Visit independent yarn shops
Today is the first Yarn Shop Day in the UK. I thought I’d mention some of my favourite yarn shops from around the country. I have visited all of these yarn shops and love them for different reasons. Here they are in alphabetical order.
Baa, Ram, Ewe in Harrogate
What a great name! Baa Ram Ewe has a fantastic selection of yarn made from British breeds of sheep, spun in Britain and dyed in Britain. They showcase the best yarn from this woolly island.
Update: Baa Ram Ewe has closed their shops, however, you can buy their yarn via their website.
The Knitting Parlour in Malvern
I came across the The Knitting Parlour when exploring Malvern after one of my visits to Quilts UK at the Three Counties Showground. I had to be content with peering through the window and looking at the enticing window display on that visit. Since then I’ve been several times and am always tempted by something. As well as a good variety of yarn you will find lovely patchwork fabrics.
Update: The Knitting Parlour has closed.
Knit One in Leicester
Knit One is a small shop with a big heart. They are part of the vibrant community of Queen’s Road, just south of the city centre. This is another yarn shop with enticing window displays. They stock a good range of yarns from the major British companies as well as hosting a good range of knit and crochet workshops (yes, I do teach some of these)!
Update: Knit One has close their shop; you can buy their kits through their website.
Loop in Islington, London
Loop offer yarn from small, independent companies such as Artisan Yarns, Eden Cottage Yarns, and Old Maiden Yarns as well as from some more established ones such as Jamiesons of Shetland and Collinette. They also stock several non-UK brands such as Brooklyn Tweed, Drops and Malabrigo. And they have a comfortable Ercol sofa for browsing their fantastic selection of knitting and crochet books.
Stash Fine Yarns in Chester
Stash Fine Yarns is hidden away on an industrial estate, but is well worth a visit. They stock a wide range of yarns including every colour in every yarn from Debbie Bliss and Rowan! Read more about them in my last blog post.
Update: Stash Fine Yarns moved to Bradford in 2015.
Threads of Life in Castle Donington, Leicestershire
Threads of Life is the tardis of yarn shops; it really is stacked to the rafters with yarn! They manage to fit in a good range of yarn, including those from Rowan, Sirdar and Noro, accessories and embroidery materials.
Update: Threads of Life has closed.
Yarn in Beeston, Nottinghamshire
Yarn in Beeston has a great reputation locally. They stock the major UK yarn brands including Rowan, Sirdar and Sublime as well as Katia (Spanish), Rico (German) and Millamia (Swedish). They also have a good range of sock yarn. Soon you will be able to visit them by taking a tram from Nottingham city centre.
Update: Yarn has closed.
The Wool Croft, Abergavenny
The Wool Croft is another yarn shop that is very much part of the local community. It is a charming shop with enthusiastic staff who will inspire you to knit and crochet. They stock gorgeous yarn as well as other crafty materials. Read more about The Wool Croft in a previous blog post.
We are lucky to have such a variety of lovely yarn shops run by enthusiastic knitters and crocheters. And I’m sure I’ll discover many more during my travels around the country. Can anyone recommend ones for me to visit?
