ragamuffin loves...

ragamuffin loves...scarves!!!

2012-03-02T02:53:00.002-08:00

We are all happy to admit to being complete and utter scarf-a-holics here at ragamuffin! Just when you thought you had more than enough, another delivery comes in and you just have to have one! We know many of our customers are just as addicted, "Don't let me go home with another scarf", they cry, "I have so many, I don't need any more!", they protest, whilst merrily trying them all on! Scarves are just too tempting - they can change an outfit, add a splash of colour or a touch of sophistication all whilst keeping the chill off!

See anything you like? Drop us an email for more details!

We are often asked the best way to tie a scarf so keep your eyes peeled for our scarf tutorial which we will hopefully be posting very soon!

ragamuffin loves...a good hat!

2012-02-26T05:53:00.002-08:00

Gosh, what blustery weather we are having! Luckily we keep a good stock of hats all year round! We are particularly loving this wool felt collection by MTM hats.

You can channel your inner flapper with a pretty wool cloche, decorated with big,blousey flowers.

Or go for a roomy boucle beret, perfect if you've got lots of curly hair! We've styled both with a little Shirley Pinder scarf...she's coming to see us in early March so that we can choose some more of her beautiful scarves - we'll post pictures as soon as they arrive!

ragamuffin loves...fabulous felt!

2012-02-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

We came upon the amazing Kate Ramsay, felter extrordinaire, whilst in Dublin recently and instructed her to make us some of her fabulous felt accessories at once! They are here already - adding more than a splash of colour to both of our shops!

All of Kate's pieces are made using natural, undyed silk/ wool fibres and are individually dyed meaning that no two items are ever quite the same.

As well as scarves, Kate also makes these wonderful, giant felt flowers - pin to chunky knits, jackets or bags for drama!

We think they'd also look wild worn in the hair - we made a simple hair wrap and added the flower to the crown...

Now we've gone headpiece crazy! Here are a couple of smaller felt corsages pinned to a hair wrap made from a hank of our colinette yarn!

ragamuffin loves...new romantics!

2012-02-23T03:13:00.000-08:00

Well, we're feeling the love today: we couldn't resist showing you our lovely new deliveries of dresses and pretty cotton jersey separates from Out of Xile and sumptuous silk scarves from Diana Irani, working sooo beautifully with Privatsachen's silks and linens. Proper romantic dressing-up clothes for grown-ups; don't save it for special occasions, just throw it on with a pair of chunky leather boots, the luxury fabrics will make you feel gorgeous every day! There's bubble skirts, crinkled silk, ruffles, flower-trimmed knits, ruched cuffs, mother-of-pearl buttons... everything a girl needs!

ragamuffin loves...a bit of sunshine!

2012-02-17T02:53:00.002-08:00

At last a sunny day on Skye! It's been gloomy for a few weeks now but yesterday's blue skies were the perfect backdrop to take some snaps of the new additions to our jellycat family! We have the fabulous Orla Ostrich - every bit the glamourpuss with her long eye lashes (real of course!)

The oh-so-sweet Fuddle-wuddle Pup - he is so soft and looks a bit forlorn but he's really quite a happy chap! Also, back by popular demand...

It's Matilda Hen! She comes Mum sized as pictured or baby sized. We are convinced she's always up to something - she has a wicked glint in her eye! We have lots of other jolly Jellycats in stock - they were just feeling a tad camera shy yesterday!

ragamuffinloves...windy days!

2012-02-14T02:19:00.001-08:00

Ahhh... We love today! Doesn't it make you want to go tromping out of town in your wellies and some delicious knitwear, and returning home to an open fire and a hot toddy? Forgotten a Valentine's gift? Eschew the chocolates and roses for something altogether more classy! These gorgeous wool and lyrca scarves go with everything, even red, if you must...

ragamuffin loves...cheeky monkeys!

2012-02-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

We loved this new display in dusty pinks and muted neutrals, perfect for this in-betweeny weather! We couldn't help but laugh at the naughty monkey who's eager for his 15minutes of fame...

ragamuffin loves...stripes!

2012-02-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

With Valentines Day less that a week away, we thought we'd make some helpful suggestions as to how you might surprise your beloved! Here is a cool group of things for the lady who loves stripes (I mean, who doesn't?). From sweet stripey elephants to amazing monochrome armwarmers and cute cropped sweaters...what's not to love!

For the lady who loves all things purple (there are lots of purple fans out there), a lovely selecton of lavender delights! Mix several shades together for maximum impact. Layer up for cool, clever dressing!

Or bring a little sunshine into your love's life with our selection of mellow yellow treats! A super soft jacket over a linen tank accessorised with a silk scarf and sisal basket bag is just the ticket to brighten up a dreary February day!

ragamuffin loves...Springtime!

2012-02-07T05:11:00.000-08:00

Well, we at ragamuffin are so excited about Spring! While the buyers are away choosing the new stock in advance for Autumn/ Winter, we girls in the shop have got nothing but lambs and daffodils and crisp bright mornings in mind! We've had our first tiny drop of deliveries this week, lovely jewel-coloured scarves from Pappu Mama and Italca, and a smattering of Jellycat toys... Soon all this new stock will be piling up around us, providing us with a great new kick of inspiration for outfits and displays, we'll keep you posted! In the meantime, we've been channelling our Spring chickens in lots of lovely wall displays...

