have the pleasure of being with them once again.

Oberon Designs is having a contest. They want to hear people's stories regarding their designs as covers for ebook readers such as the Amazon Kindle.
Here is the link regarding the contest.

http://oberondesign.posterous.com/

I have an Amazon Kindle 2. Before my Kindle arrived to me, I had done some research on covers for my new reading device, and I was thrilled to find out that a local company of which I have been a big fan for years was making covers for the Kindle. I had come to know Oberon Designs Leather products because of my father, who was also a local artist. When he was alive, we did many art fairs showing his woodwork, where Oberon was also in attendance, I have owned many of their products for years, so the choice of what would cover my Kindle was easy. I chose the "Dragonfly Pond" cover pictured above.

The story above is my entry into their contest, it tells why this cover is so special to me.

Thank you Oberon Design for having this contest. As I stated previously I have a Kindle 2, your covers are very addictive, in honor of my fathers love of woodworking I hope to someday also add a "Tree of Life" cover to my collection.

Ah... Heaven In A Cup, and Serenity In A Book

2009-09-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have always loved my time to curl up with a cup of tea and a great book. Now with a kindle that seems to be so much more easy to make happen in my life. It is always with me, and therefore I am not limited regarding timeframes for enjoying a quite moment in time for a special treat.

Not long ago, I rediscovered a favorite place to steele away and spend some time with Earl Grey, and a favorite read. An inviting little shop here in the Northbay, called "Northlight Books."

They have a marvelous selection of literature, shop folks who are great at hand selling because they too are bibliophiles. I always enjoy their recommendations. Attached to the shop is a wonderful little kitchen with delectible delights also serving tea and coffee. The patio, is ensconced under a huge arbor of wisteria, which provides shade and filtered sun, setting the perfect mood to drift away with the characters within a good story.

Today it was "Sunnyside" by Glen David Gold. I have only just begun the book, but it is already one of those that I love most with real characters from history blended into well researched fiction. In this case the main character is Charlie Chaplin, and the story starts out in 1916 at a great lighthouse off the farthest north coast of California.

I went for so long having to read for school, and work, that I had almost forgotten how wonderful reading for pleasure feels. Only recently after a trip to Northlight, I discovered a book titled "The End of Mr. Y" by Scarlett Thomas. A wonderful story that took me on a journey and had me feeling like an adult "Alice in Wonderland." I devoured the story, and in the end had that sense of self satisfaction that good books had always given me in the past.

It was after reading that book that I purchased my Kindle, and now I do not know how I ever did without it. Owning a Kindle does not mean that I do not still love going to bookshops, in fact I still love reading the back covers, jotting down notes and then adding titles to my "wishlist".

Have you ever finished a great book and then wanted something similar to read, well there is a website that will do just that.

http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/search

Just type in what it is that you just finished and enjoyed and let the computer then make suggestions for you.

Of course Amazon will also always be ready with recommendations for you based on your rating of things that you have read in the past. But hunting for the next reading adventure for me is almost as fun as having the adventure itself.

Findking the Best Deal On the Amazon 2 Kindle

2009-08-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Searching for the best internet deal on Amazon Kindle 2 ? Looking for that illusive Kindle 2 coupon ? Well I discovered a way to purchase one that saves a few dollars so that you can then put the savings into some accessories like a beautiful cover from Oberon Designs such as the one seen below.

First you need to have a paypal account and be willing to shop for and purchase your Kindle on eBay.

Then you have to go to

http://www.bing.com/cashback/

Open an account there (do not worry no money changes hands on bing).

Then do a search using the Bing cash back search box for "Kindle 2" or any thing Kindle for that matter.

Once your search is complete on the right side you will see a link to eBay advertising the 10% cash back. Click on that link find your kindle that you want to purchase

***Do A "Buy It Now"

*** Use Paypal to pay for the purchase.

***** And later in 60 days you will get a credit in your paypal account for the cashback from your purchase.

***Make sure you follow all of the eBay prompts given you while purchasing.

It is that simple. And if you are a wise shopper you will check the feedbacks for the sellers, watch for "new" unopened unregistered Kindle 2. You will be on your way to the best reading experience you will ever have.

Take the money you save and buy your self a pretty cover over on Oberon Designs

http://www.oberondesign.com/store/kindle.php

You will own the reading enjoyment of a lifetime that will go with you anywhere you want to take your Kindle.

A Word Of Caution to all who deal or purchase on ebay.

2009-03-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have all heard it before, "Don't do sales off Ebay", that is all well and good but I also run an internet store away from ebay for things that I cull from my collection.

Recently I decided to let some things go, on eBay that I had culled from my collection.

One item in particular is a highly collectible piece. A Venezia shawl, I had only worn the piece a couple of times, and due to recent health issues among other things I decided to place it in the cull pile and sell on ebay.

I received a message from an ebay member who is also a dealer of luxury goods, and she wanted to purchase it off ebay. At first I said no to the offer, for several reasons, her offer was a bit insulting, and it was evident that she is a dealer, and I really wanted the shawl to go to someone who would wear it and not be seeking to profit.

As it turned out the person was very persistant, to the point of complete pestering me at every opportunity. I finally agreed to sell through my store, but she did not want to pay shipping nor have me insure the item or request a signature confirmation. Well we all know where that would have led.

To make a long story short be very cautious in dealing with the ebay seller Bagageria. I firmly believe after review of her feedback the whole matter is a scham to purchase items, then either return fakes to sellers, or claim them as non received.

Ode To Love...

2009-02-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Throughout history there have been many love stories some true from the pages of time, and some from the pages of great literature. Many come to mind Romeo and Juliet, Anthony and Cleopatera, Robert and Elizabeth Browning, Abelard and Heloise, Napoleon and Josephine, (Prince) Edward and Wallis Simpson are a few who come to my mind.
I am fortunate in that during the month of Valentines day when I think of great loves, the love between my own mother and father comes to mind.
Married July 9, 1954, they would have been married 50 years in 2004. We lost Dad first in 2001, then Mother followed in 2003.
While going through her things a Diary was found wherein she had recorded the events of their courtship. I will always treasure the Diary, I wish I had known of its existence while she was alive, but some gifts are given when others leave us.

Shingles Vaccine Getting The Word Out

2009-02-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

Today I am envious of our sisters in the world who for cultural reasons wear the scarf as a Hijab.

I know that a lot of people that I care about look in and follow this blog from time to time. I am hoping to spread the word that there is a vaccine for "Shingles".

I did not know this until it was too late for me.

You see I was diagnosed with this horrible illness yesterday. I am hoping that all who see this will ask their doctor about the vaccine so that they do not have to go through what I am now experiencing.

About 14 days ago I noticed I was have strange headaches that felt extremely tingly, and sensitive. I told people it was a headache because that is the only way I knew how to describe what was happening. In truth it felt like the top of my head was boiling from underneath my skin.

I went on with life, took Motrin which seemed to help. Went to work as usual, went on little outings to take some pictures with Joseph.

Then Friday we went on a drive along the coast to some favorite places. By the afternoon I felt sick, and on one side of my neck it was swollen in a lymph area. I was extremely tired. But this felt normal since it was the start of the weekend for me and I had worked midnight shifts all week.

Saturday morning I awoke to paralysis in my face and a drooping of my right eye. There was a reddish swollen area above the right eye. I was convinced I had a stoke in the night.

Joseph rushed me to my doctor, after we called the service and spoke to her and she had me come right in to the office.

The diagnosis was shingles, I was given scripts for the usual medications.

This morning I am in immense pain with more swelling and difficulty with my limbs on the right side of my body. Which I have found out is all typical for shingles like I have.

It is so beautiful here in our area, spring has arrived early and the mustard fields are wide and beautiful. But I can not enjoy the beauty of the wonderful gift of spring right now due to this horrible debilitating illness.

Please if you see this blog, talk to your doctor about getting a vaccine. I never even knew I should or that it was possible.

This illness will pass in time, but it is a terrible thing to go through and the pain is like nothing I have ever experienced.

Reflections & Resolutions

2009-01-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

Life moves so fast we almost miss it in our own self created whirlwind. This is a brand new year full of so much promise and so much hope, for so many people. Sometimes something happens in a moment and I am caused to stop and truly reflect on all that the experience means.

I answered a phone call this past week, it was a business call and the caller was also someone I count as a friend. She had information that needed to be relayed and information she needed from me. We handled the matter of the call in all pleasantness, and then I wished her a good week (this one up coming) and she stated back to me in words that were so simple yet they were full of so much upbeat emotion. "This is going to be a wonderful week!"

I realize now that she was thinking outside of our moment's box. She was feeling and thinking across an unselfish, and broader plane than my colloquial comment had been. She was thinking with connection and all of the silver threads that come with our connections. She was reflecting a global consciousness, a gift to me in one brief moment in time.

Having that experience with her has caused me to reflect and wonder, how many of those moments have I missed in the past. Those brief ellipses of time where there is true meaning being cast forth from the universe. Meaning that is there to cause me to stop learn and listen, if only I would pause long enough to take it in.

It is always happening for all of us experiences and events sometimes brief, sometimes extended in time. But always gifts from the universe telling us that nothing is just about us. A call to say "stop, feel connected" to something bigger than the moment and bigger than ourselves.

I am not usually one for resolutions at the start of a New Year, but I vow to try to be more aware of the essences of each and every moment.

Mother Universe

I This Much Is True...

2009-01-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

I have not been over here to post in a while. Reasons don't seem to be important, but the truth of the matter is that life and living to life's fullest seem to have been taking up much of my time. I am not complaining on that matter, for it seems that life and my reflections on living in the moment have been teaching me much.

Some of my most favorite quotes come from Thich Nhat Hanh. It is he who said "there is no enlightenment outside of daily life." I have been richly blessed in that category.

When I had first started the musings here, I had truly thought that there would not be a central theme, hence the title "Musings...". My passions led me to much discussions around the scarves that I love so much. More recently my wanderings have led me back to the real reasons I fell in love with them in the first place. That is for their artistic value, both the statements being made by the artist who create them, and the art one creates upon oneself when one wears them. For me those two characteristics seem to me intertwined, and it becomes difficult to separate the two. Hence they have become somewhat of a part of my own identity.

A paper I did in a college class on the relationship between collection and identity comes to mind, for it was in the research of the paper that I found that what we collect and how we collect says much about our inner being. I think for a long time I got lost in that world and only recently was able to reconnect to the roots which were the foundation for my collection. That being my true love of what I see as art.

This much I know is true, the entire universe is art. An infinite canvas which not only awaits our discovery, but is there ever changing from moment to moment. We are hurried creatures, so focused on trivial, meaningless tasks, that we often miss the glory all around us calling out to be seen. The age old idiom, "stop and smell the roses" should be a rule for living rather than a colloquial saying.

There are so many the world over who for one reason or the other (ie. war, oppression, hardship, poverty ) can not recognize beauty around them. I count myself as blessed and fortunate to have been given the opportunity to drink it in, and appreciate the created splendor all around me, and perhaps in some small way preserve and share it as I go.

It is all art, and art is all there is around me.

