A little late I know, but at last a pic of my attempt at a Donna Wilson creature (from her The Knitted Odd Bod Bunch book). My first attempt at knitting since I triumphantly completed a (well loved) Mondrian styley mohair jumper circa 1982, aged around 12 (it would seem I peaked too soon in my knitting career). The needles were finally picked up again with the arrival of a number of small people this last wee while. Bunga Bear has gone to live with young Fynn, and if his parents ever forget his date of birth they will find it clumsily 'tattooed' on his rear end. Now on to trying to knit with four needles. If anyone has any tips they would be gratefully received!    

There is a very good interview with Donna Wilson here where she talks about her exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, her influences, and the growing of her business. Well worth a watch.

some new donna wilson

I've got a bit behind in showing off some of the new things that have been arriving in the shop recently, so to get back in the groove, here are a few of the lovely new things we have in from boo vake favourite Donna Wilson!  

First timers at boo vake are Big Ted (pictured at top), who is a bit of a stunner (& rather large, measuring in at a height of 83cm), gorgeous arm-warmers & mittens, and mixed packs of cards, perfect for sending or for framing. We also have a number of rather stunning baby blankets.

Taking of babies... spurred on by a number of friends having (& about to be having) babies this last wee while I've finally got round to knitting something from Donna's book The Knitted Odd-bod Bunch . First time I've picked up knitting needles since circa 1982 so needless to say 'he' has some imperfections but I'm hoping that might add to the 'charm'!  Will maybe post a pic after said 'odd-bod' is safely in it's new home.

big ted £60, arm-warmers & mittens £38, pk of 5 large cards £12.50 

new in.....

We have a new batch of stripey woollen goodies in the shop from Lindsay (aka The Black Rabbit) - including lavender bod keyrings, media mittens (for your phone or ipod), stripey lavender hearts, and Stripey Pipey & Bare Bear (above) in some lovely new colour combinations.

Bear Bare, aswell as being extremely cute, is also baby friendly -meaning one of his close relatives has been pulled & prodded (and other things that you're better off not thinking about by somebody in a white coat) just to prove he's a fit companion for the smallest of the little people.

lavender bod keyrings £5, lavender hearts £5, media mittens £10, stripey pipey £25, bare bear £27

robin and mould

I try not to act on impulse (too much) when looking for new things for the shop but that all went out the window when I saw these screen-printed owls & cushions by Amy & Christian from Robin and Mould. And they certainly don't disappoint - beautifully made and even more lovely in real life!

Everything is hand screen-printed in their Wiltshire Studio using water based inks on a heavy linen/cotton mix. The owls come in either mustard yellow or teal (with teal or purple felt wings & feet) and are printed on both sides. The 'dream big little one' cushion comes in teal with a pure linen dark navy blue backing.

Come and see them for yourself!!

owl £20, dream big little one cushion (with pad) £24

mini mcghee

Had a great few days in Islay earlier this week (despite the damp camping and midges) but now back to a bit of catch-up.....

We now have some lovely woollen baby blankets by Mini McGhee here at boo vake. Mini McGhee is Glasgow School of Art graduate Nicola McGhee who, after a time in New York as a designer for Gap, has returned to her roots and is growing her range of contemporary baby blankets & nursery accessories. All are made in Scotland from supersoft pure new wool making them that bit special - and as such, Nicola is especially keen that they be handed down to future generations (and it says just that on the label!).
grass/grey baby blanket & pink/ruby baby blanket, £42