Mmm... crocuses and daffodils...

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream...come on, roll on the warm weather!!

ragamuffin loves...old friends!

2012-02-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Once a ragamuffin, always a ragamuffin! Here's Lindsay in her stripey tights and Out of Xile coat that she bought here on a recent visit! Lindsay worked here right at the beginning - first on Skye then helping Lesley to set up and establish the Edinburgh shop. She is now the grand proprietress of Grow Wild a fabulous organic grocery delivery service! Here she was in her ragamuffin heyday modelling our popular Shetland wool jackets...

...striking a very dramatic pose outside the gates of Holyrood palace at some time in the late '80s!

ragamuffin loves...our new fitting room!!

2012-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Do we believe our eyes? Yes we do! Here's a peak at our new fitting room on the shop floor of the Edinburgh shop, easy access and a comfortable fit for even the most animated of dressers! Room to swing a cat, we think so! Come visit us and see it in it's full glory, the shop's looking lovely, ready to recieve lots of new Spring stock, and there's still the tail end of our fabulous sale to be snapped up!

ragamuffin loves...flax!

2012-01-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

We've just had our first new collection of the year from Flax and it is gorgeous! We have a lovely neutral capsule collection called "Traveller" which would take you round the world and back in six key pieces and includes the always popular Flood pants - this time in a lovely heavy hopsack style linen. We also have a spring linen group in lovely smushy shades of berry and smokey blue - very pretty! Here is a sneaky peak of a jacket from the traveller group but if you fancy it, get it NOW...it's almost sold out already! Lots more to come - we'll keep you posted (no pun intended!)

ragamuffin loves...clever ideas!

2012-01-14T03:38:00.000-08:00

We had a customer in the other day who bought twelve of these cute little tin buckets. Obviously we asked her what she was going to do with them all? The answer...party favours! We thought it was such a lovely idea we took a quick pick of some blue ones filled with marshmallows! It would work so well for wedding favours or for little Easter gifts. Best all of, the little buckets are now only £1 in our sale and come in red, blue or pale pink...hurry they are selling fast!

ragamuffinloves...crafty devils!

2012-01-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous scarf is made by our industrious friends in the Skye shop! They've been finger-knitting their little fingers to the bone to make these beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces that tie in so wonderfully with our knits and linens.Great simply draped over the shoulders; minimal effort for maximum impact!

ragamuffin loves...a winter stroll!

2012-01-07T04:27:00.000-08:00

What a gorgeous day here in Edinburgh - just perfect for wrapping up in lots of layers and going for a walk! Karoline has put together this gorgeous ensemble complete with a chunky Lorry Marshall cardigan on top and a tweed beanie hat from studio donegal! Just add a pair of cosy boots and you're good to go!

The poor girls on the Isle of skye haven't seen the sun for a few days now...the landscape looks very dramatic though - like a beautiful twilight world!

ragamuffin loves...gorgeous textures!

2012-01-06T05:16:00.000-08:00

We don't know how to choose just one of these lovely scarves, they're just so beautiful! All the ragamuffin girls have at least one, it's true, they're big and scrunchy yet warm and light to wear. They're a riot of colour, made from antique saris, and hand stitched all over through two lovely layers of silk.

We just loved this stack of fine wool shawls, again a really good size, but light as a feather...

Mmm... maple syrup with those, anyone?

ragamuffin loves...the New Year!

2012-01-03T03:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Gosh it is so windy and blustery in Edinburgh and chilly and snow capped on Skye but we are full of New Year cheer! We're already looking forward to spring and have done a bold, daffodil yellow display in anticipation! We've already had a couple of spring/ summer deliveries - some gorgeous cotton and silk crinkle pieces from Privatsacchen and a small drop of the ever popular Kearse and Boys lambswool coats and jackets. Our sale is still in full swing so there are lots of bargains to be had - perfect if you want to cheer up your wardrobe without breaking the bank!

ragamuffin loves...hogmany!

2011-12-31T02:23:00.000-08:00

So far it seems to be a lovely start to hogmany - it's not raining, or windy or cold so far but it's a long time to go until the bells so make sure your all wrapped up for all of your first footing!

We've got lots of cosy knits for men from Scott Officer, Harley and Jamiesons of Shetland as well as snuggly scarves from Johnstons of Elgin and jolly stripey ones from Gilbert Wilson. You might even nab a sale bargain - we have men's sale sweaters at up to 75% off!

For ladies, what about a super cosy, fleece lined hoody from Pachamama? The ethical brand, based in Greenwich London, liases with crafts people in Nepal to create fair trade handknits in chunky yarns and bright colours. With accessories including wristwarmers, snoods and baggy beanies you'll be fit for the chilliest street party! We close at 4pm today to give us the chance to get ready to party so don't dally!

Lastly, we'd like to say thanks to all of you who've shopped with us this year, we love meeting you all and helping you choose from our gorgeous collections! Have a very happy hogmany - we look forward to seeing you all in 2012!

ragamuffin loves...sale time!

2011-12-28T03:58:00.000-08:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Chritmas and are looking forward to seeing in the new year in style! We have just started our big sale to make way for all of the new deliveries that have already started to arrive (more of that tomorrow!)

