Well, I suppose a title like that deserves an explanation, so I’ll start with the quick explanation and then give the long one.
A new cider has just been launched in Australia and it’s called “Dirty Granny”. The launch party and the packaging have a crochet theme. I thought I’d google “dirty granny” to find some pictures of the launch party.
It’s not a good idea to google “dirty granny”. There really is a market for everything.
…and now for the long version…
Cider is HUGE in Australia at the moment. It kind of got swept up with the current public enthusiasm for complex and delicious beers with snazzy names and labels which I’m VERY happy to report, is still cranking along very nicely.
But recently cider has had a lot of attention of its own, and one of my favourite brewers – Matilda Bay – launched a cider called Dirty Granny. The name is a play on “granny smith” apples which are my favourite apples (and I’m pleased to say originated in Australia).
The back of the bottle describes the ingredients as “fresh Australian apples, elbow grease, and a whole lotta love” – although there is also a disclaimer that says “granny smith apples may or may not have been used in the making of this cider”. I think that’s just because other types of apples are used. Overall it’s a good, slightly tart cider without any of that nasty “cheap white wine” taste a lot of them have.
Anyhoo – beyond the delightful contents of the bottle, it’s the packaging that is of great importance and interest to the yarnistas of the world. See for yourself.
The world really should have more crocheted labels on alcoholic beverages. I’m predicting a time in the not-to-distant future where ALL cider labels will not only have images of crochet, but will actually be crocheted. I think I’d really enjoy crocheting drink labels for a living.
To make sure I’m prepared for this new wave of crafty cool, I’m actually going to learn to crochet next weekend.
At the moment, my crochet skills are limited to chain, double crochet (American single) and basic crochet edgings on knitted items. I feel like I’m missing out on a lot by being unable to crochet and I just can’t seem to get my head around anything more complex than what I already do.
So next weekend, eleven members of Geoff’s family and I will converge on Woodend to admire my knitting skills. (And possibly celebrate his 40th, but I’m pretty sure they are all travelling for ten-plus hours to look at the jumper I made for him). At some point I’ll run out of thrilling tales of superannuation reform and be looking for something to do. So I’ve asked Geoff’s mother if she’ll teach me to crochet.
I hope it works out. It is slightly possible that I’ll be told that I’ve already reached the peak of my crochet skills and I should just be glad I can do a provisional cast on. I’ll let you know how it goes.
To finish off, here is a link to a report on the Dirty Granny launch party. The guy holding the trophy is Raynor, the lad in the red headband is Glen and the lady with the amazing crochet wrap is Judith. They are all from my LYS and Raynor and Judith are also the stars/creators/presenters of the vidcast Stitchonomy.
I really do recommend using the link rather than putting “dirty granny” into a search engine. You’ll sleep better.
