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Finding Inspiration for a knitwear design
Sometimes inspiration for a design comes from the most unusual places. I'm constantly looking at textures of the landscape around me and find the miniscule details fascinating. I then incorporate them into a version that reflects my knitwear style.
This time though it was a creative friend that inspired me with her Pussy Willow Collection and it just brought back such wonderful memories has a child. I used to love to go and explore in the countryside behind the family home and kept a nature book, with drawings and flower pressings. I remember so vividly the fluffy catkins with a pop of colour and absolutely loved not just the colour, or the texture but the feel. Even then I used all my senses when I was in nature. A memory I share with my dad as we both enjoyed rambling around and exploring nature.
I was so inspired by my memories and the beautiful designs created by Gillian Cooke AKA La Buzatiere Art Studio, I just had to create an esemble to compliment her work for an upcoming event that we had planned with another talented friend Fiona Marsh, we called ourselves Les Créatrices as at the time I was living in France.
The inspiration is the easy bit, not quite for creating a design. There's many a time I have an idea and when I create my samples, they just don't work out how I wanted them to. That's all part of the process, creating, tweaking and then recreating until I find something that works.
Once I have done that I can write a pattern and create a garment. This is done by hand on a vintage domestic knitting machine.
Gillian Cookes
amazing textiles
I knew I wanted a 3D effect on my design and this was done by manipulating the stitches with short rows. A time consuming thing to do, but so worth the effort.
I then made a mustard poncho to create the full ensemble and a pair of fingerless mitts, which sadly I don't have a photo of the finished items. I sold this collection before I had the chance to do more photography.
PPHOTO SHOOT - well an attempted photo shoot. The weather on the west coast of Scotland's been wild even in summer, rain, rain and more rain, oh, and wind too! So, it was a really difficult to do a photo shoot.
We had a break in the weather and we went for it. A visit to a Red Point beach and ruins meant a longish walk with my knitwear and camera equipment through a field full of cows (I'm a little bit afraid of cows). We just got out of the car and of course it started to rain, but we ploughed on and got ourselves over to the old fishing station.
Mark took a few photos for ideas once the rain stopped but it was just too windy. So, the camera went away and we just enjoyed a stroll in the wind and rain back to the car.
Love it when other stall holders buy my knitwear! Especially when they knit themselves. This lovely lady knits fabulous chunky accessories and bought one of my lightweight lace scarves.
Standing on your feet all day is really tiring, so you just have to spoil yourself with a lovely cake to keep you going!
Inverness Highland Games
After a very early start (a 12 hour day for me on my feet) setting up and a long day ahead it was great to see so many people turn up to the games on Saturday, despite the weather being erratic. With strong gusts of winds that actually blew my stand over on the Saturday and I was indoors ( I was opposite the open door though).
Lots going on the Saturday with the Highland Games and then on the Sunday we were entertained with the Inverness pipe band. Great to meet so many people from all over the world! A short video to give you a flavour of some of the entertainment.
Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
A beautiful setting and the perfect backdrop for my knitwear at the Crathes Summer Event with Exclusively Highlands. You can't be anything but impressed with the detail in these old castles and the craftmanship. I was lucky that one of my customer's didn't mind me taking a photo of her in her newly purchased poncho, well it just had to be done!
Windy photo shoot for Seashore Collection....
We waited a while for the weather to improve before we could do the photo shoot for my Seashore Collection. The best day still happened to be windy, making it quite difficult to keep the mannequin upright (lots of pebbles sorted that out). Hubby Mark had his work cut out!
The seed for my Seashore Collection was sown over a year ago with my love for beach combing. Read more about the inspiration behind my collection read the blog...
A lovely evening stroll amongst the cotton tops....
Long summer days are the best in the Scottish Highlands, particularly in June when it hardly gets dark. A lovely evening stroll through the cotton tops at Red Point in Wester Ross to make the most of the brighter evenings and blow the cobwebs of the day away, re-charge our batteries and enjoy what nature's got to offer.
