ginger nut knits

New range: Ear warmers

2010-03-03T10:31:00.000Z

So the first signs of spring are showing (Snowdrops! Sunshine! It's not dark at 5pm!) Still, I'm not convinced it's time to abandon some form of head protection just yet.

As a compromise between full-on hat wearing and bare-headedness, I've started making a few ear-warmers. They have the added bonus of causing less hat hair (and to be honest you could get away with wearing them indoors if you wanted some assistance with a bad hair day).

All available from my Folksy shop. Other colours available on request.

By Royal Appointment?

2010-01-26T22:26:00.001Z

So apparently HRH Prince of Wales* is trying to encourage people to wear more wool, as it's a sustainable material.

I can't say I'm going to argue with that! I don't think I can claim any personal endorsement from him, but still it's nice to have influential people on side.

There's an interesting slideshow on BBC News here. Much as I love knitting, I'm not convinced that eyewear is the way to go, however.

*I met him once. He was shorter than I thought he would be.

New listing - more stripes!

2010-01-24T22:00:00.001Z

So I seem to have a bit of a thing for stripes at the moment. I really enjoyed making this beret:

The purple stripes are made from pure wool and the lilac from Cashsoft Aran. It gives an interesting textural variety to it - a little like patchwork. I might do a bit more stripy work in the future, although I'm currently busy with a custom order so it'll have to wait a little while!

New listing - pink and purple scarf

2010-01-12T20:49:00.002Z

So my latest creation is.... not a hat! How revolutionary is that?!

I decided to branch out from the circular to the linear for a number of reasons. Firstly, one of the lovely folk on the Folksy forums suggested that perhaps my shop could do with a bit more variety in terms of stock. I agree entirely, although I do rather love hats. Secondly I had a crazy impulse buy of some Debbie Bliss Como wool which is the most gorgeous, snuggly wool I've ever worked with(90% merino, 10% cashmere).

Financially it wasn't the smartest of moves because the wool alone cost nearly £20 which isn't great for a hand knitted accessory (people do seem to be expecting high street prices despite the fact that (i) mass produced accessories are often machine knitted so there is considerably less labour time (ii) synthetic materials are cheaper than those with a high wool content (which is what I almost always use) and (iii) even if the materials on the high street are good quality there are various economies of scale with which I can't compete) but I just thought 'what the heck' and went ahead anyway. I don't know if I can justify the expense on materials again though, so perhaps this will be a one off!

One problem I did have was trying to photograph the thing! Hats are a lot more manageable in that regard - they tend to sit still - whereas the scarf kept fighting back. I also had trouble finding a way of arranging it to get as much in as possible. Here are a few of the ones that came out reasonably well (Folksy only let you have 3 and I felt I could have done with more on this occasion!)

What do you reckon? Should I make another one sometime? I have to admit if the weather doesn't perk up a bit soon I might be very tempted to keep it for myself! So if you want to get in first, have a look at the listing here.

Folksy Friday - Snow Day

2010-01-08T16:21:00.001Z

Returning after a bit of a hiatus (sorry about that) this week's Folksy Friday has a snowy feel. Lest anyone should think I am overly pre-occupied with precipitation, I should point out that everyone's talking about the snow.

Firstly, to help you describe the current weather conditions in any French tense:

Snowy Sunday by Wall Envy Art

In case you've forgotten what a snowflake looks like:

Snowflake badge by Magic Alice

If you feel like staying in, knitting is a good way to pass the time:

Winter Snow Knitting Needles

If you're thinking of braving the outdoors, make sure you're appropriately decorated:

Snow White Earrings by Moody Chick

This might inspire you to get out and about:

Ski Lift by Tim Irving

But watch out for Yetis!

Yeti by Monster Magic

New listing - plum crumble beret

2009-11-09T20:20:00.000Z

So, as per my poll, my latest creation is a purple beret:

Available via Folksy.

I do like working with Rowan Pure Wool, and this was such a gorgeous colour. It put me in mind of a bowl of luscious autumnal fruits, hence the name. I think the pink ribbon sets it off nicely.

This time I've made it in a small size, rather than the usual 'one size fits all'. My normal berets would fit the majority of people, but having a smallish head myself I do appreciate that sometimes it's nicer to have something that fits a little more snugly. I would of course be delighted to knit another in a medium size - if that interests you then just drop me a line here or via Folksy. But do allow me a couple of week's knitting time!

In other news, please check out my poll on the right. The morning frosts are definitely here, so it's time to dig out the layers!

Folksy Fridays: Rainy Days

2009-11-06T20:31:00.001Z

It's chucking it down outside and I was struggling to think of a theme over the steady plonking of the rain. So this week's Folksy Friday is all about rainy days.

Generally it's a good idea to try to stay dry:

Cloche style rain hat by Moaning Minnie Designs

If hats aren't forthcoming, share a brolly with a friend:

Out of the Rain by Blackoutwell

I don't think these would last well in inclement weather, but might be good for rainy day observations:

Hand printed brolly notebook by Sarah Waterhouse

Grumble too much about the weather and you might be asked to button it:

Umbrella buttons by She Draws

But don't forget, every cloud has a silver lining:

Cloud with a silver lining by Dough Lady Designs

So don't always blame the weather. Go hug a raincloud!