This fabulous Out of Xile coat is our bargain of the day! It was originally £240 and is now only £120! Be quick though - we only have one left in size medium! Other bargains include YM, Flax, Oska and Clemente at up to 75% off and at least 25% off all sale items. Grab a bargain before they are all gone!

ragamuffin loves...the ultimate cosy coat!

2011-12-20T03:08:00.000-08:00

Who wouldn't want to snuggle up all winter in a Kearse & Boys wonder coat! We haven't been able to keep these in this year and have re-ordered so many times to keep up with demand! We have a very limited number in just in time for Christmas so if you fancy one, bag it now! Colours this time are Picallili (pictured), Monsoon (a soft denim blue) & Poppy (a soft red). They will come into stock again next year but not until March...

ragamuffin loves...Christmas shopping!

2011-12-17T03:25:00.000-08:00

We are anticipating hoardes of Christmas shoppers today and to keep up the levels of Christmas cheer we will be serving tea or coffee in our Skye shop to all-comers and in the Edinburgh shop we've mulled some cider! We will, of course, both be serving the ubiquitous mince pie! Please come and join us!

ragamuffin loves...fairtrade!

2011-12-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand and just in time for Christmas...jolly, fairtrade animal strings! We get ours from BAFTS certified New Overseas Traders, who have been buying with a conscience from India since the 1960's.

They also do some lovely hand painted elephants. Great gifts for people who care!

ragamuffin loves...this seasons statement mug!

2011-12-15T03:26:00.000-08:00

Who wants to drink tea from a namby-pamby, teeny weeny cup when you can have a great big mug?! We've been stocking these beautiful quality ceramics for a while now and they are always popular with the practical tea drinker! This year we've gone for quite a Scottish theme with Scottie dogs and Highland coos but the most popular is always "Put the kettle on!"...our sentiments exactly!

ragamuffin loves...a good yarn!

2011-12-14T05:27:00.000-08:00

Yay! Sam from Colinette was a real peach and sent us massive big boxes of yarn in the most lovely colours! We've all bought some already for some last minute Christmas crafting, but don't worry, there's plenty left for you, you should see our stockroom, it's like Spaghetti Junction!

ragamuffin loves...heritage crafts!

2011-12-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

We are ardent admirers of the traditional knitter's craft in Shetland. Whether it's hand-knitted, or hand-framed (and we support Shetland Island Council continuing the funding for teaching of traditional hand-knitting to the primary-school children of Shetland!), we love it all, and are happy to pay a bit extra for the exquisite workmanship and vibrant shetland yarns. Just look at those patterns and colours!!!

ragamuffin loves...cute & functional!

2011-12-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

Got a draughty door? Pop in for a jolly draught excluder! They are super cute, eco friendly and will save you money in the long run! Know a friend with a draught? Get them one for Christmas...awkward wrapping amusement ensues!

ragamuffin loves...the quernstone!

2011-12-10T03:07:00.000-08:00

After last years extreme cold snap (when we pretty much sold out of ladies knits all together...argggh!) we decided this year to order extra supplies from all of our favourite designers. We still have some lovely cardis from the Quernstone which look great with a gorgeous little stripey cowl in a contrasting colour...perfect cosy Christmas gifts! We woke up to a winter wonderland of snow this morning so get in quick if you fancy one this winter...they are disappearing fast!!!

ragamuffin loves...warm weather!

2011-12-08T02:56:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! We almost got swept off our feet this morning by Mr. Wind! Hoping people will brave the elements and come to our Christmas party (from 12pm, hot mulled cider...)! Or maybe they will come to our Christmas party and get stuck in ragamuffin and have to sleep over! (Don't worry, we'll look after you, if that does happen!) Either way, we're looking forward to it, despite impending doom from the weatherman! The cider's going in the slow-cooker with the spices and vanilla, as we type! Excited!

ragamuffin loves...our talented pals!

2011-12-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

We've told you before how much we adore mittens, and these gems are even closer to our hearts at ragamuffin, because they're made by a beloved former member of our team! Breege Walsh, ever the ingenius fixer of problems and maker of beautiful displays whilst at ragamuffin, started making her lovely lambswool mittens, hats and corsages as a hobby. She has tenaciously developed this into a great little industry of her own, based now in Galway, Ireland, but selling to far flung places all over the world. Her creative flair and the practicality of her designs constantly delight us, and we're happy that, while we can't see her everyday, there's a little piece of her always around us in the shop!

ragamuffin loves...a warm winter tipple!

2011-12-06T04:40:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to come to the Edinburgh shop Christmas shopping event this Thursday! From 12pm-6.30pm we'll be helping to find the perfect gift or party outfit and serving up some Christmas treats! This year, as well as fizzy wine, we'll be breaking from tradition and mulling some cider instead of red wine! It is much the same idea...we're following a Jamie Oliver recipe:

• 2 litres good cider, such as Scrumpy
• 6 cloves
• 3 or 4 star anise
• ¼ nutmeg, finely grated into the pan
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla pod, halved
• juice of 1 orange
• juice of 2 clementines
• juice and seeds from 1 pomegranate
• 4 or 5 tablespoons of caster sugar, to taste
We whack ours in the slow cooker and let it simmer away...so simple, what a great invention!
Hope to see you there!

ragamuffin loves...new things!

