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?!

 

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