All About "Toni" Scarves

The newest item in Sorelle's Gift Collection is a line of 14 hand-knit wool scarves by artist, Dolores Tema.

Dolores' sister, Antoinette Iadarola passed away in May of this year. Dolores, who was a graphic designer and art teacher for 23 years at Fairfield Prep High School before retiring, always had an interest in fiber arts and weaving. She began knitting a series of buttoned neck warmers but found she couldn't find an appropriate name for them - while a true scarf is much longer, a 'snood' is generally a single piece, like a small infinity scarf. Dolores decided to name her series of wearable weavings, "Toni's," in honor of her sister, Antoinette. As she began knitting, her two other sisters, Nancy and Maryann joined in to help her in her project. 

Antoinette "Toni" Iadarola was born in New York City in 1940, and her family soon after moved to Shelton, Connecticut, where Antoinette grew up. She went on to achieve a series of educational accomplishments, including a master's degree and doctorate in European diplomatic history from Georgetown University. She was also notably a Fulbright Scholar affiliated with Oxford University and the London School of Economics, and conducted postdoctoral studies at Yale and Fordham Universities. She also held positions at the University of St. Joseph, and Colby Sawyer College before becoming President of the Cabrini University in Radnor, PA and President of Lauralton Hall in Connecticut. 

Antoinette is also the aunt of Sorelle owner, Sandy Pelletier. "Sorelle was founded on the idea of sisterhood," Sandy says in regard to the neck warmer collection. "'Sorelle' means 'Sisters' in Italian. Three sisters making hand-made wearable art in honor of their fourth sister embodies the spirit of Sorelle. It's about family, and community, and the power of creating something to honor the people and things in life that we love. I am so excited to carry these pieces, which are not only beautiful, but have such significant meaning." 

In addition to conventional fiber arts, Dolores is also an accomplished weaver, painter, and collage artist. To see her work, click here. 

You can also read Antoinette Iadarola's complete obituary by clicking here.