2011-12-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

Well, our snow has melted in Edinburgh, but the Skye girls are still trudging through snow and ice to get to work like little Snowragamuffins! We've just had these lovely wool and lycra scarves in from Marc Ribbink, what a riot of colour, such bright and scrunchy goodness to warm the cockles of your heart!

ragamuffin loves... braving the elements!

2011-12-04T05:07:00.000-08:00

And we have snow! The first day is always the best, I'm sure in March we'll all be moaning and complaining, but today we all bounced to work in our snow boots, and salute all our brave customers that do the same! Time to get the Christmas jumper out already? We think so!

ragamuffin loves...our talented staff!

2011-12-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

We are so spoilt here at ragamuffin! Not only are our staff fantastic at putting together layers and colours and helping people find just the right pieces to suit them, some of our staff are designers in their own right and are stocked in the store!

We met Karoline Binczyk when she came into the Edinburgh store to show us her amazing, handmade rings and brooches. We loved them and instantly ordered for both shops - bright, colourful, unique and funky - they are so ragamuffin!

Karoline is from Northern Poland and studied interior design at Koszalin college where she developed her love of textiles. When she mentioned she was looking for work we snapped her up immediately! Her rings and brooches are now a permanent feature in both shops and she is always creating something new, wild and wonderful! As well as the jewellery, Karoline also designs one of a kind toys and has a special fondness for rats!

ragamuffin loves... a good ol' knees-up!

2011-12-01T02:54:00.000-08:00

We're delighted to announce our Christmas shopping afternoon will be on Thursday 8th December, midday until 6.30pm. There will be some sort of festive tipple (we're researching that one in earnest), and some sweet treats; do come and join us, get your Christmas shopping done in style, and maybe treat yourself while you're at it! We're looking forward to seeing you!

ragamuffin loves...being organised!

2011-11-30T03:33:00.000-08:00

Ok...we thought that we'd be super organised this year and have all of the last posting dates before Christmas to hand for all of our lovely customers who don't live nearby, so here goes...

In the UK...the last day for first class and recorded delivery items is 20th December and 22nd December for Special Delivery.

For international deliveries...the last day for Australia/ Asia/ Africa airmail is 5th December
Eastern Europe/ USA/ Canada 9th December
Western Europe 12th December.

So plenty of time for us to get a parcel off to anywhere in the world really! As always, if there is something you would like we are happy to send photos and price details by email - just let us know!

ragamuffin loves... our skye party!

2011-11-29T03:25:00.000-08:00

Here's Donna from our Skye shop, all ready to party on Saturday! The girls were so busy they had no time to take pictures of the party in full swing, but a jolly good time was had by all! Thanks to all our customers that braved extreme weather conditions to get there! Don't forget we're open every day 'til Christmas, even Sundays!

ragamuffin loves...checks 'n' checks

2011-11-27T07:32:00.000-08:00

We thought you'd like to see this outfit we just threw together, at first we thought it was madness to wear such a lot of contrasting checks, but we've decided it's really rather lovely, especially in such yummy subtle greens and greys. We ragamuffin girls love to make our displays look great, it's a slightly-more grown-up game of dress-up, and our customers really appreciate our help when putting outfits together. Think this one would be great for a ceilidh, 'tis the season! Our Skye shop was looking particularly gorgeous for their Christmas shopping event, photos to follow tomorrow.

ragamuffin loves...mittens vs gloves!

2011-11-24T02:46:00.000-08:00

So, over on Facebook, we're conducting a survey; mittens vs gloves, the face-off! We at ragamuffin love mittens, so cuddly, so practical; you can wear them inside and out, and do things at the same time! Gloves are good for kids, but only kids can really get away with that string that goes through your sleeves to prevent you from losing your gloves every time you take them off to do something useful, so we opt for mittens every time!... We actually only have one pair of gloves in the whole shop. Indeed, they are a classy pair of gloves, but look at the competition!!! Cast your vote, and we especially want to hear from those of you in the Glove Appreciation Society!

ragamuffin loves...christmas wish-list for gardeners!

2011-11-22T02:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa, don't forget our green-fingered friends!
Mugs by McLaggan (£7.50); Watering can by Originals (£6.95); Plants in pouches by Canova (£5.93); Seed bombs by Kabloom (£10 for 4); Stone bird by Archipelago (10.95); Birdbath by Fallen Fruits (£9.50); Garden sign and vintage look cards from East of India (from £4.99).

ragamuffin loves...christmas wish list for kids!

2011-11-21T02:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa, we'd like all kinds of cute and silly toys please for the wee'uns, honest, they're not for us...

Soft toys from a selection of Jellycat (from £9.95), wooden chickens by Manik (from £13.95)

ragamuffin loves...christmas wish-list for him!

