Blog

New Collection – Part 2

I’m so excited to share with you the final 2 designs to join my new collection next month.

// COPPER MARINE //

Pearadise Island_coppermarine1

As you know, blue is my absolute favorite color and I just l-o-v-e this striking combination of navy linen and copper ink.
Say hello to copper marine!


// MELLOW GRELLOW //

Pearadise Island - MellowGrellow2

Introducing Mellow Grellow

This new grey linen fabric will replace the lighter version and is screen-printed with a custom mustard yellow ink.

 As always, the bags have a co-ordinating zippered pocket in the back to hold your notions! I’m so in love with these new color combos and I hope you like it as well! If you missed the first 3 colors, you can read all about it here!

// New collection launches September 2019 //

I’m aiming to have these in the shop mid-September.

Sign up to my newsletter to be the first to know when it goes live!

PearadiseIsland_ProjectBags

Pearadise Island x House of a la Mode

IMG_5395

It’s here!!!

IMG_5393

I’m so excited to finally share with you something we’ve been keeping secret for months now… It’s a dream come true to be invited to collaborate with the uber-talented Heather of House of a la Mode!

IMG_5394

This limited edition kit comes with one hand-printed “KNIT” drawstring project bag in peach & aqua and two limited edition skeins of HOALM (colorway: “Oh My Stars”) on House Sock Fingering & House Mohair!

IMG_5398

We had so much fun putting these colors together and hope you love them too! The co-ordinating metal zipper pocket in the back is large enough to hold a notebook and other notions you need for knitting!

IMG_5401

IMG_5391

Heather created not one, but two co-ordinating skeins of House Sock Fingering (4ply fingering; 75/25 Merino/Nylon) and House Mohair (1ply lace; 72/28 Kid Mohair/Silk) in the colorway “Oh my stars”.

IMG_5396

This Limited Edition Kit is sold exclusively at www.houseofalamodefibergoods.com while quantities last. Hurry and grab yours now!

Pearadise Island x House of la mode

Knotty Lamb

A77196DE-BF80-4FCE-BB11-BDB48A1AE099

I would like to give a warm welcome to the Knotty Lamb – our newest stockist to join the family in Forest Grove, OR. The new collection of project bags – the Classic, Flamingo and Sophisticate are all available now in store and online.

D45AAD27-3931-42C8-B47B-693B3121C3A7

Karen, the owner, actually grew up in Orangeville, Ontario and comes back home from time to time for a visit. I hope we can have a knit night one day if ever an opportunity arises… Thank you so much, Karen, for supporting my small business!


I love all my stockists very much for believing in me and for investing in my products!
Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was possible. Each bag was made with the utmost love and care out of my own two hands and I am forever grateful for their support!

New collection – part 1

In just a few months, Pearadise Island turns 2!

I’ve been busy preparing some new combinations for the shop to celebrate my anniversary. Today, I’m sharing the first batch of my new collection.

CAEC77A3-CD3E-43F8-8CB2-56A88513A5E1

I’ve actually been sprinkling hints of what’s to come here and there on Instagram… did you catch it?

First and foremost, the biggest change is the fabric. I’ve used up most of the original bolts since I launched the store 2 years ago, and I’m beyond excited to work with a new supplier. The first of 5 to the new collection has only a subtle change. It is the original bag, and will always remain a classic combination of natural and black. The main difference? The color and feel. It is a lot lighter and smoother.

Think of it as an “upgrade”.

// THE CLASSIC //

9A8C9E15-6D2A-4D6C-BF53-C68D3AD2CA05

Here you can see the original natural linen fabric printed with my logo on the wall. The new and improved combination is on the table.

1F8AC181-A056-466C-B419-F6AACC9AFAA5

And here they are, side by side. To the left is the old fabric and to the right is version 2.0

// THE FLAMINGO //

56DB2960-E36D-442A-B861-23008E4D86AE

Up next is a play on everyone’s favorite, pink. I wanted a brighter version of the original pink and white combo (as seen on the wall) and I’m pleased to offer this new shade of carnation pink linen. I had so much fun mixing ink for this one and excited to have a custom rose color for contrast.

