This is not a teary good bye as I’m not going that far. I mean really, I’m only a train ride a way. And a lovely train ride at that.
I am of course sad to be leaving this city, it’s the end of an era. I’ve been in Portland for 5 years and I have to admit, the first few years were rocky. Being more accustomed to sunshine and big city lights, Portland was a hard adjustment. It was the Hermitage that allowed me to reconcile my feelings for this rainy little town that wants to be a city. Not only was I able to open a shop on a budget, but I had the support and enthusiasm of complete strangers, eager to help in any way possible. I thank you Portland and you shall be missed. Please do visit me in Seattle, I would very much like to be reminded of the kindness that is unique to this rosey city.
Now look, you’re making me cry.

Because the snow is supposed to persist today, Sunday the 21st,  and because it’s supposed to get colder and icier later today, I’ve decided to close the shop and declare SNOW DAY for Hermitage.  However, for all those that still want to do some last minute shopping, I will being opening the Hermitage tomorrow, Monday, December 22nd for one last final time.  The shop will be open 11 to 6 and most items will be marked down, some up to 40%!  Stay warm today and venture out tomorrow.  That’s what I’m going to do.  xoxo Jennifer

Due to inclement weather, Hermitage will be opening an hour late today Thursday December 18th.  We hope to see you at our sale  which runs from today to Sunday December 21.  Normal sale hours are 11 to 7 Friday and Saturday.  Noon to 6 Sunday.  

Hermitage will be closed from Wednesday 26th to the 29th.  I will be spending the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.  Happy holiday and I shall see you soon!

Finally, the much anticipated Noa Bembibre 2009 calendars have arrived!  In it’s fourth edition, the calendar Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar introduces 12 new odd, quirky phrases.  Printed in four colors on matte paper, the calendar measures 9.5 x 13.4 inches and come with it’s signature ribbon binding. Printed in Helsinki in a limited edition of 500. Calendars retail for $38 a piece.

I sigh a breath of relief and just absorb the moment.

My friend LeBrie has been chastising me about not keeping up on my blog entries.  I know, so bad.  So this is a shout out to LB and our recent collaboration on view here in Portland.  LeBrie Rich, felt duchess extraordinaire and proprietress of felted personal accessory line PenFelt, has designed yet another stunning window display for the Knit/Purl storefront. With thanksgiving just around the corner, LeBrie created the perfect simulacrum of a traditional turkey dinner, entirely done in felt.  Alongside the mashed potatoes, gravy, and pie, the scene is complete with cheeky wallpaper, provided by Hermitage.  Designed by Flavor Paper, the wallpaper pattern is City Park and was printed in a custom colorway of French pale gold on an Oatmeal ground.  I LOVE the results and want to outfit my own dining room with it.  Click on the images below to get a better look.

I encourage you to visit the window (located at 1101 SW Alder and on the Street Car line) and drool over the dinner, even if it is felted.  Mmmm…. felted pumpkin pie.  And if you aren’t a Portland resident, then at least visit LeBrie’s Etsy shop for all that is fabulous and felted.

Just in, perch!  I love these hand made ceramic vessels, especially the salt and pepper shakers (the chicken feet up front).  Their table ware looks so cute gathered together like this I hate to break them up.  

Also in, Lucas and Hayley at Keep Calm have launched a new brand, the Manicule.  Their witty slogans have extended beyond printed paper and now can be found on tea towels.  We have the Tea Revives You tea towel, printed on 100%  heavy weight cotton.   Measuring 18 x 27 inches and complete with a hanging hook, these make the perfect gift for that tea lover in your life.

Hooray, the new Lines & Shapes is in!  The theme is Gather and features the work of Francesca Tallone, Yu-I Chan, Jane & Jeremy, Mat Daly, and Gracia & Louise.  This might be my favorite yet.  

Books are $24 and are hand stamped and numbered as part of the first edition.  We still have a few of Volume 1 and 2 available should you care to collect the entire set up to date. They do look so lovely together..