Kindred Tales | Lorraine and Minnie | Designer
Tell us a bit about your work and how it all started
I moved to London when I was 21. I’ve been here longer now than I lived in Scotland. I’ve worked with various brands from Joseph, Alberta Ferretti, Pringle, Albam and I now wear 2 hats. I design Knitwear for Connolly and am Creative Director at Begg x Co.
My work generally has me travelling a lot - back and forth to the motherland and beyond, so a lot has changed since Covid struck.
I’m now based in my studio at home in Hertfordshire where I’m lucky to have a snoozing shnauzer for company.
Tell us about your Minnie and how she came into your life.
Idle thumbs one summer we didn’t go on holiday and before we knew it we had a puppy.
I always said if we had a dog it wouldn’t go upstairs, it certainly wouldn’t go on the bed..... well that lasted all of 10 minutes and she now trots up to bed when we do and settles down at the foot of the bed on the Begg x Co cashmere blanket of an evening. I’m certain she has a built in barometer as there is no chance she’ll get up if it’s raining, but as a breed Schnauzers don’t drop hair so that’s why she’s allowed on the bed.
How does Minnie fit into your general working day?
I walk Minnie around 8am daily - just a local walk but she loves letting me know which way she’d like to go of a morning. Sitting down stubbornly if she doesn’t fancy the park!
Pre Covid we had a dog walker who would walk Minnie daily whilst we were at work but since lockdown and WFH we take her out a few times a day ourselves. She was our sanity during lockdown, we’ve enjoyed spending so much more time with her.
We have a Lilac British Shorthair cat too (Mabel) so they play together, they are hilarious. And about the same size.
And about the same size.
What essentials do you always have on you when heading out for a dog walk, and what do you carry them in?
When we go out I’m sure to take her treats and her poo bags, generally stuffed into a pocket or in a waterproof Porter bag I bought on a trip to Japan.
What adventures do you have planned with the Minnie for later this year?
This year we didn’t go away on holiday as such but took her to Scotland to visit family. She loved exploring the beach at St Andrews on the Fife Coast. And we are able to walk off our lunch having had one of the best meals at The Kinneuchar Inn.
Having a dog does make you explore what’s on your doorstep, slowing down and taking a moment, I can’t imagine life without a dog.
She’s my loyal companion, my wee shadow who sits on the Eames footstool by the window on her sheepskin waiting for me, even if I just pop out for 10 mins.
