Prep

Ginger Twist Studio has been open just over a month, and there are loads of fun and exciting plans to be revealed. As a knitter and general crafter, I am always planning ahead. If I want a hand made jumper to wear this Autumn, I need to give myself time to actually make it. 

August is quickly approaching, in which Ginger Twist Studio will be featuring a local designer. You may have already figured out just who that will be...but I won't spoil the surprise for those of you who don't know. Official announcement to come soon!

For this purpose I am working on a gorgeous cable shawl that is certainly not for the faint of heart! 

 












Done in the King Cole 4ply, the cables blossom and grow like the branches of a tree. I'm now working on the last chart that is the border. I may just manage to finish in the week I have left!

I've also just gotten a very small selection of Cascade's Baby Alpaca Chunky, in which I have written up a for a beginner cowl deemed Lavender Seeds. 

This pattern (free with alpaca purchase) only took 1 skein of the alpaca and is super soft and luxurious.

Calling all Twisters! Show your stuff! We need photos of pieces you are proud of for Ginger's Cork Board of Fame. 

It would be nice if it is made out of wool from the shop, but not a strict requirement. :) 

Email your submissions to gingertwiststudio@gmail.com

Stellar Mohair

In my woolly experience you either love or hate mohair. There is no in between or compromise. I happen to love mohair, and have fallen head over heels for Marta's Mohair Mist. This luxurious and fluffy stuff is spun in France and dyed an array of beautiful shades in Australia. My Fair Isle obsessed pal Sylvie was so inspired by this 4ply fluff, that she designed a piece for the shop. The results of her labours are a whimsical and starry cowl called Stellar, and will keep you warm in approaching season. 

S T E L L A R

Yes, I know it is summer, but as a knitter I am always thinking ahead to the cooler times!

Mohair Tip #1: Keeping Mohair in the fridge makes it easier to knit with (particularly in this heat). When mohair is warm, it is more challenging to work with. So keep your mohair chilled like a nice bottle of champers. Believe it or not, it's a scientifically proven fact. Hence, the mohair in the fridge pic.

 

Stellar kits are available at Ginger Twist Studio (kid mohair and patter)for £24, so come pick out your colours today!

Back in the Groove

I'm back in my knitty groove with my productions rates back on track. Yay! So this past week, I've finished a few items: 2 jumpers, 2 hats. Not too shabby.

The first to be finished was a project that has been in my queue for ages and ages, TinCanKnits' Snowflake. This jumper has a lovely lace yoke, and best of all...buttons! Isn't choosing a colour always the most difficult? I try and vary my choices, and not always go for the same shades. Here is Snowflake, knitted up in New Lanark DK (limestone and wisteria).


 



















Next project to come off the needles was another one by TinCanKnits (obsessed much?). The Sitka Spruce Hat was a delight to knit, and the lace looks so lovely and squishable in the Cascade's Eco Alpaca. 

After this I was really feeling the whole hat vibe, so I made a baby hat out of Cascade's Luna (100% Peruvian Cotton). I'm the first to admit that I am not usually inspired by cotton. But I'm so pleased by how this turned out, and the colour is just fantastic! This wee elfkin hat shows off this cotton's lovely texture. Folks, I need a baby/smallish person to model this hat...or I may be forced into using my dog.

Free pattern on Ravelry: Aston

And finally, my pride and joy of the week: I call her Jewel. This summery jumper is PurlSoho's Cap Sleeve Lattice Top. It takes very little wool (for a jumper), and what a walk in the park! I wanted something to show off the stunning shades of METRO dk (wool of the month), and here it be!

More on knitting and such nonsense next week. But before I leave you, here  is a wee teaser. Does this photo mean anything to you? 

Let's play 'what doesn't belong.'

Chasing Rainbows

And the land of the freeeeeeeee and the hommmmmme of the braaaaaaaaave. I didn't seem to have time to knit a miniature American flag (which I had every intention of doing). But what better way for an American in Scotland to celebrate the 4th of July, than with rainbows of wool?

Ginger Twist's wool of the month for July is METRO dk by Marta's Yarns. Come one and all for a squish and view. This wool comes from Patricia, owner of The Thread Room. Some of you may have seen her at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival! Lovely Pat, who recently moved from Australia, has now relocated to New Zealand. I think Edinburgh's weather did not agree with her and her family. Alas, as sad as I was to see her go, I was lucky enough to get the remainder of her stock. So when it's gone, it's gone! The shades are so incredibly rich and amazing. This wool is available to be purchased in 50 gram increments. I have them skeined up in lovely large hanks, and can wind off whatever weight you so desire.

As a sample (and for me to wear of course), I'm currently working on Purlbee's Cap Sleeve Lattice Top. This lovely light jumper is perfect for Edinburgh's summer, and shows off the richness and brilliance of METRO's shades. My only problem was choosing two colours. Oh dear! I was quite fond on this orange and teal option, but then went with the teal and purple combo.

Option #1

Option #2 (WINNER)

Can't wait to get this done so I can wear it! 

On another knitty note, I'm working on TinCanKnits Sitka Spruce Hat in Cascade's Eco Alpaca. It's sooooooooo soft and squishy, and I think this colour will show off the subtle lace pattern very well. The book (Pacific Knits) and materials are all available at Ginger Twist Studio if you fancy making one yourself!

Now, I must get back to my knitting!