Wool Days Out

During the pandemic knitting became more popular than ever. There are now over 7.5 million knittters in the UK. And with the launch of Blacker Yarns and Michael Ross on SGB we thought we would scour the country for places and events to visit that will quench your thirst for wool, yarn and knitting.

 

 

Click the images to be taken to the website of the events or days out. And please do check before to make sure that the museums or events are open before visiting.

THE NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM OF WALES

Discover the spellbinding story of the Welsh woollen industry. Wool was historically the most important and widespread of Wales's industries. The picturesque village of Dre-fach Felindre in the beautiful Teifi valley was once the centre of a thriving woollen industry, earning the nickname 'The Huddersfield of Wales'.

Preserving traditional skills is a core part of National Museum Wales' work, but with wool back in vogue thanks to its natural and biodegradable credentials, the industry’s ‘heritage crafts’ may well become important future skills. And you may also learn a skill or two to help you in your crafting journey.

KNOCKANDO MILL

A visit Knockando is a step back in time to one of Britain's oldest still working mills. 'Knockando' derives from Scottish Gaelic Cnoc Cheannachd, meaning "Hill of Commerce".

 

One of the last district mills its kind, the Woolmill was passed down through generations of families up until 2000. By then, the strain of continuous production had taken its toll, and it was recognised that a fundamental overhaul was needed to save the precious machinery and buildings from ruin. The Trust was set up in 2000, and for 12 years they worked hard to renovate the Grade A listed site.

 

Following the extensive restoration project, during which the Victorian machinery was painstakingly dismantled, repaired and rebuilt, the Woolmill is once again fully operational. Open seasonally since 2012, visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a working Woolmill, learn the rich history of the site and browse the range of quality woollen throws, scarves and accessories.

 

You can book guided tours here https://www.kwc.co.uk/pages/guided-tours

COLDHABOUR MILL

Production Day at Coldharbour Mill is a splendid day out for all of the family although they are only on Thursdays. But you are able to experience the buzz of a lively factory floor as the Volunteers and Production Manager work on our heritage machinery. They might be spinning yarn, they may be weaving tartan giving you are feeling for what it was really like to work in Coldharbour Mill.

 

You will get to see some of our textiles being created and understand the love and care that goes into each of our pieces of textile and the quality of the products.

SOUTHERN WOOL SHOW

One of the UK's biggest Wool Shows takes place at Newbury Racecourse between 2nd-3rd of September 2023. With over 80 exhibitors, knitting demonstrations and workshops for all levels. The Southern Wool show cover knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting and dyeing. There will also be many guilds and associations on hand for advice.

SCOTTISH YARN FESTIVAL (prev. PERTH FESTIVAL)

Happening between 9 & 10 September 2023 at the Dewras Centre in Perth, Scotland. The Perth Festival of Yarn brings together over 84 exhibitors. Including independent yarn dyers, producers of single origin wool, inspirational tutor and lecturers and fine fibre crafters. Te festival has also been nominated for awards so should be a splendid day out if you are into knitting and crafting.

YARNDALE

One of the biggest festivals of yarn is Yarndale in Skipton, Yorkshire. This year it happens on 24th-25th September at the Skipton Car Mart. 7500 visitors visit the even every day to explore the world of yarn. With workshops, exhibitions and sellers of fine yarn it is a must visit for those who love the craft of yarn.

YARNDALE

One of the biggest festivals of yarn is Yarndale in Skipton, Yorkshire. This year it happens on 23rd-24th September 2023 at the Skipton Car Mart. 7500 visitors visit the even every day to explore the world of yarn. With workshops, exhibitions and sellers of fine yarn it is a must visit for those who love the craft of yarn.

ANCHOR GANSEY KNITTING KIT

TRADITIONAL GUERNSEY KNITTING KIT

FAIR ISLE VINTAGE HEATHER