There was a stiff breeze that kept the midges away and made the cotton tops dance in the light. Whenever I feel I need some inspiration or to clear my head a walk along the seashore or into the mountains does the job.
What do you do to clear your head?
Meet my lovely customers....
Thanks Peggy!
Peggy sent me lots of lovely photos wrapped up in her knitwear. Lovely to see her complementing my knits with her own knits too ☺️
I think she looks fabulous! But, I suppose I am a bit biased 😉
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Bespoke Order for Maggie
I do like to create a pice of knitwear that reflects the customer and compliments an outfit. I enjoyed creating a merino wrap for my lovely customer. Fusing lipstick pink, burnt orange and black with a shimmer of lurex running through. The inspiration behind the edging pattern came from the fabulous hat being worn.
Seashore Collection, super soft cotton poncho and matching infinity scarf. Available in different colours.
Torridon Collection super soft Scottish lambswool poncho and matching cowl and fingerless gloves. Bespoke colours for my lovely customer in Canada, Gayle. Thanks for the photo Gayle!
Available in different colours, or your own colour choice. Just enquire.
Seashore textures poncho. Knitted in a beautiful melange merino wool. Textured waves and a two tone fringe.
Lovely Lynne wearing my Gairloch cowl knitted in a super soft lambswool spun in Scotland.
Poncho, shawl or wrap this linen and cotton top can be worn lots of ways. Thanks to my lovely customer for the photo.
Doesn't she look lovely in my Highland poncho. You can't see them in the photo sadly, but she had matching cowboy boots on, fabulous!
Doesn't Kathy look lovely in her Torridon poncho, she wears it well next to her art work!
Thanks to Ali for this lovely photo of her wearing my Seashore Poncho and Infinity Scarf on her wedding day! Doesn't she look beautiful.
Not just for women! My unisex beanies and cowls are bought by as many men as women. And they look great too. This chap from Australia bought a Torridon beanie to go Otter watching in Torridon! :)
This lovely lady is also wearing one of my Torridon poncho's in mustard. The lovely back drop of Blair Castle.
One of my lovely regular customer's sporting my 'new' textured jacket design in lambswool. It fitted her to perfection!
This lovely customer is wearing my Winter in the Glen Bird Cowl. Doesn't she wear it well.
Meet Janet, wearing one of my textured Seashore merino wool poncho's. Inspired by the textures left behind on the seashore and the flow of seaweed with the ebb and flow of the tide.
Scarves were popular at Inverness Games.
Capture the beauty of Crathes Castle with this lovely Canadian lady, who graciously posed in her 'purchase' - Seashore Poncho. Crafted from a luxurious blend of 50% merino, 25% silk, and 25% nylon, the black tweed effect perfectly complements her style.
The stunning backdrop of the castle's top floor adds to the charm of this moment.
Remember, if you share a photo of yourself or someone you know wearing my knitwear, you'll receive a special thank you gift!
My knitwear isn't just for women! I do unisex hats and cowls too, as this chap manages to demonstrate so well at the GALE Centre in Gairloch. He's wearing my Torridon lambswool cowl in rust and teal.
Meet Emily and Fiona.
I walked into one Latitude 57 (one of my stockists) only to find these lovely ladies trying on my super soft lambswool Torridon beanies. Don't they look lovely! Thanks for letting me take the photo, you really suited them!
CUSTOMER REVIEW
"I am wearing my poncho today and loving it. It's causing quite a stir in Reigate! I wore it to the Shieldaig Hotel the other night too when the girls and I had an evening Sampling Scottish Gins! I was definitely dressed for the part!"...
... "And here's me showing off my special Opinan button. I'm so in love with it! 💛"
Thanks Laura!
Claire wanted a simple crop top with subtle details. I used three different very fine yarns to get the random stripe effect and a bit of pastel pink/white scalloping to soften the edges.
BESPOKE ORDERS
Sometimes you want something just a little bit different than anyone else.