2011-11-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa, please bring cosy pressies to our menfolk, for winter hug-ability!
Jumper by Harley (£91.50); Scarf by Italca (£22.50); Shirt by Gleneske (£35); Hat by Pachamama (£13.50); Socks ditto (9.95); Gauntlets by Gilbert Wilson (27.50), Hat by Hanna (£32.50); Doorstop by Dora (24.50). Awww, look at him with his best friend!

ragamuffin loves...christmas wish-list for her

2011-11-19T04:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa, please bring us girls treats both pretty AND cosy!
Cardigan with silk flower trim by Out of Xile (£117.50); Checked scarf by Shirley Pinder (£48.50); Bobble hat by Janette Murray (£27.50); Red corsage by Ragamuffin (£9.50); White corsage by Tumar (£9.50); Mitts by Breege Walsh (£32.50); Jewellery from a selection (from £12.50).

ragamuffin loves...to party!

2011-11-18T04:03:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again...Santa will soon be stuffing our stockings and we are all wandering round the shops without a clue what to buy! Fear not...ragamuffin on Skye are having their Christmas shopping event on Saturday 26th November and we have gift ideas for all! Join us to shop for gorgeous clothes, cosy woollies and great pressies and enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine! We love a mulled wine here - no other taste is quite so Christmassy! Here is the recipe we'll be following, courtesy of Jamie Oliver!

• 2 clementines
• peel of 1 lemon
• peel of 1 lime
• 250g caster sugar
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 fresh bay leaves
• 1 whole nutmeg
• 1 whole vanilla pod, halved
• 2 star anise
• 2 bottles of Chianti, or other Italian red wine

Bung it all into a slow cooker, heat it up and then set to low - it will stay warm and lovely all day, perfect for when unexpected visitors pop in! (photo copyright David Loftus)

ragamuffin loves...crafty nights in

2011-11-17T02:56:00.000-08:00

We're so excited that our favourite knitwear-sporting Danish detective is back on our screens this Saturday in The Killing, that we're chomping at the knitting needles ready to get going... Knitting with subtitles, a risky operation, but one we can't wait to attempt!

The girls on Skye have been crafting away of late with space-dyed Welsh Colinette yarn, and have produced these gorgeous neck cowls, which unbutton to make a cosy collar, for those of us just too lazy to wear a scarf! Team Edinburgh have been on corsage duty, and have rustled up these pretty flowers made of the same yarn.
Let us know what you're looking forward to crafting to this autumn's drama, don't be shy now, we love your comments!

ragamuffin loves...the 21st century!

2011-11-16T03:32:00.000-08:00

We're so excited to be embracing our blog again, we feel like we're finally entering the 21st century in earnest! In that vein, we've jumped in with both feet, and yesterday we sold our very first e-voucher! Perfect for you folks scattered around the globe, or even in the wilds of Scotland, we email out a print-out gift voucher for the chosen amount, and at the click of a button you can enclose it in the card of your choice. We know, we know, not exactly brain surgery, what took us so long!
Email us at ragamuffin@madasafish.com if you're interested! And if you truly are people with the future in your sights, "like" us on facebook, you can see we're clever enough to have put a facebook button on the right! PhewEE!

ragamuffin loves...socks!

2011-11-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

Cosy up this winter, for the nights are fair drawing in, and all we ragamuffin girls want to do when we get home is pull off our boots and flop around in some cosy socks! These cute handmade socks are from knitwear company Pachamama, who, to warm further the cockles of your heart, donate 10% of all their profits to childrens' charity in Nepal, where much of their knitwear is made. We have a great selection of colours and patterns in store, alongside our stock of cheery hats, beanies, headbands and wristwarmers.
The perfect Christmas gift to treat your loved ones, and perfect for lazing around in the holidays; We love socks; they're soo much more schleppy than shlippers!

ragamuffin loves...layering!

2011-11-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

One of our key looks here at ragamuffin is layering, and one of our most f.a.q's is "how do you do that without looking like a big marshmallow?!" Well, fear not! You'll be delighted to know it's pretty straightforward. Keep light, long and lean garments underneath, and add shorter, chunkier layers on top creating height. Never shy of going for it, we say there's even space on the top for a cosy coat or a long cardi still keeping everything in perfect proportion. If you're worried about creating too much bulk, you can employ the clever use of a belt over the lower layers.

We're keen on a nice mid-layer tunic or shorter length dress, which you can pinch from your summer wardrobe and warm up with leggings and boots, a neat trouser, or even a flirty underskirt, then compliment with a cheeky knit or jacket and some bright and cosy accessories. Why leap into dull colours as soon as the sky turns grey? Play with gorgeous contrasting colours and textures and you're well on your way to effortless layering.

Here at ragamuffin we LOVE this look, so if you have a special piece in your wardrobe and you'd like some layering advice from our staff, just pop in and we're happy to help you layer to suit your style and body shape, but in the meantime, our advice is: have fun and give it a go!!

ragamuffin loves...press attention!

2011-11-13T05:09:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to have made it onto the cover of The North Magazine's latest issue! If you are in the Highlands and Islands, it is a great lifestyle magazine showcasing all that the north has to offer (including us of course!). Featuring fashion, health and beauty on a budget, property for sale in the Highlands as well as wild life, music and book reviews, this issue also focuses on Orkney, including an article on the islands connection to Frankenstein...spooky! Pick up a copy around Inverness-shire or read it online: www.north-magazine.com

ragamuffin loves...tea!