B7F07906-40CC-4BD8-A567-4C4BEAA8DD7A

A closer look at the pink fabrics side by side. The blush pink + white is now discontinued.

// THE SOPHISTICATE //

A50784AD-79F7-4725-8EA0-FC91560FC8FC

It’s always been a dream of mine to have a black and white version. This one has a slight twist to it in that the ink I used is a beautiful pearl white shade. At times it can look like silver, depending on the lighting. The fabric is a gorgeous blend of cotton and linen. I wanted to try something new and would really love your input! As much as I adore linen it is oh so very crinkly and requires heavy muscle to iron. This bag was a breeze to press thanks to the cotton.

I’m sure you know by now, but in case you’re new, all of my bags come with an outer zippered pocket to hold your notions!

I’m working on 2 more styles to join this collection as we speak! Newsletter subscribers are always first to know what’s new. Get the inside scoop by signing up here!

// NEW COLLECTION LAUNCHES SEPT 2019 //

2EE9C051-5BCC-400C-98B8-B007B0E08A79

This new collection will be available on my website sometime this September. My anniversary is on Sept. 7th but with the pending move to Ottawa, I don’t want to set a date just yet. As long as you’re subscribed to my newsletter, you’re good!

You can also follow me on Instagram to stay in the loop!

I love seeing you with your bags!

Use #pearadiseisland and #pearadiseislandtotes so I can say hey!

Current Obsession // Nini Pullover

I’m watching game 1 of the NBA Finals as I write this. It’s history in the making as Toronto gets a shot at being NBA champs! It’s the very first time the Finals is held outside of the US and I couldn’t be more proud and happy for my city! Let’s gooooo, Raptors!

I haven’t been as active on Social Media these past few months. I had a big deadline to meet and I noticed going on Instagram distracts me so much that before I know it, an hour has gone by!  I struggle with remaining relevant, and felt anxious due to major FOMO, but in the end I made a conscious decision to limit my browsing and put the phone away so I could get work done.

I allow myself a few minutes in the morning to browse, often while I sip my second cup of coffee after dropping the kids off at school. A couple of days ago, I stumbled upon this gem from @knitbot and had to share it with you!

Current Obsession - Nini

This is the Nini Pullover, designed by Hannah Fettig. It’s an oversized cropped sweater knit seamlessly from the bottom up and calls for DK weight yarn.

It comes with 2 variations for the neck – a rolled hem or a hood. Love both, and as much as I adore a great hoodie, I know I’ll get more use out of this garment worn layered over a collared shirt. Preppy all the way!

Current_Obsession_Nini Pullover5Hedgehog Fibres  Picture: Miki Barlok

[ images via Hannah Fettig ]

I got excited because I have been wanting to use up the yarn I brought back from my trip to Rhinebeck last year. At first, I thought I was going to make the Mara Shawl but I’ve since had a change of heart with knitting triangular shawls – at least, for the time being. When I checked the pattern details for the Nini, I knew I finally found the perfect project for it!

Primrose Yarn Co - Dreams

The yarn is from Primrose Yarn Co’s Rose Gold Collection in the colorway Dreams. It’s 100% SW Merino, 3 Ply Sport Weight and I can’t wait to cake it up! I’m excited to cast on my very first hand dyed sweater!!!

Hedgehog Fibres  Picture: Miki Barlok

I really like this contrasting stripe detail for the bottom hem. I have some leftover Brooklyn Tweed Arbor in Arabesque that I hope to use up. The pattern did not include yardage for this however, and Arabesque is DK not Sport weight so I’ll have some playing around to do!

Hello, new project!

