Clementines and Sage

Often it’s hard to tell what influences what (the chicken or the egg dilemma). I started my latest necklace between two major holidays—Thanksgiving (my favorite) and Christmas. Did this influence my color choices?

The pale sage colored yarn was a gift. (How did my sister know my favorite color?) Made from bamboo, it‘s stretchy, soft and luxurious. Looking for beads to complement it, I chose a vintage button (another gift) and various clear glass baubles. I love the color and flavor of sage. What would turkey dressing be without this flavorful herb?

Orange is one of my least favorite colors, yet for some reason I was drawn to it for this piece. It reminded me of a tangerine hiding in the toe of a Christmas stocking. I found the acrylic fiber at a flea market—one of several colors in a bag. The bargain price blinded me to its fiber content. I didn’t think I’d use the orange, but it there it was, just when I needed it.

Here is the necklace about one-third complete. Because it’s symmetrical, it’s a back-and-forth process. Work on one side, then the other. Next step is to start on the right side. Check back to see the finished piece.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are family holidays. I'm thankful for the gifts from my sister and daughter that I used in this necklace. I'm also grateful for the Christmas memories of tangerines (now replaced by  Clementines) that were passed on from my parents. These thoughts are the real weft in this work.