emerald

Rosa makes the most wonderful dolls. If you look back through the archives of her blog, it's fascinating to see how her design evolves until it becomes the recognisable, unique Rosa doll above. I love seeing how Rosa takes the basic shape and alters a detail or two, the fabric, or a trimming, and each time manages to create a delightful variation on a theme. She must have a wonderful treasure trove of fabrics and ribbons because I never spot repeats.

 

I bought #569 because I was so taken by her deep emerald batik fabric which suggested ponds, dripping ferns and cool spots overhung with leafy branches on the bank of a river.

The weather broke this morning and we have had thunder, lighting and some welcome rain. Emerald (for it is she) was taken for a tour of the garden which is misty, damp and very green today. After the glaring sunshine, it's a relief to have soft, limpid light which makes it much easier to capture colour in photos.

The sunshine has shrivelled a few plants and worn out the poor old chickens who could just about manage a leisurely dust-bath in the hot afternoons. But it has also brought out the carmine hollyhocks & acanthus (top), fennel (above), later alliums (below),

kniphofia (which I dislike, but concede it looks better on a wet, grey day),

and my beloved penstemons, the best source of effortless perennial colour from July to November I know.

And while I'm on the subject of clever, creative bloggers, do take a look at Anna's  brilliant Witterings hat (& free pattern) which is undoubtedly the knitted hat of the summer.

Comments

[Jen]

Gorgeous post - and Emerald makes a beautiful addition to your garden (plus much better name than #569 wich makes her sound like Stitch). Glad the rain has improved things a little. I just got back from a business trip to DC and they have flooding. Maybe you could trade off for a bit :) Can't wait to see what you're up to tomorrow!

[Gemma]

What a divine addition to the Brocket family! I am jealous of your kniphofia. Mine lasted about five minutes this year, I think they got attacked by some nasty beetle. I love them because they remind me of Spain where I grew up.

Thank goodness for the rain, I was a little puddle of misery for the last few days.

[LLA]

Thank you for introducing us to the lovely Miss Emerald - she is a love. I'm swooning over her darling daisy eyes....

[littlejennywren]

Aren't those penstemmons great, mine always provide me with Christmas colour even if everything else fails. Your appreciation of colour is an inspiration and encourages me to really look and enjoy. Thanks

[Suse]

I like kniphofia.

But I suspect I like saying it even more.

[Robin]

Just adorable! Love the flower eyes and the green/white/black fabric is fantastic. I made some chewy flapjacks this past weekend - so yummy! Thanks for the recipe and a reason to use my golden syrup!

[emerald]

I love Rosa's dolls too - funny to see one with the same name as me! The Alliums look lovely too... :)

[Gigi]

lovely doll!!!