2011-11-12T04:52:00.000-08:00

We are partial to a good cup of tea here, whether it's green, red bush or of the good old builders variety and thought it woud be lovely to have special mugs to drink it from so we got the lovely people at MAKE to design a special ragamuffin mug and they are in store now! They are beautifully made, classic black and white ceramic and hold a good buckets worth of tea...yippee! Best of all they are only £12.50 -one customer in Edinburgh bought one for her husband to remind him of her favourite shop! We like her thinking...

ragamuffin loves...fairisle!

2011-11-11T05:44:00.000-08:00

We love a bit of Fairisle here at ragamuffin, especially now that it is getting chillier and the nights are drawing in! We have some beautiful pieces in stock at the moment. From Shetland Designer, we have gorgeous berets like the one pictured as well as fingerless mitts - these are real heirloom pieces that never date. We have beautiful fairisle mens sweaters from Jamiesons of Shetland and also from Harley of Peterhead - very cuddly! For the trendy amongst you, we have these fabulous fairisle gauntlets in clashing colours, from Gilbert Wilson. Knitted in a soft lambswool and gently felted, they are ridiculously cosy! For those wanting to relive the 80's in style we have magnificent fairisle legwarmers - again authentic, Shetland made - and some cool fairisle style headbands by Pachamama. Fairtrade and handknitted they even donate 10% of all profits to a children’s charity in Nepal where much of the knitwear is produced. We've got a warm glow just thinking of all these lovely woollies!

Ragamuffin loves...blogging again!

2011-11-10T04:07:00.000-08:00

Hello all! It's been far too long since we last posted - time just runs away and we are always so busy but promise to make more time for blogging from now on! The images here are from our latest photoshoot, which we did on a lovely bright autumnal day and feature clothes from our new collections which are in store now! The photographer was Paul Marr, hair by Roy Rogers at Saks Glasgow and styled by Nicola & Emily from the Edinburgh shop. We are rather pleased with them! We have so many lovely things in the shop just now, lots of cosy knits from The Quernstone, Sophies Wild Woollens and Kearse and Boys - including their new "Wonder" coat that we can't seem to keep in! It's pictured here in picalilli and comes in lots of other colours too! We are also delighted to have jackets from our own label, Angels Don't Trudge, back in stock. Numbers are extremely limited as we are using beautiful Scottish tweed from our fabric archive which is no longer available. The one in the top picture is a Lottie jacket and retails for £295, perfect for the chilly autumn days we are having!

ragamuffin loves...the joys of spring!

2011-04-11T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here at ragamuffin we're celebrating in style with a riot of colour! Visit us to see our new spring collections; amazing jewel-bright linens from Grizas, Flax, Yaccomaricard, Privatsachen, Peaches, Mod-o-Doc (pictured, with Matilda) and Boheme; gorgeous soft knits from the Quernstone, Sophie's Wild Woollens, Kearse and Boys, IT designs and Lorry Marshall, as well as some exciting new stock from Mes Soeurs et Moi, Kamuflage and more pretty, funky and frilly accessories than you could dream of! We're looking forward to seeing you!

ragamuffin loves...personal shopping!

2010-11-30T03:55:00.000-08:00

Well...all that heavy snow has taken us quite by surprise! If you are having trouble reaching us but would like to buy a gift for your nearest and dearest, give us a call! We can make helpful suggestions, select something fabulous, wrap it and post it out!

Call the Edinburgh shop on: 0131 557 6007
Call the Isle of Skye store on: 01471 844 217

We are like Santa's little helpers!

ragamuffin loves...our customers

2010-11-24T04:36:00.000-08:00

This is Nicola and her husband, some of our customers, enjoying our christmas party. As you can see Nicola is expertly modeling her previous purchases from ragamuffin.

ragamuffin loves... christmas trees and decorations

2010-11-24T03:54:00.001-08:00

Heres the skye shop all decorated for our christmas party. You can almost hear the sleigh bells outside.

ragamuffin loves...winter visiters

2010-11-19T07:30:00.001-08:00

isn't he so cute! we think he was trying to get a sneak preview of the skye shop before our christmas party tomorrow. cheeky.

ragamuffin loves...our own efforts - part 3

2010-11-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

yeh! santa has finally been joined by some chums.

ragamuffin loves...our own efforts - part 2

2010-11-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

We too are feeling pleased with our crafting here in Edinburgh and have (rather ambitiously) attempted the whole nativity in tweed! Here are a couple of pics of the pieces so far...

The whole thing has gone on display in the shop window on the Royal Mile today and we will post a pic when we manage to take a good one!

ragamuffin loves...our own efforts - part 1

2010-11-19T04:31:00.000-08:00

We are feeling very pleased with ourselves on the Isle of Skye after making a lovely, tweedy Santa! Reindeer and elves to follow shortly!

ragamuffin loves...Christmas competitions!

2010-11-19T04:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, it is now nearing the end of November so we think we can safely mention the dreaded "C" word! Given that the tweed competition in summer was such a success we thought we'd do it all again but with a festive theme so...

* Buy some more of our gorgeous Shetland tweed (once again all proceeds go to charity)

*Make a fabulous CHRISTMAS themed item

*Take a photo of it

*Email it to us: ragamuffin@madasafish.com

*Most creative items win prizes!

