September 22, 2014

Alice

When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d

"When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.

Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring,
Lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west,
And thought of him I love."

Meet Alice:

Handwoven and hand-finished in Vermont, Alice will be the second colorway planned from our Eaton Hill collection. Alice will be a notably lighter weight than her predecessor, Norwich, and slightly narrower, for ease of wrapping, and comfort in a multitude of climates.

Alice was inspired by the many shades of lilac trees prevalent throughout Vermont in early Spring. And when coming up with a name, I immediately thought of the Lilac Inn, a local establishment we've enjoyed many a fine dinner at, and have even had the honor of attending a wedding or two on the inn's lush grounds.

The buildings origins began in 1907, when Albert Farr and Alice Parkhurstone commissioned George Perkins, to build a Georgian Revival inspired summer home in Mr. Farr's home town of Brandon, Vermont.

In 1950, Mrs. Farr's cousins inherited the home: Margaret, Dorothy, Catharine and Alberta. Margaret. Of note, "Marnie" Flowers, was a famed opera singer who decorated her suite in shades of purple.

In 1991, the Shanes, Michael, a general contractor, and Melanie, a trained architect and interior designer, purchased the home, and it was then that it was named "The Lilac Inn". In the Spring of 2001, the current innkeepers, Shelly and Doug Sawyer purchased the inn.

More on Eaton Hill:

Eaton Hill Textile Works is a small textile mill in central Vermont that preserves age old textile techniques and honors superior craftsmanship, using 200 year old New England made hand looms. It is also home to the Marshfield School of Weaving. Poe baby wraps will be woven by only one of two designated weavers, thus maintaining consistency.

These are no ordinary baby wraps. Each one is instantly an heirloom, a unique piece of art, destined to snuggle your dear one sweetly for years to come, and for generations to come.

Each Eaton Hill Collection Wrap, will be packaged in our lovely, a rustic cinch-close burlap bag. Also included with your purchase will be a locally printed full color brochure and instruction manual, product registration form and Vermont Maple Candy from Sugar Tree Maple Farm!

Alice's Projected Specifications:

Warp and Weft: 100% Cotton. Lilac Snow Warp, Varied Color Weft.
Approximate Weight: 250~275 g/m2
Wrap Width: approximately 27" or 68.5cm
Wrap Finish: blunt, hemmed ends (no tapers), and unhemmed, natural selvedges.
Anticipated Weaving Date: January 2014
Anticipated Warp Length: ~ 30 yards
Cost: $105 USD per meter
Available Wraps: Five slots will be available, a deposit will be required for pre-order.
Pre-Order Date TBD