Looking In On An Old Friend

Rose Araignée Boudoir

A Chorus Of Life

Through Water's Veil

Tree Skin

A Gathering Of Drops

Hollywood

On High

On A Hill Far Away

Ancient Sisters

A Fairy Ring

Fireworks Are Where You Find Them

Zen

Rainy Berries

Mouth Of Truth

Quiet Reflection

Raindrops On Roses

Phoebe

Musings On Thanksgiving & How Hermes Scarf Madison Ave. By Kermit Oliver Relates to My Thankful Musings

2008-11-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

Many people in America will celebrate a special holiday this week. Our children in school have been learning all about the "pilgrims" who came to this great land, and stopped for a moment in time to be grateful, and to share and show their gratitude with the Native American people who now permitted them sanctuary on these shores.

Looking back over this past year on my personal life, and the lives of people across this vast land I realize that for many thinking of things to be grateful for may prove very difficult this up coming Thursday. But I am reminded of words my mother continued to speak almost daily during her last year as she lost her battle with cancer.

I would be driving her to her chemo therapy appointments and she would suddenly turn to me as we looked out and enjoyed the changing leaves of fall on the trees planted on the parkway we took the medical center. She would turn and say "You know DeNice, we are very blessed...", and I would always stop and think for a moment how strong she was to be going through what she was enduring, and to still see each new day as a day filled with blessings of some sort if we but opened our eyes.

All over the world finances are in turmoil, people who saved lifetimes are now watching stock markets tumble to the ground. People who worked for most of their lives for major companies are now either without a job, or worried that the doors will close tomorrow. People who realized the dream of home ownership are now watching those dreams fade away to dust. People with children are worrying how will they continue to to keep them clothed, fed and housed. And many will ask themselves "Thankful, what can I possibly be thankful for???"

In 1620, a group of people left the only home they had ever known, aboard a ship to travel over 3000 miles to a land they had never seen. Their trip was perilous, the sea was beset by storms. They did not turn back. When they landed, on these shores it was the middle of winter. Many were already very weak from their hazardous 2 month voyage. The local Native people shared their knowledge with people who today would be called "illegal aliens". They helped them to survive, to flourish, and to establish the beginnings of what would the first of many colonies to come. Colonies which would develop into the land that I call home today.

This great land has gone thorough many changes since those days, some for the better, and some we as citizens have lived to regret and to learn from the mistakes made all along the way. But we are blessed, we are blessed that those early pilgrims did not turn back, we are blessed that they felt led by faith to make the journey, we are blessed that they were befriended by a people whom they could not even communicate with, we are blessed that those living here first allowed them to live amongst them.

And today we are blessed, because we still have leaders who have asked to lead, who will not give up, we are blessed because others in history traveled to this land also to make it what it is today. We are blessed because today technology, connects us to others far far away and makes the world seem smaller. It is for all of this and much much more I will be grateful this Thanksgiving, I will be grateful for all of those who came before so that I could live so blessed.

Kermit Oliver's Madison Ave. to me speaks to the rich bounty of this great land, the flowers, the animals, the people, those here now, and those from the past. The title when standing alone, may speak of material things, but Oliver's painting makes us realize what is truly valuable. He contrasts true wealth, with what is perceived wealth or bounty. He leaves it up to us to decide.

I hope you enjoy the video exploration, and I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving

The song is a Native American piece called "Mahk Jchi (Heartbeat Drum Song)"
Written by Pura Fe, Soni, Jen. Saponi translation by Lawrence Dunmore. Performed by Ulali: Pura Fe, Soni, Jen. Album: Music for the Native Americans

Saponi translation:

Mahk jchi tahm buooi yahmpi gidi

Mahk jchi taum buooi kan spewa ebi

Mahmpi wah hoka yee monk

Tahond tani kiyee tiyee Gee we-me eetiyee

Nanka yaht yamoonieah wajitse

The words translate to English as:

A hundred years have passed Yet I hear the distant beat of my father's drums.

I hear his drums throughout the land.

His beat I feel within my heart.

The drum shall beat so my heart shall beat.

And I shall live a hundred thousand years.

Les Amazones A Musing

2008-11-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me that it is true that if something is meant to be it will come to pass, and that wonderful things are worth waiting for. A few years ago, my Aunt and I had lunch with some fellow scarf collectors. A very dear to me "sister in silk" had chosen to wear a wonderful caramel Les Amazones. My Aunt and I were really taken in by this design and the coloring. Ever since then I had tried many times to find one or win the bid on one, and was never sucessfull. Well recently I was united with one and it still has the same effect on me now as it did a few years ago. Below is a video exploration of the scarf. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Musings on a non Hermes Scarf Design, "Flora" by Gucci designed by Artist Vittorio Accornero

2008-11-08T02:38:00.000-08:00

"Flora" patterned shawl design by Vittorio Accornero for Gucci

As I have said before, it is the artist and the intricate designs that draw me into the love of scarves. I do believe that it is very hard to find a match to the quality of workmanship that is present in an Hermes scarf, but there are other companies with long histories that have quality pieces which display equally wonderful designs. One of those companies is Gucci particularly the designs commissioned to artist Vittorio Accornero.

Vittorio Accornero born in 1896 in Casale Monferrato (Italy), Accornero's work debuted as an illustrator; after the first world war under the pseudonym Victor Max Minon. Under the name Minon, Accornero would become well known and win many awards for his illustrations of children's books, posters and illustrations for cruise lines (ie. menus, and advertising). He would also collaborate with his wife at the time Edina Altara. All of this happening before the 1930's.

In 1934, Accornerno and Altara would divorce and go their own separate yet very successful ways in the art world. Accornero continued to illustrate children's books most notably editions of Grimm's Fairy Tales, Hans Christian Anderson, Pinocchio, and Shakespeare. He would also claim fame in the world of theatrical set design for movies, opera, and stage.

And so it should come as no surprise that when Rodolfo Gucci would go searching for the best artist to design a new line of scarves for the world renown House of Gucci, his choice would be none other than accomplished artist Vittorio Accornero.

The story goes that Hollywood actress and later Princess, Grace Kelly one day entered the shop of Rodolfo Gucci in a bit of a panic for a last minute gift for a friend who was getting married. She desired to purchase a floral scarf. Gucci had nothing in a floral design at all. Much of the shops textiles consisted of coarse materials for bags and bag linings, and other sturdy accessories.

In 1965, Gucci wanting to pay homage to the then Princess Grace, commissioned Accornero to design the now famous "Flora" pattern to honor the princess because she had a passion for flowers.The design itself a botanical piece consisting of 37 different colors within the design. Intricately dispersed among lilies, carnations, daisies etc. there are also butterflies, dragonflies, lady bugs and various other types of small beetles.

Flora was an instant success, and surpassed all sales records within the United States. Still today more than forty years later, has become a beloved and sought after design by collectors all over the world. Gucci resurrected the pattern in the early 80's and placed it not only on scarves, but bags, shoes, ready to wear pieces, and luxury items for the home.

Most recently in 2004 Frida Giannini then design director for Gucci's accessory line, once again resurrected the Flora design on handbags, wallets and other Gucci accessories. And once again with overwhelming success the pieces sold out rapidly making Flora again much sought after by collectors.

2004 Billboard Add for Gucci's re-release of "Flora" design

in their bags and accessory line

Accornero did other designs for Gucci's line of scarves. His work is most notably recognized by the inclusion of fanciful insects hidden throughout the piece.

However not all of Accorneros prints include insects. There were many floral patterns done after the original "Flora" they are easily recognized as Accornero designs by those who admire his work. Most of all of his pieces for Gucci printed as silk scarves include his famous V. Accornero signature.

Gucci used the "Flora" design in ready to wear resort type wear and wool shawls. Those pieces do not carry the Accornero signature, but are easy to recognize. The original "Flora" design is distingished in that it includes tiger lilies as one of the flowers in the design.

A summer dress from the Gucci line done in the "Flora" pattern

Circa 1980's and not signed by V. Accornero

Accornero died in 1982, but he lives on in his beautiful designs, that although rare can be found on other fabulous Gucci pieces other than scarves.

Gucci Tea set in "Flora" pattern signed by V. Accornero

There is one internet reference that states that Accornero also designed for Hermes. I have never been able to verify this, and in all of my collecting I have never seen any Hermes pieces done by this artist.

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Musings On Impose Ta Chance

2008-11-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

Rene Char (1907-1988) was called the greatest poet of all time by writer

Albert Camus .

He was part of the surrealist movement, among his contemporaries were

Andre Breton, Paul Eulard, and Pablo Picaso.

His poetry emphasized hope in the face of struggle, which would later serve him well

in his efforts as a resistance leader against the Nazis in WWII.

Artist Valerie Dawlat-Dumoulin takes words from a poem by Char for her design,

Impose ta Chance.

A line from one of Char's poems is quietly inscribed among the rocks of this design.

The words read:

"Impose ta chance, serre ton bonheur et va vers to risque. A te regarder, il s'habitueront"

Loosely translates to:

Impose your luck, use your good will and to your risk,

a look at you they will get used to.

I take that to mean that we are what we dream,

we must dream big, believe in ourselves and others will believe in us.

This past year has had historical depths not just for our county but for the world.

Many people need hope in the face of struggle during these times.

The past few months have been no different, we have all been a part of

historical moments, that will be discussed for generations to come,

long after we are gone.

This next week may just prove to be among one of the most

defining moments in this nations history.

And so I dedicate the musings on this particular design

to the week that lies ahead.

Musings On The Muse Of Annie Faivre's Rencontre Ocean

2008-11-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

There is a new aquarium in San Francisco at the California Academy of Arts and Sciences. The underwater displays are all updated placing the observer, deep in the midsts of the undersea world. Recently one particular exhibit looked very familiar, and then I realized that I was viewing the living contents of the central portion of Annie Faivre's Rencontre Ocean. I wonder where she was when the muse for this design struck her?

Here I have overlayed a picture of the habitat at the aquarium in San Francisco over a picture of my Rencontre Ocean. Viola! The undersea world of Rencontre Ocean.

Discovered A Wonderful Blogger Today...

2008-11-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Ok that is a fib, I had found Eric Tenin the friendly Parisian's blog "Paris Daily Photo" a while back. It is delightful. Eric features a new photo everyday taken somewhere in and around Paris. And friends, he even takes requests. So for those of you who like me love living through other people's lenses, or maybe you need your "Paris Fix" until the January 2009 Hermes Paris Sale. Please visit Eric's Blog at http://www.parisdailyphoto.com/

Below is my most recent favorite for very obvious reasons.

The ominous sky reallty matches the mood of the sky here today in the Wine Country, as we go through the first really good rainstorm of the season.

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Hermes Halloween Greetings

2008-10-31T16:58:00.001-07:00

Musings On Things That Warm My Heart...Besides The Contents Of Orange Boxes

2008-10-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is just nice to stop and ponder on all of the things in life that I am grateful for, the things that warm my heart, the things in life that make me smile, the things in life that I am just glad are part of living this life, things I love:

The aroma of a freshly made cup of Earl Grey Tea.

The sweet sensation of its bergamot on my tongue.

Old quilts, especially the one that belonged to my mother.

Good books with good writing that draws me into an experience I would not have had otherwise.

The chill in the air at the sea, when it is moist, and breathing it in tastes sweetly salty.

