Samhain and the close of SOCKTOBERFEST

Samhain has arrived. I've kinda gone with an attempt at being Merida from “Brave” this Halloween. This involves teasing my already curly red hair and wearing one of my fav dresses, along with a lack of forward planning. Och well, there is always hope that I can manage to get bow and arrow set together for next year.

But I promise I HAVE been being productive. My needles have been busy finishing my Candy Floss Cloud. This pattern is called Averin, by the amazing Edinburgh based designer Lucy Hague. I'm super pleased to have finished this and looking forward to cuddling up with its super soft self in the chilly days to come.

Ginger Twist Studio's first ever Socktoberfest has been an utter delight. You may even see some sock related plans leaking over into this next month. I just can't contain myself! It has been an absolute pleasure to feature Rachel Coopey's sock designs this month, and I'm quite saddened to be returning her samples. :( As a small consolation, I will be knitting a pair of Emlyn Socks for myself. And there is now the new window display to focus on!

And here is a lil' clue as to what next month entails.

Is that a Ginger Stache?

 

Socks are Swell

Socks, socks and more socks. 
This has been my life for this month, which has been swell. And I'm very proud to announce that I've finished Dawlish. Hurrah! I love that feeling of sweet satisfaction after finishing a project. 

But aren't these just too pretty to wear on my feet?! Maybe I will take up sock puppetry instead, and go sockless for the rest of my days.

Och, don't be ridiculous. Of course I will wear them! Done in Ginger's Hand Dyed Delight 4ply (shade: Gorblimey), they are super soft and squishy, as well as durable. 

I've been so focused on SOCKTOBERFEST that I forgot Halloween was quickly approaching. Situation remedied! I've got some wee lights and a pumpkin, that I thought looked a bit chilly.

I shall also get some sweeties to hand out on the day...just a little closer to time, as they will be in danger of disappearing. Hmmm...is it too late for me to knit a costume?

Hats Off!

My hat is off to all the ladies and gents who helped with the Innocent Juice Hats knitting project. Said wee hats have now been counted up and posted off. I am happy to announce that we made a total donation of 131 hats. 

These are keeping a lot of juice toppers warm, and helping out Age Scotland by proxy. You think we can make it to 200 hats next year? I better start knitting now.

You may have heard me mention that whomever handed in the most clever wee hat would win a skein of Ginger's Hand Dyed of their choosing. Here are some of the runners up:

 














I may be biased on the winner, as this amazing knitter is my pal, but she is an amazing and super creative knitter nonetheless. Two entries tied for most clever...and they were both hers. 

Meet the Cowardly Lion & 

Jack Sparrow!

Och the details! I adore the button in Mr. Sparrows hair, obviously, as I am a well known button addict. Congrats Miss Sylvie!! And here is a shot of her with her well deserved skein of Ginger's Hand Dyed Delight 4ply  aka Melon Balls on Fire! I've heard rumour that they may become a pair of Rachel Coopey socks.
















Speaking of buttons, time for another woolly announcement. I'm sold out of the Cashmere Wristees kits. :( As an alternative for those still interested in claiming their bit of luxury, I've done up a sample of some equally fun and easy wristees with a rainbow of buttons. 

 
















These used about 23 grams (less than half a skein), so feasibly you could make 2 pairs out of 1 skein or just make yours twice as long (oooo lush). The pattern is available in the shop complimentary, along with a luxurious Hand Spun Afghanistan Cashmere purchase.

Rachel Coopey: Sock Goddess

Now my kittens, it is time for a closer look at Ginger Twist Studio's Designer of the Month: Rachel Coopey. 

GTS: When did you start knitting? 
Rachel Coopey: My grandma taught me when I was little, she would cast on for me and I would sit at her feet and churn out garter stitch. When I was about 16 I wanted to start knitting again, I got a refresher lesson from my mum and knitted an extremely long scarf.

GTS: When and how did this sock obsession start? 
RC: I fell in love with sock yarn before I fell in love with socks! I love the colours and the feel of sock yarn, I love that you can get a luxury blend without breaking the bank. Once I had acquired a few skeins I thought I'd give sock knitting a go. At that point I was knitting things to see if I could - I was more interested in the process than the end product, once I had a finished pair of socks that changed. There's nothing like wearing hand knitted socks, I never looked back!

GTS: Where do you gain your inspiration for pattern writing? 
RC: Everywhere! I take photos of buildings and patterns, even tyre tracks in muddy puddles! I carry a notebook, I have one by my bed, I scribble on the backs of envelopes and anything else I can get my hands on!

GTS: What is your favourite heel type, and do you like top down or toe up best? 
RC:I really like the way a cuff down sock with a heel flap, I find it much easier to get this type of sock to fit me. Occasionally I'll do something else or experiment but I always go back to it in the end.

GTS: What socks out of this most current collection are you most proud of just love? (I know, it is probably like picking your fav child) 
RC: I think it's Dawlish, I love the yarn, the colour and the pattern work well together

GTS: Any advice for budding sock knitters? 
RC: Knit your socks at a tight gauge and with some negative ease (smaller than your foot so they stretch to fit), you want your socks to wear well and last a long time!

GTS: And your most recent book is really lovely! What is next in the life of Rachel Coopey? 
RC: I'm working on a few things! My next big project is a collection of accessories (not socks!) and then there will be another sock book - I can't stay away from them for long!


Rachel's latest book, CoopKnits Socks, includes 10 fun and interesting sock designs along with a online download code. This is available in hard copy at Ginger Twist Studio for £15, where there is also an abundance of hand dyed sock wool. My personal favourite design, like Rachel, is Dawlish. I've now started on the second sock in Ginger's hand Dyed Delight 4ply in Gorblimey (delicious grellow).  Rachel's instruction is clear and her charts are marvelous. The book is also chalk full of lovely and inspiring socky photos. Which is your favourite?

SOCKTOBERFEST!

It's time to keep your toes toasty, and what does a better job than hand knit socks? Nothing, that's what.

October is SOCKTOBERFEST at Ginger Twist Studio!! What is better than a sock themed month? Nothing, that's what.

I've been working away on the window display, which is of course very sock orientated. Featured are samples from Rachel Coopey's most recent book, Coop Knits Socks. This sock goddess is GTS' Designer of the Month (more to come on her next week). So come take a look at these socks in the flesh, they really are works of art. And you can of course buy the book in the shop. :) 

 


















We will also be running a beginner house socks workshop with Vala. So if you would like a wee bit of tutelage, we are here to assist in your sockish needs. The house socks workshop takes place over 2 sessions and costs £30.




















So stay tuned kittens, for more coverage on SOCKTOBERFEST!