As a child, I learned how to knit (and many other needlecrafts) from my mother and continued to do knitting and tapestry into early adult life. Gradually, pressures of work and bringing up a young family meant that I had less and less time for my hobbies and I didn't knit for many years after my youngest children (twins) were born.
In the summer of 2009, whilst considering a change in career, I went on holiday to Skye with my family. I visited several small craft fairs in village halls where crofters were selling things they had made to supplement their income - mainly knitwear and crochet work - but some other crafts as well. I thought, 'I could do that', and so began Baljaffray Handknits.
I began working in acrylic to keep costs down and followed published patterns to revise my skills. Gradually, I was able to begin to devise my own patterns and now only use these.
Since January 2010, I've mainly used locally produced wool: New Lanark wool (see separate page), Strathearn Fleece and Fibre and various Scottish hand dyed yarns. I also use vintage yarns sourced from various suppliers in Glasgow.
In the summer of 2009, whilst considering a change in career, I went on holiday to Skye with my family. I visited several small craft fairs in village halls where crofters were selling things they had made to supplement their income - mainly knitwear and crochet work - but some other crafts as well. I thought, 'I could do that', and so began Baljaffray Handknits.
I began working in acrylic to keep costs down and followed published patterns to revise my skills. Gradually, I was able to begin to devise my own patterns and now only use these.
Since January 2010, I've mainly used locally produced wool: New Lanark wool (see separate page), Strathearn Fleece and Fibre and various Scottish hand dyed yarns. I also use vintage yarns sourced from various suppliers in Glasgow.
