The Princess Pullover in the Heartwood pattern collection is hands down the most eye-catching garment in this collection of almost equally gorgeous knits. Once you’ve finished feasting your crafty eyes on each pattern, I want to draw your attention to the setting we’ve chosen for one of my favorite collections this year – the Leach Botanical Gardens here in Portland, OR. 
I fell in love with this little-known gem when I read about it over on Posie Gets Cozy and realized that it’s only 10 minutes from my house! I had never heard of it, and I’m willing to be most Portlanders haven’t either, however it is one of the most lush, magical gardens I’ve ever seen with patches of sorrel interrupted by big, moss-covered stone walls and a small stone cabin.
I spent a few hours meandering along dirt and stone paths, reading about different plants along the way. I couldn’t believe that there was such a surprising oasis of greenery tucked away in SE Portland, and that I was the only one enjoying it!
I wanted to save my new discovery for the perfect collection, Heartwood. These beautiful patterns, inspired by nature and the history of knitting were the perfect match for the combination of greenery and stone work throughout the gardens.

The Cumbria Sweater looks so ethereal on these cute little curved stairs!

This stone cabin (built in 1932 by the original owners) was an absolutely gorgeous backdrop for the Princess Pullover.

The photographs of the Fiddlehead Cardigan are overflowing with greenery and the cables running up the front and sleeves are echoed in the masses of sword ferns lining the cobblestone path.

The lovely, warm browns in the Wool of the Andes Tweed Reindeer Heather yarn in the Contour Tunic match the loamy earth tones of the paths and stones throughout the site.
It was such a delight to be able to explore and feature this special place in Heartwood, I can’t wait to revisit the gardens again!