Yarns, Buttons and a Wonderful Holiday

I've just got back from a wonderful holiday in Wester Ross (NE Scotland).  It was lovely to get away from the endless rain we've been having in Glasgow recently.  I hear Wester Ross desperately needs rain, but I loved the opportunity to enjoy their isolated sandy beaches (muffled in jumper and wind-proof coat) and spectacular mountain scenery.

During my stay I spent a day on Skye, which is where I got my initial inspiration for Baljaffray Handknits just 3 years ago (see "About Me" section, above).  During this week's day trip, I visited a wonderful shop which has the unusual name of "The Handspinner Having Fun", where I spent perhaps rather too much money on three lovely skeins of yarn.

The shop is well signposted from the main road in Broadford.  Don't be put off by the unpromising looking road or the corrugated metal building they share with an amazing second-hand bookshop.

This picture (from their website) gives a hint of the Aladdin's Cave of yarn and finished garments on offer inside the shop.

They specialise in wool of every variety, but, because I have so much New Lanark wool in stock, I bought two skeins of shimmering polyester that they call "Fiesta", which I'm looking forward to turning into cosies of every variety.  I also bought some lime green acrylic yarn that I'm not sure they produced themselves, but the colour was irrisistable.

Earlier in the week I visited the Tuesday Market in Poolewe.  Visit their website here.  I bought these beautiful hand made ceramic buttons (sorry the picture has come out blurred, despite several tries) made by Loch Broom Pottery there, but there's such a variety of goods on sale there that there is something to suit everyone.

I also visited The Market Street Collective In Ullapool, a gallery featuring local artists and crafters.  You can visit their Facebook page here.  I bought these hand crafted wooden buttons there.

The picture doesn't really do them justice as the contrasting colour and pattern of the bark on the edge is what really makes them special.

So watch this space and the Baljaffray Handknits Facebook page to see what I create with my holiday purchases.

New Free Knitting Pattern

I've designed a new free knitting pattern (click page above) for a mock cable ipod or mobile (cell phone) case.  It's now on the Knitting Pattern Central website:

http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/cases_caddies.php

Design Update Spring/Summer 2012

It's a while since I posted my latest designs, so long in fact that you have to click the "Older Posts" button at the bottom of the page to see them!

So, here are some of my latest designs.  Some of this work has already appeared on my Facebook page.  Prices quoted are what I charge at craft fairs and may be higher where they are available through shops.  For details of the shops mentioned in this post, see the page above.

I've designed and knitted this table mat design in a variety of colours and weights of cotton yarn and in two sizes.  The edges curl upwards slightly to give a pleasing "flower petal" edge to the mats.  Prices vary according to the size and weight (thickness) of the yarn, but I charge around £6.50 for the thicker ones in the larger size.  They are also currently available in Aviemore and Govan.

These knitted rose hair snaps double up as button holes and come in a variety of colours.  I have also knitted larger ones and created rose hair bands.  I charge £2.50 for the hair snaps and £5 for the hair bands. These are also available in Aviemore and Govan.

This new design of mobile case comes in 2 sizes, the largest of which will take an iphone.  Prices vary according to size and type of yarn and button, but the larger one knitted in New Lanark wool is £5.  Versions of this case are available in Aviemore.

This design of ipad case is knitted in New Lanark wool and costs £12.  Buttons vary but I generally use printed wooden ones.  A white cotton version is available in Aviemore.

This mobile case is a new cable design.  Those shown are the smaller size and are also suitable for ipods.  I use a variety of yarns and buttons which affects the price, but the smaller ones cost around £3.50 and the larger ones around £4.50.  This design is also available in Aviemore.

This photo is not as clear as it could be and unfortunately has what I think is a lampshade from someone else's stall in the background.  It shows my cafetiere cover on the left (see post from earlier in the year) and 2 new designs of tea cosy.  The two colour "polka dot" one (in the middle) fits a 4-6 cup pot (medium sized) pot.  The one on the right has a stretchy "beehive" shaped design which is ideal for medium or large teapots of unusual dimensions and this one is topped with a rose.  Prices vary according to size and design but are all less than £10 at craft fairs.  The polka dot tea cosy is also available in Aviemore.

Baljaffray Handknits Is Now Available Through The Magpie's Eye Gallery In Glasgow

I'm pleased to announce that items created by Baljaffray Handknits are now available through The Magpie's Eye Gallery in Govan, Glasgow.

The Magpie's Eye Gallery helps to fund the work of Starter Packs Glasgow, a charity which provides household goods to people transitioning from homelessness to renting. The gallery specialises in art, craft, music and vintage items and is an outlet for many other Glasgow crafters.

If you live in Glasgow, pay them a visit. Gavin Dunbar, the manager, will give you a very warm welcome. It's just a two minute walk from Govan Subway Station at 29, Burleigh Street, G51 3LA. Check their Facebook page for opening hours.


You can visit their Facebook page here.
You can visit their website here.

New Facebook Page

Baljaffray Handknits now has a page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaljaffrayHandknits

Pictures From Loch An Eilein Gallery

Eleanor Honeyborne, who manages the Loch An Eilein Gallery, has kindly sent me some images showing my work on display there.

Tea cosies and mug cosies.

Hats and cushions (on the top shelf)

Mobile phone / ipod cases (in basket) and drawstring bags

Quite a few knitted items on these shelves (pictures above and below)

The photo below shows the other end of the gallery where most of the fine art and photography is displayed.

Wonderful Yarn Shop in Glasgow's West End

I discovered a wonderful yarn shop in Glasgow's West End this morning: The Yarn Cake, 148 Queen Margaret Drive, G20 8NY. Beautiful yarns at very reasonable prices plus an amazing variety of beverages and home made cakes. They've got a sale on until next Friday. Well worth a visit for their wee cafe, even if you're not a knitter yourself!