Inspired by Nature

Linda Perry has spent much of her life creating unique hand crafted wearable art, distinctly apart from anything mass produced or made by machinery.  She works quietly, taking inspiration from nature and the ever changing skies and harbor waters surrounding her tiny studio on Davis Island. All that is about to change as this June she opens her first shop at 74 Main Street in the existing Pine Tree Yarns building in the heart of historic downtown Damariscotta.

With diverse designs featured in national shows and magazines, including recent spreads in Vogue, Victoria & Interweave, Perry has sold her work online exclusively for the past few years, but is now ready to bring it to a wider audience.

Her background as a fiber artist goes back decades. “Knitting has always been my passion” Perry says. “I have a deep love of Scotland. My great grandfather travelled from there when he was 19 and settled in Maine. I try to pay tribute to my Scottish heritage by creating classic tam o’shanters, shawls & scarves using traditional designs with a modern graphic flair.  I use a kaleidoscope of colors created with natural dyes using centuries old techniques.”

Being surrounded by nature has also created her love of indigo dyeing or “blue magic” as she calls it. Perry spends many happy hours outdoors dipping yarn into kettle pools of the natural dye, always surprised at what might emerge as the wool hits the air, oxidizes and the colors magically change. It’s where science meets art! 

Perry hand sources her custom brand of yarns from small farms in Maine. Her rustic creations are all designed to work with the character of the sheep breed’s wool to maximize its beauty and use. It highlights the best qualities of that sheep, such as texture, luster, fiber length, and crimp. The beauty of it is that the yarn reflects, and is a product of, the way the sheep have lived, True to the environment, reflecting the “terroir”,  just like a fine wine.

Unlike commercial yarns, her processing is minimal, environmentally friendly, no harsh chemicals, no artificial softeners, less use of water and waste. Even the spinning process is low tech, done by a small “mill” resulting in a hand spun look. One mill she works with is even solar powered- further protecting the environment that inspires her beautiful work!

Perry’s work is diverse and constantly evolving, and a trip to her store showcases that. Knitwear samples and accessories are on display, all created from her own line of yarns.  You don’t have to be a knitter to find a gift or something of interest in the shop.

From farm to fashion finery, Harbor Yarns is a must visit this Summer!