Think of all those coffee / tea sleeves you throw away when you buy a drink ‘to go’. Consider a more eco-friendly and, I have to say, jaunty alternative, such as this Cable Knit Cozy by Wayside Voilet.
For more options go to www.waysideviolet.etsy.com.
Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.
Rowpinto is the kind of label that makes you want to drop everything and head off for a long weekend to some remote coastal town. It goes beyond their website imagery. Those stripy tasseled scarves and long line gloves, chunky beanies and generous throws, are just meant for walking on the beach or holing up in a cosy cabin with a pile of books and a well-stocked fridge.
The garments and accessories are made from superfine Scottish lamb’s wool and cashmere and assembled on a vintage, hand-powered knitting machine. The designer, Rowina Pinto, knits most of them herself. They’re then individually washed, pressed and hand sewn to ensure the highest quality finish.
Shop directly from www.rowpinto.com.
Say hello to rookie Etsian, Cassie Oldham and her online store Cassarina. I own a whole collection of Cassie’s knitwear - fingerless gloves (these live in my desk drawer for cold days), hats, scarves and shawls. They’re all beautifully hand crafted and now well worn.
The beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders is evident in Cassie’s use of colour and texture, which is mixed with the urban edginess of her Manc roots. Materials include unusual wools and yarns, Laura Ashley swatches, pretty remnants and button embellishments.
Her first range of cosy beanies is now online and more items will follow shortly.
Visit www.cassarina.etsy.com.
Last night it snowed. And then it snowed some more. And it was still snowing when I left the house this morning. I had to turn back, change my shoes and grab my hat.
If you’re heading out this week, make sure you wrap up warm. It’s bitterly cold. Aurora Bloom has a warming collection of hand-knitted / crocheted beanies, with bold flowers and embellishments. They’re selling out quickly, so grab them while you can. They come in a range of colours and yarns but I couldn’t resist the grey ones pictured above.
Shop at www.aurorabloom.com.
Our back garden at 6.30 and Tori enjoying the snow.
Button up and keep warm with Phydeaux’s hand knitted scarves and accessories. Colour and texture are key with styles and prices to suit all pockets and preferences.
There are all manner of pretty embellishments and adornments in Amanda Sainsbury’s Etsy shop. Bright knitted buttons and beads, trims and braids, brooches and fabrics. It’s a real treasure trove for knitters, crafters and textile artists.
Visit www.amandasainsbury.etsy.com.
Cream and Pink Buttons $12 (approx £8.14)
Knitted Rose Buttons $18 (approx £12.21)
Pink and Blue Knitted Trim $20 (approx £13.57)
Knitted Brooch $8 (approx £5.43)
How can you resist these? I very nearly bought some myself and I don’t even have a baby. They’re made from good quality yarns including organic merino and baby cashmerino and are hand knitted in Cambridge by Willo.
Ooh and they cost just $20 (approx £13). Tempted? Go to www.willo.etsy.com.
For all you knitters, felters and yarn buffs, Touchstones Rochdale has arranged a jam packed day of demonstrations and activities for adults and young people. Come along to The Esplanade in Rochdale on 18th September for
felt making
contemporary crochet
wool spinning
large scale circular knitting
yarn dyeing
and lots more.
And bring along your own knitting for a ‘brew and knit’ in Touchstones Cafe Life.
What: Knitty Gritty Goes Large
When: 18th October 2008 (11 ’til 3)
Where: Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale, Lancs, OL16 1AQ
Cost: Free!
More Info: www.link4life.org/touchstones
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