Customer Reviews
Crofter Poncho
"Très bien. Conforme à la description." iZa Le Corre, France
Ripples Caramel Box Top
"The sweater just arrived! It is more beautiful than the picture. thank you," Linda, USA
Merino Stole
"La délicatesse du travail est de toute beauté et les écharpes de haute qualité réchauffent mon hiver
" Florence, France
Translated: "The delicacy of the work is beautiful and the high-quality scarves warm my winter"
Gairloch Infinity Scarf
"Une écharpe toute en délicatesse et pleine de douceur..." Florence, France
Translated: "A scarf all in delicacy and full of softness ..."
Highland poncho
"My poncho has arrived and it’s absolutely gorgeous, I love it, thank you so much " Theresa, UK
Tartan Infinity Scarf
"Just received my beautiful tartan cowl...🖤... love, love, love it... :)" Deborah, UK
Highland poncho
"Beautiful, soft, green poncho. Lovingly made and the handmade button is a lovely touch. Well packaged and arrived promptly. I shall really enjoy wearing this. Thank you!" Yvonne, UK
Highland poncho
"Wunderschön liebevoll gemacht. Aus tollem Material. Werde mir noch einen weiteren kaufen.
Beautifully lovingly made. Made of great material. Will buy me another one." Esther, Germany
Torridon poncho
"Hi, just recieved my cowl and poncho, beautiful, elegant, lovingly made and beautifully packaged. Cant wait for my next one . Thank you." Annie, UK
Torridon poncho & Fissure burnt orange cowl
Torridon poncho in mustard
"Absloutely STUNNING! Repeat customer after buying the teal poncho a few years ago.The mustard colour is amazing, so stylish and gets lots of compliments. Jan is a great seller, arrived beautifully packaged." Morag, UK
Torridon hooded poncho in grey
"My fabulous poncho arrived today! It’s absolutely beautiful, thank you so much, I bet it will keep me lovely and warm, as well as looking very stylish! Love the large button detail too. I am one delighted customer 😊👌💕😘"
Theresa, UK
Torridon poncho in rust
"I can't say enough about this poncho, my second. When I wear them heads turn. Stunning...... excellent communication, just as described, packaged well timely arrival.
Perfect.....🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟"
Janet USA
Torridon poncho in teal
"Jan - my gorgeous poncho arrived today, and I LOVE it! It’s the perfect length, size, and is really flattering (covers all the lumps and bumps). The colour is gorgeous! I’m really pleased I was able to buy Scottish, too. Thanks so much for a gorgeous product, and your very prompt service too! Best regards Mo" Scotland
Skye wrap
"It’s arrived and is utterly beautiful thank you so so much. I’m thrilled - will be ordering again from you soon." Ally, UK
Torridon hooded poncho
"Bonjour,J'ai bien reçu le poncho, merci il est très jolie! Bonne journée! à bientôt!" Mélie, France
(Hello, I have received the poncho, thank you so very pretty!)
Torridon poncho
"Hi Jan, I absolutely love it! It's had so many compliments already and I'm saving up to buy one next month - the only problem - which colour to go for!!" Cressida, UK
Torridon cowl & fingerless gloves
I have received my order of purple and green cowl and fingerless mittens.
They are absolutely beautiful. Such lovely colours. You are so talented.
Many thanks.
Seashore infinity scarf
"Received my gorgeous scarf today, everything I hoped it would be. Thank you so much. Classy and oh so soft, just love it."
