This is the first in a new series of interviews with some of Rachel's favourite yarn dyers. Rachel often gets asked about her favourite sock yarns, so we thought it would be fun to ask some of her favourites, about their favourites!
We caught up with a firm Coop Knits favourite, The Knitting Goddess, for a virtual cuppa and chat about some of Joy's favourite things.
What's your favourite colour?
Blue - any shade of blue and any combination of blues together. When I look at what I pin to my colour board on Pinterest there’s blue in most of the images.
What is your current favourite yarn/fibre?
Our Britsock blend which is custom spun for us by John Arbon is a real favourite - it’s the perfect combination of hard wearing and soft to the touch. I also love that it’s 100% British.
Image © Joy McMillan
What is your favourite season?
Autumn. I love being able to stomp through piles of leaves. Harrogate where I live has lots of green areas and it’s gorgeous watching the colours change.
What is/was your current favourite knitting/crochet project?
The linen stitch cowl I designed is a real favourite - it was the first thing that I'd crocheted and that came about because so many crocheters thought it was a pattern for them and were disappointed it was knitted. It reminds me of being on holiday in Egypt and watching the design appear and being so pleased that it was actually doing what I expected.
My favourite of Rachel’s designs is the Forks socks which is the first club pattern she designed for us. I was so excited when the first pattern arrived because I knew how much everyone was going to love her designs.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
Nigel Slater - his cook books have played a big part in my life, and it would be lovely to be able to make something for him and tell him how much he’s inspired me while keeping me well fed.
Where do you feel most inspired or get most inspiration?
I feel most inspired when I’m in the workshop - it’s such a luxury to have a space where I can make a mess, try things out and experiment. Most ideas come to me when I’m doing something where my hands are busy and my brain has time to put odd connections together - so when I’m knitting or working with glass or baking I tend to find ideas come to me then.
Image © Joy McMillan
Quick fire questions! What's your favourite:
Book? What Do I Do When I Want To Do Everything? by Barbara Sher
Film? Field of Dreams
Quote? It always seems impossible until it’s done - Nelson Mandela
Cocktail/drink? Negroni’s and tea. Lots of tea.
Cake? Lemon drizzle
Cheese? Seriously mature cheddar
Thanks for sharing your favourites with us Joy! Head over to The Knitting Goddess to indulge in some of your favourites...