There’s something so calming about the Cape Cod tides. Our tidal rhthyms make Cape Cod a coastal habitat that is both inspirational and ecologically robust.
On a personal level, I love nothing more than plunking down in the sand, just where the ocean meets the saltmarsh. Watching the incoming tide wind its way into the low marsh is fascinating. And all the while stirring up seafoam bubbles among the blades of spartina grass that look like polka dots on the swirling blue water!
A New Cape Cod-Inspired Creation
This summer, I created a new design for my Polka Dot Hat Collection to celebrate the daily ritual of the tides.
Meet, “Seafoam and Spartina Grass”.
So what exactly is spartina grass?
If ever there were a Superman for our beloved Cape Cod, it’s spartina grass!
With its strong underground root system, this hardy grass literally holds our shoreline together and protects us from storms and erosion. Behind the scenes, spartina grass acts as a powerful water filter that cleans up pollution and also provides habitat home for birds, fish and crabs to thrive.
How the “Seafoam and Spartina Grass” Fascinator Was Created
I used blue polka dot denim to cover a round fascinator base and reflect Cape Cod seafoam and spartina grass.
I lined the interior with navy silk dupioni for a luxuious texture. A classic elastic-and-comb combination was handstitched for a secure fit.
In denim polka dot material, I hand-fashioned two curling, swirling waves; handstitching them to the fascinator.
I then created a medley of spartina grasses in shades of green, autumn orange and chartreuse silk dupioni.
Next, I shaped and handstitched the silk blades of grass together to achieve a wind-blown effect.
I then handstitched the grass cluster directly behind the seafoam waves to create a “seafoam meets spartina grass ” vibe.
Our photo shoot at a local saltmarsh was such fun! A glorious sunrise made the spartina grass glow and the channel mud turn shades of purple and blue.
The arrival of a lone Ring-billed Gull as we were finishing turned the moment into a follow-the-leader exercise…
And I came away full of memories of a sunrise to savor. Here, where where the sea meets the saltmarsh.
Thus, the “Seafoam and Spartina Grass” fascinator became my second Cape Cod-inspired design in the Polka Dot Hat Collection.
Stay tuned for a third Cape Cod-inspired chapeau! This one was inspired by a migratory bird that frequents our saltmarshes each year, late summer through early fall. Such exquisite birds, and quite amusing in their behavior!
Thank you for letting me share my Cape Cod home with you…
~ Sally