Debbie, UK
Torridon poncho in russet
"It's gorgeous OMG" Gayle, Canada
Winter in the Glen Cowl
"This was a birthday gift for my sister. She loved it! Nice and warm with our snowy weather!" Katy, UK
Torridon beanie
Fantastic hat, looks fab and the wool is very good quality. Super service and dealing with Jan was a dream. Can thoroughly recommend both the hat and the maker! Janethepiper UK
Seashore infinity scarf
Fast shipping and Beautifully made! ❤️ Kim, USA
Torridon poncho in grey and russet
"Ponchos arrived and I love them. Can't wait to show them off! Thank you so much." Sue, USA
Seashore buttons
"And here's me showing off my special Opinan button. I'm so in love with it! 💛 " Laura, UK
Torridon poncho
"I am wearing my poncho today and loving it. It's causing quite a stir in Reigate! I wore it to the Shieldaig Hotel the other night too when the girls and I had an evening Sampling Scottish Gins! I was definitely dressed for the part!" Laura, UK
Cable sleeveless Top
"I love love love the vest and scarf, both are so beautiful and the lavender sachet . I can’t wait for the weather to get cold so I can wear them." Gayle, Canada
Merino Stole
"Belle qualité et très bien emballé avec soin. Merci👍🌻🌼🌸🙏" Martine, France
Gairloch poncho
"My third poncho from this artist arrived ahead of schedule and wrapped securely. I love the color with the addition of a different color woven into the edge. Stunning......I highly recommend this seller, great communication, beautiful product, amazing talent." Janet, USA
Highland poncho
"Hello Jan, just a wee bit of positive feedback on the highland poncho I got recently. I wore it to a Burns supper ceilidh on Saturday. I loved the way it feels so light but was the best thing to have at the meal as we were sitting in a horrendous cold draught. some people had to sit with their coats on but I was lovely and cosy without feeling like a mitchelin man. I'm really pleased with it.
Thanks again." Lucy, UK
Highland poncho
I think I'm a little colour blind when it comes to blues and I was a little worried that this would be a little bland as a colour. I was so pleased when it arrived to find (to me) this is a warmer greenish blue than in the photo. It reminds me of the ocean... With the tiny flecks of deep red it goes with EVERYTHING and I LOVE it. Excellent seller, good communication and quick delivery. I would highly recommend, this is a quality item. Thanks! Hazel, UK
Torridon poncho
Nice Christmas gift and the person receiving it really loved it. Well done! Brian, Malta
Torridon poncho
"I am crazy about this poncho. I have received so many wonderful compliments So lovely and beautifully made. Highest recommendation I love wearing it! Gorgeous color!" Melanie, USA
Torridon buttons
"I wanted to let you know that the buttons arrived. Omg they are absolutely beautiful." Gayle, UK
Torridon poncho
"Arrived well ahead of schedule as a gift, and received rapturous praise from the birthday girl! Many thanks, Joss." UK
Torridon poncho
"Beautiful shawl! I wish I could purchase one in each colour." Carla, Canada
Gairloch Cowl & fingerless gloves
"Hi Jan, received my order today. I'm so pleased, the items are beautiful. Can't wait to wear them. Thank you so much. Connie" UK
Torridon poncho
"I will summarise in one word...wow!!I love it! And the button is divine!So, I decided to order one in green as well. Thank you!!" Kristine, UK
Torridon fingerless gloves
"These are beautifully made, green and purple lambswool fingerless gloves! Much thanks to this seller!!" Lori, USA
Seashore poncho & infinity scarf
"Just wanted to let you know I loved the wrap and the poncho you made, and wore both on my wedding day (at separate times!). Will send photos soon when I get them from the photographer :-). Many thanks, Ali x"
Seashore infinity scarf
"Just wanted to let you know the package arrived about an hour ago! Everything is beautiful and beautifully made! " Karen, USA
Seashore infinity scarf
"Wow! It arrived yesterday and I luuuuuvvv it!! I know I will definitely get lots of wear out of this because it can be worn through out the year." Christina, UK
Torridon poncho
The poncho is beautiful. Excellent quality and just the right weight. We post menopausal women who can't wear our heavy sweaters anymore can appreciate something that is not quite as heavy and easier to wear. Purchased the grey and I love it so much I plan to order another! Five stars all the way around! Janet, USA
Torridon poncho
"I had lots of lovely comments when I wore your shawl and matching pieces the other week they were warm and I felt a million dollars in them!"
Leah, UK
Torridon poncho
"AMAZING! Flawless work with stunningly beautiful details. I appreciated the fast, safe shipping to the United States. DO NOT HESITATE to order from this artist!" Miss Betty, USA