HANDMADE IN THE HIGHLANDS
Some days it feels as though our beautiful Scotland lives under a cloud. You can travel for miles, hours and even days and only dream of the sun that we know always shines above the misty blanket that our land tries hard never to throw aside. But in all the mist, blankets of cloud and torrential rain there lies the colours, richness, inspiration and even materials for Scotlands makers. The rolling landscapes blend seamless hues of ocre and tones of bracken. The heather clad hills and lush lower valleys support our hardy upland flocks, whose fleeces have played a vital part in Scotlands textile and craft history as well as its future. Following any down poor you can look to the horizon for the edge of the cloud that will always head your way. A ray of the clearest light illuminates gravity defying beads of water that cling to every surface, and despite the lands ability to never drain, no matter the gradient, you squelch on to the next sumptuous view.
In the midst of all this, tucked away between loch and hill one of our dearest friends has settled part smallholder, builder, grower, artist and maker and from a tiny stone studio creates her beautiful handcrafted products in fabrics from the land itself. We are thrilled to include Eleanor's waxed cotton and Harris Tweed wash bags and cushions in our Scottish Collection, featuring our favourite native sheep breed designs. At Travelling Basket we believe in handmade, quality and beauty and Travelling Basket has grown from these beliefs. Nothing can compare to knowing the maker, the gift of being able to watch them work, to glean a snippet of their world, their craft and be able to enjoy their products with the knowledge of the love and skill that has been invested in them. We were thrilled to launch Eleanor's Handmade in the Highlands range at this years Country Living Christmas Fair in Harrogate and we will be stocking both wash bags and cushions on the website very soon, so stay tuned for the online launch. Meanwhile we just couldn't resist sharing some pictures of our visit to Eleanor's studio and of the landscape that inspires these beautiful products.
Wishing you all a lovely festive season, N&J.
