Shades of Inspiration in the Hedgerow: Two Spring Palettes to Knit With

The hedgerows are absolutely bursting with life at the moment. The warm, sunny weather we enjoyed at the start of the month brought out early blossom and a few tentative leaf buds. Now, as the weather has turned more changeable – more what we’d expect for April – the bursts of April showers seem to have summoned a flood of green, dotted with a sheer abundance of beautiful wildflowers.

I’ve already seen plenty of butterflies – let’s hope they fare better this year than last – and as I walk the country lanes around my home in Somerset, I’m met with a flurry of tiny birds darting between the hedgerows ahead of me with every step. My Merlin birdsong app even identified my first linnet the other day, which was very exciting – though I couldn’t say for certain I actually saw it!

Female Orange-tip on Jack by the Hedge (Garlic Mustard)

Cow parsley on a country lane in Frome

A mass of vetch in the hedgerow

So I thought it would be fun to take a couple of my recent photos and see how they spoke to me as I sat in the shop surrounded by all our beautiful yarn.
These palettes are perfect for knit and crochet spring/summer projects – lightweight yarns in fresh, seasonal shades that invite a bit of creative play.

Palette One: Hedgerow Under an April Sky

This photo, taken in the field just outside the Chesterblade shop under the clouds and blue of a typical April day, brought together a soft and balanced palette of Isager Alpaca 2 shades.

• Shade E0 – a gentle, natural white

• Shade 11 – a cool, soft sky blue

• Shade 40 – a mellow chartreuse full of the promise of new leaves just emerging in the hedgerow

These would work beautifully together in a spring/summer project – perhaps a striped tee or a light cardigan. Isager Alpaca 2 is a light 4-ply or heavy laceweight alpaca/wool blend, perfect for adding an extra layer on cooler summer evenings.

Palette Two: Wildflower Brights in the Verge

This second photo was taken along a hedgerow in Frome and brings a joyful, high-contrast punch of colour. I couldn’t resist reaching for the Cocoon Lace from Cat & Sparrow – hand-dyed by my lovely friend Rachael in her Bristol studio.

• “Bamboozled” – a brilliant purple echoed in the flower spikes of ground ivy
  
  

• “Toe the Line” – the spring green of new leaves

• “What’s Up Buttercup?” – a perfect match for the golden glow of dandelions

This palette would be stunning in a floaty wrap or shawl, or something light and lacy to throw over a dress in the summer. Cocoon Lace is an alpaca/linen/silk blend with the most beautiful drape and glow.

If you’d like a hand playing with colours, we’re always happy to help. You can email us and ask for a photo of the shades you’re thinking about together, or – if you’re local – come and see us at Chesterblade on a Saturday and have a play in person whilst admiring the view.