We can't wait to see your creations - the competition launches today and last date for entries is Christmas eve. Good luck and happy crafting!

ragamuffin loves...sleat!

2010-11-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't want to visit Sleat - the garden of Skye! We are there for starters and it is so beautiful! If you fancy visiting have a look at www.visitsleat.org first. It is a great website that tells you everything you'd need to know about the area. Hope to see you soon!

ragamuffin loves...teddy bears!

2010-10-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

Look at this cute bear, made by Nicky. She bought some Colinette fandango yarn from us during the August bank holiday weekend and made this little fellow! The pattern is Otto by Ysolda Teague (available online). Please send us more pictures of your knitting adventures - we are always delighted to see them!

ragamuffin loves...men who knit!

2010-09-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

We were so happy to get a competition entrant (and indeed winner) of the male variety and it got us thinking about men and knitting...we came across a fantastic online community called Men Who Knit and, through them, found this amazing book - The Manly Art of Knitting! What could be more macho than a knitting cowboy? A knitting policeman...construction worker...biker...

Find out more at: www.menwhoknit.com

ragamuffin loves...and the winners are...

2010-09-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation we have decided on joint winners for the charity tweed competition! We loved the sheer creativity of Dawn's introvert/ extrovert bag and the whimsical silliness of Edward's teapot. Hooray...enjoy spending your gift vouchers!

A special mention to our three runners up: Rachel, Marice and Joanna who all win a prize for their efforts. Once again, thanks so much for helping us raise money for such worthy causes.

ragamuffin loves...donkeys!

2010-09-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

Lesley just adopted a gorgeous donkey for each branch! Edinburgh got the shy and gentle Timothy and Skye got the very gorgeous and cheeky cocoa! They are so sweet. They work for EST and help children with disabilities and learning dificulties to develop their confidence and have fun all at the same time. They also visit the elderly in care homes (yes, they go inside and even in lifts!) Find out more at: http://www.elisabethsvendsentrust.org.uk/ it is such an amazing organisation.

ragamuffin loves...a good cause (or three)!

2010-09-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

ragamuffin loves...wrapping up!

2010-09-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...our favourite time of year is fast approaching and we can get out all of our cosy cardis, scarves and hats! I know...it's sad but we spend all year surrounded by beautiful knits - we'll be delighted to wear them again!

ragamuffin loves...autumnal clothes!

2010-09-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here is another last minute entry to the competition, from Kristen. It is a beautiful shape and once again we are so impressed by not only the design, but the photography - gorgeous! Kristen has a lovely blog http://www.kristenmakes.wordpress.com/ check it out!

ragamuffin loves...tea!

2010-09-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

How did Edward, from Brighton, know our favourite tipple here at ragamuffin was tea? He's entered the competition with this jolly teapot, "I wanted to have time to make cups as well, but oh well" he writes! We urge him to make the cups...we want to see his tea set complete, we love it so much!

ragamuffin loves...dedicated crafting

2010-09-01T03:56:00.000-07:00

We still have a few competition entries to post. This jacket, by Ellen in Newton Stewart was made during a bout of pneumonia...

now that's dedication for you!

ragamuffin loves...more entries!

2010-08-31T02:07:00.000-07:00

We actually got to see this entry in the flesh and took a picture of one of our Skye gals wearing it. It is so beautifully constructed - well done Vanya from Oban!

ragamuffin loves...fashion tweed!

2010-08-31T01:50:00.000-07:00

Wow...not only did rachel make a fantastic shooting vest but she styled a fashion shoot too! Well done! Don't forget there is still time to get your entries in, you have until midnight...

ragamuffin loves...mini ragamuffins!

2010-08-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

Angie has made her very own little ragamuffin, complete with a gorgeous red tweed coat! What a great entry to our competition, thanks. Don't forget to submit your entry by Tuesday to be in with a chance of winning!

ragamuffin loves...outrageous compliments!

2010-08-26T02:54:00.000-07:00

"My husband and I went for our 10th anniversary trip to Scotland and we spent a couple of days in Edinburgh. On Royal Mile, I saw the prettiest clothes I ever saw and stopped for a while to look closer. My husband took a picture of me standing in front of the shop", writes Anne, from Finland. She sent us this fab photo of herself standing outside. The windows look so dramatic by night!

ragamuffin loves...finding a new favourite blog!

2010-08-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

We are so pleased! Entries to our competition are now flooding in and we are loving this stylish bag by Marice, from Inverness. She has a fantastic blog, Marice's World, which we will gleefully follow! Check it out.

ragamuffin loves...split personalities!

2010-08-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

Wow...this entry to our competition from Dawn is mind blowing! Even more so since she she only bought the tweed last week. What imagination! Think you can create something as amazing as Dawn? Hurry - you've got just under a week left to get your entry to us! Competition closes on 31st August.

ragamuffin loves...creative use of tweed!

2010-08-17T02:51:00.000-07:00

We knew her entry would be good, but Sue has surpassed herself with this glorious little bird in her nest!

ragamuffin loves...our new member of staff!

2010-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Despite initially ruffling a few feathers, our new staff member Euan is settling in nicely. Here is Islay showing him the ragamuffin ropes!

ragamuffin loves...being creative!

