I’ve been having a trawl on Ravelry for new patterns (I have no idea why, because I have a queue of projects longer than the wall of China…) and so all of my knitwear faves this week are the latest additions that caught my eye.
Often the simplest designs are the most effective. And that’s never more true that with my latest free knitting pattern, my Bria Armwarmers. Knitting on DP needles in stockinette stitch, featuring a very small ribbed cuff at both ends.
This week’s Q&A comes from a company that embodies everything that we should be striving for in knitting – supporting local.
Baa Baa Brighouse was set up by Elaine Jinks-Turner in early 2014, and supplies a beautiful range of British dyed and spun yarns via an online shop. From the moment you click onto the homepage Baa Baa Brighouse’s main focus is abundantly clear – supporting and upholding the traditions of Yorkshire farmers, crafters, spinners and dyers alike.
The majority of the yarns on sale are from Yorkshire based spinners and dyers including Laura’s Loom and West Yorkshire Spinners. What’s more, with local Knit and Natter events and a monthly yarn club, Baa Baa Brighouse is greatly involved in sustaining Yorkshire’s rich textile heritage. Here, among other things, Elaine talks about how and why she set up her own creative business, the importance of supporting local indie traders and explains about the monthly yarn subscription Yan Tan Tethera Yarn Club!
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Whether you make your own, commission it handmade, or nip down the shops to get your knitwear fix…this collection of knitwear faves from this week will whet your appetite!
This weekend, me and Mr Shortrounds took a little day trip to the big smoke. Firstly to visit the Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an icon exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery (a must see – available until 18th October). Secondly for afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason!
With half a day planned out, and half a day left to our whim, we were left with six hours of sunny, Londonian time to fill. So we headed to Notting Hill and Portobello road, where we saw antiques a plenty – if you need to revamp your kitchen drawer knobs I’d recommend heading down this bustling high street. We then skipped over to Camden Passage to visit none other than Loop knitting shop, where I think I died and went to heaven!
All in all, I learned two things from our little trip-ette. Number one, the best days are left unplanned. Number two, ‘Knitting on a train’ is a much less exciting movie title compared to ‘Snakes on a plane’.
Happy knitting! x
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Knitting’s been around for centuries. Literally AGES. It began with the Ancient Egyptians in the eleventh century, then burst onto the European scene in the twelfth and thirteenth century via France, Germany and Britain! So with such a long-standing, rich and varied tradition, how do you breathe new life into a craft that was at one time synonymous with ‘archaic’ and ‘old-fashioned’?!
That’s just what Jennifer Chan and Jen Hoang, Co-founders of Stitch & Story set out to do. Fed up with having to trawl the internet for a decent knitting pattern (we’ve all been there), both Jens set up shop – providing modern and fashionable knitting kits, top-quality 100% merino wool, as well as hosting their increasingly popular knitting workshops!
And I’ve had the pleasure of asking Jennifer Chan a few questions this week! I’m a massive fan of this wonderful independent knitting company, whose sole mission is to bring stress-free knitting to both the ultimate beginner through to the most seasoned of experienced knitters. You can check out Stitch & Story’s amazing offering on their website, as well as follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Continue reading
It’s been another awesome week for knitwear. I can definitely tell people are steadily ramping up towards those colder months. Not to wish the Summer away too quickly, but I have serious #goals for my autumn/winter knitwear this year!
There is nothing better than a good seed stitch blanket. FACT.
Just a quick update from me today! I just thought I’d share a few links featuring knitwear that’s inspired me this week. I’ll either be buying something very much like this, or I’ll be on the hunt for patterns to make my own!
We’ll soon be moving into that lovely season that is Autumn and I can’t wait to swamp myself up in oversized jumpers and subject myself on the daily to ‘hat hair’ with my favourite knitted bobble hat!
Seen any knitwear that’s peaked your interest this week? Let me know!
x
