A bit of Dyeing

I'm not saying that running a shop doesn't keep me super busy, but I somehow find time to be a sometimes hand dyer as well. I've been occupied creating a vibrant line of hand dyes deemed 'Ginger's Hand Dyes.' It must be said that I really look forward to naming the colour ways. This is one of my new favourites: Gorblimey. This word stems from the ol' British way of saying, 'God blind me.' Hence, Gorblimey.

 

Now for some project talk. August has flown by, and Lucy Hague's status as Designer of the Month in Ginger Twist Studio HQ is coming to a close. This being said, I still can't get enough of her lovely lace and cables. I've just started my very own Averin in candy floss coloured kid mohair (Marta's Yarns). I just have the nicest image of me spending the Winter months knitting up a storm in the shop, whilst wrapped in this pink cloud.

 

I'm also embarking upon some wristees knit out of something very special and soon to be featured in the shop: Ginger Twist Hand Spun. Check out this kitty-tastic shade. AND it's sooooooooooo squishy!

PS: I've just received September's wool of the of the month, with much squealing and excitement. All will be revealed soon my kitties.

Changes at GTS

This past week has seen a few changes in GTS Headquarters. I have taken the giant workshop table home as it is just too majestic for this dainty space. Alternatively, I've had my fella install a much smaller table as to allow for maximum space in woolly browsing. Never fear, there is still plenty of room to set your teacups and biscuits!

Speaking of tea and tables, the workshop timetable has also been altered (for the better, I hope). I'm offering a choice of two days per week in which you can take ANY of the workshops on offer. The designated slots are Thursdays at 6pm – 7:30pm and Sundays at 11:30am – 1:00pm. Take your pick, mix and match! It is my goal to make the workshops as flexible as possible, and I think this is a good solution.

Some very exciting additional news: Yarnwise did a lovely spread on Ginger Twist Studio in their latest issue. Thanks again for that, and I'm sad to say that was the very last issue! :(

And here is the decorated orb for the collection of wee Innocent Juice bottle hats. The goal is to fill this lovely dome with mini topper by October for the big GTS send off. In case there are any folk interested in making some wee hat donations, here is a link for the pattern. Feel free to embellish! 

And whomever hands in the most creative and interesting hat shall win a complimentary skein of Ginger's Hand Dyed Wool! So bring in your submissions!

The BIG Knit Kick Off

This past Monday was a special event, twas The Big Knit Kick Off event (prosecco included). I teamed up with Age Scotland and Awesome Folk to organise this gathering of charitable souls, and we knit as many teensy tiny hats as we could manage. 

Bottle Topper Super Models

 














It was truly a lovely evening, and thank you everyone who came along! And now for some knitty gritty action shots!

Moi guiding Kate of Awesome Folk

 

Elaine Liner of The Sweater Curse

 










I was churning out some really basic models and sending them along to the 'embellishment factory.' Here is the tale of a plain white hat who was transformed into a ghost, and then moved on to become a punk rocker ghost. 

Pre-Punk

Post-Punk

Today I've just picked up a giant glass bell jar to function as a sort of collection tank. So for any folks who would like to participate, just bring your wee hats into Ginger Twist Studio, and I shall do a big send off in October. So keep on knitting those tiny hats!

For more information on The Big Knit, please see: http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/bigknit

The Fringe

It's here! The Fringe has arrived and Edinburgh has exploded! 

This month would not be complete without a show on knitting. And in that respect, the first show I went to see this year was on that very subject. Elaine Liner's The Sweater Curse is a brilliant and funny (yet heartbreaking at one point) one woman play. 

 

Follow Elaine on Twitter: @TheSweaterPlay

Have you heard of this curse of the sweater (or jumper)? It basically suggests that if you knit your lad or lady a sweater, the relationship is doomed. Read the official Wiki page, it's legit! Has anyone suffered from this curse that is sweater? 

Coming to us from Dallas, Elaine is both the talented writer and performer of this show. The audience is encouraged to knit during the performance! Amazing. I even knit a few rows on Elaine's travelling scarf. And after the show I got the opportunity to have a wee chat with the lovely lady, as well as a mini photo shoot.

I have not yet suffered from the said curse, as I have not yet tried to make my fella a jumper. But Christmas will be here before too long. Shall I temp the fates?

Lucy Hague: Designer of the Month

August is upon us, and the Edinburgh Festival is quickly approaching! Exciting times ahead. August also sees Ginger Twist Studio's first Designer of the Month. And the results are...(drum roll please)...Lucy Hague!  I've known this lovely lady for about a year now, and boy can she do some neat things with her needles and imagination!

Lovely Lucy

Growing up in the Orkney's, knitting is in Lucy's blood. Starting out knitting clothes for her Barbie dolls, she has now been designing since 2010 and gained a large following. She has been featured in Knitty, Knit Now, and now Pom Pom Quarterly. Cables and lace are her specialty. If this is not enough for ye, Lucy also plays in two traditional Scottish bands.

Ms. Hague's advice to budding designers and new knitters: DO A SWATCH! 

Ginger Twist Studio's window display features 3 of Lucy's shawls:Firiel (left), Hildina (middle), and Averin (right).

It should also be noted that the mitts I'm wearing in the photo are my rendition of the first pattern she ever designed: Hands of Blue. In this shade, don't they just scream 'mermaid?!'

And if you have been keeping up with the blog, you know that I've also been working on Lucy's cabled shawl: Taliesin. I'm working on the border now, and am quite determined. It shall be on display in the shop soon, that is a promise. 

As far as her future knitty plans go, Lucy would like to publish her own book; a collection of themed shawls. If you are interested in keeping up with Lucy's activities, sign up for her newsletter!


Lucy's shawls and patterns are now available in Ginger Twist Studio!