Loop’s 10th Anniversary Plans – with Uncommon Thread and Juju Vail
You may have noticed the hints we’ve been dropping on Instagram and here on the blog too about our 10th Anniversary celebrations – we’re so excited to share what we have planned! The big reveal won’t be until September, but over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing exclusive sneak peeks from Loop’s new book.
A collaboration between Loop and several talented dyers and designers has resulted in the most beautiful bespoke colourways and special patterns. Each week on the blog this summer we’ll have interviews with those involved in the project and behind the scenes clues as to what you can expect, all leading up to the big reveal of our new book!
To start with we have Ce Persiano, the architect behind the beautiful shades of The Uncommon Thread. Susan loves the selection of greys from Uncommon Thread but there is also a special place in her heart for the speckled colourways like Confetti and Spumoni – so this yarn is the magic combination of both! An equally magic name has been given to this colour ‘Turbillion’ – normally a star with an erratic flight which creates a spiralling glitter effect.
Tell us a little more about the inspiration and process behind developing your Loop colour way?
What can you imagine being knit in this new colour?
The Uncommon Thread Sport/Light DK is a favourite for our cute cabled baby cardigan Mignon
Thanks Ce for taking the time to answer our questions and for the new addition to The Uncommon Thread palate – this shade will be in the Tough Sock and BFL too come September!
All the bespoke colours have been developed with new complimentary patterns for the book. Juju Vail – expert Loopette, hostess of our Knit Nights and all round knit guru – has used the Lush Worsted for an adult size ‘Sprinkle’. Sprinkle originally featured in Loop’s last publication Juju’s Loops and ever since we’ve been asked for an adult sized version – and soon the wait will be over.
Tell us a little bit more about your ideas and design process for the original Sprinkle.
I love chevron stitches because they are a versatile basis for making interesting variation of a design. The texture of the fabric is interesting in its own right and then changing colours can give you so many striped designs.
How have you adapted the design for adults?
I wanted something simple and easy to wear for an adult. I kept the idea of having a contrasting yoke and the texture of the chevron stitch but made the silhouette more adult and flattering. I added pockets. All garments should have pockets!
How does The Uncommon Thread work with this design and what do you like about knitting with it?
What a beautiful yarn! One of my Loop favourites! It has great loft and her colours are the best!
What other yarns would you suggest for this yarn?
I am currently making a version in Quince & Co. Owl. It is a slightly thicker yarn so I am making the medium size for a large figure. I am striping the 5 sections of the yoke with three different colours. Lots of different ways to play with colour in this simple sweater. I don’t think this will be my last. I’m planning another one in Berroco Ultra Alpaca.
Any special memories about Loop?
10 years ago I struck up a conversation with a knitter on a local bus. She told me a knitting shop was opening in Islington. I was so excited. London was bereft of good yarn stores back then. When it opened, I went in and introduced myself to Susan. Customers had already asked her if she knew Juju. I think all the local people who knew me thought that all people who knit, know each other.
Thanks Juju!
We’ll be bringing you more exciting book previews over the summer, so stay tuned!
Happy Knitting and Crocheting!
Looking forward to this book and special yarns! Ce encouraged me to visit Loop when I was making plans to visit London. Now, it’s got a permanent spot for my London trips!
Happy Anniversary! Almost four years ago, when I retired, I went to London – from Mexico – hoping to live a dream… to walk into Loop Knitting Shop as if I did it every day! It was certainly a highlight of my trip to London. You can’t imagine the emotion felt when I found Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze, bought it, and made up a lovely sweater. Your shop is well known in Mexico. I will be back to visit you, but don’t know just when. You have such a lovely, wonderful shop, with some of the finest yarns I have ever seen. Happy Celebration! Cynthia Escalante
Thank you for your lovely comment Cythia! We hope you can visit again one day soon!
Loop x
When I turned 50,which was 5 years ago, I went on my first ever overseas trip and I came to London to visit a friend who lived with me in Australia for 1 year while she touring. I love to knit and in one of my books there was a story about Loop so I wrote to my friend and asked if she lived near your shop. It turned out that I only had to make a train trip with a change from Surrey to Islington. My friend bought me to your shop which was the old one and I fell in love with it. It was one of my favorite things to do during my trip. I took so many photos to prove to my friends I had visited. We don’t have many shops like that in Australia because of our climate. I have since done mail order and I subscribe to your newsletter. I am now saving to come to your new shop.
Thank you so much for your lovely message Susan. The new book brings you a little part of Loop to your side of the world – and we hope you can visit soon!
Loop x