Etsy Picks: Twin Peaks

There's no series quite like Twin Peaks, and I don't think there's another TV show that's inspired so many Etsians. With all it's bizarre characters, quotable lines and retro styling David Lynch's creation is a goldmine for designers and artists. I'm nearing the very end of the two seasons (my second attempt) and I don't know what to expect, it just keeps getting weirder.
For now, here are some of my favourite Twin Peaks treasures.

Twin Peaks Brooch - 'Diane' by kateslittlestore (the sheriff badge is also pretty fantastic)

Twin Peaks poster by WilliamHenryDesign

Twin Peaks Patches by JennisPrints

 Coffee and Pie iPhone case by YakawonisQuilling

 The Owls Are Not What They Seem tote bag by BRANDED

Great Northern Key Chain by piediddy

Twin Peaks travel poster by (my absolute favourites) JazzberryBlue

A Damn Fine Cup of Coffee mug by SilverSpider

My Weisdale Tam

I don't want to seem pessimistic, but I've just finished knitting a lovely, warm Fair Isle hat. I don't expect to be able to wear it any time soon, but you never know.

It's from a pattern called Weisdale Tam by Catherine Vardy, and I got it as a kit from my parents for Christmas, so all the yarns I needed were included. It's a Jamieson and Smith kit, so it's 100% Shetland wool, and the design uses traditional Fair Isle motifs and colours to make a very traditional Scottish tam shape.

The thing about Fair Isle knitting is it's incredibly warm. Each row switches between two colours, with the unused colour running across the back between stitches.

 So in effect you've got two layers of fabric, making for a very toasty knit.

  

If you want to know more about Fair Isle knitting there's a brilliant book by Alice Starmore that covers everything; from the history of Fair Isle traditions, to comprehensive charts of motifs, patterns for garments, instruction on technique and colour studies for creating your own Fair Isle designs. I got mine in a charity shop, but it should be pretty widely available in book stores.
Another great resource is the blog of Kate Davies, one of my favourite contemporary knitwear designers.

 I'll leave you with this none too brilliant hat selfie. Spice rack included.

The Lost Lanes

I'm back in the studio after a few weeks away for a costume supervising job. When I went away the trees were still bare, but I returned home to this;

 

 

It's a lot like being in a tree house sometimes, and the constant bird and squirrel traffic outside is a great distraction. My own attempts at greenery aren't going too badly either.

I can't really work out why they have such a heavy leafy plant on top of a pathetically weedy stem, is this normal for Forget-Me-Nots? I'm just going to leave them and see what happens.

But back to business news, I am very pleased to announce that my range of Liberty Knot jewellery is now available to buy from The Lost Lanes!

For a little more about The Lost Lanes, here is a snippet from their Facebook page:

Decadently eclectic, the market place collectively brings together a generous selection of homewares, fashion items, gifts and accessories from all over the country – from established studios to humbler operations – that are refreshingly different, elegantly eccentric and cannot be bought on the high street.

From elaborate print textiles to quirky crockery; statement jewellery to arty oddities – The Lost Lanes carefully curates its collection of products so that discerning design junkies and gift hunters genuinely experience the delight and joy of uncovering a real find every time they visit the website. 

That pretty much sums it up! I'm really pleased to have been asked to join their community and look forward to working with them for the foreseeable future. I really recommend having a wander round the site to see all the fabulous work for yourself, but in the meantime here are some of my favourite pieces, enjoy!

Owl Be Watching You Sweatshirt by Dazzle & Jolt

Lion Cups by Yas-Ming Ceramics

Romeo Rain Cape by SquidLondon

Chief Cougar's 1210S Turntable Necklace by Bug

Equis All Day Satchel - Tan and Brown by Be.Loved

Women In Making

Triumph, makers of lovely underwear, have brought their Women in Making competition back for 2014. This fantastic opportunity gives female makers and designers the chance to showcase their work and be in with a chance to win a £10,000 bursary for their business.

As you might have guessed I've entered the competition, and I'd love to make it to the shortlist, but I need all the help I can get!

The 10 makers with the most votes will get through to be considered for the bursary (and win some of that lovely underwear). There's 30 days to go and I'm quite far behind the leaders, so I'm asking a teensy favour; visit my profile and click 'Vote for Natalie'. Just making it to the shortlist would be an incredible achievement and I would be so grateful if you could help me get there!

I'll have my fingers crossed for the next month.

Thank you!