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I might have set myself an impossible task, trying to get a whole blog post out of my trip to Ginger Twist Studios, but as I sit here at a cafe waiting for the lovely Es from Sewyarnilicious, I’m reflecting on my little detour to this barely 25m2 store in Edinburgh.

I knew that I wouldn’t be able to visit Scotland without checking out the many yarn stores that would inevitably fall upon our route. While the majority of this trip will be spent on the NC500, one of the most scenic routes in Europe, I could hardly pass up a trip to Edinburgh.

If you’ve never been, I definitely suggest flying up here for a long weekend, especially so if you’re a Harry Potter fan. The stone buildings and gothic cathedrals were where JK took much of her inspiration for the book series. But in the land of the highland cows, and more sheep than the eye can see, I was on the lookout for a yarny treasure-trove.

Just past the end of the only tram line is where I found it- Ginger Twist Studios. Luckily it didn’t take me long to persuade my parents to take the 16 minute walk from the stop to the store, and the walk is fairly pleasant through the tree-lined streets. The weather had finally warmed up a little from the drizzly grey day that had filled the skies the day before, so a bit of exercise was less bemoaned.

This was an essential trip. Having started my Super Soft Coat by One of a Kate, I realised I did not have any suitable stitch markers to slip over my 9mm needles.

After having a quick scurry through my dads tool box, I found some ginormous washers- which did the job- but weren’t very practical especially when working with faux fur yarn. Jumbo markers were definitely required!

Luckily Ginger Twist have a little of everything, despite their small footprint. The shelving goes up to the ceiling and there’s a handy ladder (not for customer use) to get to the goodies way up in the rafters.

I got my markers and also ooh’ed and aah’ed over the beautiful hand dyed yarns- some with Outlander-inspired names. While I have finally been able to restrain myself from buying more yarn, on account of my house being a small fire hazard given the quantity of fibre, I couldn’t resist walking away with a cute little drawstring bag with the Ginger Twist logo.

It says “Edinburgh, Scotland” so I feel like it doubles up as a suitable souvenir!

The book selection camouflaged on the shelves includes Harry Potter knits, as well as the Cat Knits book by Marna Gilligan that I just added to my collection.

Ginger Twist is also a stockist of CocoKnits, which are one of the more “luxury” yarn accessory brands. I’m still drooling over a Maker’s Board and will one day bring myself to make the plunge into my savings account for one.

Handmade drop spindles sit among brands like Lofty, West Yorkshire Spinners, Erika Knight and more. It’s amazing how much is packed into this small store.

I promise the detour to this inviting turquoise-facade on the streets of Edinburgh is definitely worth the steps.

PS- while I grew up entranced in the magical world of Harry Potter, my views remain independent to those of JK Rowling.

Love, Aly is, and always will be, LGBTQ+ friendly and never in alignment with any TERF-ist views.

It is difficult to mention Edinburgh without mentioning HP as these fairytale streets are what inspired a book series in which so many of us have found solace.