Early, frosty winter mornings, when I can take a cup of tea and get into the hot tub, watch the sun rise, and raccoons as they steal across the yard on their way home from a night of foraging.

Movies that make me laugh so hard my sides hurt, and tears run down my face.

The sight of fog on the Golden Gate as I enter the city from the north, and I can look up and see the towering spans peeking out above the billows.

A really good cup of chocolat on a cold night with the lights out, and only candles and a soft fire lighting the room.

Watching the squirrels run outside the big front window, shaded in spots,

yet still lit by the sun.

Old film noir, on rainy days where the color of the sky matches the colors on the screen.

The colors of spring as it bursts forth here in the wine country, the new green on the hills, the young leaves on the vines, the daffodils growing along the Valley of The Moon Highway.

Smooth stones washed by the sea, sitting with shells in clear glass bowls.

Spiced cider, when the color of the leaves all around me are russet,

and a chill is nipping at my nose and cheeks.

The feel of cashmere against my skin, soft, making me feel calm and serene.

The night sky in the summer, when it looks as if someone tossed diamonds as high, as high as they could throw.

Sitting at my favorite restaurant on the square, at an unusual hour of the day. The patio doors open, and all the bustle is on view in front of me. While behind me the room is quiet,

and staff prepares again for the rush time.

The first rain, the sweetness it leaves in the air.

The sculptures I have that my father made,

because they were touched by his hands, and love was left behind.

The smell of a new Hermes scarf or shawl.

The feel of the silk when pressing and finishing a scarf.

Old things that if they could talk and tell you where they have been,

would speak of dreams and joys, held and had by others from another time and place.

The silence of snowfall.

Saturday afternoon movies with my friend,

and we are bundled up in comfy clothes,

with cups of chai and popcorn.

Friends those special people who really know who you are,

and forgive who you are not.

Cheese, all types, all forms, and in many things. Like

omelettes with fresh garden herbs, and mushrooms.

Handmade things, that the person put part of their being into the craftmanship.

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Opening Soon

2008-10-26T03:34:00.000-07:00

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Musings On "Le Geographe"

2008-10-25T11:08:00.001-07:00

In 1992 Hermes issued a design by artist Sandra Laroche titled appropriately enough "Le Geographe". The scarf takes it's title from a French ship bearing the same name. Le Geographe was a 30 + gun corvette, originally commissioned the Galatee. Her name, as well as the name of the sister ship which would accompany her were changed right before the historic expedition she would undertake.

Captain Nicolas Thomas Baudin

Captain Nicolas Baudin had appealed to General Napoleon Bonaparte to be allowed to command a scientific expedition which would conduct a scientific examination of Terres Australes ( Australia) and possibly find an opening for a French settlement.

The Institute of National France sponsored the expedition. On October 19, 1800 Captain Baudin left La Harve, France with two ships the Geographe, and the Naturaliste. There were approximately 100 people aboard each. There were 23 scientists aboard each of the ships, astronomers, geographers, mineralogists, geologists, hydrographers, gardeners, botanists, zoologists, and a pharmacist. There were also portrait, natural history and landscape artists on board. Each discipline had two or three representatives that were spread between the two ships.

Francois Augustine Peron

Among the many scientific professionals under Baudin's command was a zoologist trainee by the name of Francois A. Peron. Peron had saught to join Baudin's expedition after a tragic end to a love affair. He had wanted to serve as an anthropological observer, instead he was appointed zoologist trainee, later in the voyage his position would be elevated to a prominent position of sole zoologist after others were lost along the voyage due to death and desertion.

Historically Peron would become famous for documenting the voyage after the death of Captain Baudin. But most importantly with the help of fellow shipmate, artist Charles Alexandre Lesueur, Peron gathered over 100,000 zoological specimens. The most comprehensive Australian natural history collection to date.

Charles-Alexandre Lesueur

Charles A. Lesueur was employed for the main job of illustrating Baudin's log books. As the journey progressed Lesueur became more of a specialist in drawing animals. This is because he became very close friends with the zoologist Péron. Péron was disliked a great deal by Baudin and made many enemies during the voyage. However, he and Lesueur became firm friends. Under Péron's guidance, Lesueur learnt the art of taxidermy, and the skills for trapping and hunting animals. At other times Péron would dance about and play the fool to distract the Indigenous Australians while Lesueur sketched them. Lesueur also learnt from Péron the importance of colour and paying particular attention to detail. Apart from completing drawings of many animals, he produced a variety of landscapes often including aspects of Indigenous Australian culture.

On July 18, 1801 similar expedition had set sail from Great Britian.

Matthew Flinders

Having been given command of the vessel "The Investigator" Matthew Flinders set sail with a group of scientists, his orders were to chart and map the coast of Australia.

On December 6, 1801, Flinders reached Australia at Cape Leeuwin, and proceeded to begin surveying Australian coastline moving southward along it's shores.

On 8 April 1802 while sailing east Flinders sighted the Le Geographe, a French corvette commanded by the explorer Nicolas Baudin. Both men of science, Flinders and Baudin met and exchanged details of their discoveries, at what would later be named Encounter Bay.

This design is a jacquard. Hermes no longer produces jacquards supposedly having found them too expensive to produce today. When you wear a jacquard the designs woven into the silk catch and reflect the light. In this case kangaroos, and anchors dance and vie for the right to shimmer in the design.

Musings on Jonques Et Sampans

2008-10-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

One should never spend too much time with a scarf that one is thinking of culling from their collection and selling, it just might not end up where you had planned.

So the story went with my best laid plans of this morning. I have had Jonques et Sampans for sometime now and not worn it. I kept thinking that I would but then did not and it kind of sat there with the others never saying a word until today.

I would love to know what inspired famed french illustrator Françoise de la Perrière; when he mused upon the design "Jonques et Sampan". Had he actually taken his in his inspiration while viewing Junks in their original setting in some far off Asian setting, or had he been inspired by the artwork of another such as shown in the ancient Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock pictured above.

I actually spent quite a lot of time traveling in the Orient, while I lived in Japan. The massive floating hulls of the Junks are a sight to be seen. That was what had originally drawn me to this piece. Today I took a deeper closer look into its watery depths. I have always considered some of the other colorways of this design a bit garish, preferring the subtlety of this sea-glass colored version. I purchased it about the same time as I purchased a "Geisha" in a rather similar colorway. I realize now that I was reminiscing and missing my time spent in the orient and that is what probably prompted the purchase of both designs.

Musings On Fashion, Where To Find It And Where To Sell It In Frugal Times

2008-10-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

I have a friend from the scarf forums who has been musing recently about all of the difficulties that have arisen for people who buy and sell high end fashion items on eBay.

There are a lot of collectors that refresh their collections by culling and selling off scarves to make room for more. And this has become increasingly difficult to do on eBay with any success for a lot of reasons most recently.

So many people like my friend are venturing out on their own, in some cases they are even joining up to work together on alternatives. The site owner of "What 2 Wear 411" is willing to meet and talk to others who are interested in listing some of their authentic pieces there. The site is new, and is in the start up stage but is up and running with some very nice items already there. So have a look and email Karen on the site if you yourself are interested in listing some things, or buying.

http://www.what2wear411.com/servlet/StoreFront

An Hermes Scarf Holds A Love Story Within It's Silken Threads

2008-10-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

The greatest love stories are often tragic. But how many times are they associated with a scarf? In Medieval times a lady would often tie her scarf around the armour of her favored knight, a sign of adoration.

The story by Chhengiz Aytmatov, "The girl With The Red Scarf" was translated by french poet Luis Aragon who called it the "world's greatest love story..."

If we were to truly look back in time many a heart struck gentleman has formally stated his love by the gift of a scarf to the lady of his affection. But how many of those moments, or stories have been preserved in time, only to be rediscovered at a later time?

I had the privilege of such an occurrence, when years ago I purchased a lovely old Hermes scarf, simply because it was a rare design, and I was attracted to the simplicity of the piece.

Think about your favorite or even the greatest love story that you remember hearing. Are they not often tragic?

I was gifted to be the person to whom a great though tragic love story was passed to, preserved in the silk of an Hermes scarf.

"En Vente Chez Hermes a Paris"

The scarf had come to the person from whom I received it, from her Great-Aunt. The scarf had come to her in its box inside of its original tissue with a note. The note read:

"A very special Hermes-Paris scarf from my love Gus. Worn 2-3 timeswith him, never to be worn again. My beloved Gus died in 1961."

The person I received the scarf from explained the note this way:

"My aunt was a career woman who never married. She had this love affair with Gus for 15 years! He was Catholic and his wife would not give him a divorce. He separated from his wife and was working in New York City when my aunt met him. He had been separated for 3 years. They each had their own apartment, but they were together for 15 years. He died of a heart attack in 1961 in my aunt's arms. My aunt died in 1969."

Sometimes I don Gus' memento of his love for this lovely woman, wrap myself up in my favorite cashmere sweater, make myself a cup of tea, light some candles, grab a good book of poetry, and let the threads cast their magic of memory of a tale of strong yet tragic love, that has stood the test of time, and lived on even after the lovers are gone.

Musings On Hermes Scarves

2008-10-12T04:12:00.000-07:00

Musing On A Mystery - Napoleon III

2008-10-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog, I spoke about how I found the mysteries regarding some of the scarves histories so intriguing. Hermes has been making scarves for so long that there are always scarves that come along that even long time collectors have not seen. It does not happen often but it does happen, and discussions around them in the past have always been lively and fun for me.

I recently acquired a scarf, that many of us thought was only printed for one special event, that being the 150 year anniversary of Credit Lyonnais Bank in London. Which celebrated its anniversary in 1970. Now while it is true that Hermes did in fact print special pieces in limited quantities for this event, they also printed a Napoleon III / Empire C'est La Paix which was not distributed for this event alone, as it was not printed with the imprint of the anniversary dates.

I love the consistency that in keeping with the historical significance Hermes printed the Napoleon III in a jacquard of "Bees".

Historically speaking there is much reverence and attention given to anything which has to do with the reign of the first Napoleon. No major anniversary of births, battles, or buildings goes uncelebrated.

The legacy of Napoleon III includes some of the most progressive social reforms of the period, along with much of the modern infrastructure of France as we know it today, including railroads and major ports. The second empire also saw the building of major avenues, and a sewer system that still functions today. Napoleon III also organized innovative financial and credit organizations.

Historians have always treated France's "Second Empire" somewhat dismissively. However, Hermes honors the Emperor here with Ledoux's beautiful design, which also commemorates the special relationship held between England's Queen Victoria, and Napoleon III. It is fitting that above Napoleon III the words Empire C'est La Paix . Perhaps Queen Victoria said it best when after visiting the tomb of Napoleon I escorted by Napoleon III, in her journal she wrote:

"The coffin is in a small side chapel, de St. Jerome....Into this the Emperor led me, and there I stood, at the arm of Napoleon III, his nephew, before the coffin of our bitterest foe, I, the granddaughter of that King who hated him most and who most vigorously opposed him, and this very nephew who bears his name, being my nearest and dearest ally!"

Napoleon the III's grave site has no place of honor in France, for he died in exile on the not too distant shores of England following complications with gallstone surgery. His wife had a church built in Farnborough this was to be his final resting place.

