So much excitement today! This is my closest yarn shop and is known for being the largest small business yarn shop in the UK; they also sell a lot of cross stitch.
Click here to watch the YouTube video. This blog post, however, contains lots of images and all the bits I forgot to say on camera.
But I’ve only been once before! It’s about a 40 minute drive away, but not directly accessible by public transport. My mum prefers to see things in person rather than buy online, so she surprised me with an offer to go to Black Sheep Wools the very next day.
Whilst I was thrilled, I do not need any more yarn. I had no projects in mind and I could not make any critical decisions with no time to prepare. This worked out better as I just went for a nice look round and to look at the colours of yarns I’d seen on the internet. No buying whatsoever…or so I thought.
Black Sheep Wools is…inspirational, shall we say. There are so many samples of projects and this really captured mum’s and my attention. There was a beautiful blanket made up in country cottage colours, in a cotton texture. I immediately asked where the pattern was and the shop assistant got it out for me. I was a little underwhelmed at the pattern, as it was a baby blanket and I would never have picked it just going off the picture. I would have assumed it was too small and not a design for adults. The sample, however, if the perfect size for a throw and the design does not seem restricted to a nursery at all.
My mum did go for a cross stitch, but was inspired by the Rowan section (of course, the most expensive). As discussed many times at Little Miss Drop Stitch, my mum is one of those people who says they can’t and won’t wear wool because of the itch. She loved the sample of an infinity scarf in Rowan Brushed Fleece and she has been inspired to get back into knitting again. I said I would get her the wool when it is her birthday and it’s a nice chunky project to get the needles clicking again. We looked at the colours and thought about swapping the grey for lime green, which will be a nice burst of colour in the winter time. It is on circular needles, but I love knitting on circulars and I promised her it is easier as you never have to purl.
Back to my blanket – I crossed paths with the shop assistant again and she commented to me that lots of people are interested in the blanket pattern, so off I speed walked to the section for the wool I’d need.
The pattern is Stylecraft 10001 Daisy Field blanket by Helen Boreham. Yarn is Stylecraft Naturals bamboo/cotton.
I haven’t looked at yarn by the ‘big brands’ in a while, as in the UK they are mostly arcylic. I am really impressed with this yarn by Stylecraft. I haven’t worked with it yet, but I love how the sample created a drapey cotton, rather than stiff.
So, I’m busy trying to find all the shades before someone else had the same idea. There was a lady looking at patterns next to me and she kept eyeing me up. In the end she blurted: “What pattern have you got!? Oh, but I’m not copying you.” She totally was and I could see some of the colours were running low.
The lady continued to look through the pattern leaflets and actually huffed and puffed every time I put yarn in my basket. In the end she slammed the folder shut and moved away. I’m not quite sure what crime I committed, but possibly the first argument I’ve had in a wool shop.
I couldn’t go as quick as I’d like as the shade names were not obvious, such as ‘Wedgewood’. I got the last two of the Ecru shade and I could finally calm down. They did not have the shade ‘Thyme’ for the green, however I found a deeper sage green (named ‘spring green’) which I think will work out better for the design being utilised as a throw in the lounge.
Mum likes Bothy Threads cross stitch. They didn’t have the one she had seen and ordered it when she got home from BSW’s website. At least we could rule out others and it’s always nice to look at the framed cross stitch samples, which must have taken many hours.
Oh, I had another moment of naughtiness and purchased a funky Schoppel Zauber Perlen. This was indeed naughty, as I already have one in my sock stash which I haven’t used in over two years, but the zingy green and pink are so unusual together.
Black Sheep Wools literally sell every brand you can think of and more for yarn: they are also a flagship store for Rowan in the North West, with regular designer meet ups. I would love to meet Martin Storey, I really like his designs at the moment. Fun fact-Arne and Carlos once said on their podcast that they order the tinsel yarn from Black Sheep Wools.
Things that caught my eye, which I hadn’t seen before, are 50g Schoppel yarn balls and equipment to dye your own yarn. This included acid dye, citric acid and unbleached yarn. Very innovative! They do stock lots of needles, however, I would describe BSW more limited in the brands and styles of needle they stock.
It is great to see a local yarn shop doing so well and busy with both customers and staff. I love it when a business does well and can employ people from the community, not just family members.
BSW has a café and the drinks were reasonably priced, however, the home made Victoria sponge cost £4.50! This is very highly priced: I’d either expect it to be cheaper or a great big doorstop sized slice. So next time, I wouldn’t get the cake (there were no prices for this!).
Nothing major and staff are being paid to work, however, they were all very busy with customers or displays and I suppose smaller and quieter yarn stores you’d have more 1.1 support for queries or help. I don’t think you could just walk into BSW saying you want to learn to knit or you want a nice cardigan pattern recommending – staff were very busy and I didn’t get the impression they would have 10 minutes plus to dedicate to a customer individually.
All in all, it is lovely to see a wool shop thriving. Don’t forget they also do cross stitch and tapestry. Black Sheep Wools make-alongs on social media seem to have a bit of a cult following and they regularly get visitors from all over the UK. BSW have recently started to do wool weekends and retreats, so definitely something for everyone. One final mention should go to their workshops. They are quite expensive, but great if you want to learn a particular skill with in person direction. I would be interested in spinning and weaving workshops, as this is not something I can’t afford to set up at home, but still want to have a go at. My knitting friend has been to a couple of workshops in the past and commented she really enjoyed them, one being intarsia.
I love Black Sheep Wools because there really is something for everyone, for whatever you are aiming to create. I personally like the natural fibres and one off pieces and there is also lots of affordable wool and acrylic options too. If you love Stylecraft Special, then there is a full wall of every single colour, the same for Hayfield bonus too.
Until next time, take care.
Rachel G x
Little Miss Drop Stitch 