Discover the wonderland of Seven Gauge Studios

Joy Bates discovered her flare for pattern and colour from an early age. With her mother teaching her to knit and then getting her very own knitting machine, Joy knew she had a talent when it came to wool. That is how Seven Gauge Studios began. As she matured into the fashion world, Joy gained commercial experience by designing knitted concepts for the likes of Donna Karen, Ralph Lauren, and the one and only Paul Smith.

Joy decided that she wanted to create her own range of colourful, distinctive fashion and home accessories. Using simple and bold patterns in unexpected colour combinations, Joy created Seven Gauge Studios in early 2011. The unusual name came from the tactical idea of there being seven needles to the inch on a knitting machine. The collection that was launched featured the likes of knitted cushions, hot water bottle covers, hats and scarves, each one being truly delightful.

All the products sold at Seven Gauge Studios is designed and made in Joy’s loft studios in Nottingham. This year saw the addition of knitted blankets to the woolen collection that went to production in a local east Midlands factory.

Inspiration for her designs comes from a love for 20th century design. Combining this with vintage fabrics and old knitting patterns makes Joy’s work a clash of old and new, but it is a clash that couldn’t be any more perfect.

The bold statement each product delivers is what makes it stand out from the crowd. From the circles cushion (£50) to the knitted chevron water bottle cover (£38) and the simple adorable bobble hats (£25), Seven Gauge has got us excited for winter already.

The new collection for 2012 will be launched at Pulse from 10^th-12^th June, but until then you can prepare early for a woolen winter wonderland here.

 Kellie Griffiths