Musings On Mustangs

2008-10-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Our childhoods hold wonderous memories that we can call up at any given moment, muse on them and drift back to a time when life was carefree and warm. Some of the special memories I have involve the quality times spent with my father. Who because of what he taught me, how he taught me, and what he shared with me, enriched my life forever. He has been gone for sometime now, but special memories linger on.

He loved the Amerian western. I remember the stories he would tell about going to the matinees when he himself was young. And then growing up I got to relive those moments with him through the miracle of television. There also were those trips together to matinees of our own.

As an adult, I still seekout the westerns when they come to the big screen. Which today is few and far between. Each time I do, I somehow feel as if I am again spending time with Dad.

I am excited about one that is set to be released soon, 'Appaloosa'. I have always wanted just the right colorway of Robert Dallet's design "Mustangs". I think I have found the one for me. I will be wearing it the next time I spend some time with dear old Dad.

Musings On Citrouilles et Coloquintes Oh So Very Fall

2008-10-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

Scroll Down For More Pictures of Citrouilles et Coloquintes

The leaves are turning and there is a chill in the air, that whispers the onset of fall. A time for hot cider, and pumkin pies. We turn the soil over saying goodbye to the fare of summer, in preparation for the winter frost and rain. The season changes, and things around us get just a little more still as winter approaches.

Those are the feelings that Valerie Dawlat-Dumoulin's design Citrouilles et Coloquintes stirs within my soul. I want to get my cup of tea and snuggle up with a good read. Fall is here.

Musings On Paradis du Roy

2008-10-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Scroll Down For More Pictures Of Paradis du Roy

"Paradis du Roy" was released in 1989, and was designed by Annie Faivre. It is a wonderful piece full of imagery that causes the eyes to wander. The design also contains Annie Faivre's famous monkey.

Here is the feature story taken from the Autum/Winter 1989/1990 booklet which featured this design:

"The monarch whom all the world called simply "The KIng" commanded an appropriately majestic dwelling- Versailles.
Here Louis XIV and his progeny ruled resplendently for a hundred years, from the glittering 1680s to the dawn of the
French Revolution. Kings enthroned in a gilded palace, parks peopled with statues of gods. The royal vegetable
garden, designed by Jean de la Quintine, is tended today by the National Horticulture School."

The design takes its inspiration from the Gardens at Versailles, quite possibly the most famous gardens in the world. Just as in the real garden the Bassin d’Apollon – the Apollo Fountain is the central focal point so it is within the design by Ms. Faivre.

Musings On The Royal Mews

2008-10-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Scroll Down For More Pictures of "The Royal Mews"

Located in the very heart of London are the royal stables, known today as the “Royal Mews”. The word “mews” is a derivative of an old French word “mue” (which is taken from the Latin “mutare, meaning to change). In this case it is the changing of plumage. For in the Middle Ages the king kept his falcons in a “mews” during their “mewing” or molt.

Prior to 1537, the royal stables were in Bloomsbury. However fire destroyed the Bloomsbury stables and the horses had to be moved. At this time the mews for the falcons was at Charing Cross. Needing quarters for the horses after the fire, the falcons were moved from their mews and the horses were then stabled there.

Buckingham House was purchased by George III in 1762, and later became Buckingham Palace. This gave the Monarchy the stables at Charing Cross and Buckingham Palace. In 1824 George IV had the stables and the coach houses at Buckingham Palace re-designed, and in 1825 this became the “Royal Mews”.

In 1855, Queen Victoria established at her own expense the “Royal Mews School” to provide education to the children of the servants belonging to the Royal Mews. The school remained for over 20 years.

Today all state vehicles are housed and maintained at the Royal Mews, thus it serves as an important working department within the Royal Household.

Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes (President and fifth generation descendant of Hermes founder, Thierry Hermes) visited London in 1990. As part of his stay he visited the Royal Mews. Here he was inspired by the exquisite craftsmanship and beauty of the Royal coaches and the historical association with horses. He knew he was experiencing the perfect subject matter for an Hermes scarf.

He also knew that he had in mind the perfect artist for such a piece, his old friend and someone who had designed other scarves for Hermes, Colonel Jean de Fougerolle. Colonel de Fougerolle was beseeched to visit the Royal Mews himself. Once there he too was inspired by the rich possibilities for design offered by the setting.

Appropriately in 1993, during Hermes theme the “Year of the Horse”; Colonel Jean de Fougerolles rendition “The Royal Mews” scarf was released. And would remain The exclusive to Great Britain until the end of 1993.

The scarf’s design incorporates at its center depictions of the horses and carriages of the royal family, the Queen’s Equerry and Master of Horses are facing each other. The carriages depicted are: The Golden State Coach, The Irish State Coach, The Barouche, The 1902 State Landau, and queen Alexandra’s State Coach.

Hermes presented this scarf to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, on May 13, 1993.
An interesting side note is that the site where Buckingham Palace now stands was originally a mulberry garden planted by King James I (r. 1603-25) to rear silkworms. Unfortunately, he chose the wrong kind of mulberry bush, and silk production never took off in Britain.

We can be forever thankful that this was not the case in France.

Musings On Madison Ave.

2008-09-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

No this post is not what you think it is about...

It is another photo exploration this time of Kermit Oliver's design Madison Ave. released in limited release in 2000 to celebrate the opening of the Madison Ave. Hermes. There were much whispersings and groans throughout the world of people who know what an Hermes scarf is this past week due to the unforeseen coincidence that Hermes held their New York Sample Sale and it opened the very day that Washington began serious discussions on the "economic crisis". Collectors flock in droves to this sale, and nothing save an atomic bomb could probably stop them. But there are those who scrutinized, shook their heads and wagged their fingers in disbelief. A great quote from one collector is that they "...just don't get it..."

What's not to get is that it is about art and artistry. Stop for a moment and try to figure out a time or place where mankind stopped it's appreciation for art, or the use of art to explain his view of his world to another. I can't think of of one I have tried. There is much that has taken place in history itself that the only account we have of the event is due to the art of another.

Hermes is art.

One wonderful example is the Madison Ave. scarf. Kermit Oliver takes us on a journey that includes the fact that our existence here and now even on Madison Ave. is indelibly linked to those who were here before, be it the flora and fauna or our indigenous peoples. The native maiden sleeps and as she sleeps she dreams...

Madison Ave. Dreams

A Study Of Napoleon - A Scarf Meditation

2008-09-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

One of the most classic and timeless pieces ever done by the design house of Hermes is Napoleon. First issued in 1963, it was later re-issued in the years 1985, 1995, and 2002. The design was done by Phillipe Ledoux one of the most prolific designers of Hermes scarves in their history. No collection would be complete without a Ledoux design, as he is perhaps the most beloved of all designers by Hermes. I am not speaking regarding collectors, I am speaking regarding representatives of Hermes, they speak regarding the works of Ledoux with a reverence that they seem to rarely give others. Monsieur Ledoux has long since past, but his designs will live on forever.

Many collectors I know prefer their Napoleon scarves in the colorway that best represents France, such as the colors of the flag. I however, prefer the soft elegance suggested in soft pink border, perhaps giving the suggestion of the memory of Josephine.

The original Napoleon was produced with a bee jacquard as seen here. Hermes no longer produces Jacquards as they proved to be very expensive to produce.

Napoleon's Bees

William Henry Ireland in 1822 wrote:

"It was custom in France during its early and barbarous ages, that whenever a monarch died his horse and page were killed and buried with their master, that they might be in ready attendance upon him in the next world. In the year 1653, the tomb of Childeric, the father of Clovis was discovered and within it were found the skeleton of a man that of a horse and part of he skeleton of a youth, concluded to be the remains of Childeric and his companions. On furhter search in the tomb were found a purse, containing above a hundred pieces of gold and two hundred pieces of silver, bearing the heads of different emperors of France; a crystal ball or orb, a pike, a battleaxe, the handle, mounting and blade of a sword; gold tablets and style; the bit and part of the harness of a horse; fragments of dress or robe; and more than three hundred little bees of the purest gold, their wings being inlaid with red stone like carnelian. The appropriation of this emblem was hence suggested to Napoleon. A gold signet ring was taken from the finger of the larger skeleton; upon it appeared and engraved head, having long hair flowing over the shoulders, and it the words, "Childerici Regis"..."

"The State Council followed Cambacérès and Lacuée, who proposed the bees, as "a republic with a chief", with a sting but producing honey, which was the emblem of work for Ségur. The team, directed by Vivant Denon, that designed the imperial arms, proposed a semy of bees in "Merovingian style" on the imperial purple coat. The original design was deemed "too archaic". Later, a bee with well-detached wings was selected, and appeared on the Emperor and Emperess' clothes, as well as on the hanging in the Notre-Dame cathedral during the coronation.The bee was part of the French symbolic from 1804 to 1814 (First Empire), during the Cent-Jours (20/03-22/06/1815), and finally under Napoleon III's Second Empire (1852-1870)."
Source: Encyclopaedia Universalis

Below is a picture of the Merovingian Bees from the Gallica web site

I am fascinated by the pure luxury of the Hermes Napoleon Scarf, it seems to carry with its name a since of the decorum of the era it represents. I thought it would be interesting to do a photographic study of the scarf, a kind of visual meditation of it. Letting my camera be my eyes as it swirled the twill of bees. Below is the result of that meditation. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did.

Musings On A Tale Of Three Vapeurs...

2008-09-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ok a trivia question, name two scarves that Hermes re-issued and changed the scarf slightly in design with the re-issue?

Answer: "Paris Modistel" and "Merveilles De La Vapeur"

In 1956 Hermes released the original "Paris Modistel" by Hugo Grygkar, then when it was re-issued in 2006 the printed name on the scarf changed to "Paris Modiste".

In 1958 Hermes released the original "Merveilles De La Vapeur" by Phillipe Ledoux, the design was re-issued in 1986. In the re-issue they changed the design by replacing one of he highlighted steam vehicles in the center medallions with a completely different vehicle.

In the original issue the lower left medallion has a depiction of a steam vehicle by Luigi Pagani, the newer re-issue has a locomotive by Marc Seguin. I have never been able to track down why the decision to change the design. It does indeed make the scarf a different piece. There have been many times that collectors are kept guessing on why Hermes has done what it has done, this is just one incident.

The original issue of the design was also colored far differently. I have seen only one other original 1958 piece, and it was similar to mine in that it did not have a lot of fanciful coloration, but instead was like a fine old sepia style photo but was done in golds, grays , and black. Where mine is cream, rose, burgundy, and black.

I am attracted to the design of this scarf due to it's loose connections to some pieces by Jules Verne a favorite author of mine. Like "Tour du Monde en 80 Jours" also by Ledoux. Many who know the design of this scarf might not realize that it also has a Verne connection loosely to two works, and personal notes by Verne, "Backwards to Britain" in which Verne mentions the foundry near his boyhood home where certain steam engines were built, and "Paris in the 20th Century" in which Verne discusses the rail line between Paris and St. Germain. Verne also rode Stephonson's "Great Eastern" to visit the United States, and witnessed the building of the "Great Eastern" which he documented in his notes under "Journey to England and Scotland"All of this has led me to wonder if perhaps Phillipe Ledoux may have also been a real fan of the Jules Verne classics. If he was not at least I can imagine that he was.