2010-08-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! This entry to our competition has blown us away - it is exquisite! Thanks to Asia, all the way over in Prague, for sending it in.

ragamuffinloves...pipe fest!

2010-08-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

Wow...look what's happening in Edinburgh today - Pipe Fest 2010! They@ve all marched past us on their way to Holyrood park...stirring stuff!

ragamuffin loves...more competition entries!

2010-08-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here's another entry to our great charity competition! Polly, from Haddington, has made this tiny, sweet heart keyring...

Keep up the good work!

ragamuffinloves...new jellycat!

2010-08-05T05:52:00.001-07:00

So cute and cuddly, we love getting a big delivery full of jellycat! Look what happened when they made it up to Skye last week!

ragamuffin loves...competition photos!

2010-07-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Wow...an early entry from Jane, near Mallaig. We love her cute cottage doorstop - she's set the bar pretty high! Keep those entries coming...

ragamuffin loves...cosy jumpers for men!

2010-07-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

How cute is our photographer Paul in his ragamuffin jumper? T'isn't the season quite yet but I'd bag one now before they all disappear! It also comes in bright red...

We just love a reindeer jumper on a chap!

ragamuffin loves...our Grand Make Do and Mend competition!

2010-07-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

We are really excited to announce details of our Grand Make Do and Mend competion which will run from 24th of July to 31st August. We are currently selling beautiful Shetland tweed from our archive in lots of exciting colours with all proceeds going to charity. This got us wondering what our wonderful customers were making from it and being nosey parkers we just had to find out so...

1. Buy some beautiful vintage shetland tweed!

2010-07-17T05:52:00.001-07:00

2. Search your cupboards for crafty bits & bobs!

2010-07-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

3. Make something fabulous!

2010-07-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

4. submit your photo to: ragamuffin@madasafish.com

2010-07-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

The most fabulous item from each shop will win a gift voucher to spend at ragamuffin,

good luck and happy crafting!

ragamuffin loves...the sleat photomarathon!

2010-05-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

We just got wind of a fantastic event running on 2nd & 3rd of July around the Sleat peninsula, organised by the Sleat Community Trust, called the Sleat photomarathon! It sounds like lots of fun and welcomes entrants of all ages (and fitness levels). What is a photomarathon...that's what we wondered! Go to: www.wix.com/sleat2010/photomarathon to find out more. Good luck and happy snapping!

ragamuffin loves...new collections!

2010-03-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

My...we have been busy, where did February go? We have been constantly unpacking boxes and putting gorgeous new deliveries out on the shop floor for the past two months but made time to put together some stunning new looks for the May edition of Scottish Field which will hit the shelves mid-April. Here is a sneak peek at our photos, courtesy of Paul at Marrzphoto.com...they are gorgeous!

ragamuffin loves...new things!

2010-01-22T04:59:00.001-08:00

Despite the choas caused by the snow, a few intrepid delivery men have managed to reach us and bring some lovely new things! We have some gorgeous new Elemente Clemente and the girls are just putting lots of brand new Oska out as I type! Tomorrow we are headed to Dublin to see lots of beautiful knitwear...will report back next week!

ragamuffin loves...2010!

2010-01-06T04:44:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to all of our customers! We cannot believe it is 2010 already and feel so excited about all of the new stock that is undoubtedly already winging it's way here! We will keep you posted over the coming weeks regarding what is arriving and take lots of photos too!
xxx

ragamuffin loves...corsages!

2009-12-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

So handy...they brighten up the dullest old jackets and coats! Here are some we made earlier!

ragamuffin loves...knitting!

2009-12-09T05:24:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our beautiful new scarves from unruly angels which are only sold here at ragamuffin! Handknitted in soft chenilles, wools and cottons and decorated with big, bold beads and braiding...totally unique...totally ragamuffin!

ragamuffin loves...the edinburgh christmas party!

2009-12-02T04:06:00.000-08:00

Time to party again at ragamuffin this time in our Edinburgh store - this Saturday 5th December. The fun starts at 11am and goes on until we close at 6pm. We will have lots of lovely new deliveries from the likes of Terry Macey, Flax & Grizas as well as goregous gifts and jewellery including wonderful new ceramic jewellery from Khien's workshop in Thailand. The nimble fingered Edinburgh ladies will also be offering a free gift wrapping service!
Please come along and join in the fun!

ragamuffinloves...winter mornings on skye!

2009-12-01T04:02:00.000-08:00

Wow...look at the view from our window! What a stunning day at ragamuffin!

ragamuffin loves...zsuzsi's display!

2009-11-27T05:15:00.000-08:00

Look at this lovely pair of outfits put together by Zsuzsi, our lovely new team member in Edinburgh. We are so happy to have found someone with such creative flair!

ragamuffin loves...crafting!

2009-11-24T04:17:00.000-08:00

wowser! we're feeling really festive, we're listening to elvis, santa's coming, and we can barely contain ourselves! in celebration of this, we've made our own gorgeous ragamuffin baubles in rich jewel tones, how crafty are we?

ragamuffin loves...our new photos!

2009-11-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

We recently organised a photoshoot for Scottish Field magazine and are absolutely delighted with the results! They were taken at Blackford glen on a chilly, but beautiful, Sunday in October by photographer Paul Marr. They are featured in the December issue which is on sale now.