I detest all of the back~to~school ads that start running in July, and I resist buying from the catalogues or attending the fashion shows which try to dictate what we will be wearing come fall. To me, this advance promotion feels like a greedy way of ruining the pleasures of the lovely, relaxing, unscheduled summer days.
That being said, I did see something the other day that made me think of cooler nights, the smell of wood burning fires and the crispness of leaves on the ground. And since I am sitting at Enzo’s Caffé in Eastsound, and it has been pouring rain all night and it is now a balmy, humid affair on Orcas Island, and I actually saw mud puddles on the side of the road as we were driving into town, I feel it is now appropriate to talk about fall fashions.
This beautiful hand crafted sweater caught my eye as soon as I stepped into the Feathered Fish Gallery/shop at Refuge Cove on Cortes Island. Unlike the heavier, itchier versions of this style of sweater I remember from my youth, this chunky beauty was made of a softer, silkier feeling, lighter weight yarn. I loved the wavey design on top, the whales and, of course the red, cream and blue color scheme. I wish I were wearing it right now with my white shorts and tee shirt, and could continue wearing it with jeans and a lighter sweater well into winter.
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These neo~vintage hand knit sweaters are each handmade by a company called Granted in British Columbia. They have the feel of traditional Cowichan sweaters {though the true Cowichans are made by the Salish people Cowichan Valley of Vancouver Island}, but the designs are refreshingly unique. They have a traditional basis, but take some delightful, whimsical, twists. I loved the color choice of this off~centered moosehead design complimented with a turquoise swirl.
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Unfortunately, the smallest sized sweater they had at the Feathered Fish was a medium, which was way to big for me, so I visited the Granted website, where I found many more appealing designs to consider. I think this one, Anchor Ready, may be calling my name, what do you think?
Refuge Cove is the only place to buy fuel in Desolation Sound, it is also a popular stop for reprovisioning with produce, groceries, wine {if you like that kind of thing ;}. This year, I noticed this place has gotten a step fancier than I recall from years past. My kids have always been excited where there is mention of going to Refugee Cove, they would hop on the “tube” and we would tow them most of the way over in the warm waters. Once we tied up to the rough wooden docks, the first stop was the burger bar, where mediocre hamburgers, a bag of chips and a can of iced tea was a welcome fast~food indulgence for all after nights of preparing/eating/cleaning for every meal at anchor.
This year, the hockey puck burgers had been replaced with fulfilling panini sandwiches and probably one of the best pulled pork sandwiches I’ve had. The pork was flavorful and spicy, not too sweet and it was topped with a crunchy, spunky coleslaw.
The grocery store was about the same, but I think the quality of the produce was much better than in prior years.
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And then there is Feathered Friends. Formerly there was a little craft gallery that offered locally made soaps, candles, and general crafts.
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Now, in addition to crafts and the above mentioned sweaters, the friendly mother~daughter team that runs it has brought in a tempting assortment including these soft, neutral blankets which seemed to be suggestively whispering w~a~r~m~t~h, p~i~c~n~i~c & n~a~p to me as I walked by.
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Cotton lined fedoras were a hip~looking foe to the summer sun.
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And these extremely stylish boating/ swimming shoes, which I would describe as the new crocs, lightweight, good arch support but much more tailored and classic looking.
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came from a company called native.
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Refugee Cove, much more than a fuel stop in Desolation Sound.
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Emily, I cherish my Cowichan (cow we chun) sweater every chance I get. And like my inherited fur it is a rare event/trip out of SoCal that one gets worn. I do get looks in my sweater when out and about in Mammoth Lakes – but I'm warm! 🙂
Mine is circa 1978ish maybe our last family trip to Canada. Dad took the financial leap and we all got one! He was right to go for it.
You should too – these new designs satisfy warmth and unique/classic style. Cheers!
Emily what a cool, intriguing name to begin with,Refugee Cove. It is good that they are realizing their customers want items a bit nicer. Oh and I do love that sweater you picked out online!
Xoxo
Karena
Feature: “Love Where You Live”
I am mixed on fall starting, but I DO love the clothes…and the season itself is the most beautiful by far. I love these sweaters, love chunky cozy sweaters like these…very chic.
Linda, how great that your father did that for his kids, what a treasure.
Alright, I am thinking Anchors ready is mine…. early bday gift? Galley Wench appreciation? Lifetime bear hug? I can rationalize it somehow!