The Thousands

Winter seems to have crept up on us in the thick of the night. When one day we were frivolous and fancy free in our flimsy summer fripperies, the next we found ourselves willing the better part of a sheep onto our backs to ward off the sub-20 temperatures (although we will continue to wear sandals for weeks in silent protest).

If there’s anyone who knows what to do with the better part of a sheep, it’s local knitwear extraordinaire Nikki Gabriel. Her collection of ladies’ woollens goes beyond basic purls and garters to create unique items of fah-shion, such as colourful heavy-shouldered knitted crop tops and simple clasp-fronted shawls to throw on top off your winter layers.

For seasoned clackers and rookie knitters alike, Nikki also has two different construction patterns on offer (intended to be made in stages by knitting shapes) and a series of customised yarns she designs in collaboration with small farming communities and spinning mills in Australia. Choose a ball of bespoke wool or alpaca to get you started.