Musings on "Give me your tired..." of How to tie the not so perfect scarf perfectly...

2008-09-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

A few years ago a friend who knows that the scarf design closest to my heart is "Fauna et Flore du Texas", gave me ( I say gave because the price for which she parted it to me, was nearly free) a Texas Wildlife that had reached her in a state other than described in an eBay listing.

The scarf was beautiful but it had some little holes near the hem of one edge. My friend feared that they were moth holes, I suspect that it had been chewed in a zipper. But it was after all a Texas, ( I own more Texas Wildlife than any other design it truly is very close to my heart, and I wear them a lot) and I believed that the damage was not the scarf's fault it still deserved to be loved and cared for as any other. (Actually I end up wearing this one more than all of the others, because I don't have to worry that something might happen to him.)

Many collectors have those pieces in their collections, that were not cared for properly by previous owners, and are always looking for ways to tie them to hide the imperfections.

Well today again I got out my tried and true Oliver Holy Turkey to wear to a doctor's appointment this morning. Allergies are leaving me feeling drained and blue, and I needed a scarf that would make me feel not so punky. My Turkey came through with shining colors.

As I was tying him on this morning I happen to realize that I was using my perfected plisse knot with still another carre. This caused me to pause and realize that this is the perfect knot for hiding any imperfections and still go on enjoying a scarf that deserves to be enjoyed.

Musings Again On So Many Scarves So Little Time...

2008-09-22T04:14:00.000-07:00

London fashion designer Danielle Scutt answered the age old question for any scarf collector last week at a preview of her Spring "09" collection. That question "How to find the time to wear all of those scarves???"

Answer wear them all at once....

Sorry...I'm just not someone who could ever pull this off!

Musings on Hermes Vent Portant

2008-09-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

The scarf pictured above is Hermes "Vent Portant" designed by Yannick Manier in 1992. It has never been re-issued. There was a later issue of a detail (a partial print of the original design). This scarf again has amazing detail.

Hermes uses an overlay of a heavier solid white dye called Matte Blanc on many of their designs especially the older pieces. Matte Blanc creates a light reflective sparkle which gives the design depth. There is an incredible use of Matte Blanc in this particular design on the waves. Giving them a very real appearance, you can almost hear the sound of the sea.

Yannick Manier was a very prolific artist of Marine paintings, his pieces show up quite a bit on the art auction circuit. He also illustrated many books on the subject of marine navigation. There is a very famous catamaran which bears his name.

This design does not come up often on the resale market. I recently placed mine up for sale at a reasonable price but did not get any takers. I think that was karma as I really don't think I wanted to sell it, as it ties beautifully and goes well with my favorite grey cashmere sweater.

Musings and Mulling On Hermes Tohu Bohu

2008-09-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Tohu Bohu in black is one of my recent gifts to myself. I love the name of this design. I also like the wonderful fanciful border and contrast lime green hem.

Recently a fellow scarf collector discovered that in the history of Hermes they had used the word "Tohu Bohu" once before in a scarf designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1946. The scarf was Pour Eviter les Accidents de Voitures (Photo courtesy of the ATHI photo gallery, if it looks familiar that is because the same artist did Accidents d'Equitation pictured above in the header of this blog)

The words "Tohu Bohu" appear on the right side of the scarf.

The Oxford dictionary defines "Tohu Bohu" as “That which is empty and formless; chaos; utter confusion.” Ahh, this idea sounds familiar. It is in fact the description given to the Earth moments after the start of creation, recorded in Genisis 1:2. It is in fact the compound of two Hebrew words (tohu v’bohu).

W. H. Auden of which I am a fan of his poetry, used the word in a self reflective piece titled "In Sickness and In Health" in 1942.

Auden wrote:
“Beloved, we are always in the wrong,
Handling so clumsily our stupid lives,
Suffering too little or too long,
Too careful even in our selfish loves:
The decorative manias we obey
Die in grimaces round us every day,
Yet through their tohu-bohu comes a voice
Which utters an absurd command – Rejoice.”

"The decorative manias we obey..." humm sounds a little like scarf collecting. And the whole feeling of Auden's piece here closely describes how I see the tragic events of this weekend. Between the train wreck in LA and the storm in Texas. It is as if the whole world succumbed to chaos this weekend. And yet inside myself my feelings are all Tohu Bohu, as for me personally I have so much to rejoice for this weekend. A little bundle of joy was born so far away, but so loved and so welcomed by so many. Perhaps Tohu Bohu is a good remembrance scarf after all, even though I really wanted to find a blue "Rocking Horse" scarf....

Musings On Hermes Artist Henri De Linares

2008-09-13T15:10:00.001-07:00

Henri De Linares was a very prolific french artist, whose work consists mostly of extremely detailed natural history still life studies. I have a cashmere/silk GM shawl of his design titled "Plumes" and it is one of my favorite shawls. The extreme detail with which he renders the feathers look as if you could pick each one up and with a breath of air watch it gently fall back into place.

Much of Linares pieces as scarves for Hermes consist of paintings drawn on the silk of hunting trophies of dead game. I have heard many a collector repulse at the thought of tying something deceased around their neck.

The problem is that I have always been extemely drawn to the details with which Linares transports us into the study of the fur and the feathers of the animals. Even the colors are so lifelike that I find that my eyes seem to move about each piece almost expecting something to stir.

One piece in particular that has always attracted me is "Gibiers". I have always imagined that the piece would create a stunning presentation at a neckline. The problem has always been that the Gibiers scarf does seem to have almost a cult following, and so it does go kind of high in the resale market, thus worried that I might not like it as much as I have imagined I never was able to win one. Until now. And actually the one that I accquired this week was truly worth the wait.

It is a stunning plisse (pleated carre) so not only do I get the detailing of the design at a neckline, I also get incredible texture also.

My Gibiers is pictured below.

Morning Musings On Hermes...

2008-09-13T05:05:00.001-07:00

I did not sleep very long last night, I suppose that I am extremely concerned for a scarf collecting friend who emailed me before "Ike" hit that she was indeed planning to stay in Houston. I hope and pray that the people who did stay are spared any tragedy.

Like so often when I feel a little stressed, I am drawn to thoughts of the scarves, looking for comfort in the silk I suppose.

I thought I would post some things this morning, while sitting glued to the reporting of the storm.

I received another very nice vintage piece to use with Pochettes this week. I really like this scarf ring as it is pewter, so no chance of sterling residue on the scarves. Also it has such a nice Celtic design, and I am partial to things with Celtic symbols on them. It has a shape similar to an Hermes chaine d'ancre, but it is smaller and just the right size for pochettes. I think it works well this red Aux Pays de Espices (an Annie Faivre design)

In 2002 Hermes produced an item which they called "anneau collier bambou" or "Bamboo Halter Necklace". The retail price was $560.00, and according to what sales associates have said, it did not sell well so Hermes never produced them again. Personally I think that was a mistake, and I am a bit shocked that Hermes made that decision especially since they featured it prominently in their little "Carre" tying book printed that same year. The picture below is from the scarf tying booklet.
The only way to acquire one today is to purchase it resale. They sometimes show up on eBay, and of course they sometimes show up at private party tag sales. I have actually found a couple at estate sales. They are not easy to come by. And they often come up as the topic of collectors groups with someone desperately searching for one.

I have found them useful even if you are not into the "Halter look". Some pochettes were never produced as full size scarves and the holder allows you to wear a pochette in a neckline for that layered look. I often like to do this with a crisp white shirt, as show below with the pochette featuring little characters contorting themselves into numbers. (Sorry but as long as I can remember no one has ever known the name of this pochette).

Musings on Rings For Hermes Pochettes

2008-08-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hermes Pochettes are just as collectible as their other scarves and shawls. Sometimes a design was released in a pochette, such as "Metamorphose D'un Carre" and "Jardins D'Eden". Pochettes can often be a fun way to start an Hermes scarf collection for the new collector, and they allow us to go ahead and wear a nice silk scarf when weather directs otherwise.

Recently I was involved in a discussion on "just what can be used as a scarf ring for Hermes Pochettes?" Now Hermes makes some nice rings for them, there are the twilly rings, and most recently horn, and metal "chaine d'ancre" rings that are quite nice, but some feel they run on the expensive side. I myself like them but feel they are a bit limiting.

I like to vari my rings as I vari my scarves. To me the wearing of a pochette while still sophisticated, also has a bit of an avant garde look to the style. Therefore I enjoy really coming up with unusual rings to wear with them.

I have found interesting vintage pieces such as bakelite pieces, old victorian scarf slides made of carved ivory, and gold; not only add texture, but attract the eye.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from my vintage collection which I reserve for my pochettes.

This is one of my favorites given to me by my mother before she passed away. It is a smooth bakelite piece embeded with rhinestones and is flat towards the back and lays so nice upon the neck. It adds a touch of elegance to this "Musique des Spheres" pochette.

This is an unusual piece a mixture of wood, stone, rosegold, and shell. I think that it pairs well with this Legende Kuna Peuple de Panama. (You can click on any picture and it will open larger)

This is another vintage bakelite paired with rhinestones, piece, and pairs nicely with Metamorphose D'un Carre.

Yet another bakelite / rhinestone piece.

This is a gold victorian scarf clip it pairs nicely with this Effluves. This type of scarf clip is not easy to come by, it has an inner hinge that is smooth an pinches in to hold it in place.
This is a carved ivory piece in the shape of a belt with buckle. The buckle pieces are inlaid silver. It kind of says Hermes to me in a very vintage way.

This is an all glass millefiori paperweight ring and is a highlight when paired with a Sulfures pouchette.

As you can see the sky is the limit when it comes to finding vintage and antique pieces to use as scarf rings for Hermes Pouchettes. Make the most of your own style and imagination, most of all have fun.

Tying An Hermes Scarf Carre Using A Plisse Knot

2008-08-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

I like to try at times to tie my scarves in such a way as to really see a lot of the design. One of the best ways I have found to do this is to use a knot technique that was originally developed for the Plisse scarf. Below is the picture from the Plisse tying booklet. I will attempt to show you photos of how to do this technique with a regular carre or 36 inch square scarf.

First I start with the scarf off of my neck, underside up. I then pleat fold two opposing corners. See the illustrations below. The pleat folding does not have to be exact in fact it should not be, as this is what gives the billowy look to the scarf while wearing.

Now you are going to grasp the scarf in the very center keeping the pleated area bunched, and place the scarf on your neck. It is a good idea to pull it down in front kind of taunt in order to hold the pleating or bunching in place at the back of your neck.
With the front points hanging down, pull out from the center edge two little "tugs" of the scarf edge. You will be tying these together in a knot.

Once you have the little pieces "tugged" out, loop right over left and pull up slowly and tightly in place below your chin.

Now you will have some lovely billowy poofs that you can either arrange and let hang softly at your neck or off to the side, as I did with the Les Merveilles de La Vapuer below.

Or you can follow through with a full know of the tugged out areas which provides the final look of the Chevaux de France I am wearing in the picture shown last in this post.

