About
BACKGROUND
Based in Edinburgh, Woolly Originals uses domestic knitting machines to create bags for crafters and artists to use for their projects and for their tools.
The bag designs are based on a range of ideas and inspiration, but all tell a story: Scottish plants at risk due to climate change; organic fruit orchards in East Lothian; Scandinavian & Shetland star motifs; the volcanic landscapes of Iceland; the iconic Scott Monument on Princes Street in Edinburgh; the international work of the RNLI to provide swimming lessons; or the trainee women astronauts of the Mercury 13 program in the 1960s!
Undyed and plant-dyed wools from Jamieson's of Shetland are used to create the outer Woolly fabric. Linen from Ireland or Scotland and upcycled fabrics provide the linen or cotton lining fabrics. Buttons, ribbons, upcycled fabrics, other brand yarns, embroidery and crochet techniques may be used to create or decorate limited edition Woolly Originals bags. We do not use superwash wool or yarns that contain nylon. Guest indie dyers feature occasionally too!
Kalopsia, a social enterprise company in Dunfermline, Fife sew up some of the bags for Woolly Originals. I chose to use this company because waste management, micro manufacturing, ethical production, sustainability, the love of textiles, and combining innovation with tradition all play an important part in Kalopsia's business ethos.
PRODUCTS
Woolly Originals produces the following range of bags and cases for your projects and your tools.
Loop Project Bag. Width of bag is approx. 40cm. Depth is approx. 11cm. Height is approx. 31cm. There are two looped handles: the longer one slots through the smaller one to secure the bag's contents. This bag size will hold up to six or seven 100g skeins of DK wool, so it is suitable for a jumper or cardigan project.
Medium Project Bag. Width of bag is approx. 30cm. Depth is approx. 10cm. Height is approx. 23.5cm. There is a 28cm zipper to secure the bag's contents. This bag size will hold up to two or three 100g skeins of DK wool, so it is suitable for a scarf or shawl project.
Drawstring Project or Tablet Bag. Width of bag is approx. 25cm. Depth is approx. 2cm. Height to ribbon drawstring is approx. 21cm. Two cotton/linen ribbons form the drawstring closure. This bag size will hold up to two 100g skeins of DK wool, so it is suitable for a scarf or hat project. It is also suitable for holding an electronic tablet such as an iPad Mini.
Small Project Bag. Width of bag is approx. 22cm. Depth is approx. 9cm. Height is approx. 19cm. There is a 20cm zipper to secure the bag's contents. This bag size will hold one 100g skein of DK wool, so it is suitable for a hat or sock project.
Curved Project Bag. Width of bag is approx. 24cm. Depth is approx. 4cm. Height is approx. 15cm. There is a curved 25cm zipper to secure the bag's contents. This bag is wide enough to store 20cm double pointed needles. This bag size will hold one 50g skein of 4-ply wool, so it is suitable for a hat or sock project. Or as an evening or clutch bag!
Purse. Width of bag is approx. 16cm. Depth is approx. 2cm. Height is approx. 12cm. There is a 15cm zipper to secure the bag's contents. There is a curved base to the bag. This bag size will hold your stitch markers, tools, bank cards, or bits & pieces!
Pattern Weights. Pyramidal pattern weights sold in sets of four. These have been made from the offcuts when sewing up project bags! The pattern weights each weigh approx. 70g. Base size is approx. 9cm by 9cm by 9cm. Height is approx. 7cm with a black fabric loop. Weights are filled with dried barley or rice.
