Are you a Star Trek fan? Of the original William Shatner series? Then you might remember the Trouble with Tribbles. Here’s a video in case you’re having trouble with your tribble memory. Or, hearing about them for the first time.
Tribble lookalikes
Why am I showing you this? Because the pile of pompoms I’m accumulating for my new bamboo toques bear an uncanny resemblance. My figure skating buddy, Pat Corbeil, is diligently working away hand-making pompoms from used fur coats. Coats that have been generously donated by women in the COKANNA community. Pat sent me a message saying they look like a bunch of tribbles from Star Trek. I admit I had to google “tribbles”.
Now, looking at the pile of pompoms on my table makes me lol. Maybe if I feed them grain, they’ll start breeding and save Pat the trouble of making more.
Fur pompoms waiting for toques
So far, we have black mink pompoms, beige mink pompoms, stripped raccoon pompoms, grey Persian lamb pompoms, and even one white rabbit pompom.
Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose
The fur is coming from coats that have been hanging in storage unworn. Women have opened up their hearts and closets and kindly donated them. These coats may no longer be worn, but their owners didn’t want to simply get rid of them. They would like them to be re-cycled, re-used and re-birthed…and why not as a tribble!
I love everything about this…the generosity of women supporting women in business; the contribution to the recycle, reuse, repurpose way of living and being mindful of our environment; the workmanship of hand-made pompoms; and the natural one-of-kind-ness of each pompom.
Thank you
A big heartfelt thank you to the women who have generously donated their fur coats and wraps: Bernadette, Louise, Sheila, Christine, and Giselle. I’ll be bringing you their fur stories over the next few weeks so stay tuned.
And a huge thank you to my dear friend, Pat Corbeil, for tirelessly making tribbles!
Pre-order Available
The bamboo toques and mitts will soon be going into production at The Bobbins Production Studio here in Ottawa. They are made of soft and cozy bamboo fleece. The pompoms are removable for easy washing and for times you want to be pompom-free (for you runners out there). I’m making them available for pre-order because so many of you expressed an interest when I had a few samples available early in the Spring. As a newsletter subscriber, you get advance notice and first pick of the tribbles!
Bamboo toque with removable pompom
Yes, I’d like to pre-order a toque
Until next time,
~ Colleen
I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer‘s metastatic breast cancer education, support, and advocacy work.