Musing On Predicting the Recontre Oceane of Tomorrow

2008-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

I sat in anticipation, breath paused with others in the room. I had come, as many others in the room an invited guest of Neiman Marcus, for the unveiling of the new fall/winter line of Hermes scarves in 2007.

When I arrived it was to a beautiful presentation of superbly set dining space, and the ultimate, a cake made to look like an Hermes presentation box. The room rang with this was going to be a wonderful gathering. There were of course many hellos to friends from far and near, the hugs, the oooos, and the awes over which scarf each one had chosen to wear.

And then we settled in for what was to be a delectable feast both for the palette, and for the eyes.

That is how I remember the day that I met, what I believe to be the next rival for top covet, in the wonderful world of Hermes scarf collecting. I was seated by chance at a table near the area where the models and the scarves made entrance. A couple came out and were handed to the table for review, they were pretty, indeed beautiful, although today I could not tell you what the names were or the colorways of those that arrived before "Chevaux de France" in a beautiful turquoise contrast hem colorway.

When this scarf was laid in my hands thunder clashed above me (OK a little exaggeration here, but that is what it felt like). Every color of the rainbow was deftly layered upon the silk, it glistened in the light, revealing the intricacy of the pattern, which was made to look like fine needlepoint stitches throughout revealing from afar a detailed design.

So why was this scarf so different? Why had I been struck almost dumb in its presence? Quite simply, I remember the raves of "Pavements" a scarf that rose in extreme popularity, and to this day remains a highly coveted piece, even after it made the list of those chosen to be faked by the unscrupulous counterfeiters.

You see "Pavements" is a design where each mosaic piece is different in shape, color and hue. But taken altogether they make up an incredible design, and so the effect is one that lends itself to the fact that someone would be hard pressed to find something that they could not wear their "Pavements" scarf with. The scarf to end all scarves if you will.

For quite sometime the "Pavements" design was a much sought after design, the prices resale went regularly went quite high for then resale pricing standards. In today's market it is still a loved design, but it does not command the attention, nor the pricing that it did four years ago. It has been replaced in that profile with a scarf that has less wearable attributes, that is to say is somewhat limited to what with and when it is worn, and that is the design "Rencontre Oceane" this scarf design seems to be most remarkable due in part to the saturation of colors in the design especially the central portion. All colorways of the design are beautiful, but the black, lime green, and the blue colorways seem to command the highest prices.

The length of time for which "Rencontre Ocean" has commanded the exteme high resale value, remains unprecedented. I am often made to wonder why this continues to be, as discussion regarding the design among collectors is unending at times. Such that I feel often we miss discussing other designs which quite frankly are more remarkable in nature.

And such is the case with "Chevaux de France". I fully predict that in the years to come, this design will become the much sought after, hard to accquire in lower price ranges, and will last long on the list of most desired designs.

I recently accquired one in the multi -color turquoise contrast hem colorway. This scarf is timeless, the details of the representation of the needlepoint stitches is heavenly to the extreme. I lose track of trying to count the colors represented in the design, it is truely amazing. I have taken and paired it with much of my wardrobe and found it to compliment nearly everything. In my opinion Hermes out did themselves in this scarf. I have not been extremely happy regarding most recent past season designs, I think I only purchased one from the spring 2007 collection. I completly understand the marketing stategy to attempt to market to a younger buyer. This effect on myself has been that it only makes me appreciate the designs of yesterday more. Until "Chevaux de France" this is a design that in later years everyone will be seeking and for all of the reasons that "Pavements" and "Rencontre Ocean" have been so loved it too will be desired.

Musings On Hermes Scarf Artist Philippe Dauchez

2008-08-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

On July 23, 1948, France named Philippe Dauchez their official Maritime painter. His father Andre Dauchez had himself served as the official painter of the Navy, and would have wanted to direct his son towards a career in science. But Philippe Dauchez had been surrounded by artistic medium since childhood, and his love of both art and the sea quickly took root.

During a time in history when the rest of the world is just discovering the world of pleasure boating, Philippe is quietly building hid own sailing vessel in order to devote time to his passion. This passion came to an abrupt halt with the onset the war. Having obtained the coveted title of official painter of the Navy, he will then cease to sail on the seas of the world for the pleasure of cruising and racing. Instead he will carrying out his duties to document the history through the painting of France’s National marine.

His painting is spontaneous and merry, it the precise rendering and character requested of the official painters of the Navy, but it also has the reflection of the artists feelings as we can see here in the Hermes scarf bearing his signature. Here we pause as if on the docks to notice the quiet resting place of the yachts of a yacht club. Perhaps on the morning, just prior to opening day.

Hermes Olympic Scarf???

2008-08-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

In years past Hermes has produced special edition pieces for the honor of the Olympic games. Unusual this years games in Beijing no mention of a special piece to my knowledge.

There was an exhibit in Beijing held in March of this year. For that exhibition Hermes asked famous Chinese painter Mr. Ding YI to design a scarf titled "Chinese Rhythm". It was the first of its kind to be designed by a Chinese painter. It would have been wonderful if Hermes would have issued this as the official Olympic Beijing scarf.

Pachyderms Take "Bringing Home The Birkin" Seriously

2008-08-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ok we knew that an elephant never forgets, but who would have believed they could read! These obviously have taken Michael Tonello's book "Bringing Home The Birkin" very seriously.

Speaking of Washing. This Is Definitely Not Something I Would Advise Doing With An Hermes Scarf!

2008-08-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

Art out of art is an interesting idea, but I am not sure how I feel about this piece. It does make me shudder!

So Many Scarves, So Little Time!

2008-08-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Sir Francis Osbert Sacheverell Sitwell the 5th Baronet once wrote "...a scarf is, admittedly, not a tapestry, not a dress; it is a mere square of silk or some other material intended to be worn around the head. But it can be treated as a work of art. It can be collected like a rare book or print..."

Ahhh! So many scarves and just not enough time!

Musings On Caring For Silk Scarves And Yes They Can Be Washed

2008-08-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sayings regarding silk scarves came from one of the most experienced collectors that I can think of. She likes to say when discussing the durability of the silk, "They make parachutes out of it after all..." And she is right! The silk that scarves are made out of is very resilient. Silk is a natural fiber, and although it is highly recommended by manufactures most of the time to have the scarf dry cleaned. I have always cringed at the thought of what happens while at the cleaners. Dry cleaning fluid is a solvent, a lot of people do not know this, we take our beloved priceless dearly treasured items to have them coated in solvent. I am the daughter of an artist, I know what solvent does to things as I saw my father have to clean many things with it as a child in the course of his work.

I remember the first time I took one of my very first Hermes a "Les Insects" to the cleaners, I cringed to leave something so precious to me (as it was a gift) in the hands of the cleaner person. The scarf made it home not damaged but with pressed hems, I was so distraught.

Now imagine my apprehensive delight when sisters in silk within the forums came forward and admitted that they wash their beauties. Yes, I said wash! In fact they stated often times that they too were very put off with the thought of harsh chemicals coming next to their skin or their silk. I read, listened and learned. And then one day I acquired a very coveted piece that others had actually returned to a seller because it was "dingy, and stained".

When the scarf arrived to me, (and yes it was an Hermes) I was delighted to have received it, but now what was I going to do to bring the life back to it and restore it to it's original state of beauty. I had no choice, I had to enter the world of the scarf washers.

Now I have some chemistry experience, and my grandmother was famous for removing stains from things. So I decided to take the plunge. To my pleasant surprise, the scarf became pristine. So pristine that I once wore it to go shopping and when I entered the Hermes boutique, my scarf was immediately recognized as a rare piece by the first sales assistant to greet me, who then had to call others over to view my prize. They complimented me on it's beauty and rarity, I simply said thank you and smiled.

Over time I developed my own tried and true method for the activity of scarf washing and I have never looked back. Here is the formula I use:

I wash the darkly colored ones in my bathtub, as it is quite large and I can lay the scarf across the water to work with it. Other light colors I use a plastic wash tub that I put into the sink. I run cold water, and place a "dye catcher" (the market sells a Shout brand for this, it is a little white piece of like interfacing material that helps prevent dye coloring the water and therefore unwanted areas of the scarf) Mind you I have not felt that the newer scarves really need this step, but that is just me. The older scarves however do not have the newly fabricated dyes, that the newer ones do. So the older the scarf the more careful you have to be. I have even used a little salt half teaspoon diluted in warm water first,then added to the wash water for the older scarves. But I have not done this often as salt is not truly good for the silk. But on the first wash it helps to extra set old dyes it seems.

I wash in Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Soap Geranium or Lavender scent, but I have used Woolite, Dawn dish-washing soap, and the brand Tocca Delicate scented wash. Dawn dish-washing soap is good for scarves that have some sort of greasy stain or residue. I do not use it as a general wash only on a very soiled scarf.

During the wash I keep the scarf moving at all times. I rinse well,and I never squeeze only swish. I hang the scarf over a towel covered shower bar for a few minutes while the iron heats up on a prepared board.

To prepare the iron board I put a white towel down on the iron board, this helps to plump the hems as you press down next to them. I use a up down pressing motion starting in the center and working out toward the hems. I have the iron set on silk, and no water in the iron. I have a Rowenta Iront hat I use only for my scarves, but I do not think this is necessary, I do however think it is very important to have a very clean iron, no carry over residue that water or steam can sometimes leave.

Before I take the wet scarf to the iron board I gently roll it in a very large white towel. Then I take it to the board to press it dry.

I spot treat stains with items such as Dryell spot treatment that comes with their home dry cleaning kit. This removes lipstick very well.

For other stains Zout stain spray is very good.

But the best stain treatment of all is Woolite Oxydeep Carpet Cleaner sprayed directly all over the scarf, wait a few minutes then wash as usual. I know this sounds very involved but it really is not. I just tried to include all of the information off the top of my head so you could have an idea, and know that it is entirely possible to wash scarves successfully, and never dryclean them again.

Oh and when pressing I press down next to the hem as I kind of massage and roll the hem to plump it as I press, never pressing on top of the hem.

I need to make something crystal clear, regarding stain treatment, and scarf washing. Do not use any other "Oxy" product on the scarves other than "Woolite Oxydeep Carpet Cleaner", this is not the same product as "Oxyclean". Oxyclean is a product that will damage the silk. No two Oxy products are a like. And to my knowledge the only safe Oxy product is theWoolite Oxydeep Carpet Cleaner which comes in a blue spray bottle.

As collectors we value the plump forward rolled hems of the Hermes scarf, once a hem has been flattened by a dry cleaner the only way to replump it is to wash and massage the hems back to their plump state, or to have the scarf hem re-rolled through Hermes or a professional hemmer.

I am fortunate in that I have rather an abundance of scarves so there are scarves that I wear more often than others, and there are those that I wear but mostly for the very special occasion, those special ones are not worn often, and I am extremely careful when I do wear them so that the possibility of them needing a washing is minimalized, but should the event happen that one should become spotted, I would rather tackle the issue myself, than place it in the hands of someone else.

There is another benefit to scarf washing, it is extremely relaxing, and seems to take the cares away, it can be very self soothing when the world is hectic.