Rain Cloud by SewSew

Crafty update #1

2009-11-02T23:47:00.000Z

So the basis of the tied poll I ran, I opted to make a start on a purple beret. So far it's looking great - the wool is a gorgeous ripe plum colour. Just right for Autumn!

I'm trying to out a different idea for the shaping of this one. I've been making berets with a bit of extra slouch to them (compared with a classic style) to reflect the current trends. Previously I've been doing this by creating an asymmetric pattern with more 'weight' at the back. This time I'm going for a symmetric one but longer in the 'body' of the hat. Fingers crossed! I'm also making this one in a smaller size, due to some requests to that end. My usual berets really do fit most people due to the rib, but I think people who know they have small or medium heads maybe feel more confident buying something that is 'their' size.

In other news, I was delighted to find myself featured on haptree's post about Folksy shops awaiting their first sale! I can totally understand why people are nervous of untested sellers, but everyone had to have a first sale at some point!

Go on - be brave!

Folksy Friday: Geek Chic

2009-10-30T15:05:00.002Z

I'm a self confessed geek. In my day job I do experiments and play with numbers, and outside of that I spend way too much time on t'interweb (and referencing geek cartoons and urban dictionaries as I go). Having recently relocated, I realised how many ways in which I use the internet, and was incredibly grateful for mobile broadband seeing me through until I got a proper connection.

Inspired by all this, this week's Folksy Friday is on the theme of Geek Chic. First up, because I'm a practical girl at heart, I was very drawn to this item which has not one but two (albeit rather different) functions - a USB stick shaped like an old skool clothes peg:

USB Clothes peg by Tree Gems

Next, a homage to everyone's favourite feminised yellow major circular sector:

Ms Pacman Brooch by Magpie Moments

Carrying on the gaming theme, who could possibly resist a bag o' Lemmings?

Lil bag o' Lemmings by Level 256

If you're after a personalised gift for the geek-boy in your life, these might do the trick:

Computer Cufflinks by Rubbish Gifts

Another aesthetically pleasing yet practical item:

Crocheted netbook sleeve by Apele's Shoppe

Finally, although I share Charlie Brooker's attitude to Macs and their disciples, I have to admit that style-wise, Apple are consistently streets ahead:

White power button earrings by ladygeek

Logging off...

"Just because you can...

2009-10-27T21:25:00.001Z

...doesn't mean you should."

The above is one of my personal mottos which can be applied to myriad situations in which people (myself included) can get muddled between what is possible and what is wise.

One craft blog that seems to share a similar philosophy is What not to crochet. Essentially, a showcase for things people have misguidedly decided to create with a ball of wool and a crochet hook. It frequently makes me laugh out loud and ponder the sanity of some of the designers.

Maybe I'm being harsh. I find the crocheted balloon dog quite fascinating. And maybe the world really does need hemp bikinis, octopus hats, woolly camera lens 'protectors' and items both decorating the outside and celebrating the inside of... rats.

I'm clearly in the wrong game

Folksy Fridays: Dinner Time

2009-10-23T15:44:00.001+01:00

It's becoming a bit of a Friday tradition for Folksy sellers to use their blogs to highlight the lovely items in other people's shops, and that sounds like a nice thing to do, so here I am. I'm feeling a little peckish, so today's selection has a dinner time theme.

Best to start off suitably attired:

Green bird apron by Bagpinny

You'll need something to eat off (making sure you don't get the ribbon in your gravy!)

Decorative plate by rachael gardiner

Something to drink from:

Decorative wine glass by Daisy Chains

Don't forget to lay the table:

Printed placemats by papermashyeti

Coasters too:

Mint chocolate ceramic costers by Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics

Oh, and don't forget the cutlery!

Fork and spoon charm bracelet by Zennith Zark

Bon appetite!

New listing: hot pink beret

2009-10-18T18:57:00.003+01:00

My latest creation is definitely the most vibrant thing I've made so far:

This is a one-off as I only had one ball of the wool! The button decoration was hand made by another Folksy seller, the lovely Chumley, whose shop is a wonderful emporium of all things button-y.

It was the first time I'd made anything with Rowan Scottish Tweed wool. On the plus side the intensity of colour is great, and the wool has an interesting texture which produces a nice structure in the finished hat. On the other hand it was a different gauge to the kind of yarns I prefer working with, and I did have a couple of sticky moments when stitching it together as the yarn broke when I pulled it tight! I got there eventually though, and I'm happy with the finished hat.

Hello!

2009-10-18T10:02:00.000+01:00

Hello, and welcome to my blog!

I've been knitting for a few years now, mostly for my own amusement and to make gifts for friends. It never really occurred to me that anyone else would be interested in what I make, but a friend inspired me to have a go at setting up shop, and so I found my home at Folksy. It's a great site where you can find handmade items from a wonderful diversely talented bunch of folk. I have my own shop there which you can find here:

Do take a look, and also check out the site in general - some wonderful potential for unique gifts.

I'll be using this blog to update as to how my own creative endeavours are progressing, as well as to highlight the great things being made by other Folksy-ers.

Hope to see you again soon!

Ginger