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!

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.

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!