Ahhaaaaand Knitting!

I recently started knitting an Aran jumper. By recently I mean I started months ago...but until recently I had also been working 2 jobs! Now I have quit my second job I have a little more free time so I'm going to use this blog to mark my progress.

If you are unfamiliar, an Aran jumper (or gansy, as they are also known- derived from the Irish word geansai, meaning sweater) is a traditional knit previously worn by fisherman on the Aran Isles off the coast of Ireland.  The original sweaters were knitted by the fisherman's wives using unwashed and untreated sheep's wool as it retained an oily residue which gave the fabric a water-resist effect- perfect for a day of fishing!

The jumpers are made up from  several different knitted stitches, most commonly including cables (the twisting of the yarn to make a rope like appearance).

I'm really interested in the history of the knit and like how the patterns have a personal meaning. The different stitches used signify different things, for example, the cable represents good luck, the honeycomb stitch is for hard-work, and the diamond to signify success, wealth and treasure.

Having seen the revival of the Aran knit on the cat-walks, and the high-street over the last year, I think it's important to keep some of the tradition alive. 

PRADA

There is a myth that each fisherman sweater had a unique design, almost a way of identification, should the fisherman reach his demise at sea. I like the idea of exploring this and making new patterns all the time, and making them personal to the wearer.

This is the first Aran I've knitted. It can be a little daunting at times, so I'm following an 80's-tastic pattern with the utmost precision. Hopefully when I'm finished I can modify it and write my own pattern to suit. Watch this space for the progress.

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Floria Sigismondi

To say I am slightly obsessed with this woman is an understatement. I have been a huge of the Photographer/ Director since the day I first saw the Marilyn Manson video for 'Beautiful People'. I even went so far as trying my hardest to get a job as her PA or an intern- I'm not giving up hope yet...

Although you may not be aware of her work, I'm sure it will definitely have made some sort of impact on you at some point. The jittery, angled camera work and incredible styling influenced my degree show work tremendously. She has a natural knack of making even the darkest of context into beautiful imagery. 

Her most recent work includes the new video for Katy Perry's 'E.T.' and her feature-length directorial debut on the movie 'The Runaways'. 

As well as directing, Floria has 2 photography books (both by contributing artist Robert Klanten- but that's for another blog) 'Immune' and 'Redemption'. They include stills from music video's she has directed for artists such a David Bowie, Sigur Ros, Bjork, Christina Aguilera and The Cure. As well as my personal favourite of hers- 'Blue Orchid' by the White Stripes

The images of Karen Elson walking in those Fetish ballet shoes gives me chills! Love it! 

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Michael Kors

Some may know him from Project Runway, others, as the first ladies Ready To Wear designer for french fashion house CÉLINE. I, on the other hand know him as my employer.

On moving home I was lucky enough to get the job managing the Michael Kors accessories concession in House of Fraser. It's a little different to my previous experience as I've never worked solely with accessories but I love it! 

I work predominantly with handbags, and have found that there is something to suit all tastes and all of the bags are extremely versatile, thus appealing to a wider market. Coming from a Visual Merchandising background, this area is definitely my favourite aspect of the job. Of course there are fixture and space constraints but I've never been one to turn down a challenge.

Two main colour stories for the SS11 collection are the Clashing brights (think bright orange and fuschia pink ala Prada SS11)

And the subdued blend of Golds, Naturals and Tans.

Also the MK clothing concession Manager and I created this table, which I think embodies the Michael Kors ethos- "Sleek, Sophisticated American sportswear with a Jet-Set attitude"

Below is at the top of my wish list right now. I know I shouldn't be spending but I really need a new bag...

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS PORTLAND SATCHEL

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Richard Borges

Having worked in fashion and lived in East London for the last 2 years I've come across more fashion designers than I'd care to shake a stick at, but none as dedicated and talented as my dear friend (and fellow Scot) Richard Borges. It wasn't until one day I recieved a frantic call from him babbling some nonsense about a pattern for a sleeve, that I decided to go over and let him use me as a human pin cushion.

I was amazed at the samples. They were classic designs- with an edge, but fit like a glove! Here are some pieces from SS11 collection.

As well as Richard's 2011 collection he also offers a luxurious basics range named 23 7. Think Cashmere blend T-shirts so soft you wont want to take them off, adorned with very slick prints.

My birthday is is June babes. I'll have 1 of each

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Eye On The Prize

I am almost doing the opposite to what most bloggers are doing in the sense that instead of purchasing new clothes and accessories, I am selling most of mine in ebay in a bid to add some cash to my travel fund!

I recently made the very difficult decision to move back to Scotland after living in London for the last 2 years. It's been a toughie but I have my eye on the prize- pay off my debt (living in London is pricey) and get out of the UK! 

I decided to start the blog a) to keep me from dying of boredom b) as a source to vent c) to help me be a little more creative with what I have in a bid to CURB THE SPENDING.

I also see being home is a good time to start the creative juices flowing again. Someone pass me my knitting machine...

Can't stop listening to this song. Brightens the dullest of days! Enjoy!

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Bolo Tie

I've been an avid fan of the Pussy Bow for some time now. I can actually pinpoint exactly when my fascination started. It all began in the summer of 2006 when I went to intern with Erdem in London. I worked on his first Spring collection and between that and his Fall '06 collection I was in Pussy Bow heaven. 

My obsession has since moved on and I am on the hunt for the perfect Bolo Tie. I found this perfect one on ebay from Moon Raven Designs (I currently have my eye on the Chamelion Lizard skull finger ring!)

photos @Moon Raven Designs

He is getting his first outing tomorrow! Will keep you posted

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Jowls

I've been listening to this band a lot recently. I am a big fan of Victor! Fix the Sun, so it came as no surprise when Ryan Martin and Jeff Kraus announced they had formed a two piece side project in which they fire out six brand new tracks in the space of an astonishing 10 minutes (10.7 to be exact) in the delightfully named 'Cunt Punch'.

I love discovering new bands in the early stages as you get to hear that really raw sound that often gets lost over time. Jowls are no exception to that incredible raw sound.

Click here to listen to 'Cunt Punch' in its entirety. You can also download it for a measly $3 (that's about £1.87 to us Brits)  

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