Little Luxuries and Autumn

Ginger says, "You deserve a little luxury in your life."  I've just whipped up these wee wristees out of the hand spun Afghanistan Cashmere mentioned in last week's edition. The necessary cashmere and pattern will be supplied as a kit at GTS HQ to the tune of £20. I added a few buttons to mine, but then again, I like to add buttons to everything in my life. Do as you like. 

 The pattern is very beginner friendly and would also work great as a gift. There are a limited number of kits available, so get them while they are hott (I feel two t's is justified). 

 



















Onto other kitty business. 

This coming month (October) is very exciting. Not only do you move further into Autumn (aka wool weather), but GTS is partaking in a special theme for the month; connecting the workshops, Designer of the Month, and special additional woolly stock.

October = SOCKTOBERFEST!!!

So stay tuned for future happenings during this special month. And if you like making socks, or would like to learn, Ginger Twist Studio is the place to be.

Cashmere

Ginger has gotten an exciting bit of luxury added to the shop stock. It is something that greatly benefits the actual community that produces said bit of luxury. This provides a genuine reason (not that you need one), to be spending this much on a single ball of yarn. The answer is CASHMERE! 





This particular cashmere is hand spun in rural Afghanistan in women's cooperatives. There is a very limited amount (for the time being) available at Ginger Twist Studio. This super soft stuff comes in 50 gram hanks in natural shades. Take a gander. What would you make? 

And the lady behind this exciting project is Nora Kravis, creator of Chianti Cashmere in Tuscany, and producer of very fine and very exclusive Italian cashmere. Over the years she has become a master breeder of Cashmere goats, and you can even book a visit to go and stay on her farm (as one Ginger Kitten did just that this past season). Nora has now brought some of her own Cashmere goats over from Italy to Afghanistan to get this amazing project off the ground. 


Ginger Twist Studio is delighted to be supporting this project, and we hope you are all excited as well. Now come in and squish the cashmere! You know you want to.

Now, what to make as a shop sample...

Kittens Take a Road Trip

This past weekend, a couple of my favourite kittens and I went on a road trip to Dundee. We were participating in The Big Knit; raising money for charity and attempting to break the world record of the most knitters knitting together. The atmosphere of the football stadium was charged with knitty excitement, and I could not help from emitting an odd squealing/giggling combo. I was also wearing my kitty fascinator and newly knitted Taliesin Shawl, which was also cause for much excitement.

Shawl pattern by Lucy Hague

 




















As it turns out, we did not break the world record we were aiming for. Le sigh. But we DID surpass the police record for the most offensive weapons in a football stadium (I don't know how offensive my wee Hiya Hiya Interchangeable circulars would be if it came down to it). And we raised over £3000! Well done ladies and gents!

I knit one blanket square during our recorded knitting time (30 stitches by 30 rows). I really do pity whomever is in charge of sewing all those bloody squares together. Sure, I will knit till the cows come home, but I will avoid sewing up at all costs! 

All in all, twas a great day out and I even got some sun. And I even met Miss Leona of Dundee's Fluph, so that was an added bonus. 

Maybe next year we can beat the record? 

And just as a wee reminder, its not too late to bring some wee Innocent Juice hats into the shop. I had a lovely mystery submission posted through my mail slot the other day, and I've just uncovered who it was this morn. Thanks Kate from Awesome Folk! I shall submit all our contributions at the end of the month, so get knitting!

September!

September has arrived. This means the kiddos go back to school and the leaves on the trees will begin to change hue. But most importantly, wool weather is quickly approaching! This being said, September also sees a new WOOL OF THE MONTH at Ginger Twist Studio. After much anticipation, the wool deemed worthy is Exmoor Sock Yarn by John Arbon Textiles. This lovely light fingering wool comes in 6 shades. Which is your favourite?

John Arbon Textiles:
High Quality Socks, Textiles and Worsted Yarns Designed & Spun in Devon

Pattern: Edinburgh Spring Haze

I am just in love with John Arbon Textiles and all they do! This wool in particular has such a nice wee halo to it (85% Exmoor Blueface) with tons of hard wearing strength (15% nylon). Yes, it is great for socks, but I was feeling rebellious and made a cabled hat (pattern by Vala). 

And don't forget, there are 2 big events taking place this weekend. Saturday and Sunday afternoon (1pm - 5pm) is the Colony of Artists. Local businesses and people of the hood open up their homes and premises to host artists galore. Have a gander if you are in the Abbeyhill area!

And Sunday is THE BIG KNIT DUNDEE 2013! Myself and a few choice kittens will be in attendance. I'm leaving Vala to mind the shop for a few hours, so be nice if you pop round. :)


 

But don't worry if you cannae make it. There is still time for you to drop some teensy Innocent juice bottle toppers into the shop. Isn't the orb looking marvelous?!