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August 20, 2010
Lucky
Newcastle has recently been blessed with the opening of not one, but two, yes, two, yarn emporia. This means we can now talk about Local Yarn Stores with confidence when in the City. Don't get me wrong, the North East is far from devoid of LYSs, we just haven't had any actually in Newcastle for a long time. Apart, that is, from a place in the Grainger Market which sells mainly brightly coloured acrylic, and ever decreasing departments in Fenwick and John Lewis.
So. The opening of two shops in a month that sell yarn and knitting things was, well, frankly, rather overwhelming. And very exciting.
Wooly Minded on Clayton Street, is right in the centre of town, and replicates more or less the stock I have perused at the South Shields outlet. And for your standard day to day knitting fayre it is great. Wooly Minded will appeal to many seeking affordable yarn for everyday projects. King Cole Bamboo has fast become one of my favourites, and Sirdar do some lovely yarns at very reasonable prices: most of which Wooly Minded stock. It is worth a visit as the staff are lovely.
The place which has had me drawn back several times already is The Knit Studio. Located in the middle of town, in a 13th century priory, Blackfriars, it is a roomy and peaceful space to wander around. The selection of yarns is unlike anything else I have experienced in this region, and I feel lucky to have it so close. Other places in the region do good ranges, but for me, a non-driver, are not that convenient to get to without a special trip.
The Knit Studio is different. I am in town 6 days out of 7 anyway. So it's convenient. Bonus. The setting is relaxing and peaceful - exactly how you would want a 700 year old monastic centre to feel, and the space is large, airy, warm, and filled with light. The range for sale is centred around knitting and crochet with some sewing and quilting and a bit of spinning too.
The selection of yarns, which will change, has a 'collection' feel to it - concentrating on promoting British breeds, local and UK artisan spun, produced and dyed yarns. There are some carefully chosen ranges from larger producers, and a large selection of knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting and spinning books, plus magazines, and some gifts which would be perfect for fibreholics. Knitting and crochet needles, hooks and notions, and even a small selection of spinning supplies are only some of the treats to catch your eye. There is loads to look at, fondle, sniff and stroke.
The Knit Studio will be hosting a series of workshops on knitting, crochet and sewing - there is a list you can peruse there - and has a mailing list you can sign up to for the latest news. Join by emailing theknitstudio@gmail.com. There is also a Ravelry group.
Inside, there is a large table, and comfy sofas, where you can browse the books and magazines; and sitting for a bit, and knitting whilst you are there, is positively encouraged. There will be knitting & crochet and spinning groups too, watch out for news on those via the group on Ravelry or The Knit Studio mailing list.
I wish both of these enterprises all the luck in the world, and hope they manage to survive in these troubled times. I for one will be checking them out before making any internet purchases in future.
Posted by glittrgirl at August 20, 2010 12:24 PM
Comments
Fantastic news. Sounds like between the two of them, you're pretty well covered for a wide range of knitting needs! And the studio sounds just wonderful. Enjoy. :-)
Posted by: Robynn 
at August 20, 2010 7:26 PM
Next time I'm in Newcastle I'm going to have to have a gander. :D
Posted by: Rockhag at August 21, 2010 1:23 PM
Brilliant! I'm usually back up in the North East over times like Christmas when things are closed, but I know exactly where both those shops are for the next time I'm visiting family... Hope they live long and prosper.
Posted by: Liz Marley at September 1, 2010 11:17 AM
I'm a big believer in supporting local craft shops, rather than buying from online, albeit cheaper, shops, when possible. There's a little shop in Plymouth (the Pin Tin), which is great, so I go there when I can. Looking forward to visiting these when I'm next up in Newcastle.
Posted by: Skitten68 at September 3, 2010 10:00 AM
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