So if you truly care about your beloved silk beauties, take the plunge in washing, you will not look back. Otherwise you will be sitting on the sidelines watching your hems get flatter and flatter.

Musings on Tying Hermes Pocket Scarves, Otherwise Known As Pochettes

2008-07-31T01:47:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to experiment with Hermes Pochettes to find a way to tie them that lets a lot of the design show while wearing. Today is was playing with a pouchette and a Chaine d'Ancre scarf slide. I discovered a nice way to incorporate the slide to give weight and body to a sort of poof at the neck that is very nice with a simple jewel neckline.

Lay the pochette face down, bring opposite corners through the openings of the Chaine d'Ancre and tie it in place.

Once the Chaine d'Ancre is secure and in place, then you can flip the scarf over, and tie it into postion at your neckline.

The weight of the Chaine d'Ancre helps the pochette stay in place and assists the scarf to poof, displaying most of the design in a nice way at the base of the neck.

Hermes Presents The Art Gallery Of The Future?

2008-07-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

It looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, but truly interesting. I wonder if it will be landing in the United States.

http://artobserved.com/go-see-the-hermes-h-box-at-the-tate-modern-london-through-august-17/

Where To Go If You Want To Be Informed Regarding Collecting Hermes Scarves

2008-07-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

I have been getting quite a few emails from people wanting to know more on collecting Hermes Scarves. I thought I would address some of these questions here.

First of all just because a scarf says Hermes on it, do not assume that you have just discovered the "real" thing. Even if you found it in Grandmother's scarf drawer and she collected scarves for years. There have been unscrupulous manufactures of fake Hermes scarves for years, and yes they were often sold to tourists even in France.

Hermes has some very distinctive features, and there are no books, or collectors guides out there that there to tell you the difference between fake, and the real thing. And any book at the moment offering to be a definitive guide to Hermes is not nor ever was sanctioned by the House of Hermes and there for should in no way be recognized as something definitive.

So then how does one educate oneself regarding how and what to collect.

First of all visit a store that sells Hermes and touch, feel, and possibly take home the real thing. Hermes sales associates are always glad to display for you the current season selection. And there is no comparison to the translucent magic of Hermes when held to the light.

Second, the most valuable source of information regarding collecting Hermes comes from the collectors themselves. Many of which have been collecting for years and years. Many have visited, and toured the factory themselves in Paris. Connecting with the internet forums where collectors meet to discuss their passion is not difficult. There are at least three of them on Yahoo Groups and they are always welcoming newcomers to the world of Hermes scarves. The collective voice of these wonderful people can be invaluable to you as a collector, and will most likely help in preventing the mishap of you ending up with an unauthentic item.

Here are the email addresses to request membership, if you are so inclined.

AllThingsHermesInternational-owner@yahoogroups.com

HermesOasis-owner@yahoogroups.com

HermesScarves-owner@yahoogroups.com

Many years ago, I was coresponding with a woman in the United Kingdom on the subject of scarf collecting, seeking a forum of people who shared our passion for collecting silk squares of all collectible makers. It was this woman who directed me to the Hermes Yahoo forums, as there aren't any forums for simply "scarf collectors". I have always been grateful to her for suggesting and pointing me in the direction of the Hermes groups. They have been the source of not only information but wonderful friendships that have withstood the test of time.

More Musings On Very Collectible Hermes Scarves

2008-07-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

A scarf that experienced collectors are always on the look out for, but few novices are aware of is the "Sulfures Et Presse Papiers". In 1979 Hermes created 500 of these for the Paperweight Collectors Association at the request of the founder Paul Jokelson. Designed by Cathy Latham the scarf depicts some paperweights from Jokelson's personal collection including the very first one that he started his collection with. Aptly so that paperweight was purchased by him in France as he returned home after WWII.

These rarely show up on ebay, although they have about 4 times in the past 4 years. They generaly go in the higher price ranges $400.00 to $700.00 depending on the condition and the colorway.

Sotheby's sold one in 1999 for $862.00 from a private paperweight
collector.

Musings On Collectible Hermes Scarves

2008-07-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

An Hermes scarf is collectible simply because it is an Hermes scarf. But having collected them over the years it is interesting to watch the trends regarding those that collect them. Recently (within the last 2 years) we have watched one particular scarf rise in it's resale value tremendously. That scarf is "Rencontre Ocean" by the artist Annie Faivre. Oringinaly the scarf sold for somewhere in the neighborhood of $300.00 to purchase a new one. Recently ebay resales have seen the price go for anywhere between $600.00 to a recently listing of $1200.00.

The design is beautiful, and Annie Faivre is a much beloved artist for many a collector. But to try to answer as to why this particular design has risen in value the way it has, is a hard question to answer. The design has never been reproduced as of yet. (Hermes has reproduced other popular designs for a second issue) And so the collector who wants to own one is left to venture to the resale market.

In recent years we have seen other scarves become the rage of the resale market, "Cave Felem" and "Pavements" used to consistently bring between $450.00 and $550.00, and collectors stood amazed. But they did not stay as long on the rave list as Recontre Oceane has been doing. All of these were commercial seasonal issued scarves. They were not limited special edition pieces, and they were from fairly recent years in the Hermes history.

Kermit Oliver's "Madison Avenue" done for the reopening of the Madison Ave. store had a very limited release, was only sold at that store. And the full color version consistently resells for anywhere between $700.00 to $1200.00 on the resale market.

Recently a well known seller and collector offered a "TROIS-MOUSQUETAIRES" on ebay for a buy it now of $599.99. Not a bad deal when you consider that in the past it has usually brought between $500.00 and over $700.00. This design had a very limited production, was a special edition for a cognac company, and was originally created by Phillipe Ledoux one of the most prolific artist in Hermes history. The design was started by Ledoux, but he became too ill to complete it, as it was produced near his death. His nephew completed the design and the scarf is signed by both artists.

This highly collectible scarf did not sell in the recently listing and was later relisted at a lower price.

So answering the question regarding what makes one design more highly collected over another is a very difficult question. And there really is not definitive answer as to why "Recontre Oceane" continues to dominate the resale market. It is fun to watch the trends go in and out, but we maybe waiting a long time before the rave desire for "Recontre Oceane" deminishes.

One Knot Three Scarves - A Good Basic Knot For Any Silk Scarf

2008-07-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

There was a knot that we discussed and tried in the scarf groups a while back called the "Friendship Knot". It can be found by searching the web. Although it is a beautiful and interesting knot, many found it difficult to tie on a whim.

I was playing around with a chiffon GM one day feeling a bit rushed to get it tied and be on my way. I discovered a quick variation on the "Friendship Knot" theme, but much easier, and faster to accomplish. I don't have a name for it, as it is simply what happened when I flipped one end of the scarf this way, then that and was done.

The good thing about this knot is it is very versatile. I have often heard others say that they do not wear GM (the larger 54 x 54 inch) scarves because they are shorter in stature and feel they do not know what to do with all of the fabric. This knot solves that problem. It also works well for oblong scarves that are not square as well as the regular carre size.

Here is how it is accomplished:

If using a square scarf first start with a basic bias fold. Hold with one end slightly longer than the other end. With the longer end pinch a loop.

Then bring the un-pinched end over the top of the loop you made by pinching.

Coming down across the loop, bring that same end up against you and through the top of the opening at your neck.

Now bring that end up, over and down into the center of the pinched loop.

Pull tight and straighten to adjust. And Voila!

I have found that this knot is also great for when you think it might just be too warm to wear a scarf, as it can be tied so that it keeps a lot of the fabric away from the front of your neck. It hangs nicely and even creates a little cooling flutter.

Kermit Oliver & Les Cheyennes For Hermes

2008-07-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

I believe that I have mentioned before that Kermit Oliver is my absolute favorite artist. Sometimes I find myself discovering a whole new appreciation for a piece that I have had for awhile, quite simply by getting it out and wearing it again.

Recently this happened for me with Mr. Oliver's "Les Cheyennes". The scarf here is titled "Plumes de L'Ouest". (Supposedly the name was changed due to complaints registered by the Native American Nation for which the original piece was named) I will always think of the design as Les Cheyennes.

When I first viewed the works of Mr. Oliver I did not know anything really about the artist as a person. (Who he was, where he came from...) I just knew that I was incredibly drawn to his work. The use of light, the deeply personal administration of each portrayal. Every character, every animal depicted has a unique personality that seems to speak from the piece. There is always a serene, quiet animation going on. Color abounds so that you are drawn in to notice the uniqueness of every stroke.

I was fortunate enough to acquire a copy of "Notes from a Child's Odyssey: The Art of Kermit Oliver". All families have their oral traditions, colorful stories handed down through the generations of ancestors who struggled to carve out their own existence so that we might have the futures we have today. I feel fortunate to have been given a glimpse into the colorful ancestral past of Mr. Oliver. From the courageous figure of Jesse Oliver (Kermit Oliver's Grandfather) who drowned while helping a fellow rancher move cattle to safety from an approaching storm. To Katherine Oliver (Kermit Oliver's Mother) who strictly raised her four sons with values and morals. While also giving her time and energy to civic needs within her community. Participating, and volunteering in organizations to preserve and enhance the community for future generations.

Peter Marzio, Director of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts writes in the forward to "Notes from a Child's Odyssey..."

"Kermit Oliver is a realist who shows us a world we have never seen..."

And what a world it is! I find it so easy to simply get lost in the designs he has done for Hermes. I explore each piece and with each exploration I discover something new in the journey. Deeper and deeper I am drawn into that world each time, and always so gratful for the gift of this view.

And that was how it was again while wearing Cheyennes recently. The quite and proud Native stands there with his beautiful mount, and faithful dog who glances out possibly looking for one of those rabbits that Mr. Oliver and his brother chased as young boys. Here in this quiet place so richly full of color and teaming with life.

Wearing Scarves - Scarf Tip

2008-07-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

So you say that a particular scarf does not look good on you? Perhaps it is not the scarf, but what you have chosen to wear the scarf with. Try paring the color of the background or the border of the scarf with its complimentary color on the color wheel. That is the color directly opposite its position on the color wheel. Make sure to keep the tone consistent, that is if you have a muted blue, then pair it with a muted orange or pumpkin color. Try this and see the compliments you receive on your choice of colors.

Etienne Delessert for Fête des Vignerons 1999 "Le Jardin de Orphee" a Non Hernes Scarf

2008-07-16T18:59:00.001-07:00

As I have said earlier I see scarves as wearable works of art. For the most part my preferences lend themselves to pieces which were created by artist particularly for the purpose of the design of the scarf. As opposed to scarves which are copies of the works of artists.

This is the one thing that truly stands behind my attraction to the scarves of Hermes. Each piece is designed by the artist for the purpose of print as a scarf, and the designs of Hermes are endless. But I will leave the discussion of Hermes history of scarves for another day.

Today I want to discuss a newly acquired piece. The above scarf is the work of Etienne Delessert an artist who now lives in Connecticut, having been born in Switzerland. Mr. Delessert has won numerous awards for his artwork and illustrations. He is probably best known for his work as the illustrator of over 80 books, most of which are children's books.

I first came in contact with his work, while reading books to my own children. His pieces are over the top fantastic, and imaginations young and old can easily get carried away visualizing the story contents.

