A very happy St Patrick's Day to all my friends and colleagues at QVC and throughout the USA. The wonderful 17th of March rolls round again!
Working on this year's TSV has been something of a spiritual journey for me. Together with colleagues at Aran Crafts and QVC we have and dare I say it designed a beautiful garment with a wonderful story to tell.
Designing a garment with substance and style with unique characteristics can be a challenge. Many a late night idea or concept was consigned to the bin. However at long last a 'eureka' moment arrived at and the design light was lit.
Let’s design a cardigan in fashionable warm colours with a strong bias to Spring themes.
This cardigan tells a tale (in fabulous merino wool) of the beauty and joy of Spring.
Here in Ireland we have had a late blast of Winter. Spring is always with us for St Patrick's Day with its longer days and birdsong.
In aran stitches from merino wool we could design make spring vines and climbing rambling roses. Complex braided patterning will represent rivers and creeks once again flowing freely from Winters icy prison.
My late father Paul was an avid gardener. He prided himself on having his potatoes sown by St Patrick's Day. As a teenager a lot of the heavy lifting fell to me. Dad doled out instruction and advice while his son dug holes to plant next seasons vegetables.
I very clearly remember Dad's excitement on spotting the first Spring butterfly on its maiden flight.
The angular braided pattern on the pockets is a metaphor of a beautiful butterflys wings as it emerges from its Winter cocoon to new life with Springs warming embrace. The butterfly is for you Dad.
I am looking forward to meeting all my dear friends on March 17th. Packing a bag for the US on March 17th is an annual ritual which I eagerly anticipate. The wonderful welcome we receive in the US is very much appreciated. On St Patrick's Day we are all Irish as we savoir and enjoy a very special day in the USA.
Take care and God Bless,
John
Click here to check out the Aran Craft Merino Wool Irish Spring 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan TSV.