Hedgehog Fibres  Picture: Miki Barlok

// Pattern: Nini Pullover by Hannah Fettig //

>> If you’re interested in this pullover, there is a sale happening right now on Ravelry! Buy the Nini pullover and get any other pattern from Hannah Fettig for free! Add both to cart and discount will apply automatically. I got the Rosemont Cardigan and even purchased the yarn for it as well! My friend Lisa at NBK Knitting is also having a sale right now (just sayin!) get 20% off all yarn purchases with code: SPRINGSALE <<

 

 

We’re moving!

First of all, wow!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the shop last Friday. It was my biggest update yet after a long hiatus. I’m so humbled and grateful for the warm reception of the new tote bags!

47784578-F3BD-451F-B7AF-C5D1DFB34ED8

I’m fulfilling all orders as fast as possible. Expect to see tracking details in your inbox very soon! I can’t wait to see you using your bags!

Share with #pearadiseisland and #pearadiseislandtotes. 

Feel free to tag me as well, @pearadiseisland.

44335251-0DC6-42DA-9024-00923D5159DE

My 2nd year shopiversary is slowly approaching (Sept) and I’ve been preparing some new color combinations to celebrate 🎉. I will be releasing a few at a time starting in June and of course, newsletter subscribers will be the first to know! Sign up here to get the inside scoop!

 

750253FB-B41D-46AD-808E-43645203E057#pearadiseislandtotes

As you know, I initially made this bag for my recent travels to Ottawa earlier this year to visit Radley. (More about that here if you’re new). I only made the trip a handful of times but Radley has been commuting every single weekend. At first, I hated the idea of this new venture. The thought of being far away from each other on top of shouldering the kids and chores by myself was daunting.

A few months in and it’s surprisingly not that bad. For me anyway.  Thanks to technology, we’re able to stay in touch 24/7 and it helped that he’s been consistent in coming home every week. However, this arrangement is no longer sustainable. It’s taken a toll on him and it’s certainly not enough for the kids. They resist every time he leaves and are left heartbroken. It’s been an emotional roller coaster ride for them and it’s for this reason we made the decision to relocate – at least for the time being.

It’s not really a goodbye because my eldest, Ryan, will remain in Toronto to finish school. We’ll be back often to check on him and our home.

0B6102AE-03D2-4547-8BB3-D2FB26312E88The move will take place sometime in the summer. I have a couple more orders to finish before I can pack up. The shop will remain open during this transition and I hope to launch the new collection in time for my 2nd year anniversary.

I’ll continue to update you here as things progress.

 

30EDD548-E52C-44ED-8726-374629C24FF1#pearadiseisland

 

 

New to the shop: Tote bags!

NEW TO THE SHOP

4FD7153E-60DA-4023-995C-E5D2CE5D6EE6

Tote Bags!

I’m so excited to add these simple tote bags to my product offerings! This is just a tad taller than the zippered bags thanks to the drawstring closure.

It fits at least 3-4 skeins of yarn with a WIP generously.

43719648-CA46-499C-8A35-4A6728A5E181

The handle is made out of cotton webbing and yes, of course, it has a zippered pocket in the back, as always!


D85722D0-1B80-46D0-AD3C-3F5FF83DA8A1

I originally made this bag out of necessity for myself back in February. I was going to be doing a bit of travelling from Toronto to Ottawa in the coming months (if you want to know why and haven’t read this post yet, I talked about it on my latest podcast) and wanted easy access to my projects without having to dig in to my luggage or carry on.

B9C08D98-D03A-48F9-A246-EBE8CB768B8C

I used it for over a month and it quickly became my new favorite thing.

I hope you love it as much as I do!


54880FB5-72A9-4858-B1AF-194E44426D45

These tote bags will be available on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 7pm EST.

7DDECB2D-08B9-45B8-A4A2-993EF37F3C44

Quick reminder that this is the last run of the Pink/White and Grey/White fabric combo, including for this style of bag.

I hope you’ll stop by the shop this Friday!