Mr. Delessert has also illustrated for many well known magazines and newspapers such as The Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times, and Le Monde.

The scarf above is a piece that was designed for The Fete des Vignerons of 1999. The title of the scarf is "Le Jardin de Orphee".

The Fete des Vignerons is a festival of the Winemakers which happens about every 20 years in the village of Vevey Switzerland. The festival last 18 days, during which a half million visitors is not unusual for the small village of 16,000.

All of the people who work to host the festival are festooned and costumed extravagantly. Christian Lacroix created the gowns worn by the goddess of spring and her attendants in 1999. Other costumes for people of the event were created by Tony Award winner Catherine Zuber.

The events of the festival include special vintage wined sold and featured, parades, concerts, and festive dance. The highlight of the festival is an outdoor amphitheater event which runs three hours at each showing and depicts fanciful and factual historic accounts of Swiss viticulture through music, staging and costume. A cast of up to 5900 depict characters such as Bacchus, St. Martin of Tours, Ceres, and Orpheus to name a few.

Thus the title "Le Jardin de Orphee" depicts Mr. Delessert's idea of the minstrel Orpheus; whose music is said to have charmed all wild beasts and even to have coaxed rocks and trees to movement.

A beautiful scarf with a delightful story behind it.

Playtime With Hermes Pouchette Scarves

2008-07-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

Recently I found these wonderful headbands that really lend themselves to wearing Pouchettes, (or Pocket Squares) as a headband in my hair. The headbands are made out of very soft and flexible rubberized plastic, and although they have little teeth they are very soft and do not harm the scarf.

The headband is a very swirly design with a lot of little holes making the scarf easily secured at each end.

I fold the pouchette on a regular bias fold, then proceed to secure by wrapping and knotting at the ends. Then Voila! The pouchette adds color and is a fun way to continue to wear my Hermes when the heat wants to prevent me from wearing a scarf.

More Musings on Jean-Louis Clerc

2008-07-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

I had been watching this painting over on ebay it is very unusual in that the signature is in the style of Jean-Louis Clerc's. Even the date was in the right era. (1949) The subject matter and the style of the painting is also very similar to the way Clerc rendered his horses in many of the scarf pieces. The subject matter gets more intriguing as it depicts Circus horses of a famous "Swiss" circus. I did bid on the piece and was out bid. Which is Ok with me, after all I would have had to look for wall space. I felt through out the whole process that the discovery of what just might be a painting by him to be reward enough. I will never be able to confirm, so the mystery remains intact.

Musings on Hermes Scarf Artist Jean-Louis Clerc

2008-07-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Remember that I had mentioned that part of the joys of collecting scarves is that there is somewhat of a hint of mystery in the collecting. Here is a good example. All collectors know that Jean-Louis Clerc was a rather prolific artist for Hermes.

The mysterious part is that very little about the artist is actually known. I am still trying to research this artist, and have been for sometime now. What little I do know came from a friend in the scarf forums.

It seems that someone has control over the rights of Clerc's paintings either a descendant through his estate, or some other company that purchased the rights. My friend did not remember the details but thought that somehow a Swiss company might be involved.
Clerc designed at least two, possibly more), scarves that were not Hermes. One is called "Orchestra" by those who collect, I am not sure of the title of the second scarf.

Clerc was influenced by the work of french artist Raol Dufy. Details of this influence can be seen in Clerc's works of "Paddock", "Orchestra" and "Concerto, when compared to similar works of Dufy.

Clerc pieces especially the early ones are highly saught after by collectors. The scarves pictured above are all Clerc pieces. The top two are known to be Hermes scarves and bare the logo of the company. The bottom pieces are Clerc pieces, but do not bare Hermes logos. The top picture is one of the rarest of all Hermes Clerc designs it is titled "Joies De La Montagne" it was issued in 1946.

So you can see that collecting scarves for me is not just about the wearing, it is also about the amazing stories behind the artist. Or in this case, the mystery of lack of information (information is never lacking, it is only hidden) regarding the history behind the artists and the designs.

For "The Birds"

2008-07-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

This has absolutely nothing to do with scarf collecting , Hermes Scarves, Silk Scarves or anything else "En Soie". (Except that I did wear a "Rogues Gallery Gull Scarf" today in Navy). This is how I spent my 4th of July.

In 1963 Alfred Hitchcock made a move called "The Birds" staring Tippi Hedren. He filmed the movie in a little town not far from where I live called Bodega Bay. Tippi Hedren was in Bodega Bay today signing autographs.

While I was there, there was a young man from San Jose, who was there to present Ms. Hedren with the gift of a doll in her image. The doll was actually a proto-type for the new Mattel Hitchcock Birds Barbie that is due out in October of this year.

Ms. Hedren is also the president and founder of the Roar Foundation which owns and operates a haven preserve for big cats who were born in captivity. But have become orphaned or are no longer being taken care of by their previous owners. Her devotion to their preservation ia something so wonderful to me, and I was so grateful for the oportunity to say thank you to her for her work on the efforts of these big cats. I also got her autograph, as that is the reason she was there. Afterwards, we lunched at the Sandpiper on the wharf. It was a lovely day.

Musings On Scarf Collecting

2008-07-03T11:30:00.001-07:00

The "En Soie" "Anna" by Ines Boesch, came today. It is even prettier than the pictures. It is a nice hand silk crepe, and it is GM size. So fun! I so wish Hermes made twills in this size.

There has only been one Hermes silk twill of GM size that I am aware of and it is "Naturalia" by Kermit Oliver, done in 1994. (Shown above)

Musings on My Hermes Scarves Part II for today

2008-07-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today I noticed that ebay has a Fauna et Flora du Texas cashmere GM listed. This design is by one of my absolute favorite Hermes scarf artists, Kermit Oliver. I remember wanting a GM in this design so badly. I even posted "want ads" on "Craigs List" all over the state of Texas.

It was finally due to the efforts of some Hermes scarf collecting sisters from the forums that I was connected to mine (shown above). I will always be grateful to them! As it is truly one of my most prized possessions.

I even have some extremely fond memories attached to the wearing of this one, as I wore it to a Paul McCartney concert. The night was enchanting!

For me over the years this is what scarf collecting has all been about. The friendships, the wonderful memories, and the sharing of passions for all things "En Soie"

Musings On My Hermes Scarves

2008-07-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

I recently sold this scarf to a collector in France. I was very pleased to hear from her that she had taken the "Accidents De L' Equitation" with her on a recent trip to Paris. There she was able to show it to Hermes who informed her that the artist was Hugo Grykgar and it was done in 1945.

I was very pleased that she was able to find out the artist. I had written Hermes when I recieved it, but I had not received a reply.

This is one of those times when scarf collecting is truly the most fun, when you are able to share back and forth with other true scarf collectors.

I had not worn this piece, as it was not in pristine condition when I recieved it, and I knew that it was a very rare Hermes scarf. I had always considered it more of a museum piece.

I truly love collecting scarves, but honestly I want to be able to wear them and enjoy them. The only other option that I felt this one had was to be framed. And well I have said it before...just not enough wall space.

2008-06-30T01:34:00.000-07:00

So it seems that the history of quality silk scarves from Switzerland, should not be over-looked by the collector. As today I found this interesting statement while doing a little more research on "En Soie":

"Enchanting Silk Fabrics-
Zürich's silk tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. After the Reformation, religious
refugees from the South settled in Zürich, bringing with them deep-founded expertise and
valuable business relationships. Subsequently, Zürich developed into a leading textile
center. The raw materials were imported and the finished products exported – for the
stringent clothing customs forbade the women of Zürich from wearing elegant fabrics. In the
1980s, “Fabric Frontline” and “En Soie” revived Zürich’s silk tradition and started producing
haut couture garments. Siblings Elsa, Maya and Andy from “Fabric Frontline“ combine the
Swiss feel for handicraft and detail with modern design and the spirit of the times. Their silk
accessories are characterized by delicate floral motives and abstract patterns. Thus the
Zürich silk clan is not just preserving traditions, but also cultivating an affinity for luxury
textiles all over the world.
Fabric Frontline, Ankerstrasse 118, 8004 Zürich
En Soie, Strehlgasse 26, 8001 Zürich" .... (http://www.zuerich.com/files/get.cfm?id=1314)

Sometimes the lazy days of summer allow us to renew old passions...

2008-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

I have been noticing that the enjoyment of things these days just seams deeper, and richer for some strange reason these days. Take today for instance... I spent the morning washing some scarves. (I have not taken the time to do that in what feels like a very long time) The sweet smell of the Mrs. Meyers lavender soap, was soothing in the cool of the early morning air that drifted through the open window at the sink. The cool caress of the wet silk in the washing pan against my skin as the day began to warm up it's welcome. The birds calling back and forth to each other in the yard through the screen of the door in the serenity room as I pressed each scarf dry. The brightness of the twill in the light as I pressed. All of these feel like rich gifts of the day today, as I sit down to take account of all things I quite simply enjoyed about today.

You see I collect scarves; silk scarves to be exact. (although some are cashmere mix) Scarves are a passion for me. Each one is a work of art, wearable art! (art another passion of mine, just not enough wall space) There is always a place to wear a scarf.

Most of my collection are Hermes scarves, but truly artistic scarves can also be found made by other makers. Sometimes they hold a little mystery!

For instance a recent piece that I was able to add to my collection bares a label that says "En Soie" with two dancing rabbit silhouettes. There were words on the design of the scarf according to the seller of the piece that states "Fur Anna Von Innes".

I began trying to research the piece, one of the main problems was that many European scarves carry the words "En Soie" on their labels. So this was not really going to help me. The sellers description of the words on the front of the piece turned out to not be useful alone either. Now I consider myself to be pretty good at ferreting out information. So I dickered and played a bit with the words "En Soie" and came across the actual trademark registry for those words and the dancing rabbits.

Having found the trademark and actual address for "En Soie" I was able to find out that is is a lovely little specialty boutique in Zurich, which offers many textile items including silk scarves by a particular artist / designer Ines Boesch. one of the scarves they have sold in the past is named "Anna" which is in fact the design of the piece which had started this research. All of the designs by this artist are quite whimsical. Including several pieces which hang in the Museum of Design Zurich. (including my scarf "Anna", which is actually shawl size since it is 130cm x 130cm)

"Anna" was produced in 1990 by Ines Boesch. The one which I have added to my collection has a history in that it was owned by Durie Appleton, a longtime resident of Palm Beach. Florida. She lived to be 91 years old. There were rumors that she dated John F. Kennedy, and even that she was secretly married to him at one time. All of which she definitely denied. The only factual evidence regarding any relationship that can be substantiated is that she was friends with the Kennedy family.

It is funny how things come full circle. My love of scarves has a lot to do with the fact that I was a young girl during the Kennedy Era. Jackie Kennedy was not only famous for the pill box hats, but also for fashionably wearing the head scarf. My mother made many dresses for me as a young girl and always took some of the fabric and fashioned a matching headscarf.

Most recently I have discovered how enjoyable it is to travel and stay in a hostel. I am thinking of doing more of this type of traveling. I found a website for a hostel in Zurich that says that the curtains are of fabric designed by Ines Boesch.

Life has such interesting connections!