Well, let’s take a look back as I’ve just checked and it is now September! The monthly round up blog seems to have taken a slide over the spring and summer of this year. However, rather than beating myself up over it, I am looking back with fondness at all that we have achieved. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes at Wonky HQ that I would like to look back on. Writing is such a therapeutic practice, even if it is never read, I have learnt that is helps me to process and reflect on everything that has happened.
January
The BEST month! Well actually, that is because it is my birthday on the 6th January. You have to make the most of a January birthday, as it is a long time until the festive season begins again!
This year was very special as I celebrated my favourite jumper turning 21. My very clever mum, fondly known as Maw Wonky or Carol, hand knitted this Kaffe Fassett design jumper for my 21st birthday. At the time, although impressed, I didn’t appreciate the skill, patience and determination to hand knit a garment like this. I wear this jumper all of the time, it is a timeless shape and is made from Shetland wool. It is an inspiring piece that I aspire to create one day myself. Thank you very much mum, you are a true inspiration and without you Wonky Woolies would not exist.
February
This month had a heavy emphasis on biking inside and outside of the Wonky factory. Having enjoyed mountain biking for the past 12 years, I really enjoy exploring the countryside. Biking is a great way to switch off, test your ability and remind yourself that you are capable of difficult things. I loved this day out with the FNY Collective, a group set up by women, for women who enjoy biking. We enjoyed a cross country loop from Selkirk rugby club to the three brethren, then back for tea and cake, perfect!
Inside Wonky HQ we were working on the new collection of custom hats for bike brand 50to01. We worked with their team to create three unique designs, which we knitted with a double layer of yarn for durability. We also commissioned a bespoke woven label from our partners GB Labels in Derby. As a UK manufacturer ourselves, we like to support other factories to keep these traditions alive.
Also, West Midlands based Race Co Cycles returned for another batch of their custom bobble hats. This year they chose to keep their existing design and mix up the colours. This is a service that we offer free of charge to all commercial, repeat customers. If you would like to explore custom hats, have a look at custom hats page and drop us an enquiry.
March
In March I looked at new ideas for The Heartland Market in Galashiels, as I had booked a stall for April. I am an outdoor person and spend a lot of time walking the fields and hills with Ruaridh Dog our Border Terrier. On these walks I always wear wool and enjoy pairing up products to suit the environment. I started with some new colours for the merino double fold beanies with a headband worn as a neck warmer.
Our chunky knitted hats are a favourite of mine as the colours blend to create some fabulous tones. Maw Wonky and I knit these on our hand powered vintage knitting machine, using a Shetland grade of wool. The structure of the hat stretches to fit all head sizes and the gaps help to regulate your temperature. Have a look at the new colours we have just launched online.
April
In April I enjoyed the first of three markets on Channel Street in Galashiels. Being from the neighboring town of Melrose, I remember being young and doing the weekly shop in Gala with mum and my brother Chris. The town centre was always busy, this was in the 1980s, well before any out of town shopping occurred. My brother and I loved to visit Woolworths, the mecca for toys and sweeties galore! Both of us looking to mum with puppy dog eyes in the hope that she would buy us something.
When I moved back to the Scottish Borders in 2017 it was sad to see empty shops on the high street. Unfortunately this is a reflection of many towns across the UK. However, it is delightful to see The Heartland Market team working hard to bring this monthly event to the town. Trading at the market helps me to connect with our community, and it is encouraging to know that our small business is playing a part in supporting the regeneration.
A great start to the year
Well, let’s wrap this up for now. It has been nice to take a look back over the year, and I hope that you have found it interesting to hear about what we do at Wonky Woolies. I will continue the update with May through to August soon, and that will get us back on track with the monthly review.
Thank you for reading and please feel free to get in touch on Facebook, Instagram or email.
All the best,
Alison, Chief Wonky x
